JP2017132166A - Inkjet recording device and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inkjet recording device with a simplified piping system.SOLUTION: An inkjet recording device includes: an ink container 18 for storing an ink; a solvent container 20 for storing a solvent which dilutes the ink of the ink container 18; an ink cartridge 51 connected with an upper part of the ink container 18 through a make-up valve 45 which may open or close; a nozzle 8 for discharging the ink of the ink container 18; and a gutter 14 for recovering the ink discharged from the nozzle 8 to the ink container 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus and a control method thereof.

  A continuous ink jet recording apparatus sucks ink from an ink container with a pump, supplies ink to a nozzle through an ink filter and a pressure regulating valve for adjusting ink pressure, and vibrates the ink ejected from the nozzle. By generating particles and charging and deflecting the ink particles, the ink particles reach the recording medium to perform recording. Ink is continuously ejected from the nozzles, and ink particles that are not used for recording are collected from the gutter part, returned to the container containing the ink by the power of the pump, and supplied to the nozzles again. Yes.

  As a background art of this technical field, there is Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-172932). This Patent Document 1 includes “main ink container 18 for holding circulating ink” and “holding ink for replenishment”. An ink jet recording apparatus including an auxiliary ink container 19 "and a" solvent container 20 "is disclosed. In this document, the auxiliary ink container 19 is connected to an electromagnetic valve 23 that opens and closes a path via a path 120, and is connected to the main ink container 18 via the electromagnetic valve 23.

JP 2009-172932 A

  An inkjet recording apparatus is a device that prints on a production line on a product that is continuously mass-produced. If the supply of ink or solvent is delayed and printing stops due to out of ink, the production line stops and a large loss occurs.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including two ink containers (a main ink container and an auxiliary ink container). The role of the main ink container is to hold ink to be supplied to the nozzles. Therefore, the main ink container needs to perform ink viscosity management, ink volume management to prevent the ink from running out, and the like. In addition, the role of the auxiliary ink container may hold ink for supplying ink to the main ink container. Since there are two ink containers having different roles, there are problems that the number of parts increases and the piping system becomes complicated.

  An object of the present application is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus having a simplified piping system and a control method thereof.

  In order to solve the above problems, for example, the configuration of the claims is adopted.

  The present invention includes a plurality of means for solving the above-described problems. To give an example, an ink container that contains ink, a solvent container that contains a solvent that dilutes ink in the ink container, An ink cartridge connected to an upper portion of the ink container via an openable / closable supply valve, a nozzle that ejects ink from the ink container, and a gutter that collects ink ejected from the nozzle. To do.

  According to the present application, an object of the present application can provide an ink jet recording apparatus with a simplified piping system and a control method thereof.

1 is an external perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the use condition of an inkjet recording device. It is the schematic which shows the principle of operation of an inkjet recording device. 1 is a path configuration diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an ink container 18 and a cartridge 51 in the ink jet recording apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ink container 18 in a state where the cartridge (ink) 51 is installed and the refill valve 45 is opened in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ink container 18 in a state where a cartridge (ink) 51 is installed and a supply valve 45 is closed in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an open / close state of an ink supply valve in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is an operation principle diagram showing an ink and solvent supply operation in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating ink / solvent supply control in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating control when the ink cartridge is empty in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control when ink in an ink container is reduced in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state where a cartridge is empty and is controlled at a liquid level 2 in an inkjet recording apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the cartridge is empty and is controlled at the liquid level 3 in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state where the cartridge is empty and is controlled at a liquid level 4 in the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to a following example.
<Apparatus exterior configuration>
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 1 is an ink jet recording apparatus main body, 2 is a print head, 3 is an operation display unit, and 4 is a conduit. The ink jet recording apparatus includes an operation display unit 3 in a main body 1 and a print head 2 outside. The main body 1 and the print head 2 are connected by a conduit 4.
<Usage of device>
Next, the use state of this ink jet recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, 1 is an ink jet recording apparatus main body, 2 is a print head, 4 is a conduit, 13 is a printing object on which numbers and characters are printed, 15 is a belt conveyor for conveying the printing object, and 16 is a belt conveyor 15. A rotary encoder 17 for measuring the conveying distance is a print sensor.

