JP2002172798A - Ink jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink jet printer wherein structures of a plurality of ink reservoir chambers or coupling sections of tubes coupled thereto can be simplified and air stayed in the ink chambers can be efficiently discharged. SOLUTION: The plurality of tubes are integrally supported with a joint member 12 having a plurality of coupling holes 12a-12d each in a communicating condition. A plurality of air traps 30-33 are juxtaposed corresponding to a plurality of printing heads and integrally formed in a single case member. The plurality of tubes are coupled with the air traps 30-33 through the plurality of coupling holes 12a-12d. The joint member 12 is constituted of an elastic member so that the coupling of the plurality of coupling holes 12a-12d with the corresponding air traps 30-33 can be facilitated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink-jet printer, and more particularly to a simplified ink-jet printer, which simplifies the structure of a plurality of ink storage chambers and a connecting portion between the ink storage chambers and an ink flow path member, and efficiently removes air stored in the ink storage chambers. The present invention relates to an inkjet printer that can be eliminated.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As one form of an ink supply system of a conventional ink jet printer, there is a tube supply type for supplying ink to a print head from an ink tank via a tube.

[0003] According to this tube supply type, it is not necessary to mount an ink tank on a print head (carriage), so that the print head is reduced in size and weight. With a smaller and lighter print head, the torque required for scanning is smaller.Therefore, the motor that scans the print head can be reduced in size to reduce the size of the device itself, or to operate the print head at high speed. High-speed printing. In addition, the capacity of the ink tank provided separately from the print head can be increased, and the replacement time of the ink tank (ink supply period) can be lengthened.

However, in the case of the tube supply type, since the ink from the ink tank is connected to the print head via the tube, the tube and the print head are connected to each other in order to facilitate the connection between the tube and the print head. It is necessary to connect the tube and the print head via a connecting member in the connection of (1). Also, in order to absorb pressure fluctuations of the ink generated in the tube when the carriage reverses the scanning direction, and to prevent bubbles invading from the wall surface and the connection portion of the tube from causing ink discharge failure of the print head,
It has been practiced to provide an ink storage chamber on a carriage.

[0005]

However, in the case of an ink jet printer having a plurality of print heads, a plurality of connecting members and ink storage chambers are required, which increases the number of parts and the manufacturing cost. was there. Further, it has not been easy to remove bubbles accumulated in the ink storage chamber.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and simplifies the structure of an ink storage chamber and a connecting portion between the ink storage chamber and the ink flow path member. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet printer capable of efficiently eliminating the problem.

[0007]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet printer comprising a plurality of print heads for discharging ink from one or a plurality of ink discharge ports to perform printing on a print medium. , A plurality of ink tanks provided outside the carriage for storing ink supplied to the plurality of print heads, and a plurality of ink tanks for supplying ink from the plurality of ink tanks to the plurality of print heads, respectively. A flexible ink flow path member, which is mounted on the carriage and stores ink supplied from a plurality of ink tanks to supply the plurality of print heads to the plurality of print heads, respectively. It has a plurality of ink storage chambers juxtaposed to correspond to the print head, and a plurality of connection ports that can be connected to the plurality of ink storage chambers. , And a connecting member that integrally supports the plurality of ink flow path member in communication with said plurality of connection ports.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of flexible ink flow path members are connected to each other by the plurality of connection members having the plurality of connection ports which can be connected to the plurality of ink storage chambers. The plurality of ink storage chambers are integrally supported in communication with the ports, and are connected to the plurality of ink storage chambers mounted on the carriage and juxtaposed corresponding to the plurality of print heads by the plurality of connection ports.

Ink supplied from a plurality of ink tanks provided outside the carriage is first stored in the plurality of ink storage chambers via a plurality of flexible ink flow path members. The ink stored in the plurality of ink storage chambers is supplied to a plurality of print heads mounted on a carriage. The ink supplied to the print head is discharged from one or a plurality of ink discharge ports of the print head, and printing is performed on a print medium.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet printer according to the first aspect,
The connecting member is formed of an elastic member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet printer in which a plurality of print heads for ejecting ink from one or a plurality of ink ejection ports and performing printing on a print medium are mounted and arranged outside the carriage. A plurality of ink tanks for storing ink supplied to the plurality of print heads, and a plurality of flexible ink flow path members for supplying ink from the plurality of ink tanks to the plurality of print heads, respectively. A case member integrally mounted with a plurality of ink storage chambers mounted on the carriage and configured to store ink supplied from a plurality of ink tanks to supply the plurality of print heads to the plurality of print heads; A connection member for connecting the ink storage chamber and the plurality of ink flow path members;

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the plurality of flexible ink flow path members are mounted on the carriage and stored to supply ink to the plurality of print heads. It is connected by a case member integrally formed with the storage chamber and a connection member connectable to the plurality of ink storage chambers.

