JP2010069629A - Inkjet recording apparatus, inkjet recording head, and ink storing member - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a difference of the qualities of images recorded with inkjet recording heads different in heights of nozzle faces, with a small-sized apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A feeding mechanism 50 includes an ink storing part 51 for storing the ink fed to a second inkjet recording head 42, an auxiliary ink storing part 53 for storing the ink to be fed to a first inkjet recording head 41, and a conveying path 54 for conveying the ink in the ink storing part 51 to the auxiliary ink storing part 53. By this constitution, in comparing this with a constitution in which two auxiliary ink storing parts respectively storing the inks respectively fed to the first inkjet recording head 41 and the second inkjet recording head 42, and the ink storing parts for storing the inks respectively fed to the auxiliary ink storing parts, it is possible with a small-sized apparatus to reduce the difference of the qualities of the images recorded with the inkjet recording heads different in heights of the nozzle faces. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink jet recording head, and an ink storage member.

  As an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink jet recording apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. The ink jet recording apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of ink jet recording heads having different nozzle surface heights, and sub ink tanks provided for the respective ink jet recording heads.

Ink is supplied from each sub ink tank to each inkjet recording head, and the back pressure applied to the ink is generated by a water head difference between the liquid level of each ink tank and the nozzle surface of each inkjet recording head. Ink is supplied from the main ink to the sub ink tank.
JP 2000-510780 Gazette

  It is an object of the present invention to reduce the difference in image quality between images recorded by inkjet recording heads having different nozzle surface heights with a small apparatus.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a first ink discharge portion having a nozzle surface on which nozzles for discharging ink are formed; and a second ink having a nozzle surface disposed at a position lower than the nozzle surface. An ink storage unit that stores ink and that stores ink, is supplied to one of the first ink discharge unit and the second ink discharge unit, and does not receive ink supply from another ink storage unit that stores ink And an auxiliary ink storage section that stores ink supplied from the ink storage section and supplies the ink to the other of the first ink discharge section and the second ink discharge section.

  An ink jet recording apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises the ink jet recording head having the second ink discharge section and the auxiliary ink storage section in the configuration of the first aspect.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the second aspect, the ink jet recording head further includes the ink storage section, and the ink storage section is supplied to the first ink ejection section. And a back pressure is generated for the supplied ink due to a water head difference with the liquid level of the ink reservoir, and the auxiliary ink reservoir is supplied to the second ink discharge portion. In addition to storing ink, a porous member is provided, and a back pressure is generated by the capillary force of the porous member with respect to the ink supplied to the second ink discharge unit.

  An ink jet recording apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second aspect, comprising: the first ink discharge portion; and an ink storage portion that stores ink that can be supplied to the first ink discharge portion. A recording head is provided.

  An ink jet recording apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising an ink storage member having the ink storage section and the auxiliary ink storage section, wherein the ink storage section is the first ink ejection section. Ink is supplied to the ink, and a back pressure is generated for the supplied ink by a water head difference from the liquid level of the ink reservoir, and the auxiliary ink reservoir is supplied to the second ink discharger. In addition to storing ink, a porous member is provided, and a back pressure is generated by the capillary force of the porous member with respect to the ink supplied to the second ink ejection unit.

  An ink jet recording head according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes an ink discharge portion that discharges ink from a nozzle, a supply port that is connected to the ink discharge portion and can supply ink from the outside, and an ink storage portion that can store ink. And an inflow port through which ink can flow from outside, an outflow port through which ink can flow out to the outside, and an ink storage unit. And an opening for opening to the atmosphere.

  An ink jet recording head according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the ink jet recording head according to the sixth aspect, wherein a flow path that allows ink to flow between the nozzle, the ink reservoir, and the supply port; A switching valve that can be switched between a state communicating with the ink reservoir and a state where the nozzle communicates with the supply port.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet recording head, comprising: an ink reservoir that can store ink; an outflow port that communicates with the ink reservoir and allows ink to flow to the outside; and ink is supplied from the ink reservoir. An auxiliary ink storage unit, an ink discharge unit that discharges ink supplied from the auxiliary ink storage unit from a nozzle, an air release port that communicates with the ink storage unit and opens the ink storage unit to the atmosphere; It has.

  An ink storage member according to claim 9 of the present invention is supplied with ink from an ink storage part capable of storing ink, an outlet through which the ink storage part is allowed to flow out to the outside, and the ink storage part. An auxiliary ink storage section that communicates with the ink storage section, and an air opening for opening the ink storage section to the atmosphere.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the two auxiliary ink storage portions each storing the ink supplied to each ink discharge portion, and the ink storing the ink supplied to each of the auxiliary ink storage portions Compared to a configuration including a storage unit, it is possible to reduce a difference in image quality of an image recorded by an inkjet recording head having a nozzle surface with a small device.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect of the present invention, it is easier to handle the component parts as compared with the configuration in which the second ink discharge unit and the auxiliary ink storage unit are provided separately.

