JP2024021141A - Ink discharge device and image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink discharge device capable of adjusting a concentration of an ink efficiently, and to provide an image formation device.

SOLUTION: An image formation device includes: a discharge part 36 which discharges an ink; a second communication passage 30J in which the ink circulating via the discharge part 36 flows; an adjustment liquid passage 92 in which an adjustment liquid containing a solvent of the ink flows; and a semipermeable partition wall part 93 which partitions the interior of the second communication passage 30J from the interior of the adjustment liquid passage 92. The adjustment liquid passage 92 extends side by side with the second communication passage 30J with the partition wall part 93 sandwiched therebetween. The adjustment liquid which contacts with the partition wall part 93 flows in an opposite direction of the ink contacting with the partition wall part 93.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an ink ejection device and an image forming apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses such as inkjet printers are known that include an ejection section that ejects ink. In this type of image forming apparatus, water in the ink may evaporate at the interface between the ink in the ejection section and the outside air, resulting in an increase in the concentration of the ink. When the concentration of the ink in the ejection section becomes high, a problem occurs in the ejection of the ink from the ejection section. On the other hand, the ink is circulated through the ejection section, and the injection amount of the adjustment liquid used for adjusting the concentration of the ink is set based on the detection result of the concentration of the ink collected from the ejection section. An image forming apparatus is known (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2019-126973 Publication

By the way, it is possible to adjust the concentration of the ink collected from the ejection section using a semipermeable membrane. Specifically, a first storage section that stores the ink collected from the discharge section and a second storage section that stores the adjustment liquid are provided, so that the ink in the first storage section and the second storage section are provided. The concentration of the ink can be adjusted by separating it from the adjustment liquid in the chamber with a semipermeable membrane.

However, in the configuration in which the ink in the first storage section and the adjustment liquid in the second storage section are separated by a semipermeable membrane, the ink that has become low in concentration due to osmosis and the adjustment liquid that has become highly concentrated are semi-permeable. Remains near the permeable membrane. Therefore, the density of the ink cannot be efficiently adjusted.

An object of the present invention is to provide an ink ejection device and an image forming device that can efficiently adjust the density of ink.

An ink ejection device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an ejection section, an ink flow path, an adjustment liquid storage section, and a partition wall section. The ejection unit ejects ink. In the ink flow path, the ink that circulates via the ejection section flows. The adjustment liquid storage section stores an adjustment liquid containing a solvent for the ink. The partition wall portion is semipermeable and separates the inside of the ink flow path from the inside of the adjustment liquid storage portion.

An ink ejection device according to another aspect of the present invention includes an ejection section, an ink storage section, an adjustment liquid flow path, and a partition wall section. The ejection unit ejects ink. The ink storage section stores the ink that circulates through the ejection section. A conditioning liquid containing a solvent for the ink flows through the conditioning liquid flow path. The partition wall portion is semipermeable and separates the inside of the ink storage portion from the inside of the adjustment liquid flow path.

An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes the ink ejecting device and forms an image using the ejecting section.

According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently adjust the density of ink.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming section and a transport unit of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a recording head and an ink supply section of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a partition wall of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the first flow rate adjustment process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a recording head and an ink supply section of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the second flow rate adjustment process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples of embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[First embodiment]
First, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100A according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. Here, FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100A. Further, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the image forming section 3 and the transport unit 4. As shown in FIG. Note that in FIG. 1, the sheet conveyance path R11 is indicated by a chain double-dashed line.

The image forming apparatus 100A is a printer that can form an image on a sheet using an inkjet method. Note that the present invention may be applied to image forming apparatuses such as facsimile machines, copiers, and multifunction peripherals that can form images on sheets using an inkjet method.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the image forming apparatus 100A includes a housing 1, a sheet conveyance section 2, an image forming section 3, a conveyance unit 4, an operation display section 5, a storage section 6, a control section 7, an ink It includes a supply section 8 and a concentration adjustment section 9.

The housing 1 accommodates each component of the image forming apparatus 100A. A paper feed cassette 11 is removably provided in the housing 1. The paper feed cassette 11 stores sheets on which images are to be formed. A paper discharge tray 12 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 1 . A sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming section 3 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 12 . Inside the housing 1, the sheets stored in the paper feed cassette 11 are transported along a sheet transport path R11 (see FIG. 1) that passes through the image forming position of the image forming section 3 and reaches the paper output tray 12. Ru.

The sheet conveyance section 2 conveys the sheets accommodated in the paper feed cassette 11 along a sheet conveyance path R11 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet conveyance section 2 includes a pickup roller 21 and a plurality of conveyance rollers 22. The pick-up roller 21 takes out the uppermost sheet of the sheet bundle stored in the paper feed cassette 11, and sends the sheet to the sheet conveyance path R11. The plurality of conveyance rollers 22 are arranged in line along the sheet conveyance path R11. Each of the conveyance rollers 22 conveys the sheet along the sheet conveyance path R11. Each of the transport rollers 22 transports the sheet in the transport direction D11 (see FIG. 1) from the paper feed cassette 11 toward the paper discharge tray 12.

The image forming section 3 forms an image on the sheet supplied from the sheet conveying section 2 based on image data. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming section 3 includes line heads 31 to 34 and a head frame 35.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the line heads 31 to 34 is elongated in the width direction D12 orthogonal to the conveyance direction D11. Specifically, each of the line heads 31 to 34 has a length in the width direction D12 that corresponds to the width of the largest sheet among the sheets that can be accommodated in the paper feed cassette 11. The line heads 31 to 34 are arranged in parallel at equal intervals along the transport direction D11.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the line heads 31 to 34 has a plurality of recording heads 30. The recording head 30 discharges ink toward the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit 4. Specifically, a large number of nozzles 30A (see FIG. 2) used for ejecting the ink are provided on the surface of the recording head 30 that faces the sheet. Each of the recording heads 30 provided in the line head 31 discharges the black ink. Each of the recording heads 30 provided in the line head 32 discharges the cyan ink. Each of the recording heads 30 provided in the line head 33 discharges the magenta ink. Each of the recording heads 30 provided in the line head 34 discharges the yellow ink.

In this embodiment, the line head 31 has three recording heads 30 arranged in a staggered manner along the width direction D12. Further, each of the other line heads 32 to 34 has three recording heads 30 arranged in a staggered manner along the width direction D12, similarly to the line head 31. Note that FIG. 2 shows the image forming section 3 viewed from above in FIG.