The ink jet recording apparatus 400 is installed on a production line in a factory where food, beverages, and the like are produced, for example, the main body 1 is installed at a position where the user can operate, and the print head 2 is on a production line such as the belt conveyor 15. Is placed at a position where it can come close to the printing object 13 to be fed. In order to print on the production line such as the belt conveyor 15 with the same width regardless of the feeding speed, the encoder 16 that outputs a signal corresponding to the feeding speed to the ink jet recording apparatus 400 and the printing object 13 are detected. A print sensor 17 that outputs a signal for instructing printing to the inkjet recording apparatus 400 is installed, and each is connected to a control unit (not shown) in the main body 1. In accordance with signals from the encoder 16 and the print sensor 17, the control unit controls the charge amount and charge timing for the ink particles 7 </ b> C (shown in FIG. 3) discharged from the nozzles 8 (shown in FIG. 3). Printing is performed by adhering the charged and deflected ink particles 7C to the print target 13 while 13 passes the vicinity of the print head 2.
<Operating principle of the device>
Next, the operation principle of the ink jet recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 3, 18 is an ink container, 7A is ink, 24 is a pump that pressurizes and delivers ink, 9 is an electrostrictive element that vibrates at a predetermined frequency when a voltage is applied, 8 is a nozzle that ejects ink, and 7B is ink. It is a pillar. Reference numeral 11 denotes a charging electrode for charging ink particles, 7C denotes ink particles, 12 denotes a deflection electrode, 13 denotes an object to be printed, and 14 denotes a gutter for collecting ink particles not to be printed.

  The ink 7A in the ink container 18 is sucked and pressurized by the pump 24 to become an ink column 7B and is discharged from the nozzle 8. The nozzle 8 is provided with an electrostrictive element 9, and the ink column 7B ejected from the nozzle 8 is made into particles by applying vibration to the ink at a predetermined frequency. The number of ink particles 7C thus generated is determined by the frequency of the excitation voltage applied to the electrostrictive element 9, and is the same as the frequency. The ink particles 7 </ b> C can be charged by applying a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the print information at the charging electrode 11.

The ink particles 7 </ b> C charged by the charging electrode 11 fly in the electric field between the deflection electrodes 12. The deflection electric field is formed between the high-voltage electrode to which a high voltage of 5 to 6 [kV] is applied and the installed ground electrode, and the charged ink particles 7C receive a force proportional to the charge amount. Deflected, flies toward the printing object 13 and landed. At that time, the landing position of the ink particle 7C changes in the deflection direction according to the charge amount, and the production line moves the print target 13 in the direction orthogonal to the deflection direction, so that the ink particle 7C also moves in the direction orthogonal to the deflection direction. Particles can be landed, and a character is composed of a plurality of landed particles for printing. The ink particles 7C that have not been used for printing fly linearly between the deflection electrodes 12 and are collected by the ink container 18 via the path after being captured by the gutter 14.
<Device path configuration>
Next, the path configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 400 according to the first embodiment will be described.

4 is a path configuration diagram of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the ink container 18 and the cartridge 51 in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  An ink jet recording apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 4 includes a main body 1, a print head 2, and a conduit 4 that connects the main body 1 and the print head 2.

  First, the ink supply path of the ink jet recording apparatus 400 of this embodiment will be described. The main body 1 is provided with an ink container 18 that holds the circulating ink 7A. The ink container 18 has a reference liquid level that is an appropriate amount to hold the liquid in the ink container 18 inside. Level sensor electrodes 70 to 75 are provided for detecting whether or not the value has reached. Further, a cartridge (ink) 51 for replenishing ink and a replenishment valve 45 for opening and closing a replenishment path between the cartridge (ink) 51 and the ink container 18 are connected to the upper portion of the ink container 18. .

