JP2013166344A - Liquid cleaning filling unit, image forming apparatus, liquid cleaning filling method in image forming apparatus, and liquid cleaning filling kit - Google Patents

Abstract

A large amount of liquid is required for cleaning, and it takes a long time to replace the liquid.
An ink cleaning and filling unit 61 includes an ink bottle 63 in which an ink from which dissolved gas in the ink to be filled is removed is sealed and air for pressure-feeding (pressure feeding) the ink to a head unit 1 And a pressurizing cylinder 62 sealed with a gas such as nitrogen. When the liquid in the head 1 and the tank 4 is replaced, a compressed gas is supplied into the tank 4 to discharge the liquid in the tank 4. While the liquid in the ink bottle 63 is not completely discharged, the liquid in the ink bottle 63 is supplied and the tank 4 is filled with the supplied liquid. To do.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that discharges droplets to form an image, a liquid cleaning and filling unit that fills a liquid discharge head of the image forming apparatus with liquid, an image forming apparatus, a liquid cleaning and filling method in the image forming apparatus, and liquid cleaning It relates to a filling kit.

  As an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile, a copying machine, a plotter, or a complex machine of these, for example, a liquid discharge recording type image forming using a recording head composed of a liquid discharge head (droplet discharge head) that discharges ink droplets. As an apparatus, an ink jet recording apparatus or the like is known.

  As an ink supply method in an ink jet recording apparatus used as an image forming apparatus, a head tank (sub tank, buffer tank, etc. is also synonymous) is arranged on the recording head side, and a main tank is arranged on the apparatus main body side. A system is known in which ink is replenished and supplied to a tank, and ink is supplied from a head tank to a recording head.

  By the way, the image forming apparatus may be used by replacing different types of ink in one apparatus depending on the application. For example, different types of ink may be used, such as replacing dye ink and pigment ink, or replacing monochrome ink with color ink.

  Therefore, when replacing the ink so that the respective inks are not mixed, a method is known in which cleaning liquid or air is supplied into the supply flow path, the flow path to the head is washed, and then the replacement ink is supplied to the flow path. (Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-219579 A

  However, in the ink replacement method by replacement cleaning with liquid, stagnation is caused by the flow of liquid in the head tank, and it is necessary to flow a large amount of liquid and time is required to clean the entire head tank. There are challenges.

  Further, in the method of pumping gas, there is a problem that when the gas is mixed into the nozzle portion and the ink is ejected after ink replacement, the bubbles cannot be discharged and non-ejection occurs.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, reduces the occurrence of liquid stagnation in the tank, can be washed with a small amount of liquid, and can prevent liquid from entering the nozzle in a short time. The purpose is to enable replacement work.

In order to solve the above problem, a liquid cleaning and filling unit according to claim 1 is provided.
A liquid washing and filling unit for washing a head for discharging droplets and a tank for storing a liquid to be supplied to the head to fill the liquid,
Liquid storage means for storing the liquid to be filled;
Pressurizing means for pressurizing the liquid in the liquid storage means and feeding the liquid to the liquid supply port of the tank;
Means for pumping compressed gas to the liquid supply port of the tank,
When replacing the liquid in the head and the tank,
Supplying the compressed gas into the tank, and discharging the liquid in the tank;
In a state where all the liquid in the tank is not discharged, the liquid in the liquid storage means is supplied,
The head and the tank were cleaned while repeating the filling of the tank with the supplied liquid.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of stagnation of liquid in the tank, wash with a small amount of liquid, and perform a liquid replacement operation in a short time while suppressing the mixing of bubbles into the nozzle.

FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an ink supply system for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention. It is typical cross-sectional explanatory drawing which follows the AA line of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram when an ink cleaning and filling kit is connected to the ink supply system. It is a flowchart with which it uses for description of the ink cleaning filling operation | movement by the ink cleaning filling kit. FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an ink supply system for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a typical explanatory drawing of the principal part of the ink supply system with which it uses for description of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an ink supply system for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart with which it uses for description of the ink cleaning filling operation | movement by the ink cleaning filling kit of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an ink supply system for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is a principal part schematic explanatory drawing of the ink supply system used for description of 6th Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of an ink supply system in the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a head tank taken along line AA of FIG.

  A liquid discharge head unit (hereinafter also simply referred to as “head unit”) 1 includes a head 2 that discharges droplets and a head tank that stores ink to be supplied to the head 2 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “tank”). 4 is provided.

  The head 2 is supplied with ink to a plurality of nozzles 11 that discharge droplets, a liquid chamber 12 that communicates with each nozzle 11, a common liquid chamber 13 that supplies ink to each liquid chamber 12, and a common liquid chamber 13. A supply port (ink supply port) 14 and a discharge port (ink discharge port) 15 for discharging ink from the common liquid chamber 13.

