JP3260967B2 - Ink jet recording 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 ink jet recording apparatus which performs recording by discharging ink from a recording means onto a recording material.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a recording apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile or the like is configured to record an image formed of a dot pattern on a recording material such as paper or a plastic thin plate based on image information. .

The above-mentioned recording apparatuses can be classified into an ink jet type, a wire dot type, a thermal type, a laser beam type and the like according to a recording method. Among them, the ink jet type (ink jet recording apparatus) performs recording from an ejection port of an ink jet recording head. Liquid (ink) droplets are ejected and fly, and are attached to a recording material to perform recording.

The ink jet recording apparatus has many advantages such as extremely low noise generation, high-speed recording, and the use of plain paper without the need for a recording material having special characteristics. Therefore, various types of recording heads and ink jet recording apparatuses have been proposed.

[0005] Above all, a recording head of a system (bubble jet system) in which thermal energy is applied to ink to eject ink droplets by utilizing pressure due to thermal expansion has a good response to a recording signal and a high density of ejection ports. It has advantages such as easy conversion.

[0006] In addition, a method of ejecting ink using this thermal energy is a method in which an ejection port and an electro-thermal converter (ejection energy generating element) substantially correspond to the width of a recording material.
The line type recording head (line recording head) in which are arrayed and the ink jet recording apparatus using the recording head are greatly expected from the viewpoint of high-speed recording performance.

Conventionally, in the above-mentioned ink jet recording apparatus, there is an ink jet recording apparatus in which an ink tank for storing the ink to be ejected is provided in the recording head itself. Further, in a large-sized inkjet recording apparatus for recording a large image that consumes a large amount of ink, a sub-ink tank is provided in the recording head, and the sub-ink tank is supplied with ink from the main ink tank through an ink supply pipe. Some supply.

Each of the above ink tanks is mounted on a print head driving carrier together with a print head.
It is configured to move according to the recording operation.

In general, each of the separated ink tanks is connected by a tube, and only the main ink tank is detachable from the tube, and the recording head is often fixed to the tube.

[0010] In addition, with respect to a disposable type recording head having no sub ink tank, the recording head can be detached from the carrier, and when the ink runs out, the entire recording head is replaced.

[0011]

In the above-mentioned conventional ink jet recording apparatus, in which the ink tank is provided only in the recording head, the recording amount is limited because the ink storage amount cannot be increased. There is a problem that.

In an ink jet recording apparatus in which a sub ink tank is provided in a recording head and ink is supplied from a main ink tank, the above-described problems do not occur.
The weight of the sub-ink capacity becomes a load on the head carrier that drives the recording head. Therefore, there is a problem that the carrier speed cannot be increased (especially when the ink storage amount is the maximum), and the recording speed cannot be increased.

Further, since the rigidity of the pipe connecting the sub ink tank and the main ink tank becomes a load on the head carrier, the carrier speed cannot be increased from this point as well.

Further, there is a problem in that a device at a joint portion such as a pipe becomes complicated and causes a failure.

Further, the ink path becomes long, the pipe space is large, and the space required during the recording operation includes the space in which the ink tank moves.
There is a problem that the size of the ink jet recording apparatus is increased.

Each of the above problems becomes a serious problem in an ink jet recording apparatus for performing color recording which requires a plurality of inks, ink tanks and ink jet heads, since an ink supply system for each color is required. .

When a disposable type recording head having no sub-ink tank, which causes the above-described problems, is used, since the recording head and the ink tank are mounted on the carrier, the capacity of the ink tank is increased. I couldn't do that. As a result, there is a problem that the life of the ink with respect to the life of the recording head becomes very short, and the running cost becomes unnecessarily high.

In addition, since the ink moves with the movement of the recording head, the load on the driving source and the moving space increase, and the moving speed of the carrier is limited, so that high-speed recording cannot be performed.

Further, since the inertia of the carrier is large, it is difficult to control the speed, and there is a problem that a complicated carrier device for quickly replacing the recording head is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned various problems of the prior art, and can perform high-speed recording without increasing the size of the apparatus and improve reliability. It is an object of the present invention to realize a completed ink jet recording apparatus.

[0021]

An ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention is provided in a main ink tank for storing recording ink and a carrier head on which a recording head is mounted, and the ink supplied from the main ink tank is provided. And a sub-ink tank for temporarily storing ink and supplying the ink to the recording head, wherein the main ink tank and the sub-ink tank are provided with first ink supply means for supplying ink and second ink supply means. A supply means is provided for each of the main ink tanks.
When the carrier head is at a predetermined position, the first ink supply means and the second ink supply means come into contact with each other to transfer ink from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank. It is characterized in that supply is performed.

[0022]

[0023]

Further, the main ink tank and the recording head may be detachable together from the ink jet recording apparatus.

[0025]

[0026]

Also, a plurality of first ink supply means and a plurality of second ink supply means are provided in each of the main ink tank and the sub ink tank, and the ink request operation is performed at a plurality of locations. May be.

[0028]

[0029]

An optical sensor for detecting a home position may be provided in a clamp mechanism for supporting a main ink tank which is detachable together with the recording head, and the recording head may be provided with an object to be detected by the optical sensor. .

The carrier head has a through hole through which the main ink tank also serving as a carrier guide rail is inserted, and a partial opening communicating with the through hole is formed to support the main ink tank. The supporting part
In order that the carrier head can be replaced while the main ink tank is supported, the carrier head may be formed in a shape corresponding to the opening.

Further, an ink absorber for absorbing and storing ink is accommodated in the main ink tank and the sub ink tank, and the first ink supply means and the second ink supply means are used during the ink supply operation. A pressing mechanism for pressing at least one of the ink absorbers near each supply port against the other ink absorber may be provided.

[0033]

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, completely cut off the supply means of the sub-ink tank and the main ink tank during head operation to separate the ink tank to the sub ink tank and the main ink tank, the specific position of the carrier head By making the ink supply from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank, the sub ink tank can be made as small as possible. The carrier load is small, the carrier speed can be increased, and the moving tank space and pipe space can be omitted.

[0034]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a carrier head;
, A sub-ink tank provided in the carrier head 101; 101a, an ink ejection unit; 101b, an opening of a sub-ink tank 102 as a second ink supply unit;
1c is a wire hold, 101d is a detent pin, 10
3 is a main ink tank, 104 is a shutter, 105 is a shutter spring, 106 is a wire, 107 is a motor pulley, 108 is a pulley, and 109 is a carrier motor.

The carrier head 101 is provided with a through hole. The carrier head 101 is guided by a cylindrical main ink tank 103, which is filled with a sponge-like ink absorber, and moves. A motor pulley 107 is attached to a rotation shaft of the carrier motor 109, and a wire 106 is wound around the motor pulley 107 and the pulley 108. The carrier head 101 is a wire hold 101c
And moves along the main ink tank 103 according to the rotational force of the carrier motor 109 transmitted through the wire 106. The carrier head 101 is provided with a detent pin 101d protruding toward the main ink tank 103 to prevent the carrier head 101 from rotating in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction during the movement. At a position corresponding to 101d, there is provided a detent groove 103b which is adapted to the detent pin and extends in the moving direction of the carrier head 101.

