JP3097321B2 - INK JET RECORDING APPARATUS AND INK JET RECORDING APPARATUS OPERATING METHOD - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus for forming an ink image on a medium such as recording paper by flying ink droplets, and more particularly, to an on-demand ink jet head having a plurality of nozzles. The present invention relates to an ink supply means and method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional ink jet recording apparatus,
JP-A-3-169564, JP-B-3-60672
No. 6,086,098 is known.

FIG. 12 shows a conventional example of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-1695.
This is an example of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 64-64. A common liquid chamber is provided in the recording head, and the common liquid chamber is connected to a liquid supply tank via two liquid supply tubes for fluid circulation, and a circulation path is formed by the two liquid supply tubes. Further, the pressure supply pump and the pressure sensor are arranged at predetermined positions of the liquid supply tube. The recovery operation is performed to remove foreign matters such as bubbles remaining in the common liquid chamber and the supply system and to cool the recording head. At the time of recovery operation, all discharge ports are sealed by covering the discharge port surface with a cap, and the recovery rectifier valve is opened to drive the recovery pump, so that the circulation pipe, common liquid chamber, supply pipe, and supply tank The recording liquid is circulated under pressure through the passage. At the time of the pressurized circulation, a part of the recording liquid is discharged from the discharge port, and foreign matters such as bubbles, thickened recording liquid, and dust, which cause a discharge failure, are discharged and removed.

FIG. 13 shows a conventional example of Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-6067.
This is an example of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2 (JP-A) No. 2 (1994). The common liquid chamber that communicates with the plurality of discharge ports communicates with the ink tank via the first and second ink supply paths. A forced supply unit for forcibly supplying ink to the print head is provided in the middle of the first ink supply path. When the recording head is initially filled with ink, the forced ink supply means is operated to perform one-way forced ink supply from the first ink supply path side. When printing is performed by discharging ink droplets, ink is supplied in both directions from the first and second ink supply paths. Also,
The lengths of the first and second ink supply paths and the ink supply pressure are configured to be substantially equal.

[0005]

The above-mentioned conventional ink jet head has a structure in which ink is circulated for initial filling. However, since the pressure chamber is not circulated, there is a problem that a large amount of ink flows out of the nozzle in order to completely fill the pressure chamber.

Further, since only two supply ports are provided in the reservoir, there is a problem that it is difficult to equalize the ink supply pressure to each pressure chamber.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to fill ink in each pressure chamber uniformly and in a short time without losing ink. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus having a low running cost.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus having a high ejection stability capable of uniformly supplying ink to each pressure chamber when ejecting ink droplets.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided an ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a pressure chamber arranged in line with the first and second reservoirs, and a pressure chamber. A nozzle that is arranged corresponding to and ejects ink;
In an ink jet recording apparatus having a first supply port communicating with an ink tank provided in a first reservoir and a second supply port communicating with an ink tank provided in a second reservoir, , And at least one second supply port, and are staggered with the pressure chambers interposed therebetween. Further, in such an ink jet recording apparatus, the first and second supply ports are respectively the first and second supply ports.
And a communication path with the ink tank through the supply path. Further, in such an ink jet recording apparatus, a flow path resistance of a path from the first supply port to the second supply port via the pressure chamber is substantially equal. In the ink jet recording apparatus, the third
Are arranged in parallel with the second reservoir with the pressure chamber row interposed therebetween, and at least one or more third supply ports communicating with the ink tank provided in the third reservoir are connected to the second reservoir.
And a staggered supply port, and communicates with the first supply path. Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus, the first and second supply paths have substantially the same flow path resistance. Further, the ink jet recording apparatus is characterized in that a pump for forcibly generating a flow of ink is provided in the middle of the first supply path. In the ink jet recording apparatus, a supply path bypassing the pump is provided in the first supply path, and a check valve is provided in the supply path. Further, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention has a first
A second reservoir, a pressure chamber arranged in line with the first and second reservoirs, a nozzle disposed in correspondence with the pressure chamber to discharge ink, a first reservoir, A first supply port communicating with an ink tank disposed in the second reservoir, and a second supply port communicating with an ink tank disposed in the second reservoir.
An ink jet recording apparatus having a supply port of
The first supply port is provided at an end of the first reservoir, and the second supply port is provided at an end of the second reservoir that does not face the first supply port. And In the ink jet recording apparatus, the first and second supply ports are connected to the ink tank via the first and second supply paths, respectively. Further, in such an ink jet recording apparatus, a flow path resistance of a path from the first supply port to the second supply port via the pressure chamber is substantially equal. Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus, the first and second supply paths have substantially the same flow path resistance. Further, the ink jet recording apparatus is characterized in that a pump for forcibly generating a flow of ink is provided in the middle of the first supply path. Further, the method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a first reservoir, a second reservoir, pressure chambers arranged in line with the first and second reservoirs, and a plurality of pressure chambers corresponding to the pressure chambers. A nozzle that is provided and ejects ink;
A first supply port communicating with the ink tank disposed in the first reservoir, a second supply port communicating with the ink tank disposed in the second reservoir,
In an ink jet recording apparatus operating method having first and second supply paths leading to a second supply port, the method has at least one or more first and second supply ports, respectively, and is staggered with a pressure chamber interposed therebetween. And a path from the ink tank to the ink tank via the first supply path, the first supply port, the first reservoir, the pressure chamber, the second reservoir, the second supply port, and the second supply path. And a circulation mode for flowing ink. Further, the method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention includes a first reservoir, a second reservoir, pressure chambers arranged in line with the first and second reservoirs, and a plurality of pressure chambers corresponding to the pressure chambers. A nozzle that is provided and ejects ink;
A first supply port communicating with the ink tank disposed in the first reservoir, a second supply port communicating with the ink tank disposed in the second reservoir,
In the method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus having first and second supply paths leading to a second supply port, the first supply port is disposed at an end of the first reservoir, and the second supply port is provided at an end of the first reservoir. Is disposed at an end of the second reservoir that does not face the first supply port.
Supply port, first reservoir, pressure chamber, second reservoir,
It is characterized by having a circulation mode in which ink flows through a path from the second supply port to the ink tank via the second supply path.

