JP2002113880A - Structure for connecting part of ink replenishment system and ink jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a structure for a connecting part of an ink replenishment system which enables a driving member to be made compact and low-cost by enabling a sub ink tank and a main ink tank to be connected by a smaller force, and an ink jet recorder having the structure for the connecting part of the ink replenishment system. SOLUTION: A valve body 98 including a packing 104, a packing holder 106 and a helical compression spring 108 is stored in a pipe body 94 of a pipe 92 for ink replenishment which is set to a port 76 for ink replenishment of an ink replenishment unit 48. A gasket 114, a valve 118 and a helical compression spring 120 are disposed to an ink replenishment port 44 of the sub ink tank. When ink is to be replenished, a port 36 for ink replenishment is connected to the ink replenishment port 44, and the packing 104 and the gasket 114 are moved against an elastic force of the helical compression springs 108 and 120, thereby constituting an ink channel.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sub-ink tank for supplying ink to a recording head which discharges ink droplets to a recording medium based on image information, and a main ink tank in which ink supplied to the sub-ink tank is stored in advance. The present invention relates to a connection structure of an ink supply system for connecting an ink tank so that ink can flow therethrough, and an ink jet recording apparatus provided with the connection structure of the ink supply system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an ink jet recording apparatus for recording an image by ejecting ink droplets from a recording head onto a recording medium such as paper based on image information, each of the recording heads is provided on a carriage for scanning the recording head. There is a configuration in which a sub ink tank is mounted. In such a configuration, the main ink tank in which the ink to be supplied to the sub ink tank is stored in advance may be further provided. Various proposals have been made regarding an ink supply system from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank. Have been.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-187968 discloses an ink tube 31 having one end as shown in FIG.
2, a connection structure having a needle 314 having a lateral hole 316 formed on the other end side is disclosed. When ink is not supplied, as shown in FIG. 18A, the deformable portion 318 elastically tightens the needle 314 to close the horizontal hole 316. However, when ink is supplied, FIG. ) When the inlet assembly 320 is inserted into the outlet assembly 322 and the deformable portion 318 is pushed in against the biasing force of the spring 324,
Is exposed, ink flows from ink tube 312 through passage 316 of needle 314 into passage 326 and further into the ink pen.

However, in such a configuration, when the inlet assembly 320 is inserted into the outlet assembly 322 in order to form an ink flow path, the deformable portion 318 and the needle 314 are not attached to the urging force of the spring 324. Since the frictional force (sliding resistance) acts as insertion resistance, the insertion load increases. In addition, when the inlet assembly 320 is pulled out of the outlet assembly, it is necessary to move the deformable portion 318 against the frictional force between the deformable portion 318 and the needle 314 and close the lateral hole 316.
It is necessary to have something with sufficient biasing force. For this reason, a large driving member is required for inserting the inlet assembly 320 into the outlet assembly 322, which leads to an increase in size and cost of the entire inkjet recording apparatus.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-37879 discloses a connection structure in which a hollow ink flow path member 354 is provided in a first connection portion 352 embedded in a sub tank as shown in FIG. Is disclosed. The ink small holes 356 formed in the ink flow path member 354 are tightly fitted in the first seal holes 360 of the first seal body 358 to prevent the leakage of ink when ink is not supplied. When the first connection portion 352 is inserted into the second connection portion 362 embedded in the main tank as shown in 20, the ink flow path member 354 protrudes from the first seal body 358, and the ink small holes 356 are exposed. Then, the ink can flow.

However, even in this configuration, when the first connection portion 352 is inserted into the second connection portion 362, the first seal body 358 and the ink are added in addition to the urging force of the first coil spring 364 and the second coil spring 366. Since the sliding resistance with the flow path member 354 acts, the insertion load increases. Also,
When the first connection portion 352 is pulled out from the second connection portion 362, the ink flow passage member 354 is moved against the sliding resistance between the first seal body 358 and the ink flow passage member 354 to close the ink small hole 360. The first coil spring 36
4 is required to have a sufficient biasing force. Therefore, similarly to the configuration shown in FIG.
A large driving member is also required for inserting the first connection portion 352 into the second connector 2, which leads to an increase in size and cost of the entire inkjet recording apparatus.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned facts, and enables the sub-ink tank and the main ink tank to be connected with a smaller force, thereby reducing the size and cost of the driving member. An object of the present invention is to provide a connection structure of an ink supply system capable of performing the above-described operation and an ink jet recording apparatus having the connection structure of the ink supply system.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sub-ink tank for supplying ink to a recording head for discharging ink droplets to a recording medium based on image information, and a sub-ink tank for supplying ink to the sub-ink tank. A connection structure of an ink supply system that connects the main ink tank in which the ink is stored in advance so that the ink can flow therethrough, provided in the main ink tank and the sub ink tank, respectively, so that the ink can flow inside. The joint member, and an opening provided in each of the joint members and communicating the joint members in a connected state, and a closing position and an opening provided in at least one of the joint members and closing the opening. A valve body movable between an open position where the valve body is separated to open the opening, and the valve body is moved to the closed position. It has, and biasing means for door urging,
The valve body can be moved to the open position by a connection operation of moving the joint members in a connection direction.

Since the valve element provided on at least one of the joint members is urged to the closed position by the urging means, when the ink is not supplied from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank, the opening is formed by the valve element. Is blocked by When the joint members are moved in the connection direction at the time of ink supply, the connection operation allows the valve body to move to the open position, so that the ink can flow inside the joined joint members, and the main ink tank Can supply ink to the sub ink tank.

When the valve moves from the closed position to the open position, the valve moves away from the opening, so that no sliding resistance acts between the valve and the opening (or the joint member). Therefore, when the joint members are moved in the connection direction, they can be moved with a small moving force. Since a small driving member for driving the joint member is sufficient, the cost is reduced.

The joint member may be provided directly on the main ink tank and the sub ink tank, respectively, or may be provided on these ink tanks via a tube member such as a tube.

Further, the valve element and the urging means may be provided in at least one of the main ink tank and the sub ink tank, but may be provided in both of them. Good. Accordingly, when the ink is not supplied, each opening is closed by the valve body, so that drying and leakage of the ink can be more reliably prevented.

The structure for moving the valve body from the closed position to the open position is not particularly limited. For example, a member for moving the valve body may be separately provided. By providing a pressing member that presses the valve body to the open position by an operation of moving members in a direction in which the members communicate with each other, the valve body can be moved with a simple configuration.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, at least one of the joint members is provided, and at least the valve body is moved to an open position. And a contact member that makes the insides of the joint members fluid-tight to the outside by bringing the joint members into close contact with each other.