The carrier head 101 sends the ink stored in the sub ink tank 102 via a flexible signal line (not shown) while reciprocating along the main ink tank 103 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). The recording is performed by discharging from the ink discharging unit 101a in accordance with the incoming recording signal.

In the vicinity of one end of the main ink tank 103, an ink supply port 103a as a first ink supply means is provided. The opening surface of the ink supply port 103a is covered with a cylindrical shutter 104 similar to the main ink tank 103 during a printing operation. The shutter 1
Reference numeral 04 is attached to the end of the main ink tank 103 via a shutter spring 105. When the carrier head 101 moves and presses the shutter 104, the shutter spring 105 contracts and the shutter 104 slides.

The spongy ink absorber is housed in the sub ink tank 102 similarly to the main ink tank 101, and the ink when the carrier head 101 slides the shutter 104 as described above. An opening 101b for receiving ink supply from the main ink tank 103 is provided at a position corresponding to the supply port 103a.

In this embodiment constructed as described above, the ink is supplied by the carrier head 101 from the shutter 1.
04 is performed every time the slide is performed. When the shutter 104 is pushed and moved by the carrier head 101, the ink supply port 103a of the main ink tank 101 and the opening 101b of the sub ink tank 102 face each other, and the spongy ink absorber in the main ink tank 103 and the sub ink tank 102 When the ink absorber of the ink tank 102 comes into contact with the main ink tank 1
From 03, ink is supplied to the sub ink tank 102.

In the present embodiment, the position where the opening 101b and the ink supply port 103a are provided and the timing at which the ink supply operation is performed are not particularly limited.

For example, the position where each of the openings 101b and 103a is provided is defined as an area where the carrier head 101 performs printing, and the main ink tank 103 and the sub ink tank 102
May be performed each time the carrier head 101 reciprocates during recording.

The opening 101b, the ink supply port 10
The position where 3a is provided is set outside the area where the carrier head 101 performs printing, and the operation of supplying ink from the main ink tank 103 to the sub ink tank 102 is performed by the carrier head 101.
Every time a predetermined number of times have been recorded, or every time a predetermined time has elapsed,
Alternatively, it may be performed every time the power is turned on.

In the case where ink is supplied every time reciprocation is performed during recording, the supply of ink becomes sufficient and the recording quality is stabilized.

Further, by providing the shutter mechanism as described above, (1) the ink leaks from the opening when the apparatus receives an impact. (2) The ink evaporates, the viscosity or the like changes, or the ink oxidizes. (3) Dust in the atmosphere adheres. This has the effect of preventing non-ejection due to clogging of the recording head, impairing the movement of the carrier due to fixed ink, and preventing contamination of the apparatus.

Embodiment 2 Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the ink supply from the main ink tank 103 to the carrier head 101, which has been performed by the ink supply port 103a and the opening 101b in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Seat stopper 10
2a. Other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and thus the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

The injection needle 110 is provided near one end of the main ink tank 103 similarly to the ink supply port 103a in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Carrier head 1
The L-shape is bent toward the side surface of No. 01.

The sheet stopper 102a provided on the carrier head 101 is connected to the sub tank 1 in the carrier head 101.
A stopper of a rubber-like sheet that covers the opening of No. 02 is provided at a position where it comes into contact with the injection needle 110 when the carrier head 101 moves to the end.

In this embodiment having the above-described structure, when the carrier head 101 moves to the end provided with the injection needle 110, the injection needle 110 pierces the sheet stopper 102a, and the main ink passes through the injection needle 110. The ink in the tank 103 is led to the sub-ink tank 102 to supply the ink. The ink supply location is the carrier head 10
1 and the main ink tank 103 are not sliding surfaces, so that the space between them can be kept clean. Further, by using the injection needle, it is possible to improve the prevention of the leakage of the ink except during the ink supply operation, and the operation of the apparatus is stabilized.

[Embodiment 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, ink is supplied from the main ink tank 103 to the carrier head 101 by the ink supply port 103a in the first embodiment shown in FIG. It was done. Other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and thus the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

The belt-shaped opening 103c is formed in the main ink tank 103 at a position facing the opening 101b of the sub ink tank 102 along the longitudinal direction thereof.
An ink absorber is arranged on the opening surface.

In this embodiment having the above-described structure, the ink absorber of the band-shaped opening 103c of the main ink tank 103 and the opening 101b of the sub tank 101 are always in contact with each other. The ink supply was made continuously, and the recording quality became more stable.

[Embodiment 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the ink supply from the main ink tank 103 to the carrier head 101, which has been performed by the ink supply port 103a and the opening 101b in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Ink supply port 103 of ink guiding portion 103d provided at the end of
a ′ and an opening 101b ′ provided in the carrier head 101
It is to be done by. Other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and thus the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

The ink guiding portion 103 d is provided at an end of the main ink tank 103, communicates with the main ink tank 103, and stores ink therein, and has a shape protruding toward the carrier head 101. I have. Ink guide 1
An ink supply port 103a 'is formed on the surface of the portion 03d protruding toward the carrier head 101 on the side of the carrier head 101. A sub ink tank 102 is provided in a portion of the carrier head 101 facing the ink supply port 103a '.
Opening 101b 'is formed.

In the present embodiment configured as described above, the carrier head 101 moves to move the ink supply port 1.
When 03a and 101b 'come into pressure contact with each other, ink is supplied. In this embodiment, the second embodiment shown in FIG.
As in the case of the third embodiment, no ink adheres to the sliding surface between the carrier head 101 and the main ink tank 103, and this surface can be kept clean, so that the operation of the apparatus becomes stable. Further, since the ink is supplied through the opening, a large amount of ink can be supplied at one time as compared with the injection needle, and the reliability of the ink supply operation has been improved.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a main part of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The carrier color head 201 for ejecting recording ink in this embodiment is configured so as to serve as both an ink jet head for ejecting four colors (cyan, magenta, black, and yellow) of ink for performing color recording and a carrier. Inside, sub-ink tanks 202a to 202d for respectively storing inks of respective colors are provided. The carrier color head 201 is provided with two through holes, and moves along two main ink tanks 203 and 203 'inserted into each of the two through holes.

The inside of the main ink tank 203 is divided into two chambers, which are color ink chambers 203e and 203f. The same applies to the main ink tank 203 '. An ink absorber is provided in each color ink chamber, and each of the ink absorbers stores ink of a different color in a absorbed form.

A moving mechanism for moving the carrier color head 201 along the main ink tanks 203 and 203 'is as follows.
Belt hold 204, belt 206, motor pulley 2
07, a pulley 208 and a carrier motor 209. These personalities correspond to the wire hold 104, the wire 106, the motor pulley 1 of the embodiment shown in FIG.
07, the tension sheave 108, and the carrier motor 109, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the respective color ink chambers of the main ink tanks 203e and 203f, ink supply ports 203a to 203d for supplying ink to sub ink tanks 202a to 202d in the carrier color head 201 are provided. Each of the above-described openings 203 of 202d
a to 203d, the main ink tank 201
201a-2 for receiving ink supply from
01d is provided.

