JPH0493259A - Ink storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To ensure an ink tank refilled with ink of a corresponding color by a method wherein a guide path for passing all solid ink through and a plurality of branch paths connected to ink tanks are provided, selection ports for passing the solid ink through are formed, and the solid ink is selected by the selection port in accordance with the color to be thrown into the ink tank through the branch path. CONSTITUTION:When Cyan solid ink 2C is thrown in from a throw-in port 8 of a guide path 10, the Cyan solid ink 2C is fed downward along a Cyan rail part 20C matching to the outer shape thereof by an action of gravity. Upon reaching a Cyan selection port 12C, the Cyan solid ink 2C passes through the Cyan selection port 12C from the Cyan groove 20C, thereafter being thrown into a Cyan ink tank 4C through a Cyan branch path 14C. In a similar manner, the other solid ink 2M, 2Y, 2K thrown in from the throw-in port 8 are fed downward along rail parts 20M, 20Y, 20K. The ink pass through corresponding selection ports 12M, 12Y, 12K, thereafter being charged into ink tanks 4M, 4Y, 4K for every color through branch paths 14M, 14Y, 14K.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to a storage device for heat-melting solid ink used in color printing printers and the like.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, heat-melting solid ink storage devices used in inkjet printers capable of color printing, for example, have been equipped with a heat-melting solid ink storage device for melting and storing heat-melting solid inks of multiple colors for each color. Each was equipped with an ink tank. When the remaining amount of ink becomes low, the heat-melting solid ink of the color to be replenished is transferred to an ink tank corresponding to that color (replenishment threads are combined t4). When replenishing hot-melt solid ink in an ink storage device, the operator must check the color of the hot-melt solid ink and select the ink tank that corresponds to that color before refilling. In addition, ink tanks are often located in difficult-to-see locations, such as on the back of the printer, and there is a high risk of missorting the colors, or accidentally refilling an ink tank of a different color. If the ink is refilled incorrectly, the colors of the ink may mix and it may take a long time to repair, resulting in inconveniences.

Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above problems,
To provide an ink storage device capable of reliably replenishing ink tanks corresponding to each color without requiring special attention from a worker who replenishes heat-melting solid ink of a plurality of colors. There is a particular thing.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration as a means for solving the problems. That is, in an ink storage device equipped with a plurality of ink tanks for melting and storing heat-melting solid ink for each of the plurality of colors, the outer shape of the solid ink is formed into a different shape depending on the color, A sorting device that includes an introduction path through which all of the solid ink can pass, and a plurality of branch paths each connected to the ink tank, and which corresponds to the external shape of the solid ink and allows solid ink having the external shape to pass through. An ink storage device, characterized in that the solid ink is sorted according to the color by the sorting port, and can be charged into the ink tank via the branch path communicating with the introduction path.

[Function] When replenishing ink, the ink storage device of the present invention having the above configuration is configured such that when heat-melting solid ink whose outer shape is different depending on the color is introduced into the introduction path, the ink storage device of the present invention passes through the sorting port. The solid ink is sorted according to color, and the sorted solid ink is put into an ink tank according to the color via a branch. The ink tank then melts and stores the solid ink.

[Example] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a transparent view of an ink storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Inside the case 1, there are four ink tanks 4 that store cyan, magenta, yellow, and black heat-melting solid ink (hereinafter simply referred to as solid ink) 2 for each color. It is formed by emptying it.

A sheet heater 6 is provided at the bottom of the ink tank 4 to heat and melt the solid ink 2 replenished for each color. In the description of the embodiments, C is appended to the numbers for cyan, M for magenta, Y for yellow, and K for black. When providing a comprehensive explanation, only numbers will be given.

Each solid ink 2 has a different external shape depending on the color. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, all four colors are spherical, and the radius rK of the black solid ink 2 is the largest. Below, the radius rY of the yellow solid ink 2Y
, the radius rM of the magenta solid ink 2M, and the radius rC of the cyan solid ink 2C decrease in this order (
rK>rY>rM>rC). In particular, the black one is different from the other 3.
It is much larger than the color. This is done in consideration of the fact that, when used in a printer (not shown), the amount of black ink used, which is the main color for boat fishing, is larger than that of the other three colors.

