JP2006159792A - Liquid replenishing method and image forming apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for remarkably reducing a frictional resistance when a tip of a hollow needle is pushed on a sealing film to penetrate this through in a case when an opening part of a replenishing tank is closed with the sealing film using a rubbery elastic body, and the hollow needle with the tip capable of piercing this sealing film is fixed on the opening part of a liquid tank, and a liquid in the replenishing tank is fed into the liquid tank through this hollow needle, and to provide an image forming apparatus capable of practicing this method in use. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus of the present invention is equipped with a replenishing connecting part 28 provided on an ink replenishing tank 13 storing an ink L replenished to the ink tank 12, and an ink introducing part 21 provided on the ink tank 12. The replenishing connecting part 28 of the ink replenishing tank 13 is forced to face a discharge opening of an inkjet head 11, and the ink is discharged into the replenishing connecting part 28 of the ink replenishing tank 13 from the discharge opening of the inkjet head 11. Then, the ink tank 12 and the ink replenishing tank 13 are connected through the ink introducing part 21 and the replenishing connecting part 28, and the ink L in the ink replenishing tank 13 is replenished into the ink tank 12 through the replenishing connecting part 28 and the ink introducing part 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is integrally connected to a liquid discharge head in which a discharge port for discharging a liquid is formed, and is supplied to this liquid tank with respect to a liquid tank containing liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head. The present invention relates to a method of replenishing liquid from a liquid replenishing tank that stores liquid, and an image forming apparatus using such a liquid tank or liquid replenishing tank.

  The “print” described in this specification is not only for forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also manifested so that it can be perceived visually by humans, regardless of significance. Regardless of whether or not it is, it includes a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern or the like is widely formed on the print medium, or the print medium is processed such as etching.

  The “print medium” is a sheet-like object that can accept not only a piece of paper used in a general printing apparatus but also a liquid such as a cloth, a resin film, a metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, and leather. Other three-dimensional solids such as a sphere and a cylinder are also included.

  Furthermore, “liquid” is to be interpreted widely as the definition of “print” above, and by being applied on the print medium, the formation of images, patterns, patterns, etc., processing of the print medium such as etching, Alternatively, it refers to a liquid that can be subjected to ink processing, such as solidification or insolubilization of the colorant in the ink applied to the print medium, and includes any liquid used for printing.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a serial scan type image forming apparatus in which a liquid discharge head scans and moves along a print medium, many liquid supply units have been proposed and put into practical use for a liquid discharge head mounted on a carriage. . For example, the minimum required liquid tank is mounted on the carriage together with the liquid discharge head, while the supply tank storing a large amount of liquid to be supplied to the liquid tank is fixedly installed at the liquid supply position on one end side in the scanning movement direction of the carriage. A so-called pit-in type liquid supply system has been proposed in which the carriage is moved to the liquid replenishment position when the liquid is exhausted in the liquid tank, and the liquid is replenished from the replenishment tank into the liquid tank. In this pit-in type, since the minimum necessary liquid tank is mounted on the carriage, the inertial mass of the entire carriage can be reduced and the liquid discharge head can be scanned and moved at high speed.

  In addition to such a pit-in method, in other liquid supply systems that automatically attach and detach between the liquid discharge head side and the replenishment tank side, the detachable part can be easily attached and detached. In order to simplify the structure of the liquid tank and avoid leakage and transpiration of liquid in the replenishment tank in a separated state, for example, the opening part of the replenishment tank is closed with a sealing film using a rubber-like elastic body, and the opening part of the liquid tank A hollow needle having a pointed tip that can pierce the sealing film is fixed and liquid in the replenishing tank can be replenished into the liquid tank through the hollow needle.

JP 2004-160705 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-347683

  The opening part of the replenishing tank is closed with a sealing film using a rubber-like elastic body, and a hollow needle having a tip that can pierce the sealing film is fixed to the opening part of the liquid tank, and through this hollow needle In the conventional one that can replenish the liquid in the replenishing tank into the liquid tank, it is necessary to press the tip of the hollow needle against the sealing film when connecting them. In this case, the pointed portion of the hollow needle and the surface of the sealing film are usually in a dry state, and even if the hollow needle has a pointed portion, the frictional resistance generated between them is considerably large. A large driving force for penetrating the hollow needle with respect to the sealing film is necessary, and accordingly, the structure of the image forming apparatus itself must be strengthened, which is a factor for inhibiting the weight reduction. In order to increase the sealing degree in the replenishing tank, such a problem is caused by increasing the thickness of the sealing film and forming a slit (cut) in the sealing film so that the hollow needle can penetrate the sealing film. This is particularly noticeable.

  The object of the present invention is to close the opening portion of the replenishing tank with a sealing film using a rubber-like elastic body, and fix a hollow needle having a tip that can break through the sealing film to the opening portion of the liquid tank, When the liquid in the replenishing tank is replenished into the liquid tank via the hollow needle, a method of reducing the frictional resistance when pressing the tip of the hollow needle against the sealing film and penetrating the sealing film An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be implemented.

