JPH10296992A - Ink housing bag and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an ink housing bag which can store a large quantity of ink through a simple structure and a printer in which the reliability of ink supply to a print head can be enhanced. SOLUTION: An ink housing bag which can store a large quantity of ink through a simple structure and a printer in which the reliability of ink supply to a print head can be enhanced can be realized by providing an ink housing bag comprising a channel part 60Q comprising a part filled with ink and an ink channel 60Q communicating with the part filled with ink and having a valve function for feeding out ink from the part filled with ink only when an external pressure is applied thereto, and an external coupling part communicating between the channel part 60Q and the outside.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[Table of Contents] The present invention will be described in the following order.

2. Description of the Related Art Prior Art (FIGS. 18 to 23) Problems to be Solved by the Invention Means for Solving the Problems Embodiments of the Invention (1) First Embodiment (1-1) ) Configuration of an ink jet printer device using a carriage mounting method (FIGS. 1 and 2) (1-2) Configuration of an ink storage bag with a valve (FIGS. 3A to 5)
(B)) (1-3) Configuration of Ink Tank (FIGS. 6A and 6B) (1-4) Configuration of Control Unit (FIG. 7) (1-5) Operation of First Embodiment (2) Second Embodiment (2-1) Configuration of Inkjet Printer Device by Tube Method (FIGS. 8 and 9) (2-2) Configuration of Control Unit (FIG. 10) (2-3) Operation and Effect of Second Embodiment (3) Third Embodiment (3-1) Configuration of Ink Jet Printer Apparatus by Appropriate Coalescing Method (FIGS. 11 and 12) (3-2) Third Embodiment (4) Fourth Embodiment (4-1) Configuration of Inkjet Printer Apparatus by Maintenance Maintenance Method (FIGS. 14 to 16) (4-2) Fourth Embodiment Operation and Effect of Embodiment (5) Other Embodiment (FIG. 17) Effect of the Invention

[0003]

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

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a so-called on-demand type ink jet printer, characters and figures based on a recording signal are ejected onto a recording medium such as paper or film by discharging ink droplets from nozzles in accordance with the recording signal. It is capable of recording, and in recent years has been rapidly spreading because it can be reduced in size and cost.

In recent years, especially in offices, document creation using a computer called desktop publishing has been actively performed. Recently, not only characters and figures but also color natural images such as photographs have been converted to characters and figures. There is an increasing demand for output with this. 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 for fixing and holding 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 method is referred to as a tube method).

As shown in FIG. 18, a serial type ink jet printer 1 of a carriage mounting type is configured so that a platen 6 can be rotationally driven by a motor 2 through a pulley 3, a belt 4 and a rotating shaft 5 in order. It has been done. A feed screw 7 is arranged in parallel with the axial direction of the platen 6, and a carriage 10 having a cartridge type ink tank 8 and a print head 9 integrated with the feed screw 7 is screwed into the feed screw 7, whereby the feed screw 7 rotates. When driven, the carriage 10 is moved in the axial direction of the platen 6. In this manner, the print head 9 prints one line at a time on the printing paper 11 as a printing material wound on the platen 6 while the ink is always supplied from the ink tank 8 mounted on the carriage 10. It is made to be able to do.

Here, the print head 9 generally has a method of ejecting ink droplets from nozzles by applying pressure to the ink by deformation of a piezo element, and a method of generating bubbles generated by heating and boiling ink by a heating element. A method of ejecting ink by pressure is used.Among them, a method of applying pressure to ink by deformation of a piezo element and ejecting from a nozzle is to linearly displace piezoelectric elements stacked in many layers and to move a diaphragm. A pressing method and a method of bending a diaphragm by applying a voltage to a single plate or a piezo element laminated in two layers attached to the diaphragm are used.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20A, a print head 9 using a single-plate type piezo element has a plurality of discharge nozzles 13A on one surface of a base 12 made of, for example, photosensitive glass. The formed orifice plate 13 is adhered, and one surface of the diaphragm 14 is adhered to the other surface of the base 12. Further, at a position corresponding to the pressure chamber 12A of the base 12 on the other surface of the vibration plate 14, a piezo element 17 to which electrodes 15 and 16 are adhered from both sides in the thickness direction is provided with an adhesive (not shown) or the like. Are firmly joined together.

[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) is supplied to the pressure chamber 1 through the ink introduction hole 12B.
2A.

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 curves in the direction shown by the arrow a while being bent in the direction shown. As a result, a pressure corresponding to the bending of the piezo element 17 is applied to the pressure chamber 12A, the volume of the pressure chamber 12A decreases, and the pressure in the pressure chamber 12A increases, so that the pressure chamber 12A is filled. The discharged ink is ejected from the ejection nozzle 13A.

On the other hand, in a cartridge type ink jet printer, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, a cartridge body 20A having the same structure corresponding to three colors of magenta, cyan and yellow inks. ~ 2
It has an ink tank 8 formed by integrally molding OC.

As shown in FIG. 21 (B), the cartridge bodies 20A, 20B and 20C each have an ink absorber housing chamber 22X in which the ink absorber 21 is compressed and loaded, and a sealed chamber in which ink is stored. Type ink storage chamber 2
2Y is connected through a communication hole 22Z formed on the lower end side, and a plurality of air communication holes 22 for communicating the atmosphere to the upper end of the ink absorber housing chamber 22X.
H and an ink supply port 22S for supplying ink to the print head 9 is formed at the lower end.

As the ink absorber 21, a porous body such as a polyurethane foam made of a foam material is used, and the ink leaks from the ink supply port 22S and the air communication hole 22H by impregnating and holding the ink. 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 22S. 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 in accordance with the displacement of the piezo element 17 (FIG. 20A) in the print head 9, whereby the ink held in the ink absorber 21 is discharged through the injection needle. It is sucked by the print head 9 side.

