JPH0911497A - Liquid jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To refill a predetermined quantity of recording liquid by incorporating means for refilling the predetermined quality of the liquid in a recording liquid container according to a signal that the residue of the liquid oscillated from residue detecting means decreases from a reference amount. CONSTITUTION: When the residue of ink becomes a predetermined quantity or less as recording ink in the ink tank 1b of a recording head 1, the vicinity of the inside of the wall 2b of a housing 2 becomes a refilling position RFP for refilling the ink in the head 1. An ink supplementing mechanism 5 for refilling the ink in the head 1 is provided at the outside of the wall 2b of the housing 2. The mechanism 5 has a supplementing ink tank 6, and the supplementing ink is automatically poured from the tank 6 in the tank 1b of the head 1 stopped at the position RFP by a predetermined amount by a pouring implement. The ink residue detecting means detects the ink residue by the electric change of two electrodes inserted into the tank 1b.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid jet recording apparatus capable of refilling with recording liquid.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method of supplying a recording liquid to a recording head in a liquid jet recording apparatus, a recording liquid containing portion and a recording head portion are separated from each other, and both are connected by a tube or the like.
A method is known in which the recording head unit and the recording liquid storage unit are integrally formed, and the recording liquid storage unit directly supplies the recording head unit.

However, the former method has a problem that the distance from the recording liquid storage portion to the recording head portion becomes long and the apparatus becomes large, and the latter method consumes the recording liquid in the recording liquid storage portion. After that, it is necessary to replace the recording liquid storage unit with the recording head, which causes a problem that the cost for recording becomes high.

Therefore, when carrying out the latter method,
The recording liquid container is configured to be detachable from the recording head,
A method of replacing the separated recording liquid storage unit with a new one has been proposed. However, also in this case, there is a problem in that the recording liquid storage section is discarded, which is the same as the latter method, and the cost for recording is also high.

Therefore, recently, an attempt has been made to reuse the recording head including the recording liquid container by refilling the recording liquid container which has been used up with the recording liquid by using a syringe-like device. Is being done.

However, since the timing and the amount of refilling of the recording liquid are made by the user's judgment, the recording liquid may overflow if the judgment is erroneous, and the user's hand or the vicinity of the workplace. Sometimes got dirty.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid jet recording apparatus which notifies the timing of refilling of the recording liquid and enables the refilling of a predetermined amount of the recording liquid.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 provides a recording head portion having an ejection port for ejecting the recording liquid, and supplying the recording liquid to the recording head portion. In the liquid jet recording apparatus including the recording liquid storage section and the means for detecting the remaining amount of the recording liquid in the recording liquid storage section, the recording liquid in the recording liquid storage section is transmitted by the remaining amount detection means. It is characterized in that it further comprises means for refilling the recording liquid container with a predetermined amount of the recording liquid in response to a signal indicating that the remaining amount is below the reference amount.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the recording liquid storage section may be integrally attached to the recording head section.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the recording liquid refilling means may start refilling of the recording liquid in conjunction with a signal from the remaining amount detecting means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the recording liquid storage unit supplies a recording liquid to the recording head unit, and a recording liquid supply unit supplies the recording liquid to the first recording liquid storage unit. In addition, the recording medium replenishing means may further include a second recording liquid storage portion for receiving the recording liquid replenishment from the recording liquid refilling means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the recording liquid container further includes a mechanism for performing a fixed amount injection of the recording liquid from the second recording liquid container to the first recording liquid container. Good.

In the present invention, the recording liquid refilling means may be separate from the liquid jet recording head and the remaining amount detecting means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the first recording liquid container is provided integrally with the recording head unit, and the second recording liquid container is separate from the recording head unit. It may be provided.

The invention according to claim 8 may further include means for moving the liquid jet recording head to a refill position when a signal from the remaining amount detecting means is indicated.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the liquid jet recording head stopped at the refill position may have an opening for injecting a recording liquid.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the liquid jet recording head may be detachably attachable to the moving means.

[0018]

In the present invention, since the signal "remaining" of the recording liquid remaining amount detecting means can be used for determining the timing of refilling of the recording liquid, it is possible to prevent unnecessary replenishment of the recording liquid by the user. be able to. Further, in the case where the recording liquid is automatically refilled in response to the signal, the refilling amount is set to a predetermined amount to prevent the recording liquid from being overfilled and prevent the recording liquid from overflowing.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of a liquid jet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an ink jet printing apparatus) of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a liquid jet recording head (hereinafter, simply referred to as a recording head). The recording head 1 includes a recording head portion 1a and an ink tank 1b as a recording liquid storage portion integrally formed with the recording head 1a.
And the opposing wall 2 in the housing 2
It is mounted on a carriage (not shown) which is fixed to a guide shaft 3 fixed between a and 2b so as to be capable of reciprocating along the axial direction of the guide shaft 3 (direction of arrow a or b). Predetermined recording is performed on the recording paper 4 with the lower side being a recording medium conveyed in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the guide shaft 3 (direction of arrow c).