  The ink container 18 is connected to the viscosity measuring device 43 via the path 201 in order to grasp the viscosity of the ink 7A in the ink container 18. The viscosity measuring device 43 is connected to an electromagnetic valve (for supply) 34 that opens and closes the path via a path 202, and the solenoid valve (for supply) 34 is used to suck and pump ink 7 </ b> A via the path 203. It is connected to a pump (for supply) 24 to be used. The pump (for supply) 24 is connected via a path 204 to a filter (for supply) 28 that removes foreign matters mixed in the ink 7A.

  The filter (for supply) 28 is connected to a pressure reducing valve 33 that adjusts the pressure to an appropriate pressure for printing the ink 7A pumped from the pump (for supply) 24 via the path 205, and the pressure reducing valve 33 is connected to the path. A pressure gauge 31 that measures the pressure of the ink 7 </ b> A supplied to the nozzles via 206 is provided.

  The pressure gauge 31 is connected to a nozzle 8 provided in the print head 2 and having a discharge port for discharging the ink 7 </ b> A via a path 207 passing through the conduit 4. A gutter 14 for capturing ink particles 7C that fly straight without being charged or deflected because it is not used for printing is disposed in the straight direction of the nozzle 8 outlet.

  Next, the ink collection path of the ink jet recording apparatus 400 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The gutter 14 is connected to a filter (for recovery) 29 that removes foreign matters mixed in the ink disposed in the main body 1 via a path 212 passing through the conduit 4. 29 is connected to a solenoid valve (for recovery) 35 that opens and closes the path via a path 213.

  The electromagnetic valve (for recovery) 35 is connected to a pump (for recovery) 25 that sucks the ink particles 7 </ b> C captured by the gutter 14 via a path 214. The pump (for recovery) 25 is connected to the ink container 18 via a path 215. Further, the ink container 18 is connected to the exhaust path 217, and the exhaust path 217 communicates with the outside of the main body 1.

Next, the solvent supply path of the inkjet recording apparatus 400 of FIG. 4 will be described. The main body 1 is provided with a solvent container 20 for holding a solvent for solvent replenishment, and a cartridge (solvent) 52 for replenishing the solvent is connected to the upper part of the solvent container 20. The solvent container 20 is connected to a pump (for solvent) 26 used for sucking and pumping the solvent via a path 231. The pump (for solvent) 26 is connected to a solenoid valve (for solvent) 37 in order to open and close the flow path via the path 232, and the solenoid valve (for solvent) 37 is connected to the main ink via the path 233. The container 18 is connected. Further, since the solvent container 20 is connected to the outside of the machine via the path 237, it is in a state equivalent to atmospheric pressure.
<Configuration of cartridge>
Next, the configuration of the cartridge (ink) 51 used in the ink jet recording apparatus 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

The cartridge (ink) 51 is provided with a bottle 55 that can store about 500 [ml] of ink 7F and a supply port 56 for supplying ink. The ink supply port 56 includes a packing 58 for sealing a connection portion with the auxiliary ink container 18 and a cover 57 for preventing the ink 7F from leaking outside. The cover 57 is made of thin PP (polypropylene) or thin aluminum film because it needs to break through the center when it is installed in the main body.
<Configuration and Usage of Ink Container of Example 1>
Next, the configuration and usage of the ink container 18 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

  FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the ink container 18 and the cartridge 51 in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment in which the cartridge (ink) 51 is installed and the supply valve 45 is opened. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ink container 18 in a state where the cartridge (ink) 51 is installed and the supply valve 45 is closed in the ink jet recording apparatus of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the ink container 18 according to the present embodiment includes a liquid reservoir 61 that holds the ink 7 </ b> G, a top surface portion 61 </ b> D that serves as a lid for sealing the liquid reservoir, and a liquid reservoir 61. A convex tube part 78 that extends to the outside and connects to the cartridge 51, a concave tube part 61B that is disposed below the convex tube part 78 and extends to the inside of the liquid storage part 61, a level sensor electrode, and the like are installed. The sensor connection part 61C for installing the connection block 63 is provided.