  According to the structure of Claim 3 of this invention, it becomes easy to handle a component compared with the structure by which an auxiliary ink storage part is provided separately.

  According to the configuration of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the manufacturing cost of the ink jet recording head can be reduced as compared with the case where the configuration is not provided.

  According to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is easier to handle the component parts as compared with the configuration in which the ink storage portion and the auxiliary ink storage portion are provided separately.

  According to the configuration of the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is easier to handle the apparatus as compared with the configuration in which the ink discharge section and the ink storage section are provided separately.

  According to the configuration of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the usage mode of the ink stored in the ink storage section is widened as compared with the configuration in which switching is not possible.

  According to the configuration of the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is easier to handle the apparatus as compared with the configuration in which the ink storage unit, the auxiliary ink storage unit, and the ink discharge unit are provided separately.

  According to the configuration of the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is easier to handle the apparatus as compared with the configuration in which the ink storage portion and the auxiliary ink storage portion are provided separately.

Below, an example of an embodiment concerning the present invention is described based on a drawing.
(Configuration of inkjet recording apparatus according to this embodiment)
First, the configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the vertical direction (vertical direction) of the apparatus is indicated by arrows.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes an apparatus housing 12 that houses each component. The apparatus housing 12 is provided with an image recording mechanism 14 that records an image on a recording medium P such as paper.

  The inkjet recording apparatus 10 may further include an image reading mechanism that reads an image of a document. In the case of this configuration, the image recording mechanism 14 may record an image based on the image read by the image reading mechanism.

  The image recording mechanism 14 includes a recording medium accommodating unit 16 that accommodates a recording medium P such as paper, a recording medium conveying unit 18 that conveys the recording medium P accommodated in the recording medium accommodating unit 16, and a recording medium conveying unit 18. An image recording unit 20 capable of recording an image on the recording medium P conveyed to the recording medium, and a recording medium discharging unit 22 from which the recording medium P conveyed by the recording medium conveying unit 18 is discharged.

  The recording medium storage unit 16 includes a table 24 on which the recording medium P is placed. When the recording medium P is placed on the table 24, the recording medium P is accommodated in the recording medium accommodation unit 16.

  The recording medium transport unit 18 includes a feed roll 26 that sends out the recording medium P stored in the recording medium storage unit 16 from the recording medium storage unit 16. A separation mechanism 28 that separates the recording media P delivered from the recording medium storage unit 16 one by one is disposed on the downstream side of the delivery roll 26. The separation mechanism 28 applies a conveyance resistance from the front side to the recording medium P fed to the sending roll 26 and a feeding roll 30 that applies a feeding force from the front side to the recording medium P sent to the sending roll 26. And a separation pad 32 to be applied.

  Thereby, when a plurality of recording media P are sent out from the recording medium accommodating portion 16 in an overlapping manner, the conveying roll 30 applies a conveying force to the upper recording medium P (first recording medium P), The lower recording medium P (second and subsequent recording media P) is given a transport resistance by the separation pad 32, and the recording medium P is separated. In this way, the overlapping recording media P are rolled and fed one by one by the delivery roll 26 and the separation pad 32.

  In the recording medium transport unit 18, a U-shaped transport path 34 for transporting the recording medium P separated by the separation mechanism 28 to the recording medium discharge unit 22 is formed. In the transport path 34, a plurality of transport rolls 36 that transport the recording medium P and a discharge roll 38 that discharges the recording medium P to the recording medium discharge unit 22 are arranged.

  The recording medium discharge unit 22 includes a table 40 on which the recording medium P discharged by the discharge roll 38 is placed. The recording medium P discharged by the discharge roll 38 is placed on the table 40 and discharged from the recording medium. Housed in the part 22.

  On the other hand, the image recording unit 20 includes a first inkjet recording head 41 and a second inkjet recording head 42 that record ink images on a recording medium by ejecting ink droplets from nozzles 45 (see FIG. 2). The first inkjet recording head 41 records an image by ejecting ink droplets onto a recording medium P conveyed to an image recording position below the first inkjet recording head 41.

  The first ink jet recording head 41 and the second ink jet recording head 42 have a recordable area that is equal to or larger than the maximum width of the recording medium P on which image recording with the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is assumed. .

  The first inkjet recording head 41 and the second inkjet recording head 42 are configured by integrally providing a plurality of colors such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Yes. The ink droplets corresponding to the respective colors are ejected from a plurality of nozzles by a piezoelectric method to record an image. In the first inkjet recording head 41 and the second inkjet recording head 42, the configuration for ejecting ink droplets may be a configuration for ejecting by another method such as a thermal method.

The recording medium P on which the image is recorded on the surface by the first inkjet recording head 41 is reversed by the conveyance path 34 and conveyed to the image recording position below the second inkjet recording head 42.
The second inkjet recording head 42 ejects ink droplets onto the recording medium P transported to the image recording position below the second inkjet recording head 42 to record an image on the back surface. The recording medium P on which images are recorded on both sides in this way is discharged to the recording medium discharge unit 22 by the discharge roll 38.