  The head tank 4 includes, in a tank case 21, an ink storage portion 22 that stores ink to be supplied to the head 2, a supply port 24 that supplies ink from the ink storage portion 22 to the supply port 14 of the head 2, A discharge path 25 that discharges the ink discharged from the discharge port 15 to the discharge flow path 39 and a passage 26 that passes through the storage portion 22 and the discharge path 25 are provided.

  The top surface 22a of the ink containing portion 22 is formed as an inclined surface, and has a height higher than the highest portion 22b of the top surface 22a of the ink containing portion 22 and the highest portion 22b of the top surface 22a of the ink containing portion 22. A portion of the discharge path 25 communicates with the passage 26. The fluid resistance of the passage 26 is formed larger than the fluid resistance from the ink supply port 14 to the ink discharge port 15 of the head 2.

  In addition, two pairs of detection electrodes 29a and 29b for detecting that the amount of ink in the ink storage portion 22 has become equal to or less than a predetermined amount are mounted on the top of the head tank 4. The detection electrodes 29a and 29b are connected to a control unit that inputs a detection signal (not shown) to form a liquid amount detection sensor.

  When the detection electrodes 29a and 29b are immersed in ink and at least one of the detection electrodes 29a and 29b is not immersed in ink, the conduction state between the detection electrodes 29a and 29b changes, so that the ink becomes a predetermined amount or less. Can be detected.

  The detection electrode 29a is installed with its lower end positioned near the top surface 22a of the ink containing portion 22 so that it can detect that the ink amount in the ink containing portion 22 is full (H level). . Further, the detection electrode 29b is installed with its lower end positioned near the bottom surface 22c of the ink containing portion 22 so that it can detect that the ink amount in the ink containing portion 22 is low (L level).

  By using this liquid amount detection sensor, the amount of ink in the ink container 22 is H level (detection electrodes 29a and 29b are both in a conductive state), L level (detection electrodes 29a and 29b are both in a nonconductive state), and H level. An intermediate level that is between the L levels (the detection electrode 29a is in a non-conductive state and the detection electrode 29b is in a conductive state) can be detected.

  Further, the tank case 21 of the head tank 4 is a member that is open on one side, and a film member 23 as an elastically deformable member that can be bent is attached to the opening to absorb pressure fluctuation. Yes.

  Further, the discharge side of the discharge path 25 of the head tank 4 communicates with the discharge flow path 39, and an open / close valve (open / close valve) 54 that can be opened and closed is provided at the tip of the discharge flow path 39. The other end of the opening / closing valve 54 is configured to be connectable (connectable) to a detachable joint 56B of an ink cleaning and filling unit 61 described later.

  On the other hand, a replaceable main tank (ink cartridge) 5 is disposed on the apparatus main body side to supply and replenish ink to the head tank 4.

  The main tank 5 includes ink to be replenished and an ink pack 6 that can be freely deformed in accordance with the amount of ink composed of a plurality of layers deposited with aluminum or the like that can be sealed from the outside of the ink and the outside atmosphere. A detachable joint 56 with a valve at the tip is provided and is detachable from the ink supply path 51. By removing this joint 56, the main tank 5 can be easily replaced. Yes.

  In the joint 56, a portion connected to the ink supply path 51 side is a joint 56A, and a side connected to the main tank 5 side is a joint 56B.

  In this ink supply system, the ink stored in the head tank 4 is supplied from one end of the common liquid chamber 13 from the ink supply port 14 at one end of the head 2 through the supply port 24 and is supplied to the common liquid chamber 13. The discharge path 25 and the discharge flow path 39 are filled. Then, ink is consumed as droplets are ejected from the head 2, whereby ink is supplied from the head tank 4 to the head 2, and ink is naturally supplied from the main tank 5 to the head tank 4.

  Next, an ink washing and filling unit and an ink filling kit, which are liquid washing and filling units according to the present invention for initially filling ink in the head unit 1 of the ink supply system, will be described with reference to FIG.

  The ink cleaning and filling unit 61 includes an ink bottle 63 that is a liquid storage unit that encloses and seals the ink from which dissolved gas in the ink to be filled is sealed, and air for pressure-feeding (pressure feeding) the ink to the head unit 1. And a pressurizing cylinder 62 which is a pressurizing means in which a gas such as nitrogen is sealed is unitized (integrated).

  The ink cleaning and filling unit 61 and the waste liquid bottle 64 which is a collected liquid storage unit are combined to constitute an ink cleaning and filling kit. The ink cleaning and filling unit 61 can also be configured by the ink bottle 63 and the pressure cylinder 62 that are not unitized, and the waste liquid bottle 64.

  A tank valve 66 that can be opened and closed is provided at the tip of the cylinder 62. The tip of the tank valve 66 is branched, and one is connected to a three-way switching valve 168 that can switch between the ink supplied from the ink bottle 63 and the flow path. The other one is connected to the ink bottle 63 via a two-way switching valve 167.

  Further, the supply path 67 leading to the ink bottle 63 is provided with the same joint 56B as the main tank 5 that can be connected to the joint 56A on the ink supply path 51 side.