When the valve body is moved to the open position and the opening is opened, the joint members are brought into close contact with each other by the contact member. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the ink flowing inside the joint member from leaking to the outside, and to prevent external air and foreign substances from being mixed into the ink.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, one of the joint members is inserted into and connected to the other opening of the joint member. It has a part.

The joint members can be easily connected to each other simply by inserting the insertion portion provided on one of the joint members into the other opening of the joint member.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the insertion portion has a tapered shape that gradually becomes thinner toward the distal end in the insertion direction of the joint member provided with the insertion portion. It is characterized by having.

Therefore, insertion of the insertion portion into the opening becomes easy. In addition, at the initial stage of insertion, the outer surface of the insertion portion does not contact the inner surface of the opening, so resistance during insertion is reduced, and when moving the joints in the connection direction, the joints can be moved with a smaller moving force. . As a driving member for driving the joint member, a smaller one is sufficient and the cost is reduced.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth or sixth aspect of the present invention, the contact member is provided on the other of the joint members and inserted into an opening of the joint member. The lip portion is in close contact with the portion from the outside over the entire circumference.

Thus, the joint members can be brought into close contact only by providing the lip portion.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the seventh aspect, there is provided a restriction member for restricting deformation of the lip portion in a direction in which the insertion portion advances and retreats within a certain range. Features.

For this reason, for example, inadvertent deformation of the lip portion when the insertion portion is inserted into the opening portion is prevented, and a high lip contact effect can be maintained. In addition, when the insertion portion is inserted and withdrawn, the lip portion can be prevented from following the insertion portion, so that the insertion operation and the withdrawal operation are facilitated.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus comprising: a recording head for discharging ink droplets onto a recording medium based on image information; and a sub-ink tank for storing ink supplied to the recording head. A head unit,
The ink according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a main ink tank in which ink to be supplied to the sub ink tank is stored in advance, and the ink is connected to allow the ink to flow from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank. And a connection structure of a supply system.

In this ink jet recording apparatus, the ink supplied from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank is ejected by a recording head as ink droplets onto a recording medium, and an image is recorded on the recording medium.

Since the ink supply system for the main ink tank and the sub ink tank is connected by the connecting portion structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a small driving member for driving the joint member is provided. Is sufficient, and the size and cost of the ink jet recording apparatus can be reduced.

[0027]

FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of an ink jet recording apparatus 12 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in the vicinity of a recording head carriage 14 thereof.

The ink jet recording apparatus 12 includes a recording medium transport member 16 for transporting a recording medium P (for example, paper) in a certain direction, and a recording medium P transporting the recording medium P facing the transport path of the recording medium P. And a set of guide members 18 provided along a direction perpendicular to the direction. The recording head carriage 14 is supported by these guide members 18. Further, a maintenance station 20 is disposed at a position below the guide member 18 and adjacent to the conveyance path of the recording medium P, and moves toward and away from the recording head carriage 14 (moves up and down in this embodiment). Perform maintenance operations such as capping and ink suction.
This maintenance operation is controlled by a control circuit (not shown) so as to be performed under predetermined conditions and timing.

A home position of the recording head carriage 14 is set at a position facing the maintenance station 20, and this position is detected by a position sensor 22. The above-described recording head carriage 1
4. The recording medium transport member 16, the guide member 18, the maintenance station 20, and the position sensor 22 are held in the main body housing 24. Recording head carriage 1
Image information is sent to 4 via signal lines formed on the flexible substrate.

In the drawings, the direction of movement of the recording head carriage 14 (main scanning direction) is indicated by an arrow M, and the direction of movement of the recording medium P (sub-scanning direction) is indicated by an arrow S.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the recording head carriage 14 includes a recording head carriage frame 26 movably disposed along a guide member 18 and a lower surface (recording surface) of the recording head carriage frame 26. A plurality (four in the present embodiment) of recording heads 28 that are disposed so as to protrude below a surface facing the transport path of the medium P and have ink ejection ports formed on the lower surface; 26, each recording head 28
And a sub ink tank 30 that supplies ink to the sub ink tank 30. The number of sub-ink tanks 30
, And four in the present embodiment. Therefore, each sub ink tank 3
For every 0, a different color ink (for example,
Black (Bk), yellow (Y), magenta (M),
By supplying cyan (C)) and ejecting ink droplets,
It is possible to record a full-color image. The corresponding print head 28 and sub ink tank 30 constitute a print head unit 32 according to the present invention. Hereinafter, when the recording head 28, the sub-ink tank 30, and the ink supply unit 48, which will be described later, are particularly distinguished according to each color, Bk, Y, M, or C will be added after the reference numerals. I do.

Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet recording apparatus 12 of the present embodiment
Conveys the recording medium P, and the recording head carriage 1
An ink droplet is ejected in accordance with the image information while reciprocating 4 to record an image on the recording medium P.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the sub ink tanks 30 has an exhaust port 34 having an exhaust port 42 through which air in the sub ink tank 30 can be exhausted. And an ink supply port 36 provided with an ink supply port 44 capable of supplying ink into the sub-ink tank 30. further,
In the sub ink tank 30, an air communication hole 38 is formed above the exhaust port 34 to allow air to flow between the inside and the outside of the sub ink tank 30. By allowing air to enter and exit through the atmosphere communication hole 38, pressure fluctuations in the sub ink tank 30 are reduced.
Further, the sub ink tank 30 is provided with an ink amount sensor 40 for detecting an internal ink amount. The ink amount sensor 40 sends information on the detected ink amount in the sub ink tank 30 to a control circuit (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, an ink supply device provided with a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) ink supply units 48 for supplying ink corresponding to each of the sub-ink tanks 30 is provided in the main body housing 24. The position at which ink can be supplied to the sub ink tank 30 by the ink supply unit 48 is the ink supply position of the recording head carriage 14.
The ink supply position is the same as the home position,
The position is detected by the position sensor 22. The ink supply position may be the same position as the home position, but is different in the present embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, below the ink supply device 46, a main ink tank 50 is disposed. The ink used in the inkjet recording device 12 is stored in the main ink tank 50 in advance, and the ink is supplied to the sub-ink tank 30 by the ink supply device 46 and used for image recording. The main ink tank 50 is arranged so as to partially overlap (substantially over the entirety in the present embodiment) with the ink replenishing device 46 when viewed in a plan view, so that the overall size of the ink jet recording apparatus 12 is reduced.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ink supply device 46 includes a fixed frame 52 integrally fixed to the main body housing 24 of the ink jet recording apparatus 12.
And a guide frame 54 is arranged in the fixed frame 52. A predetermined gap 56 is formed in the width direction between the fixed frame 52 and the guide frame 54, and the guide frame 54 is in the fixed frame 52 in the same direction as the moving direction of the recording head carriage 14 (main scanning direction). It can move within a certain range in the direction. This gap 5
A compression coil spring 58 is provided on 6, and the guide frame 54 is held in the fixed frame 52 at substantially the center in the width direction. In the following, the term “width direction” simply refers to the same direction as the width direction of the guide frame 54. This “width direction” corresponds to the recording head carriage 1
4 coincides with the main scanning direction (direction of arrow M).

