JPH10166611A - Ink containing bag, printer, and ink supplying method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink containing bag which can store a large quantity of ink through a simple structure while enhancing reliability of ink supply to a print head, a printer and an ink supply method. SOLUTION: In a printer for printing on a recording medium by jetting ink from a print head toward the recording medium, ink is supplied to a print head 52 using an ink containing bag 60 having valve function for feeding ink in a filling part 60A to the outside only when an external pressure is applied thereto. According to the arrangement, an ink containing bag 60 which can storage a large quantity of ink through a simple structure while enhancing reliability of ink supply to the print head 52 can be realized along with a printer and an ink supply method.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[Table of Contents] The present invention will be described in the following order. Technical Field to which the Invention pertains Prior Art (FIGS. 13 to 18) Problems to be Solved by the Invention Means for Solving the Problems Embodiments of the Invention (1) First Embodiment (1-1) Carriage Mounting Method Configuration of Inkjet Printer (FIGS. 1 and 2) (1-2) Configuration of Ink Storage Bag with Valve (FIGS. 3A and 3B) (1-3) Configuration of Ink Tank (FIG. 4A ) And (B)) (1-4) Configuration of Control Unit (FIG. 5) (1-5) Operation and Effect of First Embodiment (2) Second Embodiment (2-1) Inkjet Printer by Tube Method (2-2) Configuration of control unit (FIG. 8) (2-3) Operation and effect of second embodiment (3) Third embodiment (3-1) Appropriate combination Configuration of an Inkjet Printer Apparatus by the Method (FIGS. 9 and 10) (3-2) Third Embodiment Operation and effect (Fig. 11) (4) Effect of other embodiment (FIG. 12) invention

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink storage bag, a printer, and an ink supply method, and is suitable for application to, for example, an on-demand type ink jet printer (hereinafter simply referred to as an ink jet printer). Things.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called on-demand type ink jet printer is a printer that discharges ink droplets from nozzles according to a recording signal and records the recording on a recording medium such as paper or film. It is rapidly spreading in recent years because it can be used.

On the other hand, in recent years, especially in offices, document creation using a computer called desktop publishing has become popular, and recently, not only characters and figures but also color natural images such as photographs have been converted to characters. There is an increasing demand for output with graphics and graphics.
In order to print not only characters and figures but also natural images, a large amount of ink is required.

In this type of on-demand type ink jet printer, an ink tank is mounted on a carriage that holds and holds a print head, and ink is supplied to the print head together with the printing operation of the print head (hereinafter, referred to as a print head). , This is called the carriage mounting method)
And, an ink tank is provided separately from the print head,
There is a method of supplying ink to a print head via a tube (hereinafter, this is referred to as a tube method).

More specifically, FIG. 13 shows a serial type ink jet printer of a carriage mounting type. In the ink jet printer 1, a platen 6 is sequentially transmitted from a motor 2 via a pulley 3, a belt 4 and a rotating shaft 5.
The platen 6 can be rotationally driven based on the rotation output given to the platen 6.

In the vicinity of the platen 6, the platen 6
A feed screw 7 is arranged in parallel with the axial direction of the above, and a carriage 10 in which a cartridge type ink tank 8 and a print head 9 are integrally mounted is screwed to the feed screw 7. Thus, by driving the feed screw 7 to rotate, the carriage 10 can be moved in the axial direction of the platen 6. In this way, the print head 9 is
In a state in which ink is always supplied from the ink tank 8 mounted on the carriage 10, it is possible to sequentially print one line at a time on a printing paper 11 as a printing material wound around the platen 6.

Here, a method of ejecting ink droplets on the print head 9 will be described. In this type of on-demand type ink jet printer, a method of applying pressure to the ink by deformation of a piezo element and discharging the ink from a nozzle, or a method of heating the ink by a heating element and discharging the ink at a pressure of bubbles generated by boiling the ink is used. It is common. Further, the method of applying pressure to the ink by the deformation of the piezo element and discharging it from the nozzle includes a method of linearly displacing the piezoelectric element stacked in multiple layers and pressing the vibration plate, a single plate attached to the vibration plate or There is a method in which a diaphragm is bent by applying a voltage to piezo elements stacked in two layers.

In this case, in the printer shown in FIG. 13, a single-plate type piezo element is used as the print head 9 in FIGS. 14 and 15A. The print head 9 is a base 12 made of, for example, photosensitive glass.
An orifice plate 13 on which a plurality of discharge nozzles 13A are formed is adhered to one surface, and one surface of a vibration plate 14 is adhered to the other surface of the base 12. Further, the electrode 15 is placed on the other surface of the diaphragm 14 at a position corresponding to the pressure chamber 12A of the base 12 from both sides in the thickness direction.
The piezo element 17 to which the elements 16 and 16 are adhered is firmly joined by an adhesive (not shown) or the like.

[0010] Here, as shown in FIG.
2 includes a pressure chamber 12A for storing ink and the pressure chamber 1
An ink introduction hole 12B communicating with 2A is formed. The pressure chamber 12A of the base 12 communicates with the discharge nozzle 13A of the corresponding orifice plate 13. Thus, the ink supplied from the external ink tank (not shown) flows through the ink introduction hole 12B, and is stored in the pressure chamber 12A.

The piezo element 17 is composed of a baked bimorph element as a ceramic, and a predetermined voltage is applied between the electrodes 15 and 16 adhered to both sides in the thickness direction so as to respond to the applied voltage. (Hereinafter, this feature is called a bimorph effect).