In the present embodiment, when the remaining amount of the ink as the recording liquid in the ink tank 1b of the recording head 1 near the inner side of the wall 2b of the housing 2 becomes a predetermined amount or less, It is a refill position RFP for refilling ink. An ink replenishing mechanism 5 for refilling the recording head 1 with ink is provided outside the wall 2b of the housing 2. The ink replenishing mechanism 5 has a replenishing ink tank 6, and a predetermined amount of the replenishing ink from the tank 6 is stored in the ink tank 1b of the recording head 1 stopped at the refill position RFP by an injection device (not shown). It is an automatic injection.

Although not shown, the ink remaining amount detecting means in this embodiment detects the ink remaining amount by an electrical change between two electrodes inserted in the ink tank 1b. However, by inserting one electrode in the ink tank 1b and providing another electrode in the common liquid chamber or liquid path on the recording head portion 1a side, an ink remaining amount detection system for detecting the remaining amount in the entire ink supply path is provided. It may be adopted and is not limited to these.

Next, the operation of the ink jet printing apparatus having the above construction will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG.
In step S1, the power of the printing apparatus is turned on. Next, in step S2, the remaining ink amount that can be used is detected by the ink remaining amount detection system. Based on the information obtained in S2, in step S3, the remaining ink amount is compared with a predetermined set value. If the remaining ink amount is larger than the set value, the print signal is input in step S4. Enter the waiting state. However, when the ink remaining amount is less than the set value, the ink replenishing mechanism 5 starts the ink replenishing operation in step S5.

The ink replenishing operation in step S5 is performed either automatically or manually. In any case, the ink replenishment operation can be started by the signal from the ink remaining amount detection system. The ink replenishment amount at this time is set in advance by maximizing the amount obtained by subtracting the lower limit amount of the remaining ink amount, which is the above-mentioned set value, from the allowable amount determined from the internal capacity of the ink tank 1b. After such ink replenishment is completed, the process returns to step S4 and waits for a print signal. Next, when a print signal is input, the remaining amount of ink is detected again in step S6.
Based on the information obtained in S6, in step S7, the ink remaining amount is compared with a predetermined set value in the same manner as in step S3, and when the ink remaining amount is larger than the set value, Printing is performed in step S8. However, when the ink remaining amount is less than the set value, the process returns to step S5 and the ink replenishing mechanism 5 starts the ink replenishing operation again. After the ink replenishing operation is completed, printing is performed through steps S4 to S7. When printing is completed, the power is turned off in step S9, and a series of printing operations is completed.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the ink jet printing apparatus of the present invention.

In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3, instead of the ink replenishing mechanism 5 provided on the outside of the wall 2b of the housing 2, the ink of the recording head 1 is opened through an opening 2c provided in the upper part of the housing 2. Ink replenishment mechanism 7 separate from the printing device for replenishing ink to the atmosphere communication port 1c of the tank 1b
Except that the above is provided, the configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment described above, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The ink replenishing mechanism 7 in the present embodiment is connected to the needle-shaped member 71 and a needle-shaped member 71 having a length such that it can reach the inside of the ink tank 1b from the atmosphere communication port 1c through the opening 2c. In addition, a cylindrical ink storage portion 72 for storing replenishment ink, a pair of drop preventing projections 73 extending radially outward of the storage portion on the peripheral surface of the ink storage portion 72, and an upper portion of the ink storage portion 72. Lid member 7 for closing the opening
4 and 4. The fall prevention projection 73 is lowered by the ink replenishing mechanism 7 itself, and when the tip end portion of the needle-shaped member 71 is inserted into the ink tank 1b, the lower end portion 7 thereof.
3a prevents the ink replenishing mechanism 7 from dropping into the opening 2c by hitting the peripheral edge of the opening 2c. Further, the raising and lowering of the ink replenishing mechanism 7 may be performed manually by the user, or may be performed using a raising and lowering device (not shown). Further, the ink may be injected by the ink replenishing mechanism 7 by a free fall method, or may be injected by applying a pressure using a syringe-like device.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the ink replenishing mechanism 7. The ink replenishing mechanism 7 shown in FIG. 4 includes a bellows portion 530 that contains ink, and the bellows portion 53.
An injection needle 531 for injecting the ink stored in 0 into the ink tank is roughly configured. According to the ink replenishing mechanism 7 having such a configuration, it is possible to rapidly inject the ink contained in the bellows portion 530 into the ink tank by pressing the upper portion thereof, and When the ink is consumed, the ink can be easily replenished from another ink container at any time.

Next, an outline of an ink jet head cartridge applicable to the liquid jet recording apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the ink jet head cartridge.
The liquid ejection head unit 100 and the liquid container 520 are mainly included.

The liquid ejecting head portion 100 includes the element substrate 1
0, separating wall 50, grooved member 110, presser spring 12
0, a liquid supply member 130, a support 140, and the like.