Near the opposite ends of the guide frame 54 in the width direction, a pair of positioning arms 60 are provided so as to be slidable toward the recording head carriage 14. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the positioning arm 60 is at a position where it does not come into contact with the recording head carriage 14 in a normal state. Also, the inner surface 60A of the positioning arm 60
The spacing between the (opposing surfaces) is set equal to the width of the recording head carriage frame 26 of the recording head carriage 14.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the positioning arm 60 has a tapered surface 62 formed at the end on the recording head carriage 14 side, which is cut obliquely with respect to the recording head carriage 14. As shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, when the recording head carriage 14 is shifted in the width direction with respect to the guide frame 54 in a state where the recording head carriage 14 is stopped at the ink supply position (in FIG. (Indicated by a two-dot chain line), positioning arm 6
0 approaches the recording head carriage 14 when one of the positioning arms 60 is tapered.
Contacts the corner of the recording head carriage frame 26. If the positioning arm 60 further approaches the recording head carriage 14 in this state, the movement in the approach direction is converted into the movement in the width direction of the guide frame 54. You. Thereby, the guide frame 54 moves in the width direction against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 58 (one of the gaps 56 between the fixed frame 52 and the guide frame 54 expands and the other narrows). When the positioning arm 60 further approaches the recording head carriage 14, as shown in FIG. 5, the side surface 26S of the recording head carriage frame 26 and the inner side surface 60A of the positioning arm 60 come into contact, and the recording head carriage 14 and the guide frame 54 Are accurately positioned in the width direction. Thus, the four ink supply units 4
8 is also integrally positioned with respect to the corresponding sub ink tank 30.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the inside of the positioning arm 60 is formed as a pressing piece housing portion 64, and a part of the pressing piece 66 housed in the pressing piece housing portion 64 is used as a positioning arm. The projection 60 protrudes from the inner side surface 60A.
The pressing piece 66 is slidable in the pressing piece housing portion 64, and is urged by a compression coil spring 68 in a direction approaching the recording head carriage 14. Then, in a state where the side surface 26S of the recording head carriage frame 26 and the inner side surface 60A of the positioning arm 60 come into contact with each other and the recording head carriage 14 and the guide frame 54 are accurately positioned in the width direction, the positioning arm 60 is further moved. When the print head carriage 14 advances toward the recording head carriage 14, as shown in FIG.
Press. Thereby, the pressing piece 66 and the guide member 18
The print head carriage 14 is sandwiched between the print head carriage 14 and the recording head carriage 14 to prevent the print head carriage 14 from rattling.

The guide frame 54 is provided with ink supply units 48 corresponding to the four sub ink tanks 30. The ink supply unit 48 includes a guide frame 54.
, Slide independently of each other in the storage sections 70 provided in the sub-ink tanks 30 and approach and separate from the corresponding sub-ink tanks 30. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the movement area when the ink supply unit 48 approaches or separates from the recording head carriage 14 (sub ink tank 30) is determined when the maintenance station 20 approaches or separates from the recording head carriage 14. It does not overlap with the moving area. Therefore, when one of the ink supply unit 48 and the maintenance station 20 is moved toward and away from the recording head carriage 14, it is not necessary to retract the other.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, on the surface of each ink supply unit 48 facing the sub ink tank 30, an exhaust port 74 is provided at a position corresponding to the exhaust port 42 of the sub ink tank 30. An ink supply port 76 is provided at a position corresponding to the ink supply port 44 of the sub ink tank 30.
8 moves toward the sub-ink tank 30,
The exhaust port 74 is connected to the exhaust port 42, and the ink supply port 76 is connected to the ink supply port 44.

Each of the ink supply units 48
A cap 72 is attached to the sub-ink tank 30 at a position corresponding to the air communication hole 38. The ink supply unit 48 approaches the sub-ink tank 30, and the exhaust port 74 is connected to the exhaust port 42 and the ink supply port 7.
After the ink supply units 6 are connected to the ink supply ports 44, respectively, the ink supply unit 48 further approaches the sub-ink tank 30, so that the cap 72 seals the atmosphere communication hole 38, and the inside and outside of the sub-ink tank 30 are connected. The shape and the mounting position of the cap 72 are set so as to prevent the air from flowing.

A positioning pin 78 projects from the ink supply unit 48 toward the sub-ink tank 30. On the other hand, the sub ink tank 30 is provided with a positioning port 80 at a position corresponding to the positioning pin 78. The positioning pin 78 has a cylindrical positioning portion 82 having a constant outer diameter, and a guide portion 84 formed in a tapered conical shape on the distal end side of the positioning portion 82. The outer diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the positioning port 80. When the ink supply unit 48 approaches the sub ink tank 30, first,
The guide portion 84 on the distal end side of the positioning pin 78 enters the positioning port 80. Since the guide portion 84 has a tapered shape, the positioning pin 78 enters the positioning port 80 even if the center of the positioning pin 78 and the center of the positioning port 80 are shifted. Then, as the ink supply unit 48 further approaches the sub-ink tank 30, the guide portion 84 gradually moves the center of the positioning pin 78 and the center of the positioning port 80 so as to coincide with each other. Further, when the positioning section 82 reaches the positioning port 80, the center of the positioning pin 78 and the center of the positioning port 80 match, and the ink supply unit 4
8 and the sub ink tank 30 are individually positioned.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, between the upper surface, the lower surface, and both side surfaces of the ink supply unit 48 and the upper surface, the lower surface, and both side surfaces of the storage unit 70 that houses the ink supply unit 48, Each has a predetermined gap 86. Guide pins 88 project from each of these surfaces of the ink supply unit 48, and each of the guide pins 88 is
Are accommodated in the guide grooves 90 formed on the respective surfaces.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the guide groove 90 has a holding portion 90A formed to have a width slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guide pin 88, and a holding portion 90A near the end near the sub-ink tank 30. The wide part 90B which becomes gradually wide is formed. The position of the wide portion 90B is set in a state where the ink supply unit 48 approaches the sub ink tank 30 and the positioning pin 78 enters the positioning port 80.
The guide pin 88 is set so as to exist in the wide portion 90B. Therefore, when the positioning pin 78 does not enter the positioning port 80, the guide pin 88 moves in the holding section 90A, and the ink supply unit 48 slides in the storage section 70 without play. When the positioning pin 78 has entered the positioning port 80, the guide pin 88 has reached the wide portion 90B, and a gap is formed between the guide pin 88 and the wide portion 90B. Is in the accommodation section 70,
It is possible to move within a certain range in the vertical direction and the width direction. Accordingly, in this state, that is, in a state in which the positioning pin 78 has entered the positioning port 80, the guide of the ink supply unit 48 by the guide pin 88 and the guide groove 90 is substantially released, and instead, the positioning pin 78 is replaced. And the positioning port 80 is used for accurate positioning. In addition, the gap between the guide pin 88 and the wide portion 90B increases as the guide pin 88 approaches the sub-ink tank 30, so that the ink supply unit 48
The range in which the can be moved in the up-down direction and the width direction also increases accordingly.