In the print head 9, when a voltage is applied to the piezo element 17 in the initial state, the piezo element 17 contracts in the in-plane direction due to the bimorph effect of the piezo element 17 and the diaphragm 14, and is indicated by an arrow a. The diaphragm 14 also bends in the direction indicated by the arrow a. Therefore, the displacement of the piezo element 17 is transmitted to the pressure chamber 12A via the diaphragm 14. As a result, a pressure corresponding to the displacement of the piezo element 17 is applied to the pressure chamber 12A, the volume of the pressure chamber 12A decreases, the pressure in the pressure chamber 12A increases, and thus the pressure chamber 12A is filled. The ink is ejected from the ejection nozzle 13A.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show a cartridge type ink tank 8. This ink tank 8
Is a cartridge body 20A having the same structure for each of the three color inks of magenta, cyan and yellow.
To 20C are integrally formed.

The cartridge body 20A (20B, 2B
0C), as shown in FIG. 16B, the ink absorber housing chamber 20 in which the ink absorber 21 is compressed and loaded.
AX and a closed ink storage chamber 20 in which ink is stored.
AY is communicatively connected via a communication hole 20AZ formed on the lower end side. At the upper end of the ink absorber storage chamber 20AX, an air communication hole 20 for communicating the air to the inside is provided.
A plurality of AHs are formed, and an ink supply port 20AS for supplying ink to the print head 9 is formed at the lower end.

As the ink absorber 21, for example, a porous body such as a polyurethane foam made of a foam material is used. The ink is impregnated and held so that the ink leaks from the ink supply port 20AS and the air communication hole 20AH. It is made to be able to prevent.

When the ink tank 8 is mounted on the print head 9, an injection needle (not shown) drawn from the print head 9 is inserted into the ink absorber 21 through the supply port 20AS. ing.

In order to supply ink to the print head 9 by using the ink tank 8, first, the ink absorber 21 stores an amount of ink slightly smaller than the maximum amount of ink that can be stored. Subsequently, a negative pressure is generated inside the print head 9 by a pressure corresponding to the displacement of the piezo element 17 (FIG. 15A) in the print head 9, so that the ink held in the ink absorber 21 is discharged. The ink is sucked into the print head 9 via the injection needle.

In this case, a meniscus is generated inside the ink absorber 21 on the side of the air communication hole 20AH to generate a capillary force (that is, an ink suction force) in the ink absorber 21. A predetermined negative pressure is generated inside the chamber 20AX. Therefore, the ink absorber 21
Can prevent an excessive amount of ink from flowing out to the print head 9, and thus the print head 9 can stably eject ink droplets.

FIG. 17, in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 13 are assigned the same reference numerals, shows a tube-type serial ink jet printer. In the ink jet printer device 30, the ink tank 31 is provided separately from the cartridge 32, and is connected to a print head 34 fixedly held by the cartridge 32 via an ink tube 33 drawn from the ink tank 31. I have.

A tube pump 35 is provided between the print head 34 and the ink tank 31. By controlling the drive of the tube pump 35, a tube pump 35 is provided.
The ink stored in the printer 1 is supplied to a print head 34 via an ink tube 33.

FIG. 18 shows the internal structure of the ink tank 31 and the tube pump 35. Ink tank 31
In this case, an ink storage bag 37 whose tip is sealed by a rubber cap 36 is loaded in the case body 31A, and the relay ink needle 3 is further passed through the rubber cap 36.
8 is attached. The relay ink needle 38 plays a role of relaying between the ink storage bag 37 and the tube 33, and the ink in the ink storage bag 37 can flow into the tube 33 through the relay tube needle 38. .

The tube pump 35 has a cylindrical space 35AX formed inside a housing 35A, and a through hole 35AY communicating with the space 35AX. The tube 33 penetrates the through hole 35AY. A cylindrical rotating member 40 is rotatably supported inside the space 35AX so as to be rotatable in a direction indicated by an arrow a around an output shaft 41 of a motor (not shown). Further, a plurality of rollers 42 are provided on the peripheral side surface of the rotating member 40.
A to 42C are rotatably mounted on a shaft parallel to the output shaft 41 in a direction indicated by an arrow a or in a direction opposite to the axis a.

Thus, the rotating member 4 is driven in accordance with the driving of the motor.
When 0 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow a, the space portion 35AX
The ink inside the tube 33 is pushed out toward the print head 34 by successively pressing the tubes 33 inside the tube 33 by the rollers 42A to 42C. As a result, the adjusted amount of ink is supplied from the tube pump 35 to the print head 34, and as a result, the print head 34 can stably eject ink droplets.

[0024]

By the way, in the ink jet printer device 1 of the carriage mounting type,
The ink tank 8 (FIGS. 16A and 16B) is of a cartridge type having an ink absorber 21 built therein.
There is an advantage that the configuration of the entire apparatus can be simplified and reduced in size.

However, the amount of ink that can be stored in the ink tank 8 is relatively small, and the amount of ink that can be impregnated by the ink absorber 21 depends on the amount of the ink absorber 2.
However, there is a problem that it is extremely difficult to fill the ink tank 8 with a large amount of ink because the ink tank 8 is limited by the material, size and the like. Further, since the negative pressure inside the ink tank is adjusted by the ink absorber, there is a problem that it is impossible to completely prevent ink leakage to the print head, insufficient ink supply, and the like.

On the other hand, in the ink jet printer device 30 of the tube type, the ink tank 31 (FIG. 17) is used.
Is provided separately from the print head 34, there is an advantage that the capacity of the ink tank can be increased and a large amount of ink can be stored.