Further, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention has a first and a second ink supply ports from the ink tank to the first and second supply ports.
The flow path resistance of the second supply path is substantially equal.

Further, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that a pump for forcibly generating a flow of ink is provided in the middle of the first supply path.

Further, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the flow path resistance from the first supply port to the second supply port via the pressure chamber is substantially equal.

The method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention may further comprise a first reservoir, a second reservoir, and pressure chambers arranged in line with the first and second reservoirs.
A nozzle disposed in the pressure chamber to discharge ink, a first supply port disposed in the first reservoir, a second supply port disposed in the second reservoir, In an ink jet recording apparatus operating method having first and second supply paths from a tank to first and second supply ports, the first supply path from the ink tank, the first supply port, the first supply path, and the second supply path. A circulation mode in which ink flows through a path that reaches the ink tank via one reservoir, the pressure chamber, the second reservoir, the second supply port, and the second supply path.

[0014]

According to the structure of the present invention, the first supply port provided in the first reservoir and the second supply port provided in the second reservoir are provided.
Are arranged in a staggered manner, so that the ink is uniformly supplied to each pressure chamber.

By operating a pump provided in the middle of the first supply path, a circulating flow is generated from the first reservoir to the second reservoir via the pressure chamber. First
And the second supply ports are arranged in a staggered manner, so that the flow speed of the ink flowing through each pressure chamber is substantially the same.

[0016]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes an inkjet head (hereinafter, referred to as a head). Reference numeral 19 denotes a nozzle plate in which nozzles 20, 20, 20,... Are arranged in a row. The length of the row of nozzles 20, 20, 20,... Is equal to or greater than the width of the recording medium on which the ink droplets are deposited. FIG. 1 shows the nozzle plate 19 exploded from the head 1 for ease of explanation. Pressure chamber 1
8, 18, 18,... Are nozzles 20, 20, 20,.
Are lined up facing each other. Pressure chamber 18, 1
One end of each of 8, 18,... Communicates with the first reservoir 2. The other ends of the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,... Communicate with the second reservoir 3. Each pressure chamber 18, 18, 18
Are separated by partition walls 38, 38, 38,... The first reservoir 2 has two first supply ports 4,
5 are provided. Assuming that the length of the first reservoir is L, the first supply port 4 is provided at a position approximately L / 4 from one end of the first reservoir 2. Further, the first supply port 5 is provided at a position about L / 4 from the other end of the first reservoir 2. The other ends of the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,... Communicate with the second reservoir 3. Three second supply ports are provided, of which six are provided at one end of the second reservoir 3. The second supply port 8 is provided at the other end of the second reservoir 3. Since the length of the second reservoir 3 is also L like the length of the first reservoir 2,
The supply port 7 is provided at a position of about L / 2 of the second reservoir 3. Therefore, the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,...
When viewed in the direction of row arrangement, the first supply ports 4, 5 and the second supply port
The supply ports 6, 7, 8 of the second supply port 6, the first
, The second supply port 7, the first supply port 5, and the second supply port 8. The first supply path includes the supply pipes 9 and 10, the first connector 16 and the supply pipe 14.
It consists of. The supply pipe 9 connects the first supply port 4 and the first connector 16. The supply pipe 10
The first supply port 5 and the first connector 16 are connected. The supply pipe 14 connects the first connector 16 and the ink tank 21. The second supply path includes a supply pipe 11,
12 and 13, the second connector 17 and the supply pipe 15. The supply pipe 11 connects the second supply port 6 and the second connector 17. The supply pipe 12 connects the second supply port 7 and the second connector 17. The supply pipe 13 connects the second supply port 8 and the second connector 17. The supply pipe 15 connects the second connector 17 and the ink tank 21. The ink tank 21 is filled with the ink 22 up to the level 23. The ends 24, 25 of the supply pipes 14, 15 are buried in the ink 22. An ink detector (not shown) is provided in the ink tank 21. When the level 23 of the ink 22 reaches the vicinity of the ends 24 and 25, the ink detector operates to request the ink tank 21 to replenish the ink. Supply pipes 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Is composed of, for example, a polyethylene tube, a stainless steel pipe, or the like. In this embodiment, the pipe-shaped supply pipes 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 are used. It is also possible to adopt a structure in which a plate-like member is laminated on the substrate.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the head 1 at the first supply port 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Head 1
Has a laminated structure of the nozzle plate 19, the spacer 32, the separator 33, the frame 34, and the base 35. In the present embodiment, the head 1 is formed by bonding and laminating, but it is also possible to fasten and laminate. The nozzle plate 19 is made of electroformed nickel or a stainless steel plate. The nozzle 20 is formed by processing such as electroforming, etching, and pressing. Nozzle 20 of the present embodiment
Has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 50 μm and a length of 100 μm. However, the shape of the nozzle 20 greatly changes depending on the desired flying speed and volume of the ink droplet. The spacer 32
It is used to strictly control the gap between the separator 33 and the nozzle plate 19. This gap corresponds to the gap of the pressure chamber 18. The separator 33 is provided so that the ink 22 is
To prevent contact. The frame 34 has a through hole 40 into which the vibrator 31 is inserted, and two recesses forming the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3. 1st, 2nd
The reservoirs 2 and 3 are formed by a frame 34, a separator 33, a spacer 32, and a nozzle plate 19.
The base 35 holds the vibrator 31 therebetween. Vibrator 31
Is made of a piezoelectric material such as PZT. Base 35
Is connected to a supply pipe 9. The joint is fixed by a fixing member 36 to prevent the joint from coming off. The first reservoir 2 communicates with the supply pipe 9 from the first supply port 4 through the through hole 39 of the frame 34 and the through hole 37 of the base 35.

Next, the operation of ejecting ink droplets will be briefly described. The vibrator 31 expands and contracts by receiving an electric signal from a circuit board (not shown) via an electric wiring (not shown). In order to eject ink droplets, the vibrator 31 is deformed in the direction in which it is extended. Due to this deformation, the volume of the pressure chamber 18 decreases. In the process of the reduction, the ink existing in the pressure chamber 18 is pushed out in the directions of the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3 and the nozzle 20. At this time, nozzle 2
The ink 22 extruded in the direction of 0 becomes an ink droplet and flies in the air. In this embodiment, a vibrator is used as a drive source for ejecting ink droplets. As another driving source, it is also possible to use a thermal ink jet that converts electric energy supplied from a circuit board into thermal energy and causes ink droplets to fly by the pressure of bubbles generated as a result.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the ink supply path according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Head 1 for simplicity
Remove the pressure plate 18, 18, 1
8 and only the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3 are shown. Hereinafter, three operation modes of the filling mode, the supply mode, and the recovery mode will be described.

(Filling Mode) The process of initially filling the head 1 with ink will be described. As a first step, the nozzles 20, 20, 20,... Are covered with a cap (not shown). As a second step, the cap and the nozzle plate 1
The space formed by 9 is depressurized by pump means (not shown). By the second step, the ink 22 inside the ink tank 21 travels through the first supply path and the second supply path at the same time. The ink 22 that has reached the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3 fills the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3 and at the same time enters the interior of the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,. The head 1 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the flow path resistances of the first and second supply paths are substantially equal.
The flow rates of the ink flowing through the second supply path are equal. Therefore, the ink 22 that has progressed from the ink tank 21 almost simultaneously reaches the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3. Further, the head 1 of the present embodiment has the first supply ports 4 and 5 and the second
Are arranged in a staggered manner, the time when the ink 22 fills the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,. Therefore, the head 1 of the present embodiment is characterized in that the initial filling time is short and the ink 22 lost from the nozzle 20 during the initial filling is small. As a third step, the depressurization inside the cap is stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time when it is determined that the head 1 is filled with the ink 22. As a fourth step, place the cap on the nozzle plate 1
9, the ink 22 remaining on the surface of the nozzle plate 19 is cleaned with a rubber blade (not shown).
In this embodiment, the ink is sucked by the decompression inside the cap, but the initial filling is performed by pressurizing the inside of the ink tank 21 according to the above-described steps.

(Supply Mode) The supply operation of the ink 22 when ejecting ink droplets will be described. When ejecting ink droplets, the ink tank 21 reaches the first supply path, the first reservoir 2, the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,..., The second reservoir 3, the second supply path, and the ink tank 21. The path is in a state where it is completely filled with the ink 22 and there are no bubbles or the like. In this case, the ink 22 is supplied to the head 1 from both the first supply path and the second supply path. When ejecting ink droplets from the plurality of nozzles 20, 20, 20,... Of the head 1, the head 1 of this embodiment can form substantially the same flying speed and volume of ink droplets for all ink droplets. Configuration. This is because the arrangement of the first supply ports 4, 5 and the second supply ports 6, 7, 8 is a staggered arrangement as described above, so that the ink supplied to each of the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,. This is because the supply pressures at 22 are substantially equal. That is, since the supply pressure from the second reservoir 3 is smaller than the supply pressure from the first reservoir 2 in the pressure chamber 51 near the second supply port 6, the pressure from the second reservoir 3 to the ink 22 Receive supply. When the pressure chamber 52 is located between the first supply port 4 and the second supply port 6, the supply pressure received by the pressure chamber 52 is substantially equal in the first and second reservoirs 2, 3. Become. Here, the average value of the supply pressure received by the pressure chamber 51 from the first and second reservoirs is substantially equal to the average value of the supply pressure received by the pressure chamber 52. In the head 1 of the present embodiment, this relationship holds for all the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,.... In addition, arbitrary nozzles 20, 20, 20
.. Also act to equalize the supply pressures of the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,. Such an effect becomes larger as the interval between the supply ports becomes narrower.

(Recovery Mode) A process for restoring clogging of the nozzle 20 will be described. As a first step, the nozzles 20, 20, 20, ... are covered with caps. As a second step, the space formed by the cap and the nozzle plate 19 is depressurized by a pump (not shown). Second
By the steps, the pressure is uniformly applied to the nozzles 20, 20, 20,. At this time, the ink 22 flows out of the nozzles 20, 20, 20,... Which are not clogged. However, as described above, the flow rates of the ink flowing through the respective nozzles are substantially the same, so that the same pressure is applied to the clogged nozzles 20 irrespective of the clogged nozzle 20. As a result, the head 1 of the present embodiment has a structure in which any clogged nozzle 20 can be returned to a normal state by continuing the second step for a predetermined time.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment of FIG. 1 is that the pump means 61 is disposed in the second supply path.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tube pump used in the second embodiment of the present invention. The tube pump corresponds to the pump means 61. 71 is a fixed base. A motor 76 as a power source is fixed to the fixed base 71 by a fixed plate 77 and a fixing screw 78. The rotating plate 73 is attached to the motor shaft 75. The rotating plate 73 has a cross shape. The four ends of the rotating plate 73 are connected to rollers 72, 72, 7 via roller shafts 74, 74, 74, 74
2, 72 are rotatably fixed. The tube 79 is installed so as to be pressed between the roller 72 and the fixed base 71. As the motor 76 rotates, the rotating plate 73 rotates. As the rotating plate 73 rotates, the roller 72 rolls while pressing the tube 79. At this time, the ink inside the tube 79 is transported in the rolling direction of the roller 72.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an ink supply path according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment in FIG. 3 is that a pump 81 is provided in the middle of the second supply path. Hereinafter, three operation modes of the filling mode, the supply mode, and the recovery mode will be described.

(Filling Mode) The operation of initially filling the head 1 with the ink 22 will be described. As a first step, the nozzles 20, 20, 20,...
・ Cover. As a second step, the pump 81 is operated to supply the ink 22 to the ink tank 21, the second supply path, the second reservoir 3, the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,.
Circulates along a path returning to the ink tank 21 through the reservoir 2 and the first supply path. In this case, the pressure of the ink 22 inside the head 1 becomes positive with respect to the atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, when the operation direction of the pump 81 is reversed, the ink 22 is supplied to the ink tank 21, the first supply path, the first reservoir 2, the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,. The ink circulates in a path returning to the ink tank 21 via the path of the reservoir 3 and the second supply path. In this case, the pressure of the ink 22 inside the head 1 becomes negative with respect to the atmospheric pressure. In the second step, the head 1 of the present embodiment
Are configured so that the flow path resistances of the supply paths are substantially equal to each other, so that the flow rates of the ink flowing through the second supply path are equal. Therefore, the ink 22 that has progressed from the ink tank 21 almost at the same time reaches the second reservoir 3.
Further, the head 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the flow path resistances of the paths from the first supply ports 4, 5 to the second supply ports 6, 7, 8 via the pressure chambers 18 are substantially equal. It is configured.
Therefore, the ink 22 that has entered from the second supply ports 6, 7, and 8 almost simultaneously has the second reservoir 3, the pressure chamber 18,
, 18,..., Filling the first reservoir 2 in order. Further, the head 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the flow path resistance of the first supply path branched into a plurality of sections is substantially equal. Therefore, almost at the same time, the ink 22 fills the first supply path and reaches the ink tank 21. From the above,
The head 1 of this embodiment has a structure in which the initial filling is completed in a short time. The head 1 of this embodiment has a structure in which the flow rates of the ink 22 flowing through the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3 are substantially the same. In addition, the head 1 of the present embodiment includes the pressure chambers 18 and 1.
, 18 and so on, the flow rate of the ink 22 is substantially the same. Therefore, the head 1 according to the present embodiment includes the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3 and the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18.
・ ・ Since ink stagnation is unlikely to occur, there is no bubble or dust remaining, and the structure is unlikely to cause insufficient filling.
As a third step, the operation of the pump 81 is stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time when it is determined that the head 1 is filled with the ink 22. As a fourth step, the cap is removed from the nozzle plate 19, and the ink 22 remaining on the surface of the nozzle plate 19 is cleaned with a rubber blade (not shown).

(Supply Mode) The supply operation of the ink 22 when ejecting ink droplets will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 only in that a pump 81 is provided in the middle of the second supply path. The pump 81 of this embodiment is fixed in a state in which the roller 72 completely crushes the tube 79, so that the ink tank 2
In this configuration, the ink 22 cannot be supplied to the head 1 from the first supply path through the second supply path. Therefore, when ejecting ink droplets, the ink 22 is supplied to the head 1 via the first supply path. However, roller 7
By adding a mechanism for selectively separating 2 from the tube 79, the second supply path can be used as an ink supply path for discharging ink droplets.

(Recovery Mode) A process for restoring clogging of the nozzle 20 will be described. As the pressurizing operation, the pump 81
Is operated to supply the ink 22 to the ink tank 21, the second supply path, the second reservoir 3, and the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,.
.. Circulating in a path returning to the ink tank via the first reservoir 2 and the first supply path. In this case, the pressure of the ink 22 inside the head 1 becomes positive with respect to the atmospheric pressure. .. Are not capped. Therefore, the ink 22 spouts vigorously from the nozzles 20, 20, 20... Which are not clogged. However, as described above, the flow rates of the ink flowing through the respective nozzles are substantially the same, so that the same pressure is applied to the clogged nozzles 20 irrespective of the clogged nozzle 20. As a result, the head 1 of the present embodiment has a structure in which an arbitrary clogged nozzle 20 can be returned by continuing the pressing operation for a predetermined time. It is also possible to provide an electromagnetic valve in the middle of the first supply path. In this case, by closing the solenoid valve in the recovery mode, a large pressure for clogging recovery can be generated.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an ink supply path according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is that a check valve 82 is provided in parallel with the pump 81. The check valve 82 is connected from the supply pipe 84 to the supply pipe 8.
The ink 22 flows in the direction of 3 and is supplied from the supply pipe 83 to the supply pipe 82.
Has a function of preventing the ink 22 from flowing in the direction of. Due to the action of the check valve 82, the filling mode and the recovery mode are switched to the state shown in FIG.
This is similar to the second embodiment shown in FIG. In the supply mode, the roller 72 of the pump 81 is fixed in a state where the tube 79 is completely crushed. Head 1 of this embodiment
Has a supply mode in which the ink 22 can be supplied to the head 1 from the first and second supply paths by the action of the check valve 82.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,... Are arranged in two rows in parallel. The head 1 has a first reservoir 91, a second reservoir 92, and a third reservoir 9
Are arranged in rows with the rows of pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,... Interposed therebetween. The first reservoir 91 is provided with three first supply ports 94, 95, and 96. The first supply port 94 is provided at one end of the first reservoir 91. The first supply port 96 is provided at the other end of the first reservoir 91. Assuming that the length of the first reservoir is L, the first supply port 95 is provided at a position about L / 2 from one end of the first reservoir 91. Second reservoir 9
2 is provided with two second supply ports 97 and 98. Since the length of the second reservoir 92 is also L,
Is approximately L / L from one end of the second reservoir 92.
4 are provided. Also, the second supply port 98
Is provided at a position about L / 4 from the other end of the second reservoir 92. The third reservoir 93 is provided with three first supply ports 99, 100, 101. The third supply port 99 is provided at one end of the third reservoir 93. The third supply port 101 is provided at the other end of the third reservoir 93. Since the length of the third reservoir is also L, the third supply port 100 is provided at a position about L / 2 from one end of the third reservoir 93. First supply ports 94, 95, 96 and third supply ports 99, 100, 101
Is connected to the ink tank 21 as a first supply path. The second supply ports 97 and 98 are connected to the ink tank 21 as a second supply path. The filling mode, supply mode, and recovery mode of this embodiment are the same as the operations described in the first embodiment of FIG. 3 and the second embodiment of FIG. 4 by the first and second supply paths. . The third embodiment has a configuration in which the ink 22 can be reliably filled into the head 1 in a short time even when the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,... is there. In the third embodiment, since the supply pressures to the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,... Are substantially equal, the ejection characteristics such as the flying speed of the ink droplets and the volume of the ink droplets are different between the nozzles. Is almost equivalent.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is a modification of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is that only one first supply port 102 is provided in the first reservoir 2. The point is that the second supply ports 103 and 104 are provided in the second reservoir 3. The first supply port 102 is located substantially in the middle of the first reservoir 2. Second supply port 103
Is provided at one end of the second reservoir 3 with a second supply port 104.
Is provided at the other end of the second reservoir 3. The first supply port 102 is connected to the ink tank 21 via the first supply path.
It is connected to. The second supply ports 103 and 104 are connected to the ink tank 21 via a second supply path. The filling mode, supply mode, and recovery mode of this embodiment are the same as the operations described in the first embodiment of FIG. 3 and the second embodiment of FIG. 4 by the first and second supply paths. . This embodiment is an embodiment in which the length of the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,... In the row direction is relatively short.

FIG. 10 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a modified example of the first example. FIG.
The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG.
Is provided with a first supply port 105 at one end of the first supply port. Second
The second supply port 106 is provided at the other end of the reservoir 3. The first supply port 105 is connected to the ink tank 21 via a first supply path. Second supply port 1
Reference numeral 06 is connected to the ink tank 21 via the second supply path. The filling mode, supply mode, and recovery mode of this embodiment are the same as the operations described in the first embodiment of FIG. 3 and the second embodiment of FIG. 4 by the first and second supply paths. . In the present embodiment, the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18,.
This is an embodiment in the case where the length in the row arrangement direction is relatively short.

