JP2001301190A - Ink jet recorder, apparatus and method for supply ink - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an ink jet recorder in which ink can be supplied surely to an ink tank through a simple arrangement while reducing the size, weight and cost and enhancing reliability. SOLUTION: The ink jet recorder comprises means for introducing a negative pressure into an ink tank, means for supplying ink into the ink tank using the negative pressure in the ink tank, a gas/liquid separation means not passing ink but passing gas provided in a negative pressure introduction passage between the ink tank and the negative pressure introducing means, and means for separating an intermediate part of the negative pressure introduction passage between the gas/liquid separation means and the negative pressure introducing means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink supply apparatus, and an ink supply method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet recording apparatus has a so-called serial scan in which a recording head as a recording means and an ink tank as an ink container are interchangeably mounted on a carriage movable in a main scanning direction. There is a method. 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 a moving width of a 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. In order to move the carriage at a high speed against the inertial force, it is necessary to provide a high-power drive motor with a large drive power as a drive motor for the carriage, which causes a problem of increasing the price of the entire printing apparatus. there were. 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, and the force of the force is increased. There is a problem that the entire recording apparatus vibrates greatly due to the reaction force. 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, replenishment of ink can be automatically stopped using negative pressure without requiring control using a pressure sensor, a capacity detection sensor, or the like.

[0007]

Incidentally, the upper limit of the negative pressure in the biased bag type ink container is determined by a 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 using movable parts such as an elastic bag member forming a bag and a spring member for expanding the bag member. However, there is also a problem that the structure is complicated, the weight is increased, and the manufacturing cost is increased.

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 provide a recording apparatus capable of reliably supplying ink to an ink tank with a simple configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink supply apparatus, and an ink supply method that can achieve a reduction in size, weight, cost, and reliability.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention uses an ink jet recording head capable of discharging ink supplied from an ink tank to print an image on a recording medium. In a recordable ink jet recording apparatus, a negative pressure introduction unit capable of introducing a negative pressure into the ink tank, an ink supply unit capable of supplying ink into the ink tank using a negative pressure in the ink tank, A gas-liquid separating means provided in a negative pressure introducing path between the ink tank and the negative pressure introducing means for passing a gas without passing ink, and a gas-liquid separating means provided between the gas-liquid separating means and the negative pressure introducing means; And a dividing means capable of separating an intermediate part of the negative pressure introduction path.

Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the gas-liquid separating means is supported by the ink tank,
It is characterized by being movable between at least two positions, a first position other than when ink is supplied and a second position when ink is supplied.

Further, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the dividing means has a connecting portion for connecting a middle part of the negative pressure introducing path in a separable manner.

Further, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention has moving means for moving the ink tank, and the dividing means moves the ink tank when the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position and a home position. An intermediate part of the pressure introduction path is connected, and the intermediate part of the negative pressure introduction path is divided when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position and the home position.

The ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention has a moving means for moving the ink tank, and the dividing means is provided at an intermediate portion of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position. And disconnecting a middle part of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position.

Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, when the ink tank moves away from the ink supply position, the gas-liquid separation means moves to the first position, and the ink tank moves to the ink supply position. Sometimes, it is driven to the second position.

Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, a part of the negative pressure introducing path communicates with the atmosphere while the gas-liquid separating means is driven between the first and second positions. It is characterized by being.

Still further, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, the moving means moves the ink jet recording head together with the ink tank. The ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the gas-liquid separation means is a gas permeable membrane made of a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a resin porous material similar thereto.

Further, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the gas-liquid separating means is a gas permeable material made of porcelain, unglazed ceramics, ceramics or a similar porous material.

Further, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the gas-liquid separation means is subjected to an oil repellent treatment.

Further, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the ink jet recording head has an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy as ink ejection energy.

The ink supply device according to the present invention comprises a negative pressure introducing means capable of introducing a negative pressure into the ink tank, and an ink supply means capable of supplying ink into the ink tank using the negative pressure in the ink tank. Gas-liquid separation means provided in a negative pressure introduction path between the ink tank and the negative pressure introduction means and passing gas without passing ink, the gas-liquid separation means and the negative pressure introduction means, And a dividing means capable of separating an intermediate part of the negative pressure introduction path between the two.

Further, in the ink supply apparatus of the present invention, the gas-liquid separation means is supported by the ink tank and has at least two positions: a first position other than when ink is supplied, and a second position when ink is supplied. It is characterized by being movable between positions.

Further, the ink supply device of the present invention is characterized in that the dividing means has a connecting portion for connecting a middle part of the negative pressure introduction path in a separable manner.

Still further, the ink supply device of the present invention comprises:
A moving unit that moves the ink tank, wherein the dividing unit connects an intermediate part of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position and a home position; Cuts off the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path when leaving the ink supply position and the home position.

The ink supply device of the present invention has a moving means for moving the ink tank, and the dividing means is provided at an intermediate portion of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position. And disconnecting a middle part of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position.

Further, in the ink supply device according to the present invention, when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position by the moving means, the gas-liquid separation means moves to the first position.
When the ink tank moves to the ink supply position, the ink tank is driven to the second position.

Further, in the ink supply apparatus according to the present invention, a part of the negative pressure introduction path communicates with the atmosphere while the gas-liquid separation means is driven between the first and second positions. It is characterized by being.

Still further, the ink supply device of the present invention comprises:
The gas-liquid separation means is a gas permeable membrane made of a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a similar resin porous material.

[0029] The ink supply device of the present invention is characterized in that the gas-liquid separation means is a gas permeable material made of a porcelain, unglazed ceramic, ceramic, or a similar porous material.

Further, the ink supply device of the present invention is characterized in that the gas-liquid separation means is subjected to an oil-repellent treatment.