However, in order to supply the ink stored in the ink tank 31 to the print head 34, an ink supply source such as a tube pump 35 and a valve mechanism (not shown) is required, so that the entire apparatus can be reduced in size and size. There is a problem that it is difficult to simplify the configuration. Further, since the tube 33 is connected over a long distance between the print head 34 and the ink tank 31, the supply of the ink is easily interrupted, and when the tube 33 is physically shaken, the ink inside the tube 33 is not changed. There is a risk that the air dissolved in the air may form as bubbles. In this case, not only ink but also air bubbles flow out into the print head 34 via the tube 33, and there is a problem that the supply of ink is stopped inside the print head.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has a simple configuration, can store a large amount of ink, and can improve the reliability of ink supply to a print head, an ink storage bag, a printer, and a printer. It is intended to propose an ink supply method.

[0029]

According to the present invention, there is provided a printer for printing ink on a recording medium by discharging the ink from the print head toward a recording medium. An ink storage bag that is disposed and communicates with a filling unit filled with ink and has a flow path unit that supplies the ink in the filling unit to the print head only when an external pressure is applied to the filling unit; External pressure applying means for applying an external pressure to the printing section, and applying the external pressure to the filling section of the ink containing bag by the external pressure applying means, so that the ink in the filling section is supplied to the print head via the flow path section. .

According to the present invention, in a printer device for printing ink on a recording medium by discharging the ink from the print head toward the recording medium, the printer communicates with the filling section filled with ink, and the external pressure is applied to the filling section. The ink storage bag having a flow path that allows the ink in the filling section to flow out only when the ink is supplied, a tube that connects the flow path of the ink storage bag and the print head, and the filling section of the ink storage bag. External pressure applying means for applying an external pressure, wherein the external pressure applying means applies an external pressure to the filling portion of the ink containing bag, whereby the ink in the filling portion is supplied to the print head via the flow path portion and the tube. .

Further, according to the present invention, in a printer device for printing ink on a recording medium by discharging ink from the print head toward the recording medium, a predetermined ink supply position set within a moving range of the print head. An ink storage bag that is arranged corresponding to the ink storage bag and that has a flow path portion that communicates with the filling portion filled with ink and allows the ink in the filling portion to flow out only when an external pressure is applied to the filling portion; An external pressure applying means for applying an external pressure to the filling portion of the bag; and a carriage provided integrally with the print head for storing a predetermined amount of ink ejected from the print head, wherein the external pressure applying means is provided when the print head is located at the ink supply position. By applying an external pressure to the filling portion of the ink storage bag, the ink in the filling portion is carried out through the flow path portion and is then discharged. So as to supply to.

As described above, in each type of printer device, ink is supplied to the print head by using an ink storage bag having a valve function of allowing ink in the filling portion to flow out only when external pressure is applied to the filling portion. By doing so, a large amount of ink can be stored with a simple configuration, and a stable amount of ink can always be supplied to the print head.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) First Embodiment (1-1) Configuration of an Inkjet Printer Apparatus Based on a Carriage Mounting Method In FIG. 1, in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 shows a serial type ink jet printer apparatus using a carriage mounting method, which differs from the conventional ink jet printer apparatus 1 (FIG. 13) in the configuration of the ink tank 51 and the print head 52, as well as the rotation shaft 5 and the feed screw 7; An inner surface 53A of the side plate 53 supporting each end has a ridge 5 having the same shape.
4A to 54C are formed.

The ink tank 51 has an external appearance as shown in FIG. 2. The case main body 55 has ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C of the same shape corresponding to the three color inks of magenta, cyan and yellow. Is formed, and one ink storage bag with a valve (not shown) is stored in each of the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C.

The surface 55X of the case main body 55 facing the side plate 53 has ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55A, respectively.
5C, through holes 55XA to 55XC are formed,
The ink storage bag with a valve stored in each of the ink storage chambers 55A to 55C is exposed. Further, when the carriage 10 is moved in the axial direction (arrow x direction) of the platen 6 by the feed screw 7 and reaches the inner surface 53A of the side plate 53, the ridges 54A to 54C formed on the inner surface 53A are formed. Each corresponding through hole 55XA-5
Each of the ink storage bags with a valve can be pressed by fitting into the 5XC.

Further, the upper surface 55Y of the case body 55 is a lid that can be opened and closed, and the upper surface 55Y is opened, that is, the upper ends of the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C are opened, and the ink storage bags with valves are respectively attached and detached. It has been made like that.

(1-2) Configuration of Ink Storage Bag with Valve Here, the configuration and function of the ink storage bag 60 with a valve according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B).
The ink storage bag 60 with a valve has a structure in which the peripheral portions of two films made of polyester are adhered to each other by welding, and the inside of the peripheral portion is filled with an ink filling portion 60A and the ink filling portion 60A. A substantially S-shaped ink flow path 60B communicating with the lower end of the ink filling section 60A is sealed.

The leading end 60BX of the ink flow path portion 60B is closed by the film bonding portion.
At the time of use, the user cuts a cutout 60C formed at the side end of the bonded portion in the direction shown by the arrow a with a hand or scissors or the like so that the tip 60BX of the ink flow path portion 60B is opened.
That can be opened.

When the user applies a pressing force to the ink filling section 60A from the outside in a state where the cutout 60C of the ink container bag with valve 60 is opened, the ink filling section 60A is filled by an amount corresponding to the pressing force. The discharged ink is pushed out to the ink flow path 60B and flows out from the tip end 60BX through the ink flow path 60B (hereinafter, this characteristic is called self-sealing property).