The head frame 35 supports the line heads 31-34. The head frame 35 is supported by the housing 1. Note that the number of line heads included in the image forming section 3 may be any number including one. Further, the number of recording heads 30 provided in each of the line heads 31 to 34 may be any number.

As shown in FIG. 1, the transport unit 4 is arranged below the line heads 31-34. The conveying unit 4 conveys the sheet while facing the recording head 30 . For example, the transport unit 4 transports the sheet by a predetermined transport amount each time the recording head 30 discharges the ink. Further, the transport unit 4 stops transporting the sheet while the recording head 30 is ejecting the ink. As shown in FIG. 1, the transport unit 4 includes a transport belt 41 on which a sheet is placed, a first tension roller 42, a second tension roller 43, and a third tension roller 42, which stretch the transport belt 41. It includes rollers 44 and a conveyance frame 45 that supports them. Note that the gap between the conveyor belt 41 and the recording head 30 is adjusted so that the gap between the surface of the sheet and the recording head 30 during image formation is a predetermined distance (for example, 1 mm).

The first tension roller 42 is rotationally driven by a rotational driving force supplied from a motor (not shown). Thereby, the conveyance belt 41 rotates in a direction in which the sheet can be conveyed in the conveyance direction D11 (see FIG. 1). Note that the conveyance unit 4 is also provided with a suction unit (not shown) that sucks air through a large number of through holes formed in the conveyance belt 41 in order to attract the sheet to the conveyance belt 41. Furthermore, a pressure roller 46 is provided above the first tension roller 42 to press the sheet against the conveyance belt 41 and convey it.

The operation display unit 5 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays various information according to control instructions from the control unit 7, and operation keys or a touch panel that inputs various information to the control unit 7 according to user operations. It has an operation section such as. The operation display section 5 is provided on the top surface of the housing 1.

The storage unit 6 is a nonvolatile storage device. For example, the storage unit 6 is a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory.

The control unit 7 centrally controls the image forming apparatus 100A. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 7 includes a CPU 7A, a ROM 7B, and a RAM 7C. The CPU 7A is a processor that executes various calculation processes. The ROM 7B is a nonvolatile storage device in which information such as control programs for causing the CPU 7A to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM 7C is a volatile or non-volatile storage device used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for various processes executed by the CPU 7A. The CPU 7A centrally controls the image forming apparatus 100A by executing various control programs stored in advance in the ROM 7B. Note that the control section 7 may be a control section provided separately from the main control section that collectively controls the image forming apparatus 100A. Further, the control unit 7 may be configured of an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC).

[Configuration of ink supply section 8 and recording head 30]
Next, the configurations of the ink supply section 8 and the recording head 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In addition, in FIG. 4, the ink circulation path R21 and the adjustment liquid circulation path R22 are shown by two-dot chain lines.

The ink supply section 8 supplies the ink to the recording head 30. Further, the ink supply section 8 collects the ink from the recording head 30. The ink supply section 8 is provided for each recording head 30.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ink supply section 8 includes a sub-ink tank 81, a first supply channel 82, and a second supply channel 83.

The sub-ink tank 81 stores the ink to be supplied to the recording head 30. Further, the sub-ink tank 81 stores the ink collected from the recording head 30. The ink is supplied to the sub-ink tank 81 from an ink container (not shown). For example, the ink supplied to the sub-ink tank 81 is an aqueous ink whose main solvent is water. Note that the ink may be a non-aqueous ink whose main solvent is an organic solvent. The sub-ink tank 81 is an example of a storage section of the present invention.

The first supply channel 82 is an ink channel provided between the sub-ink tank 81 and the recording head 30. The first supply channel 82 is provided with a first pump 82A shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The first pump 82A causes the ink in the first supply channel 82 to flow in any direction along the first supply channel 82.

The second supply channel 83 is an ink channel provided separately from the first supply channel 82 between the sub-ink tank 81 and the recording head 30. The second supply channel 83 is provided with a second pump 83A shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The second pump 83A causes the ink in the second supply channel 83 to flow in any direction along the second supply channel 83.

As shown in FIG. 4, the recording head 30 includes a pressurizing chamber 30B, a piezoelectric element 30C, a first individual flow path 30D, and a second individual flow path 30G corresponding to each nozzle 30A. The recording head 30 also includes a first common channel 30E, a first communication channel 30F, a second common channel 30H, and a second communication channel 30J that are common to the plurality of nozzles 30A.

The pressurizing chamber 30B communicates with the nozzle 30A and accommodates the ink. The piezoelectric element 30C causes the ink to be ejected from the nozzle 30A in response to application of a predetermined drive voltage. Specifically, the piezoelectric element 30C causes the ink to be ejected from the nozzle 30A by vibrating the wall surface of the pressurizing chamber 30B in response to the application of the drive voltage. The nozzle 30A, the pressurizing chamber 30B, and the piezoelectric element 30C constitute a discharge section 36 (see FIG. 4) that discharges the ink. The image forming apparatus 100A forms an image using the ejection section 36.

The first individual flow path 30D is an ink flow path provided between the pressurizing chamber 30B and the first common flow path 30E. A plurality of first individual channels 30D corresponding to the plurality of nozzles 30A are connected to the first common channel 30E. The first communication channel 30F is an ink channel that communicates the first supply channel 82 of the ink supply section 8 and the first common channel 30E.

The second individual flow path 30G is an ink flow path provided between the pressurizing chamber 30B and the second common flow path 30H. A plurality of second individual flow paths 30G corresponding to the plurality of nozzles 30A are connected to the second common flow path 30H. The second communication channel 30J is an ink channel that communicates the second supply channel 83 of the ink supply section 8 and the second common channel 30H.

Sub-ink tank 81, first supply channel 82, first communication channel 30F, first common channel 30E, first individual channel 30D, pressurizing chamber 30B, second individual channel 30G, second common channel 30H, the second communication flow path 30J, and the second supply flow path 83 form an ink circulation path R21 (see FIG. 4) through which the ink circulates via the ejection section 36. The above-mentioned parts forming the ink circulation path R21 constitute an ink storage part of the present invention that stores the ink circulating through the ejection part 36.