As shown in FIG. 9, an ink supply pipe 92 is provided in the ink supply port 76 provided in each ink supply unit 48. The ink supply pipe 92 has a pipe main body 94 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole. A communication hole 96 through which ink supplied to the sub ink tank 30 flows out is formed at the tip of the pipe body 94. The vicinity of the distal end of the pipe body 94 is tapered so that the diameter gradually decreases toward the distal end.

A valve body 98 is accommodated in the pipe body 94 so as to be movable in its longitudinal direction, and a bracket 102 is press-fitted via an O-ring 100 to the rear end side.

The valve body 98 has an annular packing 104 made of an elastic member, a packing holder 106 that holds the packing 104 and is slidable in the pipe body 94, and a packing holder 106.
And a compression coil spring 108, which is disposed between the gasket 102 and the bracket 102, and urges the packing holder 106 and the packing 104 toward the communication hole 96.
Normally, the packing holder 106 and the packing 104 are urged toward the communication hole 96 by the compression coil spring 108, and the packing 104 is pressed around the communication hole 96 to close the communication hole 96. C)
And (D), the compression coil spring 108
When the packing holder 106 and the packing 104 slide against the urging force and the packing 104 is separated from the periphery of the communication hole 96, ink can flow.

From the packing holder 106, a valve contact portion 110 is provided so as to project therefrom. The valve abutting portion 110 penetrates through the packing 104, and its tip is exposed to the outside through the communication hole 96, and is pushed by a valve protrusion 122 described later.

At the rear end of the bracket 102, the cover 11
2, one end of the ink supply tube 124 is connected. As shown in FIG. 3, the other end of the ink supply tube 124 is connected to a main ink tank 50 in which ink used for image recording is stored in advance. As described later, when the ink supply port 76 is connected to the ink supply port 44 of the sub ink tank 30, an ink flow path from the main ink tank 50 to the sub ink tank 30 is formed.

On the other hand, a gasket 114 is disposed inside the ink supply port 44 of the sub-ink tank 30 and is held at a predetermined position by a gasket cover 112 so as not to fall off. A ring-shaped bulging portion 114A is formed on the outer periphery of the gasket 114. The bulging portion 114A is pressed against the inner surface of the ink supply port 44, so that ink or air from between the bulging portions 114A is compressed. Blocking flow. The gasket 114 is formed with a lip portion 114B that protrudes annularly inward, and as shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the lip portion 114B is inserted into the inserted pipe main body 94 over the entire circumference from the outside. In contact therewith, the flow of ink and air from between them is blocked. Between the gasket cover 112 and the gasket 114,
An annular pressing ring 116 is provided to limit the deformation of the lip portion 114B in the insertion / removal direction when the pipe body 94 is inserted / removed, to a certain range. Thus, when the pipe body 94 is moved (removed and inserted) in the ink supply port 44, the lip portion 114B inadvertently follows and becomes a resistance for removal and insertion, or the lip portion 114B
The adhesion to the outer periphery of the pipe body 94 is not reduced.

In the ink supply port 44, the gasket 11
The valve 118 is disposed further to the rear side than the fourth. The valve 118 is normally urged by a compression coil spring 120 in the ink supply port 44 and is pressed against an annular protrusion 114C formed on the gasket 114 to close the ink flow path. As shown in (C) and (D), when the slider slides against the urging force of the compression coil spring 120 and separates from the protrusion 114C, an ink flow path is formed. In the present embodiment, the spring constant of the compression coil spring 120 is set to be larger than the spring constant of the compression coil spring 108.

From the valve 118, the packing holder 1
A valve protrusion 122 is provided so as to face the valve contact portion 110 of FIG. When the pipe main body 94 is inserted into the ink supply port 44, as shown in FIG. 10B, the tip of the valve contact portion 110 and the tip of the valve projection 122 come into contact with each other and press each other. With this pressing force, the valve element 98 and the valve 118 slide to form an ink flow path. In the present embodiment, the spring constant of the compression coil spring 120 is
Is set to be larger than the spring constant of the ink supply path. First, an ink flow path is formed in the pipe main body 94, and then, an ink flow path is formed in the ink supply port 44. Thus, the ink supply unit 48 and the sub ink tank 30 are liquid-connected. Note that both the packing holder 106 and the valve 118 have communication holes 106D,
118D is formed so as not to obstruct the flow of ink at the time of liquid connection.

The positions and shapes of the valve contact portion 110 and the valve protrusion 122 are determined after the pipe main body 94 is inserted into the ink supply port 44 and the lip portion 114B is brought into close contact with at least the outer peripheral portion of the pipe main body 94. It has a predetermined position and shape so that an ink flow path is formed.

FIG. 11 shows the exhaust port 74 and the exhaust port 42. Exhaust port 74 and exhaust port 42
Is for discharging the air in the sub-ink tank 30 as described later, and the ink does not circulate inside. Therefore, the exhaust port 74 is not provided with the valve element 98 inside the pipe body 94. That is, the pipe body 94
The communication hole 96 is always open and the pipe body 94
Is provided with a valve contact portion 110 capable of pressing the valve protrusion 122. Even with such a configuration, when the pipe main body 94 is inserted into the exhaust port 42, the valve abutment portion 110 presses the valve protrusion 122 to push the gasket 114, so that an air flow path is formed, and The air in the sub ink tank 30 can be discharged from the tube 126. Since the exhaust port 74 and the exhaust port 42 have the same configuration as the ink supply port 76 and the ink supply port 44 shown in FIG. 9 except for the above, the same components, members, and the like in FIG. The same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 12, and 13, a fixed frame 52 includes a drive motor 128 for driving the ink supply device 46, and a displacement of an ink supply unit that rotates by receiving the drive force of the drive motor 128. Gear train 130,
A pump drive gear train 132 and a clutch unit 134 for switching transmission of rotational force to the ink supply unit displacement gear train 130 or the pump drive gear train 132 in accordance with forward and reverse rotations of the drive motor 128 are provided.