Ink supplied from a plurality of ink tanks provided outside the carriage is first stored in the plurality of ink storage chambers via a plurality of flexible ink flow path members. The ink stored in the plurality of ink storage chambers is supplied to a plurality of print heads mounted on a carriage. The ink supplied to the print head is discharged from one or a plurality of ink discharge ports of the print head, and printing is performed on a print medium.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the inkjet printer according to the third aspect, the connection member has a plurality of connection ports that can be connected to the plurality of ink storage chambers, and the plurality of ink flow paths. A connection member integrally supporting the road member in communication with the plurality of connection ports.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the ink jet printer according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the ink is vertically arranged at least in a lower portion of the ink storage chamber, and allows ink to pass during printing. A partition member that stores bubbles in the ink above the ink storage chamber; and a recovery unit that recovers an ink discharge state by discharging bubbles stored in the ink storage chamber from the ink discharge port. The upper part of the partition member in the ink storage chamber has a smaller flow resistance of ink than the lower part of the partition member. During printing, ink passes through the lower part of the partition member and is supplied to the print head. In the recovery process by the recovery means, the ink is caused to flow over the upper end of the partition member.

According to the ink jet printer of the fifth aspect, the ink jet printer operates in the same manner as the ink jet printer of any one of the first to fourth aspects, and the bubbles stored in the ink storing chamber are removed by the recovery means. The ink is discharged from the discharge port, and the ink discharge state is restored. here,
Since at least the lower portion of the ink storage chamber is vertically defined by the partition member, the ink flow resistance of the upper portion is smaller than that of the lower portion of the partition member.
Therefore, during printing, the stored bubbles are stored in the upper portion of the partition member. On the other hand, at the time of the recovery process, a flow of ink is generated that exceeds the partition member, and the bubbles stored in the upper portion of the bubble storage chamber are discharged.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the ink jet printer according to the fifth aspect, the partition member is disposed in a vertical direction substantially parallel to a moving direction of the carriage.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the ink jet printer according to the third aspect, the plurality of ink storage chambers corresponding to the plurality of print heads are arranged in parallel in the moving direction of the carriage. The partition member is disposed over the plurality of ink storage chambers.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a developed side view of an ink jet printer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, an air trap that also stores bubbles in ink is used as an ink storage chamber that stores ink to supply ink from a plurality of ink tanks to a plurality of print heads. Further, a tube is used as a plurality of flexible ink flow path members for supplying ink from the plurality of ink tanks to the plurality of print heads. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet printer 1 includes a printer main body 2 formed of a flame-retardant plastic in a substantially box-like body, a print head unit 3 detachably mounted on an upper portion thereof, and an ink tank 4a. ~ 4d,
Tubes 5a to 5d for communicating the print head unit 3 with the ink tanks 4a to 4d, a purge device 6, and a guide rod 7 are provided.

The print head unit 3 includes a plurality of print heads 1 for discharging ink and printing on the printing paper PP.
5 (see FIG. 3). The print head unit 3 includes ink tanks 4a to 4d provided at a lower portion of the printer main body 2 for storing ink and tubes 5a to 5d.
5d, and the ink tank 4a
To 4d via tubes 5a to 5d. The print head unit 3 includes a carriage 3
a, and such a carriage 3a is mounted on a belt in a known manner. The belt is wound around a roller attached to a motor. Therefore, when the motor rotates, the belt is driven, and the carriage 3a (print head unit 3) can be moved by the driven distance. Details of the print head unit 3 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

The guide rod 7 is slidably inserted into the carriage 3a, and supports the carriage 3a so as to be movable in a direction (A) orthogonal to the transport direction of the printing paper PP. Thus, the print head unit 3 mounted on the carriage 3a can reciprocate in a direction parallel to the guide rod 7, that is, in the longitudinal direction (A) of the printer main body 2.

The ink tank 4 includes the print head unit 3
And is provided below the print head unit 3. The positional relationship between the ink tank 4 and the print head unit 3 is lower than the direction of gravity (B). The ink tank 4 includes four ink tanks 4a to 4d in which black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks are sealed in the moving direction of the carriage 3a.
In each of the ink tanks 4a to 4d, black, yellow,
One ends of tubes 5a to 5d for supplying cyan and magenta inks to the print head unit 3, respectively, are attached. The other end of each of the tubes 5a to 5d communicates with the print head unit 3 described above, and the ink filled in each of the ink tanks 4a to 4d is supplied to the print head unit 3, respectively. The ink is ejected from each print head 15 corresponding to the ink. By discharging the inks of these colors from the print head 15, full-color printing can be performed on the printing paper PP.