By the way, in the image forming apparatus 100A, water in the ink may evaporate at the interface between the ink in the ejection section 36 and the outside air, and the concentration of the ink may become high. Here, in this specification, the concentration of the ink refers to the concentration of components (for example, colorants, resins, and additives) excluding the solvent among all components contained in the ink. When the concentration of the ink in the ejection section 36 becomes high, a problem occurs in the ejection of the ink from the ejection section 36.

On the other hand, it is possible to adjust the concentration of the ink collected from the discharge section 36 by using a semipermeable membrane. Specifically, by providing a storage section that stores the adjustment liquid used for adjusting the concentration of the ink, and separating the ink in the sub-ink tank 81 and the adjustment liquid in the storage section with a semipermeable membrane, The density of the ink can be adjusted.

However, in the configuration in which the ink in the sub-ink tank 81 and the adjustment liquid in the storage section are separated by a semipermeable membrane, the ink that has become low in concentration due to osmosis and the adjustment liquid that has become highly concentrated are separated by the semipermeable membrane. stays near. Therefore, the density of the ink cannot be adjusted efficiently.

In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 100A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the density of the ink can be efficiently adjusted as described below.

[Configuration of density adjustment section 9]
Next, the configuration of the density adjustment section 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Here, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the partition wall portion 93 shown in FIG. 4.

The density adjustment section 9 adjusts the density of the ink flowing along the ink circulation path R21. As shown in FIG. 4, the density adjustment section 9 is provided inside the recording head 30.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the concentration adjustment section 9 includes an adjustment liquid tank 91 , an adjustment liquid flow path 92 , a partition part 93 , and a concentration sensor 94 .

The adjustment liquid tank 91 stores the adjustment liquid. The adjustment liquid is a liquid containing a solvent for the ink. For example, the adjustment liquid is a liquid that has the same components as the ink and has a lower solute concentration than the ink. That is, the adjustment liquid is a diluent that can dilute the concentration of the ink. Here, in this specification, the solute of the ink refers to all components contained in the ink excluding the solvent. The concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid may be arbitrarily determined. Note that the adjustment liquid may be a liquid containing only the solvent of the ink.

The adjustment liquid flow path 92 and the adjustment liquid tank 91 form an adjustment liquid circulation path R22 (see FIG. 4) in which the adjustment liquid circulates via the adjustment liquid tank 91. The adjustment liquid tank 91 and adjustment liquid flow path 92 forming the adjustment liquid circulation path R22 constitute the adjustment liquid storage section of the present invention that accommodates the adjustment liquid. The adjustment liquid flow path 92 includes a parallel running portion 92A (see FIG. 4) that runs parallel to the second communication flow path 30J. The adjustment liquid flow path 92 is provided with a third pump 92B shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The third pump 92B causes the adjustment liquid in the adjustment liquid flow path 92 to flow in any direction along the adjustment liquid flow path 92.

The partition wall portion 93 separates the inside of the second communication channel 30J from the inside of the parallel running portion 92A. As shown in FIG. 4, the partition wall portion 93 is provided between the discharge portion 36 and the sub-ink tank 81 in the ink circulation path R21. As shown in FIG. 5, the partition part 93 has a first partition part 93A and a second partition part 93B.

The first partition wall portion 93A has semipermeability. Specifically, the first partition wall portion 93A allows the solvent of the ink to pass therethrough, but does not allow the solute of the ink to pass therethrough. The ink and the adjustment liquid, which have different concentrations of solutes in the ink, are separated by the first partition part 93A, so that osmosis occurs between the ink and the adjustment liquid, and the concentration of solutes in the ink increases. The solvent of the ink is transferred from the lower conditioning liquid to the ink. Thereby, the density of the ink is adjusted. The first partition wall portion 93A is an example of a partition wall portion of the present invention. Further, the second communication channel 30J is an example of an ink channel of the present invention. Further, an apparatus including an ink supply section 8 and a recording head 30 including a density adjustment section 9 is an example of an ink ejection apparatus of the present invention.

Here, the lower the concentration of the solute in the adjustment liquid, the stronger the osmotic pressure generated in the first partition part 93A, and the greater the amount of the ink solvent that moves from the adjustment liquid side to the ink side. In other words, the strength of the ink dilution function achieved by the first partition wall portion 93A depends on the concentration of the solute in the adjustment liquid.

Furthermore, if the flow rate of the ink in contact with the first partition wall portion 93A is too fast, the ink passes through the region in contact with the first partition wall portion 93A with insufficient adjustment of the concentration of the ink. Therefore, it is desirable that the flow rate of the ink satisfies the condition of equation (1) below. Note that "d" in equation (1) is a symbol indicating the width (depth) of the second communication channel 30J in the direction orthogonal to the first partition wall 93A. Further, "v" in equation (1) is a symbol indicating the flow velocity of the ink. Further, "l" in equation (1) is a symbol indicating the length of the first partition wall portion 93A along the flow direction of the ink.

d×v/l<10 (nm/sec)...(1)

The second partition wall portion 93B is a portion of the partition wall portion 93 that does not have semipermeability. In other words, the second partition wall portion 93B is a portion of the partition wall portion 93 excluding the first partition wall portion 93A.

For example, the partition wall portion 93 is formed of flat glass. Further, the first partition wall portion 93A is a region of the partition wall portion 93 in which minute holes are formed that allow the solvent of the ink to pass therethrough and prevent the solute of the ink from passing therethrough. Further, the second partition wall portion 93B is a region of the partition wall portion 93 where the hole portion is not formed.

Note that the first partition wall portion 93A may be made of cellophane, cellulose, or a filter that does not allow the solute of the ink to pass through. In this case, the partition wall 93 only needs to have an opening that is closed by the first partition wall 93A.

A concentration sensor 94 detects the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid. The concentration sensor 94 is provided in a portion of the adjustment liquid flow path 92 that is different from the parallel running portion 92A. For example, the concentration sensor 94 detects the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid by measuring the absorbance of the adjustment liquid. Note that the concentration sensor 94 may detect the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid by measuring the specific gravity of the adjustment liquid, or measuring the electrical conductivity of the adjustment liquid.

[Configuration of control unit 7]
Next, the configuration of the control section 7 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 7 includes a first flow control unit 71, a second flow control unit 72, a third flow control unit 73, a first concentration detection unit 74, a first flow rate adjustment unit 75, and a notification It includes a processing section 76.

