JPH11286117A - Ink jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To assure a long time continuous printing operation even when ink in an ink tank runs out. SOLUTION: This ink jet printer comprises an ink temperature controlling means that controls a temperature Tim of ink in an ink tank (Tkm) 22 for supplying the ink to an ink chamber 11 to be in a predetermined temperature Tsm, a reserve ink tank (Tks) 22S that is switchable to the ink tank 22 with respect to the ink chamber 11, and a reserve ink temperature controlling means that controls a temperature Tis of ink in the reserve ink tank 22S to be maintained at a predetermined constant temperature Tss. When replacing an ink bottle 21, the ink tank 22 is switched to the reserve ink tank 22S so that the ink in the predetermined temperature Tss (=Tsm) can be supplied from the reserve ink tank 22S to the ink chamber 11.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet formed so as to be able to supply ink from an ink tank to an ink chamber of a nozzle head and to discharge ink from each ink jet nozzle connected to the ink chamber to a print medium to enable printing. Regarding printers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A nozzle head for each color, in which an ink cassette is mounted, is reciprocated over the entire length in a row direction, and printing is performed during each forward movement to print one line (or 1 / N line). Compared to a so-called serial type ink jet printer in which a printing medium (plain paper, OHP paper, etc.) is fed one line in the column direction after printing one line (or 1 / N line) and repeating these, the printing speed is greatly increased. The present applicant has proposed an inkjet printer that can achieve continuous printing operation over a large number of sheets and can achieve a significant reduction in size as compared with a so-called laser printer of an electrophotographic system (for example,
Japanese Patent Application No. 8-296959).

That is, the nozzles for each color which are integrated (or integrated with a plurality of nozzle head elements arranged in the row direction) over the entire length in the row direction are rotated while being reciprocated by, for example, the pitch between the ink jet nozzles. Ink can be jetted (sprayed) from the ink jet nozzles for each color onto a print medium to perform row direction printing, and column printing can be performed while utilizing rotation of the drum during forward movement of the pitch between the ink jet nozzles. That is, since the row-direction printing and the column-direction printing can proceed at the same time, the printing speed can be significantly increased.

In addition, since the nozzle head for each color and the ink tank for each color can be arranged at separate positions, the nozzle head for each color can be made lighter, and the reciprocating speed in the row direction can be greatly increased. And promote
Since the capacity of the ink tank for each color can be greatly increased, a continuous printing operation of, for example, 500 or more sheets can be performed.

In order to perform continuous printing operation on such a large number of printing media, it is not possible to increase the size due to the reciprocating movement in the line direction as in a conventional serial type ink jet printer, that is, only to consume ink in a small ink cassette. Insufficient ink amount.

Accordingly, an ink supply means including a pipe, a pump and the like is provided so that ink is always supplied to the ink chambers of the nozzle heads for each color, and ink is jetted from each ink jet nozzle connected to the ink chamber to a print medium to perform printing. It is supposed to. Therefore, it is not necessary to frequently replace the small ink cassette in the related art.

[0007]

By the way, the temperature of the ink supplied to each ink jet nozzle changes in a decreasing tendency depending on the surrounding environment (for example, air flow). That is, since the ink viscosity changes, the ink fluidity changes, causing a subtle change in the characteristics of the nozzle heads for each color, resulting in poor print quality. This is particularly noticeable in the case of oil-based ink.

[0008] Thus, when higher image quality of a printed image is more strongly required, it is hardly permissible to ignore the influence of a change in ink temperature (viscosity). For example, if it is inconspicuous when printing several sheets at home,
This is because, when printing more than 00 sheets continuously, there is a possibility that a change in image quality such as image color and shading may become a problem.

[0009] Therefore, the ink in the ink tank is formed so as to be constant and adjustable at a set temperature. But, for example,
When the ink in the ink tank reaches the lower limit level,
It takes a considerable time to stabilize the ink supplied from the new ink bottle to the ink tank after the replacement to the set temperature. In other words, the printing interruption time is significantly increased for maintaining the ink temperature. In this case, for example, 20PPM
The high-speed and long-time continuous or continuous printing operation is hindered.