Opening 201a-Ink supply port 203a,
201b-203b, 201c-203c, 201d-
Each of the combinations 203d is arranged so that each color of ink is supplied from the main ink tank 203 side to the sub ink tanks 202a to 202d and does not interfere with each other when the carrier color head 201 is moved. As shown in FIG. 5, when the color carrier head 201 is on the carrier motor 209 side, the opening 201c-
When the ink supply ports 203c and 201d-203d come in contact with each other, ink is supplied, and the color carrier head 2
When 01 is on the other end side, the ink is supplied by a combination of the opening 201a and the ink supply ports 203a and 201b-203b.

As described above, in the color ink jet recording apparatus for ejecting inks of a plurality of different colors, the apparatus could be downsized and the recording speed could be improved.

[Embodiment 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the opening 201 provided in the main ink tank 203 'in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG.
The positions of c and 201d are the openings 601c and 601d provided on the side opposite to the carrier motor 209, so that the supply of each color ink from the main ink tanks 203 and 203 'to the carrier color head 201 is performed simultaneously. It is. The other configuration is the same as that of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and thus the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

In the present embodiment, the same apparatus as that of the fifth embodiment was downsized, the recording speed was improved, and an ink jet recording apparatus capable of simultaneously supplying each color ink could be obtained.

[Embodiment 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, two main ink tanks provided in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG.
One main ink tank 7003 is divided into three color ink chambers 7003e to 7003h. By using one main ink tank also serving as a carrier guide, the color carrier head 7001 projects toward the main ink tank 7003 to prevent the color carrier head 7001 from rotating in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction when moving. A non-rotating pin (not shown) is provided, and a non-rotating groove 7003 i that is adapted to the non-rotating pin and extends in the moving direction of the carrier head 7001 is provided at a position of the main ink tank 7003 corresponding to the non-rotating pin. Have been. Sub ink tanks 7002a to 7002a in color carrier head 7001
Openings 7001a to 7001 provided in 002d, respectively.
01d and the ink supply ports 7003a to 7003d provided in the color ink chambers 7003e to 7003h in the main ink tank 7003, respectively. The relationship between the ink supply ports 7003a to 7003d is that the opening 20 in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG.
1a to 201d and the ink supply ports 203a to 203d. However, in the present embodiment, the sixth embodiment shown in FIG.
As in the embodiment, each opening and ink supply port are provided at a position where the supply of each color ink is performed simultaneously. The belt hold 204, belt 206, motor pulley 207, pulley 208, and carrier motor 209 for moving the color carrier head 7001 are the same as those in the fifth and sixth embodiments shown in FIGS. The same numbers are assigned and the description is omitted.

In the present embodiment having the above-described structure, the number of main ink tanks is one, and therefore, compared to the fifth and sixth embodiments shown in FIGS. As a result, the apparatus configuration was simplified, and the manufacturing cost could be reduced.

[Eighth Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a main part of an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 8, the carrier head 301, the sub ink tank 302, the ink ejection section 301a, the opening 301b of the sub ink tank 302, the main ink tank 30
3, wire 306, motor pulley 307, pulley 308
The carrier head 309, the sub ink tank 102, the ink ejection unit 101a, the opening 101b of the sub ink tank 102, the main ink tank 103, the wire 106, the motor pulley 107, and the pulley 108 shown in FIG. And carrier motor 1
Since it is the same as 09, the description is omitted.

The main ink tank 303 of this embodiment has both ends sandwiched between the cartridge clamp bases 311 and 311 'and the clamp springs 312 and 312'. It will be in the mounted state. The carrier head 301 is different from the wire 306 that constitutes the moving mechanism of the carrier head 301 by the wire attachment portion 30 attached to the wire 306.
5 and a snap mechanism 304 as a joint mechanism.

In the present embodiment configured as described above, the replacement range of the recording head cartridge is up to the main ink tank 303 also serving as the carrier guide rail, so that the number of parts at the time of replacement is small and the running cost is reduced. It will be.

Note that, in consideration of the life of each of the main ink tank 303 and the carrier motor 309, the range to be replaced as a recording head cartridge is limited to the carrier head 301, the main ink tank 303, and the carrier motor 30.
9 may be a disposable ink cartridge up to the carrier driving device.

Further, depending on the life of the printer engine mechanism, the range that can be replaced as a recording head cartridge may further include the printer engine mechanism.

The present embodiment is naturally applicable to an ink jet printing apparatus for performing color printing as shown in FIGS.

[Embodiment 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a main part of a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, non-discharge due to clogging of the recording head and poor movement of the carrier due to fixed ink are provided by providing a shutter mechanism.
And contamination of the apparatus is prevented. FIG.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the shutter 104 is opened by the carrier head 101 pressing the shutter 104, whereas in this embodiment, the carrier is opened by using the actuator to open the shutter. The load on the carrier motor for moving the head is reduced.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing the shutter mechanism in detail. Each of the main ink tank 403, ink supply port 403a, shutter 404, and return spring 405 in FIG. 9 is the same as the main ink tank 103, ink supply port 103a, shutter 104, and shutter spring 105 in FIG. Other configurations not shown are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the shutter 404 is provided with a projecting portion that partially projects, and the projecting portion is engaged with a solenoid 411 as an actuator attached to the apparatus main body 410 by a joint pin 412. The solenoid 411 is operated by an output of a sensor (not shown) for detecting when the carrier head moving rightward in the drawing reaches a predetermined position, and is turned on when the carrier head reaches a predetermined position. Shutter 4
04 is drawn to the apparatus main body 410 side.

The solenoid 411 is turned off when the carrier head moves to the position above the ink supply port 403a, and after the ink is supplied, the moving direction is changed to the left in the drawing and is detected again by the sensor. When the solenoid 411 is turned off, the shutter 404 is pushed leftward by the return spring 405 pressed by the solenoid 411 and moves to a position covering the ink supply port 403a.

In the present embodiment configured as described above, no load other than a load for moving the carrier head is applied to the carrier motor, so that the motor life is long.

The actuator for moving the shutter may be a motor or the like other than the solenoid, and is not particularly limited to the configuration of this embodiment.

Although the description has been made on the assumption that the sensor output is used for driving the actuator, a recording signal for moving the carrier head may be applied.

