JP3835464B2 - Ink supply structure of image recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet image recording apparatus, and more particularly to an ink supply structure in which a storage tank for storing ink and a recording head are connected by an ink supply pipe.

  Conventionally, in an image recording apparatus, there is an ink supply structure in which an ink storage tank and a recording head are connected by an ink supply pipe. As such a structure, the ink supply pipe includes an ink introduction pipe that guides ink from the ink storage tank to the recording head, and an ink discharge pipe that discharges ink from the recording head to the ink storage tank. A device in which ink is circulated between recording heads is known. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ink supply structure previously considered by the inventors. In the image recording apparatus 100, connection members 40 and 41 are provided in the middle of the ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a from the sub ink tank 4a to the recording head 5a. The ink introduction pipe 21a and the connection members 40 and 41 are provided in the connection members 40 and 41, respectively. Two flow paths respectively communicating with the ink discharge pipe 22a are provided, and a filter 42 for removing foreign matters in the ink is provided in each flow path. In this case, the direction of ink flow when passing through the filter 42 is such that when one of the ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a is directed upward, the other is directed downward. Or both may be turned sideways.

  However, the ink supplied from the sub ink tank 4a to the recording head 5a contains minute bubbles. According to the ink supply structure of the conventional image recording apparatus as described above, the filter is directed toward the recording head. Since the direction of ink flow when passing through 42 is downward or lateral, if bubbles contained in the ink are trapped in the filter part, the bubbles will move upward due to the influence of the buoyancy. And it is difficult to pass through the filter 42 positioned in the downward direction or the lateral direction, and easily stops at the filter 42 portion. Therefore, the contact area between the ink and the filter 42 is reduced due to the stopped air bubbles, and the effective effective area of the filter 42 is reduced, so that the ink flow rate necessary for recording in the ink introduction tube cannot be secured. May cause recording failure. Further, the stopped air bubbles serve as a damper, and the intended ink flow may not be realized when the circulation pump is driven.

  In this type of ink supply structure, a detachable connection member is provided in the flow path of the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube regardless of the presence or absence of a filter. The ink introduction pipes on the head side and the ink storage tank side and the ink discharge pipes on the recording head side and the ink storage tank side are respectively connected. In the configuration of this connection portion, the number of parts increases, a step or a gap is easily formed in the flow path, and bubbles are likely to stay. If the bubbles gradually increase, the ink flow rate cannot be secured as described above.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-318761 discloses that when the recording head is mounted on the carriage, the displacement of the connection member, the ink introduction tube, and the ink discharge tube is eliminated by the elasticity of the seal rubber provided on the connection member. Has been proposed.

JP-A-5-318761

  According to the present invention, the connecting member provided on the ink supply path can be configured in a small size, and the process of assembling each member of the connecting member can be simplified. Further, each member of the connecting member is joined. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus that is less likely to cause bubbles to remain on the surface and can always supply ink normally.

An ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to claim 1, recording by head holder holding the recording head is mounted on a carriage, it ejects ink supplied through the ink supply path from the ink storage tank from the recording head In the ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus, the ink supply path includes an ink supply pipe disposed between the ink storage tank and the recording head, and the ink storage path in the middle of the flow path of the ink supply pipe. A connecting member that connects an ink supply pipe on the tank side and an ink supply pipe on the recording head side, and the connecting member includes a seal member in which an ink flow channel having a shape in which an opening end side is widened is formed on an inner surface; has an open end that is coupled with the open end of the seal member, Toka joint member in which the ink flow path having the shape of the opening end side is spread is formed on the inner surface Becomes, the aforementioned interior filter to one of the two shaped open end, the sealing member is held on a mounting member attached to the head holder or the carriage, and the joint member and its mounting member engages that Thus, the joint state between the joint member and the seal member is maintained .

The ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to claim 2 is the ink supply structure according to claim 1, wherein the seal member and the joint member are coupled to either one of the end surfaces. The seal member was deformed to form a protrusion for sealing the coupling end surface .

The ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to claim 3 is the ink supply structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side or the ink supply pipe on the recording head side has the ink supply structure. It has a joint member, while the, that have a second joint member connected to the open end on the opposite side of the seal member to a side where the joint member is coupled.

5. The ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus performs recording by ejecting ink supplied from an ink storage tank through an ink supply path from a recording head. An ink supply pipe disposed between the ink storage tank and the recording head, and an ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side and an ink on the recording head side along the flow path of the ink supply pipe The connecting member is connected to a supply pipe, and the connecting member has a seal member in which an ink flow channel having a shape in which an opening end side is widened is formed on an inner surface, and an opening end coupled to the opening end of the seal member. And a joint member formed on the inner surface of the ink flow path having a shape in which the opening end side is expanded, and a filter is provided in either of the two opening end portions, On one end face in which the seal member and the joint member attached to form a protrusion in order to seal the coupling end face by deforming the sealing member when the both are bonded.

6. The ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus performs recording by ejecting ink supplied from an ink storage tank through an ink supply path from a recording head. An ink supply pipe disposed between the ink storage tank and the recording head, and an ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side and an ink on the recording head side along the flow path of the ink supply pipe The connecting member is connected to a supply pipe, and the connecting member has a seal member in which an ink flow channel having a shape in which an opening end side is widened is formed on an inner surface, and an opening end coupled to the opening end of the seal member. And a joint member formed on the inner surface of the ink flow path having a shape in which the opening end side is expanded, and a filter is provided in either of the two opening end portions, One of the ink supply pipe on the ink reservoir tank side and the ink supply pipe on the recording head side has the joint member, and on the other side, the open end of the seal member on the side opposite to the side to which the joint member is coupled And a second joint member connected to the .

The ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to claim 6 is the image recording apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein a head holder holding the recording head is mounted on a carriage, and the seal member Is held by an attachment member attached to the head holder or the carriage, and the attachment state of the attachment member and the joint member is engaged to maintain the coupled state of the joint member and the seal member. .
The ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to claim 7 is the ink supply structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ink supply pipe is disposed between the ink storage tank and the recording head. An ink introduction pipe and an ink discharge pipe that circulate and supply ink are provided, and the connection member is disposed along each flow path of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe .
The ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to claim 8 is the ink supply structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a connection member disposed in each flow path of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe is provided. The seal members formed are integrally configured, and the joint members that are connection members arranged in the flow paths of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe are integrally configured .

In the first aspect of the present invention, the connecting member provided in the flow path of the ink supply pipe is composed of two members, that is, a seal member and a joint member, and an ink flow having a shape in which the opening end side is expanded on the inner surface of the seal member. A path is formed, and a filter is internally provided at any one of the opening ends of the seal member and the joint member that face each other. For this reason, the ink flow path in the seal member has a shape that expands toward the filter, has a function of sealing the connection portion of the ink supply pipe between the recording head side and the ink storage tank side, and serves as an ink introduction path to the filter. Since it will function, it does not require a separate part to introduce ink into the filter. In addition, since the sealing function is performed at the portions where they are abutted with each other, bubbles are less likely to stay and normal ink supply can be ensured. Further, since the joint member and the seal member are coupled on the head holder by the engagement of the attachment member with the joint member, the coupled state can be reliably held .

Moreover, in the structure of Claim 2, since the seal | sticker of the junction part of a seal member and a joint member is aimed at by the protrusion provided in any one of the end surfaces where a seal member and a joint member join, a protrusion is achieved. The distance from the filter to the filter and the distance from the protrusion to the ink are short, and it is difficult for a gap to be formed between the protrusion and the filter or the ink, so that the possibility of bubbles remaining can be reduced .