At the left end of the printer body 2, a purge device 6 for performing a purging process is provided. The purging process is a process for restoring the state of ink ejection from the print head 15. The purging device 6 that executes this purging process has a suction device that can seal a plurality of ink ejection ports of the print head 15. A cap 6a, a wiper 6b for wiping the surface of the ink discharge port, and a suction pump (not shown) for sucking ink from the suction cap 6a via a discharge tube 6c are provided (see FIG. 3). Note that the purge device 6 may be configured to discharge ink from the print head 15 by applying a positive pressure to the ink from the ink tank side.

When purging is performed by the purging device 6, the motor is driven to move the print head unit 3 on which the print head 15 is mounted to the left side of the ink jet printer 1 so that the ink discharge port Is closed with a suction cap 6a. Thereafter, when the suction pump is operated, bubbles and dried and solidified ink are sucked from the ink discharge port and discharged from the discharge tube 6c. Subsequently, the surface of the print head 15 is
b, the ink discharge port 1 of the print head 15 is removed.
The ejection state of 5c can be recovered. A control circuit board (not shown) on which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like for controlling the ink jet printer 1 are mounted according to a control program relating to the operation contents of the ink jet printer 1 is provided inside the printer main body 2. Further, the purging process in the purging device 6 is also controlled by the control circuit board.

Next, the print head unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the print head unit 3 as viewed from the back side of the paper of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 3a is provided with a housing 3b that houses the air trap unit 11 and the joint member 12 in series. The air trap unit 11 housed inside the housing 3b is for storing ink and bubbles generated in the ink flow path, and the ink supplied from the ink tank 4 The print head 15 is supplied to each print head 15 via the printer. This air trap unit 11
The four air traps 30 to 33 corresponding to the four ink flow paths are integrated so that the four color inks corresponding to the four ink tanks 4a to 4d and the air bubbles generated in the four ink flow paths can be stored. It is provided in. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the four chambers 30 to 33 are individually provided.

Below the air trap unit 11,
Each of the air traps 30 to 33 is connected to a joint member 12 that communicates with the tubes 5a to 5d, which are ink supply paths, and flows from the ink tanks 4a to 4d to flow through the tubes 5a to 5d. The ink is supplied to each chamber 30 of each air trap through the joint member 12.
To 33 are introduced from below.

The joint member 12 includes tubes 5a to 5
This is for connecting d to each of the air traps 30 to 33, and is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Thermoplastic elastomers have properties between rubber and plastic, or both.
By showing rubber elasticity at normal temperature, each air trap 3
The rubber elasticity can absorb the positional deviation and the size mismatch at the time of connection with 0 to 33. On the other hand, at a high temperature, it is plasticized, and molding is easy with a synthetic resin processing machine. Depending on the main component, there are olefin-based, butyl-based, silicon-based, and the like, and olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers are suitably used in consideration of air permeability, moldability, cost, environment, and the like.

The outer shape of the joint member 12 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and includes four connection ports 12a to 12d for connecting to the air traps 30 to 33, and tubes 5a to 5d.
And four connecting portions 12e to 12h for connecting the first and second connecting portions 12e to 12h. The connection ports 12 a to 12 d have a hollow cylindrical shape and are linearly arranged on the upper surface of the joint member 12.
Air traps 30 to 33 are connected to the connection ports 12a to 12d.
The corresponding connecting portions 11g provided below are fitted and connected. On the other hand, the connecting portions 12e to 12h for connecting to the tubes 5a to 5d are hollow cylindrical shapes, and are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the joint member 12 at two locations in a straight line in the vertical direction. The connecting portions 12e to 12h are fitted to the corresponding tubes 5a to 5d. Therefore, a well-balanced and cohesive joint member 12 can be realized.

The connection ports 12a to 12d for connecting to the air traps 30 to 33 and the connection portions 12e to 12h for connecting to the tubes 5a to 5d correspond to one connection port. The corresponding connection ports 12a to 12d and the connection portions 12e to 12d are configured to communicate with each other inside the joint member 12.
Therefore, the ink supplied from one ink tank is
Joint member 1 via one corresponding ink tube
2 and is introduced into the corresponding one air trap.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-II in FIG.
1 is a cross-sectional view including a print head 3 in FIG. In FIG. 3, the direction (B) is the direction of gravity, and the line connecting the back side and the near side of the paper is the direction of movement (A) of the print head unit 3.