Specifically, the ROM 7B of the control section 7 stores in advance a first flow rate adjustment program for causing the CPU 7A of the control section 7 to function as each of the above-mentioned sections. The CPU 7A of the control unit 7 functions as each of the above-mentioned functional units by executing the first flow rate adjustment program stored in the ROM 7B. Note that some or all of the functional units included in the control unit 7 may be configured with electronic circuits. Further, the first flow rate adjustment program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as each functional unit included in the control unit 7.

Note that the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 7 described below is executed for each recording head 30.

When a first timing for forming an image using the ejection section 36 arrives, the first flow control section 71 directs the ink from the sub-ink tank 81 to the ejection section 36 via the first partition wall section 93A. 1 ink flow direction D21 (see FIG. 4) (an example of the first direction of the present invention).

For example, the first flow control unit 71 determines that the first timing has arrived when the user inputs an instruction to execute image forming processing for forming an image on a sheet based on image data. In this case, the first flow control section 71 causes the ink to flow in the first ink flow direction D21 until the image forming process is completed.

Further, the first flow control unit 71 determines that the first timing has arrived when a timing for adjusting the function of the image forming unit 3 that involves forming a predetermined test image and analyzing the test image has arrived. do. In this case, the first flow control section 71 causes the ink to flow in the first ink flow direction D21 until the formation of the test image is completed.

Note that the first flow control unit 71 can cause the ink to flow in the first ink flow direction D21 using the first pump 82A and the second pump 83A.

When a predetermined second timing different from the first timing arrives, the second flow control unit 72 moves the ink in a second ink flow direction D22 (FIG. 4) opposite to the first ink flow direction D21. (see) (an example of the second direction of the present invention).

For example, the second flow control unit 72 determines that the second timing has arrived when the image forming apparatus 100A is powered on. Further, the second flow control unit 72 determines that the second timing has arrived when the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100A shifts from the power saving mode in which power consumption is lower than the normal mode to the normal mode. do. Further, the second flow control unit 72 determines that the second timing has arrived when a predetermined reference time has elapsed since the last stop of the ink flow. When determining that the second timing has arrived, the second flow control unit 72 causes the ink to flow in the second ink flow direction D22 until a predetermined collection time has elapsed. For example, the recovery time is a time during which all of the ink existing in the ejection section 36 can be replaced with the ink newly flowing into the ejection section 36.

Note that the second flow control unit 72 can cause the ink to flow in the second ink flow direction D22 using the first pump 82A and the second pump 83A.

Note that the second flow control section 72 may cause the ink to flow in the first ink flow direction D21 when the second timing has arrived. Further, the first flow control unit 71 may cause the ink to flow in the second ink flow direction D22 when the first timing has arrived.

The third flow control unit 73 causes the adjustment liquid in contact with the first partition wall portion 93A to flow in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the ink in contact with the first partition wall portion 93A.

Specifically, when the ink flows in the first ink flow direction D21, the third flow control unit 73 causes the adjustment liquid to flow in the first adjustment liquid flow direction D23 (see FIG. 4). Furthermore, when the ink flows in the second ink flow direction D22, the third flow control section 73 causes the adjustment liquid to flow in the second adjustment liquid flow direction D24 (see FIG. 4).

Note that the third flow control section 73 can cause the adjustment liquid to flow in the first adjustment liquid flow direction D23 or the second adjustment liquid flow direction D24 using the third pump 92B.

Note that the third flow control section 73 may cause the adjustment liquid in contact with the partition wall part 93 to flow in the same direction as the flow direction of the ink in contact with the partition wall part 93.

The first concentration detection unit 74 detects the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid in the adjustment liquid tank 91 and the adjustment liquid flow path 92.

Specifically, the first concentration detection unit 74 detects the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid using the concentration sensor 94 when the second timing has arrived.

Here, the concentration sensor 94 is provided upstream of the partition wall portion 93 in the adjustment liquid flow path 92 in the second adjustment liquid flow direction D24 (see FIG. 4). That is, the first concentration detection unit 74 detects the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid before passing through the partition wall part 93 within the adjustment liquid flow path 92 .

Note that the concentration sensor 94 may be provided on the downstream side of the partition wall portion 93 in the adjustment liquid flow path 92 in the second adjustment liquid flow direction D24. In this case, the first concentration detection section 74 may detect the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid after passing through the partition part 93 within the adjustment liquid flow path 92 .

Further, the concentration sensor 94 may be provided in the adjustment liquid tank 91. In this case, the first concentration detection unit 74 may detect the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid in the adjustment liquid tank 91.

When the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected by the first concentration detection section 74 is within a predetermined first range, the first flow rate adjustment section 75 controls the partition wall section based on the concentration. The flow rate of the adjustment liquid in contact with 93 is adjusted. Here, the first range is an example of a predetermined specific range in the present invention.

For example, in the image forming apparatus 100A, first table data indicating the correspondence between the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected by the first concentration detection unit 74 and the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is stored in advance in the storage unit 6. Stored. In the first table data, a correspondence relationship between the concentration and the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is defined such that as the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid increases, the flow rate of the adjustment liquid increases. .

When the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected by the first concentration detection section 74 is included in the first range, the first flow rate adjustment section 75 determines the concentration based on the first table data. Obtain the flow rate of the adjustment liquid corresponding to . Then, the first flow rate adjustment section 75 controls the driving of the third pump 92B so that the flow rate of the adjustment liquid becomes the acquired flow rate.

Note that, when the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected by the first concentration detection section 74 is included in the first range, the first flow rate adjustment section 75 adjusts the solute of the partition wall section 93 based on the concentration. The flow rate of the ink that comes into contact with the ink may be adjusted. In this case, the first flow rate adjustment unit 75 adjusts the flow rate of the ink such that the higher the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected by the first concentration detection unit 74, the faster the flow rate of the ink becomes. Just adjust it.

Further, when the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected by the first concentration detection section 74 is included in the first range, the first flow rate adjustment section 75 controls the partition wall section 93 based on the concentration. Both the flow rate of the ink in contact with the partition wall portion 93 and the flow rate of the adjustment liquid in contact with the partition wall portion 93 may be adjusted. In this case, the first flow rate adjusting section 75 determines that the higher the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjusting liquid detected by the first concentration detecting section 74, the higher the total value of the flow rate of the ink and the adjusting liquid. The flow rate of the ink and the flow rate of the adjustment liquid may be adjusted so that the flow rate of the ink and the adjustment liquid are adjusted.

When the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected by the first concentration detection section 74 is not included in the first range, the notification processing section 76 notifies you of this fact.