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the ink supply pipe on the storage tank side is connected to the opening end of the seal member on the side opposite to the side to which the joint member is coupled via the second joint member. The ink supply pipes on the recording head side and the storage tank side can be connected to each other .

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention , similarly to the effect of the first aspect, the ink supply pipe connecting portion between the recording head side and the ink storage tank side is sealed, and the ink introduction path to the filter is provided. Therefore, a separate component is not required to introduce ink into the filter. In addition, since the sealing function is performed at the portions where they are abutted with each other, bubbles are less likely to stay and normal ink supply can be ensured. In addition, since the protrusion provided on one of the end surfaces where the seal member and the joint member are joined seals the joint portion between the seal member and the joint member, the distance from the protrusion to the filter, and the protrusion short distance to the ink from the strip, a gap hardly occurs between leading from ridges in the filter or ink, it is less to Rukoto a possibility that bubbles staying.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention , similarly to the effect of the first aspect, the ink supply pipe connection between the recording head side and the ink storage tank side is sealed, and the ink introduction path to the filter is provided. Therefore, a separate component is not required to introduce ink into the filter. In addition, since the sealing function is performed at the portions where they are abutted with each other, bubbles are less likely to stay and normal ink supply can be ensured. Further, the ink supply pipe on the storage tank side is connected to the opening end of the seal member on the side opposite to the side to which the joint member is coupled via the second joint member, so that the recording head side and the storage tank side are connected. The ink supply pipes can be connected to each other .

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention , since the joint member and the seal member are coupled on the head holder by the engagement of the attachment member with the joint member, the coupled state can be reliably held .
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the ink can be circulated between the storage tank and the recording head to fill the recording head with the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube .
Further, in the configuration of the eighth aspect, since the assembly of the seal member and the joint member can be performed at the same time on both the ink introduction tube side and the ink discharge tube side, the process of assembling each member is simplified. And productivity can be improved .

  Hereinafter, an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The image recording apparatus 1 includes a head unit 2 for performing recording by ejecting ink onto a recording medium (paper) P, ink tanks 3a to 3d filled with ink supplied to the head unit 2, and the ink. Provided in a path for supplying ink in the tanks 3a to 3d to the head unit 2, and includes sub ink tanks (storage tanks) 4a to 4d for temporarily storing the supplied ink. Ink is circulated between the sub ink tanks 4a to 4d.

  The head unit 2 includes four recording heads 5a to 5d for color recording, and ink is supplied from the ink tanks 3a to 3d and the sub ink tanks 4a to 4d to the recording heads 5a to 5d, respectively. It is set as the structure. The head unit 2 is detachably mounted on a carriage 6 configured to be movable in the horizontal and horizontal directions along the recording medium P. The carriage 6 is supported by a guide bar 8 and a guide rail 9 extending in the horizontal and lateral directions so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction, and is opposed to the recording medium P using a driving force from the carriage motor 11 transmitted by the timing belt 10 as a driving source. Thus, scanning movement is performed. A paper feed roller 13 for transporting the recording medium P is provided at a position facing the recording heads 5a to 5d. The paper feed roller 13 is rotated by a drive mechanism such as a paper feed motor (not shown). The recording medium P is sequentially moved in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the carriage 6.

  A purge device 15 and a wiper 16 are provided on the side of the paper feed roller 13 as a maintenance unit. The recording heads 5a to 5d can eliminate ejection defects caused by bubbles generated inside the ink or ink droplets adhering to the nozzle surface where the ejection nozzle opens. A purge device 15 and a wiper 16 are provided to restore a good injection state. The purge device 15 has a suction cap 15a that is in close contact with the nozzle surfaces of the recording heads 5a to 5d, and sucks bubbles, defective ink, and the like inside the recording heads 5a to 5d by the negative pressure generated by the pump 15b. The sucked defective ink is sent to the reservoir 15c. The wiper 16 is for wiping off ink residue or the like adhering to the nozzle surfaces of the recording heads 5a to 5d. Further, a capping device 17 for preventing the recording heads 5a to 5d from drying during the pause is provided on the side of the purge device 15.

  The ink tanks 3a to 3d and the sub ink tanks 4a to 4d are connected by ink conduits 19a to 19d, and a pump 20a for supplying ink from the ink tanks 3a to 3d to the ink conduits 19a to 19d. Thru 20d are provided. The sub ink tanks 4a to 4d and the recording heads 5a to 5d are connected by ink supply pipes, that is, ink introduction pipes 21a to 21d and ink discharge pipes 22a to 22d. The ink introduction pipes 21a to 21d are provided with pumps 23a to 23d for supplying ink from the sub ink tanks 4a to 4d. Further, in the middle of the ink discharge pipes 22a to 22d, valves that can be opened and closed (represented by 29a representatively in FIG. 2) are arranged. A plurality of partition plates are disposed in each of the sub ink tanks 4a to 4d, and the ink that has flowed into the sub ink tanks from the ink tanks 3a to 3d and the ink discharge pipes 22a to 22d enters the ink introduction pipes 21a to 21d. When flowing while meandering between the partition plates before being supplied, the bubbles contained in the ink are separated by buoyancy and released to the atmosphere.

  FIG. 2 shows a first reference example of the ink supply system of the image recording apparatus 1, and shows a schematic configuration of the ink supply system for the recording head 5a among the recording heads 5a to 5d. Hereinafter, although the ink supply system for the recording head 5a will be described, the ink supply systems for the recording heads 5b to 5d have the same configuration. The recording head 5a includes an actuator 25 in which a plurality of ink chambers are formed, a nozzle plate 26 in which nozzle holes for ejecting ink in the ink chamber are formed, and ink from the ink introduction pipe 21a. It has a manifold 27 for distribution to the chamber. The ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a are connected to the manifold 27. The ink introduction tube 21a on the head unit 2 side, the ink introduction tube 21a on the ink tank 3 side, and the ink discharge tube 22a on the head unit 2 side The ink discharge pipe 22a on the ink tank 3 side is connected via connection members 304 and 314 provided on the carriage 6, respectively.

  The connection member 304 is provided in the ink introduction tube 21a. The connection member 304 includes a first joint member 306 that is formed on the inner surface with a taper-shaped ink flow channel having an opening end side widened, and is connected to the ink introduction tube 21a on the head unit 2 side. A tapered ink flow path having an open end that is coupled to the open end of the open end and having a wide open end is formed on the inner surface of the open end, and is connected to the ink introduction tube 21a on the sub ink tank 4a side. It consists of a joint member 305. The first joint member 306 is provided with a filter 32 for removing foreign matters in the ink. The second joint member 305 is attached to the carriage 6, and the first joint member 306 is attached to the lower part of the head unit 2. Accordingly, the ink introduction tube 21a on the upstream side sub-ink tank 4a side is disposed on the carriage 6, and the ink introduction tube 21a on the downstream side head unit 2 side is disposed on the carriage 6, so that the ink is transferred. When passing through the filter 32 in the first joint member 306, the filter 32 moves upward from below.