Further, in the ink supply method of the present invention, a negative pressure introducing means and a gas-liquid separating means for passing a gas without passing the ink in a negative pressure introducing path capable of introducing a negative pressure into the ink tank are provided. And, at an intermediate portion of the negative pressure introducing path between the negative pressure introducing device and the gas-liquid separating device, a dividing device capable of dividing the intermediate portion is provided, and the ink tank is provided with a predetermined ink supply position and When it moves to the home position, it connects the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path, and when the ink tank moves to the ink supply position, the gas-liquid separation means is at the second position, A negative pressure is introduced into the ink tank through a pressure introduction path, and ink is supplied into the ink tank using the negative pressure in the ink tank, and when the ink comes into contact with the gas-liquid separation means, or rear The gas-liquid separation unit stops introducing a negative pressure into the ink tank, and disconnects a middle part of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank moves away from the ink supply position and the home position; When the tank is separated from the ink supply position, the gas-liquid separation unit is at the first position.

Further, according to the ink supply method of the present invention,
In a negative pressure introducing path capable of introducing a negative pressure into the ink tank, a gas-liquid separating means for passing a gas without passing ink is provided, and the negative pressure between the negative pressure introducing means and the gas-liquid separating means is provided. In the middle part of the introduction path, there is provided a dividing means capable of dividing the middle part, and when the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position, the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path is connected, The separating unit is located at the second position, and introduces a negative pressure into the ink tank through the negative pressure introducing path, supplies ink into the ink tank using the negative pressure in the ink tank, and supplies the ink into the ink tank. When or after the ink comes into contact with the liquid separating means, the gas-liquid separating means stops introducing the negative pressure into the ink tank, and the negative pressure is introduced when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position. Midway part of route And, said gas-liquid separating means is characterized in that in said first position.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments of an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink supply apparatus, and an ink supply method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 are explanatory views of a specific configuration according to Embodiment 1 of an ink jet recording apparatus having an ink supply device for carrying out the ink supply method of the present invention.

The ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention is an ink jet recording apparatus capable of recording an image on a recording medium by using an ink jet recording head capable of discharging ink supplied from an ink tank. Negative pressure introducing means capable of introducing pressure, ink supplying means capable of supplying ink into the ink tank using negative pressure in the ink tank, and a negative pressure introducing path between the ink tank and the negative pressure introducing means. A gas-liquid separating means provided in the air passage for passing a gas without passing the ink; and a dividing means capable of separating an intermediate portion of the negative pressure introduction path between the gas-liquid separating means and the negative pressure introducing means. When the means moves the ink tank to a predetermined ink supply position and a home position,
The middle part of the negative pressure introduction path is connected, and when the ink tank separates from the ink supply position and the home position, the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path is cut off. The separation unit is moved to a first position where it does not come into contact with ink, and is driven to a second position for supplying ink when the ink tank moves to the ink supply position.

In such an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, as described in detail below, the negative pressure introducing means is a suction pump 513, and the ink supply means is a protruding member 521 having a seal member 523. The gas-liquid separation means is a gas permeable member 505, and the dividing means is a movable member 528 or the like.

FIG. 1 shows a recording medium (not shown) in an ink supply apparatus of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which an image is recorded in FIG.

As shown in the drawing, a sub ink tank (hereinafter, referred to as a "sub tank") 50 capable of storing ink is provided.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a recording head 502 for ejecting ink from a nozzle portion 502A to perform recording, which is provided integrally or detachably. The sub-tank 501 and the recording head 502 extend in parallel at intervals. Guide shaft 503
A and 503B are reciprocated in the main scanning direction (in the directions of arrows A1 and A2). In addition, these sub-tanks 501
And the recording head 502 can be removably mounted on a carriage (not shown) configured to reciprocate while being guided along the guide shafts 503A and 503B. In such a sub tank 501, an ink intake port 501A, a suction port 501B, an air communication port 501C, an ink supply port (not shown) communicated with the recording head 502, and the like are formed. Inside 501, an ink absorber 504, such as sponge or nonwoven fabric, or a suitable fibrous material or other similar material, for absorbing and holding ink is accommodated.

Further, the suction port 501 of the sub tank 501
A movable member 528 made of an elastic material such as rubber or an elastomer is fixed to B around the suction port 501B by heat welding or bonding the entire periphery of the edge with an adhesive or the like. Such a movable member 528 has an opening 528A on one side, for example, the outside, and a gas through which gas such as air or gas passes without passing a liquid such as ink inside the other side. A transmission member 505 is attached by heat welding or bonding with an adhesive or the like at the peripheral edge so as to cover the opening 528A. Further, the gas permeable member 505 is, for example, a thin sheet-shaped gas permeable film formed of a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a similar resin porous material, or unglazed porcelain or ceramics, ceramics, or the like. A gas permeable material made of a similar porous material can be suitably used. Further, it is more effective if such a gas permeable member 505 is subjected to an oil repellent treatment by applying or coating an appropriate oil repellent such as a fluorine compound.

Further, a hollow protruding member 5 is provided on the apparatus main body side.
21 is fixed, and a seal member 523 urged leftward in the figure by a spring 522 is fitted slidably with some friction on the outer peripheral portion of the protruding member 521. A through hole 521A that can be closed by a seal member 523 is formed near the tip of the protruding member 521. The distal end of the hollow protruding member 521 is closed, and the proximal end thereof is connected to a main ink tank (hereinafter, referred to as “main tank”) (not shown) so that ink is supplied from the main tank. It has become.