The paper feed rollers 16a to 16d are rollers for transporting the printing paper PP at the time of printing, and include two rollers 16c and 1 disposed above the print head unit 3.
6d, and two rollers 16a and 16b disposed below the print head unit 3. The paper feed rollers 16a to 16d are driven to rotate by a signal input from a control circuit board of the printer main body 2, and print paper P
P is a direction perpendicular to the moving direction (A) of the print head 15,
That is, the sheet is transported in a direction opposite to the vertical direction ((B) direction). A transport line on which the print paper PP is transported by the paper feed rollers 16a to 16d is indicated by a dashed line in the drawing.

The print head unit 3 includes a paper feed roller 16
The print paper PP is disposed at a position facing the transport line on which the print paper PP is transported by a to d. The print head unit 3 is provided such that the direction (B), which is the direction of gravity, is downward and parallel to the transport direction of the print paper PP, that is, the vertical direction is up and down. The print head unit 3 includes a plurality of print heads 15 corresponding to the air traps 30 to 33 on the side where the print paper PP is transported,
Each print head 15 is made of a printing paper
A plurality of ink ejection ports that are open on the side facing the
The ink supplied from the corresponding air traps 30 to 33 is distributed to ink chambers for each ink ejection port,
The ink in the ink chamber is ejected from the ink ejection port by the displacement of the actuator such as a.

The print head 15 is supported by the housing 3b of the print head unit 3 and has a corresponding air trap 30.
To 33 via the communication passage 14. Each of the air traps 30 to 33 is divided into two chambers 1 by the first filter 13a.
1a and 11b, and are provided in parallel with the housing 3b of the print head unit 3 with the vertical direction being up and down.

The first chamber 11a is defined by a partition member, for example, a first filter 13a, and is located on the ink tank 4 side (upstream of the ink flow path). This first room 11
a and the second chamber 11b are not completely defined by the first filter 13a, and have an upper portion 13e communicating therewith. Tube 5a from ink tank 4
5d through the joint member 12 communicating below the first chamber 11a.
1a. The ink flowing into the first chamber 11a is supplied to the first filter 13 as described later with reference to FIG.
a and the upper communicating portion 13e, and the second chamber 1
1b.

The first chamber 11a is provided with a thermistor sensor 18a. The thermistor sensor 18a
This is for detecting the amount of ink in the first chamber 11a.
It is suspended from the ceiling in the room 11a at a predetermined position. The thermistor sensor 18a is composed of an electrode pair of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and is always energized. Therefore, when the thermistor sensor 18a is immersed in the ink, a large temperature rise does not occur. However, if the sensor is exposed from the ink surface due to the decrease in the amount of ink in the first chamber 11a,
A large temperature rise occurs. Since the thermistor sensor 18a causes a large resistance change due to a temperature change, the amount of ink can be detected by detecting this resistance change. The lead wire of the thermistor sensor 18a is connected to a signal line of a control circuit board provided in the main body 2, and when a change in resistance is recognized by a detection signal transmitted to the control circuit board, the air traps 30 to 33 are set. Is determined to have exceeded the predetermined amount, and a signal for performing a purging process is transmitted from the control circuit board to the purging device 6. Thereby, the purging process is performed by the purging device 6, and the air bubbles stored in the air traps 30 to 33 are removed.

The second chamber 11b is a chamber defined by the first filter 13a and located on the print head 15 side (downstream of the ink flow path with respect to the first chamber 11a). 2nd room 11b
Is provided with a guide nozzle 11c below it, and this guide nozzle 11c communicates with the print head 15 via the communication path 14 described above. Thereby, the second
The ink is supplied from the chamber 11b to the print head 15.

The capacity of the second chamber 11b is equal to the capacity of the first chamber 11a.
Is configured to be smaller (approximately の) than the capacity of. When the air bubbles stored in the air traps 30 to 33 are sucked by the purge process, all the ink remaining in the second chamber 11b is discharged. However, by reducing the capacity of the second chamber 11b, the discharge is performed. The amount of waste ink is reduced by reducing the amount, and ink suction, that is, air bubbles can be suctioned with a small suction pressure.

Further, the inner wall of the second chamber 11b is made of a crystalline resin having good wettability to ink, or is subjected to a surface treatment for improving wettability. For this reason, the ink easily gets wet on the wall surface, and the second chamber 11
b makes it difficult for bubbles discharged through b to accumulate on the wall surface,
Air bubbles can be quickly discharged.