In this case, a capillary force (that is, ink suction force) is generated in the ink absorber 21 by the meniscus generated inside the ink absorber 21 on the side of the air communication hole 22H, so that the inside of the ink absorber storage chamber 22X is formed. Generates a predetermined negative pressure. Thus, it is possible to prevent an excessive amount of ink from flowing out of the ink absorber 21 to the print head 9, and thus the print head 9 can stably eject ink droplets.

On the other hand, the serial type ink jet printer 30 of the tube type is provided with an ink tank 31 separately from a carriage 32, as shown in FIG. Ink tank 3
An ink tube 33 pulled out from 1 is connected to a print head 34 fixedly held on a carriage 32 via a tube pump 35.

FIG. 23 shows the internal structure of the ink tank 31 and the tube pump 35. Ink tank 31
Has a configuration in which an ink storage bag 37 whose tip is sealed by a rubber cap 36 is loaded in a case main body 31A, and a relay ink needle 38 is attached so as to penetrate the rubber cap 36. 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 is transferred to the relay tube needle 38.
, And can flow into the tube 33.

In the tube pump 35, a columnar rotating member 40 is indicated by an arrow a about a rotation axis of an output shaft 41 of a motor (not shown) in a columnar space 35AX formed inside the housing 35A. And a plurality of rollers 4 on the circumferential side surface of the rotating member 40.
Each of the tubes 3A to 42C is rotatably mounted around a shaft parallel to the output shaft 41 as a center of rotation, and is connected to the tube 3 via a communication hole 35AY communicating with the space 35AX.
3 is penetrated.

Thus, the rotating member 4 is driven in accordance with the driving of the motor.
When 0 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow a, the tubes 33 in the space 35AX are sequentially pressed and contacted by the rollers 42A to 42C, and the ink in the tubes 33 is pushed out to the print head 34 side. 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.

[0022]

By the way, in the ink jet printer device 1 of the carriage mounting type,
The ink tank 8 (FIGS. 21A and 21B) 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 9 and insufficient ink supply.

On the other hand, in the ink jet printer device 30 of the tube type, the ink tank 31 (FIG. 23) 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.

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

[0027]

According to the present invention, there is provided a filling part filled with ink and a flow path of ink communicating with the filling part, wherein an external pressure is applied to the filling part. A flow path portion having a valve function for flowing out the ink in the filling section only when the flow path portion is provided, and a joint portion for external connection communicating between the flow path portion and the outside are provided. Thus, a large amount of ink can be stored with a simple configuration, and a stable amount of ink can always be supplied to the outside.

Further, according to the present invention, in a printer apparatus for printing ink on a recording medium by discharging ink toward the recording medium from the print head, the printer apparatus is detachably connected to the print head and filled with the ink. A filling section, a flow path section of ink that communicates with the filling section, a flow path section having a valve function of flowing out the ink in the filling section only when an external pressure is applied to the filling section, the flow path section, and the print head. An ink storage bag having a joint portion communicating between the ink storage bag and an external pressure applying means for applying an external pressure to the filling portion of the ink storage bag, and applying an external pressure to the filling portion of the ink storage bag by the external pressure applying means; The ink in the filling section is supplied to the print head via the flow path section and the joint section. This makes it possible to always supply a stable amount of ink without causing ink leakage to the print head.

Further, according to the present invention, in a printer apparatus for printing ink on a recording medium by discharging ink toward the recording medium from the print head, one end of the tube communicates with the print head and the other end of the tube. A filling portion, which is detachably connected and filled with ink, a flow passage portion formed of an ink flow passage communicating with the filling portion, and a joint portion communicating between the flow passage portion and the other end of the tube. And an external pressure applying means for applying an external pressure to the filling portion of the ink containing bag, and applying the external pressure to the filling portion of the ink containing bag by the external pressure applying means to cause the ink in the filling portion to flow through the flow path portion. To the print head via the joint and the tube. This makes it possible to always supply a stable amount of ink without causing ink leakage to the print head.

Further, according to the present invention, in a printer device for printing ink on a recording medium by discharging ink toward the recording medium from the print head, the ink ejected from the print head is provided integrally with the print head. A carriage for storing a fixed amount, a filling section which is arranged corresponding to a predetermined ink supply position set in advance within the movement range of the print head, and is filled with ink, and a flow path of ink communicating with the filling section, It has a flow path part having a valve function of flowing out the ink in the filling part only when an external pressure is applied to the filling part, and a joint part communicating the flow path part and the print head, and the joint part is provided with respect to the carriage. And an external pressure applying means for applying an external pressure to the filling portion of the ink storage bag. In this state, the joint portion of the ink storage bag is connected to the carriage, and external pressure is applied to the filling portion of the ink storage bag by the external pressure applying means, so that the ink in the filling portion flows through the flow path portion and the joint portion. To be supplied to the carriage. Thus, a stable amount of ink can always be supplied to the print head without causing ink leakage, and the printing operation can be further speeded up.

[0031]

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 where parts corresponding to those in FIG. FIG. 8 shows a serial type ink jet printer of a carriage mounting type to which the present invention is applied, which differs from the conventional ink jet printer 1 (FIG. 18) in the configuration of an ink tank 51 and a print head 52, and has a rotary shaft 5 and a feed screw 7;
Projecting ridges 54A to 54C having the same shape are formed on the inner side surface 53A of the side plate 53 that supports one end of each.

In the ink tank 51, as shown in FIG. 2, ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C having the same shape are formed in the case body 55 corresponding to the three color inks of magenta, cyan and yellow. In addition, one ink storage bag with a valve (not shown) is stored in each of the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C. The case body 55
Is an openable / closable lid, whereby the upper surface 55Y is in an open state, that is, each of the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55A.
With the upper end of 5C open, each of the ink storage bags with a valve can be attached and detached.

