JPH068467A - Device and method for ink jet recording - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To fill ink into respective pressure chambers uniformly and without losing ink in a short time and reduce the running cost by disposing in zigzag first and second feed openings across the pressure chambers. CONSTITUTION:As the passage resistance of first and second feed passages of a head 1 is constituted as to be substantially equal, the flow rates of ink flow through the first and second passages are equal. Because of a system, ink 22 running from an ink tank 21 reaches first and second reservoirs 2 and 3 almost simultaneously. As first feed openings 4 and 5 and second feed openings 6, 7 and 8 of the head 1 are disposed in zigzag, respective pressure chambers 18, 18, 18... are filled with the ink 22 almost simultaneously. The initial filling time for the head 1, therefore, is short, and only a small amount of ink 11 out of a nozzle 22 is lost in the initial filling time. Also almost the same jetting speed and volume of ink drops jetted out of the head 1 can be formed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

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

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional ink jet recording apparatus,
JP-A-3-169564, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-60672
Publications and the like are known.

FIG. 12 is a conventional example of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 3-1695.
This is an example of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 64. A common liquid chamber is provided in the recording head, the common liquid chamber is connected to a liquid supply tank via two liquid supply tubes for fluid circulation, and the two liquid supply tubes form a circulation path. Further, the pressure pump and the pressure sensor are arranged at predetermined positions of the liquid supply tube. The recovery operation is performed to remove foreign matter such as bubbles remaining in the common liquid chamber and the supply system and to cool the recording head. During recovery operation, the discharge port surface is covered with a cap to seal all the discharge ports, and the recovery rectifying valve is opened to drive the recovery pump, thereby allowing the flow of the circulation pipe, common liquid chamber, supply pipe, and supply tank to flow. Circulate the recording liquid under pressure through the passage. During this pressurization circulation, a part of the recording liquid is discharged from the discharge port, and bubbles such as bubbles, thickened recording liquid, and dust that cause discharge failure are discharged and removed.

FIG. 13 is a conventional example of Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-6067.
This is an example of Japanese Patent Publication No. The common liquid chamber that communicates with the plurality of ejection ports communicates with the ink tank via the first and second ink supply passages. A forced supply unit that forcibly supplies ink to the recording head is provided in the middle of the first ink supply path. When the recording head is initially filled with ink, the forced supply means is operated to supply the forced ink in one direction from the first ink supply passage side. When ink droplets are ejected for recording, ink is supplied in both directions from the first and second ink supply paths. Also,
The lengths of the first and second ink supply paths and the ink supply pressure are substantially the same.

[0005]

The ink jet head of the above-mentioned conventional example is configured to circulate ink for initial filling. However, there is a problem in that a large amount of ink flows out from the nozzle in order to completely fill the pressure chamber because it is not configured to circulate inside the pressure chamber.

Further, since the reservoir is provided with only two supply ports, it is difficult to make the supply pressure of ink to each pressure chamber uniform.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to uniformly fill each pressure chamber with ink in a short time without losing ink. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inkjet recording device with low running cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus having high ejection stability, which can uniformly supply ink to each pressure chamber when ejecting ink droplets.

[0009]

An ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises a first reservoir, a second reservoir, pressure chambers communicating with the first and second reservoirs, and Nozzles arranged to face the pressure chamber to eject ink, a first supply port arranged in the first reservoir, and a second supply port arranged in the second reservoir. In the ink jet recording apparatus having:
It is characterized in that the second supply ports are arranged in a staggered manner with the pressure chamber interposed therebetween.

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

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

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

Further, according to the method of operating the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, there is provided a first reservoir, a second reservoir, and pressure chambers which are arranged in series so as to communicate with the first and second reservoirs.
A nozzle disposed in the pressure chamber for ejecting ink, a first supply port disposed in the first reservoir, a second supply port disposed in the second reservoir, and an ink In an inkjet recording apparatus operating method having first and second supply paths from a tank to first and second supply ports, the first supply path, the first supply port, and the first supply path from the ink tank are provided. It is characterized in that it has a circulation mode in which ink flows in a path from the first reservoir, the pressure chamber, the second reservoir, the second supply port, and the second supply path to the ink tank.

[0014]

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

By operating a pump provided in the middle of the first supply passage, a circulating flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir via the pressure chamber is generated. First
Since the supply ports and the second supply ports are arranged in a zigzag manner, the flow velocity of the ink flowing through each pressure chamber is substantially the same.

[0016]

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

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

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the ink supply path of the first embodiment of the present invention. Head 1 for simplicity
Removes the nozzle plate 19 from the pressure chambers 18, 18, 1
8 ... and only the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3 are shown. Hereinafter, three operation modes of the filling mode, the supply mode, and the recovery mode will be described.