As described above, the first filter 13a is provided between the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 1 below the air traps 30 to 33.
1b, and at a position where the capacity of the second chamber 11b is smaller (about ２) than the capacity of the first chamber 11a, the filter surface of the first filter is moved in the moving direction of the carriage 3a ( The longitudinal direction of the first filter 13a is parallel to the (A) direction (see FIG. 2)) and the longitudinal direction is the vertical direction ((B) direction).
It is arranged to be. Therefore, the first filter 1
Compared to a case where the filter surface of the first filter 13a is arranged at right angles to the moving direction of the carriage 3a and the longitudinal direction of the first filter 13a is arranged vertically,
The length of the air trap 11 in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the carriage 3a can be shortened while securing the volume required for the air trap, and a compact print head unit can be realized. For the first filter 13a, a mesh made of a mesh of stainless steel is used. In this embodiment, a mesh having an opening, that is, an opening diameter of 16 μm is used. They are not allowed to pass.

The vertical dimension of the first filter 13a ((B)
The dimension of the air traps 30 to 33 is smaller than the inner dimension of the air traps 30 to 33 in the upward direction (the (B) direction). As a result, a space 13e where the first filter 13a is not provided is formed in the upper part inside the air traps 30 to 33, and the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b communicate with each other with a small flow path resistance. I have. Further, the first filter 13a includes:
In the width direction ((A) direction) of each of the air traps 30 to 33, the air traps 30 to 33 are continuously provided on inner walls on both sides thereof, and are provided in the first chamber 11a.
Is prevented from entering the second chamber 11b from the width direction. Here, each air trap 30-33
And the first filter 13a are disposed so as to face vertically upward. For this reason, each air trap 30-3
Since the air bubbles that have entered the inside 3 cannot pass through the first filter 13a, they rise in the first chamber 11a and are stored above the first chamber 11a. Also, the first filter 13
Since a material having good wettability with respect to ink is used as the stainless steel material for forming a, air bubbles hardly remain in the first filter 13a, and the air bubbles that have entered the first chamber 11a are removed from the first chamber 11a. It is easy to guide vertically upward.

As described above, the air trap unit 11
With this configuration, the air bubbles generated in the ink flow path can be stored by the air traps 30 to 33. The storage method will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Further, the air trap unit 11 configured as described above has members 11d to 11f because of its ease of molding.
And three members. The method of manufacturing the air trap unit 11 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The second filter 13b is for capturing dust mixed in the ink supplied to the print head 15, and is provided between the guide nozzle 11c of each of the air traps 30 to 33 and the print head 15. Are provided in the communication passage 14 of the first embodiment. The second filter is provided so as to be adhered to a member forming the communication path 14, and is processed so as to cover the entire cross-sectional direction of the communication path 14. Also,
The second filter 13b has an opening diameter capable of capturing dust and passing ink and air bubbles during the purge process.

A driver board 17a is provided above the housing 3b of the print head unit 3. The driver board 17a is controlled by the control circuit board mounted on the printer main body 2 described above. Specifically, a serial signal transmitted from the control circuit board is converted into a parallel signal corresponding to each actuator unit of the actuator 15a to drive each actuator unit.
The driver board 17a is mounted on a flexible printed wiring board 17c connected to the actuator 15a.

The interface board 17b is provided on the side surface of the housing 3b of the print head unit 3 on the carriage 3a side. The interface board 17b is connected to an end of the printed wiring board 17c, and has a connector for connecting a signal line from the control circuit board to the driver board 17a and a noise removing circuit.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the air trap unit 11 and the joint member 12. As described above, the air trap unit 11 is formed by three members 11d to 11f to facilitate its manufacture. Each of the members 11d to 11f is processed into a shape in which four air traps 30 to 33 corresponding to four ink flow paths (tubes 5a to 5d) are connected, and has moldability, solvent resistance, stain resistance, and resistance to contamination. A thermoplastic resin selected in consideration of physical properties such as impact properties and ink wettability is used.

The member 11d is a member for forming four first chambers 11a. The four first chambers 11a are preliminarily partitioned by a partition wall 11h (FIG. 2), and are processed into four continuous shapes. It is the member which is done. Each first chamber 11a has a first
The filter 13a has a box shape in which the side on which the filter 13a is provided is open, and a coupling portion 11g with the joint member 12 is provided below each first chamber 11a. Such a connecting portion 11g is
It has a hollow cylindrical projection structure corresponding to the four ink channels (tubes 5a to 5d). Joint member 1
2 has four communication ports 12a to 12d individually communicating with the tubes 5a to 5d, and the communication ports 12a to 12d are fitted with the respective coupling portions 11g, so that the ink tank 4 is formed.
Can be introduced into the first chambers 11a of the air traps 30 to 33 through the tubes 5a to 5d.

The first filter 13a is heat-sealed to the member 11e, and the first filter 13a of each of the air traps 30-33.
It is designed to function as. This first filter 1
The width direction of 3a is the four connected air traps 30-3.
3 is configured to have a dimension that takes into account the adhesive margins at both ends of the entire width of the sheet. The vertical direction of the first filter 13a is
The air traps 30 to 33 are configured to have a predetermined length covering the lower part and a margin for bonding. The first filter 13a having such dimensions is fixed to the opening of the member 11e constituting the second chamber by heat fusion at a position where an upper portion thereof is opened to a predetermined dimension. Thereby, the first filter 13a which divides the interior of each of the air traps 30 to 33 into the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b can be provided by one operation.