  Furthermore, it has an ink return path 53 having a joint 57 that can be connected to an on-off valve (valve) 54 on the head tank 4 side at the tip, and the ink return path 53 is a waste liquid bottle 64 that collects ink discharged by ink filling. Is installed.

  Here, the joint 56B on the ink bottle 63 side is normally closed and used when it is connected (coupled) to the joint 56A.

  The ink in the ink bottle 63 is sealed with the joint 56 </ b> B and the tank valve 66, in which the ink from which the dissolved gas in the ink has been removed is sealed to exclude the air inside. In order to pressure-feed ink from the ink bottle 63 to the head unit 1, when the ink bottle 63 is pressurized with gas, the tank valve 66 is opened and compressed gas is supplied from the cylinder 62. This is to minimize the amount of gas that is pressurized during ink filling into the ink.

  Further, since the waste liquid bottle 64 stores the ink discharged from the head unit 1, the waste liquid bottle 64 having a capacity corresponding thereto can avoid the possibility of overflowing the ink from the waste liquid bottle 64.

  Next, a filling method in which the head unit 1 is washed and filled with ink using the ink washing and filling unit 61 and the waste liquid bottle 64 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, the main tank 5 is removed from the joint 56, the ink cleaning and filling unit 61 is attached by the joint 56, and the ink supply path 51 and the ink bottle 63 are connected. Further, the ink return path 53 is connected to the on-off valve (valve) 54 via the joint 57, and the discharge channel 39 of the head tank 4 and the waste liquid bottle 64 are connected (attached).

  Next, the tank valve 66 is opened, the three-way switching valve 168 is switched to a direction in which the cylinder 62 and the joint 56 are communicated, and the open / close valve (valve) 54 is opened to discharge the ink in the tank 4 by the pressurized gas. 39 is discharged into the waste liquid bottle 64.

  Here, when it is detected that the remaining amount of ink in the tank 4 is at the L level by the detection electrode 29b, the two-way switching valve 167 is opened to supply the pressurized gas from the cylinder 62 into the ink bottle 63, and three-way. Ink is supplied by switching the switching valve 168 in a direction in which the ink bottle 63 and the joint 56 communicate with each other.

  As a result, since ink is supplied to the head tank 4, when it is detected that the ink is filled (detected to H level) by the detection electrode 29 a, the direction in which the cylinder 62 and the joint 56 communicate with the three-way switching valve 168 again. , The pressurized gas is sent, and the ink in the head tank 4 is discharged from the discharge channel 39 to the waste liquid bottle 64.

  This operation is repeated until the liquid in the head tank 4 is sufficiently replaced with the liquid in the ink bottle 63.

  In this case, in the method of replacing only by supplying liquid without supplying pressurized gas, the ink in the head tank 4 is stagnation due to the flow, and in particular, the ink container 22 far from the ink supply channel and the supply port. It has been confirmed that the stagnation of the top surface 22a of the head increases.

  On the other hand, by supplying the pressurized gas as in the present embodiment, the ink on the top surface 22a of the ink containing portion 22 is discharged by the pressurized gas, so that the amount of cleaning ink is small and in a short time. Ink cleaning (replacement) can be performed.

  Then, after the liquid in the head tank 4 is sufficiently replaced with the ink in the ink bottle 63, the open / close valve 54 is closed in a state where the head tank 4 is filled with the ink in the ink bottle 63. In the meantime, the ink in the nozzle 11 can be replaced with the ink fed from the ink bottle 63.

  Thereafter, the tank valve 66 is closed, the ink pressure supply to the ink supply path 51 is stopped, and the ink cleaning and filling unit 61 is removed from the joint 56 and the joint 57.

  Then, the main tank 5 is attached from the joint 56, and a negative pressure necessary for ejecting ink generated by the water head difference between the main tank 5 and the nozzle 11 of the head 2 is created.

  Thereafter, the nozzle surface is wiped with an elastic body (not shown), preferably a wiper member such as silicon rubber, and the ink dripping on the nozzle surface 11a is wiped to form a meniscus of the nozzle 11 to complete the ink filling.

  In this way, the ink of the head 2 can be washed and filled with the replaced ink, and the ink can always be supplied from the main tank 5 to the head 2 through the head tank 4 so that ink can be ejected.

  In each cleaning and filling process, when pressurized gas is fed into the head tank 4, the gas is discharged from the passage 26 to the discharge flow path 39, and is accumulated in the upper layer of the head tank 4. If it does not reach the bottom surface 22c, the liquid does not flow out to the common liquid chamber 13 side. For this reason, it is possible to prevent bubbles from entering the nozzle 11.

  The ink cleaning and filling unit 61 includes a liquid storage unit that stores the liquid to be filled, and a pressurization unit that pressurizes the liquid in the liquid storage unit and sends the liquid to the liquid supply port of the tank. Therefore, the initial filling of the liquid can be performed without providing a liquid supply pump on the image forming apparatus side, and the configuration of the image forming apparatus can be reduced in size and simplified.