  The connection member 314 provided in the ink discharge pipe 22 a is connected to both the ink discharge pipes 22 a on the sub ink tank 4 a side and the head unit 2 side, and is provided on the carriage 6 adjacent to the connection member 304. . In addition, the ink discharge pipe 22a and the manifold 27 are connected via a connecting member 35 having a tapered ink flow path whose opening end side on the manifold 27 side is widened and formed on the inner surface. A filter 36 is provided for removing foreign matters in the ink. The manifold 27 has a tapered shape in which the ink flow path of the connecting portion 27a with the connection member 35 is widened on the opening end side. A connecting portion 27a of the manifold 27 with the connecting member 35 is disposed on the upper portion of the manifold 27, and an opening end thereof is formed upward. The connecting member 35 is attached to the upper part of this coupling part. Thus, when the ink flows out from the manifold 27 to the ink discharge pipe 22a, the filter 36 moves from the lower side to the upper side.

  The ink flow in the ink circulation system will be described. When the valve 29a is opened and the pump 23a is driven, the manifold 27 is filled with ink from the sub ink tank 4a through the ink introduction pipe 21a. The excess ink returns to the sub ink tank 4a through the ink discharge pipe 22a. While the manifold 27 is being filled with ink, the ink circulates through the filters 32 and 36 between the sub ink tank 4a and the recording head 5a. Then, by bringing the purge device 15 into contact with the nozzle plate 26 and performing a suction operation, the ink filled in the manifold 27 is filled in each ink chamber of the recording head 5a. Thereafter, the operation of the pump 23a is stopped at a position where the ink introduction pipe 21a is not blocked, and the valve 29a is closed. When ink is ejected from the recording head 5a by the recording operation, that is, consumed, the manifold 27 is replenished with ink from the sub ink tank 4a through the ink introduction pipe 21a. In order to prevent bubbles contained in the ink in the circulation path from gradually merging and growing to narrow or block the flow path, the valve 29a is opened periodically or manually, and the pump 23a is driven to circulate the ink between the sub ink tank 4a and the recording head 5a as described above. Thereby, the bubbles in the ink introduction pipe 21a, the manifold 27, and the ink discharge pipe 22a are collected in the sub ink tank 4a and separated by buoyancy while the ink flows while meandering as described above. As a result, ink with fewer bubbles is supplied from the ink introduction tube 21a to the manifold 27.

  Further, the ink storage amount in the sub ink tank 4a is detected by a liquid level sensor (not shown), and the pump 20a (see FIG. 1) is based on the detection value of the liquid level sensor so that the predetermined storage amount is always maintained. ) Is controlled, and ink is supplied from the ink tank 3 to the sub ink tank 4a.

  In the illustrated example, the pump 23a is of a type in which a plurality of rollers are sequentially moved while crushing the flexible ink introduction tube 21a, but other known types can also be used.

  As described above, according to the image recording apparatus 1 of this reference example, when ink passes through the filter 32 provided in the connection member 304 and the filter 36 provided in the connection member 35, the ink is filtered by the filters 32 and 36. Therefore, the bubbles that have flowed together with the ink from the upstream easily pass through the filters 32 and 36 located above due to the buoyancy, and are less likely to be trapped by the filters 32 and 36. This prevents bubbles from staying in the filters 32 and 36, so that the effective area of the filters 32 and 36 is increased, the flow rate of ink necessary for recording can be ensured, and recording failure is unlikely to occur. In addition, since the damper action does not occur during ink circulation or ink suction by the purge device 15, a smooth ink flow can be realized.

  The image recording apparatus 1 is not limited to the configuration of the above reference example, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above reference example, the filters 32 and 36 provided in the ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a are arranged on the connection member 35 connected to the first joint member 306 and the manifold 27. If the member 30a and the coupling portion 27a are sandwiched between them, or if the ink passes through the filter portion from the lower side to the upper side, the other members in the image recording apparatus 1 can be used. It may be arranged at the position.

  Next, a second reference example of the ink supply structure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ink supply system, and shows the ink supply system for the recording head 5a. In the figure, the ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a on the side of the sub ink tank 4a are not connected to the connection member. The manifold 27 ′ of the recording head 5 a provided in the image recording apparatus 1 ′ is not configured to be connected to the ink discharge pipe 22 a via the connection member 35 unlike the manifold 27 of the first reference example. The discharge pipe 22a is directly connected. The ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a on the sub ink tank 4a side and the ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a on the head unit 2 side are connected via connection members 40 and 41, respectively.

  The connecting member 40 is formed with an introduction ink channel for guiding ink to the recording head 5a and an ink channel for discharging ink from the recording head 5a. In the connection member 41, an ink introduction channel and a discharge channel are formed corresponding to each ink channel in the connection member 40. A filter 42 sized to cover both the ink supply flow path and the discharge flow path of the connection members 40 and 41 is provided at a connection portion between the connection member 40 and the connection member 41. Yes. The connection members 40 and 41 are configured so that the ink circulating in the ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a passes through the filter 42 in both the forward path and the return path to the recording head 5a. Similar to the first reference example, the ink introduction tube 21 a and the ink discharge tube 22 a are connected to the connection members 40 and 41 so as to move upward from below the filter 42 and pass through the filter 42. Details of the configuration of the connection members 40 and 41 and the filter 42 will be described in detail below.

  The configuration of the connection members 40 and 41 and the filter 42 in the image recording apparatus 1 ′ will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the connection member and the filter, FIG. 5 is a side sectional view before the connection member and the filter are assembled, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the connection member 41. As described above, ink flow paths for supplying ink and discharging ink are formed in the connection members 40 and 41, respectively. When the connection members 40 and 41 are combined, they are formed in the connection members 40 and 41. The positions of the ink flow paths are set so as to match each other.

  4 and 5, the connecting pipe 40 a provided at one end of the connecting member 40 (on the left front side in FIG. 4) is connected to the connecting pipe 41 a provided at the other end of the connecting member 41 (right end in FIG. 4). It is set to correspond. By connecting the connecting member 40 and the connecting member 41, an ink flow path 44 that connects the connecting tube 40 a and the connecting tube 41 a is formed inside the connecting members 40 and 41. Accordingly, as indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 5, the ink that has flowed from the connection pipe 41 a of the connection member 41 moves from the right end portion to the left end portion through the ink flow path 44, and the connection pipe 40 a of the connection member 40. Leaked from. Further, the connection pipe 40 b of the connection member 40 and the connection pipe 41 b of the connection member 41 are connected in the same manner as described above, and the ink flowing from the connection pipe 41 b of the connection member 41 is adjacent to the ink flow path 44. Then, the ink flows out from the connection pipe 40 b of the connection member 40 through the ink flow path 45 provided.

  Further, on the surface where the connection member 40 is connected to the connection member 41, a convex portion 40c is provided for aligning the ink flow paths 44 and 45 formed in the connection members 40 and 41, respectively. A concave portion 41c having a shape corresponding to the convex portion 40c is provided on the surface of the connecting member 41 connected to the connecting member 40. By fitting the filter 42 inside the concave portion 41c to cover the entire ink flow paths 44 and 45 and incorporating the convex portion 40c into the concave portion 41c, the three members can be positioned easily and reliably. . After the assembly, the ink flow paths 44 and 45 can be reliably sealed by joining the connection members 40 and 41 by means of heat, ultrasonic waves or the like by welding or bonding with the filter 42 interposed therebetween. it can.

  In the connection member 40 and the connection member 41 configured as described above, the connection pipe 40a and the connection pipe 41a of the ink flow path 44, and the connection pipe 40b and the connection pipe 41b of the ink flow path 45 are respectively connected to the ink flow paths 44 and 45. Since the ink moves through the connecting members 40 and 41, the ink passes through the relatively long regions of the filter 42 corresponding to the ink flow paths 44 and 45. It will be. Therefore, the contact area between the ink and the filter 42 is increased, so that foreign matters generated in the ink can be efficiently removed.