  The first aspect of the present invention is integrally connected to a liquid discharge head in which a discharge port for discharging a liquid is formed, and the liquid tank containing the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head. A method for replenishing liquid from a liquid replenishment tank that stores liquid to be replenished to the tank, wherein the liquid is provided in the liquid replenishment tank and guides the liquid from the liquid replenishment tank together with a liquid introduction portion provided in the liquid tank. The step of moistening the replenishment connecting portion of the liquid tank and the liquid replenishing tank after the liquid replenishing connecting portion of the liquid replenishing tank is moistened. Adjusting the relative positions thereof so as to communicate with each other through the liquid supply tank, and supplying the liquid in the liquid supply tank through the supply connection section and the liquid introduction section. It is characterized in that comprising the step of replenishing in the tank.

  In the present invention, when the liquid introduction part of the liquid tank and the replenishment connection part of the liquid replenishment tank are connected, the replenishment connection part is moistened, so that the frictional resistance generated between them is reduced.

  In the liquid replenishment method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the step of moistening the replenishment connection portion of the liquid replenishment tank is performed so that the replenishment connection portion of the liquid replenishment tank and the discharge port of the liquid ejection head face each other. It may include a step of adjusting the position and a step of discharging the liquid from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head toward the supply connection portion of the liquid supply tank. In this case, it is preferable that the liquid discharged from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head is the same type of liquid as the liquid stored in the liquid supply tank.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the liquid tank is integrally connected to a liquid discharge head in which a discharge port for discharging a liquid is formed, and the liquid tank that stores the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head is used. A method for replenishing liquid from a liquid replenishment tank that stores liquid to be replenished to the tank, comprising a flexible liquid replenishment pipe communicating with the liquid tank, and a replenishment connection provided in the liquid replenishment tank And a step of moistening a tip portion of the liquid introducing portion for guiding the liquid from the liquid replenishing tank; and after moistening the tip portion of the liquid introducing portion, the liquid tank and the liquid replenishing tank are connected to the liquid tank. Adjusting the relative positions of the liquid introduction section and the replenishment connection section of the liquid replenishment tank so as to communicate with each other; Is characterized in that via the liquid introducing portion equipped with a step of replenishing in said liquid tank.

  In the present invention, when the liquid introduction part of the liquid tank and the replenishment connection part of the liquid replenishment tank are connected, the tip of the liquid introduction part is moistened, so that the frictional resistance generated between them is reduced.

  In the liquid replenishing method according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the step of moistening the tip portion of the liquid introduction portion, the relative positions thereof are set so that the discharge port of the liquid discharge head and the tip portion of the liquid introduction portion face each other. The adjusting step and the step of discharging the liquid from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head toward the tip portion of the liquid introducing portion may be included. In this case, it is preferable that the liquid discharged from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head is the same type of liquid as the liquid stored in the liquid supply tank.

  In the liquid replenishment method according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the step of replenishing the liquid in the liquid replenishment tank through the replenishment connecting part and the liquid introducing part sucks the air in the liquid tank. It may include a step or a step of sucking the liquid from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a print medium by discharging liquid from a discharge port of a liquid head, the liquid discharge head being integrally connected, and the liquid discharge A liquid tank for storing the liquid supplied to the head, a liquid supply tank for storing the liquid supplied to the liquid tank, and the liquid in the liquid supply tank provided in the liquid supply tank into the liquid tank. A replenishment connecting portion for guiding, a liquid introducing portion for guiding the liquid in the liquid replenishing tank into the liquid tank together with the replenishing connecting portion of the liquid replenishing tank provided in the liquid tank, and the liquid discharge head Means for adjusting the relative positions of the liquid replenishment tank so as to face the replenishment connection part of the liquid replenishment tank, and the liquid discharge head toward the replenishment connection part of the liquid replenishment tank It is characterized in that from a discharge port equipped with a control means for discharging the liquid.

  In the present invention, when liquid is supplied to the liquid tank, the relative positions of the liquid discharge head are adjusted so that the discharge port of the liquid discharge head faces the supply connection portion of the liquid supply tank. After the liquid is discharged from the discharge port toward the replenishment connection part of the liquid replenishment tank to wet the replenishment connection part, the replenishment connection part of the liquid replenishment tank and the liquid introduction part of the liquid tank are connected, and the liquid replenishment tank The liquid in the liquid tank is replenished into the liquid tank through the replenishment connecting part and the liquid introducing part.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the capillary force or gravity formed in the liquid replenishment tank in the vicinity of the replenishment connection portion and guides the liquid discharged from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head to the replenishment connection portion. The guidance means used can be further provided.