  A maintenance member 44 for maintaining the first ink jet recording head 41 and the second ink jet recording head 42 is provided below the first ink jet recording head 41 and the second ink jet recording head 42 on each of the nozzle surfaces 41A and 42A. It is provided facing. Each maintenance member 44 includes a cap that covers the nozzle surface, a cleaning member that cleans the nozzle surface, and a suction device that sucks ink in the nozzle.

(First ink jet recording head 41 and second ink jet recording head 42, and supply mechanism for supplying ink to first ink jet recording head 41 and second ink jet recording head 42)
Next, the first inkjet recording head 41 and the second inkjet recording head 42 and the supply mechanism for supplying ink to the first inkjet recording head 41 and the second inkjet recording head 42 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the first inkjet recording head 41 and the second inkjet recording head 42 and the supply mechanism that supplies ink to the first inkjet recording head 41 and the second inkjet recording head 42.

  The inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a first inkjet recording head 41 and a second inkjet recording head 42, and a supply mechanism 50 that supplies ink to the first inkjet recording head 41 and the second inkjet recording head 42. ing.

  The first ink jet recording head 41 constitutes a first ink ejecting portion having a nozzle surface 41A on which nozzles 45 for ejecting ink droplets are formed, and the second ink jet recording head 42 is formed with nozzles 45 for ejecting ink droplets. A second ink discharge section having the nozzle surface 42A formed is configured.

  The nozzle surface 42 </ b> A of the second inkjet recording head 42 is disposed at a position lower than the nozzle surface 41 </ b> A of the first inkjet recording head 41.

  The supply mechanism 50 includes an ink storage unit 51 that stores ink supplied to the second inkjet recording head 42, and an auxiliary ink storage unit 53 that stores ink supplied to the first inkjet recording head 41. In addition, the dot part in a figure has shown the ink.

  The ink reservoir 51 is a so-called main ink tank, and does not receive ink supply from other ink reservoirs that store ink. The auxiliary ink storage unit 53 is a so-called sub ink tank, and receives ink supplied from the ink storage unit 51 which is a main ink tank, and stores ink.

  The ink reservoir 51 is open to the atmosphere with an air opening 51 </ b> A formed at the top. The auxiliary ink reservoir 53 is open to the atmosphere with an air opening 53 </ b> A formed at the top.

  The auxiliary ink reservoir 53 is disposed below the first ink jet recording head 41, and the liquid level is located below the nozzle surface 41 </ b> A of the first ink jet recording head 41.

  The ink reservoir 51 is disposed below the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 and the second inkjet recording head 42, and the liquid level is higher than the liquid level of the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 and the nozzle surface 42 </ b> A of the second inkjet recording head 42. Is located below.

  The difference in level between the nozzle surface 41A of the first ink jet recording head 41 and the liquid level of the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 and the difference in level between the nozzle surface 42A of the second ink jet recording head 42 and the liquid level of the ink reservoir 51 are the same. Has been.

  The supply mechanism 50 also supplies a first supply path 61 that supplies ink from the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 to the first inkjet recording head 41, and a second supply that supplies ink from the ink storage unit 51 to the second inkjet recording head 42. A path 52 and a feed path 54 for sending the ink in the ink reservoir 51 to the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 are provided.

  The second supply path 52 has one end portion (upstream end portion) disposed in the ink storage portion 51 and the other end portion (downstream end portion) connected to the second inkjet recording head 42. The upstream end portion of the second supply path 52 is inserted into the ink in the ink storage section 51, and the ink in the ink storage section 51 can be supplied to the second inkjet recording head 42 through the second supply path 52. Yes.

  A pump 56 that sends ink downstream is disposed in the second supply path 52. The pump 56 is used when the ink is initially filled from the ink reservoir 51 into the second inkjet recording head 42.

  In the state where the ink is filled in the second inkjet recording head 42, when the ink in the second inkjet recording head 42 is consumed, the ink in the ink reservoir 51 passes through the second supply path 52 due to the capillary force of the nozzle 45. The ink is supplied to the second ink jet recording head 42.

  In addition, the ink reservoir 51 is disposed below the second inkjet recording head 42, and with respect to the ink supplied to the second inkjet recording head 42, the nozzle surface 42 </ b> A and the liquid level of the ink reservoir 51. Back pressure is generated due to the difference in water head.

  The ink reservoir 51 is provided with an adjustment mechanism 55 that adjusts the liquid level of the ink reservoir 51. The adjustment mechanism 55 includes a sensor 55 </ b> A that detects the liquid level of the ink reservoir 51, and a raiseable bottom plate 55 </ b> B disposed in the ink reservoir 51. In this configuration, the sensor 55A detects the liquid level, and when the liquid level falls below a predetermined value, the bottom plate 55B is raised so that the liquid level becomes an appropriate level, and the nozzle surface 42A and the ink reservoir are stored. The water head difference from the liquid level of the part 51 is kept constant.