  Next, a third reference example will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is an exploded sectional view of a head unit provided in an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus according to a third reference example, FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a process of mounting an ink cartridge on the head unit, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which mounted | wore the unit with the ink cartridge. The ink supply structure of this image recording apparatus is configured such that ink is supplied to the recording head 5a from an ink cartridge (storage tank) 50 that is detachably loaded in the head unit 2, and the recording head 5a is a side surface of the head holder 2a. Is attached via a manifold 51. The ink cartridge 50 is provided with an ink supply port 50a in the upper part, and the ink flow path 51a in the manifold 51 opens downward at its open end, extends upward from below, and in the middle of the flow path, the recording head. The shape is bent in the 5a side direction. The opening end of the ink flow path 51a is in communication with the ink supply port 50a through the seal rubber 52, and a filter 53 is provided on the end surface of the seal rubber 52 that abuts the ink flow path 51a. The manifold 51 and the seal rubber 52 function as an ink introduction path. The mounting posture of the manifold 51 to the head holder 2 a is fixed by a manifold presser 54.

  The ink cartridge 50 is loaded into the head holder 2 a by inserting the ink cartridge into the head holder 2 a so that the ink supply port 50 a of the ink cartridge 50 faces the seal rubber 52 and the lower portion of the filter 53. The protrusion 50b at the rear of the cartridge 50 is hooked on a fixing claw 2b provided on the head holder 2a. With this configuration, when ink is sucked from the ink ejection side of the nozzle provided in the recording head 5a by the purge device 15 (FIG. 1) at the start of recording, it flows out from the ink supply port 50a of the ink cartridge 50. The ink passes through the seal rubber 52 and the filter 53 located above the ink, and is introduced into the recording head 5a through the ink flow path 51a. Further, ink is replenished from the ink cartridge 50 due to a pressure drop that occurs during ink ejection. Therefore, when the ink passes through the filter 53, it moves upward from the lower side of the filter 53, so that the air bubbles flowing together with the ink easily pass through the upper filter 53 due to its buoyancy and are trapped in the filter 53. Will be less. In particular, when the ink cartridge 50 is loaded, a large amount of air bubbles sandwiched between the ink supply port 50a and the filter 53 are rarely trapped.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ink supply system as in FIG. 2, FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the connecting members 30 and 31, and FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the coupled state of the connecting members 30 and 31. 13 is a perspective view of each member of the connection members 30 and 31, the joint holder, and the head holder.

  In this embodiment, in particular, the connection members 30 and 31 in the first reference example are changed. The connection member 30 provided in the ink introduction tube 21a includes a seal rubber (seal member) 30a formed in a cylindrical shape with an elastic material such as a rubber material, and a first joint member 30b coupled to the seal rubber 30a. Consists of. The seal rubber 30a has a tapered ink flow path 30a-1 that expands toward the opening end side at the end on the side coupled to the first joint member 30b, and further the tapered ink flow path. A cylindrical portion 30a-2 is provided on the outer side than 30a-1. The first joint member 30b has a tapered ink flow path 30b-1 that expands toward the seal rubber 30a side at the opening end, and the tapered ink flow paths 30a-1 and 30b-1 of both the first joint member 30b. The maximum diameter portion is opposed to the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 30a-2 so as to be detachable. The sealed state between the two is ensured at the outer periphery of the largest diameter portion that faces each other and the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 30a-2. A filter 32 for removing foreign matters and the like in the ink is provided at the maximum diameter portion of the tapered ink flow paths 30a-1 and 30b-1. The filter 32 may be fixed to either the first joint member 30b or the seal rubber 30a, or may be sandwiched between them. Since the ink flow path provided in the seal rubber 30a and the first joint member 30b has the largest diameter in the portion where the filter 32 is provided, the contact area between the ink and the filter 32 is increased, and the ink is efficiently supplied. It is possible to remove foreign substances inside. The other end 30a-3 of the seal rubber 30a is formed in a taper shape extending toward the opening end, and the second joint member 30c is detachably fitted to the inner periphery through the tapered portion. Combined. The first joint member 30b is connected to the ink introduction tube 21a on the head unit 2 side, and the second joint member 30c is connected to the ink introduction tube 21a on the sub ink tank 4a side.

  The connection member 31 provided in the ink discharge pipe 22a includes a seal rubber 31a equivalent to the seal rubber of the connection member 30, and a first joint member 31b coupled to the seal rubber 31a. The first joint member 31b has a taper-shaped convex shape 31b-1 corresponding to the first joint member 31b so as to be inserted into the taper-shaped ink flow path 31a-1 of the seal rubber 31a on the outer periphery of the end portion coupled to the seal rubber 31a. It is formed and is detachably fitted to the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 31a-2 of the seal rubber 31a. The first joint member 31b and the seal rubber 31a are sealed by one or both of the tapered ink flow path 31a-1 and the cylindrical portion 31a-2. As in the case of the connection member 30, the second joint member 31c is detachably fitted in a sealed state on the inner periphery of the seal rubber 31a through the tapered portion 31a-3 of the seal rubber 31a. The first joint member 31b is formed on the inner surface with a straight ink flow path having substantially the same diameter as the inner surface of the intermediate portion of the seal rubber 31a. When the first joint member 31b is fitted to the seal rubber 31a, the inner surface of the intermediate portion of the seal rubber 31a It doesn't make a big step. The inner diameter of the second joint member 31 c is also formed close to the inner diameter of the intermediate portion of the seal rubber 31 a, and a substantially straight ink flow path is formed in the connection member 31. The first joint member 31b is connected to the ink introduction tube 22a on the head unit 2 side, and the second joint member 31c is connected to the ink introduction tube 22a on the sub ink tank 4a side.

  The seal rubbers 30 a and 31 a and the first joint members 30 b and 31 b of the connection members 30 and 31 are attached to a head holder 2 c that is an outer case of the head unit 2 by a joint holder (attachment member) 38. The joint holder 38 has a convex portion 38b that fits into a concave groove on the outer periphery of the seal rubber 30a, 31a so as to hold the two seal rubbers 30a, 31a in parallel. In addition, the joint holder 38 is provided with a convex portion 38c protruding inward at the end on the first joint member 30b, 31b side, and the first joint member 30b, 31b fitted to the seal rubber 30a, 31a. A convex portion 38c is engaged with the outer peripheral step portion to prevent the first joint members 30b and 31b from coming off. The convex portion 38c is provided so as to have an elastic force so as to be deformable in the outer direction so as to allow the first joint members 30b and 31b to be fitted to the seal rubbers 30a and 31a.

  A locking portion 38a protruding outward is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the joint holder 38, and a locking portion (holding portion) 2a is provided on the upper surface of the head holder 2c so as to surround the two openings 2b and 2b. The joint holder 38 is mounted on the head holder 2c when the latching portion 38a is latched with the latching portion (holding portion) 2a. The locking portion 38a and the locking portion 2a are provided so as to have an elastic force so as to be deformable in the direction in which the locking is allowed, that is, the inner and outer directions of the joint holder 38, when the locking is performed. The joint holder 38 is attached to the head holder 2c by fitting the joint holder 38 into the engaging portion 2a of the head holder 2c from above.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in a state after the joint holder 38 is attached to the head holder 2c, the locking portion 38a of the joint holder 38 has a slight play r with respect to the locking portion 2a of the head holder 2c. It is configured. In the joint holder 38, the movement of the connecting members 30 and 31 in the axial direction is restricted by the locking of the locking portion 38a and the locking portion 2a. However, the presence of this play makes the joint holder 38 substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. A slight movement in the horizontal and horizontal directions on the flat surface, that is, on the head holder 2c is made possible.