  It further comprises scanning movement means for scanning and moving the liquid discharge head together with the liquid tank in a direction intersecting the print medium conveyance direction, and the replenishment connection portion of the liquid replenishment tank is positioned within the scanning movement area of the discharge port of the liquid discharge head. Can be made. In this case, the liquid ejection head has a plurality of ejection port groups for ejecting a plurality of types of liquid along the scanning movement direction, and the replenishment connection portions of the plurality of types of liquid replenishing tanks are arranged in the scanning movement direction of the liquid ejection head. Can be arranged in a direction intersecting with respect to.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a print medium by discharging liquid from a discharge port of a liquid head, the liquid discharge head being integrally connected, and the liquid discharge A liquid tank for storing the liquid supplied to the head, a liquid supply tank for storing the liquid supplied to the liquid tank, and the liquid in the liquid supply tank provided in the liquid supply tank into the liquid tank. A replenishment connecting portion for guiding and a flexible liquid replenishing pipe communicating with the liquid tank, and for guiding the liquid in the liquid replenishing tank into the liquid tank together with the replenishing connecting portion of the liquid replenishing tank; Means for adjusting the relative positions of the liquid introduction part, the discharge port of the liquid discharge head so as to face the tip part of the liquid introduction part, and the liquid toward the tip part of the liquid introduction part. It is characterized in that the discharge port of the discharge head and control means for ejecting the liquid.

  In the present invention, when the liquid tank is replenished with liquid, the relative position of the liquid discharge head is adjusted so that the discharge port of the liquid discharge head faces the front end of the liquid introduction portion of the liquid tank. After discharging the liquid from the discharge port of the discharge head toward the tip of the liquid inlet of the liquid tank and moistening the tip, connect the supply connection of the liquid supply tank and the liquid inlet of the liquid tank. Then, the liquid in the liquid replenishing tank is replenished into the liquid tank via the replenishing connection part and the liquid introducing part.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes scanning moving means for scanning and moving the liquid discharge head together with the liquid tank in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the print medium. It can be located in the scanning movement region of the discharge port of the discharge head. In this case, the liquid discharge head has a plurality of discharge port groups for discharging a plurality of types of liquids along the scanning movement direction, and the liquid discharge head scans the tip portion of the liquid introduction portion of the plurality of types of liquid tanks. They can be arranged in a direction that intersects the direction of movement.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the replenishment connecting portion of the liquid replenishing tank has a liquid replenishing port and a rubber-like elastic film that closes the liquid replenishing port, and the liquid introducing portion of the liquid tank May have a hollow liquid replenishing needle at its distal end that can break through the rubber-like elastic membrane.

  As the form of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to what is used as an output terminal of information processing equipment such as a computer or an optical disk apparatus, a copying apparatus combined with a reader, a facsimile apparatus or a textile printing apparatus having a transmission / reception function, Alternatively, it may be in the form of an etching apparatus, and the print medium may be a sheet or long paper or fabric, or a plate-like wood or leather, stone, resin, glass, metal, etc. A three-dimensional solid structure etc. can be mentioned.

  According to the liquid replenishment method of the first aspect of the present invention, after the replenishment connecting portion provided in the liquid replenishment tank is moistened, the liquid tank and the liquid replenishment tank are replenished with the liquid introduction part of the liquid tank and the liquid replenishment tank. These relative positions are adjusted so as to communicate with each other through the connection portion, and thereby the liquid in the liquid supply tank is supplied into the liquid tank through the supply connection portion and the liquid introduction portion. The frictional resistance generated when the part and the replenishment connecting part are connected is reduced, and the driving force when connecting them can be reduced.

  These relative positions are adjusted so that the replenishment connection portion of the liquid replenishment tank and the discharge port of the liquid discharge head face each other, and liquid is discharged from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head toward the replenishment connection portion of the liquid replenishment tank. Thus, when the supply connection portion of the liquid supply tank is moistened, it is not necessary to prepare a special liquid separately, and the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head can be used. In particular, when the liquid discharged from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head is the same type of liquid stored in the liquid supply tank, the liquid adhering to the supply connection portion and the liquid in the liquid supply tank are mixed. Even if they match, there is no inconvenience.

  According to the liquid replenishing method of the second aspect of the present invention, the liquid tank and the liquid replenishing tank are liquid in the liquid tank after the tip of the liquid introducing portion for introducing the liquid from the liquid replenishing tank to the liquid tank is moistened. These relative positions are adjusted so as to communicate with each other via the introduction portion and the replenishment connection portion of the liquid replenishment tank, thereby supplying the liquid in the liquid replenishment tank to the liquid tank via the replenishment connection portion and the liquid introduction portion. As a result, the frictional resistance generated when the liquid introducing portion and the replenishment connecting portion are connected is reduced, and the driving force when connecting them can be reduced.

  By adjusting the relative positions of the discharge port of the liquid discharge head and the front end portion of the liquid introduction portion so as to face each other, and then discharging liquid from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head toward the front end portion of the liquid introduction portion. When the tip portion of the liquid introduction part is moistened, it is not necessary to prepare a special liquid separately, and the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head can be used. In particular, when the liquid discharged from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head is the same type of liquid stored in the liquid supply tank, the liquid adhering to the supply connection portion and the liquid in the liquid supply tank are mixed. Even if they match, there is no inconvenience.