  The feed path 54 has one end portion (upstream end portion) disposed in the ink storage portion 51 and the other end portion (downstream end portion) disposed in the opening 53 </ b> A of the auxiliary ink storage portion 53. The upstream end portion of the feed path 54 is inserted into the ink in the ink storage portion 51.

  A pump 58 is disposed in the feed path 54, and by driving the pump 58, the ink in the ink reservoir 51 falls into the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 through the feed path 54.

  One end portion (upstream end portion) of the first supply path 61 is disposed in the auxiliary ink storage portion 53, and the other end portion (downstream end portion) is connected to the first inkjet recording head 41. The upstream end portion of the first supply path 61 is inserted into the ink of the auxiliary ink storage section 53, and the ink of the auxiliary ink storage section 53 can be supplied to the first inkjet recording head 41 through the first supply path 61. Has been.

  A pump 59 that sends ink downstream is disposed in the first supply path 61. The pump 59 is used when initially filling ink from the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 to the first inkjet recording head 41.

  In a state where the first ink jet recording head 41 is filled with ink, when the ink of the first ink jet recording head 41 is consumed, the ink in the auxiliary ink storage section 53 is supplied to the first supply path 61 by the capillary force of the nozzle 45. To the first inkjet recording head 41.

  The auxiliary ink storage unit 53 is disposed below the first ink jet recording head 41, and the liquid of the nozzle surface 41 </ b> A and the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 with respect to the ink supplied to the first ink jet recording head 41. Back pressure is generated by the difference in water head from the surface.

  The auxiliary ink reservoir 53 is provided with a sensor 57 that detects the liquid level of the auxiliary ink reservoir 53. The sensor 57 detects the liquid level and the liquid level is below a predetermined value. In this case, the pump 58 is driven to replenish ink from the ink reservoir 51 to the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 so that the water head difference between the nozzle surface 41A and the liquid level of the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 is kept constant. It has become.

  In addition, the 1st supply path 61, the 2nd supply path 52, and the feed path 54 are formed with pipe | tubes, such as a tube.

(Configurations of the first inkjet recording head and the second inkjet recording head according to the first modification, and the configuration of the supply mechanism according to the first modification)
Next, a first modified example in which the first inkjet recording head 41 and the second inkjet recording head 42 are modified and a first modified example in which the supply mechanism 50 is modified will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the first inkjet recording head and the second inkjet recording head according to the first modification and the configuration of the supply mechanism according to the first modification. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a second inkjet recording head according to the first modification. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as said embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second inkjet recording head 142 includes a second ink discharge unit 144 having a nozzle surface 42 </ b> A on which nozzles 45 for discharging ink droplets are formed, and an auxiliary ink storage unit 53. .

  The second ink discharge unit 144 includes a supply port 144A through which ink can be supplied from the outside, and a supply path 144B that communicates with the supply port 144A and the nozzle 45 and supplies the ink supplied from the supply port 144A to the nozzle 45. ing.

  The auxiliary ink storage unit 53 is disposed above the second ink discharge unit 144 and is integrated with the second ink discharge unit 144.

  In addition to the opening 53A, the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 includes an inlet 53B through which ink can flow from the outside and an outlet 53C through which ink can flow out to the outside. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first inkjet recording head 141 has the same configuration as the second inkjet recording head 142.

  Similar to the second inkjet recording head 142, the first inkjet recording head 141 includes a first ink ejection unit 146 having a nozzle surface 41A on which nozzles 45 that eject ink droplets are formed, and an ink storage unit 148 that stores ink. And have. The first ink discharge unit 146 includes a supply port 146A through which ink can be supplied from the outside, and a supply path 146B that communicates with the supply port 146A and the nozzle 45 and supplies ink supplied from the supply port 146A to the nozzle 45. ing.

The ink reservoir 148 includes an opening 148A for opening to the atmosphere, an inlet 148B through which ink can flow from the outside, and an outlet 148C through which ink can flow out to the outside. .
In addition, the ink reservoir 148 is provided with a sensor 149 that detects the liquid level of the ink reservoir 148.

  The nozzle surface 42A of the second inkjet recording head 142 is disposed at a position lower than the nozzle surface 41A of the first inkjet recording head 41.

  In the supply mechanism 150 according to the first modification, the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 is provided in the second inkjet recording head 142 as described above.

  The downstream end of the second supply path 52 is connected to the supply port 144 </ b> A of the second ink discharge unit 144 of the second inkjet recording head 42. The ink stored in the ink storage unit 51 can be supplied to the second ink discharge unit 144 through the second supply path 52.

  The pump 56 disposed in the second supply path 52 is used when initially filling ink from the ink reservoir 51 to the second ink discharger 144.

  In a state where the second ink discharge unit 144 is filled with ink, when the ink of the second ink discharge unit 144 is consumed, the ink in the ink storage unit 51 passes through the second supply path 52 due to the capillary force of the nozzle 45. The ink is supplied to the second ink discharge unit 144.