  The ink cleaning and filling unit 61 includes a liquid storage unit that stores a liquid to be filled, a pressurization unit that pressurizes the liquid in the liquid storage unit and sends the liquid to the liquid supply port of the tank, and a liquid discharge unit of the tank. And a recovery liquid storage means for recovering and storing the liquid discharged from the port, so that the liquid can be initially filled without providing a liquid supply pump on the image forming apparatus side. Can be miniaturized and simplified.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory view at the time of ink cleaning filling of the same embodiment.

  Here, as the ink cleaning / filling unit 71, the ink cleaning / filling unit 61 in the first embodiment (the unit in which the ink bottle 63 serving as the liquid storage unit and the pressure cylinder 62 serving as the pressure unit are unitized); A waste liquid bottle 64 which is a collected liquid storage means is also integrated (unitized).

  The ink filling operation according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  As described above, the liquid cleaning and filling unit includes a liquid storage unit that stores a liquid to be filled, a pressurization unit that pressurizes the liquid in the liquid storage unit and sends the liquid to the liquid supply port of the tank, Since the liquid supply means for collecting and storing the liquid discharged from the liquid supply / discharge port is provided, it is possible to perform initial liquid filling without providing a liquid supply pump on the image forming apparatus side, and image formation The device configuration can be reduced in size and simplified.

  Then, by using this liquid cleaning and filling unit to fill the liquid, the liquid can be initially filled without providing a liquid supply pump on the image forming apparatus side, and the configuration of the image forming apparatus can be reduced in size. It can be simplified.

  Furthermore, handling such as carrying around becomes easy by unitizing.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a main part of the embodiment.

  The ink cleaning and filling unit 81 is a unitized unit of an ink bottle 63 sealed with an ink from which dissolved gas dissolved in the ink to be filled is sealed, and a waste liquid bottle 64 for collecting ink discharged by ink filling. is there.

  The ink bottle 63 is configured to be connected to the tank valve 66 by a joint 58 via a regulator 69 which is a pressure adjusting means, using compressed gas from a pressurizing mechanism 70 such as a compressor or a pressurizing pump.

  The regulator 69 (pressure adjusting means) is provided to adjust the pressure of the compressed gas that pressurizes the ink in the ink bottle 63. This pressure value adjusts the flow velocity of the ink flowing into the head unit 1, such as the resistance of the ink flow path and the change in the ink viscosity due to the change in the working environment temperature. Can be selected appropriately so that it can be filled. Therefore, it is also preferable to apply the pressure adjusting means to the first and second embodiments.

  The ink filling operation according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory view at the time of ink cleaning and filling in the same embodiment.

  In each of the above embodiments, an example of direct replacement from ink to replacement ink has been described. However, if the ink being used and the replacement ink are mixed, printing such as nozzle clogging or ink discoloration due to ink aggregation / solidification may occur. There may be a problem. In such a case, it is possible to perform ink replacement by replacing the ink that is being used with a cleaning liquid that does not cause a problem and then replacing it with the ink to be used next.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ink cleaning and filling unit 161 includes, in addition to the ink bottle 63 and the pressure cylinder 62 constituting the ink cleaning and filling unit 61 in the first embodiment, a surfactant and a moisture retaining agent in addition to water. A cleaning liquid bottle 165 that is a cleaning liquid storage means in which a cleaning liquid using an aqueous solution having a lower viscosity and a lower surface tension than that of the ink containing the agent is enclosed is formed as a unit (integrated).

  The ink cleaning and filling unit 161 and the waste liquid bottle 164 which is a collected liquid storage unit are combined to constitute an ink cleaning and filling kit. It should be noted that an ink cleaning and filling kit may be configured by the ink bottle 63, the cleaning liquid bottle 165, the pressure cylinder 62, and the waste liquid bottle 164 that are not unitized.

  A gas channel 162 communicates between the pressure cylinder 62, the ink bottle 63, and the cleaning liquid bottle 65. The gas flow path 162 is provided with a tank valve 66 that can be opened and closed on the supply side from the pressurizing cylinder 62, and its tip branches to the ink bottle 63, the cleaning liquid bottle 165, and the three-way switching valve 68. A three-way switching valve 168 capable of switching the flow path of the liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid bottle 165 is provided.

  The ink return path 53 is provided with a waste liquid bottle 164 that collects ink and cleaning liquid discharged by cleaning with ink and cleaning liquid.

  Here, as in the first embodiment, the joint 56B on the ink bottle 63 side is normally closed and is used when it is connected (coupled) to the joint 56A. The ink in the ink bottle 63 is an ink that is sealed with a joint 56B and a tank valve 66 by enclosing the ink from which dissolved gas in the ink has been removed, eliminating the internal air.