Further, on the surface 55X of the case body 55 facing the side plate 53, there are provided ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55A, respectively.
55C, through holes 55XA to 55XC are formed so that the ink storage bags with valves stored in the respective ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C are exposed. When the platen 6 is moved in the axial direction (the direction of the arrow x) of the side plate 53 and reaches the inner surface 53A of the side plate 53, the ridges 54A to 54C formed on the inner surface 53A correspond to the corresponding through holes 5 respectively.
Each of the ink storage bags with a valve can be pressed by fitting into 5XA to 55XC.

(1-2) Structure of Ink Storage Bag with Valve As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the ink storage bag 60 with valve is a film 60 made of two sheets of vinyl resin or the like.
A and 60B are formed by bonding the peripheral portions thereof by welding. Inside the peripheral portions, an ink filling portion 60P filled with ink and a substantially S-shaped portion communicating with the lower end of the ink filling portion 60P are provided. And the ink flow path section 60Q are sealed. In addition, in the bonding portion of the films 60A and 60B at the tip portion 60QX of the ink flow path portion 60Q,
For example, a joint member 61 made of plastic or the like is sandwiched.

This joint member 61 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 (A).
As shown in FIG. 5, the film 60A and the film 60B are bonded to all the rhombic columnar side surfaces of the joint main body 60A, which are composed of a rhombic column-shaped joint main body 61A and a coupling portion 61B protruding from the lower surface of the joint main body 61A. The parts are adhered without gaps.

As shown in FIG. 5B, which shows a cross section taken along the line AA 'of FIG. 5A, an absorber loading chamber 61F having a concave space is provided at the center of the upper surface of the joint main body 61A. The absorber loading chamber 61F is formed and communicates with the tip end portion 60QX of the ink flow path portion 60Q.

Further, in the connecting portion 61B, the absorber loading chamber 6 is provided.
A communication hole 61H communicating with the first hole 1F is formed so as to be able to supply ink from an ink supply port 61S at the tip of the communication hole 61H.
It is possible to prevent the ink supplied from P through the ink flow path portion 60Q from leaking from between the films 60A and 60B other than the ink supply port 61S of the joint member 61.

Further, an ink absorber 62 made of a porous material such as a polyurethane foam made of a foam material is loaded in the absorber loading chamber 61F, so that the ink is discharged from the tip end 60QX of the ink flow path portion 60Q. The ink that has been impregnated by the ink absorber 62 can be retained while being impregnated by the capillary force.

Further, a tapered portion 61BT is formed on the outer periphery of the connecting portion 61B so as to be tapered so as to become gradually thinner toward the distal end, and a cap 63 (FIG. 3) which can be freely fitted to the tapered portion 61BT. Can be attached. This allows the cap 63 to be used when not in use.
Is attached to close the ink supply port 61S, while the cap 63 is removed and the connecting portion 61B is used at the time of use.
And the ink supply port 61S can be opened.

Here, the ink supply port 61S of the joint member 61
When the user applies a pressing force to the ink filling portion 60P of the ink containing bag 60 from the outside in a state where the ink is opened, the ink filled in the ink filling portion 60P by an amount corresponding to the pressing force is applied to the ink flow. It is extruded into the passage 60Q and flows out of the ink supply port 61S via the ink flow path 60Q, the ink absorber 62, and the communication hole 61H (hereinafter, this characteristic is referred to as self-sealing property).

Thus, the ink supply port 6 of the joint member 61
Even if 1S faces downward (in the direction of gravity) with the cap 63 removed, if no pressing force is applied to the ink filling unit 60P from outside, the ink filled in the ink filling unit 60P will be The ink filling section 60P and the inner wall of the ink flow path section 60Q are kept in a state of being retained in the ink flow path section 60Q by resistance.

In order to maintain the self-sealing property of the valved ink storage bag 60, it is necessary to set the flow path diameter of the ink flow path section 60Q and the degree of the substantially S-shaped bending 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. 6A and 6B, the ink tank 51 shown in FIG. Ink sections 55YA to 55YC communicating with the print head 52 are formed at the lower ends of the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C in the case main body 55, and the respective ink flow paths 55YA to 55Y are formed.
The YC is loaded with annular members 65A to 65C made of rubber, for example.

When storing the ink storage bag with valve 60 in each of the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C, the connecting portion 6 of the joint member 61 is used.
1B is inserted into the corresponding annular members 65A to 65C, and the tapered portions 61BT (FIG. 4) at the ends of the respective coupling portions 61B are pressed into the corresponding annular members 65A to 65C, whereby the ink supply port of each joint member 61 is formed. It is configured to prevent ink from leaking out of the annular members 65A to 65C from 61S.

At the lower end of the print head 52, ink remaining quantity sensors 66A to 66C
5A to 55YC are mounted so that the three types of ink amounts supplied from the ink tank 51 to the print head 52 can be measured.

(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 applied to the print head 52, and sends the drive signal S2 to the print head 52 via the driver 72, whereby the drive of the print head 52 can be controlled.

At this time, the signal processing control circuit 71 records the print data obtained based on the input signal S1 in a memory 73 constituted by a line buffer memory or a one-screen memory as required, and thereafter stores this data as appropriate. 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 controls each of the valves provided in the ink tank 51 based on the result of measuring the amount of ink supplied from each of the ink containing bags 60 by the ink remaining amount sensors 66A to 66C. 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, so that each of the through holes 55XA to 55XA.
The degree of fitting of the ridges 54A to 54C into the 55XC can be adjusted.

The signal processing control circuit 71 also controls 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 operation of the platen 6 and the feed screw 7 can be controlled.

Thus, in the serial type 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 to drive the feed screw 7 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 11.

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 to move the printing paper 11 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 origin 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 6A to 66C 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 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 can be performed from the input signal S1. Characters, figures, images, and the like based on the data can be printed over the entire surface of the printing paper 11.

(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 inserted into the ink supply ports 61, respectively.
In the state where S is opened, each of the ink filling portions 60P of the respective valve-equipped ink storage bags 60 is applied with no pressing force from the outside and the tip 60QX of the ink flow path portion 60Q is directed downward (in the direction of gravity). It is stored in each of the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C of the ink tank 51. At this time, the joint member 61 provided in each ink storage bag 60 with a valve is provided.
Are pressed into the annular members 65A to 65C of the corresponding ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C.