  If the air in the liquid tank is aspirated when liquid is supplied from the liquid replenishment tank to the liquid tank, or if the liquid is aspirated from the discharge port of the liquid ejection head, the liquid in the liquid replenishment tank can be quickly and reliably placed in the liquid tank. Can be replenished.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, means for adjusting the relative positions of the liquid discharge head so that the discharge port of the liquid discharge head faces the supply connection portion of the liquid supply tank, and the supply connection of the liquid supply tank Control means for discharging the liquid from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head toward the part, so that the liquid tank and the liquid supply tank are connected to the liquid tank after the supply connection part provided in the liquid supply tank is moistened. Thus, the liquid in the liquid replenishing tank can be replenished into the liquid tank through the replenishing connecting part and the liquid introducing part. In addition, the frictional resistance generated when the liquid introduction part and the replenishment connection part are connected is reduced, and the driving force when connecting them can be reduced.

  When the guiding means for guiding the liquid discharged from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head to the supply connection portion is formed in the liquid supply tank close to the supply connection portion, even if the liquid is not accurately discharged to the supply connection portion This can be led to the supply connection.

  The apparatus further comprises scanning moving means for scanning and moving the liquid discharge head together with the liquid tank in a direction intersecting the print medium conveyance direction, and the replenishment connecting portion of the liquid replenishment tank is located in the scanning movement area of the discharge port of the liquid discharge head. In this case, the liquid ejection head scanning movement mechanism can be used to oppose the ejection port of the liquid ejection head and the distal end portion of the liquid introduction section, and there is no need to add a special position adjustment mechanism or the like. Such an advantage is that the liquid ejection head has a plurality of ejection port groups for ejecting a plurality of types of liquid along the scanning movement direction, and the replenishment connection portion of the plurality of types of liquid replenishment tanks The same applies to the case where they are arranged in a direction crossing the scanning movement direction.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, means for adjusting the relative position of the liquid discharge head so that the discharge port of the liquid discharge head faces the front end portion of the liquid introduction portion, and the front end portion of the liquid introduction portion. And a control means for discharging liquid from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head toward the front, so that the liquid tank and the liquid replenishment tank are connected to the liquid inlet and the liquid supply tank after the tip of the liquid inlet is moistened. It is possible to communicate with the replenishment tank via the replenishment connection part, thereby supplying the liquid in the liquid replenishment tank into the liquid tank via the replenishment connection part and the liquid introduction part. In addition, the frictional resistance generated when the liquid introduction part and the replenishment connection part are connected is reduced, and the driving force when connecting them can be reduced.

  It further comprises a scanning movement means for scanning and moving the liquid discharge head together with the liquid tank in a direction intersecting the print medium conveyance direction, and the leading end portion of the liquid introduction section is located in the scanning movement area of the discharge port of the liquid discharge head. In this case, it is possible to make the discharge port of the liquid discharge head and the tip portion of the liquid introduction portion face each other by using the scanning movement mechanism of the liquid discharge head, and it is not necessary to add a special position adjustment mechanism or the like. Such an advantage is that the liquid discharge head has a plurality of rows of ink replenishing port groups for discharging a plurality of types of liquids along the scanning movement direction, and the tip portion of the liquid introduction portion of the plurality of types of liquid tanks is a liquid. The same applies to the case where the discharge heads are arranged in a direction intersecting the scanning movement direction.

  The liquid supply tank has a liquid supply port and a rubber-like elastic membrane that closes the liquid supply port, and the liquid introduction portion of the liquid tank has a hollow liquid supply needle that can break through the rubber-like elastic membrane. In the case where it is at the tip, it is possible to ensure the sealing inside the liquid replenishment tank to prevent liquid leakage and transpiration, and to connect the liquid introduction part of the liquid tank and the replenishment connection part of the liquid replenishment tank. The driving force at the time can be minimized.

  Embodiments in which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a serial scan type ink jet printer will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and these are further described. Combinations and modifications and variations that are encompassed by the concepts of the present invention as set forth in the claims are possible, and of course applicable to other techniques belonging to the spirit of the present invention.

  The appearance of this embodiment is schematically shown in FIG. 1, and the state immediately before ink replenishment to the head cartridge and the state during ink replenishment are schematically shown in FIGS. That is, the ink jet printer 10 according to the present embodiment incorporates an ink tank 12 that stores a relatively small amount of ink in the ink jet head 11, and applies a relatively large amount of ink L to the ink tank 12 in which the inside is held at a negative pressure. The ink supply system has a so-called pit-in ink supply system that intermittently supplies ink L from the stored ink supply tank 13 at an appropriate timing.

  A paper cassette 15 loaded with sheets (not shown) as a print medium is detachably mounted on the printer main body 14 of the inkjet printer 10. Print sheets fed from the paper cassette 15 one by one by a medium transport unit (not shown) are discharged to a paper discharge tray 16 provided in the print main body through the transport path.

  A carriage 17 that scans and moves across the transport path by a scanning drive unit (not shown) is disposed in the middle of the transport path of the print paper. The carriage 17 is slidably held in the left-right direction along a scanning guide member 18 provided in the printer main body 14, and the carriage 17 temporarily stores ink in the ink tank 12. A plurality of (four in the illustrated example) head cartridges 19 that are integrated with the inkjet head 11 that discharges the ink from a discharge port (not shown) are mounted in a replaceable manner.