The clutch unit 134 includes the drive motor 1
An input gear 138 meshing with the drive gear 136 of FIG. 28, a swing arm 140 arranged to be swingable around the axis of the input gear 138, and attached to the tip of the swing arm 140, The output gear 142 is configured to mesh with the gear 138 and receive a rotational force. When the drive motor 128 rotates forward, the swing arm 140 swings counterclockwise as shown in FIG.
2 meshes with the gear train 130 for ink supply unit displacement.
On the other hand, when the drive motor 128 rotates in the reverse direction, the swing arm 140 swings clockwise as shown in FIG. 13 and the output gear 142 meshes with the pump drive gear train 132.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2, 3 and 12,
In the fixed frame 52, a cam unit 144 that rotates by the rotational force transmitted by the ink supply unit displacement gear train 130 corresponds to each of the ink supply unit 48 and the positioning arm 60 (accordingly, in this embodiment, a total of 6), and coaxially and integrally rotated. Each cam unit 144 includes a forward cam 146 for advancing the corresponding ink supply unit 48 or the positioning arm 60, and a retreat cam 148 for retreat.

A cam follower unit 150 is arranged on the fixed frame 52. The cam follower unit 150 includes a forward cam 146 and a reverse cam 148.
The cam follower 152 for forward movement and the cam follower 154 for backward movement are respectively provided integrally, and are slidable in the same direction as the sliding direction of the ink supply unit 48.

Further, the fixed frame 52 has a support shaft 15
A link 160 that can swing around six turns, and the link 160
A link mechanism 158 composed of a displacement arm 162 whose one end is pivotally supported at one end is provided. The other end of the displacement arm 162 is pivotally supported by the positioning arm 60 or the ink supply unit 48. At substantially the center of the link 160, a cam follower unit 150 is pivotally supported. Thus, when the cam follower unit 150 slides, the slide amount is amplified by the link mechanism 158 and transmitted to the positioning arm 60 or the ink supply unit 48.

The position and formation of the forward cam 146 and the backward cam 148 are determined so that each of the cam units 144 can advance or retract the corresponding positioning arm 60 or the ink supply unit 48 at a predetermined timing. Have been. In addition, the fixed frame 52 includes
A sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotational position of the cam unit 144 is attached. Based on the rotation angle of the cam unit 144 detected by the sensor, a control circuit (not shown) drives the drive motor 128 to The initial position is set and the rotation angle is controlled.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the cam unit 144 receives the rotational force due to the forward rotation of the drive motor 128 to rotate.
First, when the rotation angle of the cam unit 144 reaches 10 degrees, the positioning arm 60 moves forward by the advancing cam 146 of the cam unit 144 corresponding to the positioning arm 60 (see FIG. 5). When the rotation angle of the cam unit 144 reaches 40 degrees, as shown in FIG. 6, the positioning arm 60 becomes the most advanced position, and thereafter, the positioning arm 60 is held at this position until the rotation angle reaches 320 degrees. You.

When the rotation angle of the cam unit 144 is 4
When it reaches 0 degrees, the black ink supply unit 48
Forward cam 146 of cam unit 144 corresponding to Bk
With this, the ink supply unit 48Bk starts moving forward,
When the rotation angle reaches 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. 15A, the ink supply unit 48Bk reaches the most advanced position and is held at this position until the rotation angle reaches 110 degrees (here, drive Stop the rotation of the motor 128,
Alternatively, even if the rotation is reversed, the cam unit 144 does not rotate, so that the ink supply unit 48Bk can be held at this position until the drive motor 128 is rotated forward again.)

When the cam unit 144 further rotates,
The ink replenishment unit 48B starts retreating by the retreat cam 148, and when the rotation angle reaches 140 degrees, the ink replenishment unit 48B retreats to the initial position. When the rotation angle reaches 110 degrees (that is, at the same time when the ink supply unit 48B starts retreating), the cam unit 144 corresponding to the cyan ink supply unit 48C.
Replenishment unit 48C
Starts moving forward, and becomes the most advanced position at 160 degrees.
Thereafter, when the rotation angle is 160 to 180 degrees, the most advanced position is maintained (see FIG. 15B), and when the rotation angle reaches 180 degrees, the reversing cam 148 starts retreating. I do. Therefore, the cyan ink supply unit 48 is replaced by the black ink supply unit 48.
The same operation is performed with a rotation angle of 70 degrees behind B. Thereafter, similarly, the magenta ink supply unit 48M moves forward and backward with a delay of 70 degrees with respect to the cyan ink supply unit (see FIG. 16A), and the yellow ink supply unit 48Y supplies the magenta ink supply unit. The unit 48M moves forward and backward with a delay of 70 degrees with respect to the unit 48M (see FIG. 16B). As described above, in the ink replenishing device 46 of the present embodiment, the cam units 144 corresponding to the respective ink replenishing units 48 are provided with a predetermined (70 ° in this embodiment) phase difference.
Each ink supply unit 48 can be independently moved forward and backward with respect to the corresponding sub ink tank 30.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the drive motor 128 rotates in the reverse direction, the swing arm 140 constituting the clutch unit 134 swings clockwise, and the output gear 142
Are meshed with the pump drive gear train 132, so that the rotational force of the drive motor 128 is transmitted to the pump shaft 166 of the pump unit 164.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pump unit 164
Has four roller pumps 168 corresponding to the exhaust tubes 126 extending from each ink supply unit 48. As shown in FIG. 3, each roller pump 168 includes a rotating plate 170 that rotates integrally with the pump shaft 166, and one or a plurality (in the present embodiment, diagonally (Two) rollers 172. On the other hand, the exhaust tube 126 is disposed so as to partially surround the rotary plate 170, and the roller 172 locally crushes the exhaust tube 126. Therefore, when the rotating plate 170 rotates clockwise in FIG.
72 moves the exhaust tube 126 in a squeezed manner, and discharges the fluid (air in this embodiment) in the exhaust tube 126 from the other end of the exhaust tube 126 to the atmosphere. Note that each roller pump 168 has a roller 172 when viewed along the axial direction of the pump shaft 166.
The mounting angles of the respective rotating plates 170 are determined so that are arranged at equal intervals as a whole. In the present embodiment, since four roller pumps 168 are arranged, as can be seen from FIG.
Are shifted by 45 degrees each other, and when viewed along the pump shaft 166, the roller 172 has a central angle of 22.
They are arranged at equal intervals of 5 degrees. Accordingly, the resistance acting on the pump unit 164 (particularly, the rotational resistance due to the pressing force of the roller 172 by the reaction force of the exhaust tube 126) is dispersed, and the pump unit 164 rotates smoothly.