An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printer capable of guaranteeing a long continuous printing operation.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, ink can be supplied from an ink tank to an ink chamber of a nozzle head, and ink can be ejected to a print medium from each ink jet nozzle connected to the ink chamber to perform printing. In the ink jet printer formed in the above, the ink temperature in the ink tank is formed so as to be constant and adjustable to a set temperature, and a spare ink tank that can be switched with the ink tank is provided for the ink chamber. This is an ink jet printer formed so that the ink temperature in the tank can be adjusted to be constant at a set temperature.

In this invention, the printing operation is performed by supplying the ink adjusted to the set temperature from the ink tank to the ink chamber of the nozzle head. For example, if the ink bottle that supplies ink to the ink tank becomes empty and the amount of ink in the ink tank decreases, the replacement of the ink tank and the ink tank during the period until the replenished ink rises to the set temperature are completed. The ink is supplied to the ink chamber of the nozzle head by switching to the spare ink tank. Since the ink in the spare ink tank is adjusted to a fixed temperature in advance, it can be used for printing immediately after switching. Therefore, a large number of printing operations can be performed continuously and stably while ensuring high image quality.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, ink can be supplied from an ink tank to an ink chamber of a nozzle head, and ink can be ejected from an ink jet nozzle connected to the ink chamber to a print medium to form a print medium. Ink jet printer, an ink temperature adjusting means capable of adjusting an ink temperature in the ink tank to a fixed temperature, a spare ink tank switchable with the ink tank with respect to the ink chamber, and a spare ink tank. An ink jet printer is provided with preliminary ink temperature adjusting means capable of adjusting the temperature of the ink inside the ink tank to a set temperature, and preliminary switching control means for switching to the spare ink tank when the amount of ink in the ink tank decreases.

In this invention, the printing operation is performed by supplying the ink adjusted to the set temperature by the ink temperature adjusting means from the ink tank to the ink chamber of the nozzle head. During this period, the temperature of the ink in the spare tank is adjusted to a set temperature by the spare ink temperature adjusting means.

Here, for example, when the ink bottle for refilling the ink tank becomes empty and the ink in the ink tank drops (reduces) to, for example, a predetermined level or less, the preliminary switching control means switches the ink tank from the ink tank. Switch to the spare ink tank. The ink in the spare ink tank is adjusted to a fixed temperature and can be used for printing immediately after switching.

Therefore, not only can the same operation and effect as in the first aspect of the invention be achieved, but also by appropriately setting the size of the spare ink tank and activating the spare ink temperature adjusting means earlier, The ink tank is automatically switched from the ink tank to the spare ink tank, and the ink bottle replacement operation or the like can be performed with sufficient time.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the preliminary switching control means controls the operation of the preliminary ink tank during the period until the ink temperature in the ink tank in which the ink bottle has been replaced is stabilized at the set temperature. This is an ink jet printer formed so that switching to an ink tank can be prohibited.

In this invention, the preliminary switching control means controls the preliminary ink supply when the ink is supplied from the preliminary ink tank to the ink chamber and during a period until the ink temperature in the ink tank is stabilized at the set temperature. Switching from the tank to the ink tank is prohibited. Therefore, in addition to providing the same operation and effect as the case of the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the capacity of the ink temperature adjusting means while further stabilizing the ink fluidity and the print image quality.

Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the spare switching control means controls the ink tank to be replaced with an ink tank until the ink temperature in the spare ink tank is the set temperature and the ink is reduced. This is an ink jet printer that is formed so as to be able to prohibit the switching of the printer.

[0020] In this invention, the preliminary switching control means controls whether the ink temperature in the preliminary ink tank is equal to the set temperature and the ink is reduced to a predetermined level, for example.
The switching from the spare ink tank to the ink tank whose ink bottle has been replaced is prohibited.

Therefore, in addition to providing the same operation and effect as the case of the second aspect, the ink in the spare ink tank can be effectively used without waste.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 is an ink jet printer wherein the ink is an oil-based ink.