[Embodiment 10] FIG. 10 shows a structure of a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is intended to facilitate the recording operation. In FIG. 10, the carrier head 401, the ink ejection unit 401a, the opening 401b, and the wire hold 40
1c, main ink tank 403, ink supply port 403a,
Detent groove 403b, shutter 404 ', return spring 40
5 ′, the motor pulley 407, the pulley 408, and the carrier motor 409 are respectively the carrier head 101, the ink discharge unit 101a, the opening 101b,
Wire hold 101c, main ink tank 103, ink supply port 103a, detent groove 103b, shutter 10
4, shutter spring 105, motor pulley 107,
This is the same as the overhaul 108 and the carrier motor 109. In addition, even if components other than those described above are not denoted by reference numerals, the components related to the recording operation are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the ink supply port 403a
Is provided with an actuator section 404a projecting toward the carrier motor. The end of the actuator section 404a is bent in an L-shape toward the carrier head 401, and the tip of the actuator section 404a comes into contact with the wire hold 401c when the carrier head 401 moves as the recording operation reaches a predetermined position. Is configured.

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the shutter 104 is pressed by the side surface of the carrier head 101, and the direction of the force caused by the rotation of the carrier motor 109 is changed by the wire 106, the wire hold 101c, and the carrier head 1.
In this embodiment, the shutter 404 ′ is pushed by the wire hold 401 c connected to the wire, whereas the mechanism is transmitted to the shutter 104 through the shutter 01. There are fewer elements, and the operation is smoother.

[Embodiment 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a main configuration of an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the ink jet recording apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a means for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank.

In FIG. 11, the carrier head 501, the ink ejection portion 501a, the opening portion 501b, the sub ink tank 502, the main ink tank 503, and the ink supply port 503 are shown.
a, the shutter 504, the shutter spring 505, the wire 506, the motor pulley 507, the pulley 508, and the carrier motor 509 are described in detail with respect to the carrier head 101 and the ink ejection unit 101 shown in FIG.
a, opening 101b, sub ink tank 102, main ink tank 103, ink supply port 103a, shutter 10
4. Shutter spring 105, wire 106, motor pulley 107, pulley 108, and carrier motor 10
Same as 9.

In the sub-ink tank 502 of this embodiment, an absorber (not shown) is inserted, and a dew sensor 510 for detecting condensation is provided in contact with the absorber. The dew sensor 510 is used for detecting dew condensation in a video head cylinder or the like, and is arranged so that the sensitive surface is in contact with the absorber.

When the remaining amount of ink in the sub ink tank 502 becomes small and the absorber in contact with the sensing surface of the dew sensor 510 becomes dry, the control unit for controlling the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus causes the carrier head 501 to use the main ink as the main ink. The tank is moved above the ink supply port 504 of the tank 503 to supply ink. By this replenishment operation, the main ink tank 5
03 is absorbed by the ink absorber in the sub ink tank 502 and the ink absorber becomes wet, this is detected by the due sensor 510,
The control unit detects the end of the ink supply operation, and thereafter proceeds to the normal printing operation continuation.

In the present embodiment configured as described above, ink replenishment is performed in accordance with the remaining amount of ink in the sub-ink tank, so that it is possible to prevent an ink interruption error during printing.

Further, various functions can be realized by using the above dew sensor.

As in this embodiment, the amount of ink in the main ink tank can be detected by arranging the due sensor so as to be in contact with the ink absorber in the main ink tank.

In the recording ink ejected from the recording head and provided with a waste ink absorber for absorbing waste ink not used for recording, the dew sensor is arranged to be in contact with the waste ink absorber. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the replacement time of the waste ink absorber and to notify whether or not the waste ink absorber can be used.

Further, by arranging a due sensor at a position in contact with the recording paper after recording in the ink jet recording apparatus, it is possible to detect the dryness of the printing ink, the wetness of the paper, and the like. I can let you know.

[Twelfth Embodiment] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a main part of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, only one place for performing the ink supply operation is provided. In such a configuration, the position of the carrier head at the end of printing is an arbitrary position according to the recorded content. However, in order to perform the ink supply operation, the carrier head is provided with the ink supply provided in the main tank. It is necessary to return to the position above the mouth, and if these positions are far apart, the return time becomes long, and unnecessary time is required for recording.

The present embodiment aims at shortening the recording time. In FIG. 13, each of the carrier head 601, the opening 601a, the sub ink tank 602, the wire 606, the motor pulley 607, the pulley 608, and the carrier motor 609 are the carrier head 101 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Opening 101b, sub ink tank 102, belt 106, motor pulley 107, pulley 1
08 and the carrier motor 109.

At one end of the main ink tank 603 of this embodiment, an ink supply port 103a provided in the main ink tank 103 shown in FIG. The main ink tank 603 has an ink supply port 603b, a shutter 604b, and a shutter spring 605b.

When the printing operation is completed, the control unit for controlling the printing operation, out of the ink supply ports 603a and 603b,
The carrier head 601 is moved so that the ink supply operation by the ink supply port closer to the opening 601a is performed. For this reason, the return time of the carrier head required for supplying the ink is shortened, and the recording time is also shortened.

[Thirteenth Embodiment] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a main part of a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Each of the carrier head 601 ', opening 601a', sub ink tank 602a ', wire 606', motor pulley 607 ', pulley 608' and carrier motor 609 'in FIG. 13 is shown in FIG. Carrier color head 201 of fifth embodiment, opening 2
01a, the sub ink tank 202a, the belt 206, the motor pulley 207, the pulley 208, and the carrier motor 209.

The main ink tank 603 'in this embodiment.
Is divided into two chambers and stores inks of different colors similarly to the main ink tank 203 shown in FIG. 5, but two ink supply ports 603 are provided for each ink chamber.
a 'and 603c' and 603b 'and 603d' are provided. The ink supply ports 603a 'and 603c' are provided for the opening 601a '.

When the printing operation is completed, the control unit that controls the printing operation performs a process such that the ink supply operation is performed by the one of the ink supply ports 603a 'and 603c' that is closer to the opening 601a '. Head 601 '
To move. For this reason, the return time of the carrier head required for supplying the ink is shortened, and the recording time is also shortened.

[Embodiment 14] FIG. 14 shows a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the example.

In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, ink is supplied by using the ink supply ports 603a "and 603b" in the form of injection needles. The ink supply ports 603a ″, 603b ″ are provided at both ends of the main ink tank 603, and the sub ink tanks 602 ″ in the carrier head 601 ″ are provided with the respective ink supply ports 603a ″, 603b ″.
Two openings 601a "leading to 603b" are provided. In addition, even if components other than those described above are not given reference numerals, the components related to the recording operation are configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment shown in FIG.

Also in the present embodiment, the control unit for controlling the printing operation, when the printing operation is completed, returns to the ink supply port 603.
The carrier head 601 "is moved so that the ink supply operation is performed by the ink supply port closer to the opening 601a" among the a "and 603b". For this reason, the return time of the carrier head required for supplying the ink is shortened, and the recording time is also shortened.