  The sensor connecting portion 61 </ b> C includes a connection block 63 via a packing 62 at the top, and the connection block 63 is fixed by a fixed lid 64. The connection block 63 is connected to the path 201 and is connected to the suction pipe 66 immersed in the ink 7G whose tip is held in the liquid storage unit 61. The connection block 63 is connected to the path 217 and is open to the atmosphere above the electrode (overflow) 75. A pipe 69, a recovery pipe 67 connected to the path 215 and above the standard liquid level 82A, and a solvent supply pipe 68 connected to the path 233 are provided.

  The connection block 63 includes an electrode (GND) 70 immersed in the ink 7G held at the tip in the liquid reservoir 61, and the tip is the same as or slightly below the tip (standard liquid level 82A) of the concave tube portion 61B. , An electrode (level 2) 72 whose tip is located below the electrode (level 1) 71, and an electrode whose tip is located below the electrode (level 2) 72 (level 1) Level 3) 73, an electrode (level 4) 74 whose tip is disposed below electrode (level 3) 73 and disposed at the same level as or above electrode (GND) 70, and the tip of standard liquid surface 82A And an electrode (overflow) 75 disposed above.

  The convex tube portion 78 of the ink container 18 has a role of breaking through the cover 57 when the cartridge 51 is installed. After that, the outer periphery of the convex tube portion 78 is sealed with the packing 58 between the supply port 56 of the cartridge 51. The ink 7F in the cartridge 51 passes through the inside of the convex tube portion 78 and the concave tube portion 61B and is held in the liquid storage portion 61 in the ink container 18. The flow path of the convex tube portion 78 of the ink container 18 is provided with a supply valve 45 that opens and closes the flow path. The liquid level of the ink 7G held in the liquid storage unit 61 is the standard liquid level as shown in FIG. 6 as long as the supply valve 45 is opened with the ink 7F remaining in the cartridge 51. Stable at 82A. This state is assumed to be level 1.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the ink container 18 in a state in which the ink of the cartridge 51 is filled in the ink container 18 and the ink supply valve 45 is closed.
When the electrode (level 1) 71 and the electrode (level 2) 72 detect that the ink in the ink container 18 has decreased to the liquid level 82B in this state, the ink level falls below the standard liquid level 82A and level 2 is reached. It can be judged that it became the state.
<Configuration of Supply Valve of Example 1>
Next, the configuration and operation of the supply valve 45 will be described with reference to FIG. The supply valve 45 installed in the ink container 18 includes a diaphragm electromagnetic valve 91, a valve body 92 that operates by energizing the electromagnetic valve 91, and a valve seat 94 that opens and closes the flow path by contacting the valve body 92. The tube passage 93 is configured to hold the valve seat 94 and be configured inside the convex tube portion 78. FIG. 8A shows a state where the flow path is closed, and FIG. 8B shows a state where the flow path is opened.
<Ink / Solvent Supply Operation of Example 1>
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the ink and solvent replenishment operation in the first embodiment. FIG. 9A shows a state in which the ink 7G in the ink container 18 has decreased from the standard liquid level 82A. When the viscosity of the ink in the ink container 18 is lower than the predetermined value, it is determined that the ink is insufficient, and the supply valve 45 is opened to supply the ink 7F to the ink container 18 (FIG. 9B). If the viscosity of the ink in the ink container 18 exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the solvent is insufficient, and the solenoid valve (for solvent) 37 is opened to replenish the ink container 18 with the solvent (FIG. 9C). ).
<Ink / Solvent Supply Flow of Example 1>
Next, ink and solvent replenishment control in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing ink / solvent replenishment control in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. First, in step S801, normal operation is performed. The ink 7 </ b> C that has been atomized is ejected from the nozzle 8, and the ink particles 7 </ b> C are collected from the gutter 14. At this time, the control unit controls the ink liquid level in the ink container 18 to be at the position of the electrode (level 1) 71.