  An ink tank 12 of a head cartridge 19 that contains a porous ink holding member 20 that holds ink by utilizing capillary action is used to guide the ink L in the ink supply tank 13 into the ink tank 12. An introduction part 21 is provided. In this embodiment, the ink introduction part 21 is fixed to the ink tank 12 so that the opening on the base end side is located in the ink tank 12, and the hollow ink supply needle 22 that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the ink tank 12 on the terminal side. Have The ink supply needle 22 is formed of stainless steel or the like, and an injection needle or the like can be used. A suction pump 23 for sucking air in the ink tank 12 is connected to the ink tank 12 through a suction passage 24 and a selective permeable membrane 25. The suction pump 23 is installed on the printer main body 14 side. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which the ink L is replenished and connected to the ink tank 12 of the head cartridge 19 via the carriage 17. In general, a suction pump is used to reduce the inertial mass of the carriage 17. 23 is preferably detachable from the ink tank 12. The selective permeable membrane 25 incorporated in the ink tank 12 has a large number of pores that are larger than gas molecules and smaller than liquid molecules, thereby permitting the passage of gas and blocking the passage of liquid. It has a function.

  In order to supply power to the head cartridge 19 mounted on the carriage 17, the other end side of the flexible cable 26 whose one end side is connected to the printer main body 14 side is connected to the carriage 17, and the carriage 17 can be replaced. Electrical connection with the mounted head cartridge 19 is made via a flexible cable 26.

  Therefore, when the printing paper is supplied into the printer main body 14 by the medium conveying means and reaches the printing position, the scanning movement of the inkjet head 11 by the carriage 17 and the intermittent movement of the printing paper by the medium conveying means are performed. Are alternately repeated, and an arbitrary image is formed on the print medium by ejecting ink onto a print sheet from a predetermined ejection port during operation movement of the inkjet head 11 based on a command from a control device (not shown). The print medium on which the image is formed in this manner is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 16 provided in the printer main body 14.

  The printer main body 14 at one end in the scanning movement direction of the carriage 17 stores ink L to be supplied to the ink tank 12, and an ink supply tank provided with a supply connection portion 27 for guiding the ink L into the ink tank 12. 13 is arranged. In addition, a cap member (not shown) that covers the peripheral portion of the discharge port surface 28 where the discharge port of the ink jet head 11 is opened in close contact is provided, so that drying of the ink interposed in the discharge port can be prevented. The replenishment connecting portion 27 in this embodiment has an ink replenishing port 29 and a rubber-like elastic film 30 that closes the ink replenishing port 29. When the ink is replenished, the ink replenishing needle 22 of the head cartridge 19 is the rubber-like shape. The elastic film 30 can be broken through. In this case, in order to avoid damage to the rubber-like elastic film 30 due to the insertion / removal operation of the ink replenishing needle 22, a notch (not shown) penetrating the rubber-like elastic film 30 is formed in the rubber-like elastic film 30 in advance. It is also effective to allow the ink supply needle 22 to pass through the cut portion. In particular, a plurality of cuts are formed in a radial pattern so as to intersect at the center of the rubber-like elastic film 30, and the surface side is cut so as to form a V-groove, and ink is applied to this V-groove-shaped cut portion by capillary force. When it becomes easy to accumulate, this can also be used as the guiding means of the present invention.

  The ink supply tank 13 can be moved in the front-rear direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the head cartridge 19 and in the vertical direction orthogonal to these two directions by a supply tank driving means (not shown) as the position adjusting means of the present invention. Thus, the ink supply tank 13 can be switched between the preprocessing position shown in FIG. 2 where the ink supply tank 13 is moved back and lowered and the ink supply position shown in FIG. When the ink supply tank 13 is in its preprocessing position, as shown in FIG. 2, some of the plurality of ejection ports formed in the inkjet head 11 of the head cartridge 19 that scans and moves with the carriage 17 are the ink supply ports 29. The positional relationship is set such that the vehicle can pass directly above.

  When ink L is replenished, the ink replenishment tank 13 is first moved to the preprocessing position, and then the ink jet head 11 of the head cartridge 19 is moved to one end in the scanning movement direction, and ink is supplied based on a command from a control device (not shown). Ink is ejected from a plurality of opposing ejection ports of the inkjet head 11 toward the ink replenishing port 29 of the replenishing tank 13 (see FIG. 2). In this case, it is preferable to eject ink from the inkjet head 11 integrated with the ink tank 12 that stores the same ink as the ink L stored in the ink supply tank 13 in order to avoid color mixing of the ink.

  After performing the pre-treatment in this way, the ink jet head 11 is stopped at the ink supply position, and the ink supply tank 13 is moved to the ink supply position by the supply tank driving means. In the course of this movement, the ink supply needle 22 protruding from the ink tank 12 contacts the rubber-like elastic film 30 of the ink supply tank 13, and the ink supply needle 22 moves to the rubber-like elastic film 30 by further raising operation of the ink supply tank 13. And the pointed portion penetrates into the ink supply tank 13 (see FIG. 3). At this time, since the ink supplied in the pretreatment is present on the surface of the rubber-like elastic film 30, the friction resistance of the ink supply needle 22 when penetrating the rubber-like elastic film 30 is reduced, and the pretreatment is performed. The driving force for raising the ink supply tank 13 by the supply tank driving means can be reduced as compared with the case where it is not performed.