Driving of the drive motor 128 (forward rotation or reverse rotation)
The advance and retreat of the ink supply unit 48 and the driving of the pump unit 164 are controlled by a control circuit (not shown) so that the timing does not overlap with the maintenance operation by the maintenance station 20.

Next, the ink replenishing device 46 of this embodiment will be described.
The operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 12 and the ink supply method by the ink supply apparatus 46 will be described.

An image is recorded on the recording medium P by moving the recording head carriage 14 in the main scanning direction and the recording medium P in the sub-scanning direction while ejecting ink droplets from the recording head 28 in accordance with the image information. Be recorded. Since the ink droplets are generated by the ink supplied from the sub ink tank 30 to the recording head 28, the amount of ink in the sub ink tank 30 decreases as the image is recorded.

When the recording head 28 enters a predetermined state requiring maintenance, a control circuit (not shown) moves the recording head carriage 14 to the home position and brings the maintenance station 20 closer to the recording head 28. Perform a predetermined maintenance operation. As a result, the recording head 28 recovers to an optimal state for ink ejection, and as a result, always maintains an optimal state for ink ejection, so that a high-quality image can be recorded on the recording medium P.

When the ink amount sensor 40 detects that the ink in the specific sub-ink tank 30 has decreased to a predetermined amount and sends the information to a control circuit (not shown), the control circuit supplies the recording head carriage 14 with ink. Move to position. At this time, the control circuit controls the maintenance station 20 not to operate.

Next, the control circuit rotates the drive motor 128 forward so that the cam unit 144 rotates by an angle corresponding to the specific sub-ink tank 30. For example,
When black ink is supplied to the sub-ink tank 30Bk, the drive motor 128 is rotated forward so that the rotation angle of the cam unit 144 is 90 degrees or more and 110 degrees or less, as can be seen from FIG.

At this time, first, when the rotation angle of the cam unit 144 reaches 10 degrees, the positioning arm 60 starts to advance, so that the recording head carriage 14 and the guide frame 54 are shifted in the width direction. The tapered surface 62 of one of the positioning arms 60 contacts the corner of the recording head carriage frame 26. When the positioning arm 60 further approaches the recording head carriage 14 in this state, the movement in the approaching direction is converted into the movement in the width direction of the guide frame 54, so that the elastic force of the compression coil spring 58 is prevented. Then, the guide frame 54 moves in the width direction. When the positioning arm 60 further approaches the recording head carriage 14, as shown in FIG. 5, the side surface 26C of the recording head carriage frame 26 and the inner side surface 60A of the positioning arm 60 come into contact, and the recording head carriage 14 and the guide frame 54 Are accurately positioned in the width direction. For example, the stop position (ink supply position) of the recording head carriage 14 is slightly shifted,
Even if the misalignment is caused by various other factors, the misalignment is eliminated and the four ink replenishing units 48
Are integrally positioned with respect to the corresponding sub-ink tank 30.

Further, when the positioning arm 60 moves forward and the pressing piece 66 comes into contact with the recording head carriage frame 26, the pressing arm 66 receives the urging force of the compression coil spring 68 and presses the recording head carriage 14. Thereby, the pressing piece 6
Between the recording head carriage 14 and the guide member 18
, The recording head carriage 14 is prevented from inadvertently rattling.

At this time, as can be seen from FIG. 14, the rotation angle of the cam unit 144 is 40 degrees, and the forward cam 146 of the cam unit 144 corresponding to black is set.
As a result, the forward cam follower 152 is pushed in the direction of approaching the sub ink tank 30, so that the ink supply unit 48Bk moves forward and starts approaching the sub ink tank 30Bk. During forward movement (in a state where the positioning pin 78 has not entered the positioning port 80), the guide pin 88
Moves in the holding portion 90A, and the ink supply unit 48 slides without rattling in the accommodating portion 70 of the guide frame 54.

When the ink supply unit 48 approaches the sub-ink tank 30, the positioning pin 78 starts to be inserted into the positioning port 80 as shown in FIG. Here, as can be seen from FIG. 17, before insertion, the packing 104 seals the communication hole 96 in the pipe body 94 (see FIG. 10A), and the inside of the pipe body 94 is sealed. I have. Similarly, in the ink supply port 44, the valve 118 is connected to the protrusion 114 of the gasket 114.
C, and communication with the atmosphere is blocked.

Since the guide portion 84 at the tip of the positioning pin 78 is tapered, when the positioning pin 78 is inserted into the positioning port 80,
The positioning pin 78 enters the positioning port 80 even if the center of the positioning port 80 deviates from the center of the positioning port 80. At this time, the guide pin 88 has reached the wide portion 90B, and a gap is formed between the guide pin 88 and the wide portion 90B. It is possible to move within a certain range. When the ink supply unit 48 further approaches the sub ink tank 30, the positioning pins 7 are
8 gradually moves in a direction where the center of the positioning port 80 coincides with the center of the positioning port 80. When the positioning section 82 reaches the positioning port 80, the center of the positioning pin 78 and the center of the positioning port 80 match as shown in FIG. The ink tank 30 is accurately positioned.

Next, FIGS. 10B and 10C and FIG.
As can be seen from FIG. 7, the ink supply port 36 advances and the tip of the pipe main body 94 enters the ink supply port 44 (start of the pipe insertion process), and the valve contact portion 110 and the valve protrusion 122 contact. Here, the pipe body 9
When 4 is inserted, the valve contact portion 110 and the valve protrusion 122 press each other. Since the compression coil spring 108 in the pipe main body 94 has a smaller spring constant than the compression coil spring 120 in the ink supply port 44, first, only the pipe main body 94 moves forward while the compression coil spring 108 is contracted. (The valve body 98 is strictly stationary), and the valve body 98 opens the communication hole 96. At this time, the lip 11
4B are in close contact, and the space between them is sealed.

Further, the pipe body 94 is connected to the ink supply port 44.
10C, the distal end of the pipe main body 94 comes into contact with the valve 118 as shown in FIG. 10C, so that the compression coil spring 120 is pushed by the pipe main body 94 via the valve 118 and starts to contract. (The valve body 98 and the pipe body 94 enter the ink supply port 44 integrally while maintaining a substantially constant position relatively). Thereby, the valve 1
18 is separated from the projection 114C of the gasket 114,
The gap between these begins to open.

As shown in FIG. 10D, the pipe body 9
4 with the ink supply unit 4
Reference numeral 8 denotes an ink replenishing position, in which the connection between the ink replenishment port 76 and the ink replenishment port 44 of the sub ink tank 30 is completed and liquid connection is made, and an ink flow path from the main ink tank 50 to the sub ink tank 30Bk is formed. Is done.
At the same time, the connection between the exhaust port 34 and the exhaust port 42 is completed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
Seals the air communication hole 38 and prevents the flow of air between the inside and the outside of the sub ink tank 30 (end of the pipe insertion step). Therefore, the specific ink supply unit 48 can be connected to the sub ink tank 30 by rotating the drive motor 128 in the normal direction and setting the cam unit 144 to a specific rotation angle.