For example, the notification processing unit 76 may send a first message indicating that the solute concentration of the ink detected by the first concentration detection unit 74 is not within the first range, and that the timing for replacing the adjustment liquid has arrived. The message is displayed on the operation display section 5.

Here, the first range is a range in which the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid is equal to or lower than a predetermined first upper limit. The first upper limit value may be arbitrarily set based on the relationship between the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid and the concentration adjustment function of the partition wall portion 93.

Note that the notification processing section 76 may display the first message on a display section of an information processing apparatus communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus 100A.

[First flow rate adjustment process]
Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the first flow rate adjustment process executed by the control unit 7 in the image forming apparatus 100A will be described with reference to FIG. Here, steps S11, S12, . . . represent the numbers of processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 7. Note that the first flow rate adjustment process is executed when the second timing has arrived.

<Step S11>
First, in step S11, the control unit 7 causes the ink to flow in the second ink flow direction D22 (see FIG. 4), and causes the adjustment liquid to flow in the second adjustment liquid flow direction D24 (see FIG. 4). Here, the process of causing the ink to flow in the second ink flow direction D22 in step S11 is executed by the second flow control section 72 of the control section 7. Further, the process of flowing the adjustment liquid in the second adjustment liquid flow direction D24 in step S11 is executed by the third flow control section 73 of the control section 7.

<Step S12>
In step S12, the control unit 7 detects the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid. Here, the process of step S12 is executed by the first concentration detection section 74 of the control section 7.

Specifically, the control section 7 uses the concentration sensor 94 to detect the concentration of the solute in the ink in the adjustment liquid before passing through the partition wall section 93 .

<Step S13>
In step S13, the control unit 7 determines whether the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected in the process of step S12 is within the first range.

Here, if the control unit 7 determines that the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected in the process of step S12 is within the first range (Yes side of S13), the control unit 7 shifts the process to step S14. let Further, if the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected in the process of step S12 is not within the first range (No side of S13), the control unit 7 moves the process to step S15.

<Step S14>
In step S14, the control unit 7 adjusts the flow rate of the adjustment liquid based on the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected in step S12. Here, the process of step S14 is executed by the first flow rate adjustment section 75 of the control section 7.

Specifically, the control unit 7 acquires the flow rate of the adjustment liquid corresponding to the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected in step S12, based on the first table data. Then, the control unit 7 controls the driving of the third pump 92B so that the flow rate of the adjustment liquid becomes the acquired flow rate. Thereby, the higher the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid supplied to the partition wall portion 93, the faster the flow rate of the adjustment liquid can be. Therefore, it is possible to compensate for a decrease in the ink dilution function achieved by the first partition wall portion 93A due to an increase in the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid.

After executing the process in step S14, the control unit 7 causes the ink and the adjustment liquid to flow until the collection time has elapsed. Then, when the collection time has elapsed, the control unit 7 stops the flow of the ink and the adjustment liquid, and ends the first flow rate adjustment process.

<Step S15>
In step S15, the control unit 7 notifies that the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid detected in step S12 is not included in the first range. Here, the process of step S15 is executed by the notification processing section 76 of the control section 7.

Specifically, the control unit 7 sends the first message to the operation display unit to the effect that the concentration of the detected solute in the ink is not included in the first range and that the timing for replacing the adjustment liquid has arrived. Display on 5. Thereby, when the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid supplied to the partition part 93 exceeds the first upper limit, that is, when the concentration of the adjustment liquid becomes too thick, the adjustment liquid is It is possible to encourage replacement.

When the process of step S15 is executed, the control unit 7 may cause the ink and the adjustment liquid to flow until the recovery time has elapsed, and then terminate the first flow rate adjustment process, or may immediately terminate the first flow rate adjustment process. 1 flow rate adjustment processing may be terminated.

In this way, in the image forming apparatus 100A, the inside of the second communication channel 30J and the inside of the adjustment liquid storage section constituted by the adjustment liquid tank 91 and the adjustment liquid flow path 92 are connected to a semi-permeable second communication channel 30J. 1 partition wall portion 93A. As a result, the ink in contact with the first partition wall 93A flows, so that the ink whose concentration has been reduced by permeation does not remain near the first partition wall 93A. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the ink in the sub-ink tank 81 and the adjustment liquid in the adjustment liquid tank 91 are separated by a semipermeable membrane, it is possible to adjust the concentration of the ink more efficiently.

Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 100A, the inside of the second communication flow path 30J and the inside of the adjustment liquid flow path 92 are separated by a semipermeable first partition wall 93A. As a result, the adjustment liquid in contact with the first partition wall 93A flows, so that the adjustment liquid that has become highly concentrated due to permeation does not remain near the first partition wall 93A. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the density of the ink more efficiently.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 100A, a density adjustment section 9 is provided inside the recording head 30. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the density adjustment section 9 is provided outside the recording head 30, it is possible to simplify the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100A.

Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 100A, when the first timing has arrived, the ink is caused to flow in the first ink flow direction D21 (see FIG. 4), and when the second timing has come, the ink has been caused to flow in the first ink flow direction D21 (see FIG. 4). 2 ink flows in the flow direction D22 (see FIG. 4). That is, during image formation, the density of the ink supplied to the ejection section 36 is adjusted before the ink is supplied to the ejection section 36. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the quality of the image formed using the ejection section 36. Furthermore, during non-image formation, the concentration of the ink collected from the ejection section 36 is adjusted before the ink reaches the sub-ink tank 81. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the ink flows in the first ink flow direction D21 (see FIG. 4) even during non-image formation, the flow distance of the ink collected from the ejection part 36 to the first partition wall part 93A It is possible to shorten the Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink flow path from being clogged due to the high concentration of the ink collected from the discharge section 36.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 100A, the second communication flow path 30J and the adjustment liquid flow path 92 run in parallel with the first partition wall 93A interposed therebetween, so that the adjustment liquid that is in contact with the partition wall 93 is in contact with the partition wall 93. The ink is flowed in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the ink. Thereby, the concentration of the ink can be adjusted more efficiently than a configuration in which the adjustment liquid in contact with the partition wall portion 93 flows in the same direction as the flow direction of the ink in contact with the partition wall portion 93.