Thus, even if the tip 60BX of the ink flow path portion 60B is directed downward (gravity direction), the ink filling portion 60A is not filled with the ink filling portion 60A unless the pressing force is applied from the outside. The ink filled in the portion 60A is kept in the ink flow portion 60B by the resistance of the ink filling portion 60A and the inner wall of the ink flow portion 60B.

In order to maintain the self-sealing property of the ink storage bag 60 with a valve, it is necessary to set the flow path diameter of the ink flow path section 60B and the degree of the substantially S-shaped bend in accordance with the viscosity of the ink. is there. That is, when the viscosity of the ink is high, the diameter of the flow path may be increased and / or the degree of the substantially S-shaped bend may be reduced. On the other hand, when the viscosity of the ink is low, the diameter of the flow path may be reduced and / or the degree of the substantially S-shaped bend may be increased.

(1-3) Configuration of Ink Tank Next, in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the ink tank 51 shown in FIG. The section is shown. An ink supply port 55Y for supplying ink to the print head 52 is provided at a lower end of each of the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C in the case body 55.
A to 55YC are formed, and ink absorbers 61A to 61C are loaded in the respective ink supply ports 55YA to 55YC.

The ink absorbers 61A to 61C are made of a porous material such as a polyurethane foam made of a foam material. As a result, the ink flowing out from the tip end 60BX of the ink flow path portion 60B of the valved ink storage bag 60 is supplied to the ink absorbers 55YA to 55YC by the capillary force of the ink absorbers 61A to 61C. 61A to 61C are impregnated and held. Thus, the ink storage bags 60 with valves in the respective ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C.
Only when a pressing force is applied from the outside to the print head 52, an amount of ink corresponding to the pressing force can be supplied to the print head 52.

At the lower end of the print head 52, ink remaining amount sensors 62A to 62C are provided at the ink supply ports 5 respectively.
It is attached corresponding to 5YA-55YC. Each of the remaining ink sensors 62A to 62C measures the amount of three types of ink supplied from the ink tank 51 to the print head 52, respectively.

(1-4) Configuration of Control Unit In practice, this serial type ink jet printer 5
0, as shown in FIG.
A signal processing control circuit 71 including a microcomputer including a P (Digital Signal Processor) is provided. The signal processing control circuit 71 is provided based on the supplied input signal S1.
Generates a drive signal S2 to be supplied to the print head 52, and sends the drive signal S2 to the print head 52 via the driver 72 to thereby control the drive of the print head 52.

At this time, the signal processing control circuit 71 records the print data obtained based on the input signal S1 in a memory 73 composed of a line buffer memory or a one-screen memory as required, and thereafter appropriately stores this data. By reading the print data, the print data is rearranged in the print order, and when necessary, the correction data stored in the ROM (read only memory) map type is read out to the correction circuit 74, and the γ correction value of the print data is read based on the correction data. And color correction in the case of color.

The signal processing control circuit 71 determines whether each of the valves mounted in the ink tank 51 is based on the measurement results of the amount of ink supplied from each of the ink storage bags 60 with the valves by the remaining ink sensors 62A to 62C. After calculating the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage bag 60, the calculation result of the ink storage bag 60 with the least amount of ink in each of the valved ink storage bags 60 is sent to the drive control unit 75 as the control signal S3. After calculating the amount of rotation of the feed screw 7, that is, the amount of movement of the carriage 10 in the direction of the arrow x, based on the control signal S 3, based on the control signal S 3, in accordance with the remaining amount of ink in each of the ink storage bags 60 with valves. This is sent to a drive motor (not shown) of the feed screw 7 as a drive control signal S4.

The drive motor of the feed screw 7 moves the feed screw 7 by a predetermined distance in the direction indicated by the arrow x based on the drive control signal S4, thereby obtaining the through holes 55XA to 55XA.
The degree of fitting of the ridges 54A to 54C into the 55XC is adjusted.

Further, the signal processing control circuit 71 outputs the input signal S
1 to generate corresponding control signals S5 and S6 via the drive control unit 75 as drive control signals S7 and S8 to the corresponding motor 2 or the drive motor of the lead screw 7, respectively. Alternatively, the drive motor of the feed screw 7 is drive-controlled, and thus the operations of the platen 6 and the feed screw 7 are controlled.

Thus, in the serial ink jet printer device 50, during operation, the drive motor of the feed screw 7 is driven based on the drive control signals S4 and S8 supplied from the control unit 70, and the feed screw 7 is driven to a predetermined position. By rotating the print head 52 at an angular velocity, the print head 52 is moved in the axial direction of the platen 6 at a constant speed, and at this time, the print head 52 is driven by a drive signal S supplied from the control unit 70.
2 to print one line on the printing paper 12.

Further, when the printing for one line is completed, the motor 2 is driven based on the drive control signal S7 supplied from the control unit 70 to rotate the platen 6 by a predetermined angle, thereby moving the printing paper 12 for one line. At this time, the drive motor of the feed screw 7 is driven based on the drive control signal S8 supplied from the control unit 70 to rotate the feed screw 7, thereby moving the print head 52 to the original position in the moving direction. And then repeat the same operation.

During operation, the remaining ink sensor 6
When the remaining amount of ink in each of the valved ink storage bags 60 due to 2A to 62C decreases, the drive motor of the feed screw 7 moves the feed screw 7 by a predetermined distance based on the drive control signal S4. An optimal pressing force can be applied to the valved ink storage bag 60 in the ink tank 51, which has the least amount of ink, and thus a stable amount of ink can be supplied to the print head 52.