The member 11e has four connected second chambers 11
It is one member forming b, and has four openings penetrating in the thickness direction. As described above, the first filter 13a is provided on one surface of the opening, and four second chambers 11b are formed on the other surface by ultrasonic fusion of the member 11f. The member 11f is the second member together with the member 11e.
It is a member forming the chamber 11b, and has four concave portions corresponding to the four openings of the member 11e. A groove for forming a guide nozzle 11c for introducing ink from the second chamber 11b to the print head 15 is formed below each recess. The tip of such a groove penetrates to the back surface (the surface opposite to the opening) of the member 11f, and has a structure in which the guide nozzle 11c communicates with the communication passage 14.

The air trap unit 11 composed of the above members 11d to 11f
a and the member 11e are thermally fused, and further, the member 11f is ultrasonically fused to form the second chamber 11b. Next, the member 11d is connected to the first filter 13 of the produced second chamber 11b.
The member 11d is ultrasonically fused to the a side to form the first chamber 11a. By such a process, the air trap unit 11 including the four connected air traps 30 to 33 can be manufactured. According to this, as compared with the case where the air traps 30 to 33 are formed one by one, the manufacturing process is simple and the number of parts is small, so that the process management is easy. In addition, since the component size is increased, the work of disposing the first filter 13a is facilitated, and the air trap unit 11 can be formed efficiently.

Next, referring to FIG.
The flow patterns of the ink and the state in which the air is stored at the points 33 to 33 will be described. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the air trap function of the print head unit 3. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram at the time of initial introduction (immediately after the purging process) in which the ink is filled in the air trap 11.
In FIG. 5A, the first chamber 11a is moved from the ink tank 4 to the first chamber 11a.
Is supplied to the portion 13e where the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b communicate with each other (the first filter 13a at the upper part in the vertical direction of the first filter 13a Since the flow path resistance is smaller than that of the first filter 13a, it flows into the second chamber 11b beyond the upper end of the first filter 13a.

FIG. 5B is a view showing a state in which a small amount of bubbles generated in the ink flow path have entered the air traps 30 to 33. Air bubbles that have entered the first chamber 11a cannot be stuck to the first filter 13a because of good wettability between the first filter 13a and the ink. The air traps 30 to 33 are installed in the vertical direction. Filter 1 that generates a rising force due to buoyancy in bubbles that have entered
The first filter 13 is formed because the opening diameter of the first filter 13a is small.
a. For this reason, it floats above the first chamber 11a along with its own buoyancy and the flow of ink.

Here, the inner wall of the first chamber 11a is
Since the inner wall 1b is formed of a resin having poor wettability as compared with the inner wall, bubbles are relatively easily accumulated. If the volume of the accumulated air bubbles is not so large, the portion where the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b having a small flow path resistance communicate with each other is not closed, so that the ink flow path is not changed and the first flow path is not changed.
The ink supplied to the chamber 11a flows into the second chamber 11b through the communication section described above. Since the flow rate (ink suction force) of the ink supplied to the print head 15 during printing is not so large as to push out (discharge) the air bubbles accumulated in the upper portions of the air traps 30 to 33, the first chamber 11a Accumulates in the upper part of

FIG. 5C shows a state in which the number of air bubbles stored in the air traps 30 to 33 increases, and the communication portion between the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b having a small flow path resistance is closed. FIG. In such a case, the ink supplied to the first chamber 11a cannot pass through the communicating portion between the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b, and the ink supplied to the first chamber 11a by the ink flow path passing through the first filter 13a. From room 11a to second room 11b
The ink flows into the printer.

FIG. 5D shows that air bubbles are further generated from the state shown in FIG.
It is a figure showing a state stored in 33. As described above, the air bubbles stored in the air traps 30 to 33 are not discharged from the air traps 30 to 33 by the suction force of the ink at the time of printing. For this reason, the bubbles are trapped in the air trap 30 to
33, the ink level of the ink supplied to the first chamber 11a is depressed. The opening diameter and the area of the first filter 13a are set so that the ink supply to the print head 15 does not become insufficient even when the ink surface drops to a predetermined amount. FIG. 5E is a view showing a state in which bubbles generated further from the state of FIG. 5D are stored in the air traps 30 to 33. Since the second chamber 11b is completely closed by the air bubbles, the ink is not supplied to the print head 15 and printing is disabled.

FIG. 5F is a view showing a state where the purging process is performed by the purging device 6 and bubbles are discharged. In the purging process, a strong suction force is applied to the second chamber 11b.
Therefore, the flow path resistance applied to the ink when passing through the first filter 13a becomes very large. For this reason, the strong ink that passes through the portion 13e where the first chamber 11a and the second chamber 11b communicate with each other (the portion above the first filter 13a where the first filter 13a is not disposed) is provided. Of the air trap 3
The air bubbles stored in the air traps 0 to 33 are discharged from the air traps 30 to 33 by this flow. As a result, the ink is filled again, and the state returns to the same state as at the time of the initial introduction in FIG.

In this embodiment, the thermistor sensor 18a is provided, and the purging process is executed immediately when the ink level of the first chamber 11a drops below a predetermined position.
Air bubbles in the air traps 30 to 33 are discharged. The ink used in this embodiment has a viscosity of 1-1.
Those having 0 cps and a surface tension of 30 to 50 mN / m are used. For such physical ink, the opening diameter is 16 μm.
Of the first filter 13a is used.

As described above, according to the ink jet printer 1 of the present embodiment, in the air traps 30 to 33, the first filter 13a serves as a weir, thereby forming ink flow paths (tubes 5a to 5d, joint members). 12), the air bubbles used to flow into the print head 15 and be used for the print head 15 are stored in the air traps 30 to 33.
Can be maintained for a long time, and the number of purges for removing bubbles can be reduced. Also,
The function of the air trap 11 can be restored by removing the accumulated air bubbles by the purge device 6, and the purge process can be executed only when the need for purging is detected by the thermistor sensor 18a. As described above, the present invention has been described based on the above embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is easy to make various improvements and modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention. It can be inferred.

For example, in the above embodiment, the first filter 1
The opening diameter (mesh roughness) of the mesh 3a was 16 μm. However, the first filter 13a is
And is not for supplementing the ink dust. Therefore, the opening diameter is 100 μm.
A mesh of about m or less may be used. Also, the first filter 1
Stainless steel was used as a material for forming 3a,
Instead of this, a resin having good ink wettability may be used. Resin is easier to process and costs less than stainless steel, so the cost of the first filter 13a can be kept low.

Although the tubes 5a to 5d are made of a flexible resin, the tube material is coated with a metal foil having a low air permeability in order to suppress the air permeability. You may use it. Furthermore, air trap 3
By constantly storing a certain amount of air in the nozzles 0 to 33, the pressure fluctuation of the ink in the tubes 5a to 5d generated when the scanning direction of the carriage 3 is reversed is absorbed by the remaining air. You may do it.

[0060]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the connecting member has a plurality of connecting ports that can be connected to the plurality of ink storage chambers, and the plurality of ink flow paths communicate with the plurality of connecting ports. Since the supporting members are integrally supported, a number of connecting members corresponding to the plurality of ink storage chambers are unnecessary, and the number of components can be reduced. Accordingly, the number of parts to be manufactured and the number of parts to be assembled can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the ink jet printer can be reduced. In addition, the size of the components can be increased as compared with the case where the components are composed of individual components, and there is an effect that the complexity of connecting the ink storage chamber and the connecting member with small components can be eliminated.

According to the ink jet printer of the second aspect, in addition to the effects of the ink jet printer of the first aspect, since the connecting member is formed of an elastic member, it can be connected to the rigid ink storage chamber. Furthermore, even if the position or size of the connection portion of the ink storage chamber is misaligned, the connection can be flexibly performed. Further, since the sealing property between the ink storage chamber and the connecting member can be improved, ink leakage from the connecting portion,
This has the effect of suppressing the incorporation of bubbles, dust and the like.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the case member integrally forms a plurality of ink storage chambers for supplying the ink supplied from the plurality of ink tanks to the plurality of print heads. Therefore, a plurality of ink storage chambers are not required, and the number of parts can be reduced. Accordingly, the number of parts to be manufactured and the number of parts to be assembled can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the ink jet printer can be reduced. In addition, the size of the components can be increased as compared with the case where the components are composed of individual components, and there is an effect that the complexity of connecting the ink storage chamber and the connecting member with small components can be eliminated.

According to the ink jet printer of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the ink jet printer of the third aspect, the connecting member has a plurality of connecting ports that can be connected to a plurality of ink storage chambers, and a plurality of connecting ports. Since the ink flow path member is integrally supported in communication with the plurality of connection ports, the plurality of ink storage chambers and the connection member can be connected by one operation, and the manufacturing process can be simplified. This has the effect.