Note that the first partition wall portion 93A may be provided for each ink flow path corresponding to the nozzle 30A. For example, the first partition wall portion 93A may be provided for each second individual channel 30G. In this case, the image forming apparatus 100A may include a plurality of adjustment liquid flow paths 92 corresponding to the plurality of second individual flow paths 30G, or may include one adjustment liquid flow path 92. For example, the image forming apparatus 100A includes a plurality of second individual channels 30G running in parallel in the same direction, and one adjustment liquid channel 92 extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which each of the second individual channels 30G runs. It may also have the following. Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 100A includes a plurality of adjustment liquid channels 92 corresponding to the plurality of second individual flow paths 30G, the image forming apparatus 100A includes a plurality of adjustment liquid tanks 91 corresponding to the plurality of adjustment liquid flow paths 92. Alternatively, one adjustment liquid tank 91 may be provided.

Further, the first partition wall portion 93A may separate the inside of the second communication channel 30J from the inside of the adjustment liquid tank 91. In this case, the concentration adjustment section 9 does not need to include the adjustment liquid flow path 92.

Furthermore, the density adjustment section 9 may be provided outside the recording head 30. For example, the first partition wall 93A may separate the inside of the second supply flow path 83 from the inside of the adjustment liquid flow path 92. Further, the first partition wall portion 93A may separate the inside of the sub-ink tank 81 from the inside of the adjustment liquid flow path 92.

Further, the adjustment liquid may be a liquid that has the same components as the ink and has a higher solute concentration than the ink. That is, the adjustment liquid may be a concentrated liquid capable of concentrating the concentration of the ink. In this case, the first range is a range in which the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid is equal to or higher than a predetermined first lower limit.

[Second embodiment]
Next, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100B according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

The image forming apparatus 100B includes a control section 7 and a density adjustment section 9 having a configuration different from that of the image forming apparatus 100A. Note that the other configurations of the image forming apparatus 100B are the same as the image forming apparatus 100A.

Specifically, in the image forming apparatus 100B, a density sensor 94 is provided in the second supply channel 83 (see FIG. 8). The concentration sensor 94 detects the concentration of the ink flowing through the second supply channel 83.

Further, the control unit 7 of the image forming apparatus 100B includes a first flow control unit 71, a second flow control unit 72, a third flow control unit 73, a second density detection unit 77, and a second flow rate adjustment unit 78.

Specifically, the ROM 7B of the control section 7 stores in advance a second flow rate adjustment program for causing the CPU 7A of the control section 7 to function as each of the above-mentioned sections. The CPU 7A of the control unit 7 functions as each of the above-mentioned functional units by executing the second flow rate adjustment program stored in the ROM 7B.

Note that the functions of the first flow control section 71, the second flow control section 72, and the third flow control section 73 are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 100A.

The second concentration detection section 77 detects the ink flowing at a detection position that is downstream of the first partition wall section 93A in the second ink flow direction D22 and upstream of the sub-ink tank 81 in the second ink flow direction D22. Detect concentration.

Specifically, the second density detection unit 77 detects the density of the ink using the density sensor 94 when the second timing has arrived. In other words, the detection position is the placement position of the concentration sensor 94 in the second supply channel 83.

When the ink flows in the second ink flow direction D22, the second flow rate adjustment section 78 determines whether the ink that is in contact with the first partition wall section 93A is based on the concentration of the ink detected by the second concentration detection section 77. or the flow rate of the adjustment liquid in contact with the first partition wall 93A.

Specifically, when the concentration of the ink detected by the second concentration detection section 77 exceeds a predetermined second upper limit, the second flow rate adjustment section 78 adjusts the flow rate of the ink and the adjustment liquid. Accelerate one of the flow velocities. Further, when the concentration of the ink detected by the second concentration detection section 77 is less than a second lower limit value, which is smaller than the second upper limit value, the second flow rate adjustment section 78 adjusts the flow rate of the ink and the ink concentration. Decrease one of the flow rates of the adjustment liquid.

For example, in the image forming apparatus 100B, the flow velocity of the ink can be adjusted in five stages from "1" to "5". The flow rate of the ink becomes faster as the numerical value indicating the stage of the flow rate increases. That is, the flow velocity of the ink is the slowest at the stage "1" and the fastest at the stage "5".

Further, in the image forming apparatus 100B, the flow rate of the adjustment liquid can be adjusted in five stages from "1" to "5". The flow rate of the adjustment liquid becomes faster as the numerical value indicating the stage of the flow rate increases. That is, the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is the slowest at the stage "1" and the fastest at the stage "5".

For example, when the concentration of the ink detected by the second concentration detection section 77 is less than the second lower limit value, the second flow rate adjustment section 78 determines whether the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is at the "1" level. Determine whether or not. Here, if the second flow rate adjustment unit 78 determines that the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is not at the "1" level, it reduces the flow rate of the adjustment liquid by one step. Further, when determining that the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is at the "1" level, the second flow rate adjusting section 78 determines whether the flow rate of the ink is at the "1" level. Here, if the second flow rate adjustment unit 78 determines that the flow rate of the ink is not at the level "1", it reduces the flow rate of the ink by one level. Further, when the second flow rate adjustment unit 78 determines that the flow rate of the ink is at the "1" level, it does not reduce the flow rate of either the adjustment liquid or the ink.

Further, when the concentration of the ink detected by the second concentration detection unit 77 exceeds the second upper limit value, the second flow rate adjustment unit 78 determines whether the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is at the level “5”. Determine whether Here, if the second flow rate adjustment unit 78 determines that the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is not at the level "5", it accelerates the flow rate of the adjustment liquid by one step. Further, when determining that the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is at the "5" level, the second flow rate adjusting section 78 determines whether the flow rate of the ink is at the "5" level. Here, if the second flow rate adjustment unit 78 determines that the flow rate of the ink is not at the level "5", it accelerates the flow rate of the ink by one level. Further, when the second flow rate adjustment unit 78 determines that the flow rate of the ink is at the level "5", it does not accelerate the flow rate of either the adjustment liquid or the ink. In this case, the second flow rate adjustment section 78 causes the operation display section 5 to display a second message to the effect that the timing for replacing the adjustment liquid has arrived.

Note that, when the ink flows in the second ink flow direction D22, the second flow rate adjustment section 78 contacts the first partition wall section 93A based on the concentration of the ink detected by the second concentration detection section 77. Only one of the flow rate of the ink and the flow rate of the adjustment liquid in contact with the first partition wall portion 93A may be adjusted. In this case, the second flow rate adjustment unit 78 controls the flow rate of the ink or the adjustment liquid so that the higher the concentration of the ink detected by the second concentration detection unit 77, the faster the flow rate of the ink or the adjustment liquid. Just adjust the flow rate.