In this way, the serial type ink jet printer 50 can print one line at a time on the basis of the input signal S1 supplied to the control unit 70. Thus, the printing obtained from the input signal S1 can be performed. Characters, graphics, images, and the like based on the data can be printed over the entire surface of the print paper 12.

(1-5) Operation and Effect of First Embodiment In the above configuration, first, three types of valve-containing ink storage bags 60 having different colors of ink are placed in the state where the cutouts 60C are opened. Each of the ink bag storage chambers of the ink tank 51 is provided without applying a pressing force from the outside to the ink filling section 60A of each of the ink storage bags 60 with valves and while the tip 60BX of the ink flow path section 60B is directed downward (in the direction of gravity). Install in 55A-55C.

At this time, the front end 60BX of the ink flow path portion 60B of each ink storage bag 60 with a valve is connected to each ink supply port 55Y.
A to 55YC Ink Absorbers 61A to 61A-6
1C, since the self-sealing function of each of the valve-equipped ink storage bags 60 functions, ink does not leak from the front end 60BX of each of the ink flow path portions 60B.

Subsequently, a slight external pressing force is applied to the ink filling portion 60A of each of the ink storage bags 60 with a valve, and the leading end 60 of the ink flow path portion 60B communicating with each of the ink filling portions 60A.
By causing a desired amount of ink to flow out of the BX, the corresponding ink absorbers 61A to 61C are impregnated. At this time, since a capillary force is generated in each of the ink absorbers 61A to 61C, each of the ink absorbers 61A to 61C is generated.
An excessive amount of ink from 1C can be prevented from flowing to the print head 52.

During the operation of the ink jet printer 50, when the remaining amount of ink in each of the ink storage bags 60 with a valve becomes small, the carriage 10 mounting the ink tank 51 is moved toward the side plate 53 by a predetermined distance. By moving, the ridges 54 </ b> A to 54 </ b> A formed on the side plate 53 are moved.
54C passes through the through holes 55A to 55C of the ink tank 51 and abuts and presses the valved ink storage bags 60 filled in the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C, respectively. As a result, an optimal pressing force can be applied to the valved ink storage bag 60 having the least amount of ink remaining, and as a result, a stable amount of ink can be supplied to the print head 52.

According to the above configuration, the print head 52
In the ink jet printer device 50 in which the ink tank 51 is mounted on the carriage 10 for fixing and holding the ink container, the self-sealing valve-equipped ink storage bag 60 is mounted in each of the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C of the ink tank 51. Accordingly, the configuration of the ink tank 51 can be simplified, a large amount of ink can be stored, and a stable amount of ink can always be supplied to the print head 52.

(2) Second Embodiment (2-1) Configuration of Inkjet Printer Apparatus by Tube Method In FIG. 6, in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 and FIG. 1 shows a serial type ink jet printer device according to a tube system to which the present invention is applied. This ink tank 81 has the same case main body 55 as the ink tank 51 shown in FIG. 2, and has ink supply ports 55YA to 55YC formed at the lower ends of the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C in the case main body 55, respectively. The ink tubes 33A to 33C are connected to each other.

In the vicinity of the ink tank 81, an ink bag pressing portion 82 is provided.
Are the respective ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C of the case body 55.
Are individually pressed. This ink bag pressing portion 8
2, the fixed shaft 84 is fixedly held so as to protrude outward from one side surface of the driving unit 83, and the driving unit 83
Output shaft 8 of three motors (not shown) provided inside
5 to 87 project at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the fixed shaft 84.

The fixed shaft 84 is rotatably supported with three disk cams 88A to 88C using the fixed shaft 84 as a cam shaft, and the disk cams 88A to 88C correspond to the through holes 55XA to 55XC, respectively. It is positioned at a predetermined interval along the axial direction of the fixed shaft 84 so that it can be performed. A pulley 89 having a fixed shaft 84 as a rotation center is fixed to each of the disk cams 88A to 88C. One end of a belt 90 is wound around each of the pulleys 89 fixed to the disk cams 88A to 88C. On the other hand, the other end of each of the belts 90 is
Are wound around the respective ends of the output shafts 85 to 87 of the three motors incorporated in the motor.

When the three motors incorporated in the drive unit 83 are independently driven and controlled, the rotation output of each motor is sequentially transmitted via the output shafts 85 to 87, the belt 90 and the pulley 89. Disk cams 88A to 88 respectively
C. Thereby, the disc cams 88A to 88C
As shown in FIG. 7, each of the fixed shafts 84 is independently rotated and moved in the direction indicated by the arrow a with the fixed shaft 84 as a cam shaft, and fitted into the corresponding through holes 55XA to 55XC.

Incidentally, ink remaining amount sensors 95A to 95C (shown in FIG. 8) are attached to the connection portions of the print head 34 with the ink tubes 33A to 33C, respectively. Each ink remaining amount sensor 95A-95
C measures the amounts of the three types of ink supplied from the ink tank 81 to the print head 34 to determine the remaining amount of ink in each of the valve-containing ink storage bags 60 mounted in the ink tank 81. Each can be calculated.

(2-2) Configuration of Control Unit FIG. 8 in which parts corresponding to those of FIG. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. The control unit 100 has substantially the same configuration as the control unit 70 of the serial ink jet printer device 50 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

The signal processing control circuit 101 in the control unit 100
Are based on the results of measuring the amount of ink supplied from each of the ink storage bags 60 with valves by ink remaining amount sensors 95A to 95C (not shown in FIG. 6). After calculating the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage bag 60, the calculation result is transmitted to the control signals S10A to S10A.
The data is sent to the drive control unit 102 as S10C. The drive control unit 102 calculates the rotation amounts of the disk cams 88A to 88C based on the control signals S10A to S10C, respectively, in accordance with the remaining amount of ink in the ink container with valve 60, and then calculates the rotation control signals S11A. Drive unit 83 as S11C
To each motor (not shown).