(Filling Mode) The step of initially filling the head 1 with ink will be described. As a first step, the nozzles 20, 20, 20, ... Are covered with a cap (not shown). As the second step, the cap and nozzle plate 1
The space formed by 9 is decompressed by pump means (not shown). By the second step, the ink 22 inside the ink tank 21 advances simultaneously in the first supply path and the second supply path. The ink 22 that has reached the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3 fills the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3 and at the same time enters the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18 ... The head 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the flow resistances of the first and second supply paths are substantially equal to each other.
The flow velocity of the ink flowing through the second supply passage is the same. Therefore, the ink 22 advancing from the ink tank 21 reaches the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3 almost at the same time. In addition, the head 1 of this embodiment has the first supply ports 4, 5 and the second supply port.
Since the supply ports 6, 7, and 8 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, the ink 22 fills the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18 ... At almost the same time. Therefore, the head 1 of the present embodiment is characterized in that the initial filling time is short and the ink 22 lost from the nozzle 20 during the initial filling is small. As a third step, the depressurization inside the cap is stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time when it is determined that the head 1 is filled with the ink 22. As the fourth step, the cap is attached to the nozzle plate 1
9, the ink 22 remaining on the surface of the nozzle plate 19 is cleaned with a rubber blade (not shown).
In this embodiment, the ink is sucked by depressurizing the inside of the cap, but the steps described above are also applied when the inside of the ink tank 21 is pressurized to perform the initial filling.

(Supply Mode) The supply operation of the ink 22 when ejecting ink drops will be described. When ejecting ink droplets From the ink tank 21 to the first supply path, the first reservoir 2, the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18, ..., The second reservoir 3, the second supply path, the ink tank 21. The path is completely filled with the ink 22 and no bubbles or the like exist. In this case, the ink 22 is supplied to the head 1 from both the first supply path and the second supply path. When ink droplets are ejected from the plurality of nozzles 20, 20, 20 ... Of the head 1, the head 1 of this embodiment can form a flying velocity and an ink droplet volume that are substantially the same for all ink droplets. It is a composition. This is because the arrangement of the first supply ports 4, 5 and the second supply ports 6, 7, 8 is a zigzag arrangement as described above, and therefore the ink added to each pressure chamber 18, 18, 18 ... This is because the supply pressure of 22 becomes substantially equal. That is, in the pressure chamber 51 close to the second supply port 6, since the supply pressure from the second reservoir 3 is smaller than the supply pressure from the first reservoir 2, the ink 22 mainly from the second reservoir 3 is discharged. To be supplied. Further, when the pressure chamber 52 is located in the middle of the first supply port 4 and the second supply port 6, the supply pressure received by the pressure chamber 52 is substantially equal in the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3. Become. Here, the average value of the supply pressure that the pressure chamber 51 receives from the first and second reservoirs is approximately equal to the average value of the supply pressure that the pressure chamber 52 receives. In the head 1 of this embodiment, this relationship holds for all the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18 ... In addition, any nozzle 20, 20, 20
Even when ink droplets are ejected from ..., The head 1 of the present embodiment acts so as to equalize the supply pressures of the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18. Such an effect increases as the distance between the supply ports decreases.

(Recovery Mode) A process of recovering the clogging of the nozzle 20 will be described. As a first step, the nozzles 20, 20, 20, ... Are covered with a cap. As the second step, the space formed by the cap and the nozzle plate 19 is decompressed by a pump means (not shown). Second
By the step, the pressure is evenly applied to the nozzles 20, 20, 20 ... At this time, the ink 22 flows out from the nozzles 20, 20, 20 ... Which have not been clogged. However, as described above, since the ink flow rates flowing through the respective nozzles are substantially equal to each other, no matter which nozzle is the clogged nozzle 20, which nozzle is clogged, a uniform pressure acts on the clogged nozzle 20. As a result, the head 1 of this embodiment has a structure capable of returning any clogging nozzle 20 to a normal state by continuing the second step for a predetermined time.

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

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

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

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

(Supply Mode) The supply operation of the ink 22 when ejecting ink droplets will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 only in that a pump 81 is provided in the middle of the second supply passage. In the pump 81 of this embodiment, the roller 72 is fixed in a state where the tube 79 is completely crushed.
The ink 22 cannot be supplied to the head 1 from the first to second supply paths. Therefore, when the ink droplets are ejected, the ink 22 is supplied to the head 1 via the first supply path. But Laura 7
The second supply path can be used as an ink supply path at the time of ejecting an ink droplet by adding a mechanism for selectively separating and contacting 2 from the tube 79.

(Recovery Mode) A process of recovering the clogging of the nozzle 20 will be described. As a pressurizing operation, the pump 81
To supply the ink 22 to the ink tank 21, the second supply path, the second reservoir 3, the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18.
.. Circulate in the path that returns to the ink tank through the first reservoir 2 and the first supply path. In this case, the pressure of the ink 22 inside the head 1 becomes a positive pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure. Further, the nozzles 20, 20, 20 ... Are not capped. Therefore, the ink 22 is vigorously ejected from the nozzles 20, 20, 20 ... Which are not clogged. However, as described above, since the ink flow rates flowing through the respective nozzles are substantially equal to each other, no matter which nozzle is the clogged nozzle 20, which nozzle is clogged, a uniform pressure acts on the clogged nozzle 20. As a result, the head 1 of this embodiment has a structure capable of returning any clogging nozzle 20 by continuing the pressurizing operation for a predetermined time. It is also possible to provide an electromagnetic valve in the middle of the first supply path. In this case, by closing the solenoid valve in the recovery mode, a large pressure for recovering from clogging can be generated.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an ink supply path according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is that a check valve 82 is provided in parallel with the pump 81. The check valve 82 extends from the supply pipe 84 to the supply pipe 8
The ink 22 is caused to flow in the direction of 3 and the supply pipe 83 to the supply pipe 82
The ink 22 does not flow in the direction of. Due to the action of the check valve 82, the filling mode and the recovery mode are shown in FIG.
The same as the second embodiment shown in FIG. In the supply mode, the roller 72 of the pump 81 is fixed with the tube 79 completely crushed. Head 1 of this embodiment
Has a supply mode in which the ink 22 can be supplied to the head 1 from the first and second supply paths by the action of the check valve 82.