Further, when the ink flows in the second ink flow direction D22, the second flow rate adjusting section 78 is configured to contact the first partition wall section 93A based on the concentration of the ink detected by the second concentration detecting section 77. Both the flow rate of the ink and the flow rate of the adjustment liquid in contact with the first partition wall portion 93A may be adjusted. In this case, the second flow rate adjustment unit 78 adjusts the ink so that the higher the concentration of the ink detected by the second concentration detection unit 77, the greater the total value of the flow rate of the ink and the flow rate of the adjustment liquid. What is necessary is just to adjust the flow rate of and the flow rate of the said adjustment liquid.

[Second flow rate adjustment process]
Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the second flow rate adjustment process executed by the control unit 7 in the image forming apparatus 100B will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the second flow rate adjustment process is executed when the second timing has arrived.

<Step S21>
First, in step S21, the control unit 7 causes the ink to flow in the second ink flow direction D22 (see FIG. 8), and causes the adjustment liquid to flow in the second adjustment liquid flow direction D24 (see FIG. 8). Here, the process of causing the ink to flow in the second ink flow direction D22 in step S21 is executed by the second flow control section 72 of the control section 7. Further, the process of flowing the adjustment liquid in the second adjustment liquid flow direction D24 in step S21 is executed by the third flow control section 73 of the control section 7.

<Step S22>
In step S22, the control unit 7 detects the density of the ink. Here, the process of step S22 is executed by the second concentration detection section 77 of the control section 7.

Specifically, the control unit 7 uses the concentration sensor 94 to determine whether the area is located downstream of the first partition wall 93A in the second ink flow direction D22 and upstream of the sub-ink tank 81 in the second ink flow direction D22. The density of the ink flowing through the detection position is detected.

<Step S23>
In step S23, the control unit 7 determines whether the density of the ink detected in the process of step S22 is outside a predetermined second range. Here, the second range is a range defined by the second upper limit and the second lower limit.

Here, if the control unit 7 determines that the density of the ink detected in the process of step S22 is outside the second range (Yes side of S23), the control unit 7 moves the process to step S24. Further, if the concentration of the ink detected in the process of step S22 is not outside the second range (No side of S23), the control unit 7 causes the ink and the adjustment liquid to flow until the collection time elapses. After that, the second flow rate adjustment process is ended.

<Step S24>
In step S24, the control unit 7 determines whether the density of the ink detected in the process of step S22 is less than the second lower limit value.

Here, if the control unit 7 determines that the density of the ink detected in the process of step S22 is less than the second lower limit value (Yes side of S24), the control unit 7 moves the process to step S25. Further, if the density of the ink detected in the process of step S22 is not less than the second lower limit value (No side of S24), the control unit 7 moves the process to step S26.

<Step S25>
In step S25, the control unit 7 reduces the flow rate of either the ink or the adjustment liquid.

Specifically, the control unit 7 determines whether the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is at the "1" stage. Here, if the control unit 7 determines that the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is not at the level "1", it reduces the flow rate of the adjustment liquid by one step. Further, when determining that the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is at the "1" level, the control unit 7 determines whether the flow rate of the ink is at the "1" level. Here, if the control unit 7 determines that the flow rate of the ink is not at the level "1", it reduces the flow rate of the ink by one level. Further, when the control unit 7 determines that the flow rate of the ink is at the level "1", the control unit 7 does not reduce the flow rate of either the adjustment liquid or the ink.

<Step S26>
In step S26, the control unit 7 accelerates the flow rate of either the ink or the adjustment liquid. Here, the processes from step S23 to step S26 are executed by the second flow rate adjustment section 78 of the control section 7.

Specifically, the control unit 7 determines whether the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is at the "5" stage. Here, if the control unit 7 determines that the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is not at the level "5", it accelerates the flow rate of the adjustment liquid by one step. Further, when determining that the flow rate of the adjustment liquid is at the "5" level, the control unit 7 determines whether the flow rate of the ink is at the "5" level. Here, if the control unit 7 determines that the flow velocity of the ink is not at the stage "5", it accelerates the flow velocity of the ink by one stage. Further, when the control unit 7 determines that the flow velocity of the ink is at the stage "5", the control unit 7 does not accelerate the flow velocity of either the adjustment liquid or the ink. In this case, the control unit 7 causes the operation display unit 5 to display the second message to the effect that the timing for replacing the adjustment liquid has arrived. Note that the control unit 7 may end the second flow rate adjustment process when the second message is displayed.

Note that the image forming apparatus 100B may include a sensor separate from the concentration sensor 94 that can detect the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid. In this case, when the control unit 7 determines that the flow rate of the ink is at stage "5" and when the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid exceeds a predetermined value, The second message may be displayed on the operation display section 5. In addition, when the control unit 7 determines that the flow rate of the ink is at stage "5" and the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, A third message may be displayed on the operation display unit 5 indicating that the timing for replacing the adjustment liquid is near. Further, when the control unit 7 determines that the flow velocity of the ink is equal to or higher than a predetermined stage less than “5”, the control unit 7 accelerates the flow velocity of the ink by one stage, and sends the third message or the A fourth message may be displayed on the operation display section 5 indicating that there is a longer delay until the adjustment liquid replacement timing arrives than the third message.

In this manner, in the image forming apparatus 100B, when the ink flows in the second ink flow direction D22, the flow velocity of the ink and the Either one of the flow rates of the adjustment liquid is adjusted. Thereby, when the concentration of the ink after passing through the first partition wall part 93A deviates from the second range, that is, when the dilution function of the ink realized by the first partition wall part 93A is weak or strong, the dilution It is possible to adjust the strength of the function.

[Additional notes to the invention]
Hereinafter, a summary of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments will be added. Note that each configuration and each processing function described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

<Additional note 1>
An ejection part that ejects ink, an ink flow path through which the ink circulates through the ejection part, an adjustment liquid storage part that stores an adjustment liquid containing a solvent for the ink, and an inside of the ink flow path. An ink ejecting device comprising: a semi-permeable partition wall separating the adjustment liquid storage section from the inside.

<Additional note 2>
A discharge section that discharges ink, an ink storage section that stores the ink that circulates through the discharge section, a conditioning liquid flow path through which a conditioning liquid containing a solvent for the ink flows, and an inside of the ink storage section. An ink ejection device comprising: a semi-permeable partition wall separating the adjustment liquid flow path from the inside.

