JP2005280072A - Ink supply system, fluid communication structure, ink tank, and ink jet recording head and recorder employing fluid communication structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fluid communication structure suitable to an arrangement for transferring gas remaining in a liquid supply passage of enclosed structure smoothly and quickly to the liquid containing section side at the time of fixing the liquid containing section. <P>SOLUTION: Fluid communication is established between an ink tank 10 and a liquid chamber 50 for introducing ink being supplied therefrom to a recording head 20 by mutually inserting respective joints 41 and 51. Under a state where gas exists in the liquid chamber, ink is moved from the ink tank 10 through one joint 41 and, at the same time, gas is transferred to the ink tank 10 through the other joint 51. The joints 41 and 51 and openings 49 and 59 for inserting the joints 41 and 51 are closed by integrated closing members 43 and 53 when the ink tank is not fixed such that they are released when the closing members are displaced through insertion of the joint incident to fixing operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention, for example, supplies a liquid such as ink to a recording head or a pen as a liquid use unit without waste and stably from an ink tank or the like as a liquid storage unit, and also presents a gas present in the liquid use unit. The present invention relates to a fluid communication structure for discharging liquid to a liquid storage unit, an ink supply system using the same, and an ink jet recording head and apparatus using the system.

  As a form of an ink jet recording apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium by applying a liquid ink to the recording medium using a liquid using apparatus, for example, an ink jet recording head, the ink from an ink tank that is separably attached An inkjet recording head that receives the recording medium, a carriage that mounts the recording head and scans the recording head relative to the recording medium in a predetermined direction, and a recording medium relative to the recording head in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. In some cases, the recording unit performs recording by causing ink discharge to be performed in the main scanning process of the recording head. In addition, a recording head capable of ejecting black ink and each color ink such as yellow, cyan, and magenta is mounted on the carriage to change the ejection ratio of each ink as well as monochrome printing of text images using black ink. Some have made full-color printing possible.

  In such an ink jet recording apparatus, there is a problem in appropriately discharging gas such as air mixed in or flowing into the ink supply path.

Here, the gas that enters the supply system is roughly classified into four types of generation factors.
1) Entering from the ink discharge port of the print head or generated with the discharge operation,
2) The gas dissolved in the ink is separated,
3) Those entering from the outside by gas permeation through the material constituting the supply path, and
4) When entering the ink tank in the form of a cartridge,
It is.

  By the way, the liquid path formed in the ink jet recording head is very finely configured, and therefore the ink supplied from the ink tank to the recording head is in a clean state in which no foreign matter such as dust is mixed. Is required. That is, when foreign matter such as dust is mixed, there is a problem that foreign matter is clogged in a narrow discharge port in the ink flow path in the recording head or a liquid passage portion directly communicating with this. In some cases, it becomes impossible to perform a proper ink ejection operation, and it becomes impossible to restore the function of the recording head.

  Therefore, in general, a filter member for removing foreign matter is disposed in the ink flow path between the recording head and the ink supply needle that enters the ink tank, and this filter member can prevent foreign matter from entering the recording head side. It is often configured to.

  On the other hand, in recent years, in order to realize high-speed recording, the number of ejection ports for ejecting ink has been increased, and drive signals applied to elements that generate energy for ejecting ink are becoming increasingly high frequency. Things are being adopted. For this reason, the ink consumption per unit time is also increasing rapidly.

  Along with this, the amount of ink passing through the filter member naturally increases, but in order to reduce the pressure loss due to the filter member, it is effective to arrange a large area filter member by partially expanding the supply path. is there. For this reason, if air bubbles are mixed in the supply path, it tends to stay in the upstream space of the filter member in the enlarged portion, and this cannot be discharged, resulting in a problem that smooth ink supply is hindered. . Further, there is a possibility that the gas accumulated in the supply path becomes fine bubbles and enters the ink guided to the ejection port, causing problems such as non-ejection of the ink.

  Therefore, it is strongly desirable to quickly remove the air staying in the ink supply path, and as a method for removing the bubbles for that purpose, the bubbles are moved to the ink tank side and kept at a portion in the tank where the ink supply is not hindered. There is a way. At this time, if the amount of ink corresponding to the volume of bubbles moving to the ink tank can be transferred to the head side, the ink tank volume does not fluctuate, and the generated negative pressure is kept constant, and the discharge port is connected to the recording head. This is preferable because a negative pressure that balances the holding force of the meniscus formed on the substrate can be exerted. Also, if the ink tank is in the form of a cartridge that can be attached to and removed from the recording head or ink supply system, it will be replaced with a new one when the remaining amount of ink is exhausted, so the gas will be completely removed from the ink supply system. It can be said that the configuration can be.

  By the way, several proposals have been made for a mechanism for moving gas to the ink tank side (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).

  For example, in Patent Document 1, the recording head side is separated into a first chamber having an air communication port and a second chamber having a capillary force generating member, and the first chamber and the ink tank are opened on the first chamber side. A configuration is disclosed in which air is supplied from one of the communication paths to the ink tank side by connecting two or more communication paths having different heights. Such a configuration is such that a negative pressure is applied to the head by a hydraulic head difference between the first chamber and the second chamber or a capillary force generating member disposed in the second chamber, and an air communication port is provided in the first chamber. Can be placed.

  However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 is intended to introduce the atmosphere into the ink tank according to the ink supply in order to use up the ink in the ink tank that is not deformed. It is not intended to be removed to the tank. That is, the technique disclosed in this document cannot be applied to transfer the gas from the ink supply path, particularly the second chamber or the recording head, to the ink tank.

  Also, the configurations described in Patent Documents 2 to 4 basically have an air supply system that is open to the atmosphere, as in Patent Document 1, for the purpose of eliminating bubbles remaining in the ink supply path. On the other hand, the techniques disclosed in these documents cannot be applied.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-96744 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-309876 JP-A-10-29318 JP 2001-187459 A

  As described above, Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose the point of introducing gas into the most upstream ink tank, but the gas staying in the ink supply path having a sealed structure in use, that is, None of the purposes for smoothly transferring and retaining the gas that enters and stays due to factors such as 1) to 4) to the ink tank side.

  In the present specification, a configuration is disclosed in which, when a liquid storage unit such as an ink tank is mounted, the gas remaining in the liquid supply path having a sealed structure is smoothly and quickly transferred to the liquid storage unit.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a liquid communication path suitable for such a configuration.

Therefore, the present invention provides a discharge unit for discharging ink,
A liquid chamber communicating with the discharge section;
An ink tank that contains the ink and can be separated from and combined with the liquid chamber;
A plurality of communicating portions for communicating the liquid chamber and the ink tank in the coupled state;
An ink supply system comprising:
The liquid chamber forms a substantially sealed space except for the plurality of communication portions and the ink tank, and has a closing member that can integrally close the plurality of communication portions when separated from the ink tank,
The ink tank has means for adjusting the pressure in the system, and has a closing member that can integrally close the plurality of communicating portions when separated from the liquid chamber.

Furthermore, the present invention is a fluid communication structure that communicates a liquid storage unit that stores a liquid and a liquid use unit that uses the liquid,
A liquid chamber that communicates with the liquid use section and is capable of separating and coupling the liquid storage section;
A plurality of communicating portions for communicating the liquid chamber and the liquid storage portion in the coupled state;
With
The liquid chamber forms a substantially sealed space except for the plurality of communication portions and the liquid use portion, and has a closing member that can integrally close the plurality of communication portions when the liquid storage portion is separated. ,
The plurality of communicating portions project from the liquid chamber and can be inserted into the liquid storage portion, and an opening for receiving insertion of the tubular connection portion projecting from the liquid storage portion And
The closing member is biased in a direction to integrally close the opening and an end opening opposite to the insertion end of the connection portion into the liquid storage portion, and the connection portion of the liquid storage portion It can move from the position which performs the said closure with insertion of this.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink tank that is in fluid communication with a liquid chamber that is in communication with a recording head that ejects ink by being detachably connected via a plurality of communication portions. A substantially sealed space is formed except for the communication path and the recording head, and the ink tank is separated from the liquid chamber with a means for adjusting the pressure inside the ink supply system to the recording head. A closing member capable of integrally closing a plurality of communication portions;
The plurality of communication portions are provided with a tubular connection portion that protrudes from the ink tank and can be inserted into the liquid chamber, and an opening for receiving insertion of the tubular connection portion that protrudes from the liquid chamber. Have
The closing member is biased in a direction to integrally close the opening and an end opening opposite to the insertion end of the connection portion into the liquid chamber, and the insertion of the connection portion of the liquid chamber is performed. Accordingly, it is possible to move from the position where the closing is performed.

  In addition, the present invention is an ink jet recording head that performs recording by discharging ink, and is characterized by integrally having the fluid communication structure.

  Furthermore, the present invention uses the ink supply system, and in a posture during use, the liquid chamber is positioned substantially higher than the recording head in the vertical direction, and the ink tank is substantially higher than the liquid chamber. And an ink jet recording apparatus that performs recording while holding the ink supply system.

  According to the present invention, first, basically, in an ink supply system having a sealed structure with respect to an ink discharge portion, gas that obstructs the ink discharge operation and the supply operation can be removed without complicating the structure. It can be removed quickly and smoothly from the room side.

  In addition, when applied to an ink jet recording apparatus, the gas remaining in the ink supply path of the sealed structure is smoothly and quickly transferred to the ink tank side, and problems caused by accumulated bubbles even during actual use of the recording apparatus That is, it is possible to prevent recording failure due to ink supply failure or clogging of the ejection port due to mixed bubbles.

  Further, when an ink containing a pigment as a coloring material is used, when the air is transported to the tank, the sedimentation of the pigment particles is diffused, and the storage stability of the ink and the reliability of ejection can be ensured.

  As described above, according to the present invention in which ink can be supplied in a state where the negative pressure to the head is stabilized, printing performance, reliability, and cost reduction can be realized at the same time.

  Further, according to the present invention, in each of the liquid storage portion (ink tank) and the liquid chamber side that can be separated / combined, the plurality of communication portions can be integrally closed / opened by displacement of an integral closing member. That is, separate opening / closing mechanisms are not required, and the configuration of the ink tank and the liquid chamber can be simplified.

  In particular, by providing one of a plurality of, for example, two tubular connection portions on the ink tank side and the other on the liquid chamber side, the opening of the insertion end of the ink tank side connection portion and the insertion of the liquid chamber side connection portion are provided. It is possible to secure a preferable water head difference for starting the gas-liquid exchange by increasing the vertical height difference from the opening of the end, and in the state where the ink tank is not installed, the flow path in the tank side connection portion is ink, If the flow path in the liquid chamber side connection portion is in a state where air is contained, the above-described gas exclusion operation can be caused as it is when the ink tank is mounted.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  Several embodiments in which the present invention is applied to an ink jet recording apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  In this specification, “record” is not only formed when significant information such as characters and figures is formed, but also manifested so that human beings can perceive it visually. Regardless of whether or not the image, pattern, pattern, or the like is widely formed on the recording medium, or the recording medium is processed.

  The “recording medium” includes not only paper used in general recording apparatuses but also a wide range of materials that can accept ink, such as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, etc. In the following, it is also referred to as “paper” or simply “paper”.

  Further, the “communication portion” refers to a portion for allowing communication between the liquid storage portion and the liquid chamber, in addition to a flow path directly used for fluid transfer, and a hollow space in which such a flow path is formed. This also includes an opening for receiving the connecting portion.

  In addition, as the ink used in the ink supply system of the present invention, in each of the following embodiments, the ink as a recording agent is described as an example. However, this is not limited to such an ink, and for example, in the ink jet recording field. Therefore, it includes the processing liquid for the recording medium.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ink supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The ink supply system of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 generally includes an ink tank 10 as a liquid storage container, an ink jet recording head (hereinafter simply referred to as “recording head”) 20, and an ink supply path communicating between them. The liquid chamber 50 is formed. The liquid chamber 50 may be integrated with the recording head 20 so as to be separable or non-separable. Further, the liquid chamber 50 is provided in a carriage on which the recording head 20 is mounted, and the ink tank 10 is detachable from the upper portion thereof. The ink supply path from the ink tank 10 to the recording head 20 may be closed at the time of mounting. The liquid chamber 50 substantially forms a sealed space except for the connecting portion to the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20, and has no air introduction means.

  The ink tank 10 generally comprises two chambers, an ink storage chamber 12 in which an ink storage space is defined, and a valve chamber 30, and the interiors of both chambers are in communication with each other via a valve chamber communication port 13. Ink storage chamber 12 stores ink to be ejected from the recording head, and is supplied to the recording head in accordance with the ejection operation.

  A flexible film (sheet member) 11 that is deformable in part is disposed in the ink storage chamber 12, and a space for storing ink is defined between this portion and the inflexible exterior 16. ing. The outer space with respect to the ink storage space viewed from the sheet member 11, that is, the space above the sheet member 11 in the figure is opened to the atmosphere and equal to the atmospheric pressure. Further, in this ink storage space, there are a tank side connection portion 41 connected to the liquid chamber 50 located below, a tank side connection port 49 into which the head side connection portion 51 is inserted, and a valve chamber communication port 13 to the valve chamber. Except for this, a substantially enclosed space is formed.

  The shape of the central portion of the sheet member 11 of this example is regulated by a pressure plate 14 that is a flat plate-like support member, and the peripheral portion thereof can be deformed. And this sheet | seat member 11 is previously formed in the center part in the convex shape, and the side surface shape is substantially trapezoid. As will be described later, the sheet member 11 is deformed in accordance with a change in the ink amount or a pressure fluctuation in the ink storage space. At that time, the peripheral portion of the sheet member 11 is stretched and deformed in a balanced manner, and the central portion of the sheet member 11 is translated in the vertical direction in the figure while maintaining a substantially horizontal posture. Since the sheet member 11 is smoothly deformed (moved) in this manner, no impact is generated due to the deformation, and no abnormal pressure fluctuation occurs in the ink storage space due to the impact.

  Further, a pressing force that urges the sheet member 11 upward in the drawing is applied to the ink storage space via the pressure plate 14 to balance the holding force of the meniscus formed in the ink discharge portion of the recording head. Then, a spring 15 in the form of a compression spring that generates a negative pressure within a range where the ink discharge operation of the recording head is possible is provided. At the same time, when the volume of air in the ink storage chamber fluctuates due to environmental changes (ambient temperature or atmospheric pressure), it is accepted by the displacement of the spring and the sheet, and the negative pressure in the chamber does not fluctuate greatly. 1 shows a state in which the ink storage space is almost completely filled with ink. In this state, the spring 15 is still in a compressed state, and an appropriate negative pressure is applied to the ink storage space. Is assumed to have occurred.

  In the illustrated example, the spring 15 disposed in the ink storage chamber 12 is formed by combining a pair of leaf spring members having a substantially U-shaped cross section with the U-shaped open ends facing each other. . As an aspect of this combination, a concave portion and a convex portion may be formed at both end portions of each leaf spring member so that the concave portion and the convex portion are fitted to each other. Further, the plate-like members are welded to the back portions of the plate spring members in a state of being parallel to each other. One plate-like member is joined to the inner flat portion of the convex portion of the sheet member 11 to form the pressure plate 14, and the other plate-like member is held by a fixed portion in the tank. In addition, as a form of a spring, it is not restricted to this example, For example, the form of a coil spring or a conical wound spring may be sufficient.

  The valve chamber 30 is configured with a one-way valve for introducing gas (air) from the outside and preventing ink leakage from the ink tank 10 when the negative pressure in the ink tank 10 increases to a predetermined value or more. Is done. This one-way valve has a pressure plate 34 that has an air inlet 36 and serves as a valve closing member, and a seal member that is fixed to the inner wall of the valve chamber housing facing the air inlet 36 and can seal the air inlet 36. 37 and a sheet member 31 that is joined to the pressure plate 34 and through which the air introduction port 36 penetrates. The valve chamber 30 also excludes the communication port 13 to the ink tank 10 and the communication port 36 to the atmosphere. The sealed space is substantially maintained. The space in the valve chamber housing on the right side of the drawing from the seat member 31 is opened to the atmosphere by the atmosphere communication port 32 and is equal to the atmospheric pressure.

  The sheet member 31 is deformable at the peripheral portion other than the portion joined to the pressure plate 34 at the central portion, the central portion is convex, and the side shape is substantially trapezoidal. By adopting such a configuration, the pressure plate 34, which is a valve closing member, is smoothly moved in the left-right direction in the figure.

  A spring member 35 is provided inside the valve chamber 30 as a valve restricting member for restricting the opening operation of the valve. Here, the spring member 35 is kept in a slightly compressed state, and the pressure plate 34 is pushed rightward in the drawing by the reaction force of the compression. The expansion and contraction of the spring member 35 provides a valve function by bringing the seal member 37 into close contact / separation with respect to the communication port 36, and gas from the atmosphere communication port 32 to the inside of the valve chamber 30 through the atmosphere introduction port 36. It is a one-way valve mechanism that only allows the introduction of

  Here, the sealing member 37 may be any member as long as the air introduction port 36 is reliably sealed. That is, at least a portion in contact with the atmosphere introduction port 36 has a shape that maintains flatness with respect to the opening surface, or has a rib that can be in close contact with the periphery of the atmosphere introduction port 36, and further, the atmosphere introduction port 36. Any material can be used as long as it can secure a close contact state, such as a shape that allows the tip to enter and close the air inlet 36, and the material is not particularly limited. However, since this close contact is achieved by the extension force of the spring member 35, it is easy to follow the sheet member 31 and the pressure plate 34 that are moved by the action of the extension force, that is, the elasticity such as rubber having contractility. It is more preferable to form the sealing member with a body.

  In the configuration of the ink tank 10, the ink consumption proceeds from the initial state where the ink is sufficiently filled, the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber 12, the force acting on the valve regulating member in the valve chamber 30, and the like. At the moment when the ink consumption is further continued and the negative pressure is further increased from the state where the ink has been suspended, the atmosphere introduction port 36 is opened, the atmosphere flows in, and each part is designed to be taken into the ink storage space. . The volume in the ink storage chamber 10 can be increased by the displacement of the sheet member 11 or the pressure plate 14 in the upper direction of the figure due to the intake of the atmosphere, and at the same time, the negative pressure is also reduced. The introduction port 36 is closed.

  Further, even if a change in the ambient environment of the ink tank, for example, a temperature rise or a pressure reduction occurs, the volume from the maximum displacement position below the sheet member 11 to the pressure plate 14 to the initial position is stored in the storage space. In other words, since the expansion of the air taken in is allowed, the space corresponding to the volume functions as a buffer area, so that the increase in pressure due to the change in the surrounding environment is alleviated and ink leakage from the ejection port is effective. Can be prevented.

  Also, since the internal volume of the ink storage space decreases with the liquid derivation from the initial filling state and the outside air is not introduced until the buffer area is secured, sudden changes in the surrounding environment, vibrations, drops, etc. Ink leakage is unlikely to occur even if this occurs. Furthermore, since the buffer area is not secured in advance from the ink unused state, the volume efficiency of the ink container is high and a compact configuration can be achieved.

  In the illustrated example, the spring 35 in the valve chamber 30 is schematically shown as a coil spring, but it is needless to say that other forms of springs can be used. In particular, for example, a conical spiral spring can be used, or a leaf spring similar to the spring 15 can be used.

  In the illustrated example, the recording head 20 and the ink tank 10 are coupled to each other by inserting a hollow head-side connecting portion 51 provided in the recording head 20 into the ink tank 10 through the tank-side connecting port 49 and ink. This is done by inserting a hollow tank side connecting portion 41 provided in the tank 10 into the recording head via the head side connecting port 59. As a result, the ink storage chamber 12 and the liquid chamber 50 are fluidly coupled. In other words, in this example, the ink storage chamber 12 and the liquid chamber 50 are composed of a tank-side channel 48 formed in the tank-side connection portion 41 and a head-side channel 58 formed in the head-side connection portion 51. It will communicate with two flow paths.

  A sealing member 49A made of an elastic material such as rubber is attached to the tank side connection port 49 through which the head side connection portion 51 is inserted. When the ink tank 10 shown in FIG. The ink tank 10 is in close contact with the ink tank 10 to prevent ink leakage from the ink tank 10 and to secure the connection between the connecting portion 51 and the ink tank 10. A similar sealing member 59A is also provided at the head side connection port 59 through which the tank side connection portion 41 is inserted.

  The ink tank 10 is provided with a closing member 43 for closing the tank side connection port 49 and the tank side opening of the connection portion 41 when the ink tank 10 is not attached. The closing member 43 includes a protruding portion 47 that is in close contact with the opening of the sealing member 49A, and a sealing member 44 that is made of an elastic member such as rubber that covers the periphery of the opening on the tank side of the connecting portion 41 and closely contacts the inner wall of the tank. The closing member 43 is biased by the spring 45 in the direction of closing both the openings. Therefore, when the opening is not attached to the liquid chamber 50, the both openings are closed by the action of the spring 45, thereby Ink leakage is prevented. Further, when the ink tank 10 is mounted, the spring 45 is retracted as the head-side connecting portion 51 enters, thereby opening both openings. Similarly, the liquid chamber 50 side has a protrusion 57 and a sealing member 54 for closing the head side connection port 59 and the head side opening of the connection portion 51 when the ink tank 10 is not attached, A closing member 53 that is urged in a direction to close both the openings is provided.

  The ink supply path in the liquid chamber 50 generally has a cross section that gradually expands from the connection (upstream) side with the ink tank 10. A filter 22 is provided at a connection portion with the ink supply path on the recording head 20 side to prevent impurities mixed in the supplied ink from flowing into the recording head 20. The gas-liquid interface in the liquid chamber 50 formed by the retention of gas is larger than the cross-sectional area of the flow paths 48 and 58 in the lateral direction. By so doing, when the head difference of the ink in the ink tank 10 is applied to the ink in the liquid chamber 50 through the tank side flow path 48, the pressure of the gas existing in the liquid chamber 50 is further increased, and the head side path The gas can be easily discharged from 58 toward the ink tank 10. This means that the ink supply path in the liquid chamber 50 is gradually enlarged from the connection (upstream) side with the ink tank 10, in other words, is configured to be narrowed upward. Therefore, bubbles are more likely to gather near the head side opening position of the head side flow path 58, which is more effective.

  The ink ejection unit 21 provided in the recording head 20 is a type that employs a serial recording system that is mounted on a member such as a carriage and performs an ejection operation while moving relative to a recording medium. A plurality of discharge ports arranged in a direction different from the moving direction), a liquid path communicating with each discharge port, and an element that is arranged in the liquid path and generates energy used for discharging ink. Is provided. Here, the ink discharge method in the recording head, that is, the form of the energy generating element is not particularly limited. For example, an electrothermal transducer that generates heat in response to energization is used as the element, and the generated thermal energy is discharged into the ink. You may use for. In that case, film boiling occurs in the ink by the heat generated by the electrothermal transducer, and the ink can be ejected from the ink ejection port by the foaming energy at that time. Alternatively, an electromechanical conversion element such as a piezo element that deforms in response to voltage application may be used, and ink may be ejected using the mechanical energy.

  The recording head 20 and the liquid chamber 50 may be integrated so as to be separable or non-separable, or may be configured separately and connected via a communication path. In the case of integration, a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from a mounting member (for example, a carriage) in the recording apparatus can be used.

  With reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C, the process of removing bubbles from the ink tank according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.

  FIG. 2A shows a state in which the new ink tank 10 is not attached to the liquid chamber 50 or the recording head 20. Here, the ink tank 10 is completely filled with the ink I, the negative pressure is generated by the spring member 15, and the sheet member 11 protrudes to the outside of the ink tank. On the recording head 20 side, since recording was performed using the ink remaining in the liquid chamber 50 even when the ink tank 10 mounted so far became empty, air entered from the ink tank side, In the upstream region of the filter 23 in the liquid chamber 50, gas is accumulated at the top.

  In this state, in the liquid chamber 50, the closing member 53 is urged by the spring 55, so that the protrusion 57 and the sealing member 54 close the opening of the sealing member 59A and the head side opening of the connecting portion 51, respectively. And sealed. Thereby, the liquid chamber 50 is in a sealed state except for the ink discharge portion 21. Similarly, the closing member 43 is urged by the spring 45 with respect to the ink tank 10, so that the projection 47 and the sealing member 44 close the opening of the sealing member 49 </ b> A and the tank side opening of the connecting portion 41, respectively. And sealed. In the state shown in the drawing, the difference between the ink tank side and the recording head side is that the inside of the head side channel 58 is air, whereas the tank side channel 48 is filled with ink.

  FIG. 2B shows a state where a new ink tank 10 is mounted from the state of FIG. Immediately after the ink tank is installed, an ink meniscus is generated at two locations of the tank side connection opening 42 and the head side connection opening 52. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the ink head acting on each meniscus portion is different, that is, a pressure difference corresponding to the height difference is generated. In this example, since the tank side connection portion opening 42 is positioned vertically downward, a higher pressure is applied than the head side connection portion opening 52.

  Therefore, the difference between the pressure holding the meniscus formed in the head side connection opening 52 and the pressure holding the meniscus formed in the tank side connection opening 42, and the water head differential pressure due to the difference in height of the opening position, When the latter is larger, the air 61 staying in the upper portion of the liquid chamber 51 is passed through the head-side flow path 58 or the opening 52 as shown in FIG. At the same time, the ink in the ink storage chamber 12 moves to the liquid chamber 50 through the tank side flow path 48 or the opening 42.

  FIG. 2C shows a state where the gas-liquid exchange has progressed and the discharge of the air 61 to the ink tank 10 has completely stopped. The discharged air is deposited on the upper portion of the ink tank 10 as indicated by reference numeral 62.

  As in the above embodiment, one of the main features of the present invention is that the means for introducing air into the liquid supply system is limited to the ink tank. In other words, since air is not directly introduced into the liquid chamber 50, the air discharge operation described above is substantially completed only when the ink tank is replaced, and when normal ink is used (ink by the recording head). There is almost no need to consider the discharge operation).

  Further, in this embodiment, since the air introduction means for adjusting the negative pressure is provided on the ink tank 10 side, the liquid level in the liquid chamber is lowered due to the introduction of the air for adjusting the negative pressure when the ink is used (air). Will not stay). Therefore, not only can the liquid chamber be designed in a compact manner, but ink is consumed not only from the tank side flow path 48 but also from the head side flow path 58 when using a large amount of ink. It becomes possible to reduce, and it becomes possible to use a thin connection pipe also as a connection part. As a result, the entire ink supply system can be made compact.

  Also in this configuration, if the ink is further consumed after the ink in the ink tank 10 is completely used up, the ink liquid level is lowered to the liquid chamber, and the ink storage chamber from the air introduction means (valve chamber 30) of the ink tank 10 is used. In some cases, air may be introduced into the liquid chamber 50 via 12. However, in this case, since there is no ink already in the ink tank 10 and the connection portions 41 and 51, no pressure loss occurs in that portion. Considering such a case, the ink flow rate is not limited.

  As described above, when the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber increases to a predetermined value or more during the process of supplying ink from the ink tank, the gas is taken into the ink storage chamber from the outside by the action of the valve chamber. .

  Further, when an ink containing a pigment as a coloring material is used, when the air is transported to the tank, the sedimentation of the pigment particles is diffused, and the storage stability of the ink and the reliability of ejection can be ensured.

  In addition, in this configuration, one of the two connecting portions is provided on the tank side, and the other is provided on the head side. The advantage of this configuration is that it is possible to secure a preferable water head difference for starting the gas-liquid exchange by increasing the vertical height difference between the tank side connection opening 42 and the head side connection opening 52, and the ink. In the state of FIG. 2A in which the tank 10 is not mounted, the tank-side flow path 48 is filled with ink, and the head-side flow path 58 can easily obtain a state where air is contained. That is, in this state, when the ink tank 10 is mounted, the pressure conditions of the respective parts are already substantially adjusted, and the gas-liquid exchange as described above can be caused as it is.

  In order to fill the tank side channel 48 with ink, the tank side channel 48 may be filled with ink when the ink tank is manufactured. In order to avoid ink leakage and sticking from the opening 42 when it is not installed in the liquid chamber, such as during subsequent distribution or storage, the opening 42 or the connecting portion 41 is covered with a cap or other member. You can do it. In addition, when the tank-side channel 48 is not filled with ink, the above-described gas-liquid exchange can be started by performing an ink suction operation or an ink discharge operation from the discharge unit 21 side after mounting. Can do.

  In this embodiment, the communication portions (connection portions and opening for inserting the connection portions) provided on the ink tank and the liquid chamber side can be integrally closed / opened by the displacement of the integral closing member. That is, no separate opening / closing mechanism is required, and the configuration of the ink tank and the liquid chamber can be simplified. In addition, for example, if the opening for inserting the connection portion is sealed with an elastic member such as rubber and fluid communication is performed by penetrating the connection portion, a large insertion force of the connection portion is required, If this is to be reduced, the inner diameter of the tube must be reduced, and as a result, the design conditions for obtaining the pressure relationship as described above may be severer. In this embodiment, however, it is necessary to consider this There are few.

  In the present embodiment, one of the two connecting portions is provided on the tank side and the other is provided on the head side. Here, it is conceivable to provide both on the tank side or the head side. However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the closing member or its operating mechanism can be shared. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process and facilitate the management of parts.

  In the first embodiment described above, the closing member 43 is biased by a spring 45 in the form of a coil spring, and the object to be sealed by the closing member 43 is the opening of the sealing member 49A and the connecting portion 41. And two tank side openings. Therefore, it is preferable to stabilize the sealing performance by designing the two load centers to coincide with the load center of the spring 45. Further, in the operation when the ink tank is mounted, the closing member 43 is pressed only by the head side connection portion 51, so that the load center of the spring 45 and the load point by the head side connection portion 51 are displaced in position. . Therefore, in order to prevent the closing member 43 from being displaced from the axial center of the spring 45, a guide may be provided inside or outside the spring 45. The same applies not only to the closing member 43 on the tank side but also to the closing member 53 on the head side having the same configuration.

(Second Embodiment)
FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the configuration and operation of the ink supply system according to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 3A shows a state immediately before the ink tank 10 is attached to the recording head 20. In the present embodiment, the closing member 43A is provided with a hinge portion 43B, and displacement for closing and opening the opening is made possible by turning around the hinge portion 43B. Therefore, a spring 45A in the form of a torsion spring (kick spring) having an arm is disposed in the hinge portion 43B, and the opening of the sealing member 49A and the tank side opening of the connecting portion 41 are provided as in the first embodiment. The closing member 43A is biased in the sealing direction. The closing member 53A on the head side has the same configuration as the closing member 43A. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 3B shows a state where the ink tank 10 is mounted on the recording head 20. The closing member 43 </ b> B is pushed upward by the head-side connecting portion 51, and the ink storage chamber 12 and the liquid chamber 50 communicate with each other through the head-side channel 58. At the same time, the closing member 53A in which the tank side connection portion 41 has a point-symmetric configuration is pushed downward in the drawing, and the ink storage chamber 12 and the liquid chamber 50 are in fluid communication with each other by the tank side channel 48. In this state, each of the closing members 43A and 53A is moved as a pivot with the hinge portions 43B and 53B as fulcrums, and the displacement is restricted, so that the displacement during the mounting operation is kept to a minimum.

  In this embodiment, in addition to having the same advantages as those of the first embodiment, the design condition for matching the load center is relaxed as in the first embodiment using a coil spring, and the load It is not necessary to provide a guide for preventing point misalignment.

  FIGS. 3A and 3B show a case where the connecting portions (41, 51) are arranged near the hinges (43B, 53B) and the connection ports (49, 59) are arranged on the side far from the fulcrum. However, the arrangement may be reversed. Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration is point-symmetric with respect to the support and rotation of the closing member on the tank side and the head side, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the connection part 41 may be arranged in the vicinity of the hinge part 43B on the tank side, and the connection port 59 may be arranged in the vicinity of the hinge part 53B on the head side.

(Third embodiment)
4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the configuration and operation of an ink supply system according to the third embodiment.

  FIG. 4A shows a state immediately before the ink tank 10 is attached to the recording head 20. In the present embodiment, connection portions 41B and 51B are integrally formed of a resin integrally with the ink tank casing and the liquid chamber forming member. On the outer periphery of the pipe-shaped connecting portions 41B and 51B, there is a taper used for extracting material from the mold during injection molding. Furthermore, the opening 42B of the connecting portion 41B to be positioned in the liquid chamber and the opening 52B of the connecting portion 51B to be positioned in the tank are formed at the apexes of the respective tips.

  The structure for supporting and displacing (turning) the closing member is substantially the same as in the second embodiment, but the difference is the sealing structure of the connection ports 49 and 59. That is, in the first and second embodiments, the sealing members 49A and 59A made of rubber or the like are sealed by bringing the projecting portions 47 and 57 of the closing member 43 into contact with each other. In the present embodiment, the periphery of the opening is covered with sealing members 44B and 54B made of rubber or the like provided on the closing member, similarly to the sealing structure for the opening in the tank of the connecting portion 41B and the opening in the liquid chamber of the connecting portion 51B. It has a configuration. Further, in order to seal the connection ports 49 and 59 when the ink tank is mounted, the O-ring 57A and the base of the connection portion 51B on the recording head side and the upper surface around the connection port 59 and in contact with the ink tank 10 are provided. 57B is arranged.

  FIG. 4B shows a state where the ink tank 10 is mounted on the recording head 20. The operation at the time of mounting is basically the same as that of the second embodiment. Here, when the opening 42B of the connecting portion 41B and the opening 52B of the connecting portion 51B are formed at the apex portions of the connecting portions, the openings 42B and 52B are close to the sealing members 54B and 44B and are sufficiently A large opening area may not be ensured. However, a sufficient opening area can be secured by providing the cutouts 42C and 52C in a part of the opening of the connection portion. If the notches 42C and 52C are provided on the side opposite to the hinge side, it becomes easy to ensure a sufficiently large opening area.

  A feature of the present embodiment is that the connecting portion is formed of resin integrally with the ink tank casing and the liquid chamber forming member.

  Conventionally, ink tanks often use resin injection molding in terms of cost, shape, and flexibility of processing. However, in the configuration in which the connection between the ink tank and the recording head or the liquid chamber is made by a pipe-like connection portion, when the connection portion is resin-molded, it is necessary to remove the material from the mold at the time of injection molding on the outer periphery of the pipe shape. A taper is formed. Further, the opening is also arranged at the apex portion of the pipe-like connecting portion. For this reason, it is difficult to seal the opening of the connecting portion when the ink tank is not mounted. Therefore, after the connecting portion is processed as a separate member, it is attached to the housing when the ink tank is manufactured and assembled. It was often fixed.

  However, since this configuration employs a configuration in which the opening in the tank is sealed instead of the opening at the front end of the connection portion, the connection portion 41B can be integrally molded with the ink tank housing.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained. Of course, it is possible to add a change in the positional relationship between the connection portion and the connection port and the fulcrum as in the second embodiment.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the configuration and operation of the ink supply system according to the fourth embodiment.

  In the above embodiments, a valve chamber for introducing air is provided in the ink tank, and air is introduced into the ink tank from the valve chamber together with ink supply. As shown in FIG. 5A, there is no valve chamber for introducing air from the outside, and the configuration is substantially only an ink storage chamber. The liquid chamber 50 and the recording head 20 have the same configuration as in the third embodiment.

  In such a configuration, an appropriate negative pressure is obtained by the sheet member 11, the spring member 15, and the pressure plate 14. As shown in FIG. 5B, the sheet member 11 is displaced downward as the ink is consumed, and the ink supply is stopped in a state where it cannot be displaced. Also in the present embodiment, as in the previous embodiments, the air in the upstream region of the filter is naturally transferred to the ink tank 10A side and removed from the ink supply path.

  In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the spring 15 is illustrated as a coil spring, but it goes without saying that various types can be used as described in the first embodiment. Yes.

(Configuration example of ink jet recording apparatus)
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

  The recording apparatus 150 of this example is a serial scanning ink jet recording apparatus, and a carriage 153 is guided by guide shafts 151 and 152 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction of an arrow A. The carriage 153 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by a driving force transmission mechanism such as a carriage motor and a belt for transmitting the driving force. The carriage 153 allows any one of the above-described embodiments, and includes a liquid supply system 154 (first to third embodiments) including a recording head or a liquid chamber and an ink tank that is mounted on the carriage 153 and supplies ink. Is installed). After the paper P as a recording medium is inserted from the insertion port 155 provided at the front end of the apparatus, the transport direction is reversed, and then the paper P is transported in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow B by the feed roller 156. The recording apparatus 150 moves the recording head in the main scanning direction, ejects ink toward the recording area of the sheet P on the platen 157, and moves the sheet P in the sub-scanning direction by a distance corresponding to the recording width. The image is sequentially recorded on the paper P by repeating the transport operation for transporting to the paper P.

  Note that, as described above, the recording head may use thermal energy generated from the electrothermal transducer as energy for ejecting ink. In that case, film boiling occurs in the ink due to the heat generated by the electrothermal converter, and the ink can be ejected from the ink ejection port by the foaming energy at that time. Further, the ink ejection method in the recording head is not limited to such a method using an electrothermal transducer, and may be a method for ejecting ink using a piezoelectric element, for example.

  A recovery system unit (recovery processing means) 158 is provided at the left end in FIG. 6 in the movement region of the carriage 153 so as to face the ink discharge port formation surface of the recording head mounted on the carriage 153. The recovery system unit 158 includes a cap capable of capping the ink discharge port of the recording head, a suction pump capable of introducing a negative pressure into the cap, and the like. By introducing the pressure, it is possible to perform a recovery process for sucking and discharging ink from the ink discharge port and maintaining a good ink discharge state of the recording head. In addition to image formation, a recovery process (also referred to as a preliminary ejection process) for maintaining a good ink ejection state of the recording head by ejecting ink from the ink ejection port into the cap can be performed.

(Other)
In the embodiments of the ink supply system described above, basically, all of the ink supply systems adopt a configuration in which ink is stored or supplied as it is without being held in the absorber or the like, while a movable member (sheet member, pressure plate) is used. A negative pressure generating means is constituted by the spring member for energizing this and the inside of the supply system has a sealed structure so that an appropriate negative pressure is applied to the recording head.

  Such a configuration is higher in volumetric efficiency and can improve the degree of freedom in ink selection as compared with the configuration of the prior art in which negative pressure is generated by the absorber. In addition, it is possible to preferably meet the demand for higher flow rate and stabilization of ink supply, which is required with the recent increase in recording speed.

  In addition, for the purpose of eliminating the gas stagnating in the supply path, which is the main focus of the present invention, this is transferred to the ink tank which is the most upstream position farthest from the recording head, and for this purpose, a plurality of streams are transferred. The ink tank and the ink supply path are connected via the path, and by utilizing the balance between the pressures of the two, ink derivation from the ink tank and gas introduction to the ink tank are performed in parallel.

  According to such a configuration, the stagnant gas in the supply path can be smoothly and quickly removed to the ink tank side without requiring a complicated device and a simple structure with a small increase in the number of parts. In addition, since the timing of exclusion is naturally performed according to the pressure balance when the gas accumulates to some extent, the reliability of gas exclusion is high.

  Further, since the negative pressure of the ink tank is always maintained in the process of gas exclusion, liquid leakage from the ink discharge port of the ink jet recording head can be reliably prevented. Furthermore, by removing the gas to the ink tank side, the ink consumption can be significantly reduced compared to the method of removing the gas by performing ink suction from the ejection port side of the recording head, and waste ink. This helps to reduce running costs.

  In addition, when an ink tank configured to be detachable from the supply path is used, conventionally, the supply path is filled with ink in order to prevent gas from entering the supply path during the replacement operation. In many cases, the ink tank is replaced while the ink is completely consumed, that is, before the ink is completely consumed. However, according to the above configuration, even if gas enters the supply path during the replacement operation, if a new ink tank is installed, the gas can be easily and quickly removed from the ink tank, so that the ink is completely consumed. In this case, the replacement can be performed, and not only can the running cost be further reduced, but also greatly contributes to environmental problems. Further, in any of the above-described embodiments, the ink tank is disposed at the highest position in the normal use posture, and the supply unit or the recording head is disposed at the lower position. This is a very preferable arrangement for performing gas-liquid exchange quickly, smoothly, and with a simple configuration.

  Although depending on the configuration of the ink tank, the gas introduced into the ink tank may be stored anywhere in the ink tank as long as it does not return to the ink supply path and the ink supply is not hindered. However, the configuration of the above-described embodiment in which the ink is stored as it is without impregnating the absorber or the like is preferable because the introduced gas is positioned as it is in the uppermost part in the ink tank.

  Thus, when there is no absorber in the ink tank, the volume of the tank itself can be the capacity of the ink, so there is no need to make the ink tank larger than necessary, and the shape of the tank is designed relatively freely. It can be done.

  The basic conditions for constituting the present invention are that the liquid chamber has a sealed structure for storing ink as it is except for the connection portion with the ink tank and the connection portion with the recording head, and maintains a preferable negative pressure. This is because the introduction of air to the ink tank is performed directly to the ink tank so that gas does not enter the liquid chamber directly communicating with the recording head as much as possible. This condition is extremely preferable for realizing a high flow rate and stabilization of ink supply and maintaining good discharge characteristics even when high-speed recording (discharge) is performed, and is not disclosed in any of Patent Documents 1 to 4. It is not suggested.

  As long as the basic condition is satisfied, the negative pressure generating means may adopt other configurations in addition to the combination of the spring and the flexible member as in the above embodiments. That is, the basic condition of the present invention does not exclude the use of the absorber as the negative pressure generating means.

  Further, in any of the embodiments, two connection portions are provided to form two flow paths, but the number of connection portions or flow paths is not limited to two, and three or more may be provided.

  In the above description, a serial type ink jet recording apparatus has been applied as the recording method of the present embodiment, but the present invention and the present embodiment are not limited to this. Further, the present invention and this embodiment can be applied even to a line scanning type recording apparatus instead of a serial type. Furthermore, it goes without saying that a plurality of liquid supply systems can be provided corresponding to the color tone (color, density, etc.) of the ink.

  Furthermore, although the case where the present invention is applied to an ink tank that supplies ink to a recording head has been described above, the present invention may be applied to a supply unit that supplies ink to a pen as a recording unit.

  Further, the present invention can be widely applied to such various recording apparatuses, apparatuses for supplying various liquids such as drinking water and liquid seasonings, and medical fields for supplying medicines. it can.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (A)-(c) is a figure for demonstrating the gas removal process in 1st Embodiment. (A) And (b) is typical sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of the liquid supply system which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A) And (b) is typical sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of the liquid supply system which concern on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (A) And (b) is typical sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of the liquid supply system which concern on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of an inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ink tank 11 Sheet member 12 Ink storage chamber 13 Valve chamber communication port 14 Pressure plate 15 Spring member 16 Exterior 20 Recording head 21 Ink discharge part 22 Filter 30 Valve chamber 31 Valve chamber sheet member 32 Communication port 34 Valve chamber pressure plate 35 Valve Chamber spring member 36 Atmospheric inlet 37 Seal member 41, 41B, 51, 51B Connection part 42, 42B, 52, 52B Connection part opening 42C, 52C Notch 43, 43A, 53, 53A Closing member 43B, 53B Closing member hinge Portion 44, 44B, 54, 54B Connection portion sealing member 45, 45A, 55, 55A Spring member 48, 58 Flow path 49, 59 Connection port 50 Liquid chamber 57A, 57B O-ring 150 Inkjet recording device 154 Liquid supply system 153 Carriage 158 Recovery unit

Claims (13)

An ejection section for ejecting ink;
A liquid chamber communicating with the discharge section;
An ink tank that contains the ink and can be separated from and combined with the liquid chamber;
A plurality of communicating portions for communicating the liquid chamber and the ink tank in the coupled state;
An ink supply system comprising:
The liquid chamber forms a substantially sealed space except for the plurality of communication portions and the ink tank, and has a closing member that can integrally close the plurality of communication portions when separated from the ink tank,
The ink tank has means for adjusting the pressure in the system, and has a closing member that can integrally close the plurality of communicating portions when separated from the liquid chamber. .   The plurality of communication portions include tubular connection portions projecting from the liquid chamber and the ink tank, and the liquid chamber and the liquid chamber for receiving insertion of the connection portions of the ink tank and the liquid chamber. An opening provided in each of the ink tanks, and the closing member of the liquid chamber and the ink tank includes the opening and an end opening opposite to the insertion end of the connection part. 2. The ink supply system according to claim 1, wherein the ink supply system is urged in a closing direction and is movable from a position where the ink tank and the liquid chamber are closed as the connection portion is inserted.   The pressure adjusting means adjusts the pressure so that a liquid that prevents the liquid from leaking from the discharge section and does not impede the use state of the liquid in the use section is applied in the system. Item 3. The ink supply system according to Item 1 or 2.   The pressure adjusting means is means for bringing the discharge part into a negative pressure state relative to atmospheric pressure, and means for directly introducing the atmosphere into the ink tank without adjusting the liquid chamber in order to adjust the negative pressure state. The ink supply system according to claim 3, further comprising:   In the state where the ink tank is coupled, the liquid chamber forms a substantially sealed space except for the plurality of communication portions and the discharge portion, and in the state where gas exists in the sealed space, The ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein gas can be transferred to the ink tank through a part of the plurality of communication portions. A fluid communication structure for fluid communication between a liquid storage section for storing a liquid and a liquid use section for using the liquid;
A liquid chamber that communicates with the liquid use section and is capable of separating and coupling the liquid storage section;
A plurality of communicating portions for communicating the liquid chamber and the liquid storage portion in the coupled state;
With
The liquid chamber forms a substantially sealed space except for the plurality of communication portions and the liquid use portion, and has a closing member that can integrally close the plurality of communication portions when the liquid storage portion is separated. ,
The plurality of communicating portions project from the liquid chamber and can be inserted into the liquid storage portion, and an opening for receiving insertion of the tubular connection portion projecting from the liquid storage portion And
The closing member is biased in a direction to integrally close the opening and an end opening opposite to the insertion end of the connection portion into the liquid storage portion, and the connection portion of the liquid storage portion The fluid communication structure is movable from a position where the closing is performed in accordance with the insertion of the fluid.   In the state where the liquid storage portion is coupled, the liquid chamber forms a substantially sealed space except for the plurality of communication portions and the liquid use portion, and gas exists in the sealed space. The fluid communication structure according to claim 6, wherein the gas can be transferred to the liquid storage part via a part of the plurality of communication parts.   The posture at the time of using the liquid is characterized in that the fluid communication structure is positioned substantially lower than the liquid storage portion and substantially higher than the liquid using portion in the vertical direction. 8. The fluid communication structure according to 7. An ink tank that is in fluid communication with a liquid chamber that is in communication with a recording head that ejects ink by being detachably connected via a plurality of communication portions, wherein the liquid chamber includes the plurality of communication paths and the recording medium. A substantially sealed space is formed except for the head, and the ink tank is formed by integrating the plurality of communicating portions when the ink tank is separated from the liquid chamber and a means for adjusting the pressure inside the ink supply system to the recording head. Has a closure member that can be closed,
The plurality of communication portions are provided with a tubular connection portion that protrudes from the ink tank and can be inserted into the liquid chamber, and an opening for receiving insertion of the tubular connection portion that protrudes from the liquid chamber. Have
The closing member is biased in a direction to integrally close the opening and an end opening opposite to the insertion end of the connection portion into the liquid chamber, and the insertion of the connection portion of the liquid chamber is performed. Accordingly, the ink tank is movable from a position where the closing is performed.   The pressure adjusting means adjusts the pressure so that a liquid that prevents the liquid from leaking from the use part and does not impede the use state of the liquid in the use part acts in the system. Item 10. The ink tank according to Item 9.   The pressure adjusting means is a means for bringing the liquid use part into a negative pressure state with respect to atmospheric pressure, and directly introduces air into the ink tank without the liquid chamber in order to adjust the negative pressure state. The ink tank according to claim 10, further comprising: means.   An ink jet recording head that performs recording by discharging ink, wherein the fluid communication structure according to claim 6 is integrally provided.   6. The ink supply system according to claim 1, wherein the liquid chamber is positioned substantially above the recording head in the vertical direction in the posture during use, and the ink tank further includes the ink tank. An ink jet recording apparatus that performs recording while holding the ink supply system so as to be positioned substantially above the liquid chamber.

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