As described above, the element substrate 10 is provided with a plurality of heating resistors for applying heat to the foaming liquid, and a functional element for selectively driving the heating resistors. Are provided in plural. A foaming liquid passage is formed between the element substrate 1 and the above-described separation wall 50 having a movable portion, and the foaming liquid flows therethrough. By joining the separating wall 50 and the grooved member 110, a discharge flow path (not shown) through which the discharged discharge liquid flows is formed.

The pressing spring 120 is a member that applies a biasing force to the grooved member 110 in the direction of the element substrate 1. The biasing force causes the element substrate 10, the separation wall 50, the grooved member 110, and a supporting member described later. It is well integrated with 140.

The supporting body 140 is for supporting the element substrate 1 and the like, and on the supporting body 140, a circuit board 141 for connecting to the element substrate and supplying an electric signal.
Also, a compact pad 142 for exchanging electrical signals with the device side by connecting to the device side is arranged.

The liquid container 520 contains a discharge liquid such as ink and a foaming liquid for generating bubbles, which are supplied to the liquid discharge head. On the outside of the liquid container,
Positioning unit 5 for connecting the liquid ejecting head and the liquid container
A fixing shaft 525 for fixing the fixing shaft 24 is provided.
The discharge liquid is supplied from the discharge liquid supply passage 522 of the liquid container to the discharge liquid supply passage 131 of the liquid supply member, and is supplied to the first liquid chamber via the discharge liquid supply ports 133, 121, and 111 of each member. To be done. Similarly, the foaming liquid is supplied from the liquid container supply path 523 to the foaming liquid supply path 132 of the liquid supply member 130, and the foaming liquid supply port 13 of each member is supplied.
It is supplied to the second liquid chamber via 4, 121, 112.

Next, another example of the liquid jet recording apparatus of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a so-called full line head and apparatus in which a plurality of ejection openings are arranged over the recordable area of the recording medium 80. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 6
Reference numeral 1 denotes a full line head, which is arranged at a position facing the recording medium 80. Reference numeral 90 denotes a conveying drum as a recording medium conveying means.

In this type of recording head, unlike the serial type recording head, since the recording head itself does not move with respect to the recording medium 80, it does not receive ink replenishment after it has moved to a predetermined position, and is a normal type. Ink can be replenished by the above-described ink replenishing mechanism or the like in position and posture.

[0039]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the signal of the remaining amount "small" by the recording liquid remaining amount detecting means can be used for determining the timing of refilling of the recording liquid, it is possible to prevent unnecessary replenishment of the recording liquid by the user. Further, in the case where the recording liquid is automatically refilled in response to the signal, the refilling amount is set to a predetermined amount to prevent the recording liquid from being overfilled and prevent the recording liquid from overflowing. Therefore, since the recording head portion and the recording liquid storage portion are highly functional and expensive and can be reused, it is possible to keep the cost for recording low.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of a liquid jet recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the liquid jet recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the liquid jet recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of another ink replenishing mechanism similar to the ink replenishing mechanism in the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of an inkjet head cartridge applicable to the liquid jet recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a full line type recording head applicable to the liquid jet recording apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 recording head 1a recording head portion 1b ink tank portion 1c atmosphere communication port 2 housing 2a opening portion 3 guide shaft 4 recording paper 5 ink replenishment mechanism 6 replenishment ink tank 7 ink replenishment mechanism 71 needle-like member 72 replenishment ink storage portion 73 drop Prevention protrusion 74 Lid member

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A recording head unit having a discharge port for discharging the recording liquid, a recording liquid containing unit for supplying the recording liquid to the recording head unit, and a remaining amount of the recording liquid in the recording liquid containing unit is detected. In the liquid ejecting recording apparatus, the residual liquid amount detecting means transmits a signal indicating that the remaining amount of the recording liquid in the recording liquid container is below a reference amount to the inside of the recording liquid container. A liquid jet recording apparatus comprising means for refilling a predetermined amount of recording liquid. 2. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording liquid storage portion is integrally attached to the recording head portion. 3. The liquid according to claim 1, wherein the recording liquid refilling means starts refilling of the recording liquid in synchronization with a signal from the remaining amount detecting means. Jet recording device. 4. The recording liquid storage unit supplies a recording liquid to the recording head unit, a recording liquid supply unit supplies the recording liquid to the first recording liquid storage unit, and The liquid jet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second recording liquid container that receives a recording liquid supplement from the liquid refilling unit. 5. The recording liquid storage unit further comprises a mechanism for performing a fixed amount injection of the recording liquid from the second recording liquid storage unit into the first recording liquid storage unit. Four
3. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to item 1. 6. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording liquid refilling unit is separate from the liquid ejecting recording head and the remaining amount detecting unit. Recording device. 7. The first recording liquid storage section is integrally provided with the recording head section, and the second recording liquid storage section is provided separately from the recording head section. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 4 or 5. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for moving the liquid jet recording head to a refill position when a signal from the remaining amount detecting means is indicated.
7. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to any one of items 7. 9. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the liquid jet recording head stopped at the refill position has an opening for injecting a recording liquid. 10. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the liquid jet recording head is detachably attachable to the moving unit.