<Additional note 3>
The ink ejection device according to appendix 1, wherein the adjustment liquid storage section includes a adjustment liquid flow path through which the adjustment liquid flows, and the partition wall portion separates the inside of the ink flow path and the inside of the adjustment liquid flow path. .

<Additional note 4>
The ink ejection device according to appendix 3, comprising a print head including the ejection portion and the ink flow path, and wherein the adjustment liquid storage portion and the partition wall portion are provided within the print head.

<Additional note 5>
Supplementary Note 4, wherein the recording head includes a plurality of the ejection sections and a plurality of the ink channels corresponding to the plurality of ejection sections, and the partition wall section is provided for each of the ink channels corresponding to the ejection sections. The ink ejection device described in .

<Additional note 6>
An image forming apparatus comprising the ink ejection device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 3 to 5, and forming an image using the ejection section.

<Additional note 7>
a reservoir section that is provided in a circulation path of the ink passing through the discharge section and stores the ink, and the partition section is provided between the discharge section and the storage section in the circulation path of the ink; The image forming apparatus causes the ink to flow in a first direction from the storage section toward the ejection section via the partition wall when a first timing for forming an image using the ejection section has arrived. a first flow control section; and a second flow control section that causes the ink to flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction when a predetermined second timing different from the first timing arrives. The image forming apparatus according to appendix 6, comprising:

<Additional note 8>
The adjustment liquid flow path runs parallel to the ink flow path with the partition wall in between, and the image forming apparatus is configured to flow the adjustment liquid in contact with the partition wall in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the ink in contact with the partition wall. The image forming apparatus according to appendix 6 or 7, comprising a third flow control section that causes the flow to flow in the direction.

<Additional note 9>
a first concentration detection unit that detects the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid in the adjustment liquid storage unit, and a concentration of the solute of the ink detected by the first concentration detection unit is within a predetermined specific range. 9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of appendices 6 to 8, further comprising a notification processing unit that notifies the user that the image forming apparatus is not included.

<Additional note 10>
When the concentration of the solute in the ink detected by the first concentration detection section is within the specific range, the flow rate of the ink in contact with the partition wall and the adjustment liquid in contact with the partition wall are determined based on the concentration. The image forming apparatus according to appendix 9, further comprising a first flow rate adjusting section that adjusts either or both of the flow rates.

<Additional note 11>
a second concentration detection section that detects the concentration of the ink flowing through a detection position that is downstream of the partition wall section in the second direction and upstream of the storage section in the second direction; When flowing in the second direction, one of the flow rate of the ink in contact with the partition part and the flow rate of the adjustment liquid in contact with the partition part is determined based on the concentration of the ink detected by the second concentration detection section. The image forming apparatus according to appendix 7, further comprising a second flow rate adjusting section that adjusts one or both of the flow rates.

1 Housing 2 Sheet transport section 3 Image forming section 4 Transport unit 5 Operation display section 6 Storage section 7 Control section 8 Ink supply section 9 Density adjustment section 30 Recording head 36 Discharge section 71 First flow control section 72 Second flow control section 73 Third flow control section 74 First concentration detection section 75 First flow rate adjustment section 76 Notification processing section 81 Sub-ink tank 82 First supply flow path 83 Second supply flow path 91 Adjustment liquid tank 92 Adjustment liquid flow path 93 Partition wall section 94 Density sensor 100A Image forming device

Claims (11)

a discharge unit that discharges ink;
an ink flow path through which the ink circulates via the ejection section;
an adjustment liquid storage unit that stores an adjustment liquid containing a solvent for the ink;
a semi-permeable partition wall separating the inside of the ink flow path and the inside of the adjustment liquid storage section;
An ink ejection device comprising: a discharge unit that discharges ink;
an ink storage section that stores the ink circulating through the ejection section;
a conditioning liquid flow path through which a conditioning liquid containing a solvent for the ink flows;
a semi-permeable partition wall separating the inside of the ink storage section and the inside of the adjustment liquid flow path;
An ink ejection device comprising: The adjustment liquid storage section includes an adjustment liquid flow path through which the adjustment liquid flows,
The partition wall section separates the inside of the ink flow path and the inside of the adjustment liquid flow path.
The ink ejection device according to claim 1. comprising a recording head including the ejection section and the ink flow path,
The adjustment liquid storage section and the partition wall section are provided within the recording head,
The ink ejection device according to claim 3. The recording head includes a plurality of the ejection portions and a plurality of the ink flow paths corresponding to the plurality of ejection portions,
The partition wall portion is provided for each of the ink flow paths corresponding to the ejection portion,
The ink ejection device according to claim 4. comprising the ink ejection device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
forming an image using the ejection section;
Image forming device. a storage part provided in a circulation path of the ink passing through the ejection part and storing the ink;
The partition portion is provided between the ejection portion and the storage portion in the ink circulation path,
The image forming apparatus includes:
a first flow control section that causes the ink to flow in a first direction from the storage section toward the discharge section via the partition wall section when a first timing for forming an image using the discharge section has arrived; ,
a second flow control unit that causes the ink to flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction when a predetermined second timing different from the first timing arrives;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, comprising: The adjustment liquid flow path runs parallel to the ink flow path with the partition wall in between,
The image forming apparatus includes:
comprising a third flow control unit that causes the adjustment liquid in contact with the partition wall to flow in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the ink in contact with the partition wall;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. a first concentration detection unit that detects the concentration of the solute of the ink in the adjustment liquid in the adjustment liquid storage unit;
a notification processing unit that notifies when the concentration of the solute in the ink detected by the first concentration detection unit is not within a predetermined specific range;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, comprising: When the concentration of the solute in the ink detected by the first concentration detection section is within the specific range, the flow rate of the ink in contact with the partition wall and the adjustment liquid in contact with the partition wall are determined based on the concentration. comprising a first flow rate adjustment section that adjusts either or both of the flow rates;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. a second concentration detection section that detects the concentration of the ink flowing through a detection position that is downstream of the partition wall in the second direction and upstream of the storage section in the second direction;
When the ink flows in the second direction, the flow rate of the ink in contact with the partition wall portion and the flow rate of the adjustment liquid in contact with the partition wall portion are determined based on the concentration of the ink detected by the second concentration detection unit. a second flow rate adjustment section that adjusts either or both of the flow rates;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, comprising: