JP3148620B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus for forming a predetermined image on a recording medium using ink.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hitherto, as an image forming apparatus, a method of discharging vaporized ink and attaching it to a recording medium (hereinafter, referred to as a sublimation method) has been proposed. In this method, high-quality printing with high resolution, excellent gradation, and little bleeding is achieved because gas nozzles discharge the gas, so that clogging at the nozzle that discharges the ink is small and pixels are recorded in a molecular state. Can be performed.

As a sublimation method having such advantages, a method has been proposed in which ink to be vaporized is supplied using an ink cartridge (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 7-52423 and 6-179265).

First, an image forming apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-52423 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an ink cartridge unit including a cartridge 101, a liquefaction heater 102, and a supply hole 103, and a print head unit including a supply path 104, a supply heater 105, a vaporization heater 106, and a discharge hole 107. Contains.

[0005] Inside the cartridge 101, a powder ink Ip is stored. A liquefaction heater 102 for liquefying the ink Ip is provided below the cartridge 101. During printing, the ink Ip is heated by the liquefaction heater 102 and liquefied to supply ink to the print head unit. The supply hole 103 is provided with a capillary or fibrous filter (not shown), and is configured to pass only the liquid ink Ipw. The liquefied ink Ipw supplied to the print head unit is supplied to the supply path 1
04 and is supplied to the vaporization heater 106. The liquefied ink Ipw is supplied to the supply heater 105 disposed on the side wall of the supply path.
As it passes through the supply path 104 while being kept warm, there is no clogging due to solidification. The liquefied ink Ipw is vaporized by the vaporization heater 106 driven according to an output signal corresponding to an electric signal of image data to be recorded. At this time, the liquid ink Ipw is held by a liquid holder (not shown) provided near the vaporization heater 106.
As the liquid holder, a material having continuous pores such as beads and fibers is used. The vaporized ink Ipg is discharged from the discharge holes 7 by the gas flow of the vaporized ink Ipg due to the vaporization and expansion.

Next, an image forming apparatus disclosed in JP-A-6-179265 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus includes an ink cartridge portion including a cartridge 201 and a supply hole 203, a supply path 204, a powder conveying device 208, a vaporization heater 206, and a discharge hole 207. And a print head unit.

[0008] Inside the cartridge 201, a powder ink Ip is stored. The powder ink Ip supplied to the print head unit from the supply hole 203 is supplied to the powder conveying device 208.
Is supplied to the vaporization heater 206 through the supply path 204. Here, the powder conveying device 208 is configured to reciprocate a drive motor (not shown) in the
p is conveyed to the vaporization motor 206. The transported powder ink Ip is vaporized by a vaporization heater 206 driven according to an output signal corresponding to an electric signal of image data to be recorded, and is discharged from a discharge hole 207.

[0009]

However, in the system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-52423, three types of heaters, ie, liquefaction, supply and vaporization heaters are required before ink is ejected, and the apparatus is complicated. become. In addition, there is a problem that the power supply that accompanies this becomes large, and the energy required for printing increases. Furthermore, when the ink is vaporized, there is a high possibility that a residue remains, and the residue adheres to the vaporization heater 6 and the discharge holes, causing deterioration of the vaporization heater 6 and clogging of the discharge holes 7. There is.

Further, in the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 6-179265, it is necessary to make the supply path thicker for transporting powder than for transporting liquid ink, and a transporting device is required. It becomes large. Further, since the method is a method of directly evaporating the powder at the timing of printing, it is necessary to evaporate the powder in a short time, the load on the evaporating heater 6 is increased, and the influence of the residue is more than in the former method. There is a problem that it becomes large.

Further, in the conventional image forming apparatus, it is necessary to provide a vaporizing heater for each of the ejection holes. Therefore, it is practically impossible to provide the ink cartridge with the vaporizing heater.

By the way, the applicant of the present invention first discharges a gas obtained by vaporizing ink intermittently according to an electric signal corresponding to image data to be recorded, and adheres or permeates the recording medium to form an image. (Japanese Patent Application No. 7-49778). The image forming apparatus includes a heating unit that vaporizes the ink by heating, a discharging unit that discharges the vaporized ink to a recording medium, and a heater that intermittently heats the ink according to image data corresponding to an image. It comprises ejection control means for controlling the vaporized ink to be ejected. The ejection means includes a charging electrode unit for charging the ink, and a back electrode unit disposed on the back of the recording medium and guiding the ink charged by the charging electrode unit onto the recording medium. In addition, the ejection control unit includes a shutter unit that physically or electrically controls the ejection of ink, and a control unit that controls the operation of the shutter unit according to image data, and includes a heating unit, a charging electrode unit, and a shutter unit. It is composed of an integrated print head.

A more detailed description will be given below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image recording apparatus. Inside the print head unit 60, the powder ink Ip
Is stored. The print head unit 60 includes a heating device 30 including a vaporizing heater 9 for heating the ink Ip and a radiator plate (not shown), and 50 to 50 as charging electrodes 10 for charging the heated ink Ipw. 80 μm
As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2, a plurality of discharge holes 7 for the ink Ipw are provided, and an electric field shutter electrode 11 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the discharge holes 7.

At the time of printing, the heating device 30 controls the ink I
p is heated and vaporized. As a coloring material for the ink, when using a colored ink, yellow uses an anthrisothiazole-based, quinophthalone-based, pyrazolonazo-based, pyridoneazo-based, styryl-based, etc. , Using a tricyanovinyl system, etc.
Azo type, anthraquinone type, naphthoquinone type, indoaniline type and the like can be used. The ink Ip is vaporized to become a gaseous ink Ipw,
When a voltage of 5 kV is applied, corona discharge occurs in the direction of the grounded heating device 30, and the gaseous ink Ipw is charged to positive ions. The charged gaseous ink Ipw is guided in the direction of the recording medium RM by applying a negative voltage to the back electrode 14 disposed on the back side of the printing surface of the recording medium RM.

The electric field shutter electrode 11 is set so as not to pass through the positively charged ink Ipw when a voltage is applied. Therefore, only when no voltage is applied to the electric field shutter electrode 11, the ink Ipw is attracted to the electric field by the back electrode 14 and can pass through the ejection holes 7. Thereby, ON / OF of voltage application to the electric field shutter electrode 11 is performed.
The ink ejection can be intermittently controlled by F. Further, by controlling the potential of the electrode corresponding to each pixel, the passage of the gaseous ink Ipw can be controlled on a pixel basis.

According to the present invention, the supply of ink to the image forming apparatus previously proposed by the present applicant is performed by an ink cartridge, so that it is not affected by the deterioration of the vaporization heater due to the residue and the like. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing clogging of an ink ejection hole .

[0017]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for recording a predetermined image by vaporizing and charging ink and discharging the ink onto a recording medium. Discharging means for guiding the charged ink from the ink discharge holes to the back electrode disposed on the back surface of the recording medium; and, based on an electric signal corresponding to image data to be recorded, formed in the ink discharge holes. An electric field shutter means for interrupting the ejection of the ink from the ejection means by the force of an electric field; and a print head section detachably formed on the print head section, for storing the ink and for storing the ink. An ink cartridge that supplies ink from the ink supply hole to the print head unit;
Has charging means for charging the ink, wherein the charging means
When the ink cartridge is installed,
It is formed to be inserted into an ink cartridge .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the ink cartridge has a heating unit for vaporizing the ink.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the heating means is a vaporization heater.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the heating unit is a heat conducting unit that transmits heat from the heating unit formed in the print head unit to the ink cartridge. There is something.

[0021]

[0022]

The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the ink supply hole is formed in the lower side surface of the ink cartridge, the ink cartridge At least a part of the bottom surface is inclined downward from above toward the ink supply hole, and the heating means is provided at least near the ink supply hole on the bottom surface.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the ink supply hole is formed in the lower side surface of the ink cartridge, the ink cartridge At least a part of the bottom surface is inclined downward from above toward the ink supply hole, and the bottom surface protrudes from the side surface on which the ink supply hole is formed. It is arranged in a part.

[0025]

[0026] The image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect is characterized in that:
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 and 6 , further comprising an ink amount detection sensor near the ink supply hole.

[0027] The image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect is characterized in that:
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7 , wherein the ink cartridge has a vibrating unit that vibrates the ink stored in the bottom surface.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention , in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, a shutter portion for preventing ink from flowing out from an ink supply hole is provided in the ink cartridge. It is formed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention , in the image forming apparatus of the ninth aspect , the shutter portion is cantilevered to the inner wall of the ink cartridge so as to cover the ink supply hole, On the surface of the print head portion facing the ink supply hole, a convex portion for pushing the shutter portion into the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is mounted is formed.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 1, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 0, in which the convex portion is formed by a piezoelectric element.

[0031] The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 2, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, the shutter unit,
It is composed of a heat variable member that is deformed by heating when the ink is vaporized and causes the ink to flow out.

An image forming apparatus according to claim 13 is an image forming apparatus.
By vaporizing / charging the ink and discharging it onto the recording medium,
An image forming apparatus for recording a predetermined image, comprising:
The charged ink is supplied from the ink ejection hole to the back of the recording medium.
Discharging means for guiding to a back electrode disposed at
Formed in the ink ejection hole and corresponds to the image data to be recorded.
Based on the electrical signal,
And an electric field shutter means for blocking ejection of the ink.
Print head, and detachable to the print head
Is formed and stores the ink while discharging the ink.
Ink cartridge supplied from the ink supply hole to the print head unit
A cartridge, and the print head unit and the ink cartridge.
A cartridge positioning member;
A charging unit for charging the ink, and
The charging section is provided with a charging power supply section for supplying power to the charging section.
It is a mess.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention supplies ink from the ink cartridge to the print head. For this reason,
Supply of ink becomes easy. In addition, ink cartridges
Charging means by charging the ink inside
Charge voltage can be kept low because the distance between the
Can be obtained.

Further, by providing the heating means for vaporizing the ink in the ink cartridge, even if the residue caused by the vaporization of the ink adheres to the heating means, the heating means can be renewed by replacing the ink cartridge. Therefore, it is not necessary to repair the image forming apparatus due to the deterioration of the heating unit.

Further, by vaporizing the ink inside the ink cartridge, there is no need to transport the ink, and thus clogging can be suppressed.

[0037]

[0038]

Further, by providing the ink cartridge with an inclined structure on the bottom surface and supplying the ink by attractive force, a device for transporting the ink is not required, and the structure of the ink cartridge is simplified. Further, since the ink is supplied sequentially, the ink can be efficiently vaporized. Further, the amount of ink that is not ejected after vaporization and solidifies can be reduced, and deterioration of the ink due to repeated heating can be prevented.
Further, by vaporizing the ink in a portion of the ink cartridge that protrudes from the portion where the ink is stored, it is possible to reduce the penetration of the vaporized ink into the portion where the ink is stored, and to face the charging electrode. Since the distance of the heating means serving as an electrode can be shortened, the charging voltage can be kept low.

Further, by providing a sensor for detecting the amount of ink in the vicinity of the ink supply hole, the wiring for the sensor can be easily arranged, and the presence or absence of ink can be easily known without making the apparatus a complicated structure. Can be.

Further, by providing a vibrator in the ink cartridge, the fluidity of the ink can be improved.

Further, a cantilevered shutter is provided on the back surface of the supply hole of the ink cartridge, and a convex portion made of a piezoelectric element or the like is provided on the opposing print head, so that the shutter can be easily opened and closed without increasing the size of the apparatus. It can be performed.

Further, by forming the shutter of the ink cartridge with a heat-variable material, the supply hole is opened and closed by the heat of the heating unit, so that a power supply and a mechanism for the shutter are not required, and the size of the apparatus is prevented. Can be. In addition,
The bright image forming apparatus has an ink cartridge
The ink is supplied from the nozzle. For this reason, ink supply is
It will be easier. Furthermore, charging means is provided on the ink cartridge.
This causes the vaporized ink to solidify and adhere to the charging means.
Even if charging efficiency deteriorates due to
The charging means can be renewed by replacing the
Repair of image forming equipment due to deterioration of charging means
You do not need to do this.

[0044]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an exploded sectional view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus.

This image forming apparatus includes an ink cartridge 50 comprising a storage section 1, a vaporizing heater 9, a charging electrode 10, an ejection hole substrate 12, and a cartridge supporting member 13.
A print head unit 60 including a cartridge fixing lid 15, a buffer member 16, and a discharge hole 7, a back electrode 14,
have.

The powder ink Ip is stored inside the storage unit 1. A vaporization heater 9 for vaporizing the ink Ip is provided below the storage unit 1. The upper surface of the storage unit 1 is sealed by a seal (not shown), and when used, the seal is removed and the upper surface is opened. At the time of printing, the ink cartridge 50 is connected to the print head unit 60.
Is mounted in the direction of arrow A along the cartridge support member 13 from below. Then, by moving the cartridge fixing cover 15 in the direction of arrow B and closing the cover, the upper surface of the storage section 1 is brought into close contact with the ejection hole substrate 12 via the buffer member 16 formed of a conductive rubber material.

The upper half portion of the print head unit 60 is provided with a wire of 50 to 80 μm as a charging electrode 10 for charging the heated and vaporized ink Ipg. The ejection hole substrate 12 is provided with ejection holes 7 for ejecting the vaporized ink Ipg. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the ejection hole substrate 12. An electric field shutter electrode 11 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the ejection hole 7 and to control the ejection amount of the vaporized ink Ipg on both surfaces of the ejection hole substrate 12. The diameter of the discharge hole 7 is set to a size corresponding to the printing density. When the recording density is 150 dpi, the diameter is 30.
It is set to 0 μm. A recording medium RM is arranged above the electric field shutter electrode 11, and an electrode plate is provided as a back electrode 14 above the recording medium RM.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described.

At the time of printing, the ink I
p is heated to 150 to 200 ° C. and vaporized. As a coloring material of the ink, when using a colored ink, in the case of yellow, anthrisothiazole-based, quinophthalone-based,
Use pyrazolonazo, pyridoneazo, styryl, etc., magenta uses anthraquinone, dicyanoimidazole, thiadiazoleazo, tricyanovinyl, etc., and cyan uses azo, anthraquinone, naphthoquinone, indoaniline, etc. Can be used.

The ink Ip is vaporized, and the gaseous ink Ipg
Then, by applying a voltage of +2 kV to the charging electrode 10, corona discharge occurs in the direction of the vaporized heater 9 which is grounded, and the gaseous ink Ipg is charged to + ions. Next, by applying a voltage of -0.5 kV to the back electrode 14 disposed on the back surface of the printing surface of the recording medium RM, the charged gas ink Ipg is guided toward the recording medium RM. Here, to the electric field shutter electrode 11, a voltage of 400 V is applied to the electrode on the recording medium RM side and the electrode on the storage section 1 side in accordance with an input signal in response to an electric signal of image data to be recorded. As a result, the gaseous ink Ipg is controlled so as to pass through the electric field shutter electrode 11 or to block the passage. The gaseous ink Ipg that has passed through the electric field shutter electrode 11 is guided to the back electrode 14, adheres to the recording medium RM, and prints.

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, since the ink cartridge 50 is provided with the vaporizing heater 9 for vaporizing the powder ink Ip, the residue resulting from the vaporization of the powder ink Ip adheres to the vaporizing heater 9. Even if the ink cartridge 50 is replaced, the vaporization heater 9 can be renewed, and it becomes unnecessary to repair the image forming apparatus due to the deterioration of the vaporization heater 9.

Further, since the powder ink Ip is vaporized inside the ink cartridge 50, there is no need to transport the powder ink Ip, and the clogging can be suppressed.

Here, when the ink cartridge 50 is mounted, the charging electrode 10
It is necessary to provide at a position not in contact with p. That is, the amount of the powder ink Ip supplied to the storage unit 1 needs to be set to an amount that does not make contact with the charging electrode 10.

Here, the ink cartridge 50 is used here.
Although a seal is stuck on the upper surface of the ink cartridge 50 in order to prevent ink leakage when the ink cartridge is not mounted, the seal may be sealed using a lid. In this case, the ink cartridge 50 used once can be reused. If a shutter mechanism is provided on the upper surface and the shutter is opened when the ink cartridge 50 is mounted, the operability is improved.

(Second Embodiment) Next, an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the configuration.

Referring to FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus includes an ink cartridge 50 including a storage section 1, a heat transfer plate 17, and an ink shutter 18, a heater 19, a charging electrode 10, a discharge hole substrate 12, a cartridge support Print head unit 6 composed of member 13, buffer member 16 and ejection hole 7
0 and the back electrode 14.

The powder ink Ip is stored inside the storage unit 1. A heat transfer plate 17 for vaporizing the powder ink Ip is provided below the storage unit 1. Reservoir 1
A slit is formed as a supply hole 3 for supplying the vaporized ink Ipg on the upper surface of the device, and an ink shutter 18 is provided for opening and closing the supply hole 3. At the time of printing, the ink cartridge 50 is mounted in the direction of arrow A along the cartridge support member 13 from the side of the print head unit 60. At this time, the projection 31 of the cartridge support member 13 pushes the ink shutter 18 in the direction in which the supply hole 3 is opened, and the upper surface of the storage portion 1 passes through the buffer member 16 made of a conductive rubber material.
Adhere to The heater 19 of the print head unit 60
The heat transfer plate 17 of the storage unit 1 is located above the
Is transmitted to the ink cartridge 50.

Between the ejection hole substrate 12 of the print head unit 60 and the ink cartridge 50, a charged electrode 10 for charging the heated and vaporized ink Ipg is provided with 50 to 80 μm.
m wires are provided. In the ejection hole substrate 12,
A slit is formed as an ejection hole 7 for ejecting the vaporized ink Ipg. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the ejection hole substrate 12. Electric field shutter electrodes 32 are provided on both long sides of the discharge holes 7. The length of the ejection hole 7 is set to a length corresponding to the printing width. When the recording density is 150 dpi, the width of the slit is set to 200 μm. One side of the electric field shutter electrode 32a is grounded, and the other side is 169 μm corresponding to the recording density.
A plurality of electric field shutter electrodes 32b are provided in a comb shape at m intervals. The recording medium RM is disposed above the electric field shutter electrode 32, and the back electrode 14 is provided above the recording medium RM.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described.

During printing, the ink Ip is heated to 150 to 200 ° C. by the heat of the heater 19 transmitted through the heat transfer plate 17 and vaporized. The color material of the ink is the same as in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. The ink Ip is vaporized to become a gaseous ink Ipg, and + 4k is applied to the charging electrode 10.
By applying a voltage of V, the grounded heat transfer plate 1
Corona discharge occurs in the direction of 7, and the gaseous ink Ipg is charged to + ions. Next, by applying a voltage of -0.5 kV to the back electrode 14 disposed on the back surface of the printing surface of the recording medium RM, the charged gas ink Ipg is guided toward the recording medium RM. Here, a voltage of 500 V is applied to the electric field shutter electrode 32 across the ejection hole according to an input signal in response to an electric signal of image data to be recorded. As a result, the gaseous ink Ipg is controlled so as to pass through the electric field shutter electrode 32 or to block the passage. The gaseous ink Ipg that has passed through the electric field shutter electrode 32 is guided to the back electrode 14,
It adheres on the recording medium RM and printing is performed.

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, the heating of the powder ink Ip is performed by the heat transfer plate 17, so that the configuration of the ink cartridge 50 can be simplified.

Since the shorter the distance between the charging electrode 10 and the heat transfer plate 17 is, the smaller the charging voltage to be applied, the lower the height of the ink cartridge 50 is desirably set.

In this case, the ink cartridge 50
Although the shutter is used as the opening / closing mechanism of the supply hole, as described in the embodiment, a seal may be used, or a lid may be used. Further, the shutter structure is not limited to the above method.

Similarly, although the shape of the discharge hole 7 is a slit, the dot shape shown in the first embodiment may be used. At this time, the electric field shutter electrode also follows the first embodiment.

The heater 19 of the print head unit 60
Is pushed up by a spring or the like, the contact with the heat transfer plate is ensured, the adhesion of the upper part of the storage unit 1 is increased, and ink leakage at the time of printing can be prevented.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, an image forming apparatus includes an ink cartridge 50 including a storage section 1, a vaporizing heater 9 and a charging electrode 20, a heater power supply section 21, a charging power supply section 22, and a discharge hole substrate. The print head unit 60 includes a cartridge support member 12, a cartridge support member 13, a buffer member 16, and a discharge hole 7.

The powder ink Ip is stored inside the storage section 1. A vaporization heater 9 for vaporizing the powder ink Ip is provided below the storage unit 1. Also,
A needle electrode is provided as a charging electrode 20 at a position in the upper half of the cartridge where the powder ink Ip is not touched. A slit is formed in the upper surface of the storage unit 1 as a supply hole 3 for supplying the vaporized ink Ipg. At the time of printing, the ink cartridge 50 is mounted in the direction of arrow A along the cartridge support member 13 from the side of the print head unit 60. At this time, the heater power supply unit 21 and the charging power supply unit 22 of the print head unit 60 are connected to the vaporizing heater 9 and the charging electrode 20, respectively, by the positioning pins 33 of the cartridge support member 13 and the positioning holes 34 on the side surfaces of the storage unit 1. Position so that it abuts. The upper surface of the storage unit 1 is passed through a buffer member 16 made of a conductive rubber material to form the discharge hole substrate 1.
Adhere to 2.

The ejection hole substrate 12 is provided with ejection holes 7 for ejecting the vaporized ink Ipg. The ejection holes 7 surround the periphery of the ejection holes 7 and eject the vaporized ink Ipg to both surfaces of the ejection hole substrate 12. Field shutter electrode 1 for controlling the amount
1 is provided. The diameter of the ejection hole 7 is set to a size corresponding to the printing density, and the recording density is 150
In the case of dpi, the diameter is set to 300 μm.
A recording medium RM is disposed above the electric field shutter electrode 11, and a back electrode 14 is provided above the recording medium RM.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described.

At the time of printing, the vaporization heater 9 operates by energization from the heater power supply unit 21, and the heat thereof causes the ink I
p is heated to 150 to 200 ° C. and vaporized. The color material of the ink is the same as in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. After the ink Ip is vaporized and becomes the gaseous ink Ipg, when a voltage of +2 kV is applied to the charging electrode 10 by energization from the charging power supply unit 22, corona discharge occurs in the direction of the vaporized heater 9 which is grounded. As a result, the gaseous ink Ipg is charged to + ions.

Next, by applying a voltage of -0.5 kV to the back electrode 14 disposed on the back side of the printing surface of the recording medium RM, the charged gaseous ink Ipg is discharged from the recording medium RM.
It is guided in the direction of. Here, the electric field shutter electrode 11
A voltage of 400 V is applied across the ejection hole in response to an input signal in response to an electric signal of image data to be recorded. As a result, the gaseous ink Ipg is controlled so as to pass through the electric field shutter electrode 11 or to block the passage. The gaseous ink Ipg that has passed through the electric field shutter electrode 11 is guided to the back electrode 14, and the recording medium RM
Attached on top, printing is performed.

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, since the charging electrode 20 is provided inside the ink cartridge 50, the charging electrode 20 becomes new by exchanging the ink cartridge 50, so that the vaporized ink Ipw adheres. Due to the deterioration of the charging electrode 20 due to, for example, there is no need to repair the image forming apparatus.

Here, the opening and closing of the supply hole of the ink cartridge 50 is omitted, but a shutter, a seal or the like may be used as in the first embodiment.

Similarly, the shape of the discharge hole 7 may be a slit, and at this time, the electric field shutter electrode follows the shape of the second embodiment.

Although the positioning pins 33 are used for positioning the ink cartridge 50, a guide section may be provided in the print head section 60, and the storage section 1 may be arranged along the guide section. As shown in the embodiment, the configuration may be such that the heater 19 of the print head unit is pushed upward by a spring or the like, and the configuration is not limited to the above-described method as long as the configuration ensures the contact with the power supply unit.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the configuration.

Referring to FIG. 6, an image forming apparatus includes an ink cartridge 5 having a storage section 1 and a heat transfer plate 17.
0, a charging electrode 10, a heater 19, an ejection hole substrate 12, a cartridge support member 13, a buffer member 16, and an ejection hole 7, and a back electrode (not shown).

Inside the storage section 1, the powder ink Ip is stored. A heat transfer plate 17 for transmitting the heat of the heater 19 to the powder ink Ip is provided below the storage unit 1. A slit is formed in the upper surface of the storage unit 1 as a supply hole 3 for supplying the vaporized ink Ipg. The discharge hole substrate 12 is provided with discharge holes 7 for discharging the vaporized ink Ipg, and controls the discharge amount of the vaporized ink Ipg so as to surround the periphery of the discharge holes 7 and on both surfaces of the discharge hole substrate 12. An electric field shutter electrode 11 is provided. The ejection hole substrate 12 and the charging electrode 10 connected to the ejection hole substrate 12 are movable in the direction of arrow B. During printing, the ejection hole substrate 12 and the charging electrode 10 are lifted upward, and then the storage section 1 is moved to the print head. The storage unit 1 is fixed by mounting the ejection hole substrate 12 and the charging electrode 10 downward from the side of the unit along the cartridge support member 13 in the direction of arrow A, and lowering the ejection hole substrate 12 and the charging electrode 10. At this time, the upper surface of the storage unit 1 is in close contact with the ejection hole substrate 12 through the buffer member 16 formed of a conductive rubber material.

The operation of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the embodiment described above, and the description is omitted.

In this image forming apparatus, since the charging electrode 10 is inserted into the ink cartridge 50, the charging electrode 10 and the counter electrode (the ink cartridge 50) are inserted.
The distance to the internal heat transfer plate 17) can be shortened, and the charging voltage can be reduced.

Here, the movable distance between the ejection hole substrate 12 and the charging electrode 10 is from the fixed position of the ink cartridge 50 to a position not in contact with the back electrode 14.
4 is movable, and is previously moved when the ink cartridge 50 is attached / detached, so that the ejection hole substrate 12 and the charging electrode 1 are moved.
The movable distance of 0 increases. In this case, since the ejection hole substrate 12 and the charging electrode 10 open widely, the ink cartridge 5
In addition to facilitating the attachment and detachment of 0, the operation during cleaning of the charged electrode 10 is facilitated. In addition, the charging electrode 1
0 may be a wire electrode or a needle electrode, but in the case of a needle electrode, it is preferable to use a needle electrode because it is larger than the wire electrode and the supply hole 3 of the ink cartridge 50 becomes larger.

Further, the opening and closing of the supply hole of the ink cartridge 50 is omitted, but a shutter, a seal or the like may be used as shown in the above embodiment.

Similarly, the shape of the discharge hole 7 may be a slit, and at this time, the electric field shutter electrode follows the second embodiment.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration.

Referring to FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus comprises an ink cartridge 50, a charging electrode 10, a discharge hole substrate 12, a cartridge support member 13, a heater 19, a sensor 23, a buffer member 16, and a discharge hole 7. And a back electrode 14.

The ink cartridge 50 stores powder ink Ip. Ink cartridge 50
A supply hole is provided at the lower side of the ink cartridge 5.
The bottom portion of 0 is inclined so that the supply hole 3 is on the downstream side. Further, the supply hole 3 is sealed by a seal (not shown), and the seal is removed and opened in use. At the time of printing, the ink cartridge 50 is mounted in the direction of arrow B while hooking the bottom supply hole 3 side of the ink cartridge 50 on the convex portion of the heater 19 of the print head unit 60. The upper surface of the ink cartridge 50 is in close contact with the ejection hole substrate 12 through the buffer member 16 formed of a conductive rubber material. In the upper half of the print head section 60, the heated and vaporized ink I
As the charging electrode 10 for charging pg, a wire of 50 to 80 μm is provided. The ejection hole substrate 12 is provided with ejection holes 7 for ejecting the vaporized ink Ipg. An electric field shutter electrode 11 for controlling the discharge amount of the vaporized ink Ipg is provided so as to surround the periphery of the discharge hole 7 and on both surfaces of the discharge hole substrate 12. A recording medium RM is disposed above the electric field shutter electrode 11, and a back electrode 14 is provided above the recording medium RM.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described.

At the time of printing, the powder ink Ip supplied onto the heater 19 from the supply hole 3 of the ink cartridge 50
Is heated to 150 to 200 ° C. by the heater 19,
Vaporized. The color materials of the ink are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted. When a voltage of +2 kV is applied to the charging electrode 10, corona discharge occurs in the direction of the grounded heater 19, and the gaseous ink Ipg is charged to + ions. Next, -0.0.0 is applied to the back electrode 14 disposed on the back surface of the printing surface of the recording medium RM.
By applying a voltage of 5 kV, the charged gaseous ink Ipg is guided toward the recording medium RM. Here, the electric field shutter electrode 11 responds to an input signal in response to an electric signal of image data to be recorded, in accordance with an input signal.
A voltage of 400 V is applied to the electrode on the ink cartridge side and the electrode on the ink cartridge 50 side. As a result, the gaseous ink Ipg is controlled so as to pass through the electric field shutter electrode 11 or to block the passage. The gaseous ink Ipg that has passed through the electric field shutter electrode 11 is guided to the back electrode 14, adheres to the recording medium RM, and prints. The presence or absence of the powder ink Ip in the ink cartridge 50 is detected by a signal from an ink amount detecting sensor 23 disposed at the same height as the supply hole 3 of the cartridge support member 13 facing the mounting surface of the ink cartridge 50. can do.

In the present image forming apparatus, since the powder inks Ip are sequentially supplied by the attractive force, the ink can be efficiently vaporized. Further, it is possible to reduce the amount of ink that is not ejected and solidified after vaporization. Further, deterioration of the ink due to repeated heating can be prevented. Further, since the ink amount detecting sensor 23 is provided in the vicinity of the supply hole 3, it is possible to easily know the presence or absence of ink without making the apparatus complicated.

Here, the cartridge support member 13 may be provided on the mounting surface of the print head when the ink cartridge 50 is mounted. In this case, although the structure of the print head unit is slightly complicated, it is possible to prevent ink leakage due to a gap between the print head unit and the ink cartridge 50 near the ejection hole substrate 12, and to improve the operability when the ink cartridge 50 is mounted.

If a heater is provided on the surface of the cartridge support member 13 facing the cartridge mounting surface, or if a heat transfer plate for transmitting heat from the heater 19 is provided, the vaporized ink cools and solidifies, and the It can be prevented from adhering to the surface of the member 13.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration.

Referring to FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus includes an ink cartridge 50 including a storage section 1, an ink sensor 23, and a vaporization heater 9, a charging electrode 10, a discharge hole substrate 12, a cartridge supporting member 13, A print head unit 60 including a hot plate 17, a buffer member 16, and a discharge hole 7;
And a back electrode 24.

Inside the storage section 1, the powder ink Ip is stored. A supply hole is provided in a lower portion of the side surface of the ink cartridge 50. Further, the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 50 is inclined downward from above toward the supply hole 3 (inclined so that the supply hole 3 is on the downstream side), and vaporizes the powder ink Ip. Is provided with a vaporization heater 9.

The supply hole 3 of the ink cartridge 50 is sealed by a seal (not shown), and the seal is removed and opened when used. During printing, the surface on the supply hole 3 side of the ink cartridge 50 is in close contact with the ejection hole substrate 12 through the buffer member 16 formed of a conductive rubber material. The print head unit 60 has a charging electrode 10 for charging the heated and vaporized ink Ipg, and has a thickness of 50 to 80 μm.
Wire is provided. The ejection hole substrate 12 is provided with ejection holes 7 for ejecting the vaporized ink Ipg. The discharge hole substrate 12 surrounds the periphery of the discharge hole 7.
An electric field shutter electrode 11 for controlling the discharge amount of the vaporized ink Ipg is provided on both surfaces of the substrate.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described.

At the time of printing, the powder ink Ip is heated to 150 to 200 ° C. by the vaporizing heater 9 of the ink cartridge 50 and vaporized. The coloring material of the ink is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. In a state where the heat is kept by the heat transfer plate 17 that transmits the heat of the vaporization heater 9, the vaporized ink Ipg supplied from the supply hole 3 is grounded when a voltage of +2 kV is applied to the charging electrode 10. Corona discharge occurs in the direction of 17 and is charged to + ions. Next, by applying a voltage of -0.5 kV to the back electrode 24 disposed on the back side of the printing surface of the recording medium RM, the charged gaseous ink Ipg is applied to the recording medium RM.
It is guided in the direction of. Here, the electric field shutter electrode 11
A voltage of 400 V is applied to the electrode on the recording medium RM side and the electrode on the ink cartridge 50 side in response to an input signal in response to an electric signal of image data to be recorded. As a result, the gaseous ink Ipg is controlled so as to pass through the electric field shutter electrode 11 or to block the passage. The gaseous ink Ipg that has passed through the electric field shutter electrode 11 is guided to the back electrode 24, and the recording medium RM
Attached on top, printing is performed. The presence or absence of the powder ink Ip in the storage unit 1 is detected by a signal from an ink amount detection sensor 23 disposed above the supply hole 3 of the storage unit 1.

Here, the heat transfer plate 17 of the print head unit 60 is used.
Is provided only on the lower surface of the cartridge support member 13, but may be provided on the upper surface, or a heater may be newly provided on the upper surface. In this case, the structure of the print head unit is complicated, but it is possible to prevent the vaporized ink from cooling and solidifying, and from adhering to the surface of the cartridge support member 13.

Although a roller is used as the back electrode 24, an electrode plate may be used as in the above embodiment.

(Seventh Embodiment) Next, an image forming apparatus according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration.

Referring to FIG. 9, an image forming apparatus includes an ink cartridge 5 having a storage section 1 and a heat transfer plate 17.
0, charging electrode 20, discharge hole substrate 12, cartridge support member 13, heater 19, buffer member 16, discharge hole 7
And a back electrode 14.

[0103] Inside the storage section 1, the powder ink Ip is stored. A supply hole 3 is provided at the lower part of the side surface of the storage part 1, and the bottom part of the storage part 1 is inclined so that the supply hole 3 is located on the downstream side. It is protruding. Further, a heat transfer plate 17 for vaporizing the powder ink Ip is provided from the protruding portion to the middle of the inclined surface. The supply hole 3 of the ink cartridge 50 is closed by an elastic film 26 stuck on the back surface in a cantilever manner. At the time of printing, the surface of the ink cartridge 50 on the side of the supply hole 3 is formed of a conductive rubber material.
Through the through hole substrate 12. The projection 25 of the cartridge supporting member 13 is
By pushing the zero film 26 into the ink cartridge 50, the supply hole 3 is opened. The print head unit 60 is provided with a needle electrode as the charging electrode 20 for charging the heated and vaporized ink Ipg. Discharge hole substrate 12
Is provided with a discharge hole 7 for discharging the vaporized ink Ipg. An electric field shutter electrode 11 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the ejection hole 7 and to control the ejection amount of the vaporized ink Ipg on both surfaces of the ejection hole substrate 12.

The operation of the above-described image forming apparatus is the same as that of the embodiment described above, and the description is omitted.

As described above, in the present image forming apparatus, the heat transfer plate 17 protrudes from the supply hole 3, and the protruding portion vaporizes the powder ink Ip, so that the vaporized ink Ipw enters the reservoir 1. Ingress can be reduced. Also,
Since the film 26 is provided as a shutter in the supply hole 3 and the projection 25 is provided in the print head 60, the ink cartridge 50 can be opened and closed with a very simple configuration.

The projection 25 of the cartridge support member 13
May be used as a piezoelectric element. FIG. 10 shows the operation when a piezoelectric element is used. When printing is not performed, no current is supplied to the projection 25 made of a piezoelectric element, so that the projection 25 does not project to the film 26, and the supply hole 3 is closed as shown in FIG. The projection 25 made of a piezoelectric element during printing is energized at the time of printing, so that the projection 25 extends in the direction of the film 26 as shown in FIG. 10B, the film 26 is pushed into the ink cartridge 50, and the supply hole is formed. 3 will open. In particular, when the energization is repeatedly turned on and off or the alternating current is applied to the piezoelectric element during printing, the film 26 vibrates, so that the supply of the powder ink Ip in the storage unit 1 becomes easy. In addition, as shown in FIG.
May be provided. When printing is not performed, since the print head is not heated, the supply hole 3 is closed as shown in FIG. 11A, and during printing, the ink is vaporized as shown in FIG. 11B. The ink shutter 27 made of a bimetal is deformed by the heat generated by the heating, and the supply hole 3 is opened. In this case, the supply holes 3 are heated by the heat used for vaporizing the ink.
Since the printer is opened, no power supply or mechanism is required, and erroneous operations such as the user opening the ink shutter 27 carelessly can be prevented. Further, when the ink is preheated before printing, the ink shutter 27 and the heat transfer plate 17 of the ink cartridge 50 are brought into contact with each other so as to be able to conduct electricity. You can know that the preheating temperature has been reached without a sensor. The ink shutter 27 may be made of a shape memory alloy, or can be used as long as it is heat-variable and has heat resistance higher than the vaporization temperature of the ink. In particular, when the ink cartridge 50 is removed with the ink remaining after use. In consideration of the above, it is desirable that the material be thermoreversible.

In addition, if the bottom projecting portion of the ink cartridge 50 is inclined so that the supply hole 3 is located downstream, it is possible to prevent powder ink from spilling when the ink cartridge 50 is removed after use. .

Although a needle electrode was used as a charging electrode,
A wire electrode may be used as in the above embodiment.

(Eighth Embodiment) Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, an image forming apparatus includes an ink cartridge 50, a discharge hole substrate 12, a cartridge supporting member 13, and a heating member, each of which includes a storage section 1, a heat transfer plate 17, a charging electrode 10, and a vibrator 28. Heater 19 and buffer member 1
And a back electrode 14 including a print head portion 60 constituted by the nozzles 6 and the ejection holes 7.

The powder ink Ip is stored inside the storage unit 1. A supply hole is provided at a lower portion of the side surface of the cartridge, and a bottom surface of the storage unit 1 is inclined so that the supply hole 3 is on the downstream side, and a charging chamber connected to the side surface where the supply hole 3 is provided from the bottom surface. The charging chamber 29 is provided.
Is provided with a charging electrode 10. Further, a heat transfer plate 17 for vaporizing the powder ink Ip is provided from the charging chamber 29 or halfway along the inclined surface. A vibrator 28 is provided on the inclined surface of the storage unit 1 so as to facilitate supply of the powder ink Ip. The supply hole 3 of the storage unit 1 is closed by an ink shutter 27 made of bimetal. During printing, the outer surface of the slit-shaped passage hole 30 of the charging chamber 29 is in close contact with the ejection hole substrate 12 through the buffer member 16 formed of a conductive rubber material. The ejection hole substrate 12 for ejecting the vaporized ink Ipg is formed in the ejection hole substrate 12 of the print head unit.
Is provided. An electric field shutter electrode 11 for controlling the discharge amount of the vaporized ink Ipg is provided so as to surround the periphery of the discharge hole 7 and on both surfaces of the discharge hole substrate 12.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described.

At the time of printing, the heater 19 of the print head section is used.
The heat transfer plate 17 of the storage unit 1 that transmits the heat of the
p is heated to 150 to 200 ° C. and vaporized. The color materials of the ink are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. When a voltage of +2 kV is applied to the charging electrode 10 of the charging unit, corona discharge occurs in the direction of the grounded heat transfer plate 17 in the vaporized ink Ipg.
Charges with ions. Next, by applying a voltage of -0.5 kV to the back electrode 14 disposed on the back surface of the printing surface of the recording medium RM, the charged gas ink Ipg is guided toward the recording medium RM. Here, a voltage of 400 V is applied to the electric field shutter electrode 11 to the electrode on the recording medium RM side and the electrode on the storage section 1 side in response to an input signal in response to an electric signal of image data to be recorded. As a result, the gaseous ink Ipg is controlled so as to pass through the electric field shutter electrode 11 or to block the passage. Gas ink I passing through electric field shutter electrode 11
The pg is guided by the back electrode 14, adheres to the recording medium RM, and is printed. At this time, since the powder ink in the storage unit 1 is vibrated by the vibrator 28, it becomes fluid and easily flows out to the charging chamber 29 from the supply hole 3, and the clogging in the supply hole 3 is performed. Is prevented.

Here, as described in the seventh embodiment, the supply hole 3 may be provided with a heat variable ink shutter 27 other than bimetal, and the shape changes when electricity is supplied. A shutter using a piezoelectric element may be provided.

The structure of the ink cartridge is shown in FIG.
The structure shown in FIG. 3 may be used, and is not limited to the above example.

In all of the above embodiments, the storage unit 1
Although the ink inside was a powder, a liquid may be used. In this case, it is necessary to improve the sealing performance, and in particular, in the fifth to eighth embodiments, it is necessary to use a capillary phenomenon using fibers, sponges, or the like as the liquid holder in the supply holes 3. In this case, since the liquid ink is vaporized, the heating energy is small and the vaporization time is shortened.

In all of the above embodiments, the storage section 1 may be made of a material having good heat conductivity. In this case, the ink can be preheated and kept warm, and the ink vaporization time can be reduced.

Further, the respective components of the above-described embodiments may be combined. For example, the vibrator 28 used in the eighth embodiment may be used in another embodiment.

In addition, the ejection direction is directed upward or sideways, but may be directed downward if there is no problem in the arrangement of the back electrode and the recording medium.

[0120]

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, ink is supplied to the print head from the ink cartridge. For this reason, ink supply becomes easy. In addition, ink cartridges
Charging the ink inside the printer
The charging voltage can be reduced because the distance between the means and the counter electrode can be shortened.
Can be suppressed.

Further, by providing the heating means for vaporizing the ink in the ink cartridge, even if the residue caused by the vaporization of the ink adheres to the heating means, the heating means can be renewed by replacing the ink cartridge. Therefore, it is not necessary to repair the image forming apparatus due to the deterioration of the heating unit.

Further, by vaporizing the ink inside the ink cartridge, there is no need to transport the ink, and clogging can be suppressed.

[0123]

[0124]

Further, by providing an inclined structure on the bottom surface of the ink cartridge and supplying the ink by attractive force, a device for transporting the ink is not required, and the structure of the ink cartridge is simplified. Further, since the ink is supplied sequentially, the ink can be efficiently vaporized. Further, the amount of ink that is not ejected after vaporization and solidifies can be reduced, and deterioration of the ink due to repeated heating can be prevented.
Further, by vaporizing the ink in a portion of the ink cartridge that protrudes from the portion where the ink is stored, it is possible to reduce the penetration of the vaporized ink into the portion where the ink is stored, and to face the charging electrode. Since the distance of the heating means serving as an electrode can be shortened, the charging voltage can be kept low.

By providing a sensor for detecting the amount of ink in the vicinity of the ink supply hole, the wiring for the sensor can be easily arranged, and the presence or absence of ink can be easily known without making the apparatus a complicated structure. Can be.

Furthermore, by providing a vibrator in the ink cartridge, the fluidity of the ink can be improved.

Further, a cantilevered shutter is provided on the back surface of the supply hole of the ink cartridge, and a convex portion made of a piezoelectric element or the like is provided on the opposing print head so that the shutter can be easily opened and closed without increasing the size of the apparatus. It can be performed.

Further, by forming the shutter of the ink cartridge with a heat-variable material, the supply hole is opened and closed by the heat of the heating unit, so that a power supply and a mechanism for the shutter are not required, thereby preventing an increase in the size of the apparatus. Can be. In addition,
The bright image forming apparatus has an ink cartridge
The ink is supplied from the nozzle. For this reason, ink supply is
It will be easier. Furthermore, charging means is provided on the ink cartridge.
This causes the vaporized ink to solidify and adhere to the charging means.
Even if charging efficiency deteriorates due to
The charging means can be renewed by replacing the
Repair of image forming equipment due to deterioration of charging means
You do not need to do this.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an ink ejection unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an ink ejection unit in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a seventh embodiment.

10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the ink shutter of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of the ink shutter of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the image forming apparatus according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus previously proposed by the present applicant.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cartridge 3 Supply hole 7 Discharge hole 9 Vaporization heater 10, 20 Charging electrode 11, 32 Electric field shutter electrode 12 Discharge hole substrate 13 Cartridge support member 14, 24 Back electrode 17 Heat transfer plate 19 Heater 50 Ink cartridge 60 Print head part

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued from the front page (72) Inventor Masaaki Ozaki 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Masaya Nagata 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Sharp (56) References JP-A-54-71636 (JP, A) JP-A-7-52423 (JP, A) JP-A-62-62777 (JP, A) JP-A-3-193457 (JP, A) JP-A-7-25023 (JP, A) JP-A-62-275755 (JP, A) JP-A-64-16334 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/325 B41J 2/015 B41J 2/175

Claims (13)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for recording a predetermined image by vaporizing and charging ink and discharging the ink onto a recording medium, wherein the vaporized and charged ink is supplied from an ink discharge hole to a back surface of the recording medium. A discharge means for guiding to a back electrode disposed in the ink discharge hole, and based on an electric signal corresponding to image data to be recorded, discharging ink from the discharge means by an electric field. A print head unit having an electric field shutter means for shutting off; an ink cartridge detachably formed in the print head unit for storing the ink and supplying the ink to the print head unit from an ink supply hole. with the door, the print head unit, a charging unit for charging the ink
The charging means is provided when the ink cartridge is mounted.
To be inserted into the ink cartridge.
An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink cartridge includes a heating unit that vaporizes the ink. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the heating unit is a vaporization heater. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the heating unit is a heat conducting unit that transmits heat from a heating unit formed in the print head unit to the ink cartridge. Image forming device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5] claims 2 to 4, wherein the ink supply hole is formed on the lower side surface of the ink cartridge, at least a part of the bottom surface of the ink cartridge The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the heating unit is inclined downward from above toward the ink supply hole, and the heating unit is disposed at least near the ink supply hole on the bottom surface. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 6] claims 2 to 4, wherein the ink supply hole is formed on the lower side surface of the ink cartridge, at least a part of the bottom surface of the ink cartridge Is inclined downward from above toward the ink supply hole, the bottom surface protrudes from a side surface on which the ink supply hole is formed, and the heating unit is configured to at least protrude from the bottom surface. An image forming apparatus characterized by being disposed in a portion. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising an ink amount detecting sensor near the ink supply hole. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 claims 5 to 7, wherein the ink cartridge is to become a vibration unit for vibrating the ink that is stored on its bottom surface Characteristic image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 9 claims 1 to 8, in the ink cartridge, wherein the shutter unit is formed to prevent the outflow of ink from the ink supply hole Image forming apparatus. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the shutter portion is cantilevered on an inner wall of the ink cartridge so as to cover the ink supply hole, and the ink of the print head portion is provided. On the surface facing the supply hole,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a projection is formed to press the shutter into the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is mounted. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the projection is formed by a piezoelectric element. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the shutter portion is formed of a heat variable member that deforms by heating when evaporating the ink and causes the ink to flow out. . 13. A method for vaporizing and charging ink to form a recording medium
An image forming apparatus that records a predetermined image by discharging
The vaporized / charged ink from the ink ejection hole through the recording medium.
Discharge means for guiding to a back electrode arranged on the back of the body
And image data to be recorded and formed in the ink ejection holes.
Based on the electric signal corresponding to the
Electric field shutter for interrupting the ejection of ink from the ejection means
And a print head portion having a step, and a detachably formed ink tank for storing the ink.
And print the ink from the ink supply hole.
An ink cartridge to be supplied to a head unit, and positioning of the print head unit and the ink cartridge.
A charging unit for charging the ink, the charging unit having a member
And the print head unit supplies power to the charging unit.
Image forming characterized by providing a charging power supply unit
apparatus.