  The three-way switching valve 68 is in a state where the joint 56B and the cleaning liquid bottle 165 communicate with each other, and the liquid flow path between the three-way switching valve 168 and the ink bottle 63 is clogged with ink or in a vacuum state. is there.

  In order to pressure-feed ink from the ink bottle 63 to the head unit 1, the tank valve 66 is opened to supply gas when the ink bottle 63 is pressurized with gas. This is to minimize the amount of gas that is pressurized during ink filling into the ink.

  Further, since the waste liquid bottle 164 contains the ink and cleaning liquid discharged from the head unit 1, the waste liquid bottle 164 has a capacity corresponding to that, thereby avoiding the possibility of overflowing the ink and cleaning liquid from the waste liquid bottle 164. Can do.

  Next, a cleaning and filling method for filling the head unit 1 with ink and cleaning liquid in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7, the main tank 5 is removed from the joint 56, the ink cleaning and filling unit 161 is attached by the joint 56, and the ink supply path 51, the ink bottle 63, and the cleaning liquid bottle 165 are connected. Further, the ink return path 53 is connected to the on-off valve (valve) 54 via the joint 57, and the discharge channel 39 of the head tank 4 and the waste liquid bottle 164 are connected (attached).

  Next, the tank valve 66 is opened, the three-way switching valve 68 is switched to the direction in which the tank valve 66 and the joint 56 are communicated, the open / close valve (valve) 54 is further opened, and pressurized gas is supplied to the head tank 4. Ink 4 is discharged from the discharge channel 39 to the waste liquid bottle 164.

  When it is detected that the ink remaining amount in the head tank 4 is at the L level by the detection electrode 29b, the three-way switching valve 68 and the three-way switching valve 168 are switched to a direction in which the cleaning liquid bottle 165 and the joint 56 communicate with each other. Supply cleaning solution to

  Next, when the detection electrode 29a detects that the liquid (here, the cleaning liquid) is filled (becomes H level), the pressure cylinder 62 and the joint 56 communicate with the three-way switching valve 68 again. The direction is switched and the pressurized gas is sent from the cylinder 62 to the joint 56 by the pressurized gas, and the ink or the cleaning liquid in the head tank 4 is discharged from the discharge channel 39 to the waste liquid bottle 164.

  This operation is repeated until the liquid (ink) in the tank 4 is sufficiently replaced with the cleaning liquid.

  After the liquid in the head tank 4 is sufficiently washed with the washing liquid and replaced with the washing liquid, the three-way switching valve 68 is switched to the direction in which the cylinder 62 and the joint 56 are communicated, and the pressurized gas is sent into the head tank 4 by the pressurized gas, The cleaning liquid in the head tank 4 is discharged from the discharge flow path 39 to the waste liquid bottle 164 until it is detected that the detection electrode 29b is at the L level.

  Then, the three-way switching valve 68 is switched to a direction in which the ink bottle 63 and the joint 56 communicate with each other, the supply of gas into the head tank 4 is stopped, and then the three-way switching valve 168 is switched to a direction in which the ink bottle 63 and the coupling 56 communicate with each other. Is fed to the head unit 1.

  After the liquid in the head tank 4 is sufficiently replaced with the ink in the ink bottle 63, the opening / closing valve 54 is closed in a state where the head tank 4 is filled with the ink in the ink bottle 63.

  Thereby, the ink in the nozzle 11 can be replaced with the ink fed from the ink bottle 63.

  Thereafter, the tank valve 66 is closed, the ink pumping to the ink supply path 51 is stopped, and the ink cleaning and filling unit 161 is removed from the joint 56 and the joint 57.

  Then, the main tank 5 is attached from the joint 56, and a negative pressure necessary for ejecting ink generated by the water head difference between the main tank 5 and the nozzle 11 of the head 2 is created.

  Thereafter, the nozzle surface is wiped with an elastic body (not shown), preferably a wiper member such as silicon rubber, and the ink dripping on the nozzle surface 11a is wiped to form a meniscus of the nozzle 11 to complete the ink filling.

  In this way, it is possible to fill the head 2 with ink and always supply ink from the main tank 5 to the head 2 through the head tank 4 so that ink can be ejected.

  Also in each of the cleaning and filling steps, when pressurized gas is pumped into the tank 4, the gas accumulates in the upper layer of the tank 4, except that the gas is discharged from the passage 26 to the discharge passage 39. Unless this occurs, no air bubbles are mixed into the nozzle 11 because the liquid does not flow out to the common liquid chamber 13 side.

  Further, in the method in which pressurized gas is not supplied (liquid feeding only), the ink in the tank is stagnation in the flow, and is particularly far from the ink supply flow path and the supply port (the upper top surface of the supply port 24 in FIG. 3). Although the stagnation of the (surrounding) portion was large, the ink in that portion was discharged by the pressurized gas, so that the ink can be cleaned in a short time with a small amount of cleaning ink.