In step S <b> 802, the viscosity measuring device 43 measures the viscosity of the ink in the ink container 18. Step S802 is executed at an interval of about once every 5 minutes.
In step S803, as a result of the viscosity measurement performed in step S803, it is determined whether “viscosity value ≦ 100 (%)”. For example, if the ink viscosity value = 104, it is determined “No”, and the process proceeds to step S804. During this flow, the solenoid valve (for solvent) 37 that connects the solvent container 20 and the ink container 18 is open. At this time, if the ink viscosity value is smaller than 100, “Yes” is determined, and the process proceeds to step S805.

  In step S804, a solvent is supplied to the ink container 18 by the operation of FIG. 9C, and the process returns to step S801 to repeat the same control. At this time, the amount of solvent to be replenished may be changed according to the viscosity value measured in step S802. In that case, the ink in the ink container 18 can be adjusted to a more appropriate viscosity.

  In step S805, ink is supplied by the operation shown in FIG. 9B, and the process proceeds to step S806. During this flow, the supply valve 45 that connects the cartridge (ink) 51 and the ink container 18 is in an open state. Similarly to step S804, if the amount of ink to be replenished is changed according to the viscosity value measured in step S802, the ink in the ink container 18 can be adjusted to a more appropriate viscosity.

  In step S806, the amount of ink in the ink container 18 is measured by the electrode (level 1) 71, and it is determined whether there is ink up to level 1. If there is ink up to level 1, it is determined that “electrode (level 1) 71 is detected”. In this case, it is determined as “Yes”, the process returns to step S801, and the same control is repeated. If not detected, it is determined as “No”, and the process proceeds to step S807. When ink remains in the cartridge 51 and the supply valve 45 that connects the cartridge (ink) 51 and the ink container 18 is open, the ink moves from the cartridge 51 to the ink container 18, Since the ink level should be level 1, if level 1 is not detected after passing through step S805, it can be determined that the cartridge 51 is empty. Here, it is assumed that the solvent container 20 has a sufficient remaining amount of solvent.

  In step S807, “Ink cartridge replacement is possible” is displayed on the operation display unit 3 as a message to the user, and the process proceeds to step S811. At this time, not only the “cartridge replacement possible” display but also the liquid level may be in a state of level 1 or less. The operation display unit 3 may display a button for changing to a screen for purchasing an ink cartridge.

In step S811, the control unit changes the liquid level sensor from the electrode (level 1) 71 to the electrode (level 2) 72. Until the ink cartridge 51 is replaced, the reference liquid level is changed to the electrode (level 2) 72 and the solvent supply control is performed.
<Replenishment Operation Flow when the Ink Cartridge is Empty in Example 1>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing control when the ink cartridge is empty in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a case where ink in the ink container is reduced in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control in case.

In FIG. 11, a normal operation is performed at the liquid level 2 in S811.
In step S <b> 802, as in FIG. 10, the viscosity measuring device 43 measures the viscosity of the ink in the ink container 18.

  Similarly to FIG. 10, S803 also determines whether or not “viscosity value ≦ 100 (%)” as a result of the viscosity measurement performed in step S803. For example, if the ink viscosity value = 104, it is determined “No”, and the process proceeds to step S814. During this flow, the solenoid valve (for solvent) 37 that connects the solvent container 20 and the ink container 18 is open. At this time, if the ink viscosity value is smaller than 100, “Yes” is determined, and the process proceeds to step S815.