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

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

FIG. 10 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention,
It is a top view showing the modification of the 1st example. Figure 1
The difference from the first embodiment shown in FIG.
Is provided with a first supply port 105 at one end thereof. Second
The second supply port 106 is provided at the other end of the reservoir 3. The first supply port 105 is connected to the ink tank 21 via the first supply path. Second supply port 1
06 is connected to the ink tank 21 via the second supply path. The filling mode, supply mode, and recovery mode of this embodiment are the same as the operations described in the first embodiment of FIG. 3 and the second embodiment of FIG. 4 due to the first and second supply paths. . Further, in this embodiment, the pressure chambers 18, 18, 18 ...
.. is an example in which the length in the row direction is relatively short.

FIG. 11 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention,
It is a partially expanded top view showing the modification of the pressure chamber 111. The overall shape of the pressure chamber 18 in FIG. 1 is a rectangular parallelepiped shape. On the other hand, the pressure chamber 111 of the present embodiment is
The throttle portion 1 is provided at a portion communicating with the first and second reservoirs 2 and 3.
The structure has 12, 113. 114 is the pressure chamber 1
The position of the nozzle 20 facing 11 is shown. The filling mode, the supply mode, and the recovery mode described in the first embodiment of FIG. 3 and the second embodiment of FIG. 4 can be applied to the head 1 of this embodiment. Throttle 112, 11
The expanded portion 115 extending from 3 to the inside of the pressure chamber 111 is formed by a smooth curve. Therefore, the head 1 of this embodiment
In the process of the flow of the ink 22 from the first reservoir 2 to the second reservoir 3 via the pressure chamber 111, bubbles do not remain in the spread portion 115. Since the head 1 of this embodiment has a structure in which both ends of the pressure chamber 111 are narrowed, it is possible to efficiently transmit the volume change of the pressure chamber 111 caused by the deformation of the vibrator 31 to the nozzle 20. . Therefore, it has the effect of increasing the flight speed of the ink droplet and increasing the volume of the ink droplet.

[0034]

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the first and second supply ports are arranged in a staggered manner with the pressure chamber interposed therebetween, and the first and second supply ports from the ink tank to the first and second supply ports are provided.
Since the flow path resistances of the second supply paths are substantially the same, it is possible to uniformly supply the ink to each pressure chamber at the time of ejecting the ink droplet, and there is an effect that the ejection stability is high.

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

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the head of the ink jet recording apparatus that is the first embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a pump of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an ink supply path of an inkjet recording apparatus that is a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of a head of an inkjet recording device that is a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of a head of an inkjet recording device that is a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of a head of an inkjet recording device that is a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged plan view for explaining the configuration of the head of the ink jet recording apparatus which is the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Inkjet Head 2 First Reservoir 3 Second Reservoir 4,5 First Supply Port 6, 7, 8 Second Supply Port 9, 10, 14 First Supply Pipe 11, 12, 13, 15 Second Supply pipe 19 Nozzle plate 20 Nozzle 21 Ink tank 81 Pump

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A first reservoir, a second reservoir,
Pressure chambers that are arranged in line with the first and second reservoirs, nozzles that are arranged to face the pressure chambers and eject ink, and first nozzles that are arranged in the first reservoir And a second supply port provided in the second reservoir.
The inkjet recording apparatus is characterized in that the second supply ports are arranged in a staggered manner with the pressure chamber interposed therebetween. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow path resistances of the first and second supply paths from the ink tank to the first and second supply ports are substantially equal. . 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pump for forcibly generating a flow of ink in the middle of the first supply path. 4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the flow path resistances of the paths from the first supply port to the second supply port via the pressure chamber are substantially the same. 5. A first reservoir, a second reservoir,
Pressure chambers that are arranged in communication with the first and second reservoirs, nozzles that are disposed in the pressure chambers and eject ink, and first supply ports that are disposed in the first reservoir When,
An ink jet recording apparatus operating method, comprising: a second supply port provided in the second reservoir; and first and second supply paths from the ink tank to the first and second supply ports. From the tank to the first supply path, the first
Supply port, the first reservoir, the pressure chamber, the second
And a circulation mode in which ink is flowed through the reservoir, the second supply port, and the second supply path to the ink tank.