  In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which there is a problem in printing such as nozzle clogging or ink discoloration due to ink aggregation / solidification when ink in use and replacement ink are mixed. Even if the phenomenon does not occur, if the cleaning liquid is relatively inexpensive, this embodiment reduces the amount of ink consumed for ink replacement, and the overall cost for ink replacement is lower. It is better to use this method.

  As described above, the liquid cleaning and filling unit includes a liquid storage unit that stores the liquid to be filled, a cleaning liquid storage unit that stores the cleaning liquid, a liquid in the liquid storage unit and a cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage unit by pressurizing the liquid and And a pressurizing means for feeding the cleaning liquid to the liquid supply port of the liquid discharge head unit. Therefore, the liquid can be initially filled without providing a liquid supply pump on the image forming apparatus side. The size can be reduced and simplified.

  In addition, the liquid cleaning and filling kit includes a liquid storage unit that stores a liquid to be filled, a cleaning liquid storage unit that stores a cleaning liquid, a liquid in the liquid storage unit and a cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage unit, and pressurizes the liquid and the cleaning liquid. Since there is provided a pressurizing means for feeding the liquid to the liquid supply port of the discharge head unit and a recovery liquid storage means for collecting and storing the liquid discharged from the liquid supply / discharge port of the liquid discharge head unit and the cleaning liquid. Even without providing a liquid supply pump on the forming apparatus side, the initial filling of the liquid can be performed, and the configuration of the image forming apparatus can be reduced in size and simplified.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic explanatory diagram of ink filling in the embodiment.

  Here, as the ink cleaning and filling unit 171, the ink cleaning and filling unit 161 in the fourth embodiment (the ink bottle 63 that is a liquid storage means, the cleaning liquid bottle 165 that is a cleaning liquid storage means, and a pressure cylinder that is a pressure means). 62) and a waste liquid bottle 164 which is a collected liquid storage means are also integrated (unitized).

  The ink filling operation according to this embodiment is the same as that of the fourth embodiment.

  As described above, the liquid cleaning and filling unit includes a liquid storage unit that stores the liquid to be filled, a cleaning liquid storage unit that stores the cleaning liquid, a liquid in the liquid storage unit and a cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage unit by pressurizing the liquid and Since there is a pressurizing means for sending the cleaning liquid to the liquid supply port of the tank, and a recovery liquid storage means for recovering and storing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge port of the tank and the cleaning liquid, it is provided on the image forming apparatus side. Even without providing a liquid supply pump, the initial filling of the liquid can be performed, and the configuration of the image forming apparatus can be reduced in size and simplified.

  Then, by using this liquid cleaning and filling unit to fill the liquid, the liquid can be initially filled without providing a liquid supply pump on the image forming apparatus side, and the configuration of the image forming apparatus can be reduced in size. It can be simplified.

  Furthermore, handling such as carrying around becomes easy by unitizing.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a main part of the embodiment.

  The ink cleaning and filling unit 181 includes an ink bottle 63 sealed with an ink from which dissolved gas dissolved in the ink to be filled is sealed, a cleaning liquid bottle 165 with a cleaning liquid sealed therein, a series of cleaning liquids, and a cleaning liquid discharged by ink filling. And a waste liquid bottle 164 for collecting ink as a unit.

  The ink bottle 63 and the cleaning liquid bottle 165 are configured to be connected to the tank valve 66 by a joint 58 via a regulator 69 that is a pressure adjusting means, using compressed gas from a pressurizing mechanism 70 such as a compressor or a pressurizing pump. .

  The regulator 69 (pressure adjusting means) is provided to adjust the pressure of the compressed gas that pressurizes the ink in the ink bottle 63. This pressure value adjusts the flow velocity of the ink flowing into the head unit 1, such as the resistance of the ink flow path and the change in the ink viscosity due to the change in the working environment temperature. Can be selected appropriately so that it can be filled. Therefore, it is also preferable to apply the pressure adjusting means to the fourth and fifth embodiments.

  The ink filling operation according to this embodiment is the same as that of the fourth embodiment.

  In the fourth to sixth embodiments, first, the cleaning liquid is not pumped from the cleaning liquid bottle 165, but the three-way switching valve 168 is communicated from the ink bottle 63 to the joint 56B, and the ink is directly pumped into the flow path. May be discharged. As a result, since no cleaning liquid is used, it is not necessary to replace the ink in the flow path, the consumption of ink and cleaning liquid can be suppressed, and the cost can be reduced.

  Next, an example of an image forming apparatus that performs ink cleaning and filling with the ink cleaning and filling kit or the ink cleaning and filling unit described in the above embodiments will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this image forming apparatus, a recording head 101 composed of a liquid discharge head unit 1 is mounted on a carriage 103, and is movable by a main guide rod 104 and a sub guide member (not shown) spanned between left and right side plates 100A and 100B. I support it.

  The recording head 101 is moved and scanned in the main scanning direction by the main scanning motor 106 via the timing belt 105.