Thus, even when a predetermined pressing force is externally applied to the ink filling portion 60P of each of the ink storage bags 60 with a valve, an amount of ink corresponding to the pressing force is applied to each joint member 6P.
The ink can be supplied to the print head 52 without leaking from the one ink supply port 61S to the outside of the annular members 65A to 65C. As a result, the ink concentration may increase due to the leakage of the ink for a long time while being in contact with the outside air, or the impurities mixed in the ink may cause the print head 52 to lose its density.
To cause clogging in a discharge nozzle (not shown).

When the ink jet printer 50 is operating, if the remaining amount of ink in each of the ink storage bags 60 with a valve becomes small, the carriage 10 on which the ink tank 51 is mounted is moved to the side plate 53 by a predetermined distance. By pressing each of the ink storage bags 60 with a valve against the ridges 54A to 54C formed on the side plate 53,
An optimal pressing force can be applied to the valved ink storage bag 60 having the least amount of remaining ink, 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 print head 5, the print head 5 is provided on the ink supply side of the ink storage bag 60 with the valve.
By forming the joint member 61 that can be detachably connected to the print head 2, a stable amount of ink can always be supplied to the print head 52 without causing ink leakage. Further, when replacing ink, each ink storage bag 6 with a valve is required.
When 0 is removed from the ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C, it is possible to prevent the ink in the ink flow path from leaking out.

(2) Second Embodiment (2-1) Configuration of Ink-jet Printer Apparatus by Tube Method In FIG. 8, in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 and FIG. 1 shows a serial type ink jet printer apparatus according to a tube system to which the present invention is applied. This ink tank 81 has the same case body 55 as the ink tank 51 shown in FIG.
The ink tubes 33A to 33C are connected to the ink supply ports 55YA to 55YC corresponding to the respective ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C in the printer 5 respectively.

In an ink bag pressing portion 82 provided in the vicinity of the ink tank 81, a fixed shaft 84 protruding outward is fixedly held on one side surface of the driving portion 83, and the fixed shaft 84 is fixed to the outside. Three disc cams 88 as cam shafts
A to 88C are through holes 55XA of the case body 55, respectively.
It is rotatably supported at a predetermined interval so as to correspond to a position of ~ 55XC. In addition, each of these disk cams 88A to 88
C has pulleys 89 each having a fixed shaft 84 as a center of rotation.
And one end of the belt 90 is wound around each.

Further, output shafts 85 to 87 of three motors (not shown) provided inside the driving section 83 are projected from one side surface along the axial direction of the fixed shaft 84 at a predetermined interval from each other. The other end side of the belt 90 is wound. Thus, when the motors in the drive unit 83 are independently driven and controlled, the rotation output of the motors is applied to the disk cams 88A to 88C via the output shafts 85 to 87, the belt 90, and the pulley 89, respectively. Given.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the disk cams 88A to 88C rotate independently in the direction shown by the arrow a with the fixed shaft 84 as the cam shaft, and the corresponding through holes 5
Fits into 5XA-55XC. In this way, the ink bag pressing portion 82 is connected to each of the ink bag storage chambers 5 of the case body 55.
The ink storage bags 60 with valves stored in 5A to 55C can be individually pressed.

In addition, annular members 92A to 92C made of rubber, for example, are loaded into the ink flow path openings 55YA to 55YC at the lower end of the case body 55, respectively.
The connecting portions 61B (FIG. 4) of the joint member 61 and the ink tubes 33A to 33C are fitted through A to 92C and connected to each other in a state of maintaining airtightness.

Incidentally, ink remaining amount sensors 95A to 95C (shown in FIG. 10) 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-9
5C measures the amount of the three types of ink supplied from the ink tank 81 to the print head 34 to thereby determine the remaining amount of ink in each of the valve-equipped ink storage bags 60 mounted in the ink tank 81. Each can be calculated.

(2-2) Configuration of Control Unit In FIG. 10 in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are assigned the same reference numerals, the configuration of the control unit 100 of the serial type ink jet printer 80 is shown in FIG. It has substantially the same configuration as the control unit 70 of the serial type ink jet printer device 50 according to the first embodiment.

Signal processing control circuit 101 in control unit 100
Are based on the results of measuring the amount of ink supplied from each ink storage bag 60 with a valve by ink remaining amount sensors 95A to 95C (not shown in FIG. 8). 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).

Each of the motors in the drive section 83 controls the disk 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.

In operation, when the remaining amount of ink in each of the ink storage bags 60 with valves is reduced by the remaining ink sensors 95A to 95C, 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, as in the case of the above-described first embodiment, first, the three types of ink storage bags 60 with valves are respectively self-contained. The ink tank 81 is mounted in each of the ink bag storage chambers 55 </ b> A to 55 </ b> C so that the airtightness functions. At this time, the joint member 61 provided in each ink storage bag 60 with a valve is provided.
Are pressed into the annular members 92A to 92C of the corresponding ink bag storage chambers 55A to 55C, respectively.
3A to 33C to form an annular member 92A.
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of ink leakage outside of the area of ~ 92C.

During the 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 way, an optimum pressing force can be applied to each of the ink storage bags 60 with a valve separately, and thus the printing head 52 is much more stable than in the first embodiment. The supplied amount 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 80 for supplying ink to the print head 34 via the ink cartridges 33A to 33C, the tubes 33A to 33C
By forming the joint member 61 which can be detachably connected to the print head 34, ink leakage does not occur to the print head 34, and further, the tube pump 35 (FIG.
It is possible to always supply a stable amount of ink without requiring an ink feeding mechanism such as 2).