[Embodiment 15] FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a main part of a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the apparatus in which the sub ink tank receives the supply of ink from the main tank at the place where the carrier head is in the waiting state is in contact with the absorber in the sub tank and the absorber in the main tank. Although it is configured so that it penetrates into the sub tank side from the main tank side, depending on the material of the absorber, etc., it is conceivable that an ink supply shortage occurs in the following state. (1) The absorber near the ink supply port is in an ink opaque state due to the standing posture of the apparatus. (2) If the ink supply frequency is high, the ink becomes depleted. (3) If the contact state of the absorber in the main tank and the sub tank is poor, the ink supply will be insufficient. (4) As the remaining amount of ink in the main tank decreases, the absorber near the supply port dries quickly.

This embodiment is intended to supply ink sufficiently. By providing an ink reservoir near the ink supply port of the main ink tank, the absorber near the ink supply port is always kept in a wet state. By keeping this, the supply of ink from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank is facilitated.

Since the configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 15 shows only the ink supply port of the main ink tank and the sub ink tank at the time of ink supply. Is shown.

The opening 701b, the sub ink tank 702, the main ink tank 703, the ink supply port 70 in FIG.
3a, shutter 704 and shutter spring 705
Are the opening 101b, the sub ink tank 102, the main ink tank 103, and the ink supply port 10 in FIG.
3a, shutter 104 and shutter spring 105
Is the same as

The main ink tank 703 of this embodiment is provided with an ink reservoir 703b. The ink immersed in the ink absorber 703c contained in the main ink tank 703 flows along the inclined portion 703d, and accumulates in the ink reservoir 703b. Therefore, the ink reservoir 703b is always kept in a wet state, and the carrier head is moved to the shutter 704.
When the ink is supplied, the sub ink tank 702 is placed in the ink reservoir 703b maintained in a wet state.
When the ink absorber 702a in the inside comes into contact, the ink permeates and ink is supplied.

In the above embodiment, the position of the ink supply port provided in the main ink tank is not particularly mentioned, but the opening (ink reservoir) of the ink supply port is arranged vertically below. Is desirable.

[Embodiment 16] FIGS. 16 and 17 are a perspective view and a sectional view, respectively, showing the structure of a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

The carrier head 7 shown in FIG. 16 or FIG.
01 ′, an ink ejection unit 701a ′, an opening 701b ′,
Detent pin 701c ', wire holder 706a, sub ink tank 702', main ink tank 703 ', ink supply port 703a', detent groove 703e ', shutter 704', shutter spring 705 ', wire 70
6 ′, the motor pulley 707 ′, the tension sheave 708 ′, and the carrier motor 709 ′
1 except that the position where the shutter mechanism is provided is different.
Head 101 and ink ejection unit 101 shown in FIG.
a, opening 101b, detent pin 101d, wire hold 701c, sub ink tank 102, main ink tank 103, ink supply port 103a, detent groove 103
e, shutter 104, shutter spring 105, wire 106, motor pulley 107, pulley 108, and carrier motor 109, and ink absorbers 702a 'and 703c' in FIG. 17 are the same as ink absorbers 702a and 702a shown in FIG. 703c.

In this embodiment, the ink ejection section 701a 'provided on the carrier head 701 is mounted so that the position of the ink ejection section 701a' is substantially 90 degrees from that of the embodiment shown in FIG. The ink supply port 703a 'is set up vertically so that the vicinity thereof is positioned vertically below so as to also serve as an ink reservoir.

With the above-described configuration, the absorber near the ink supply port is always kept in the ink wet state, and the ink supply is performed smoothly.

In the above-described fifteenth and sixteenth embodiments, the monochrome recording apparatus has a single ink ejection section. However, a plurality of recording heads ejecting inks of different colors are used. In a color inkjet recording apparatus having a main ink tank that stores inks of different colors, the recording head and the main ink tank are arranged in parallel, and the ink reservoirs are arranged in each case to smoothly supply the ink. be able to.

[Embodiment 17] FIGS. 18 and 19 are a perspective view and a sectional view, respectively, showing a main part of a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

In each of the embodiments described above, no packing was provided between the main ink tank and the shutter.
Depending on the materials and dimensions of the components, ink may leak between the main ink tank and the shutter during printing or between the sub ink tank and the main ink tank during ink supply in the following cases. (1) When the amount of ink exceeds the water retention capacity of the absorber inside the main ink tank, ink leaks between the shutter and the ink supply port. (2) When the apparatus moves or receives an impact, ink leaks between the shutter and the ink tank supply port.

In any of the above cases, if the ink leaks out, there is a possibility that the apparatus and the recording paper will all be soiled.

In the present embodiment, leakage of ink is prevented by providing a packing that elastically contacts the main ink tank between the sub ink tanks and between the main ink tank and the shutter.

Carrier head 8 in FIG. 18 or FIG.
01, an ink discharge section 801a, an opening 801b, a wire holder 801c, a detent pin 801d, a sub ink tank 802, a main ink tank 803, an ink supply port 80
3a, detent groove 803b, shutter 804, shutter spring 805, wire 806, motor pulley 80
7, the configuration and operation of each of the pulley 808 and the carrier motor 809 are the same as those of the carrier head 1 shown in FIG.
01, the ink discharge unit 101a, the opening 101b, the wire hold 101c, the detent pin 101d, the sub ink tank 102, the main ink tank 103, the ink supply port 1
03a, detent groove 103b, shutter 104, shutter spring 105, wire 106, motor pulley 10
7, the same as the pulley 108 and the carrier motor 109.

In this embodiment, an O-ring 811 as an elastic packing is buried around the ink supply port 803a. FIG. 18 illustrates an ink supply port 803 during a printing operation or the like.
a is covered by the shutter 804,
The enlarged sectional view of FIG. 19 shows the state of the ink supply port 803a and the opening 801b during the ink supply operation.

As described above, the O-ring groove is provided around the ink supply port 803a, and the O-ring groove 8 is provided in the O-ring groove.
11 is embedded so as to be in contact with the carrier head 801 and the shutter 804. The O-ring 811 is shared by the carrier head 801 and the shutter 804 and maintains an airtight state therebetween, so that ink does not leak.

[Embodiment 18] FIG. 20 is an enlarged sectional view showing a main part of an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

In the seventeenth embodiment, an O-ring is used as the elastic material packing. In the present embodiment, the elasticity of the material forming the main ink tank 803 'is used.
Ink supply port 80 formed in main ink tank 803 '
A packing portion 803d 'is formed around 3a', the tip portion of which is machined in a mountain shape toward the shutter 804 ', and the joint portion with the main ink tank 803' is made thin.
Since the mountain-shaped portion of the packing portion 803d 'is pressed by the ink absorber 803c' and pressed against the shutter 804, airtightness can be maintained by the packing portion formed integrally with the main ink tank 803 '.

[Embodiment 19] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a main part of a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment focuses on the fact that the main ink tank is replaced in the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and an optical sensor for detecting the home position is provided on the clamper part of the main ink tank. And a detection target portion is provided in the carrier head portion of FIG.