  On the other hand, the recording medium 107 is opposed to the nozzle surface 11a of the recording head 101, and is conveyed by the conveying roller 109 in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the recording head 101, and ink droplets ejected from the recording head 101 according to the image. An image is formed by adhesion.

  Ink is supplied to the recording head 101 from the main tank 5 through a flexible ink supply path 51.

  The cap member 111 provided outside the recording area is made of an elastic body, preferably silicon rubber, for capping the nozzle surface 108 having the plurality of nozzles 11. At the time of non-recording, the recording head 101 moves to above the cap member 111, and the cap member 111 moves by a cap moving mechanism (not shown) to cap the nozzle surface 108. In the cap member 111, an ink absorbing sheet 112 is provided for facilitating suction during ink suction, moistening the atmosphere in the cap, and the like.

  Two tubes 113, 114 are connected to the cap member 111 on the bottom surface, and the tube 113 communicates with the atmosphere via the atmosphere release valve 115. The tube 114 is connected to the suction pump 116, and the nozzle surface 108 is capped by the cap member 111, and the suction pump 116 is driven to generate a negative pressure in the cap member 111 with the atmosphere release valve 115 closed. Then, ink is sucked from the nozzles of the recording head 101 and the air release valve 115 is opened to discharge the ink accumulated in the space 117 in the cap member 111 to the waste liquid tank 118. Further, the cap member 111 prevents the nozzles of the recording head 101 from drying by contacting and holding the nozzle surface 108 with the atmosphere release valve 115 closed.

  Further, a wiper blade (wiper member) 119 is moved to a height at which it contacts the nozzle surface 108 of the recording head 101 by a wiper moving mechanism (not shown), and the recording head 101 is moved in the main scanning direction. The ink and dust adhering to 108 can be wiped off, and the meniscus on the nozzle surface 108 can be generated and cleaned.

  Also in this image forming apparatus, as an ink cleaning and filling method, (A) a process of supplying gas into the tank and discharging the liquid in the liquid storage tank, (B) a state in which all the liquid in the tank is not discharged, The head and the tank are cleaned while repeating the step of supplying the liquid and the step (C) of filling the tank with the liquid.

  Here, after the step (A), the three-way switching valve 168 is closed so that the compressed gas and the ink in the ink bottle 63 or the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle 65 are not supplied to the head unit 1, and the ink dripping from the nozzles stops. When the head scanning motor 106 moves and scans the head unit 1 (recording head 101) while applying acceleration / deceleration acceleration in the main scanning direction via the timing belt 105, the liquid in the tank 4 moves in the increasing / decreasing direction according to inertia. Moving in the opposite direction, the liquid is agitated.

  As a result, the liquid in the tank 4 is further prevented from stagnation, and the liquid used for the head cleaning can be reduced and the cleaning time can be shortened.

  The liquid can be easily stirred using the space of the tank 4 when the liquid in the tank 4 is at the L level than when the liquid is at the H level. However, if large acceleration / deceleration is performed with this L level ink remaining amount, bubbles may enter the common liquid chamber 13 through the supply port 24 during stirring. It is advisable to check the ink residual level and the acceleration / deceleration values at which bubbles do not enter in advance.

  In the present application, the “paper” is not limited to paper, but includes OHP, cloth, glass, a substrate, etc., and means a material to which ink droplets or other liquids can be attached. , Recording media, recording paper, recording paper, and the like. In addition, image formation, recording, printing, printing, and printing are all synonymous.

  The “image forming apparatus” means an apparatus that forms an image by discharging liquid onto a medium such as paper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, etc. “Formation” means not only giving an image having a meaning such as a character or a figure to a medium but also giving an image having no meaning such as a pattern to the medium (simply causing a droplet to land on the medium). ) Also means.

  The “ink” is not limited to an ink unless otherwise specified, but includes any liquid that can form an image, such as a recording liquid, a fixing processing liquid, or a liquid. Used generically, for example, includes DNA samples, resists, pattern materials, resins, and the like.

  In addition, the “image” is not limited to a planar image, and includes an image given to a three-dimensionally formed image and an image formed by three-dimensionally modeling a solid itself.

  Further, the image forming apparatus includes both a serial type image forming apparatus and a line type image forming apparatus, unless otherwise limited.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid discharge head unit 2 Head 4 Head tank 5 Main tank 11 Nozzle 13 Common liquid chamber 14 Supply port 15 Discharge port 21 Tank case 22 Ink storage part 23 Damper member (film member)
24 supply port 25 discharge path 39 discharge flow path 51 ink supply path 53 ink return path 54 on-off valve (valve),
56, 57 Joint 61, 161 Ink cleaning and filling unit 62 Pressurizing cylinder 63 Ink bottle 64, 164 Waste liquid bottle 65 Cleaning liquid bottle 66 Tank valve 67 Supply path 68, 168 Three-way selector valve 71, 171 Ink cleaning filling unit 81, 181 Ink cleaning Filling unit 101 Recording head (liquid discharge head unit)