  In addition, the ink reservoir 51 is disposed below the second ink discharge portion 144, and with respect to the ink supplied to the second ink discharge portion 144, the nozzle surface 42 </ b> A and the liquid level of the ink reservoir 51. Back pressure is generated due to the difference in water head.

  The downstream end of the feed path 54 is disposed at the inlet 53 </ b> B of the auxiliary ink storage unit 53. By driving the pump 58, the ink in the ink reservoir 51 falls into the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 through the feed path 54.

  The first supply path 61 has an upstream end connected to the outlet 53 </ b> C of the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 and a downstream end connected to the supply port 146 </ b> A of the first ink discharge unit 146. The ink in the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 can be supplied to the first ink discharge unit 146 through the first supply path 61.

  The pump 59 disposed in the first supply path 61 is used when initially filling the ink from the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 to the first ink discharge unit 146.

  In a state where the first ink discharge unit 146 is filled with ink, when the ink in the first ink discharge unit 146 is consumed, the ink in the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 is supplied to the first supply path 61 by the capillary force of the nozzle 45. To the first ink ejection unit 146.

  The auxiliary ink storage unit 53 is disposed below the first ink discharge unit 146, and with respect to the ink supplied to the first ink discharge unit 146, the liquid in the nozzle surface 41A and the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 is provided. Back pressure is generated by the difference in water head from the surface.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the second ink discharge portion 144 of the second inkjet recording head 142 is further provided with a branch path 144C for passing through the auxiliary ink storage portion 53 and the nozzle 45, and an auxiliary ink storage portion. A switching valve 144D that can be switched between a state in which 53 communicates with the nozzle 45 and a state in which the supply port 144A communicates with the nozzle 45 may be provided.

  The branch path 144C constitutes a flow path that allows ink to flow between the nozzle 45 and the auxiliary ink reservoir and supply port 144A.

  Specifically, the switching valve 144D is a three-way valve that switches the connection direction by rotating. As shown in FIG. 5B, the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 is rotated to switch the switching valve 144D. As shown in FIG. 5 (C), the supply valve 144A and the nozzle 45 are passed through by further rotating and switching the switching valve 144D.

  In a state where the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 communicates with the nozzles 45, the second inkjet recording head 42 can supply ink to the nozzles 45 from the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 that the second ink jet recording head 42 has.

  Note that a sponge 144E as an example of a porous member is provided in the branch path 144C. A back pressure is generated for the ink supplied to the second ink discharge unit 244 by the capillary force of the sponge 144E.

  On the other hand, when the supply port 144 </ b> A communicates with the nozzle 45, ink from the outside can be supplied to the second ink ejection unit 144.

  Similarly to the second ink jet recording head 142, the first ink jet recording head 141 is further provided with a branch path 146C through which the first ink discharge section 146 further passes through the ink storage section 148 and the nozzle 45 as shown in FIG. Further, a switching valve 146D that can be switched between a state where the ink reservoir 148 communicates with the nozzle 45 and a state where the supply port 146A communicates with the nozzle 45 may be provided.

  In a state where the ink reservoir 148 communicates with the nozzles 45, the first inkjet recording head 141 can supply ink to the nozzles 45 from the ink reservoir 148 that the first inkjet recording head 141 has.

  The branch path 146C is provided with a sponge as an example of a porous member. A back pressure is generated for the ink supplied to the first ink discharge unit 146 by the capillary force of the sponge.

  On the other hand, when the supply port 146 </ b> A communicates with the nozzle 45, ink from the outside can be supplied to the first ink ejection unit 146.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the ink in the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 of the second inkjet recording head 142 and the ink in the ink reservoir 148 of the first inkjet recording head 141 consume more than the second inkjet recording head 142. It is used in the first inkjet recording head 141 for surface recording that is considered to be many. For example, first, the first inkjet recording head 141 receives an ink supply from the ink storage unit 148 and performs image recording. When the ink in the ink storage unit 148 runs out, the switching valve 146D is switched to switch the first inkjet recording head 141. Receives the supply of ink from the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 from the supply port 146A and performs image recording. Thereby, the space which can accommodate ink is used effectively.

  Further, in place of the switching valve 144D and the switching valve 146D, both the flow path from the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 to the nozzle 45 and the flow path from the supply port 144A to the nozzle 45 are sealed with a sealing tape. The structure which selects the flow path to be used by peeling off may be sufficient.

(Configurations of the first inkjet recording head and the second inkjet recording head according to the second modification, and the configuration of the supply mechanism according to the second modification)
Next, a second modified example in which the first inkjet recording head 41 and the second inkjet recording head 42 are modified and a second modified example in which the supply mechanism 50 is modified will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the first inkjet recording head and the second inkjet recording head according to the second modification, and the configuration of the supply mechanism according to the second modification. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a second inkjet recording head according to a second modification. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as said embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the second inkjet recording head 242 according to the second modification includes a second ink ejection unit 244 having a nozzle surface 42 </ b> A on which nozzles 45 that eject ink droplets are formed, and an auxiliary ink storage unit 53. And an ink reservoir 51. The second ink discharge unit 244 communicates with the supply port 244A capable of supplying ink from the auxiliary ink storage unit 53, the supply port 244A and the nozzle 45, and supplies the ink supplied from the supply port 244A to the nozzle 45. Road 244B.