In a conventional ink jet recording apparatus in which only the recording head can be replaced, the home position is detected by an optical sensor attached to the carrier and a detection object provided on the apparatus base. In the case of a disposable cartridge including a carrier, it is necessary to provide an optical sensor on the cartridge side, which increases the cost of the cartridge, increases the number of wires such as flexible cables, increases the cost of flexible cables and connectors, and increases the cost of the recording head. The cost required for the replacement is high. In addition, if the sensor is attached to the cartridge and can be replaced, the replacement operation of the cartridge becomes complicated.

This embodiment uses the configuration of the eighth embodiment in which the main ink tank is replaced together with the carrier head.
An object of the present invention is to realize an ink jet recording apparatus in which a recording head can be easily replaced at a low cost.

In FIG. 21, the carrier head 901, the ink discharge section 901a, the opening 901b, the sub ink tank 9
02, main ink tank 903, ink supply port 903a,
Snap 904, wire holder 905, wire 906,
Each of the motor pulley 907, the pulley 908, and the carrier motor 909 includes the carrier head 301, the ink discharge unit 301a, and the opening 3 of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG.
01b, sub ink tank 302, main ink tank 30
3, the same as the ink supply port 303a, the snap 304, the wire attachment portion 305, the wire 306, the motor pulley 307, the pulley 308, and the carrier motor 309.

In the main ink tank 903 of this embodiment, support portions 903b projecting from both ends are catchably replaceable by a clamper 911 fixed to the apparatus main body. An optical sensor including a light emitting element 913 and a light receiving element 914 and configured as a transmission type photo interrupter is housed in the clamper 911 together with the relay PCB 915. On a side surface of the carrier head 901 on the optical sensor side, a shielding plate portion 901c protruding toward the optical sensor is provided. The shielding plate portion 901c is
01 is located at the home position, it is arranged so as to enter between the light emitting element 913 and the light receiving element 914 constituting the optical sensor.
When the optical axis 13 is blocked, it is detected that the carrier head 901 is at the home position.

As described above, in this embodiment,
An optical sensor is provided on the fixed clamper, and only the object to be detected of the optical sensor is provided on the replaced carrier head, so that the carrier head can be easily replaced at low cost. Was.

[Embodiment 20] FIG. 22 shows a structure of a twentieth embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is directed to a light emitting device 9 according to the nineteenth embodiment.
In this embodiment, a reflection type photo interrupter is used instead of a transmission type photo interrupter composed of a light receiving element 13 and a light receiving element 914.

On the surface of the clamper 911 'shown in FIG. 22 facing the carrier head 901, a reflection type photo interrupter 916 in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are arranged at a predetermined angle is provided. Carrier head 90
A reflection surface portion 901d is formed at a position corresponding to the photo interrupter 916 on the surface facing the one clamper 911 '. Since the other configuration in this embodiment is the same as that of the nineteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

When the carrier head 901 is at the home position, the photointerrupter 916 and the reflection surface portion 901d reflect light generated by the light emitting element constituting the photointerrupter at the reflection surface portion 901d. The photodetector 916 is arranged so as to be incident on the photodetector, and whether the carrier head 901 is at the home position is confirmed based on the detection state of the photointerrupter.

In this embodiment, the first embodiment shown in FIG.
As in the case of the ninth embodiment, the replacement of the carrier head can be easily performed at low cost.

[Embodiment 21] FIG. 23 shows a structure of a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention.

In each of the embodiments described above, the main ink tank also serving as a carrier guide is configured to be removable. The carrier head and the main ink tank are configured so that the main ink tank is inserted into a through hole provided in the carrier head. When only the carrier head is replaced without replacing the main ink tank, the main ink tank is replaced with the main ink tank. The ink tank is removed from the apparatus, and the carrier head is replaced by inserting or removing the carrier head from one end of the carrier guide.

This embodiment facilitates replacement of the carrier head and improves the positioning accuracy at the time of replacement.

In FIG. 23, the carrier head 1001, the ink ejection section 1001a, the opening 1001b, the detent pin 1001d, the sub ink tank 1002, the main ink tank 1003, the ink supply port 1003a, the detent groove 1
003b, shutter 1004, shutter spring 10
05, the wire 1006, the wire holder 1006a, the motor pulley 1007, the pulley 1008, and the carrier motor 1009 are respectively the carrier head 101, the ink ejection unit 101a, and the ink ejection unit 101a in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
Opening 101b, detent pin 101d, sub ink tank 102, main ink tank 103, ink supply port 10
3a, detent groove 103b, shutter 104, shutter spring 105, wire 106, wire hold 10
1c, the motor pulley 107, the pulley 108, and the carrier motor 109.
This is the same as the snap 304 in the eighth embodiment shown in FIG.

The main ink tank 1003 in this embodiment
Is held by support portions 1003c and 1003d that support both ends of the main ink tank 1003, respectively. Among the support portions, the support portion 1003d supports the end of the main ink tank 1003 so as to cover the entire surface thereof, whereas the support portion 1003c having a projecting cross section is supported.
Are supported so as to partially cover the end of the main ink tank 1003. The support portion 1003c has a shape in which the support cross section extends in the longitudinal direction of the main ink tank 1003 in the above-described support state.

The shape of the carrier head 1001 is connected to a guide hole 1001e into which the main ink tank 1003 is inserted, and an opening 1001f having a shape corresponding to the support portion 1003c is formed.

In the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above, when replacing the carrier head 1001, the support portion 1003c for fixing and supporting the main ink tank 1003 is inserted into the opening 1001f, and the carrier head 1001 is By removing or inserting the ink tank 1003 upward or toward the end, the main ink tank 1003 is fixed and held.
By providing the guide hole 1001f, the peninsula 100
Although 1 g is generated, the penetrating portion 1001 g generates a slight urging force in the main ink tank 1003, so that the fitting backlash can be reduced, and printing can be performed with high accuracy.

[Embodiment 22] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a main part of a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a fixing portion 1003c 'for fixing the main ink tank 1003 is configured to partially support the lower portion of the main ink tank 1003 along the longitudinal direction of the main ink tank 1003 as shown in the figure. It is.
The other configuration is the same as that of the twenty-second embodiment shown in FIG. 23, so that the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

The carrier head 1001 has an opening 1001
f, the main ink tank 1 as described above is provided.
003 can be provided longer in the guide direction.

In this embodiment, the main ink tank 10
03 is supported over its entire length,
The strength of the recording apparatus in the printing state was improved, and there was no distortion due to the driving load of the carrier head 1001, and the printing accuracy was further improved. The replacement of the carrier head 1001 can be easily performed by pulling out or inserting one end of the main ink tank 1003.

[Embodiment 23] FIG. 25 is a sectional view showing a main part of a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention.

In each of the embodiments described above, the supply of ink from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank is performed by using the ink absorber contained in the main ink tank and the ink absorber contained in the sub ink tank, respectively. These are brought into contact with each other by utilizing the elasticity.

However, there is a problem in the dimensions of each ink tank and each ink absorber itself, and when the contact pressure is weak, the appropriate pressure cannot be obtained due to the deterioration of the material of the ink absorber, or when the ink is dried. If the elastic characteristics change depending on the condition, it is conceivable that ink supply failure occurs.