Here, a control circuit (not shown) causes the drive motor 128 to rotate in the reverse direction. The swing arm 140 of the clutch unit 134 swings clockwise in FIG. 12, and as shown in FIG. 13, the rotational force of the drive motor 128 is changed to the pump drive gear train 130 instead of the ink supply unit displacement gear train 130. Switched to be transmitted to column 132. As a result, the roller pump 168 constituting the pump unit 164 is driven while the position of the ink supply unit 48Bk is maintained at the ink supply position.
The internal air is exhausted from the exhaust port 42 of k. At this time, since the air communication hole 38 of the sub ink tank 30Bk is sealed by the cap 72, the air communication hole 38
Therefore, air can be surely exhausted from the sub ink tank 30Bk. The roller pump 168 is also driven for the ink supply unit 48 that has not advanced to the ink supply position.
4 is open, so that there is no resistance in driving the roller pump 168.

The control circuit operates the drive motor 12 for a predetermined time.
A predetermined amount of ink is supplied to the sub ink tank 30 in order to reverse the rotation of the ink tank 8. The reverse rotation time of the drive motor 128 may be a fixed time set in advance, or feedback control may be performed based on the ink amount information from the ink amount sensor 40 to determine the reverse rotation time.

Next, the control circuit rotates the drive motor 128 forward. The swing link 160 swings counterclockwise in FIG. 13, and as shown in FIG. 12, the rotational force of the drive motor 128 is transmitted to the ink supply unit displacement gear train 130 again. 144 rotates. As can be seen from FIG. 14, when the rotation angle of the cam unit 144 reaches 110 degrees, the ink supply unit 48
Bk starts retreating. The cap 72 has the air communication hole 38.
, The interior of the sub ink tank 30 is opened to the atmospheric pressure.

As can be seen from FIG. 17, since the pipe body 94 starts to retreat from the ink supply port 44 (start of the pipe removing step), the valve 118 slides by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 120, and the gasket 11
4 approaches the protrusion 114C. Then, the valve 118
Is returned to the initial position and comes into close contact with the protrusion 114C, the valve element 98 in the pipe body 94 is compressed by the compression coil spring 10C.
The valve body 98 slides by receiving the elastic force of the communication hole 8.
Move towards. Further, during this operation, the outer peripheral portion of the pipe main body 94 separates from the lip portion 114B, and these seals are released. Then, the valve element 98 returns to the initial position to seal the communication hole 96, and the pipe body 94 is pulled out from the ink supply port 44 (end of the pulling-out step).

When the drive motor 128 further rotates forward and the rotation angle of the cam unit 144 becomes 140 degrees, the retreat of the ink supply unit 48Bk ends, and the ink supply unit 48Bk returns to the initial position.

Thus, the replenishment of the ink to the sub ink tank 30Bk corresponding to black is completed. However, if it is necessary to replenish the ink to another sub ink tank 30, the rotation angle of the cam unit 144 is reduced. So that the angle corresponds to the sub ink tank 30 to be replenished,
The control circuit further causes the drive motor 128 to rotate forward. For example, when supplying ink to the sub ink tank 30C corresponding to cyan, the drive motor 128 is driven until the rotation angle of the cam unit 144 becomes 160 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less.
15B, the ink supply unit 48C is set to the ink supply position as shown in FIG. 15B, and in this state, the drive motor 128 is rotated in reverse to drive the roller pump 168 to supply ink to the sub ink tank 30C. I do. When a certain amount of ink is replenished, the control circuit rotates the drive motor 128 in the normal direction, retreats the ink replenishing unit 48C, and returns it to the initial position. If it is not necessary to supply ink to the sub-ink tank 30C, the drive motor 128 should not be rotated in reverse, so that the ink supply unit 48C only moves forward and backward and the pump unit 164 is not driven. No ink is supplied to 30C.

When the replenishment of ink to the desired sub ink tank 30 is completed in this way, as can be seen from FIG. 14, finally (strictly speaking, the ink replenishment unit 48Y
The positioning arm 60 is retracted by the retraction cam corresponding to the positioning arm 60 (simultaneously with the retraction operation of FIG. 3), and returns to the initial position. Thus, all the operations for replenishing the sub ink tank 30 with ink are completed.

As can be understood from the above description, in the present embodiment, the ink supply unit 48 corresponding to the specific sub-ink tank 30 requiring ink supply among the plurality of sub-ink tanks 30 is selectively selected. By moving to the replenishment position, ink can be supplied to the sub ink tank 30 for each color.

When the ink supply unit 48 moves to the supply position at the time of ink supply, the ink supply port 36 is connected to the ink supply port 44. Gasket 11
4 is only the sliding resistance with the lip portion 114B and the elastic force of the compression coil spring 108 or the compression coil spring 120. Outer circumference of pipe body 94 and gasket 114
Of the lip portion 114B is extremely small as compared with the related art (especially, in the present embodiment, the deformation of the lip portion 114B is prevented by the pressing ring 116, so that the sliding resistance is small). Also, the compression coil spring 108
Are not compressed at the same time (the compression coil spring 108 is compressed first, then the compression coil spring 120 is compressed), and the elastic force is applied from both. Does not work. Moreover, the compression coil spring 1
08 is sufficient if it has an elastic force enough to close the communication hole 98, so that a small elastic force can be adopted. Accordingly, the compression coil spring 120 also has a small spring constant (for example, a compression coil spring). 108, which has a slightly larger spring constant than that of P.108).

When the ink supply port 36 is connected to the ink supply port 44, no other resistance acts. For this reason, the force required when displacing the ink supply unit 48 is small. Since the driving force of the driving motor 128 is small, the driving motor 128 can be downsized and the ink supply unit 4 can be manufactured at low cost.
8 can be displaced.

Further, since the valve body 98 and the valve 118 are moved to the open position by utilizing the displacement of the ink supply unit 48, an ink flow path is formed.
There is no need to provide a member for moving the valve body 98 and the valve 118 to the open position, and the configuration can be simplified.

Further, since the pipe body 94 of the ink supply port 36 has a tapered shape that gradually becomes thinner toward the tip, resistance when the ink supply port 44 is inserted into the ink supply port 44 is reduced, and insertion becomes easy. In addition, during insertion, the outer peripheral portion of the pipe body 94 is
Since it is in close contact with B, it is possible to prevent ink leakage and air mixing during ink replenishment.