  Positioning pins 2 d are provided below the head holder 2 c, which is an outer case of the head unit 2, in order to position the head unit 2 with respect to the carriage 6. The carriage 6 is provided with a recess 6a having a size corresponding to the positioning pin 2d, and further, a second joint member 30c to which the ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a on the sub ink tank 4a side are connected. , 31c are integrally formed or fixed.

  When the head unit 2 is mounted on the carriage 6, when the head holder 2 is positioned with respect to the carriage 6 by fitting the positioning pins 2d into the recesses 6a, the second joint members 30c and 31c are moved to the head holder 2c. Through the openings 2b and 2b formed in the lower part, the rubber is fitted into the seal rubbers 30a and 31a from the tapered openings at the lower ends of the seal rubbers 30a and 31a, respectively, and coupled to the seal rubbers 30a and 31a (see FIG. 12). At this time, the seal rubbers 30a and 31a held by the joint holder 38 can move in the horizontal and lateral directions within the above-mentioned range of play, so that they are displaced from the second joint members 30c and 31c. Even if s is present, it can be corrected. Further, since the lower end portions of the seal rubbers 30a and 31a are tapered, the second joint members 30c and 31c are further easily fitted into the seal rubbers 30a and 31a. By coupling these two members, the ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a on the head unit 2 side and the ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a on the sub ink tank 4a side communicate with each other through the connection members 30 and 31. Will be. Further, when the head unit 2 is detached from the carriage 6, the ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a can be easily divided into the head unit 2 side and the sub ink tank 4a side.

  As described above, according to the ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment, the connection members 30 and 31 flow such that ink flows from the bottom to the top in the ink introduction tube 21a and from the top to the bottom in the ink discharge tube 22a. Are arranged in the vertical direction. As a result, in the connection member 30 on the ink introduction tube 21a side, air bubbles pass through the filter 32 with buoyancy along with the ink flowing from the bottom to the top. In the connection member 31 on the ink discharge pipe 22a side, the first joint member 31b does not form a large step with respect to the inner surface of the seal rubber 31a as described above, so bubbles in the ink stay there. The bubbles that have flowed through the flow path pass through the connecting member 31 smoothly. Therefore, a wide ink flow path is always secured, and a good recording result can be obtained.

  In addition, since the seal rubber 30a has the same shape for the connection member 31 connected to the ink discharge pipe 22a side and the connection member 30 on the ink introduction pipe 21a side, the connection member can be used in common. The number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced accordingly. Further, since the connection members 30 and 31 are attached to the head holder 2c by the joint holder 38 with a slight play r, the second joint members 30c and 31c are mounted when the head unit 2 is mounted on the carriage 6. Even if there is a displacement s between the opening ends of the seal rubbers 30a and 31a, the positions of the connecting members 30 and 31 can be changed within the range of the play r. As a result, when the head unit 2 is attached to the carriage 6, even if there is a positional deviation s between the second joint members 30c and 31c and the opening end portions of the seal rubbers 30a and 31a, both members are easily coupled. be able to.

In addition, in the connection member 30 provided in the flow path of the ink introduction pipe 21a, a tapered ink flow path whose opening end side is widened is formed on the inner surfaces of the seal member 30a and the first joint member 30b. Since the shape expands toward the filter 32, the ink can be appropriately introduced into the filter 32, and a separate component is not required to introduce the ink into the filter 32. Thereby, since the number of parts of the connection member 30 is reduced, the process of assembling each part of the connection member 30 can be simplified, and downsizing of the connection member 30 can be achieved. Further, as will become clear from the tenth embodiment described later, in this embodiment as well, the joint member and the seal member abut at the opening end, so that it is difficult to form a region where bubbles stay, and the bubbles cause the ink to remain. Less obstructing the flow.

  Next, a connection member according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the connecting member, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling state of the connecting member. In this embodiment, the same connection member as the connection member 30 of the first embodiment is used as the connection member on the ink introduction tube 21a side. As the connection member 31 ′ on the ink discharge pipe 22a side, the same one as the first joint member 30b of the connection member 30 is used as the first joint member 31b ′, and the first joint member 31b ′ is used as the seal rubber. A convex shape 31a′-4 is formed on the outer surface of the end portion on the side to be coupled to the tapered ink flow path 31b′-1 formed on the inner surface of the end portion of the first joint member 31b ′. A seal rubber 31a ′ is used.

  The convex shape 31a′-4 of the seal rubber 31a ′ is a tapered shape that is fitted and pressed into the tapered surface of the first joint member 31b ′, and a straight ink flow path is formed on the inner surface. ing. Other member configurations are the same as those of the connection members 30 and 31 in the first embodiment. Also in this case, no step is formed between the first joint member 31b 'and the seal rubber 31a' so that bubbles stay.

  Next, a connection member according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the connection member. In this embodiment, the first joint members 30b and 31b according to the connection members 30 and 31 in the first embodiment are used as arm portions as the first joint members on the ink introduction tube 21a side and the ink discharge tube 22a side. A first joint member 39 configured integrally with 39a is used. Other member configurations are the same as those of the connection members 30 and 31. This can also be applied to the second embodiment. As described above, by integrally configuring the first joint member 39, the number of steps for attaching the connection member to the joint holder 38 can be reduced, and the productivity can be improved.

  Each of the above embodiments can be variously modified. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the shape of the ink flow path formed on the inner surfaces of the seal rubbers 30a and 31a and the first joint members 30b and 31b is a tapered shape that expands toward the opening end, but is limited to this shape. However, other shapes may be used as long as they can smoothly guide ink. Further, the filter 32 can be provided on the connection member 31 side on the ink discharge pipe 22a side, and the flow path on the ink introduction pipe 21a side can be formed into a straight shape.

  Next, a connection member according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. In this reference example, the connection member 310 on the ink discharge pipe 22a side includes a seal rubber 310a and a first joint member 310b in which a straight ink flow path is formed. The configuration of the other members is the same as that of the first embodiment. In this case, as in the first and second embodiments, the seal rubber or the first joint member cannot be used in common on the ink introduction tube side and the ink discharge tube side, but the connection member 30 on the ink introduction tube 21a side. The first joint member 310b forms a large step with respect to the inner surface of the seal rubber 310a in the connection member 310 on the ink discharge pipe 22a side, in which bubbles flow along with the ink flowing from the bottom to the top through the filter 32. Therefore, it is equivalent to the first and second embodiments in that bubbles in the ink are less likely to stay there.

  Next, a connection member according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. In this reference example, the connection member on the ink discharge tube 22a side uses the seal rubber 30a on the ink introduction tube side in common, but the first joint member 310b is the same as in the third embodiment. Has a straight ink flow path. The configuration of the other members is the same as that of the first embodiment. In this case, the seal rubber can be used in common on the ink introduction tube side and the ink discharge tube side. However, in the connection member on the ink discharge tube 22a side, the first joint member 310b is larger than the inner surface of the seal rubber 310a. In this respect, the first and second embodiments are preferable.