Above the ink tank 4, an introduction path 10 having an input port 8 that opens to the side of the case is provided on a downward slope from the cyan ink tank 4C toward the black ink tank 4K. This introduction path 10 is formed with a sorting port] 2 through which the solid ink 2 of each color can pass,
They are lined up in the order of the cyan sorting port 12C, the magenta sorting port 12M, the yellow sorting port 12Y, and the black sorting port 12 from the input port 8 side toward the back. On the other hand, each ink tank 4 is connected to a branch 4 that opens into the ink tank, and each branch 14 is connected to a corresponding sorting port 12.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, this introduction path]0
(飄 Its cross-sectional shape is below a circle with radius rK and radius rY
, a circle with radius rK, and a circle with radius "C" are shifted one step at a time in order to fit the outline, and the cross section of the arc corresponding to the radius rC, rM, rY, rK of each solid ink 2 is Four rail parts 20 are formed to hold the cyan rail part 20CfL of the four solid ink 2 at the bottom.
It extends to the cyan sorting port 12C so that only the cyan solid ink 2C contacts and rolls. Similarly, the other rail parts 20M, 20Y, 20 are extended to the respective sorting ports 12M, 12Y, 12K corresponding to the grooves 2 so that only the corresponding solid ink 2M, 2Y, 2 contacts and rolls. has been done.

Next, the operation of the ink storage device of this embodiment will be explained. For example, when the cyan solid ink 2C is introduced from the inlet 8 of the introduction path 10, the cyan solid ink 2C1 and the cyan rail section 20C that matches its external shape [: along
It descends due to the action of gravity. When it reaches the cyan sorting port 12C, the cyan solid ink 2CF passes through the cyan sorting port 12C from the cyan groove 20C, passes through the cyan branch 4C, and is thrown into the cyan ink tank 4C. Similarly, other solid inks 2M, 2Y, 2K
When inputted from the input port 8, each corresponding rail part 20
M, 20Y, 20K 1. j9 A, 11 It descends due to the force exerted by F. Then, each corresponding sorting port 12
M, 12Y, 12K, and branching paths 14M, 14Y, 14K to which they are connected, respectively, and are replenished into ink tanks 4M, 4Y, 4 for each color.

After that, the refilled solid ink 2 (sheet heater 6)
As a result, in each ink tank 4, two molten fins are guided to a well-known inkjet section (not shown) and used for multicolor printing.

In this way, when replenishing ink in the ink storage device 1 of the present embodiment, the operator who replenishes the ink only needs to input the solid ink 2 of any color from the input port 8. , descends along the rail section 20 corresponding to the color, passes through the corresponding sorting port 12, passes through the fork in the ink tank 4 corresponding to each color, and is put into the ink tank 4 corresponding to each color. The ink tank 4 corresponding to each color can be reliably replenished without a request.

In addition, although four colors of solid ink 2 are poured into one introduction path]0, since each color descends along a separate rail section 20, scrapes, etc. are generated due to friction etc. Even if it adheres to the solid ink 20, only the solid ink 2 corresponding to that rail part 20 (above) passes, so when it passes, shavings of another color will adhere to the solid ink 2,
There is no possibility that shavings of different colors will enter the ink tank 4 and cause color mixing. Further, since there is only one inlet 8 for replenishing the solid ink 2, there is less dust and the like mixed in during replenishment.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the solid ink 2 was formed into a spherical shape.
As in the embodiment, 30 colors of cylindrical solid ink may be used. In this case (the height h of the black solid ink 30
K is the largest, and the height hY of the yellow solid ink 2Y, the height hM of the magenta solid ink 2M, and the height hc of the cyan solid ink 2C are made smaller in this order (hK>hY>hM >hC). Moreover, the diameters of the solid inks 30 may all be the same, or may be different diameters. In this example, since the usage amounts of the three colors other than black are almost the same, the three solid inks 30C5
The diameters of 30M and 30Y are adjusted so that their volumes are approximately equal.

As shown in FIG. 5, the introduction path 40 of the second embodiment also includes a black rail portion 32K whose width is approximately equal to the height hK so that the black solid ink 30K rolls on its side surface. is formed.

A yellow rail section 32Y is located one step lower than the black rail section 32K and has a width approximately equal to the height hY so that the yellow solid ink 30Y can roll on the side surface thereof.
is formed. Similarly, yellow rail section 32Y
Go down one step from the magenta rail section 32M, and then go down 1 step.
Cyan rail portions 32C are formed in descending stages.

As in the case of the spherical one described above, each of these rail parts 3
2 (from the input port 8 to the corresponding sorting ports) 2, extending downwardly from the respective sorting ports 12 and the crossroads] The shape and tongue allow solid ink 30 to pass through from the sides thereof.

Next, a third embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In this embodiment, solid ink 102 [i
It has a cylindrical shape, and the black solid ink 102 and the yellow solid ink 102Y have the same diameter. Furthermore, the magenta solid ink 102M and the cyan solid ink 102C have the same diameter, and are smaller than those of black and yellow.

Note that, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, considering that the amount of black used is larger than that of the other three colors, the black solid ink 102 is made considerably larger than the other three colors. Ink tank] 04 that stores solid ink 102 of each color is case 1.
Below them, a sheet heater 106 is provided which can heat and melt the solid ink 102 replenished for each color.