The motors in the drive section 83 are driven by the disc cams 88A to 88A based on the drive control signals S11A to S11C.
By rotating the 8C by a predetermined angle in the direction indicated by the arrow a, the degree of fitting of the disc cams 88A to 88C into the through holes 55XA to 55XC can be individually adjusted.

Thus, when the remaining amount of ink in each of the ink storage bags 60 with valves is reduced by the ink remaining amount sensors 95A to 95C during operation, the motors in the drive unit 83 are driven by the drive control signals S11A to S11C. By rotating the disk cams 88A to 88C by a predetermined angle on the basis of the above, an optimum pressing force can be applied to each of the valve-containing ink storage bags 60 in the ink tank 81, and as a result, the print head 34 A stable amount of ink can be supplied.

(2-3) Operation and Effect of Second Embodiment In the above configuration, first, the three types of ink storage bags 60 with a valve have a self-sealing function as in the case of the first embodiment described above. To be installed in each of the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C of the ink tank 81.

During operation of the ink jet printer 80, if the remaining amount of ink in each of the ink storage bags 60 with a valve becomes small, each of the disk cams 88A to 88C is independently rotated by a predetermined angle. By doing so, the respective disk cams 88A to 88C are
And presses the ink storage bags 60 with valves filled in the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C through the respective through holes 55A to 55C.

In this manner, an optimum pressing force can be applied to each of the valve-containing ink storage bags 60 separately, and thus, the amount of the printing head 52 can be much more stable than in the first embodiment. Of ink can be supplied.

According to the above configuration, the print head 34
The ink tank 81 is provided separately from the tube 33A.
In the ink jet printer device 80 for supplying ink to the print head 34 through the ink cartridges 33 to 33C, the self-sealing ink storage bags 60 with valves are mounted in the respective ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C of the ink tank 81. Accordingly, the structure of the ink tank 81 can be simplified and a large amount of ink can be stored without requiring an ink feeding mechanism such as the tube pump 35 (FIG. 17). The supplied amount of ink can be supplied.

(3) Third Embodiment (3-1) Arrangement of Inkjet Printer Apparatus by Appropriate Combining Method In FIG. 9, in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 shows a serial type ink jet printer apparatus according to an appropriate uniting method applied.
Here, the appropriate combining method is a method in which an ink tank is provided separately from the print head, and ink is supplied to the print head by connecting the ink flow path between the print head and the ink tank at a predetermined time. Say.

In the serial type ink jet printer 110, an ink supply section 111 is provided in the vicinity of the feed screw 7, and the carriage 112 which moves in accordance with the rotation of the feed screw 7 is positioned at a predetermined position. At this time, the ink supply unit 111 can be connected to the ink supply unit 111.

The ink supply unit 111 has an output shaft 114 of a motor (not shown) provided inside the drive unit 113 in the axial direction of the fixed shaft 84 in addition to the configuration of the ink bag pressing unit 82 shown in FIG. And the output shaft 11
4, the lower end of the ink tank 115 is fixed. Thus, the ink tank 115 is rotated around the output shaft 114 in the direction indicated by the arrow b or in the direction opposite thereto in response to the driving of the motor.

In the ink tank 115, through holes 116XA to 116XC are formed in one side wall of each of the ink bag storage chambers 116A to 116C of the case main body 116, and the disk cams 88A to 88C are formed as in the second embodiment.
C is fitted.

Here, in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view when one ink tank 115 is combined with a carriage 112. In this case, the ink tank 115 includes the respective ink bag storage chambers 116 </ b> A to 116 </ b> A of the case body 116.
The ink supply ports 116YA to 116YC are provided at the lower end of 16C.
Are formed at the upper end, and the ink storage bag 6 with a valve is provided at the upper end.
Openings 116 </ b> ZA to 116 </ b> ZC for attaching / detaching 0 are formed.

In the carriage 112, a hollow part 112 is provided.
A is formed, and the ink absorber 117 is filled in the hollow portion 112A. At the upper end of the hollow portion 112A, fitting holes 112XA to 112XC for fitting with the ink supply ports 116YA to 116YC are formed, and at the lower end, communication holes 112YA to 112YC for supplying ink to the print head 34 are provided. Is formed.

Note that ink remaining amount sensors (not shown) are attached to the connection portions of the print head 34 with the communication holes 112YA to 112YC of the carriage 112, respectively. Each of the ink remaining amount sensors measures the amount of three types of ink supplied from the ink tank 115 to the print head 34, and thereby, the ink storage bag 6 with a valve mounted in the ink tank 115.
The ink remaining amount within 0 can be calculated.

The control unit (not shown) of the serial ink jet printer device 110 of the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the control unit 100 of the serial ink jet printer device 80 of the second embodiment.

(3-2) Operation and Effect of Third Embodiment In the above-described configuration, as in the case of the above-described first embodiment, first, the three types of valve-containing ink storage bags 60 have a self-sealing function. To be installed in each of the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C of the ink tank 81.

During the operation of the ink jet printer 110, first, the ink impregnated in the ink absorber 117 in the cartridge 112 is removed by the ink absorber 117.
Is held in the print head 34 without leaking due to the capillary force.