The present embodiment is for ensuring the supply of ink, and is provided with a mechanism for pressing the ink absorber during ink supply in the main ink tank. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, only the cross section of the main ink tank is shown in FIG.

In the main ink tank 1103, ink absorbers 1103b and 1103c and a crank 1111 are provided. The ink absorber 1103c occupies most of the main ink tank 1103 from the end of the main ink tank 1103 on the side opposite to the shutter to the ink supply port 1103a, and absorbs and stores a large amount of ink. The ink absorber 1103b is provided at a position corresponding to the ink supply port 1103a and closes the opening thereof, and is arranged so as to be in pressure contact with the ink absorber 1103c. Sub ink tank 11 provided on carrier head 1101
02 is supplied by the ink absorber 1103b, and the ink absorber 1103b is connected to the ink absorber 1103c as described above.
, The ink supplied to the ink absorber 1102a is supplied from the ink absorber 1103c to the ink absorber 1103b.

Crank 1 in which two sides are combined in an L shape
Reference numeral 111 denotes a shutter supported by a joint at each side.
Is provided with a protrusion 1104a protruding toward the inside of the main ink tank 1103. Both open ends of the crank 1111 are connected to the protrusion 1104a and the ink absorber 1103.
b.

In the ink supply operation shown in FIG. 25, the crank 1111 rotates counterclockwise with the movement of the shutter 1104 pressed by the carrier head 1101, and the end engaged with the ink absorber 1103b is moved by the ink absorbing member 1103b. Body 1
Press 103b. Thereby, the sub ink tank 1
1103b is pressed against the ink absorber 1102a in 102, and the ink absorber 1103b is pressed against the ink absorber 1102a.
Is reliably supplied.

[Embodiment 24] FIG. 26 is a sectional view showing a main part of a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The twenty-third embodiment shown in FIG. 25 uses the crank to press the ink absorber in the main ink tank to make pressure contact with the ink absorber in the sub-ink tank. In this method, each cotter is pressed against an ink absorber in the sub-ink tank by projecting the cotter against the ink absorber.

In the main ink tank 1103 ′, an ink absorber 1103 c ′ is housed.
The ink absorber 1102 is provided in the sub-ink tank 1 '.
a 'is accommodated. A cotter 1112 ′ movable in parallel with the moving direction of the main ink tank 1103 ′ is provided at a position corresponding to the shutter 1104 ′ on the carrier head 1101 ′. The carrier head side of the cotter 1112 'is shaped like a stylus and protrudes to the ink absorber 1102a' in the sub ink tank.
2a 'is formed with a hole having a shape corresponding to the stylus shape.

During the ink supply operation, the ink absorber 11
The cotter 1112 'is arranged so as to press 02a' against the ink absorber 1103c '. When the carrier head 1101 ′ approaches the ink supply port 1103a ′,
The stylus portion of the cotter 1112 'is pressed by the shutter 1104' or a fixed object (not shown) to press the ink absorber in the carrier head 1101 ', and the ink absorber 1103c' and the ink absorber 1102a 'are pressed against each other. Thus, a reliable ink supply operation is performed.

[Embodiment 25] FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing a main part of a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is a combination of the features of the twenty-third and twenty-fourth embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS.

In the main ink tank 1103 ″, FIG.
The ink absorber 1103c, 1 of the twenty-third embodiment shown in FIG.
Ink absorbers 1103c ″, 1103b ″ and crank 1111 ″ similar to 103b and crank 1111
And a shutter 1104 ″ is provided with a projection. The carrier head 1101 ″ has the same ink absorber 1102 a ″ as the ink absorber 1102 a and cotter 1112 of the twenty-fourth embodiment shown in FIG. , Cotter 1
112 "is provided.

In the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above, at the time of supplying ink, the ink absorbers contained in the main ink tank and the sub-ink tank in the carrier head are pressed in a direction in which they come into contact with each other. Therefore, the pressing force of each ink absorber is further increased, and a more reliable ink supply operation is performed.

As described above, according to the twenty-third to twenty-fifth embodiments of the present invention, when the carrier head of the sub ink tank approaches the ink supply port of the main ink tank, the carrier head is installed in the main ink tank or the sub ink tank. When the absorber pressing mechanism is operated by the operation of the carrier head, the absorbers are reliably pressed against each other, and the ink is reliably supplied from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank.

In the description of each embodiment described above, the description will be made with reference to the drawings in which the features of each embodiment are best shown, and the embodiments in which the constituent elements of each embodiment are combined will be described. Was not specifically shown,
These may of course be combined in various forms. By adopting various combinations, the effects characteristic of the respective embodiments can be added, or the synergistic effects can be realized to realize a higher quality ink jet recording apparatus.

The present invention provides an excellent effect particularly in a recording head and a recording apparatus of the type which ejects ink using thermal energy, which is proposed by Canon Inc. among the ink jet recording methods.

The typical structure and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 740,796.

This method can be applied to both on-demand type and continuous type.
In the case of the on-demand type, a rapid temperature rise exceeding the nucleate boiling corresponding to the recorded information is performed on the electrothermal transducer disposed corresponding to the sheet holding the liquid (ink) or the liquid path. By applying at least one drive signal to the recording medium, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and the film is boiled on the heat acting surface of the recording head. As a result, the liquid (ink) This is effective because bubbles in the parentheses) can be formed. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. As the driving signal in the form of a pulse, US Pat. No. 4,463,359 and US Pat.
Those described in US Pat. No. 345,262 are suitable. If the conditions described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, The present invention also includes a configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600 which disclose a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region. It is. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, or an opening that absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy is discharged. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on JP-A-59-138461 which discloses a configuration corresponding to each unit.

Further, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above specification is used. Either a configuration that satisfies the length or a configuration as a single recording head that is integrally formed may be used, but the present invention can more effectively exert the above-described effects.

In addition, the print head is exchangeable with a print head of an interchangeable chip type, which can be electrically connected to the main body of the apparatus or supplied with ink from the main body of the apparatus, or integrated with the print head itself. The present invention is also effective when a cartridge-type recording head provided in a fixed manner is used.

It is preferable to add recovery means for the print head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like provided as components of the printing apparatus of the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. . Specifically, for the recording head, a capping unit, a cleaning unit, a pressurizing or suctioning unit, a preheating unit using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element or a combination thereof, and a recording unit It is also effective to perform a preliminary ejection mode for performing another ejection in order to perform stable printing.

Further, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but may be a single recording head or a combination of plural recording heads. The present invention is also very effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of full colors by color mixture.