Claims (10)

A liquid washing and filling unit for washing a head for discharging droplets and a tank for storing a liquid to be supplied to the head to fill the liquid,
Liquid storage means for storing the liquid to be filled;
Pressurizing means for pressurizing the liquid in the liquid storage means and feeding the liquid to the liquid supply port of the tank;
Means for pumping compressed gas to the liquid supply port of the tank,
When replacing the liquid in the head and the tank,
Supplying the compressed gas into the tank, and discharging the liquid in the tank;
In a state where all the liquid in the tank is not discharged, the liquid in the liquid storage means is supplied,
The liquid cleaning and filling unit is configured to perform cleaning of the head and the tank while repeatedly filling the tank with the supplied liquid. The liquid cleaning and filling unit according to claim 1, further comprising recovered liquid storage means for recovering and storing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge port of the tank. A liquid filling unit that fills the liquid by cleaning a head that discharges droplets and a tank that stores liquid to be supplied to the head,
Liquid storage means for storing the liquid to be filled;
Cleaning liquid storage means for storing a cleaning liquid having a viscosity lower than that of the liquid;
Pressurizing means for pressurizing the liquid in the liquid storage means and the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage means to send the liquid and the cleaning liquid to the liquid supply port of the tank;
Means for pumping compressed gas to the liquid supply port of the tank,
When replacing the liquid in the head and the tank,
Supplying the compressed gas into the tank and discharging the liquid in the tank;
From a state where all the liquid in the tank is not discharged, the cleaning liquid is supplied,
While repeatedly filling the tank with the cleaning liquid,
A liquid cleaning and filling unit for cleaning the head and the tank. 5. The liquid cleaning and filling unit according to claim 4, further comprising recovered liquid storage means for recovering and storing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge port of the tank and the cleaning liquid.   An image forming apparatus comprising the liquid cleaning and filling unit according to claim 1. A liquid cleaning and filling method for cleaning a head for discharging droplets of an image forming apparatus and a tank for storing a liquid to be supplied to the head and filling the liquid,
Liquid storage means for storing the liquid to be filled;
Pressurizing means for pressurizing the liquid in the liquid storage means and feeding the liquid to the liquid supply port of the tank;
Means for pumping compressed gas to the liquid supply port of the tank;
Using a liquid washing and filling unit comprising: a recovered liquid storage means for recovering and storing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge port of the tank;

Supplying the compressed gas into the tank and discharging the liquid in the tank;
Supplying the liquid in the liquid storage means in a state where all the liquid in the tank is not discharged;
A liquid cleaning and filling method in an image forming apparatus, wherein the liquid is filled by cleaning the head and the tank while repeating the step of filling the tank with the supplied liquid. A liquid cleaning and filling method for cleaning a head for discharging droplets of an image forming apparatus and a tank for storing a liquid to be supplied to the head and filling the liquid,
Liquid storage means for storing the liquid to be filled;
Cleaning liquid storage means for storing a cleaning liquid having a viscosity lower than that of the liquid;
Pressurizing means for pressurizing the liquid in the liquid storage means and the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage means to send the liquid and the cleaning liquid to the liquid supply port of the tank;
Means for pumping compressed gas to the liquid supply port of the tank;
Using a liquid cleaning and filling unit comprising: the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge port of the tank and the recovered liquid storage means for recovering and storing the cleaning liquid;
Supplying the compressed gas into the tank and discharging the liquid in the tank;
Supplying the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage means in a state where all the liquid in the tank is not discharged;
A liquid cleaning and filling method in an image forming apparatus, wherein the liquid is filled by cleaning the head and the tank while repeating the step of filling the tank with the supplied cleaning liquid.   8. The liquid cleaning and filling method according to claim 6, wherein acceleration of acceleration / deceleration is applied to the head and the tank when the head and the tank are cleaned. A liquid filling kit for filling a liquid in a tank for containing a head for discharging droplets and a liquid to be supplied to the head;
Liquid storage means for storing the liquid to be filled;
Pressurizing means for pressurizing the liquid in the liquid storage means and feeding the liquid to the liquid supply port of the tank;
Means for pumping compressed gas to the liquid supply port of the tank;
A liquid cleaning and filling kit, comprising: recovered liquid storage means for recovering and storing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge port of the tank. A cleaning and filling kit for filling a liquid in a tank for storing a head for discharging droplets and a liquid to be supplied to the head,
Liquid storage means for storing the liquid to be filled;
Cleaning liquid storage means for storing a cleaning liquid having a viscosity lower than that of the liquid;
Pressurizing means for pressurizing the liquid in the liquid storage means and the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage means to send the liquid and the cleaning liquid to the liquid supply port of the tank;
Means for pumping compressed gas to the liquid supply port of the tank;
A liquid cleaning and filling kit comprising: a recovery liquid storage means for recovering and storing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge port of the tank and the cleaning liquid.

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