(3) Third Embodiment (3-1) Arrangement of Inkjet Printer Apparatus by Appropriate Combining Method In FIG. 11, in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 shows a serial type ink jet printer device according to an appropriately united system to which the present invention is 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 a carriage 112 which moves in the direction indicated by an arrow x in accordance with the rotation of the feed screw 7 is provided. When positioned at a predetermined position, the ink supply unit 111 can communicate with 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 lower end of the ink tank 115 is fixed to the output shaft 114. As a result, the ink tank 115 is rotated around the output shaft 114 in the direction indicated by the arrow b or in the opposite direction 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 are respectively formed as in the second embodiment.
~ 88C is fitted.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the ink supply unit 111 when the ink tank 115 is combined with the carriage 112. FIG.
6A to 116C, the ink flow paths 116YA to 11
6YC are formed in a protruding manner, and openings 116ZA to 116ZC for attaching and detaching the ink storage bag with valve 60 are provided at the upper end.
Are formed. The ink flow path openings 116YA to 11
6YC has an annular member 118 made of, for example, rubber.
A-118C are loaded, and the respective annular members 118A-1
The connecting portion 61B (FIG. 4) of the joint member 61 is fitted through 18C and is connected and connected while maintaining airtightness.

Further, hollow portions 112A to 112C are formed in the carriage 112, respectively.
To 112C are filled with ink absorbers 117 one by one. Fitting holes 112XA to 112XC are formed at the upper ends of the hollow portions 112A to 112C to be fitted with the ink flow passage openings 116YA to 116YC, respectively.
At the lower end, communication holes 112YA to 112YC for supplying ink to the print head 34 are formed.

At the connection portions of the carriage 112 with the communication holes 112YA to 112YC of the print head 34, ink remaining amount sensors (not shown) are respectively attached. 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 type ink jet printer 110 according to the third embodiment includes:
It has substantially the same configuration as the control unit 100 of the serial type ink jet printer device 80 of the second embodiment.

(3-2) Operation and Effect of Third Embodiment In the above configuration, as in the case of the above-described first embodiment, first, the three types of ink storage bags 60 with valves are respectively self-contained. It is installed in each of the ink bag storage chambers 116 </ b> A to 116 </ b> C of the ink tank 115 so that the airtightness functions.
At this time, the joint member 61 provided in each of the ink storage bags with valves 60 is press-fitted into the annular members 118A to 118C of the corresponding ink bag storage chambers 116A to 116C, respectively, so that the ink is discharged outside the annular members 118A to 118C. Leakage can be prevented.

In the operation of the ink jet printer 110, first, each hollow portion 11 of the carriage 112 is operated.
Each of the ink absorbers 117 filled in the ink absorbers 2A to 112C is impregnated with ink. The ink is impregnated with the print head 3 by the capillary force of each ink absorber 117.
4 is retained without leaking.

Subsequently, at a predetermined time when it is determined that the amount of ink impregnated in each of the ink absorbers 117 in the carriage 112 has been reduced, the driving unit 113 rotates the feed screw 7 to move the carriage 112 into the ink tank 115. It is positioned at a predetermined position nearby (FIG. 11). At this time, the ink tank 115 is held at a predetermined angle about the output shaft 114 as a rotation center, as shown in FIG.

In this state, the drive unit 113 drives the motor to rotate the output shaft 114 by a predetermined angle in the direction indicated by the arrow b, thereby projecting the lower end of each of the ink bag storage chambers 116A to 116C of the ink tank 115. The formed ink passage openings 116YA to 116YC are fitted into the fitting holes 112XA to 112XC of the carriage 112 (FIG. 12).

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, and the respective disc cams 88A to 88C are pressed against the respective ink storage bags 60 with valves. An optimum pressing force can be applied to each of the print heads 60, and thus a stable amount of ink can be supplied to the print head 34 as in the second embodiment. Further, unlike the second embodiment (FIG. 8), 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 whole apparatus can be simplified and the ink tubes 33A can be simplified. It is possible to prevent troubles such as a stop of ink supply inside the print head 34 due to air bubbles generated in the print head 33C.

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 storage chamber 116 of the ink tank 115 is provided on the ink supply side of the self-sealing ink storage bag 60 with a valve.
Joint member 6 that can be detachably connected to A to 116C
By forming No. 1, a stable amount of ink can always be supplied to the print head 34 without causing ink leakage. 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) Fourth Embodiment (4-1) Configuration of an Inkjet Printer Applied by Maintenance Supply Method In FIG. 14 in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 shows a serial ink jet printer device according to a maintenance supply system to which the present invention is applied. Here, the maintenance supply method refers to a method of performing maintenance on the print head in addition to supplying ink to the print head in an appropriate combination method.

In practical use, during operation of the serial type ink jet printer 120, clogging may occur in a head nozzle portion (not shown) of the print head 34, or dust or dirt may adhere thereto. In some cases, the head nozzle may be ejected idle.
It is necessary to perform maintenance of the print head 34 periodically.

For this reason, usually, the carriage 112 is rotated by the rotation of the feed screw 7 to move the carriage 112 to a predetermined position outside the moving range of the printing operation of the print head 34 (that is, outside the end of the platen 6). Is moved to a maintenance position), the maintenance of the print head 34 is performed at the maintenance position, and then the operation of returning the carriage 112 to the print operation moving range is performed periodically again.

Therefore, in the ink jet printer 120 using the maintenance supply system,
Maintenance unit (performance maintaining means) 1 at a predetermined position in the apparatus
21 is provided, and a head cap part 124 drawn out from a suction pump 122 in the maintenance part 121 via a tube 123 is moved by a predetermined elevating means (not shown) in a direction indicated by an arrow z or in a direction opposite thereto. And moved to the maintenance position.

The head cap portion 124 has a concave fitting portion 1 corresponding to the outer shape of the print head 34.
24A, the print head 34 positioned at the maintenance position is wrapped around the fitting portion 124A so that the print head 34 can be maintained.

Further, in the ink jet printer device 120 using the maintenance supply system, the carriage 112 positioned at the maintenance position is
The ink tank 115 of the ink supply unit 111 according to the third embodiment can be connected to the ink tank 115 from the side opposite to the head cap unit 124.