According to the ink jet printer of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effects of the ink jet printer according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the bubbles which are going to flow into the print head from the ink flow path member are formed in the ink storage chamber. And the ink can be stored in the upper portion of the ink storage chamber. As a result, the ejection state of the print head can be maintained for a long time. In addition, the operation of the recovery means forcibly generates a flow of ink over the partition member in the ink storage chamber, and has the effect of discharging bubbles stored in the upper part of the ink storage chamber together with the ink.

According to the ink jet printer of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effects of the ink jet printer of the fifth aspect, the filters are arranged in the vertical direction substantially in parallel with the moving direction of the carriage. The length of the main body of the inkjet printer in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction can be reduced. That is, there is an effect that a compact inkjet printer can be provided.

According to the ink jet printer of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the ink jet printer of the present invention, a plurality of print heads are provided, and a plurality of ink storage chambers corresponding to the plurality of print heads are provided. The partition members are arranged in parallel in the moving direction of the carriage, and the partition member is disposed over the plurality of ink storage chambers. Therefore, one partition member can cope with the plurality of ink storage chambers. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced as compared with disposing one partition member in each ink reservoir, and the partition members can be formed in each ink reservoir using large components. Therefore, there is an effect that the manufacturing process of the ink storage chamber can be simplified and the manufacturing cost of the ink jet printer can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a developed side view of an ink jet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing that an air trap and a tube are connected by a joint member.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an air trap, a suction device, and a paper feed roller of the print head unit.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the print head unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an air trap function of the print head unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink jet printer 3a Carriage 4 Ink tank 5a-5d Tube (ink flow path member) 6 Purge device (suction means) 11 Air trap (ink storage chamber, case member) 12 Joint member (connection member) 12a-12d Connection port 13a Filter 15 Print head

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tsuyoshi Suzuki 15-1, Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya-shi Inside Brother Industries, Ltd. (72) Inventor Katsunori 15-1 Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya-city Brother Industries, Ltd. (72) Inventor Takamasa Usui 15-1, Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya-shi F-term (reference) 2C056 EA15 EC07 EC49 FA10 HA05 JC20 KB13 KB19 KB25 KB37 KC02

Claims (7)

[Claims] A carriage for arranging a plurality of print heads for arranging a plurality of print heads for ejecting ink from one or a plurality of ink ejection ports and performing printing on a print medium, and supplying the plurality of print heads provided outside the carriage to the plurality of print heads A plurality of ink tanks respectively storing ink to be supplied, and a plurality of flexible ink flow path members for supplying ink from the plurality of ink tanks to the plurality of print heads, wherein the carriage A plurality of ink storage chambers that are mounted on and stored to supply the ink supplied from the plurality of ink tanks to the plurality of print heads, respectively, and are arranged in parallel corresponding to the plurality of print heads, A plurality of connection ports that can be connected to the plurality of ink storage chambers, wherein the plurality of ink flow path members are connected to the plurality of connection ports; Jet printer, characterized in that a coupling member integrally supported to the communicating state. 2. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is formed of an elastic member. 3. A carriage on which a plurality of print heads for ejecting ink from one or a plurality of ink ejection ports and performing printing on a print medium are mounted, and supplied to the plurality of print heads provided outside the carriage. A plurality of ink tanks respectively storing ink to be supplied, and a plurality of flexible ink flow path members for supplying ink from the plurality of ink tanks to the plurality of print heads, wherein the carriage And a case member integrally formed with a plurality of ink storage chambers for storing ink supplied from the plurality of ink tanks to the plurality of print heads, respectively, and the plurality of ink storage chambers. And a connecting member for connecting the plurality of ink flow path members. Printer. 4. A connection in which the connection member has a plurality of connection ports connectable to the plurality of ink storage chambers, and the plurality of ink flow path members are integrally supported in communication with the plurality of connection ports. The inkjet printer according to claim 3, further comprising a member. 5. A partition member that is vertically arranged at least in a lower portion of the ink storage chamber, allows ink to pass therethrough at the time of printing, and stores bubbles in the ink above the ink storage chamber. Recovery means for discharging the bubbles accumulated in the chamber from the ink discharge port to recover the ink discharge state, wherein the upper part of the partition member of the ink storage chamber is more ink than the lower part of the partition member. Flow resistance is configured to be small, and during printing, ink passes through the lower part of the partition member and is supplied to the print head, while ink flows over the upper end of the partition member during recovery processing by the recovery unit. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein 6. The ink-jet printer according to claim 5, wherein the partition member is provided in a vertical direction substantially parallel to a moving direction of the carriage. 7. A plurality of said ink storage chambers corresponding to a plurality of said print heads are arranged in parallel in a moving direction of said carriage, and said partition member is arranged over said plurality of ink storage chambers. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein
An inkjet printer according to item 1.