  After the ink tank 12 of the head cartridge 19 and the ink supply tank 13 are connected and a cap member (not shown) closes the ejection port surface 28 of the inkjet head, the suction pump 23 is activated and the inside of the ink tank 12 is decompressed. Thus, air is sucked in such a manner that the ink L in the ink supply tank 13 is sucked into the ink tank 12 through the ink supply needle 22.

  After the ink L is replenished in the ink tank 12 in this way, the cap member is retracted from the ejection port surface 28 of the inkjet head 11, and the replenishment tank driving means is operated to move the ink replenishment tank 13 to its preprocessing position. Return to. While the ink supply tank 13 is descending, the ink supply needle 22 is removed from the rubber elastic film 30 of the ink supply tank 13, and the inside of the ink supply tank 13 is again kept sealed by the elastic force of the rubber elastic film 30. The The head cartridge 19 supplied with ink can restart the printing operation again.

  In the above-described embodiment, the ink L is sucked from the ink replenishment tank 13 into the ink tank 12 of the head cartridge by using the suction pump 23 when the ink L is replenished, but covers the ejection port surface 28 of the inkjet head 11. It is also possible to connect the suction pump 23 to the cap member and suck the ink L from the ink supply tank 13 into the ink tank 12 of the head cartridge 19 via the cap member.

  FIG. 4 shows the concept of such an ink replenishment state according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 shows the cross-sectional shape taken along the line V-V. Elements having the same functions as those of the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Stop and duplicate explanation will be omitted. That is, the suction pump 23 is connected to the cap member 31 in the previous embodiment via the suction pipe 32. Since the suction pump 23 in the present embodiment uses a common drive source with drive means (not shown) of the ink jet printer 10, the suction pump 32 is provided in the middle of the suction pipe 32 so that suction operation can be performed only when necessary. An on-off valve 33 that can open and close the suction pipe 32 is interposed. In this embodiment, the three ejection port groups 34a, 34b, and 34c capable of ejecting three types of ink store the inkjet head 11 that opens on the ejection port surface 28, and the three types of ink L corresponding thereto. And an ink supply tank 13. Three ink supply ports 29a, 29b, and 29c formed in the ink supply tank 13 are arranged in a direction (vertical direction in FIG. 5) orthogonal to the scanning movement direction (left and right direction in FIG. 5) of the inkjet head 11. ing. In this case, the upper and lower two ink supply ports 29a and 29c in FIG. 5 deviate from the ink discharge region by the first and third discharge port groups 34a and 34c, and these ink supply ports 29a, 29c are used as guiding means of the present invention. An elongate communication port 35 that communicates with 29c and extends directly below the ink discharge area is formed, and the surface of the rubber-like elastic film 30 that is arranged from the ink supply port 29 to the communication port 35 is formed on the communication port. A slit 36 extending from 35 to the center of the ink supply port 29 is formed.

  Accordingly, as a pre-process of the ink L replenishment operation for the ink tank 12, the first and third ejection port groups 34a, 34a are connected to the communication ports 35 communicating with the first and third ink supply ports 29a, 29c, respectively. By ejecting ink from the overlapping portion of 34c and the portion overlapping the second ink supply port 29b of the second discharge port group 34b toward each of the communication ports 35 and the second ink supply port 29b, Can be moistened with ink. In this case, the ink discharged to each communication port 35 is guided to the central portion of the ink supply ports 29a and 29c by the capillary force of the slit 36 formed on the surface of the rubber-like elastic film 30. As a result, the rubber-like elastic film The frictional resistance when the ink replenishing needle 22 is pierced into 30 can be reduced as in the previous embodiment.

  When replenishing the ink L, the on-off valve 33 is switched to the open state, and the inside of the ink tank 12 is depressurized by the suction pump 23 via the cap member 31 and the inkjet head 11, thereby The ink L is sucked into the ink tank 12 through the ink supply needle 22, and the ink L is supplied.

  In the ink jet printer 10 according to the present embodiment, an ink jet head 11 mounted on a carriage 17 and an ink supply tank 13 are connected via a flexible ink supply pipe, and the ink supply tank 13 is connected via the ink supply pipe. The present invention can also be applied to an ink supply system in which ink L is supplied into the ink tank 12.

  The concept of the ink replenishment state according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 6, but elements having the same functions as those of the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. That is, the ink supply tank 13 of this embodiment can be replaced with a printer main body (not shown), and is always in communication with the ink tank 12 of the head cartridge 19 via the flexible ink supply pipe 37. Yes. In a normal state, the head cartridge 19 mounted on the carriage 17 is positioned below the ink supply tank 13, and ink L in the ink supply tank 13 is supplied into the ink tank 12 from the ink supply pipe 37 using gravity. It is supposed to be. An ink supply needle 22 is attached to the tip of the ink supply pipe 37 via a sub tank 38 containing the ink holding member 20, and the ink supply needle 22 penetrates the rubber elastic film 30 of the ink supply tank 13 to supply ink. It will be in the state inserted in the tank 13.