As in the third embodiment, 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. .

(4-2) Operation and Effect of the Fourth Embodiment In the above configuration, as in the case of the third embodiment described above, first, the three types of ink storage bags 60 with valves are respectively self-contained. It is installed in each of the ink bag storage chambers 116 </ b> A to 116 </ b> C of the ink tank 115 so that the airtightness functions.
At this time, the joint member 61 provided in each of the ink storage bags with valves 60 is press-fitted into the annular members 118A to 118C of the corresponding ink bag storage chambers 116A to 116C, respectively, so that the ink is discharged outside the annular members 118A to 118C. Leakage can be prevented.

During operation of the ink jet printer device 120, first, each hollow portion 11 of the carriage 112 is operated.
Each of the ink absorbers 117 filled in the ink absorbers 2A to 112C is impregnated with ink. The ink is impregnated with the print head 3 by the capillary force of each ink absorber 117.
4 is retained without leaking.

Subsequently, at a predetermined time when it is determined that the amount of ink impregnated in each of the ink absorbers 117 in the carriage 112 is reduced, the driving unit 113 drives the feed screw 7 to rotate as shown in FIG. Carriage 11
Position 2 at the maintenance position. At this time, the ink tank 115 is held in a state of being inclined at a predetermined angle about the output shaft 114, and the head cap portion 124 is aligned with a position facing the print head 34 with a predetermined distance.

In this state, the driving unit 113 drives the motor to rotate the output shaft 114 by a predetermined angle in the direction indicated by the arrow b, thereby obtaining the ink bag storage chambers 116A of the ink tank 115 as shown in FIG. ~ 116C
Ink passage openings 116YA-11 protruding from the lower end of
6YC is inserted into the fitting hole 112XA-112 of the carriage 112.
XC is fitted. At the same time, the lifting / lowering means moves the head cap part 124 upward in the direction indicated by the arrow z, so that the fitting part 124A of the head cap part 124 is moved.
Is fitted to the print head 34 so as to wrap the print head 34 (FIG. 16).

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 to cause the disc cams 88A to 88C to abut against the ink storage bags 60 with valves, respectively, and the suction pump 122 (FIG. 14). Applies a predetermined negative pressure to the fitting portion 124A of the head cap portion 124 via the tube 123.

In this manner, a stable amount of ink can be supplied to the print head 34 by individually applying an optimum pressing force to each of the ink storage bags 60 with valves, and the print head 34 can be supplied. The maintenance of the print head 34 is performed by suction.
Clogging generated in the head nozzle portion, and attached dust and dirt can be removed via the tube 123.

According to the above configuration, the print head 34
An ink tank 115 provided separately from the ink jet printer device 120 for supplying 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 storage chamber 116 of the ink tank 115 is provided on the ink supply side of the self-sealing ink storage bag 60 with a valve.
Joint member 6 that can be detachably connected to A to 116C
By forming No. 1, it is possible to always supply a stable amount of ink to the print head 34 without causing ink leakage and to perform maintenance of the print head 34.

Further, the size of the carriage 112 can be reduced, and as a result, the speed of the printing operation in the print head 34 can be increased. Further, the maintenance of the print head 34 and the print head 3
By supplying the ink to the printer 4, the printing operation can be further speeded up.

(5) Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the serial type ink jet printers 50, 80, 110, and 120 has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a line type ink jet printer and a drum type ink jet printer.

In the second, third, and fourth embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9, 12, and 16, only one side of the case main bodies 55, 116 of the ink tanks 51, 81, 115 is provided. Through holes 55XA-55XC, 116XA-
116XC, and the respective through holes 55XA to 55X
C, the disc cams 88A to 88C as external pressure applying means are pressed while being fitted in correspondence with 116XA to 116XC. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the disc cam 88A is used as the external pressure applying means. ~ 88C
Alternatively, a cam mechanism such as a triangular cam or a swing cam may be used, or a crank mechanism or the like may be used. In short, each through hole 55XA-55XC, 116XA-
A variety of external pressure applying means may be widely applied as long as the mechanism can be fitted and pressed corresponding to 116XC.

In the second, third, and fourth embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9, 12, and 16, only one side surface of the case main bodies 55, 116 of the ink tanks 51, 81, 115 is provided. Through holes 55XA-55XC, 116XA-
Although the case in which the 116XC is formed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG.
A notch groove 151 having a predetermined width along both side surfaces and the upper surface of the notch 51
XA to 151XC may be formed.

In this case, as the external pressure applying means, a pair of rollers 152A-152C and 153A-153C correspond to the respective ink bag storage chambers 151A-151C, and the rotating shafts 154A-154C and 155A-155C respectively.
Are supported about the center of rotation, and the pair of rollers 1
52A to 152C and 153A to 153C can move two-dimensionally on both side surfaces and the upper surface of the case main body 151 along the corresponding notched grooves 151XA to 151XC.

Thus, the pair of rollers 152A to 152C
And 153A to 153C, while rolling and pressing so as to sandwich the valved ink storage bags 60 stored in the corresponding ink bag storage chambers 151A to 151C, to empty the ink in the valved ink storage bags 60. , And 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 storage bag with valve 60.