In this operation, at a predetermined time when it is determined that the amount of the ink impregnated in the ink absorber 117 in the carriage 112 has decreased, the drive unit 113 rotates the feed screw 7 to rotate the carriage 112 into the ink. It is positioned at a predetermined position near the tank 115 (FIG. 11). At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the ink tank 115 is held in an inclined state at a predetermined angle in the direction indicated by the arrow b with the output shaft 114 as the center of rotation.

In this state, the driving unit 113 drives the motor to rotate the output shaft 114 by a predetermined angle in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow b, thereby setting the ink bag storage chambers 116A to 116C of the ink tank 115. The ink supply ports 116YA to 116YC projecting from the lower end of the cartridge 112 are fitted into the fitting holes 112XA to 112XC of the carriage 112 (FIG. 10).

Subsequently, the driving unit 113 controls each disk cam 88A.
To 88C are independently rotated by a predetermined angle in the direction indicated by the arrow a, whereby each disc cam 88
A to 88C are the through holes 116XA of the ink tank 115.
Through the ink bag storage chambers 116A-1
The ink storage bags 60 with valves filled in 16C are pressed against each other.

In this manner, an optimal pressing force can be applied to each of the ink storage bags 60 with a valve independently, and thus a stable amount of ink can be applied to the print head 52 similarly to the second embodiment. Ink can be supplied. Further, unlike the second embodiment, the ink tubes 33A to 33C are not drawn out between the ink tank 81 and the print head 34, so that the configuration of the entire apparatus can be simplified and the ink tubes 33A to 33C are generated in the ink tubes 33A to 33C. Troubles such as a stop of ink supply inside the print head 34 due to air bubbles can be prevented.

According to the above configuration, the print head 34
And an ink tank 115 which is provided separately from the ink tank 115 and supplies ink to the print head 34 by connecting the ink flow path between the print head 34 and the ink tank 115 at a predetermined time. Each ink bag storage chamber 116 of the ink tank 115
By mounting the self-sealing valved ink storage bags 60 in A to 116C, the configuration of the ink tank 115 can be simplified and a large amount of ink can be stored. Thus, a stable amount of ink can always be supplied. Further, the size of the carriage 112 can be reduced, and as a result, a high-speed printing operation in the print head 34 can be realized.

(4) Other Embodiments In the above embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to the serial type ink jet printers 30, 50, 80 and 110 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to a line type ink jet printer and a drum type ink jet printer.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the through holes 55XA to 55XC are formed only on one side surface of the case main body 55 of the ink tank 81.
Although a description has been given of the case where the disc cams 88A to 88C are pressed while being fitted in correspondence with 5XA to 55XC, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same reference numerals as those in FIG. As described above, the notch grooves 121XA to 121XC having a predetermined width may be formed along both side surfaces and the upper surface of the case main body 121 of the ink tank 120.

In this case, each of the ink storage chambers 121A to 121A
1C, a pair of rollers 122A to 122C and 123A to 123C
4C and 125A to 125C are supported about the center of rotation, and the pair of rollers 122A to 122C and 12C are supported.
3A to 123C are the corresponding notches 121XA to 1
Both sides and the upper surface of the case main body 121 can be moved two-dimensionally along 21XC.

Thus, the pair of rollers 122A-122C
And 123A to 123C emptied the ink in the valved ink storage bag 60 by pressing while rolling so as to sandwich the valved ink storage bag 60 stored in each of the corresponding ink storage chambers 121A to 121C. As a result, a constant amount of ink can always be supplied to the print head irrespective of the remaining amount of ink in the ink container with valve 60.

Further, in the above embodiment, FIG.
When an external pressure is applied to the ink filling portion 60A of the valved ink storage bag 60 shown in (A) and (B), the side end portion of the bonded portion of the valved ink storage bag 60 is pressed from one side or sandwiched from both sides. Although the case where the external pressure is applied is described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and each film surface of the ink filling portion 60A of the ink container with valve 60 may be pressed from one side or sandwiched from both sides. In short, the ink filling portion 60A of the ink storage bag 60 with a valve
The external force may be applied in any direction.

Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the case body 55 and the carriage 10 are provided separately (FIG. 2) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the case body 55 is integrally formed with the carriage 10. You may do it.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the ink remaining amount sensors 62A to 62C and 95A to 95C respectively detect the ink remaining amount in the valved ink storage bag 60. The invention is not limited to this,
In addition to the ink remaining amount, it may be detected whether or not each of the ink storage bags 60 with a valve is full of ink. In this case, a predetermined amount of ink may be supplied periodically into each of the ink storage bags 60 with valves. In addition, these ink remaining amount sensors 62A to 62C and 95A to 95C may be used also as sensors for home position and maintenance.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described where the ink storage bag 60 with a valve is formed by laminating two polyester films by welding, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the polyester, the material of the valved ink storage bag 60 may be, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl chloride, polyurethane, polystyrene, or the like. Further, a block copolymer containing at least one of these may be used. You may do it. Thus, when the ink storage bag with valve 60 is discarded after use, it can be reused for other materials by converting it into oil, thereby preventing environmental pollution. Furthermore, if a biodegradable polymer is used, the used ink storage bag with valve 60 can be easily decomposed by soil, which is very effective as an environmental measure.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case where a porous body such as a polyurethane foam made of a foam material is applied as the ink absorber 21, 61A to 61C and 117 has been described. Not limited,
In addition to the porous material, for example, a material having a fibrous shape such as felt may be used.