Further, a suction pipe 529 is provided on the apparatus main body side. This suction pipe 529 has an opening 52 at one end.
9A, and the other end is connected to a suction pump 513 via a suction channel 529B. Further, the arm member 531 is provided with a support member 5 fixed to the apparatus main body side.
One end of the shaft 33 is rotatably supported in a vertical direction, and is urged downward by a spring 534. A seal member 532 is provided on the lower surface on the distal end side of the arm member 531.
However, it is provided so that the air communication hole 501C of the sub tank 501 can be closed at the time of ink supply described later. Further, a stopper member 535 for restricting the lower movement position of the arm member 531 is provided on the lower side of the support member 533 on the apparatus main body side, and the tip end of the stopper member 535 engages with the arm member 531 so that the arm member 531 is engaged. The downward rotation of the 531 is suppressed. Also, the sub tank 501
Is provided with a protruding portion 536, and the sub tank 501 is provided.
The arm member 531 is moved up and down in accordance with the moving position of.
Further, a protrusion 536 provided on the sub-tank 501 enters and is locked in the arm member 531 to form a recess 531A for holding the sub-tank 501.

Further, a suction pump 526 is provided on the apparatus main body side.
The first and second cap members 524 and 525 are provided so as to be able to move up and down along the distal end portion of the suction tube 526A. The second cap member 525 is connected to a waste liquid (not shown) via the suction tube 526A and the suction pump 526. Connected to the tank. A platen 527 for guiding the recording medium is provided at a position where the recording head 502 records an image. The recording medium is transported by a transport mechanism (not shown) in a sub-scanning direction that intersects the main scanning direction (the directions of arrows A1 and A2). Therefore, by repeating the main scanning of the recording head 502 while discharging ink and the transport operation of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, an image is sequentially formed on the recording medium and recording is performed. Note that the recording head 502 is positioned at a position on the left side of a home position in FIG. 2 described later, as indicated by arrows A1 and A2 in FIG.
While reciprocating in the direction, an ink can be ejected to record an image on a recording medium.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positions of the sub tank 501 and the recording head 502 (hereinafter referred to as "home position") when no image is recorded and when the power of the recording apparatus is turned off. It is.

Now, when the recording head 502 moves to the home position in FIG. 2, the first and second cap members 524 and 525 are raised and the second cap member 5
25 caps and covers the nozzle portion 502A of the recording head 502. At this time, the sealing member 52
Reference numeral 3 denotes a state in which the through hole 521A of the protruding member 513 is closed and the ink intake port 501A is closed, and the opening 529A of the suction pipe 529 is connected to the opening 52 of the movable member 528.
The opening 528A is closed in contact with and in contact with 8A.

As described above, by closing the ink intake port 501A and the suction port 501B of the sub-tank 501, the viscosity of the ink in the sub-tank 501 can be prevented. At this time, the distal end of the suction pipe 529 pushes the movable member 528 so as to slightly squeeze it to the left in the drawing to open the opening 5.
Since the positional relationship is such that 28A is closed, the sub-tank 501 can be securely sealed even if the stop position of the sub-tank 501 is slightly shifted. 1 shows the shape of the movable member 528 before being crushed, FIG. 2 shows the shape of the movable member 528 in the middle of being crushed, and FIG. 3 shows the shape of the movable member 528 in a crushed state.

In such a state that the ink intake port 501A and the suction port 501B of the sub tank 501 are closed,
In order to prevent the evaporation of the ink in the sub-tank 501 through the gas permeable member 505, the flow path of the suction pump 513 may be hermetically closed, or may be opened to open the suction flow path 528.
By making the length of B sufficiently long, it is possible to make the structure hard to evaporate, or alternatively, it may be opened to some extent so as not to affect the evaporation.

In the present invention, the position of the gas permeable member 505 apart from the suction port 501B in FIGS. 1 and 2 is collectively defined as a "first position".

With respect to the recording head 502 at the home position shown in FIG. 2, the ink ejection state can be favorably maintained by a recovery process for discharging ink that does not contribute to image recording. As the recovery process, a negative pressure generated by the suction pump 526 is introduced into the second cap member 525, and the nozzle portion 50 of the recording head 502 is
The process includes a process of forcibly sucking and discharging ink from the ink discharge port of 2A and a process of discharging ink from the ink discharge port of the nozzle portion 502A toward the inside of the second cap member 525.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which ink is supplied to the sub tank 501.

When the ink in the sub tank 501 needs to be supplied because the amount of ink in the sub tank 501 is reduced, as shown in the figure, the sub tank 501 and the recording head 502 are further supplied with ink from the home position in FIG. Move to position. When the recording head 502 moves to the ink supply position, the first and second cap members 52 are moved.
Since the nozzles 502A of the recording head 502 are capped and closed by the first cap member 524, the ink discharge ports of the nozzle portions 502A are sealed by the cap member 524. At this time, the seal member 523 keeps the ink intake port 501A closed, and opens the through hole 521A by the relative movement with the protruding member 521. The through-hole 521A opens in the sub tank 501 to form an ink supply system between the sub tank 501 and a main tank (not shown). The seal member 532 at the tip of the arm member 531 is connected to the atmosphere communication port 50 of the sub tank 501.
1C is closed, and the movable member 528 is further pushed toward the tip of the suction pipe 529 so that the gas permeable member 505 is moved to the absorber 504.
The air suction system is depressed leftward to a position where the air suction system comes into contact with the suction pump 501B and the suction pump 513 via the suction channel 529B.

When the movable member 528 is further pushed toward the tip of the suction pipe 529, the flow path of the suction pump 513 is at least partially so that the air in the suction flow path 528B does not pressurize the inside of the sub-tank 501. Is in communication with the atmosphere. The position of the gas permeable member 505 at this time is defined as a “second position”.