In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid. However, the ink is solidified at room temperature or lower, and is softened or liquid at room temperature. Generally, the temperature is controlled within a range of not less than 70 ° C. and not more than 70 ° C., and the temperature is controlled so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. Good. In addition, positively prevent the temperature rise due to thermal energy by allowing the ink to change its state from the solid state to the liquid state as energy, or
In order to prevent evaporation of the ink, ink that solidifies in a standing state is used, and in any case, the ink is liquefied by application of a heat energy according to the recording signal, and the ink is discharged as a liquid ink or reaches a recording medium. The use of inks that liquefy for the first time with thermal energy, such as those that already begin to solidify at that point, is also applicable to the present invention. In such a case, the ink is disclosed in JP-A-54-56.
No. 847 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Sho 60-71260, in which the porous sheet is opposed to the electrothermal converter in a state of being held as a liquid or solid substance in the concave portions or through holes of the porous sheet. It may be. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is
This is to execute the film boiling method described above.

[0184]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, (1) the capacity limitation of the main ink tank can be widened,
This has the effect of extending the life of the ink.

(2) It is possible to reduce the size and weight of the carrier head, increase the carrier speed, and increase the recording speed.

(3) The moving space for the tank and the ink guiding tube can be reduced or eliminated, and the apparatus can be downsized.

(4) Since it can be configured with a small number of parts,
There is an effect that the cost can be reduced.

[0189]

[0190]

According to the second aspect , in addition to the above effects, (1) a large-capacity ink tank can be provided in the disposable cartridge, and the ink life can be greatly extended. .

(2) Use of the disposable cartridge has the effect of improving serviceability.

[0193]

[0194]

[0195]

[0196]

According to the third aspect of the present invention, (1) by returning to a position closest to a plurality of ink supply ports after recording, the return time of the head can be shortened;
There is an effect that the recording speed can be made higher.

[0198]

[0199]

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, (1) the detection of the presence of the carrier head at the home position can be performed without housing the optical sensor in the cartridge, so that the cartridge can be manufactured at low cost. There is an effect that the replacement operation of the cartridge can be facilitated.

[0201] In one of claim 5, (1) a main ink tank is a carrier guide rail enables head replacement while fixing to the chassis base,
This has the effect of improving the strength and position accuracy of the carrier guide rail and improving the printing accuracy.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, (1) the absorbent in the main ink tank and the absorbent in the sub ink tank are brought into pressure contact with each other, so that poor contact is eliminated.
There is an effect that the ink can be reliably supplied from the ink absorber in the main ink tank to the ink absorber in the sub ink tank.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a main configuration of an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a twentieth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a main part configuration of a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

101, 301, 401, 501, 601, 601 ',
601 ", 701, 701 ', 801, 901, 100
1,1101,1101 ', 1101 "Carrier heads 101a, 301a, 401a, 501a, 701
a ', 801a, 901a, 1001a, 1101a
Ink ejection units 101b, 101b ', 301b, 401b, 501
b, 601a, 601a ', 601a ", 701b, 7
01b ', 801b, 901b, 1001b, 1001
f, 1101b Openings 101c, 401c Wire hold 101d, 701c ', 801d, 1001d Non-rotating pins 102, 202a to 202d, 502, 602, 602
a ′, 602 ″, 702, 702 ′, 802, 902
d, 7002a to 7002d, 1002 Sub ink tank 102a Sheet stopper 103, 203, 203 ', 303, 403, 503,
603, 603 ', 603 ", 703, 703', 80
3,803 ', 1003,1103,7003,110
3 ', 1103 "main ink tanks 103a, 203a to 203d, 103a', 303
a, 403a, 503a, 601c, 601d, 603
a, 603b, 603a 'to 603d', 603a ",
603b ″, 703a, 703a ′ 803a, 803
a'7003a to 7003d, 903a, 1003a
Ink supply ports 103b, 7003i, 403b, 703e ', 803
b, 1003b Detent groove 103d Ink guiding portion 104, 404, 504, 604a, 604b, 70
4,704 ', 804,1004,1104,110
4 ', 1104 "shutter 105, 505, 605a, 605b, 705, 70
5 ', 805, 805', 1005, 1105 Shutter spring 106, 306, 506, 606, 706 ', 806,
906, 1006, 1106 Wires 107, 207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 6
07 ', 707', 807, 907, 1007 Motor pulleys 108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 6
08 ', 708', 808, 908, 1008 Tensioner 109, 209, 309, 409, 509, 609, 6
09 ', 709', 809, 909, 1009 Carrier motor 110 Injection needle 201 Carrier color head 203e, 203f, 7003e to 7003h Color ink chamber 204 Belt hold 206 Belt 304, 904 Snap 306 Motor mounting section 311 311 'Cartridge clamp table 312, 312 'Clamp spring 404a Actuator 405 Return spring 410 Main body 411 Solenoid 412 Joint pin 702a, 703c, 702a', 703c ', 803
c ′, 1103a to 1103c, 1102a, 1102
a ', 1102a ", 1103b", 1103c "11
03a ', 1103c' Ink absorber 703b Ink reservoir 703d Inclined part 706a ', 801c, 905, 1006a Wire holder 803d' Packing part 811 O-ring 901c Shielding member 901d Reflecting surface part 903b, 1003c, 1003d Clamping parts 911, 911 ' , 922 Clamp spring 913 Light emitting element 914 Light receiving element 915 Relay PCB 916 Photo interrupter 1001c Engagement part 1001e Guide hole 1001g Peninsula part 1003c 'Fixed part 1104a Projection part 1111,1111' Crank 1112 ', 1112 "Cotter 7001a Color carrier head 7001a 7001d Sub ink tank opening

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/175 B41J 2/21

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A main ink tank for storing recording ink, and a sub-ink provided in a carrier head on which a recording head is mounted, for temporarily storing ink supplied from the main ink tank and supplying the ink to the recording head. in the ink jet recording apparatus comprising a tank, the main to the ink tank and the sub ink tank is provided with each first ink supply means and the second ink supply means for supplying the ink, a main ink tank The recording head carrier guide rail
At the same time, when the carrier head is at a predetermined position, the first ink supply means and the second ink supply means come into contact with each other so that ink is supplied from the main ink tank to the sub ink tank. An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the main ink tank and the recording head are configured to be detachable together with the ink jet recording apparatus. 3. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, each of the one main ink tank and the sub ink tank, the first ink supply means and the second ink supply means is provided with a plurality of An ink jet recording apparatus wherein an ink request operation is performed at a plurality of locations. 4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein an optical sensor for detecting a home position is provided in a clamp mechanism that supports a main ink tank detachable together with the recording head, and the recording head includes An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a detection object of the optical sensor. In the ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 5] claims 1 to 4, together with the carrier head through hole for inserting the main ink tank serving as a carrier guide rail is formed, the through A partial opening communicating with the hole is formed, and a supporting portion supporting the main ink tank is adapted to the opening so that the carrier head can be replaced while the main ink tank is supported. An ink jet recording apparatus characterized by being formed in a shape. In the ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 6] claims 1 to 5, and the main ink tank and the sub ink tank is accommodated ink absorber for storing absorbs ink, ink During the supply operation, the first ink supply means and the second ink supply means
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a pressing mechanism for pressing at least one of the ink absorbers in the vicinity of each supply port of the ink supply means against the other ink absorber.