[0097]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a printer apparatus for printing ink on a recording medium by discharging ink from a print head toward the recording medium,
By using an ink storage bag having a valve function to flow out the ink in the filling section to the outside only when an external pressure is applied to the filling section, the ink is supplied to the print head. An ink storage bag, a printer, and an ink supply method capable of storing ink and improving the reliability of ink supply to a print head can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an ink jet printer according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an external configuration of an ink tank according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of an ink storage bag with a valve according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an ink tank according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a control unit of the ink jet printer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an ink jet printer according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an ink tank according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a control unit of the ink jet printer according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an ink jet printer according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view showing a configuration of an ink tank and a carriage according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view showing a configuration of an ink tank and a carriage according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an ink tank according to another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional ink jet printer apparatus of a carriage mounting type.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing one configuration example of a conventional print head.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of a conventional print head.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view and a sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional ink tank.

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional tube type ink jet printer device.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a conventional ink tank and tube pump.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 30, 50, 80, 110 ink jet printer device 6, platen 7, lead screw 8, 3,
1, 51, 81, 115, 120 ... ink tank,
9, 34, 52 ... print head, 10, 32, 112
...... Carrier, 11 ... Printed paper, 21, 61A ~
61C, 117... Ink absorber, 33 (33A to 33)
C) Ink tube, 55 Case body, 54A
５４54C… ridge, 55A to 55C, 116A to 11
6C, 121A to 121C ... Ink bag storage chamber, 55X
A to 55XC, 116XA to 116XC: Through holes, 5
5YA to 55YC, 116YA to 116YC ... ink supply port, 60 ... ink storage bag with valve, 60A ... ink filling section, 60B ... ink flow path section, 62A to 62C, 9
5A to 95C: Ink remaining amount sensor, 70, 100 ...
Control section 82 ink bag pressing section 83 and 113 driving section 84 fixed shaft 88A to 88C disk cam
111 ... Ink supply unit.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An ink supply apparatus comprising: a filling section filled with ink; and a flow path section comprising an ink flow path communicating between the filling section and the outside, wherein the flow path section is configured such that an external pressure is applied to the filling section. An ink storage bag having a valve function of allowing the ink in the filling portion to flow out only when the ink is filled. 2. A printer device which prints the ink on the recording medium by discharging the ink from the print head toward a recording medium, comprising: a filling unit which is arranged integrally with the print head and which is filled with the ink. An ink containing bag having a flow path for supplying the ink in the filling portion to the print head only when an external pressure is applied to the filling portion; and applying the external pressure to the filling portion of the ink containing bag. External pressure applying means for applying the external pressure to the filling portion of the ink storage bag by the external pressure applying means.
A printer device for supplying the ink in the filling section to the print head via the flow path section. 3. The ink storage bag according to claim 1, wherein a downstream side of said flow path portion is filled with an ink absorber for adjusting an amount of said ink supplied to said print head. 3. The printer device according to 2. 4. A printer device for printing the ink on the recording medium by discharging the ink from a print head toward the recording medium, wherein the printer communicates with a filling section filled with the ink, and an external pressure is applied to the filling section. An ink storage bag having a flow path for allowing the ink in the filling section to flow out only when given, a tube for connecting the flow path of the ink storage bag and the print head, and External pressure applying means for applying the external pressure to the filling portion of the bag, and applying the external pressure to the filling portion of the ink containing bag by the external pressure applying means.
A printer device, wherein the ink in the filling section is supplied to the print head via the flow path section and the tube. 5. A printer device for printing the ink on the recording medium by discharging the ink toward the recording medium from a print head, wherein the printer head is located at a predetermined ink supply position set within a moving range of the print head. Correspondingly disposed, communicates with the filling portion filled with the ink, an ink containing bag having a flow path portion that allows the ink in the filling portion to flow out only when external pressure is applied to the filling portion, An external pressure applying means for applying the external pressure to the filling portion of the ink storage bag; and a carriage provided integrally with the print head and storing a predetermined amount of the ink discharged from the print head, wherein the print head supplies the ink. In this state, the external pressure applying means applies the external pressure to the filling portion of the ink storage bag. Accordingly, the ink in the filling unit printing apparatus and supplying to said carriage through said channel portion. 6. The printer device according to claim 5, wherein the inside of the carriage is filled with an ink absorber for adjusting the amount of the ink ejected from the print head. 7. An ink supply method for supplying ink to a printhead of a printer device, comprising: communicating with a filling section filled with the ink, and supplying the ink in the filling section only when an external pressure is applied to the filling section. A first step of disposing an ink storage bag having a flow path for supplying the print head integrally with the print head; and a second step of applying the external pressure to the filling portion of the ink storage bag at a predetermined timing. An ink supply method comprising the steps of: 8. An ink supply method for supplying ink to a print head of a printer device, comprising: communicating with a filling section filled with the ink, and supplying the ink in the filling section only when an external pressure is applied to the filling section. A first step for connecting the flow path of the ink storage bag having a flow path to the outside to the print head and the print head via a tube, and a predetermined step in the filling section of the ink storage bag. A second step of applying the external pressure by tamping. 9. An ink supply method for supplying ink to a print head of a printer device, wherein the ink is communicated with a filling portion filled with the ink, and the ink in the filling portion is supplied only when an external pressure is applied to the filling portion. A first step of arranging an ink storage bag having a flow path for flowing out to the outside at a predetermined ink supply position set within a movement range of the print head; and filling the ink storage bag with the ink storage bag. A second step of applying the external pressure to the print head at a predetermined timing, and a third step of storing a predetermined amount of the ink discharged from the print head in a carriage provided integrally with the print head. Ink supply method.