[0093]

According to the present invention, a sub-ink tank for supplying ink to a recording head for discharging ink droplets to a recording medium based on image information, and a main ink in which ink to be supplied to the sub-ink tank is stored in advance. A connection member structure of an ink supply system that connects the tank and the ink so that the ink can flow therethrough, the joint member being provided in each of the main ink tank and the sub ink tank and allowing the ink to flow therein; And an opening provided in at least one of the joint members for connecting the joint members in a connected state, and an opening provided in at least one of the joint members for closing the opening and opening the opening apart from the opening. And a biasing means for biasing the valve body to the closed position. By the connecting operation of moving the joint members in the connecting direction, the valve body is movable to the open position, so when moving the valve body from the closed position to the open position, a small moving force Since it can be moved and a small driving member for driving the joint member is sufficient, the cost is reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a recording head carriage of an ink jet recording apparatus provided with an ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention and the vicinity thereof.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway side view showing a schematic configuration of an ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing, on an enlarged scale, an ink supply unit of an ink supply device and a sub-ink tank of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway plan view showing, on an enlarged scale, an ink supply unit of the ink supply device and a sub ink tank of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway plan view showing the ink supply unit of the ink supply device and the sub ink tank of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention in an enlarged manner with the positioning arm advanced.

FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway plan view showing, in an enlarged manner, an ink supply unit of the ink supply device and a sub-ink tank of the ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state where the ink supply unit is moving forward.

FIG. 8 is a partially broken plan view showing the ink supply unit of the ink supply device and the sub ink tank of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention in an enlarged manner when the ink supply unit reaches the supply position. is there.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection structure between an ink supply port of an ink supply device and an ink supply port of a sub ink tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view sequentially showing (A) to (D) a process of connecting an ink supply port of the ink supply device and an ink supply port of the sub ink tank according to the embodiment of the present invention. .

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a connection portion between an exhaust port of an ink supply device and an exhaust port of a sub ink tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway side view showing a drive system for displacing the ink supply unit in the ink supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a partially cutaway side view showing a drive system for driving a pump unit in the ink supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a chart showing the relationship between the angle of a cam unit, the position of a positioning arm, and the position of an ink supply unit in the ink supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

15A and 15B show a state in which each ink supply unit has advanced to the ink supply unit in the ink supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15A shows an ink supply unit corresponding to black, and FIG. Is a case of the ink supply unit corresponding to.

16A and 16B show a state in which each ink supply unit has advanced to the ink supply unit in the ink supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16A shows an ink supply unit corresponding to magenta, and FIG. Is a case of the ink supply unit corresponding to.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing a connection state between the ink supply port of the ink supply device and the ink supply port of the sub ink tank according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are cross-sectional views illustrating a connection structure of a conventional ink supply system, wherein FIG.

19A and 19B are cross-sectional views illustrating a connection structure of a conventional ink supply system, wherein FIG. 19A is a first connection and FIG. 19B is a second connection.

20 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection structure of the conventional ink supply system shown in FIG. 19 in a connected state.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 12 inkjet recording device 14 recording head carriage 18 guide member 20 maintenance station 26 recording head carriage frame 28 recording head 30 sub ink tank 34 exhaust port 36 ink supply port 38 atmosphere communication hole 42 exhaust port 44 ink supply port 46 ink supply device 48 ink supply unit 50 main ink tank 60 positioning arm 62 tapered surface 66 pressing piece 74 exhaust port 76 ink supply port 78 positioning pin 80 positioning port 84 guide section 92 ink supply pipe 94 pipe body (insertion section) 98 valve Body 104 Packing 108 Compression coil spring (biasing means) 110 Valve contact portion (pressing member) 114 Gasket 114B Lip portion (close contact member) 116 Pressing ring ( Limit member) 118 Valve (valve element) 120 Compression coil spring (biasing means) 122 Valve protrusion (pressing member) 124 Ink supply tube 128 Drive motor 130 Ink supply unit displacement gear train 132 Pump drive gear train 134 Clutch Unit 144 Cam unit 146 Forward cam 148 Reverse cam 150 Cam follower unit 152 Forward cam follower 154 Reverse cam follower 158 Link mechanism 164 Pump unit 168 Roller pump

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Mitsuhide Soga 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Ebina Office (72) Inventor Koji Suenaga 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. In-house (72) Inventor Katsushi Ayome 2274 Hongo, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Ebina Works F-term (reference) 2C056 EA23 EA24 EB21 EB50 EC20 EC64 KB04 KB08 KB19 KB37 KC16 KD08

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An ink supply system comprising: a sub-ink tank for supplying ink to a recording head for discharging ink droplets to a recording medium based on image information; and a main ink tank in which ink to be supplied to the sub-ink tank is stored in advance. Is a connection portion structure of an ink supply system that is connected so as to be able to circulate, and is provided in each of the main ink tank and the sub ink tank, and a joint member in which ink can flow therein; An opening for connecting the joint members in a connected state, and a closing position provided on at least one of the joint members for closing the opening and an opening position separated from the opening and opening the opening. And a biasing means for biasing the valve body to the closed position. A connection structure for an ink supply system, wherein the valve element can be moved to the open position by a connection operation for moving joint members in a connection direction. 2. The connection structure of an ink supply system according to claim 1, wherein said valve body and said urging means are provided on both of said joint members. 3. A pressing member for pressing the valve body to the open position by an operation of moving the joint members in a direction in which the joint members communicate with each other through the opening. 3. The connection structure of the ink supply system according to item 1. 4. A close contact provided on at least one of the joint members, wherein at least the valve body is moved to an open position, the joint members are brought into close contact with each other to make the inside of the joint members fluid-tight to the outside. The connection structure of an ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a member. 5. The ink supply according to claim 1, wherein one of the joint members has an insertion portion inserted into and connected to the other opening of the joint member. Connection structure of the system. 6. The insertion part has a tapered shape that gradually becomes thinner toward the distal end side in the insertion direction of a joint member provided with the insertion part.
3. The connection structure of the ink supply system according to item 1. 7. The lip portion provided on the other of the joint members and being in close contact with the insertion portion inserted into the opening of the joint member from the outside over the entire circumference. A connection structure for an ink supply system according to claim 5 or 6. 8. The connection structure for an ink supply system according to claim 7, further comprising a restricting member that restricts deformation of the lip portion in a direction in which the insertion portion moves forward and backward within a predetermined range. . 9. A recording head unit comprising: a recording head for discharging ink droplets onto a recording medium based on image information; and a sub-ink tank for storing ink supplied to the recording head. The ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a main ink tank in which ink to be supplied to the tank is stored in advance, and the ink is connected to allow the ink to flow from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank. An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a connecting portion structure;