Further, in the above embodiment, FIG.
When an external pressure is applied to the ink filling portion 60P of the ink container with valve 60 shown in (A) and (B), the side end of the bonded portion of the ink container with valve 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 60P of the ink container with valve 60 may be pressed from one side or sandwiched from both sides. In short, the ink filling part 60P 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 main 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 main body 55 and the carriage 10 are connected to each other. It may be formed integrally.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where each of the remaining ink sensors 66A to 66C and 95A to 95C detects the remaining ink in the ink storage bag with valve 60 has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and it may be possible to detect whether or not the ink in each of the valve-equipped ink storage bags 60 is full, in addition to the remaining ink amount.
In this case, a predetermined amount of ink may be supplied periodically into each of the ink storage bags 60 with valves. The ink remaining amount sensors 66A to 66C and 95A to 95C may also be used as sensors for home position and maintenance.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case is described in which the ink storage bag with valve 60 has a configuration in which the peripheral portions of the two films 60A and 60B made of vinyl resin or the like are welded to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
In addition to the vinyl resin, for example, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl chloride, polyurethane, polystyrene, and the like may be used, and a block copolymer containing at least one of these may be used. 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, the ink absorbers 62 and 11 made of a porous material such as a polyurethane foam made of a foam material are used as the ink absorbers.
Although the case of applying No. 7 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of a porous material, for example, a material such as felt or the like having a solid fiber may be used. In this case, when a foaming material is used as each ink absorber, the magnitude of the capillary force is adjusted by the foaming rate, and when each ink absorber uses a solid fibrous material. The magnitude of the capillary force is adjusted by the density of the fibrous material.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as the filter, the coupling member 6 in the valved ink storage bag 60 is used.
The case where the ink absorber 62 made of a foam material or the like is loaded in the first absorber loading chamber 61F has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a metal mesh (a mesh width of about 30 [μm]) is used.
Alternatively, a filter (not shown) made of the same may be loaded. In this case, the tip 60QX of the ink flow path 60Q
The ink flowing out of the filter can remove impurities mixed therein by passing through the filter.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, a suction pump 122 is provided in the maintenance section 121, and the print head 34 is fitted into a head cap section 124 drawn out from the suction pump 122 via a tube 123, and the suction is performed by suction. The case where the maintenance of the print head 34 is performed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the maintenance unit does not require a suction pump or a tube, and can be installed in the fitting portion 124A of the head cap portion 124. For example, using a material loaded with a material capable of absorbing various inks such as a sponge,
The maintenance may be performed by wiping the print head 34.

In the fourth embodiment, the maintenance of the print head 34 is
Although the case where the ink supply to the print head is performed simultaneously has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the timing between the maintenance of the print head 34 and the ink supply to the print head 34 is set so as to be shifted by a predetermined time. Alternatively, only one of the operations may be performed.

Further, in the third and fourth embodiments, the fitting holes 112XA to 112XC of the carriage 112 are provided.
Has been described (FIGS. 13 and 15), but the present invention is not limited to this, and a shutter (not shown) is provided in each of the fitting holes 112XA to 112XC, and the carriage 112 is Each shutter may be driven and controlled by predetermined tamping so that the shutter is opened when it is positioned at the ink supply position (or maintenance position) and closed when the carriage 112 is within the movement range of the printing operation. good.

Thus, when each shutter is in the open state, the fitting holes 112XA to 112XC of the carriage 112 are opened.
The ink flow path ports 116YA-11 of the ink tank 115
6YC can be fitted to each other. On the other hand, when the carriage 112 is within the movement range of the printing operation, the ink absorber 117 in the carriage 112 can be prevented from coming into contact with the outside air, and the ink absorber 117 can be prevented.
Can be prevented from drying.

[0118]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the ink containing bag, the filling portion filled with ink and the ink flow path communicating with the filling portion are provided, and an external pressure is applied to the filling portion. A large amount of ink can be stored with a simple configuration by providing a flow path part having a valve function of flowing out the ink in the filling part only when the flow path part and a joint part for external connection communicating between the flow path part and the outside are provided. In addition, it is possible to realize an ink storage bag that can improve the reliability of ink supply to the outside.

According to the present invention, in a printer apparatus for printing ink on a recording medium by discharging ink from the print head toward a recording medium, the printer apparatus is detachably connected to the print head and is filled with the ink. Filling portion, and a flow path of ink communicating with the filling portion,
An ink storage bag having a flow path part having a valve function of flowing out the ink in the filling part only when an external pressure is applied to the filling part, a coupling part communicating between the flow path part and the print head, and an ink storage bag And an external pressure applying means for applying an external pressure to the filling section of the ink supply bag. The external pressure applying means applies an external pressure to the filling section of the ink storage bag to supply the ink in the filling section to the print head via the flow path section and the joint section. With this configuration, it is possible to realize a printer device that can store a large amount of ink with a simple configuration and can improve the reliability of ink supply to the print head without causing ink leakage to the print head. .

Further, according to the present invention, in a printer apparatus for printing ink on a recording medium by discharging ink from the print head toward the recording medium, one end of the tube communicates with the print head, and the other end of the tube has the other end. A filling section filled with ink, and a flow path of ink communicating with the filling section, which has a valve function of flowing out the ink in the filling section only when an external pressure is applied to the filling section. An ink storage bag having a flow path portion having the same, a joint portion communicating between the flow path portion and the other end of the tube, and external pressure applying means for applying an external pressure to a filling portion of the ink storage bag. Therefore, by applying an external pressure to the filling portion of the ink storage bag and supplying the ink in the filling portion to the print head via the flow path portion, the joint portion, and the tube, a simple configuration is achieved. Together it may store the amount of ink,
A printer device that can improve the reliability of ink supply to the print head without causing ink leakage to the print head can be realized.

Further, according to the present invention, in a printer device for printing ink on a recording medium by discharging ink toward the recording medium from the print head, the printer device is provided integrally with the print head and discharges ink from the print head. A carriage for storing a predetermined amount, a filling section filled with ink, which is arranged corresponding to a predetermined ink supply position set in advance within the moving range of the print head, and a flow path of ink communicating with the filling section. A flow path having a valve function of flowing out the ink in the filling section only when an external pressure is applied to the filling section, and a coupling section communicating the flow path section and the print head, and the coupling section is connected to the carriage. An ink storage bag detachably connected to the ink storage bag; and an external pressure applying means for applying an external pressure to a filling portion of the ink storage bag. In this state, the joint portion of the ink storage bag is connected to the carriage, and external pressure is applied to the filling portion of the ink storage bag by the external pressure applying means to cause the ink in the filling portion to pass through the flow path portion and the coupling portion. A printer device capable of storing a large amount of ink with a simple configuration by supplying ink to a carriage and improving the reliability of ink supply to the print head without causing ink leakage to the print head. Can be.