FIG. 11 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
It is a partial enlarged plan view showing a modification of the pressure chamber 111. The overall shape of the pressure chamber 18 in FIG. 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In contrast, the pressure chamber 111 of the present embodiment
A throttle section 1 is provided at a portion communicating with the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3.
12 and 113. 114 is the pressure chamber 1
The position of the nozzle 20 opposing the nozzle 11 is shown. The filling mode, the supply mode, and the recovery mode described in the first embodiment of FIG. 3 and the second embodiment of FIG. 4 can be applied to the head 1 of this embodiment. Aperture parts 112, 11
The expanding portion 115 extending from 3 to the inside of the pressure chamber 111 is formed by a smooth curve. Therefore, the head 1 of the present embodiment
In the process of flowing the ink 22 from the first reservoir 2 to the second reservoir 3 via the pressure chamber 111, no air bubbles remain in the expanding portion 115. Since the head 1 of this embodiment has a structure in which both ends of the pressure chamber 111 are narrowed, a change in volume of the pressure chamber 111 caused by deformation of the vibrator 31 can be efficiently transmitted to the nozzle 20. . Therefore, it has the effect of increasing the flying speed of the ink droplet and increasing the volume of the ink droplet.

[0034]

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, a first reservoir, a second reservoir, pressure chambers arranged in line with the first and second reservoirs, and pressure chambers corresponding to the first and second reservoirs are provided. A nozzle provided to discharge ink, a first supply port communicating with an ink tank provided in the first reservoir,
An ink jet recording apparatus having an ink tank provided in a second reservoir and a second supply port communicating with an ink tank, the apparatus having at least one or more first and second supply ports, and staggered with a pressure chamber interposed therebetween. , Or by arranging them at the reservoir ends that are not opposed to each other, the ink supply pressure flowing from the first and second supply ports to the pressure chambers at the time of ink droplet ejection can be adjusted to both ends of the pressure chamber row and the center. Since the ink jet recording device and the ink jet recording device can be made uniform, there is an effect that an ink jet recording apparatus having high ejection stability can be provided.
Further, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is provided corresponding to the first reservoir, the second reservoir, the pressure chambers arranged in line with the first and second reservoirs, and the pressure chambers. A first supply port communicating with an ink tank provided in the first reservoir, a second supply port communicating with an ink tank provided in the second reservoir, and a second supply port communicating with an ink tank provided in the first reservoir. In an ink jet recording apparatus operating method having first and second supply paths extending from an ink tank to first and second supply ports, the method has at least one or more first and second supply ports, respectively, Arranged in a staggered manner with the chambers interposed therebetween, or at the end of the reservoir not facing each other, from the ink tank to a first supply path, a first supply port, a first reservoir, a pressure chamber, a second reservoir, a second reservoir. Supply port, second
Has a circulation mode in which ink flows through the supply path to the ink tank through the supply path, so that even pressure is applied to each pressure chamber during ink circulation, so that old ink in the head can be replaced with new ink without stagnation. . Further, the thickened ink can be agitated at the clogged nozzle. Therefore, even if the ink jet recording apparatus is not used for a long time, there is an effect that stable ink droplet ejection can be maintained.

Further, according to the ink jet recording apparatus and the ink jet recording apparatus operating method of the present invention, the first and second supply ports are arranged in a staggered manner with the pressure chamber interposed therebetween, and the structure and operation for generating a circulating flow in the pressure chamber. Since the method is used, the ink can be filled uniformly in each pressure chamber in a short time without losing the ink, and the running cost is low.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a head of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an ink supply path of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a pump of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an ink supply path of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an ink supply path of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a head of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a head of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a head of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating a configuration of a head of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an ink supply path of a conventional inkjet recording apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a conventional inkjet recording apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 inkjet head 2 first reservoir 3 second reservoir 4, 5 first supply port 6, 7, 8 second supply port 9, 10, 14 first supply pipe 11, 12, 13, 15 second Supply pipe 19 nozzle plate 20 nozzle 21 ink tank 81 pump

Claims (14)