From such a state, the air in the sub tank 501 is removed by the suction pump 513 from the gas permeable member 50.
5, and the suctioned air is sucked through a suction pump 51.
3 and discharged into a waste liquid container (not shown) not shown. As a result, the inside of the sub tank 501 becomes negative pressure,
The ink in the main tank is sucked into the sub tank 501 by this negative pressure. Thus, the sub tank 5
The ink flowing into the ink tank 01 penetrates into the ink absorber 504, and the level of the ink in the sub-tank 501 rises as the penetration proceeds. Since the rising speed of the ink level in this case depends on the suction force of the suction pump 513,
An appropriate speed is set according to the operation amount. When the liquid level of the ink reaches the gas permeable member 505, replenishment of the ink is automatically stopped because the gas permeable member 505 does not allow liquid such as ink to pass through. Also, the ink container 501
For C, 501M, 501Y, and 501B, ink replenishment is started at the same time, and ink replenishment is automatically stopped by the gas-permeable member 505 in order from the ink replenishment state. Become.

After the ink supply operation is completed, the sub-tank 501 and the recording head 502 are moved to the home position in FIG. 2 or the recording operation position in FIG. 2, and the gas permeable member 505 returns to the first position.

The gas permeable member 505 is moved from the second position to the first position.
When returning to the position, the suction pump 5 is moved so that the air in the suction flow path 528B does not make the inside of the sub tank 501 a negative pressure.
The channel 13 is at least partially in communication with the atmosphere.

The gas permeable member 505 is the first member shown in FIGS.
In the position (3), even after the sub-tank 501 is fully refilled with ink, it is separated from the absorber 504, so that contact with ink is prevented. By avoiding long-term contact between the gas permeable member 505 and the ink, the gas permeable member 505
Can be prevented from deteriorating.

In the present embodiment, the space between the gas permeable member 505 and the suction pump 513 is cut off except when at the home position in FIG. 2 and when the ink is supplied in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. As shown in the drawing, the sub-tank 501 has ink storage units 5 for storing cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks.
01C, 501M, 501Y, and 501B are formed.
A, a suction port 501B, an atmosphere communication port 501C, and an ink supply port (not shown) to the nozzle portion 532A are formed. In consideration of the frequency of use of the black ink, the storage portion 501B is formed larger than other storage portions.
The nozzle section 502A of the recording head 502 is provided for each ink color. The sub-tank 501 and the print head 502 may be combined to form an ink jet cartridge.
The recording head 502 may have a structure that is divided corresponding to each ink color.

In the case of this example, the ink storage units 501C and 50C
The opening 529A for each of 1M, 501Y and 501B is
After being combined into one suction channel 529B at 29C,
It is connected to a common suction pump 513.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention thus configured, the ink supply method performed by using the ink jet recording apparatus includes a negative pressure introducing means such as a suction pump 513, an ink supply means, In a negative pressure introducing path such as a suction pipe 519 capable of introducing a negative pressure into the sub-tank 501 as a tank, a gas-liquid separating means such as a gas permeable member 505 for passing a gas without passing an ink is provided. A dividing member such as a movable member 528 capable of dividing the halfway portion at a halfway portion of a negative pressure introduction path such as a suction pipe 529 between the suction pump 513 as a means and the gas permeable member 505 as a gas-liquid separating portion. And the sub-tank 501
When the sub-tank 501 moves to the predetermined ink supply position and the home position, it connects an intermediate part of the negative pressure introduction path such as the suction pipe 529, and when the sub-tank 501 moves to the ink supply position, the gas serving as the gas-liquid separation means. When the transmission member 505 is at the second position, a negative pressure is introduced into the sub-tank 501 through the suction pipe 529, which is a negative-pressure introduction path, and ink is supplied into the sub-tank 501 using the negative pressure in the sub-tank 501; When or after the ink comes into contact with the gas permeable member 505 of the gas-liquid separation means, the gas permeable member 505 of the gas-liquid separation means stops the introduction of the negative pressure into the sub-tank 501, and the sub-tank 501 moves to the ink supply position and the home position. When leaving the position, the suction pipe 52 of the negative pressure introduction path
9 when the sub-tank 501 is separated from the ink supply position.
5 is located at the first position, it is possible to reliably supply ink to the sub-tank 501 with a simple configuration, and to reduce the size, weight, cost, and reliability of the inkjet recording apparatus. Improvement can be achieved.

(Embodiment 2) FIGS. 5 to 7 are explanatory views of Embodiment 2 of an ink supply apparatus of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in Embodiment 1 denote the same parts. The description is omitted, and the detailed description is omitted.

First, FIG. 5 shows a recording medium (not shown).
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which an image is recorded in FIG.

As shown in the drawing, one side wall surface of the sub tank 501 has a retaining portion 1521B at one end.
Further, a hollow protruding member 1521 having a cylindrical cross-sectional shape closed at one end is formed. This protruding member 152
A block-shaped seal member 1523 urged rightward in the figure by a spring 1522 is slidably fitted on the outer peripheral portion of the first member 1, and is opened and closed by the seal member 1523 near the tip of the protruding member 1521. A through hole 1521A is provided. Also, the sealing member 15
Gas permeable members 505 are fixed to the two inner peripheral portions of 23 by heat welding or an adhesive so as to cover the two flow channels 1523A. That is, the sealing member 1523
In the center, a penetrating hole into which the protruding member 1521 is fitted is drilled, and two diametrically opposed dents are provided in the inner peripheral portion of the penetrating hole. A gas permeable member 505 is attached to each of these depressions so as to cover and cover the flow channel 1523A.

During printing, that is, during recording, the sealing member 1
523 is a stopper 1521 at the end of the protruding member 1521.
B, the seal member 1523 is urged by the spring 1522 to a position where the seal member 1523 contacts the through hole 152.
1A is a state closed by the seal member 1523. At this time, the gas permeable member 505 is
A is not opposed to A and is out of the position of the through hole 1521A.

The air communication hole 50 of the sub tank 501 is also provided.
A seal member 1532 is provided on the lower surface side of the distal end of the arm member 1531 so as to close the 1C. The base end of the arm member 1531 is rotatably supported vertically by a suitable pivot pin on the distal end of the support member 1533 on the apparatus main body side, and is urged downward by a spring 1534. Further, an arm member 15 is provided on the apparatus main body side.
31 is provided with a stopper member 1535 for regulating the lowering position. In addition, the protrusion 15
36 is provided, and moves the arm member 1531 up and down according to the moving position of the sub tank 501. Further, a recess 1531A for holding the sub tank 501 is formed in the arm member 1531 by the projection 1536 being inserted and locked.

Further, a suction pipe 1529 is provided on the apparatus main body side, one end of which is an opening 1529A, and the other end is provided with a suction pump 5129 through a suction channel 1529B.
3 is connected.

FIG. 6 shows the sub tank 501 and the recording head 5.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state where 02 is at a home position.

As shown in the figure, also at the home position, as in FIG.
523 and the ink inlet 5
01A is also closed by the seal member 523, so that the viscosity of the ink in the sub tank 501 can be prevented. At this time, the gas permeable member 505 is
A is not opposed.

The gas permeable member 50 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6
The position of No. 5 is referred to as a “first position” similar to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which ink is supplied to the sub tank 501.

As shown in the figure, when the ink in the sub tank 501 is reduced and the ink is supplied, as shown in FIG. 7, the sub tank 501 and the recording head 502 are further moved from the home position in FIG. Move to the ink supply position in the A1 direction. When the recording head 502 moves to the ink supply position, the first and second cap members 5
The nozzles 502A of the print head 502 are capped and closed by the first cap member 524, so that the ink discharge ports of the nozzle portions 502A are sealed by the cap member 524. At this time, the seal member 1523 is connected to the ink inlet 501A.
Is kept closed, and the through-hole 521A is opened by the relative movement with the protruding member 521. This through hole 521A
Is opened and opened in the sub tank 501 to form an ink supply system between the sub tank 501 and the main tank. Also, the sealing member 1532
Closes the atmosphere communication port 501C of the sub-tank 501, and the sealing member 1523 faces the gas permeable member 505 and the through hole 1523A by the relative movement with respect to the protruding member 521, and from the through hole 1523A through the suction channel 1529B. An air suction system is formed with the suction pump 513. The position of the gas permeable member 505 at this time is defined as a “second position”.

The operation of replenishing the ink from this state is exactly the same as that in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the sub-tank 501 and the recording head 502 are moved to the home position shown in FIG. 6 or the recording operation position shown in FIG. 5 after the ink replenishment operation is completed, the seal member 1523 is moved by the spring 1522 so that the sealing member 1523 shown in FIG. The shape returns, and the gas permeable member 505 returns to the first position.

The gas permeable member 505 is the first gas permeable member of FIG. 5 and FIG.
In the position (2), contact with ink is prevented even immediately after the sub tank 501 is refilled with ink. Accordingly, by avoiding long-term contact between the gas permeable member 505 and the ink, performance deterioration of the gas permeable member 505 can be prevented.

In this embodiment, between the gas permeable member 505 and the suction pump 513 except for the ink supply shown in FIG. 7, the gas permeable member 505 and the opening 152 of the suction pipe 1529 are provided.
9A is separated and separated.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the movable member 528 has a shape in which thin disks having different diameters are stacked in a stepwise manner, but may be formed in a bellows shape as shown in the figure.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the movable member 152 when the gas permeable member 505 is at the first and second positions, respectively.
This shows the shape of No. 8, and the suction tube on the recording device side is omitted.

The movable member 1528 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer and formed in a bellows shape.
A gas permeable member 505 is fixed by heat welding or an adhesive so as to cover the opening 1528A. An absorber 1504A for holding ink is provided inside the sub-tank 501, and an absorber 154B is provided in a suction port 501B of the sub-tank 501.
04B is press-fitted and pressed against the absorber 1504A.

At the second position in FIG. 8B, the gas permeable member 505 is in contact with the absorber 1504B, and the air inside the sub tank 501 is sucked through the gas permeable member 505 by a suction pump (not shown). The ink is supplied from the main tank (not shown) into the sub tank 501.

In this embodiment, similarly to the above embodiment, when the ink supply is stopped and the sub tank 501 is moved to the home position or the recording operation position when the ink reaches the gas permeable member 505, the bellows-like shape is obtained. The movable member 1528 returns to the first position in FIG. 8A by its restoring force. Naturally, the gas permeable member 505 does not come into contact with the ink immediately after the first position is filled with the ink, so that the performance deterioration can be suitably prevented.

(Other Embodiments) In the above embodiment, the characteristics and shape of the gas permeable member 505 provided in the sub-tank 501 may be appropriately changed according to the characteristics of the ink and the amount of ink stored.

For example, the characteristics and shape of the gas permeable member 505 are changed so that the degree of negative pressure generated in the sub tank 501 varies depending on the amount of ink stored in the sub tank 501 in which the gas permeable member 505 is provided and the type of ink stored. However, a different porous body can be provided. Specifically, the gas permeable member 505 is made of a porous body having a different pore diameter or thickness, or the area occupied by the gas permeable member 505 in the ventilation path is varied.
5 can vary in size. The area occupied by the gas permeable member 505 can be made variable by, for example, providing a cover that covers the surface thereof so that the displacement can be adjusted.

As described above, by making the negative pressure value in the sub tank 501 different, each sub tank 50
1 can be adjusted.
In the case of the sub-tank 501 containing ink having a large flow resistance and the sub-tank 501 containing a large amount of ink, the negative pressure value in the sub-tank 501 is set to be large.
By selecting the gas permeable member 505, ink can be efficiently supplied to the plurality of sub-tanks 501.

As described above, the characteristics of the gas permeable member 505 can be set optimally using the pore diameter and thickness of the gas permeable member 505, the opening area of the ventilation path, and the like as parameters. Further, the physical properties (such as air permeability) of the gas permeable member 505 itself may be made different.

Further, the gas permeable member only needs to have a gas-liquid separation function, and various materials can be used according to the type and use form of the ink. For example, in addition to a gas permeable membrane made of a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a similar resin porous material, porcelain, unglazed ceramics, ceramics, or a similar porous material can also be used. Further, a valve having a mechanical configuration that opens when a gas passes and closes when a liquid tries to pass may be used as the gas permeable member. Further, it is more effective to apply or coat an appropriate oil repellent such as a fluorine compound on such a gas permeable member to perform an oil repellent treatment.

Further, the ink tank of the present invention is not limited to the one that is moved together with the recording head in the serial scanning recording apparatus, and may be provided at a fixed position. Further, it may be always connected to a supply ink tank such as a sub ink tank via a tube.

Further, the present invention can 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 form in which the ink tank moves together with the recording head but also to a form 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. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of US Pat. No. 740,796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to the sheet or the liquid path holding the liquid (ink). Applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recording information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling to the electrothermal transducer, thereby causing the electrothermal transducer to generate thermal energy, thereby causing the recording head to emit heat energy. This is effective because a film in the liquid (ink) corresponding to the driving signal can be formed one by one by causing film boiling on the heat acting surface. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. 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 a liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. In addition, U.S. Pat.
If the conditions described in the specification are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

The configuration of the recording head is not limited to the combination of a discharge port, a liquid path, and an electrothermal converter (a linear liquid flow path or a right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications. The present invention also includes a configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600 which disclose a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region. It is. 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 on which a recording apparatus can record. 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 with 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.

Further, it is preferable to add ejection recovery means for the recording head, 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.

Further, the types and the number of the recording heads to be mounted are, for example, not only those provided for one color ink but also plural 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, a form may be adopted in which the liquid sheet or the solid substance is held as a liquid or solid substance in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet and faces the electrothermal converter. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

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

One form in which the present invention is effectively used is a form in which film boiling occurs in a liquid using thermal energy generated by an electrothermal converter to form bubbles.

[0098]

According to the first aspect of the present invention having the above-described structure,
The inkjet recording apparatus according to the aspect of the invention can use an inkjet recording head that can eject ink supplied from an ink tank, and can introduce a negative pressure into the ink tank in an inkjet recording apparatus that can record an image on a recording medium. A negative pressure introduction unit, an ink supply unit capable of supplying ink into the ink tank using the negative pressure in the ink tank, and a negative pressure introduction path between the ink tank and the negative pressure introduction unit. A gas-liquid separating unit that is provided and passes gas without passing ink; and a dividing unit that can separate an intermediate portion of the negative pressure introduction path between the gas-liquid separating unit and the negative pressure introducing unit. Therefore, it is possible to reliably supply ink to the ink tank with a simple configuration, and it is possible to reduce the size, weight, cost, and reliability of the recording apparatus. Kill.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the gas-liquid separating means is supported by the ink tank, and the first position other than when supplying ink, and the second position when supplying ink. Is movable between at least the two positions described above, contact between the gas-liquid separation unit and the ink at the first position is prevented, and performance degradation of the gas-liquid separation unit can be prevented.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, since the dividing means has a connecting portion for connecting a middle part of the negative pressure introduction path in a separable manner, connection and separation with the ink tank can be performed. The connection and disconnection can be performed reliably and suitably.

An ink jet recording apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention has a moving means for moving the ink tank, wherein the dividing means moves the ink tank to a predetermined ink supply position and a home position. Connecting the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path, and dividing the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position and the home position.
Separation from the ink tank can be reliably performed.

An ink jet recording apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention has a moving unit for moving the ink tank, and the dividing unit is configured to move the ink tank when the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position. The middle part of the pressure introduction path is connected, and the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path is divided when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position, so that the ink tank can be suitably moved to surely separate the ink tank. it can.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position, the gas-liquid separation means moves to the first position.
When the ink tank moves to the ink supply position, the ink tank is driven to the second position, so that the gas-liquid separation unit can be suitably connected and separated as the ink tank moves.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the ink jet recording apparatus, a part of the negative pressure introducing path is in the atmosphere while the gas-liquid separating means is driven between the first and second positions. The negative pressure is not applied to the negative pressure introduction path during the movement.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the moving means moves the ink jet recording head together with the ink tank, the minimum moving means is sufficient, and extra moving means can be saved.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the gas-liquid separation means is a gas permeable film made of a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a resinous porous material similar thereto, the gas-liquid separation means can be used. It can be manufactured at a low cost with a simple configuration.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the gas-liquid separation means is a gas permeable material made of porcelain, unglazed ceramic, ceramic, or a similar porous material, the gas-liquid separation means The means can be manufactured in a simple configuration and at low cost.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the gas-liquid separating means is subjected to the oil-repellent treatment, the oil-repelling effect of the gas-liquid separating means can be improved by a simple means. it can.

In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since the ink jet recording head has an electrothermal converter that generates heat energy as the ink ejection energy, it is possible to discharge the ink satisfactorily. Can be recorded.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply device, comprising: a negative pressure introducing means capable of introducing a negative pressure into the ink tank; and an ink supplying device using the negative pressure in the ink tank. An ink supply unit that can be supplied, a gas-liquid separation unit that is provided in a negative pressure introduction path between the ink tank and the negative pressure introduction unit, and allows gas to pass without passing ink, and the gas-liquid separation unit. A separating unit capable of separating an intermediate portion of the negative pressure introducing path between the negative pressure introducing unit and the negative pressure introducing unit, so that the ink supply to the ink tank can be reliably performed by a simple configuration, and It is possible to reduce the size, weight, cost and reliability of the device.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink supply device, wherein the gas-liquid separation means is supported by the ink tank and at least a first position other than when ink is supplied and a second position when ink is supplied. Since it is movable between the two positions, the gas-liquid separation means can be suitably connected and separated as the ink tank moves.

[0112] In the ink supply device according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, since the dividing means has a connecting portion for connecting a middle part of the negative pressure introducing path so as to be separable, connection and separation with the ink tank can be established. The connection and disconnection can be performed reliably and suitably.

An ink supply device according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention has a moving means for moving the ink tank,
When the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position and a home position, connects the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path, and the ink tank separates from the ink supply position and the home position. Since the intermediate portion of the negative pressure introduction path is divided, the ink supply to the ink tank can be reliably performed with a simple configuration, and the size, weight, cost, and reliability of the recording apparatus are improved. be able to.

An ink supply device according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention has moving means for moving the ink tank,
The disconnecting unit connects the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position, and connects the intermediate part of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank moves away from the ink supply position. Since the middle part is divided,
The ink tank can be suitably moved and divided.

An ink supply device according to claim 18 of the present invention is arranged such that when the ink tank is moved away from the ink supply position by the moving means, the gas-liquid separation means moves the ink tank to the first position. When the tank moves to the ink supply position, it is driven to the second position,
As the ink tank moves, the gas-liquid separation means can be suitably connected and separated.

[0116] In the ink supply device according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, while the gas-liquid separation means is driven between the first and second positions, a part of the negative pressure introduction path is in the atmosphere. The negative pressure is not applied to the negative pressure introduction path during the movement.

In the ink supply apparatus according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, since the gas-liquid separation means is a gas permeable membrane made of a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a similar resin porous material, it is simple and inexpensive. Can be manufactured.

In the ink supply device according to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the gas-liquid separation means is a gas permeable material made of porcelain, unglazed ceramics, ceramics, or a similar porous material, and is therefore inexpensive. Can be manufactured.

In the ink supply device according to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, since the oil-repellent treatment is applied to the gas-liquid separation means, the oil-repellent treatment can be effectively performed by simple means.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply method, wherein a negative pressure introducing means and a gas-liquid separation for passing a gas without passing an ink through a negative pressure introducing path capable of introducing a negative pressure into an ink tank. Means, and at a middle part of the negative pressure introduction path between the negative pressure introduction means and the gas-liquid separation means, a dividing means capable of dividing the halfway part, wherein the ink tank is a predetermined one. When moving to the ink supply position and the home position, the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path is connected, and when the ink tank moves to the ink supply position, the gas-liquid separation unit moves to the second position. A negative pressure is introduced into the ink tank through the negative pressure introduction path, ink is supplied into the ink tank using the negative pressure in the ink tank, and the ink comes into contact with the gas-liquid separation unit. When, if After the contact, the gas-liquid separating means stops the introduction of the negative pressure into the ink tank, and disconnects the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position and the home position. ,
When the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position, the gas-liquid separation unit is at the first position, so that the ink supply to the ink tank can be reliably performed with a simple configuration, and the size of the recording apparatus can be reduced. Weight reduction, cost reduction, and improvement in reliability can be achieved.

In the ink supply method according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, a gas-liquid separation means for passing a gas without passing an ink is provided in a negative pressure introduction path capable of introducing a negative pressure into an ink tank,
And, at an intermediate portion of the negative pressure introducing path between the negative pressure introducing device and the gas-liquid separating device, a dividing device capable of dividing the intermediate portion is provided, and the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position. Then, the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path is connected, the gas-liquid separation means is at the second position, and a negative pressure is introduced into the ink tank through the negative pressure introduction path, and the inside of the ink tank is The ink is supplied into the ink tank using the negative pressure, and when or after the ink comes into contact with the gas-liquid separation unit, the gas-liquid separation unit controls the introduction of the negative pressure into the ink tank. When the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position, the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path is cut off, and the gas-liquid separation means is at the first position, so that the ink supply to the ink tank can be easily performed. Depending on the configuration Can indeed performed, size and weight of the recording apparatus, it is possible to improve the cost and reliability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part during a printing operation for explaining a first embodiment showing a basic configuration of an ink supply device of an ink jet printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part at a home position for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part in an ink supply state for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a main part of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part during a recording operation for describing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a main portion at a home position for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part in an ink supply state for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are enlarged cross-sectional views of a main part for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 8A is a diagram when a bellows-shaped movable member is expanded, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a view when the squashed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 501 Sub-tank 501A Ink inlet 501B Suction port 501C Atmospheric communication port 502 Recording head 505 Gas permeable member 513 Suction pump 521 Projecting member 523 Seal member 524 First cap member 525 Second cap member 526 Suction pump 528 Movable member 529 Suction pipe 531 Arm Member 533 Supporting member 1521 Projecting member 1523 Sealing member 1528 Bellows-like movable member 1529 Suction tube 1533 Supporting member

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hirofumi Hirano 3- 30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Tetsuji Kurata 3- 30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon (72) Inventor Yoji Ara 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hideo Fukazawa 3-30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. ( 72) Inventor Hiroyuki Inoue 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masaya Uezuki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Invention Person Noriyasu Asagi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroki Hayashi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F term in Canon Inc. (reference) 2C056 EA23 FA03 KB19 KB37 KC11 KC13 KC16 KC30 KD08