[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 the 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 schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a joint member according to the present invention.

5 is a perspective view and a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a bonded state of the joint member illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an ink tank according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a control unit of the ink jet printer device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of an ink jet printer according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an ink tank according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a control unit of the ink jet printer according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of an ink jet printer according to a third embodiment.

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

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an ink tank and a carriage according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an ink jet printer according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining an operation state at a maintenance position according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view for describing an operation state at a maintenance position according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an ink tank according to another embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional ink jet printer apparatus of a carriage mounting type.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing one configuration example of a conventional print head.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of a conventional print head.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view and a sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional ink tank.

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional tube type ink jet printer device.

FIG. 23 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, 120: an ink jet printer; 6, a platen; 7, a lead screw;
8, 31, 51, 81, 115, 150... Ink tank, 9, 34, 52... Print head, 10, 32,
112 ... carriage, 11 ... printed paper, 21, 6
2, 117 ... Ink absorber, 33 (33A to 33C)
... Ink tube, 54A to 54C.
5, 116, 151 ... Case body, 55A to 55C ...
... Ink bag storage chamber, 55XA to 55XC ...
5YA to 55YC, 116YA to 116YC ... ink flow path opening, 60 ... ink storage bag with valve, 60A, 60B ...
... Film, 60P ... Ink filling part, 60Q ... Ink flow path part, 61 ... Joint member, 61A ... Joint body part,
61B: coupling portion, 61S: ink supply port, 65A-
65C, 92A to 92C, 118A to 118C ... annular member, 66A to 66C, 95A to 95C ... ink remaining amount sensor, 70, 100 ... control unit, 82 ... ink bag pressing unit, 83, 113 ... drive Part, 84 ... fixed shaft, 88
A to 88C: disk cam, 111: ink supply unit, 1
12XA to 112XC: fitting holes, 120: maintenance part, 121: maintenance part, 122: suction pump, 124: head cap part.

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A valve function comprising: a filling section filled with ink; and a flow path of the ink communicating with the filling section, wherein the ink in the filling section flows out only when an external pressure is applied to the filling section. An ink storage bag, comprising: a flow path having: a flow path; and a joint for external connection communicating between the flow path and the outside. 2. The ink storage bag according to claim 1, further comprising a filter disposed in the ink flow path of the joint portion to remove impurities from the ink. 3. The ink according to claim 1, further comprising an ink absorber disposed in the ink flow path of the joint portion and adjusting an amount of the ink supplied to the print head. Storage bag. 4. A printer device for printing the ink on the recording medium by discharging the ink from the print head toward the recording medium, the printer device being detachably connected to the print head and being filled with the ink. A filling section, a flow path section having the valve function of flowing the ink in the filling section only when an external pressure is applied to the filling section, the flow path section comprising the ink flow path communicating with the filling section; An ink storage bag having an ink container and a coupling part communicating between the print heads; and an external pressure applying means for applying the external pressure to the filling portion of the ink storage bag. By applying the external pressure to the filling portion of
A printer apparatus for supplying the ink in the filling section to the print head via the flow path section and the joint section. 5. The printer device according to claim 4, further comprising a filter disposed in the flow path of the ink of the joint portion for removing impurities from the ink. 6. The printer according to claim 4, further comprising an ink absorber disposed in the flow path of the ink of the joint portion and adjusting an amount of the ink supplied to the print head. apparatus. 7. A printer device for printing the ink on the recording medium by discharging the ink from the print head toward the recording medium, comprising: a tube having one end communicating with the print head; A filling section filled with the ink, and a flow path of the ink communicating with the filling section. The ink flows out of the filling section only when an external pressure is applied to the filling section. An ink storage bag having a flow path part having a valve function to perform the operation, a joint part communicating between the flow path part and the other end of the tube, and external pressure applying means for applying the external pressure to the filling portion of the ink storage bag. By 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, the joint section, and the tube. 8. The printer device according to claim 7, further comprising a filter disposed in the flow path of the ink of the joint portion, for removing impurities from the ink. 9. The printer according to claim 7, further comprising an ink absorber disposed in the ink flow path of the joint portion and adjusting an amount of the ink supplied to the print head. apparatus. 10. A printer device for printing the ink on the recording medium by discharging the ink from the print head toward a recording medium, wherein the printer device is provided integrally with the print head and discharges the ink from the print head. A carriage for storing a predetermined amount, a filling section which is arranged corresponding to a predetermined ink supply position set in advance within a movement range of the print head, and is filled with the ink, and a flow of the ink communicating with the filling section. A flow path part having a valve function of flowing out the ink in the filling part only when an external pressure is applied to the filling part, and a joint part communicating between the flow path part and the print head. And an ink storage bag in which the joint portion is detachably connected to the carriage; and an ink storage bag corresponding to the ink supply position; External pressure applying means for applying the external pressure to the filling portion of the storage bag, the coupling portion of the ink storage bag being connected to the carriage while the print head is located at the ink supply position, and A printer characterized in that the external pressure is applied to the filling section of the ink storage bag by an adding means, so that the ink in the filling section is supplied to the carriage via the flow path section and the joint section. apparatus. 11. The printer device according to claim 10, further comprising a filter disposed in the flow path of the ink of the joint portion for removing impurities from the ink. 12. An ink absorber, which is provided in the ink flow path of the joint portion and adjusts a supply amount of the ink to the print head.
The printer device according to 1. 13. The printer device according to claim 10, wherein an interior of said carriage is filled with an ink absorber for adjusting the supply amount of said ink to said print head. 14. The printer according to claim 10, wherein the ink supply position is a maintenance position for performing maintenance of the print head. 15. A shutter which is openable and closable at a connection portion of the carriage with the joint portion, wherein the shutter is opened only when the carriage is located at the ink supply position. The printer device according to 1.