  In step S814, a solvent is supplied to the ink container 18 by the operation shown in FIG. 9C, the process returns to step S811, and the same control is repeated. However, in this step, the solvent is replenished with the liquid level reference set to level 2. At this time, the amount of solvent to be replenished may be changed according to the viscosity value measured in step S802. In that case, the ink in the ink container 18 can be adjusted to a more appropriate viscosity.

  If the process proceeds to step S815, it is confirmed whether the ink cartridge has been replaced. If it has been replaced, the process proceeds to S805, and if not, the process proceeds to S817.

  In step S805, ink is supplied by the operation of FIG. 9B, and the process proceeds to step S816. During this flow, the supply valve 45 that connects the cartridge (ink) 51 and the ink container 18 is in an open state. Similarly to step S814, if the amount of ink to be replenished is changed according to the viscosity value measured in step S802, the ink in the ink container 18 can be adjusted to a more appropriate viscosity.

  In step S817, the amount of ink in the ink container 18 is measured by the electrode (level 2) 72, and it is determined whether there is ink up to level 2. If ink is present up to level 2, it is determined that “electrode (level 2) 72 is detected”, and the process proceeds to the step of performing normal operation at liquid level 2 (S811). When there is no ink up to level 2, the ink level in the ink container 18 is determined by the electrodes after the electrode (level 3) 73, and normal operation is performed at a level according to the determination result (S818).

  In S816, it is confirmed whether or not the liquid level 1 is detected after ink replenishment. If level 1 is confirmed, it is determined that ink has been replenished without any problem, and normal operation at level 1 is entered (S801). If level 1 cannot be confirmed, it is assumed that ink has not been replenished normally even though the ink cartridge has been replaced, and an alarm message “Ink replenishment valve or liquid level sensor has failed. Check the operation because there is a possibility. "Is displayed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating control when the ink in the ink container is reduced in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  Since the steps other than S836 are substantially the same as those in FIGS. 10 and 11, the description thereof will be omitted.

  If it is determined in S835 that the ink cartridge has not been replaced, the process proceeds to S836. In this case, the normal operation has already been performed at the liquid level 4, and the remaining amount of ink in the ink container 18 is in a considerably small state. Therefore, by displaying an alarm message “Replace the ink cartridge urgently because the ink is low” on the operation display unit 3, the user can be prompted to immediately replace the ink cartridge, and the operation of the inkjet recording apparatus can be stopped. Can be prevented.