  The auxiliary ink storage part 53 is formed with an outlet 53C through which ink can flow out to the outside, and the outlet 53C is connected to the supply port 244A of the second ink discharge part 244. The ink reservoir 51 is formed with an outlet 251C through which ink can flow out.

  The auxiliary ink storage unit 53 and the ink storage unit 51 are disposed above the second ink discharge unit 244 and are integrated with the second ink discharge unit 244.

  The auxiliary ink storage unit 53 and the ink storage unit 51 are partitioned by the partition plate 245 and communicate directly with the upper portion of the partition plate 245. The liquid level of the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 and the liquid level of the ink storage unit 51 are the same. , Formed on the same plane. For this reason, the sensor 55 </ b> A detects the liquid level height of the ink reservoir 51 and the auxiliary ink reservoir 53.

  The ink reservoir 51 and the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 are open to the atmosphere through the opening 51A. The auxiliary ink reservoir 53 is provided with a sponge 256 as an example of a porous member. Due to the capillary force of the sponge 256, back pressure is generated for the ink supplied from the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 to the second ink discharger 244.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the first inkjet recording head 241 according to the second modification has the same configuration as the first inkjet recording head 141 according to the first modification.

  The nozzle surface 42A of the second inkjet recording head 242 is disposed at a position lower than the nozzle surface 41A of the first inkjet recording head 241.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the supply mechanism 250 according to the second modified example is provided with the auxiliary ink storage portion 53 and the ink storage portion 51 in the second inkjet recording head 242 as described above.

  The ink storage unit 51 stores ink supplied to the first ink discharge unit 146 of the first inkjet recording head 241, and the auxiliary ink storage unit 53 is the second ink discharge unit of the second inkjet recording head 242. The ink supplied to 244 is stored.

  The supply mechanism 250 includes a supply path 252 that supplies the ink stored in the ink storage unit 51 to the first ink discharge unit 146.

  One end (upstream end) of the supply path 252 is connected to the outlet 251 </ b> C of the ink storage unit 51, and the other end (downstream end) is connected to the supply port 146 </ b> A of the first ink discharge unit 146. .

  A pump 258 that sends ink downstream is disposed in the supply path 252. The pump 258 is used when initially filling ink from the ink reservoir 51 to the first ink discharger 146.

  In the state where the first ink discharge unit 146 is filled with ink, when the ink of the first ink discharge unit 146 is consumed, the ink in the ink storage unit 51 is first supplied through the supply path 252 by the capillary force of the nozzle 45. The ink is supplied to the ink discharge unit 146.

  The ink reservoir 51 is disposed below the first ink discharger 146. With respect to the ink supplied to the first ink discharger 146, the nozzle surface 41A and the liquid level of the ink reservoir 51 Back pressure is generated due to the difference in water head.

(Configurations of the first inkjet recording head and the second inkjet recording head according to the third modification, configuration of the supply mechanism according to the third modification)
Next, a third modified example in which the first inkjet recording head 41 and the second inkjet recording head 42 are modified and a third modified example in which the supply mechanism 50 is modified will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the first inkjet recording head and the second inkjet recording head according to the third modification and the configuration of the supply mechanism according to the third modification. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink storage member according to a third modification. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as said embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the first inkjet recording head 341 according to the third modification constitutes a first ink discharge section having a nozzle surface 41 </ b> A on which nozzles 45 for discharging ink droplets are formed. The second inkjet recording head 342 according to the above constitutes a second ink discharge section having a nozzle surface 42A on which nozzles 45 for discharging ink droplets are formed.

  The first inkjet recording head 341 includes a supply port 346A through which ink can be supplied from the outside, and a supply path 346B that communicates with the supply port 346A and the nozzle 45 and supplies the ink supplied from the supply port 346A to the nozzle 45. I have.

  The second inkjet recording head 342 includes a supply port 344A through which ink can be supplied from the outside, and a supply path 344B that communicates with the supply port 344A and the nozzle 45 and supplies the ink supplied from the supply port 344A to the nozzle 45. I have.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the supply mechanism 350 according to the third modification includes an ink storage member 343 having an auxiliary ink storage unit 53 and an ink storage unit 51.

Here, the configuration of the ink storage member 343 will be described.
The ink storage member 343 includes an auxiliary ink storage unit 53 and an ink storage unit 51. The ink reservoir 51 stores ink that is supplied to the first inkjet recording head 341, and the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 stores ink that is supplied to the second inkjet recording head 342. .