(57) [Claims] A first reservoir, a second reservoir,
A pressure chamber arranged in line with the first and second reservoirs , a nozzle arranged to correspond to the pressure chamber to discharge ink, and an ink tank arranged in the first reservoir.
A first supply port communicating with the reservoir and the second reservoir.
And a second supply port that communicates with the installed ink tank.
In the inkjet recording apparatus, at least one of the first and second supply ports is provided, respectively.
And wherein the first and second supply ports are spaced apart from each other across the pressure chamber.
An ink jet recording apparatus characterized by being arranged in a bird arrangement . 2. The first and second supply ports are respectively provided with a first
1. communicating with the ink tank via a second supply path
2. The ink jet recording method according to claim 1, wherein
Recording device. 3. The ink jet recording according to claim 1, wherein a flow path resistance of a path from the first supply port to the second supply port via a pressure chamber is substantially equal. apparatus. 4. A third reservoir is located in front of the row of pressure chambers.
The third reservoir is juxtaposed with the second reservoir.
At least one communicating with the ink tank provided in the cover
The third supply port is provided between the second supply port and the pressure chamber.
Are arranged in a region that does not face in a direction perpendicular to the row arrangement direction,
And communicating with the first supply path.
The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2. Wherein said first, claims 2 to 4 Neu channel resistance of the second supply path, characterized in that it is substantially equal
An ink jet recording apparatus according to any of the preceding claims. 6. A pump for forcibly generating a flow of ink in the middle of the first supply path.
The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2 . 7. A bypass of the pump in the first supply path.
The supply path is provided with a check valve.
7. The ink-jet recording according to claim 6, wherein
apparatus. 8. A first reservoir, a second reservoir,
The first and second resources Pressure chambers arranged in line with the reservoir
And is arranged corresponding to the pressure chamber to eject ink.
A nozzle and an ink tank disposed in the first reservoir;
A first supply port communicating with the reservoir and the second reservoir.
And a second supply port that communicates with the installed ink tank.
In an inkjet recording apparatus, The first supply port is disposed at an end of the first reservoir
And The second supply port is connected to the first reservoir of the second reservoir.
It is located at the end that does not face the supply port.
Inkjet recording device. 9. The first and second supply ports are each provided with a first
1. communicating with the ink tank via a second supply path
9. The ink jet recording method according to claim 8, wherein
Recording device. 10. The ink-jet recording according to claim 8, wherein a flow path resistance of a path from the first supply port to the second supply port via a pressure chamber is substantially equal. apparatus. 11. The flow resistance of the first and second supply paths is
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the two are substantially equivalent.
0. The inkjet recording apparatus according to item 0. 12. A method in which ink is forcibly inserted in the middle of a first supply path.
Characterized by having a pump for generating flow.
An inkjet according to any one of claims 9 to 11.
Recording device. 13. A first reservoir, a second reservoir, pressure chambers arranged in line with the first and second reservoirs, and ink chambers arranged in correspondence with the pressure chambers for ink. Nozzle for discharging and ink disposed in the first reservoir
A first supply port communicating with the tank, and the second reservoir;
A second supply port that communicates with an ink tank disposed in
The first, from the ink tank to the first and second supply ports,
A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus having a second supply path, wherein each of the first and second supply ports is at least one or more.
And the first and second supply ports sandwich the pressure chamber.
In are staggered, the first supply passage from the ink tank, the first supply port, said first reservoir, said pressure chamber, said second reservoir, said second supply port, said first 2. A method of operating an ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a circulation mode in which ink flows through a path leading to the ink tank via a second supply path. 14. A first reservoir and a second reservoir.
And a pressure line arranged in communication with the first and second reservoirs.
Discharges ink that is provided corresponding to the power chamber and the pressure chamber.
And a nozzle disposed in the first reservoir.
A first supply port communicating with the tank, and the second reservoir;
A second supply port that communicates with an ink tank disposed in
The first, from the ink tank to the first and second supply ports,
Operation method of inkjet recording apparatus having second supply path
In the law, The first supply port is disposed at an end of the first reservoir
And the second supply port faces the first supply port.
Not disposed at the end of the second reservoir, The first supply path from the ink tank to the first supply path;
Supply port, the first reservoir, the pressure chamber, the second reservoir
Via the reservoir, the second supply port, and the second supply path.
The circulation mode in which ink flows along the path to the ink tank
Operating method of an ink jet recording apparatus characterized by having
Law.