  In the present embodiment, when the ink supply tank 13 is replaced, the sub tank 38 is moved directly below the inkjet head 11 by tank driving means (not shown) (see FIG. 6), and the pointed portion of the ink supply needle 22 is moved to the inkjet head 11. The ink is wetted by the ink discharged from the discharge port. As a result, when the sub tank 38 and the new ink supply tank 13 are connected, the frictional resistance of the rubber-like elastic film 30 against the ink supply needle 22 is reduced, and the ink supply needle 22 has a small driving force against the rubber-like elastic film 30. In the case where the attachment / detachment operation between the sub tank 38 and the ink supply tank 13 is automated, a low output drive source can be used.

  The present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus of a type in which an image is formed on a print medium by scanning and moving together with the liquid discharge head in a state where the liquid tank and the liquid replenishing tank are connected. The relative positional relationship between the ink tank 12 and the ink supply tank 13 in another embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Elements having the same functions as those in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, duplicate explanations are omitted. In other words, the ink supply tank 13 in the present embodiment is mounted on the carriage 17 together with the ink tank 12 of the head cartridge 19 to scan, and can be replaced with a printer main body 14 (not shown) as in the previous embodiment. However, the present invention can also be applied to an inkjet printer 10 equipped with a so-called full-line type inkjet head 11 in which ejection openings are arranged over the entire width of the print medium.

  In the normal state, the ink supply needle 22 protruding from the ink tank 12 penetrates the rubber elastic film 30 of the ink supply tank 13 and is inserted into the ink supply tank 13. The ink L in the ink supply tank 13 is supplied into the ink tank 12 from the ink supply needle 22 by the negative pressure.

  In the present embodiment, when the ink supply tank 13 is replaced, the ink supply tank 13 is moved directly below the ink jet head 11 by tank driving means (not shown) in advance (see FIG. 8), and rubber-like elasticity in the ink supply port 29 is obtained. The film 30 is moistened with ink ejected from the ejection port of the inkjet head 11. By such pretreatment, when the ink tank 12 and the new ink supply tank 13 are connected, the frictional resistance of the rubber elastic film 30 against the ink supply needle 22 is reduced, and the ink supply needle 22 is changed to the rubber elastic film 30. On the other hand, a low output driving source can be used when the attachment / detachment operation between the sub tank 38 and the ink supply tank 13 is automated.

1 is a three-dimensional projection view illustrating an appearance of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a liquid supply mechanism incorporated in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 together with FIG. 3, and shows a state before connection of an ink supply tank. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic structure of a liquid supply mechanism incorporated in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 together with FIG. 2 and illustrates a state in which an ink supply tank is connected. It is sectional drawing which represents typically the state in the middle of the connection of the liquid tank and liquid supply tank which can implement | achieve the liquid supply method by this invention. It is a VV arrow sectional view in FIG. It is sectional drawing which represents typically the positional relationship of the liquid tank and liquid replenishment tank in another embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which represents typically the positional relationship of the liquid tank and liquid replenishment tank in another embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which represents typically the state before the connection of the liquid tank and liquid replenishment tank in embodiment shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Inkjet printer 11 Inkjet head 12 Ink tank 13 Ink supply tank 14 Printer main body 15 Paper cassette 16 Paper discharge tray 17 Carriage 18 Scanning guide member 19 Head cartridge 20 Ink holding member 21 Ink introduction part 22 Ink supply needle 23 Suction pump 24 Suction passage 25 Selective permeable membrane 26 Cable 27 Supply connection portion 28 Ejection port surface 29, 29a to 29c Ink supply port 30 Rubber elastic membrane 31 Cap member 32 Suction pipe 33 On-off valve 34a to 34c Ejection port group 35 Communication port 36 Slit 37 Ink Supply pipe 38 Sub tank L Ink

Claims (15)