  FIG. 21 shows a connection member 300 on the ink supply tube side according to the sixth embodiment. The connection member 300 is connected to the ink introduction tube 21a on the recording head side, and includes a joint member 301 having a filter 32, a joint member 302 coupled to the joint member 301, and a seal rubber 303 coupled to the joint member 302. Have. Each of the joint members 301 and 302 has a tapered ink flow path with an opening end side widened therein. A second joint member connected to the ink introduction pipe on the sub ink tank side is fitted to the lower end of the seal rubber 303 as in the above-described embodiment. The joint member 302 plays a role of guiding the ink flowing in from the sub ink tank side to the filter 32 portion of the joint member 301. In this case, the connection member 300 is the same as each embodiment and the reference example in that air bubbles pass through the filter 32 with buoyancy together with the ink flowing from the bottom to the top. Compared to other embodiments and reference examples, there is a disadvantage that the connecting member 300 becomes large and the number of assembly steps increases.

  22 and 23 show a connecting member 30 'according to the seventh embodiment. The connecting member 30 ′ integrally constitutes the first joint members 30b ′ and 31b ′ connected to the ink introduction tube 21a and the ink discharge tube 22a on the head unit side (the upper side in the drawing), respectively. A first composite joint member 39 provided with a filter 32 on the end face is used. Then, as a seal rubber coupled to the first composite joint member 39, a composite seal member 140 in which seal rubbers 30a ′ and 31a ′ connected to the ink introduction pipe 21a and the ink discharge pipe 22a are integrally formed. Is used. The composite seal member 140 is held by a holding member 141, and the holding member 141 is attached to a carriage (not shown). The first composite joint member 39 is formed with a locking claw portion 39a, and the holding member 141 is formed with a locking claw portion 141a that engages with the locking claw portion 39a. Further, on the end face of the first composite joint member 39 joined to the end face of the composite seal member 140, a ridge 39b is formed for locally deforming the member 140 to enhance the sealing effect. The ink introduction pipe 21 a and the ink discharge pipe 22 a on the sub ink tank side (the lower side in the drawing) are directly connected to the composite seal member 140.

  The first composite joint member 39 and the composite seal member 140 having the above-described configuration are joined by abutting the end portions of the respective members, and this joined state is a locking claw portion of the first composite joint member 39. 39a is held by the engagement of the locking claw 141a of the holding member 141. In a state where both the members are joined, the composite seal member 140 is deformed corresponding to the shape of the protrusion 39b provided on the end surface of the first composite joint member 39, and thereby the ink provided on the inner surface of both members. Since the sealing effect is enhanced in the immediate vicinity of the flow path and the filter 32, a gap is hardly generated between the protrusion 39b and the ink flow path or the filter 32, and bubbles are less likely to stay. Therefore, there is less possibility that the bubbles grow over time and narrow the ink flow path. Further, since the composite seal member 140 is directly connected to the ink introduction pipe 21a and the discharge pipe 22a, the number of parts is reduced.

  24 and 25 show the connecting member on the ink introduction tube 21a side according to the eighth embodiment. In this embodiment, the seal rubber 400 and the first joint member 30b are directly fixed to a cylindrical grip portion 2a 'provided in the head holder 2c'. The second joint member 130c as the connection member 130 is attached to the carriage 6 with a slight play r in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the second joint member 130c. Specifically, an engaging portion (holding portion) 6b for holding the second joint member 130c is provided at the lower portion of the carriage 6, and the engaging portion 6b is an outer periphery of the second joint member 130c. The mounting member 130d provided in a flange-like shape is included, and the protruding portion 6b-1 provided to protrude from the inner periphery of the tip of the engaging portion 6b drops the second joint member 130c in the axial direction. Is blocking. The protruding portion 6b-1 can be elastically deformed in a direction that allows the second joint member 130c to be detachably fitted to the engaging portion 6b. The convex portion 130d is engaged with the engaging portion 6b with a slight play r in the horizontal lateral direction. With this configuration, when the head unit 2 is placed on the carriage 6, even if there is a displacement s between the opening end of the seal rubber 400 and the second joint member 130 c, the second Since the joint member 130c can freely move in the horizontal and horizontal directions within the range of the play, the seal rubber 400 and the second joint member 130c can be accurately coupled.

  Thus, since the second joint member 130c is attached to the carriage 6 with some play r, the second joint member 30c and the seal rubber are mounted when the head unit 2 is mounted on the carriage 6. Even if there is a positional deviation s between the 40 open ends, the position of the second joint member 130c can be changed within the range of the play. Thereby, when the head unit 2 is attached to the carriage 6, both members can be easily coupled even if there is a displacement between the second joint member 130 c and the opening end of the seal rubber 40. In this embodiment, the second joint member 130c is movable, but the first joint member 130b may be movable with the same configuration. Moreover, the structure of the attachment member and holding | maintenance part in 1st Embodiment can also be applied to the 2nd joint member side.

  In addition, this invention is not restricted to the structure of the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, the connection members 30 and 130 of the ink introduction tube 21a and the connection member 31 of the ink discharge tube 22a are independent of each other, or only one of them has some play with respect to the head holder 2c or the carriage 6. It is good also as a structure attached.

  As described above, each embodiment and reference example of the present invention have the following effects.

  (1) An embodiment of the present invention is an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink supplied from an ink storage tank through an ink supply path from a recording head. An ink supply pipe disposed between the storage tank and the recording head, and a connecting member that connects the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side and the ink supply pipe on the recording head side in the flow path of the ink supply pipe The connecting member has a seal member in which an ink flow channel having an opening end side expanded is formed on the inner surface, and an open end coupled to the open end of the seal member. The joint member was formed with an ink flow path having a shape in which the end side was expanded, and a filter was built in either one of the tapered opening ends.

  As a result, the connecting member provided in the flow path of the ink supply pipe is composed of two members, a seal member and a joint member, and an ink flow path having a shape in which the opening end side is expanded on the inner surface of the seal member is formed. A filter is built in either one of the opening end portions of the seal member and the joint member that face each other. For this reason, the ink flow path in the seal member has a shape that expands toward the filter, has a function of sealing the connection portion of the ink supply pipe between the recording head side and the ink storage tank side, and serves as an ink introduction path to the filter. Since it will function, it does not require a separate part to introduce ink into the filter. In addition, since the sealing function is performed at the portions where they are abutted with each other, bubbles are less likely to stay and normal ink supply can be ensured.

  (2) In the above configuration, the recording apparatus includes a head holder for holding the recording head, and an attachment member for attaching the joint member and the seal member to the head holder. Since the coupling state between the member and the seal member is maintained, the coupling state can be reliably maintained.

  (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2), the ink supply pipe is disposed between the ink storage tank and the recording head, and has an ink introduction pipe and an ink discharge pipe for circulating and supplying ink. A connecting member is disposed along each flow path of the introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe, and ink can be circulated between the storage tank and the recording head to fill the recording head.

  (4) In the configuration of the above (3), the seal members constituting the connection members disposed in the flow paths of the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube are integrally configured, and each of the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube is formed. By integrally configuring the joint members forming the connection members arranged in the flow path, the seal member and the joint member can be assembled at the same time on both the ink introduction tube side and the ink discharge tube side. Therefore, the process of assembling each member can be simplified, and productivity can be improved.

  (5) In any one of the configurations (1) to (4), a protrusion for sealing the joint surface is formed on either one of the end surfaces where the seal member and the joint member are joined. Since the seal between the seal member and the joint member is sealed, the distance from the ridge to the filter and the distance from the ridge to the ink are short, and a gap is unlikely to occur between the ridge and the filter or ink. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of bubbles remaining.

  (6) In the configuration of (1), a joint member is provided in one of the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side and the ink supply pipe on the recording head side, and the other side is connected to the joint member. By having the second joint member connected to the open end of the seal member on the opposite side, the ink supply pipe on the storage tank side is opposite to the side to which the joint member is coupled via the second joint member. By connecting to the opening end of the sealing member, the ink supply pipes on the recording head side and the storage tank side can be connected.

  (7) It is an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus in which a storage tank for storing ink and a recording head for ejecting ink are connected by an ink supply pipe, and a filter for removing foreign matters in the ink Is provided in the ink supply pipe, and a part of the ink supply pipe is configured so that the ink flows from the lower side to the upper side of the filter, and the ink is passed from the lower side to the upper side of the filter by arranging the filter in that part. The air bubbles flowing together with the ink from the upstream side of the filter in the ink supply pipe easily pass through the filter located above due to the buoyancy, and are less likely to be trapped by the filter. Thereby, the stay of bubbles in the filter portion is prevented, and the substantial effective area of the filter can be increased.

  (8) In the configuration of the above (7), in the embodiments of the present invention and the first, second, and eighth embodiments, the ink supply pipe is an ink introduction pipe that guides ink from the storage tank to the recording head. And an ink discharge pipe for discharging ink from the recording head to the storage tank, and the ink is circulated between the storage tank and the recording head by a circulation pump through the ink supply pipe and the ink discharge pipe. Thus, it is possible to circulate the ink between the storage tank and the recording head, and collect the air bubbles that have passed through the filter as described above in the storage tank.

  (9) In the configuration of (8), a filter is provided in the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube, and a part of the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube is configured so that ink flows upward from below the filter. In addition, by arranging the filter in that portion, it becomes possible to circulate ink between the storage tank and the recording head, and also in the ink discharge pipe, retention of bubbles in the filter portion is prevented, The substantial effective area of the filter can be increased.

  (10) In the configuration of (9), the filter is provided in an ink introduction tube and an ink discharge tube portion on a carriage on which the recording head is mounted, so that ink passes through the filter portion from below to above. Thus, it becomes easy to configure the ink supply pipe.

  (11) In the configuration of the above (10), in the embodiment of the present invention, the first and fourth to eighth reference examples, the ink introduction tube on the carriage, the ink introduction tube on the storage tank side, and the ink on the carriage The discharge pipe and the ink discharge pipe on the storage tank side are connected via connection members provided on the carriage, respectively, and one of the filters provided on the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe is arranged on the connection member portion, By arranging the other on the connection portion with the recording head, it is possible to configure the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube on the carriage and the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube on the storage tank side to be separable, Even when the head unit provided with the recording head is configured to be detachable from the carriage, the configuration is not hindered and the filter passes from below to above. It is easier to configure the ink inlet and the ink discharge tube so that.

  (12) In the second reference example in the configuration of (11), the ink introduction pipe on the carriage and the ink introduction pipe on the storage tank side, and the ink discharge pipe on the carriage and the ink discharge pipe on the storage tank side Are connected via connecting members each having an ink introduction channel and a discharge channel, and the recording head side opening of the ink introduction channel is connected to the storage tank side opening of the ink introduction channel. On the other hand, the recording head side opening of the ink discharge flow path is shifted from the storage tank side opening of the ink discharge flow path, and the filter includes the ink introduction flow path and the discharge flow path, respectively. Since it is provided in the connecting member so as to cover it, the ink moves between the recording head side opening and the storage tank side opening located in a shifted manner in the connecting member. For this reason, since the moving distance of the ink in the connecting member becomes long, the contact area between the ink and the filter is widened when the ink passes through the connecting member, and foreign matters and the like can be efficiently removed.

  (13) In the configuration of (7), since the storage tank is detachably connected to the ink supply pipe, a large amount of air bubbles that enter when the storage tank is connected to the ink supply pipe are Thus, it is easy to pass through the filter from the bottom to the top, and it is possible to reduce trapping.

  (14) In the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention, a storage tank for storing ink and a recording head for ejecting ink are connected by an ink introduction tube and an ink discharge tube, and the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube are connected to each other. An ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus that circulates ink between a storage tank and a recording head by a circulation pump and supplies the ink to the recording head, wherein the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe are in the middle of the flow path. The connection member in the flow path of one of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe has a configuration in which an ink flow path with an opening end side is formed on the inner surface. And a joint portion having an opening end coupled to the opening end of the seal member and an ink flow path having a shape in which the opening end side is expanded on the inner surface of the opening end The other connecting member is a sealing member formed in substantially the same shape as the sealing member, and a convex shape corresponding to the shape of the ink flow path of the sealing member. Is formed on the outer surface and fitted into the open end of the seal member, and the ink flow path is constituted by a joint member formed on the inner surface.

  Thereby, the seal member of the other connecting member has substantially the same shape as that of the one seal member, and a convex shape corresponding to the shape of the ink flow path of the seal member is formed on the outer surface of the seal member. Since the joint member having the ink flow path formed on the inner surface is fitted, there is no step in the ink flow path in the seal member when both the members are fitted, and the ink flow in the ink flow path in the connection member. The bubbles contained in the ink are less likely to stay and the ink flow is not hindered. In addition, since the seal member having the same shape can be used on the ink introduction tube side and the ink discharge tube side, these members can be shared, and the number of parts of the connection member can be reduced.

  (15) In the configuration of the above (14), in the second embodiment, instead of the other connecting member, a seal member in which the outer surface on the opening end side is formed in a convex shape and the ink flow path is formed in the inner surface, The connecting member is formed of a joint member that is formed in substantially the same shape as the joint member on the connecting member side, and the opening end of the seal member is fitted to the inner surface of this shape. As a result, the seal member of the other connection member is a seal member having a convex outer surface on the opening end side and an ink flow path formed on the inner surface. Since joint members having substantially the same shape as the members are fitted, both joint members can be shared, and the number of parts can be reduced.

  (16) In the configuration of (14) or (15), the shape expanded toward the opening end side is a tapered shape, and the convex shape is a shape that press-contacts the tapered surface. When the joint member and the joint member are fitted, the convex shape comes into pressure contact with the tapered ink flow path, so that both members can be reliably fitted.

  (17) In the configuration of the above (16), in the third embodiment, the joint members forming the respective connection members are integrally formed, so that the joint members for both the ink supply side and the ink discharge side seal members are formed. Assembly can be done in one step.

  (18) Further, in any one of the constitutions (14) to (17), the joint member of the seal member is coupled to the ink introduction tube and the ink discharge tube on the storage tank side via the second joint member. By connecting to the opening end opposite to the side, the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe on the recording head side and the storage tank side can be connected to each other.

  (19) Further, in the configuration of (14), each connection member is attached to a head unit on which the recording head is mounted, so that the connection between the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe on the recording head side and the storage tank side is achieved. Can be stably held by the head unit.

  (20) In the first to fifth, seventh, and eighth embodiments of the present invention, a head holder to which a recording head to which ink is supplied from an ink storage tank through an ink supply path is mounted, and the head holder is mounted. An ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus including a carriage, wherein the ink supply path includes an ink supply pipe disposed between the ink storage tank and the recording head, and a flow path of the ink supply pipe. It consists of a connection member that connects the ink supply pipe that is held on the carriage side on the ink storage tank side and the ink supply pipe on the recording head side, and has an attachment member for attaching the connection member to the head holder or the carriage. The connecting member is attached to the head holder or the carriage with some play by the attaching member.

  As a result, the connecting member is attached to the head holder or carriage with some play by the attachment member, and the relative position of the connection member with respect to the head holder or carriage is slightly changed within the play range. can do. Therefore, when the head holder is attached to the carriage, even if there is a deviation between the position of the ink supply pipe on the head holder side and the position of the ink supply pipe held on the carriage side on the ink storage tank side, this ink By changing the position of the connecting member in accordance with the position of the supply path, it is possible to absorb the deviation between the two members and to connect the two members reliably.

  (21) In the configuration of (20), the attachment member is fitted to the inner surface of the holding portion formed on the head holder or the carriage with a slight play in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the connection member. At least one of the member and the holding portion has a protruding portion that prevents the mounting member from dropping in the axial direction, so that the mounting portion is prevented from dropping in the axial direction of the connecting member, and the axial direction Therefore, it is possible to move in the lateral direction while reliably preventing the connecting member from falling off.

  (22) In the configuration of the above (21), in the first to fifth, seventh, and eighth embodiments, when the attachment member and the holding portion are fitted, the protruding portion is elastically deformed in a direction allowing the fitting. The member can be easily attached and detached.

  (23) In any one of the configurations (20) to (22) described above, in the first to fifth, seventh, and eighth embodiments, the ink supply path is a first joint member that is connected to the ink supply pipe on the recording head side. And a second joint member connected to the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side, the first joint member being attached to the attachment member, and the second joint member being attached to the carriage, The ink supply pipe can be easily and reliably connected to the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side, and the head holder and the carriage can be easily separated.

  (24) In any of the configurations (20) to (23) described above, in the first to fifth, seventh, and eighth embodiments, the ink supply pipe circulates and supplies ink between the ink storage tank and the recording head. Since the ink supply pipe has an introduction pipe and an ink discharge pipe, and the connecting member is disposed along the flow path of each of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe, the ink supplied to the recording head by the ink introduction pipe is returned again by the ink discharge pipe. It can be configured to return to the ink storage tank.

  (25) In the configuration of the above (24), in the first to fifth, seventh, and eighth embodiments, the ink supply path includes a first joint member that is connected to the ink introduction pipe or the ink discharge pipe on the recording head side, and the ink. Since the second joint member connected to the ink introduction pipe or the ink discharge pipe on the storage tank side and the seal member that is arranged between these two joint members and connects the two joint members, the members of the connection member are connected to each other. It can be securely connected.

  (26) In the configuration of the above (25), in the first to fifth, seventh, and eighth embodiments, the first joint member is attached to the head holder, and the second joint member is attached to the carriage. Since one of the two joint members is attached with some play, the positions of the first and second joint members can be slightly changed from each other. Even if the position of the joint member is displaced, both members can be connected easily and reliably.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the ink supply structure of the 1st reference example about the recording head of the said image recording apparatus. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the ink supply structure about one recording head in the image recording apparatus which concerns on the 2nd reference example of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the connection member and filter of a 2nd reference example. It is a sectional side view before the connection member and filter of a 2nd reference example are assembled. It is a top view of the connection member of the 2nd reference example. It is an exploded sectional view showing the composition of the head unit with which the image recording device concerning the 3rd reference example is provided. It is sectional drawing which shows the process in which an ink cartridge is mounted | worn with the said head unit. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where an ink cartridge is mounted on the head unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an ink supply structure for one recording head in the image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the connection member with which the ink supply structure of 1st Embodiment is equipped. It is sectional drawing which shows the coupling | bonding state of the connection member of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view of each member of a connecting member, a joint holder, and a head holder of a 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the connection member which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the combined state of the connection member which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the combined state of the connection member which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the connection member which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the combined state of the connection member which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the connection member which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the combined state of the connection member which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the combined state of the connection member which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the connection member which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the combined state of the connection member which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the connection member which concerns on 8th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the combined state of the connection member which concerns on 8th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus which the inventor considered previously.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image recording device 4 Sub ink tank (storage tank)
5a, 5b, 5c, 5d Recording heads 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d Ink introduction pipes 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d Ink discharge pipes 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d Pumps (circulation pumps)
30, 31, 35, 40, 41, 130, 304 Connection member 30a, 31a, 31a 'Seal rubber (seal member)
30b, 31b, 31b ′, 39 First joint member 30c, 31c Second joint member 32, 36, 42, 53 Filter

Claims (8)

Head holder holding the recording head is mounted on the carriage, the ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus for recording an ink supplied through the ink supply path from the ink storage tank by ejecting from the recording head, the ink supply path Are an ink supply pipe arranged between the ink storage tank and the recording head, and an ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side and an ink supply on the recording head side in the course of the ink supply pipe. The connecting member is connected to a pipe, and the connecting member has a seal member in which an ink flow path having an opening end side widened is formed on the inner surface, and an open end coupled to the open end of the seal member. consists of a joint member of the ink flow path having the shape of the opening end side is spread is formed on the inner surface, the filter to one of the two shaped open end portion Otherwise, the sealing member is held on a mounting member attached to the head holder or the carriage, by its mounting member and the joint member engages, the coupling state between the seal member and the joint member An ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus, characterized in that the structure is held . Forming a protrusion on either one of the end surfaces where the seal member and the joint member are combined to deform the seal member when the both are combined to seal the combined end surface The ink supply structure for an image recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein One of the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side and the ink supply pipe on the recording head side has the joint member, and on the other side, the opening of the seal member on the side opposite to the side to which the joint member is coupled an ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a second joint member connected to an end. In an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink supplied from an ink storage tank through an ink supply path from a recording head, the ink supply path is provided between the ink storage tank and the recording head. And a connecting member that connects the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side and the ink supply pipe on the recording head side in the course of the flow path of the ink supply pipe. A seal member formed on the inner surface of the ink flow path having a shape whose opening end side is widened, and an opening end coupled to the opening end of the seal member. and a joint member formed in it, said to interior filter to one of the two shaped open end, the sealing member and the end surface of the joint and the member are bonded Shift or one, the ink supply structure of the seal member images recording apparatus it said protrusion that is formed in order to seal the coupling end face by deforming the when the both are bonded. In an ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink supplied from an ink storage tank through an ink supply path from a recording head, the ink supply path is between the ink storage tank and the recording head. And a connecting member that connects the ink supply pipe on the ink storage tank side and the ink supply pipe on the recording head side in the course of the flow path of the ink supply pipe. A seal member formed on the inner surface of the ink flow path having a shape whose opening end side is widened, and an opening end coupled to the opening end of the seal member. consists of a joint member formed on the to interior filter to one of the two shaped open end, said ink reservoir tank side of the ink supply tube or the recording heads One of the ink supply pipes on the side has the joint member, and the other has a second joint member connected to the open end of the seal member on the side opposite to the side to which the joint member is coupled. an ink supply structure of images recording device you characterized. An image recording apparatus in which a head holder holding the recording head is mounted on a carriage, wherein the seal member is held by the head holder or an attachment member attached to the carriage, and the attachment member and the joint member are 6. The ink supply structure of an image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the joint state between the joint member and the seal member is maintained by being engaged . The ink supply pipe is disposed between the ink storage tank and the recording head, and has an ink introduction pipe and an ink discharge pipe for circulating and supplying ink. an ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said connecting member is characterized in that it is arranged. Seal members constituting connection members arranged in the flow paths of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe are integrally configured, and are arranged in the flow paths of the ink introduction pipe and the ink discharge pipe. an ink supply structure of the image recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that integrally formed 7 of the joint members to each other to form a connecting member.

Images