  The auxiliary ink storage unit 53 is formed with an outlet 53C through which ink can flow out to the outside, and the outlet 53C is connected to the supply port 344A of the second inkjet recording head 342. The ink reservoir 51 is formed with an outlet 351C through which ink can flow out.

  The auxiliary ink reservoir 53 and the ink reservoir 51 are partitioned by a partition plate 345 and directly communicate with the upper portion of the partition plate 345. The liquid level of the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 and the liquid level of the ink reservoir 51 are , Formed on the same plane. For this reason, the sensor 55 </ b> A detects the liquid level height of the ink reservoir 51 and the auxiliary ink reservoir 53.

  The ink reservoir 51 and the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 are open to the atmosphere through the opening 51A. The auxiliary ink reservoir 53 is provided with a sponge 356 as an example of a porous member. The capillary force of the sponge 356 generates a back pressure for the ink supplied from the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 to the second inkjet recording head 342.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the supply mechanism 350 according to the third modification includes a supply path 352 that supplies the ink in the ink storage unit 51 to the first inkjet recording head 341.

  One end (upstream end) of the supply path 352 is connected to the outlet 351C of the ink reservoir 51, and the other end (downstream end) is connected to the supply port 346A of the first inkjet recording head 341. .

  A pump 358 that sends ink downstream is disposed in the supply path 352. The pump 358 is used when initially filling ink from the ink reservoir 51 into the first inkjet recording head 341.

  In a state where the first ink jet recording head 341 is filled with ink, when the ink of the first ink jet recording head 341 is consumed, the ink in the ink storage section 51 passes through the supply path 352 by the capillary force of the nozzle 45. The ink is supplied to the ink jet recording head 341.

  In addition, the ink reservoir 51 is disposed below the first inkjet recording head 341, and with respect to the ink supplied to the first inkjet recording head 341, the nozzle surface 41 </ b> A and the liquid level of the ink reservoir 51. Back pressure is generated due to the difference in water head.

(Configuration of Supply Mechanism According to Fourth Modification)
Next, a fourth modification in which the supply mechanism 50 is modified will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a supply mechanism according to a fourth modification. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as said embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the supply mechanism 450 according to the fourth modification includes an ink storage unit (main ink tank) 451 that stores ink supplied to the first inkjet recording head 41 and a second inkjet recording head 42. An auxiliary ink storage unit (sub ink tank) 453 for storing the supplied ink is provided.

  The ink reservoir 451 is open to the atmosphere with an air opening 451A formed at the top. The auxiliary ink reservoir 453 is open to the atmosphere with an air opening 453A formed at the top.

  The ink storage unit 451 is disposed above the auxiliary ink storage unit 453 and the first inkjet recording head 41, and the liquid level of the auxiliary ink storage unit 453 and the nozzle surface 41 </ b> A of the first inkjet recording head 41. Is located above.

  The auxiliary ink reservoir 453 is disposed above the second inkjet recording head 42, and the liquid level is positioned above the nozzle surface 42 </ b> A of the second inkjet recording head 42.

  The difference in level between the nozzle surface 41A of the first ink jet recording head 41 and the liquid level of the ink reservoir 451 is the same as the difference in level between the nozzle surface 42A of the second ink jet recording head 42 and the liquid level of the auxiliary ink reservoir 453. Has been.

  The supply mechanism 450 also supplies a first supply path 461 that supplies ink from the ink storage unit 451 to the first inkjet recording head 41, and a second supply that supplies ink from the auxiliary ink storage unit 453 to the second inkjet recording head 42. A path 452 and a feed path 454 for sending the ink in the ink reservoir 451 to the auxiliary ink reservoir 453 are provided.

  The first supply path 461 has one end portion (upstream end portion) connected to the lower portion of the ink storage portion 451 and the other end portion (downstream end portion) connected to the upper portion of the first inkjet recording head 41. The ink in the ink reservoir 451 flows down to the first inkjet recording head 41 through the first supply path 461.

  The ink reservoir 451 is disposed above the first inkjet recording head 41, and the water head between the nozzle surface 41 </ b> A and the liquid level of the ink reservoir 451 with respect to the ink supplied to the first inkjet recording head 41. A positive pressure is generated by the difference.

  The feed path 454 has one end portion (upstream end portion) connected to the lower portion of the ink storage portion 451 and the other end portion (downstream end portion) connected to the upper portion of the auxiliary ink storage portion 453. The ink in the ink reservoir 451 flows down to the auxiliary ink reservoir 53 through the feed path 454.

  The second supply path 452 has one end (upstream end) connected to the lower part of the auxiliary ink storage part 453 and the other end (downstream end) connected to the upper part of the second ink jet recording head 42. The ink in the auxiliary ink reservoir 453 flows down to the second inkjet recording head 42 through the second supply path 452.

  The auxiliary ink reservoir 453 is disposed above the second ink jet recording head 42, and with respect to the ink supplied to the second ink jet recording head 42, the nozzle surface 42 </ b> A and the liquid level of the auxiliary ink reservoir 453. A positive pressure is generated by the head differential.