An inlet opening opening upward from the case 101] A substantially cylindrical introduction path having ○8] 10 is provided vertically downward,
Black solid ink 102K and yellow solid ink] 02Y
The shape is such that it can be passed through even if A color sensor is provided in the middle of the introduction path 110 (a color sensor for determining the color of the solid ink 102 introduced from the opening 1).
30 are provided.

In addition, the bottom of the introduction path 110 is a first stopping part ]11, and the black solid ink 102K and yellow solid ink 102Y having a large diameter cannot pass through the first stopping part 1]]. Sorting port 112 through which only small magenta solid ink 102M and cyan solid ink 102C can pass.
is formed.

A circular hole with a hollow bottom is formed further below the sorting port 112, and the bottom portion serves as a second retaining portion 1]3.

Near the first stop 1]] of the introduction path]]0, the other end is connected to a black fork 114 whose end opens and connects to the inside of the black ink tank 104. Similarly, the other end of the yellow branch 114Y connected to the yellow ink tank 104Y is also connected near the first stop 11]. On the other hand, near the second stop 113, there is a magenta branch 11 whose one end is connected to the magenta ink tank 104M.
4M and a cyan branch connected to the cyan ink tank 104C] 14C is connected to the other end of the cyan ink tank 104C.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7, each stop section 1 ]], ]3
With reference to , the solid ink 102 that has remained in each stop portion 1]], ]]3 is removed by sliding the rod 22 on the opposite side of each branch 1140 (where a solenoid 120 is arranged in each table). It is possible to push the earth to the crossroads 1] 4.

Next, the operation of the ink storage device of the third embodiment will be explained. When the solid ink 102 is input from the input port] 08,
Cyan solid ink 102C and magenta solid ink 10
2MLL passes through the introduction path 1]]0 and also passes through the sorting port]]2 to reach the second stop 113 and stay there. On the other hand, the black solid ink 2C1 and the yellow solid ink ]02Y cannot pass through the sorting port 1]2 and remain at the [stopping part]]1.

The color of each solid ink]02 is determined by the color sensor]30 while passing through the introduction path 110. Then, it reaches the first stop 1]] or the second stop 1]3.
After stopping at ~, the rod 122 is activated by the corresponding solenoid 120 based on the discrimination signal from the color sensor] 30.
slides and the solid ink 102 corresponds to each crossroad] 14
Push the soil into the ground. Solid ink extruded in this way]
02 pass through the fork 114 and are put into the corresponding ink tanks ]04.

In this way, by dividing the place where the solid ink]02 stays into two places by the sorting port 1]2, there is less interference between the forkroad]]4, and the formation place of the forkroad]14, or the forkroad]14 The degree of freedom in forming the ink tank 104 to which the ink tank 104 is connected is increased. Therefore, the dead space can be used efficiently and the device itself can be made smaller.

The present invention is not limited to these embodiments in any way, and may be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example (in the third embodiment, sorting port)] 2 is provided at one location, 4
Although the solid ink 102 is sorted into two types of solid ink 102, the number of sorting holes]]2 is not limited to one, for example, it is also possible to sort each type into four types using three sorting holes]12. good. In this case (4 stagnant portions are formed, and the type of solid ink 102 that remains in each stagnant portion can be uniquely determined, the color sensor 30 as in the third embodiment is not used). Even if there is no solid ink in the retention layer,
A mechanism may be provided to determine whether or not the solid ink 102 is stationary, and if the solid ink 102 is stationary, a corresponding solenoid or the like is used to push the solid ink 102 to the corresponding branch 1]4.

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, when the ink storage device of the present invention (surface type ink is introduced into the introduction path, the sorting port sorts it according to color, so it is possible to store heat-melting solid ink of multiple colors. When replenishing
If the ink is put into the introduction path regardless of the difference in color, the effect is that the ink tank corresponding to each color can be reliably replenished.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a transparent view of an ink storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external shape of the solid ink of this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an inlet of an introduction path of this embodiment. 4 is a perspective view showing the external shape of the solid ink of the second embodiment, FIG. 5 is a view showing the inlet of the introduction path when the solid ink of FIG. 4 is used, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a transparent view of the ink storage device according to the third embodiment. 2.30.102...Thermofusible solid ink 4,]04
... Ink tank ] 0.40, ] 10... Inlet path] 2, ] 12... Sorting port 14. 114... Crossroads

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] Heat-melting solid ink for each of a plurality of colors is melted/melted for each of the plurality of colors.
In an ink storage device equipped with a plurality of ink tanks for storage, the solid ink is formed into a different external shape depending on the color, and an introduction path through which all of the solid ink can pass is connected to each of the ink tanks. and forming a sorting port through which the solid ink having the outer shape can pass, which corresponds to the outer shape of the solid ink, and the sorting port sorts the solid ink according to the color. The ink storage device is characterized in that the ink can be poured into the ink tank via the branch path communicating with the introduction path.