A liquid discharge head that is integrally connected to a liquid discharge head in which a discharge port for discharging liquid is formed is stored, and a liquid tank that stores liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head is stored. A method of replenishing liquid from a liquid replenishment tank,
A step of moistening a replenishment connecting portion for guiding liquid from the liquid replenishment tank together with a liquid introduction portion provided in the liquid tank;
After the dampening of the replenishment connection portion of the liquid replenishment tank, the liquid tank and the liquid replenishment tank communicate with each other via the liquid introduction portion of the liquid tank and the replenishment connection portion of the liquid replenishment tank. Adjusting the relative position of
A liquid replenishing method comprising the step of replenishing the liquid in the liquid replenishing tank into the liquid tank via the replenishment connecting part and the liquid introducing part. Moistening the replenishment connection of the liquid replenishment tank comprises:
Adjusting the relative positions of the replenishment connecting portion of the liquid replenishing tank and the discharge port of the liquid discharge head so as to face each other;
The liquid replenishing method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of ejecting liquid from an ejection port of the liquid ejection head toward a replenishment connection portion of the liquid replenishment tank. A liquid discharge head that is integrally connected to a liquid discharge head in which a discharge port for discharging liquid is formed, and a liquid tank that stores the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head stores liquid to be supplied to the liquid tank. A method of replenishing liquid from a liquid replenishing tank,
Having a flexible liquid supply pipe communicating with the liquid tank, and dampening a tip portion of a liquid introduction part for guiding liquid from the liquid supply tank together with a supply connection part provided in the liquid supply tank; ,
After moistening the tip of the liquid introduction part, the liquid tank and the liquid replenishment tank communicate with each other via the liquid introduction part of the liquid tank and the replenishment connection part of the liquid replenishment tank. Adjusting the relative position;
A liquid replenishing method comprising the step of replenishing the liquid in the liquid replenishing tank into the liquid tank via the replenishment connecting part and the liquid introducing part. The step of moistening the tip portion of the liquid introduction part,
Adjusting their relative positions so that the discharge port of the liquid discharge head and the tip portion of the liquid introduction portion face each other;
The liquid replenishing method according to claim 3, further comprising a step of ejecting a liquid from an ejection port of the liquid ejection head toward a tip portion of the liquid introduction unit.   5. The liquid replenishing method according to claim 2, wherein the liquid ejected from the ejection port of the liquid ejecting head is the same type of liquid as the liquid stored in the liquid replenishing tank.   The step of replenishing liquid in the liquid replenishment tank into the liquid tank via the replenishment connecting portion and the liquid introduction portion includes a step of sucking air in the liquid tank. The liquid replenishing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   2. The step of replenishing the liquid in the liquid replenishment tank into the liquid tank via the liquid replenishment unit includes a step of sucking the liquid from the ejection port of the liquid ejection head. The liquid replenishing method according to claim 5. An image forming apparatus for discharging liquid from a discharge port of a liquid head to form an image on a print medium,
A liquid tank in which the liquid discharge head is integrally connected, and stores liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head;
A liquid supply tank for storing the liquid to be supplied to the liquid tank;
A replenishment connecting portion provided in the liquid replenishing tank for guiding the liquid in the liquid replenishing tank into the liquid tank;
A liquid introduction part provided in the liquid tank for guiding the liquid in the liquid replenishment tank into the liquid tank together with the replenishment connection part of the liquid replenishment tank;
Means for adjusting the relative positions of the liquid discharge head so that the discharge port of the liquid discharge head faces the supply connection portion of the liquid supply tank;
An image forming apparatus comprising: control means for discharging liquid from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head toward the supply connection portion of the liquid supply tank.   9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising guiding means formed in the liquid replenishment tank in the vicinity of the replenishment connecting portion and guiding the liquid discharged from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head to the replenishment connecting portion. The image forming apparatus described. A scanning movement unit that scans and moves the liquid discharge head together with the liquid tank in a direction intersecting a conveyance direction of the print medium;
10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the replenishment connecting portion of the liquid replenishing tank is located in a scanning movement region of an ejection port of the liquid ejection head.   The liquid discharge head has a plurality of rows of discharge port groups for discharging a plurality of types of liquids along the scanning movement direction, and a replenishment connection portion of the plurality of types of liquid supply tanks performs a scanning movement of the liquid discharge head. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus is arranged in a direction crossing the direction. An image forming apparatus for discharging liquid from a discharge port of a liquid head to form an image on a print medium,
A liquid tank in which the liquid discharge head is integrally connected, and stores liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head;
A liquid supply tank for storing the liquid to be supplied to the liquid tank;
A replenishment connecting portion provided in the liquid replenishing tank for guiding the liquid in the liquid replenishing tank into the liquid tank;
A flexible liquid supply pipe communicating with the liquid tank, and a liquid introduction part for guiding the liquid in the liquid supply tank into the liquid tank together with the supply connection part of the liquid supply tank;
Means for adjusting the relative position of the liquid discharge head so that the discharge port of the liquid discharge head faces the tip of the liquid introduction part;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that discharges liquid from an ejection port of the liquid ejection head toward a tip portion of the liquid introduction unit. A scanning movement unit that scans and moves the liquid discharge head together with the liquid tank in a direction intersecting a conveyance direction of the print medium;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a leading end portion of the liquid introducing portion is located in a scanning movement region of an ejection port of the liquid ejection head.   The liquid discharge head includes a plurality of rows of discharge port groups for discharging a plurality of types of liquids along a scanning movement direction thereof, and a tip portion of a liquid introduction portion of the plurality of types of liquid tanks The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the image forming apparatus is arranged in a direction crossing the scanning movement direction. The replenishment connecting portion of the liquid replenishing tank has a liquid replenishing port and a rubber-like elastic membrane that closes the liquid replenishing port, and the liquid introducing portion of the liquid tank is a hollow that can break through the rubber-like elastic membrane. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a liquid replenishing needle at a tip portion thereof.

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