  In addition, the 1st supply path 461, the 2nd supply path 452, and the feed path 454 are formed with pipe | tubes, such as a tube. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording unit and a supply mechanism that supplies ink to the image recording unit. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the first inkjet recording head and the second inkjet recording head according to the first modification and the configuration of the supply mechanism according to the first modification. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a second inkjet recording head according to the first modification. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a second ink jet recording head according to a first modification that can be switched between a state in which the auxiliary ink storage unit communicates with the nozzle and a state in which the supply port communicates with the nozzle. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the first inkjet recording head and the second inkjet recording head to which the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5 is applied, and the configuration of the supply mechanism according to the first modification. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the first inkjet recording head and the second inkjet recording head according to the second modification, and the configuration of the supply mechanism according to the second modification. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a second inkjet recording head according to a second modification. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the first inkjet recording head and the second inkjet recording head according to the third modification and the configuration of the supply mechanism according to the third modification. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink storage member according to a third modification. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a supply mechanism according to a fourth modification.

Explanation of symbols

10 Inkjet recording device 41 First inkjet recording head (first ink ejection unit)
41A Nozzle surface 42 2nd inkjet recording head (2nd ink discharge part)
42A Nozzle surface 45 Nozzle 51 Ink storage part 51A Opening part 53A Opening part 53 Auxiliary ink storage part 53C Outlet 53B Inlet 141 First ink jet recording head 142 Second ink jet recording head 144 Second ink discharge part 144A Supply port 144D Switching valve 144C Branch path 146 First ink discharge section 146A Supply port 146D Switching valve 146C Branch path 148 Ink storage section 148A Opening section 148C Outlet 148B Inlet 241 First inkjet recording head 242 Second inkjet recording head 244 Second ink ejection section 251C Outlet 341 First inkjet recording head 342 Second inkjet recording head 343 Ink storage member 351C Outlet 451 Ink storage 451A Opening 453A Opening 453 Auxiliary ink storage

Claims (9)

A first ink discharge section having a nozzle surface on which nozzles for discharging ink are formed;
A second ink ejection part having a nozzle surface arranged at a position lower than the nozzle surface;
An ink storage unit that stores ink, is supplied to one of the first ink discharge unit and the second ink discharge unit, and receives no ink supply from another ink storage unit that stores ink;
An auxiliary ink storage section that stores ink supplied from the ink storage section and that supplies the ink to the other of the first ink discharge section and the second ink discharge section;
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising:   The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an inkjet recording head having the second ink discharge unit and the auxiliary ink storage unit. The inkjet recording head further includes the ink reservoir.
The ink storage unit stores the ink supplied to the first ink discharge unit, and generates a back pressure due to a water head difference from the liquid level of the ink storage unit with respect to the supplied ink.
The auxiliary ink storage unit stores the ink supplied to the second ink discharge unit, and is provided with a porous member. The ink is supplied to the second ink discharge unit with respect to the ink supplied to the second ink discharge unit. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the back pressure is generated by a capillary force.   The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: an ink jet recording head having the first ink discharge unit and an ink storage unit that stores ink that can be supplied to the first ink discharge unit. An ink storage member having the ink storage part and the auxiliary ink storage part;
The ink storage unit supplies ink to the first ink discharge unit, and generates a back pressure due to a water head difference with the liquid level of the ink storage unit with respect to the supplied ink.
The auxiliary ink storage unit stores ink supplied to the second ink discharge unit and is provided with a porous member, and the capillary of the porous member with respect to the ink supplied to the second ink discharge unit The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the back pressure is generated by force. An ink discharge section for discharging ink from the nozzle;
A supply port through which ink can be supplied from the outside through the ink discharge unit;
An ink reservoir capable of storing ink; and
An inlet through which the ink can be introduced from the outside through the ink reservoir;
An outlet that communicates with the ink reservoir and allows ink to flow out to the outside;
An opening for communicating with the ink reservoir and opening the ink reservoir to the atmosphere;
An ink jet recording head comprising: A flow path that allows ink to flow between the nozzle, the ink reservoir, and the supply port;
A switching valve capable of switching between a state in which the nozzle communicates with the ink reservoir and a state in which the nozzle communicates with the supply port;
An ink jet recording head according to claim 6. An ink reservoir capable of storing ink; and
An outlet that communicates with the ink reservoir and allows ink to flow out to the outside;
An auxiliary ink reservoir that is supplied with ink from the ink reservoir;
An ink discharge section for discharging ink supplied from the auxiliary ink storage section from a nozzle;
An air opening for communicating with the ink reservoir and opening the ink reservoir to the atmosphere;
An ink jet recording head comprising: An ink reservoir capable of storing ink; and
An outlet that communicates with the ink reservoir and allows ink to flow out to the outside;
An auxiliary ink reservoir that is supplied with ink from the ink reservoir;
An air opening for communicating with the ink reservoir and opening the ink reservoir to the atmosphere;
An ink storage member.

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