13 to 15 show the stepwise change in the control liquid level when the ink cartridge 51 becomes empty. 13 shows a state in which the ink amount in the ink container 18 is an electrode (level 2) 72, FIG. 14 shows a state in which the ink amount in the ink container 18 is an electrode (level 3) 73, and FIG. The ink amount of each indicates an electrode (level 4) 74 state.
<Effect of the present invention>
As described above, according to this embodiment, the number of parts can be reduced and the piping system can be simplified by combining the ink containers 18 into one with a simple configuration, and the operation can be performed even when the remaining liquid in the cartridge 51 is exhausted. It is possible to provide an ink jet recording apparatus 400 that can continue normal printing operation for a certain period of time without stopping immediately, and a control method therefor.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. The above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main-body part, 2 ... Print head part, 3 ... Operation display part, 4 ... Conduit,
7A ... Ink (in main ink container 18), 7B ... Ink column, 7C ... Ink particles, 7D ... Ink particles with slight charge, 7E ... Ink in collection path, 7F ... Ink (in cartridge 51), 7G ... Ink (In the auxiliary ink container 19),
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Nozzle, 9 ... Electrostrictive element, 11 ... Charging electrode, 12 ... Deflection electrode, 12A ... Ground electrode, 12B ... Positive electrode, 13 ... Print object, 14 ... Gutter, 14B ... Gutter, 15 ... Belt conveyor, 16 ...... Encoder, 17 ... Print sensor, 18 ... Ink container, 20 ... Solvent container, 24 ... Pump (for supply), 25 ... Pump (for recovery), 26 ... Pump (for solvent), 28 ... Filter (for supply), 29 ... Filter (for collection), 31 ... Pressure gauge, 33 ... Pressure reducing valve, 34 ... Solenoid valve (for supply), 35 ... Solenoid valve (for collection), 37 ... Solenoid valve (for solvent), 43 ... Viscometer 45 ... Supply valve,
51 ... cartridge (ink), 52 ... cartridge (solvent),
55 ... Bottle, 56 ... Supply port, 57 ... Cover, 57A ... Cover (with holes), 58 ... Packing, 61 ... Liquid storage part, 61B ... Concave pipe part, 61C ... Sensor connection part, 61D ... Top surface part, 62 ... Packing 63, connection block, 64 ... fixed lid, 66 ... suction pipe, 67 ... recovery pipe, 68 ... solvent supply pipe, 69 ... atmosphere release pipe, 70 ... electrode (GND), 71 ... electrode (level 1), 72 ... Electrode (level 2), 73 ... Electrode (level 3), 74 ... Electrode (level 4), 75 ... Electrode (overflow), 78 ... Convex tube, 79 ... Gas,
81 ... Ink replenishment flow line, 82A ... Standard liquid level, 82B-82E ... Level 1-4 liquid level,
91 ... Diaphragm solenoid valve, 92 ... Valve body, 93 ... Pipe flow path, 94 ... Valve seat,
201 to 207 ... path (for ink supply), 212 to 215 ... path (for ink recovery), 217 ... path (for exhaust), 231 to 233 ... path (for solvent replenishment), 237 ... path (open to the atmosphere), 400 ... Inkjet recording device

Claims (10)

An ink container for containing ink;
A solvent container containing a solvent for diluting the ink in the ink container;
An ink cartridge connected to the top of the ink container via a replenishing valve that can be opened and closed;
A nozzle for discharging ink in the ink container;
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a gutter that collects ink ejected from the nozzles. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The ink jet recording apparatus, wherein the ink cartridge and the ink container are directly connected via the supply valve. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1,
An ink jet recording apparatus, wherein the ink container includes a concave tube portion and a convex tube portion around a connection portion with the ink cartridge. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1,
The ink container has a concave tube portion at a connection portion with the ink cartridge;
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a first electrode having a tip portion below a lower surface of the concave tube portion. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4,
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: an electrode having a tip at a lower part than the first electrode. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 5,
2. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a plurality of electrodes having a tip portion below the first electrode. When the viscosity of the ink in the ink container satisfies a predetermined condition, the solvent in the solvent container containing the solvent for diluting the ink in the ink container is caused to flow into the ink container, and the viscosity of the ink in the ink container is predetermined. If the above condition is not satisfied, a replenishment step for causing the ink of the ink cartridge connected to the upper portion of the ink container to flow through a replenishment valve that can be opened and closed flows into the ink container;
A determination step of measuring the amount of ink in the ink container with an electrode after the replenishment step and determining whether or not a predetermined liquid level is reached;
A method for controlling an ink jet recording apparatus comprising: A control method for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 7,
When it is determined that the predetermined liquid level is not reached in the determination step, a display step for displaying on the display unit;
An ink jet recording apparatus control method comprising: A control method for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 7,
When it is determined in the determination step that the predetermined liquid level is not reached, the ink liquid level in the ink container is lower than the first level which is the liquid level in the previous operation state. A control method for an ink jet recording apparatus, comprising the step of setting to operate as a second level. A control method for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 7,
A replacement determination step for determining that the ink cartridge has been replaced in the control unit;
The ink replenishment step of flowing ink from the ink cartridge into the ink container when it is determined that the replacement is performed in the replacement determination step;
When it is determined that the ink level of the ink container that has been replenished with ink in the ink replenishment step is a first level that is higher than a second level that is an ink level prior to the ink replenishment step, And an operation step of performing an operation based on a first level.

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