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. An ink jet recording apparatus capable of recording an image on a recording medium using an ink jet recording head capable of discharging ink supplied from an ink tank, wherein a negative pressure capable of introducing a negative pressure into the ink tank. Introduction means, ink supply means capable of supplying ink into the ink tank using negative pressure in the ink tank, provided in a negative pressure introduction path between the ink tank and the negative pressure introduction means. Gas-liquid separating means for passing a gas without passing the ink, and separating means capable of separating an intermediate portion of the negative pressure introduction path between the gas-liquid separating means and the negative pressure introducing means. Characteristic inkjet recording device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the gas-liquid separating unit is supported by the ink tank, and is provided at a first position other than when ink is supplied.
2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet recording apparatus is movable between at least two positions from a second position during ink supply. 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said dividing means has a connecting portion for connecting a middle part of said negative pressure introducing path in a separable manner. 4. A moving means for moving the ink tank, wherein the dividing means moves the ink tank to a predetermined ink supply position and a home position.
4. The intermediate part of the negative pressure introduction path is connected, and the intermediate part of the negative pressure introduction path is divided when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position and the home position. The inkjet recording device according to any one of the above. 5. A moving means for moving the ink tank, wherein the dividing means connects an intermediate portion of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position, and 4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a middle part of the negative pressure introduction path is divided when the tank is separated from the ink supply position. 6. The gas-liquid separating means moves to the first position when the ink tank moves away from the ink supply position, and moves to the second position when the ink tank moves to the ink supply position. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus is driven. 7. A part of the negative pressure introduction path communicates with the atmosphere while the gas-liquid separation unit is driven between the first position and the second position. 7. The ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of 1 to 6. 8. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said moving means moves said ink jet recording head together with said ink tank. 9. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said gas-liquid separating means is a gas permeable film made of a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a resin porous material similar thereto. . 10. The gas-liquid separating means according to claim 1, wherein the gas-liquid separating means is a gas permeable material made of porcelain, unglazed ceramic, ceramic, or a similar porous material.
The inkjet recording device according to any one of the above. 11. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said gas-liquid separation means is subjected to an oil-repellent treatment. 12. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet recording head has an electrothermal converter that generates heat energy as ink ejection energy. 13. A negative pressure introducing means capable of introducing a negative pressure into an ink tank, an ink supply means capable of supplying ink into the ink tank by using a negative pressure in the ink tank, Gas-liquid separating means provided in a negative pressure introducing path between the negative pressure introducing means and allowing gas to pass therethrough without passing ink; and the negative pressure between the gas-liquid separating means and the negative pressure introducing means. An ink supply device, comprising: a dividing unit capable of separating an intermediate part of an introduction path. 14. The gas-liquid separating means is supported by the ink tank, and a first position other than when ink is supplied,
14. The ink supply device according to claim 13, wherein the ink supply device is movable between at least two positions from a second position during ink supply. 15. The ink supply device according to claim 13, wherein said dividing means has a connecting portion for connecting a middle part of said negative pressure introducing path in a separable manner. 16. A moving means for moving the ink tank, wherein the dividing means connects an intermediate part of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position and a home position. 16. The ink supply device according to claim 13, wherein when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position and the home position, a middle part of the negative pressure introduction path is divided. 17. A moving means for moving the ink tank, wherein the dividing means connects an intermediate portion of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position, and The ink supply device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein a middle part of the negative pressure introduction path is divided when the tank is separated from the ink supply position. 18. The gas-liquid separating means moves to the first position when the ink tank moves away from the ink supply position by the moving means, and the gas-liquid separation means moves to the ink supply position when the ink tank moves to the ink supply position. The ink supply device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the ink supply device is driven to the second position. 19. A part of the negative pressure introduction path communicates with the atmosphere while the gas-liquid separation unit is driven between the first and second positions. 13
19. The ink supply device according to any one of claims 18 to 18. 20. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said gas-liquid separating means is a gas permeable film made of a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a resin porous material similar thereto. . 21. The ink according to claim 13, wherein the gas-liquid separating means is a gas permeable material made of porcelain, unglazed ceramic, ceramic, or a similar porous material. Feeding device. 22. The ink supply device according to claim 13, wherein said gas-liquid separation means is subjected to an oil-repellent treatment. 23. A negative pressure introducing means, and a gas-liquid separating means for passing a gas without passing an ink in a negative pressure introducing path capable of introducing a negative pressure into an ink tank, wherein said negative pressure introducing means and said negative pressure introducing means are provided. In the middle of the negative pressure introduction path between the gas pressure and the gas-liquid separation means, and having a dividing means capable of dividing the middle part, when the ink tank is moved to a predetermined ink supply position and a home position, When the ink tank moves to the ink supply position, the gas-liquid separation unit is located at the second position, and connects the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path to the ink tank through the negative pressure introduction path. A negative pressure is introduced, the ink is supplied into the ink tank using the negative pressure in the ink tank, and when the ink comes into contact with the gas-liquid separation means, or after the contact, the gas-liquid separation means The ink The introduction of the negative pressure into the tank is stopped, and when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position and the home position, the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path is separated, and the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position. An ink supply method, wherein the gas-liquid separation unit is sometimes at the first position. 24. A negative pressure introducing path capable of introducing a negative pressure into an ink tank, wherein a gas-liquid separating means for passing a gas without passing an ink is provided, and said gas-liquid separating means is provided between said negative pressure introducing means and said gas-liquid separating means. A middle part of the negative pressure introduction path between them, a dividing means capable of dividing the halfway part, and connecting the middle part of the negative pressure introduction path when the ink tank moves to a predetermined ink supply position. The gas-liquid separation means is at a second position, and introduces a negative pressure into the ink tank through the negative pressure introduction path, and uses the negative pressure in the ink tank to cause ink to flow into the ink tank. Supply, when the ink comes into contact with the gas-liquid separation means, or after the contact, the gas-liquid separation means stops the introduction of the negative pressure into the ink tank,
The ink supply method according to claim 1, wherein when the ink tank is separated from the ink supply position, a middle part of the negative pressure introduction path is divided, and the gas-liquid separation unit is at the first position.