In this invention, even the oil-based ink having a relatively high viscosity and a large specific heat can be used immediately after switching because the temperature is constantly adjusted in the spare ink tank. Therefore, in addition to providing the same effects as those of the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the present invention has a wide adaptability to the properties of the ink used.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ink jet printer includes an ink temperature adjusting unit 90 that can adjust an ink temperature Tim in an ink tank (Tkm) 22 supplied into the ink chamber 11 to a set temperature Tsm.
A spare ink tank (Tks) 22S that can be switched to the ink tank 22 with respect to the ink chamber 11, and a spare ink temperature adjusting unit 90S that can adjust the ink temperature Tis in the spare ink tank 22S to a set temperature Tss. When the ink bottle 21 is replaced, the ink tank 22 is switched from the ink tank 22 to the spare ink tank 22S so that the ink at the set temperature Tss (= Tks) can be supplied to the ink chamber 11 from the spare ink tank 22S.

In FIG. 1, the ink jet printer includes a drive control unit 80 including an image processing unit, and an engine unit 100 including an ink supply unit 20, an ink head 10, a paper supply unit, a paper discharge unit, and the like. . In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the ink tank 22 and the spare ink tank 22S belonging to the engine unit 100 are separately shown.

The drive control unit 80 includes a CPU 81, a ROM 8
2, RAM 83, keyboard (KB) 84, display (I
ND) 85, including interface (I / F), input / output port (I / O) and various drivers (DRVR),
Drive control of the whole inkjet printer.

This ink jet printer supplies ink to the ink chamber 11 of the nozzle head 10 from the ink tank 22 shown in FIG. The ink jetting unit 12 is configured to jet ink onto a print medium (paper or the like) and to perform printing.

In this embodiment, the nozzle head 10 has four colors (cyan, yellow, magenta, and black), and can print A4 paper at a high speed of 20 PPM, for example. Note that the present invention provides a single color (for example,
Black) is also applicable. FIG. 2 shows one color.

Further, as the ink in this embodiment, an oil-based ink having a higher viscosity at a low temperature than that of an aqueous (or water-soluble) ink is used. Wide adaptability to the properties of the ink used.

The ink supply means 20 which forms a part of the engine unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an ink tank 22, an ink supply pipe 24, an ink supply valve 25 and the like shown in FIG. Nozzle head 10
(Ink chamber 11) is supplied with ink. Ink tank 2
Reference numeral 2 indicates that ink is supplied from the ink bottle 21 and the ink level can be adjusted to be constant. 23 is an air intake.

The ink tank 22 is provided with an ink temperature adjusting means 90 and an ink level detecting means 94 shown in FIG.

The ink temperature adjusting means 90 includes a controller (CNTR) 91 and a heater 92, and can adjust the ink temperature Tim in the ink tank 22 to a fixed temperature Tsm. The set temperature Tsm is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 83 and is checked on the display 85 while the keyboard 8
4, the setting can be changed.

The ink level detecting means 94 includes a first sensor 95 for detecting whether or not there is ink in the ink tank 22, and a first sensor 95 for detecting a level just before the ink becomes more difficult to print, that is, an ink reduction. 2 sensors 96
Consists of

The ink return means 30 includes an ink return pipe 31
And the ink return valve 32, and can return the ink from the ink chamber 11 to the ink tank 22. That is, the ink is used alone when the ink is circulated in cooperation with the ink supply means 20 and when the ink in the ink chamber 11 is drained.

Here, the preliminary ink supply means 20 in parallel with the ink supply means 20 and the ink return means 30
S and a preliminary ink return unit 30S are provided.

The spare ink supply means 20S includes a spare ink tank 22S, a spare ink supply pipe 24S, and a switching valve 2.
4VS, switching (opening) of the switching valve 24VS
From the spare ink tank 22S to the nozzle head 10
(Ink chamber 11) can be supplied with ink. The spare ink tank 22S is provided with a spare ink bottle 21S.
And the ink level is fixed and adjustable. 23S is an air intake.

In this embodiment, the ink bottle 2
1 and ink tank 22, and spare ink bottle 21S
And the spare ink tank 22S has the same capacity.

A spare controller (CNTR) 91
The preliminary ink temperature adjusting means 90S including the S and the preliminary heater 92S is also the same as the ink temperature adjusting means 90, and can adjust the ink temperature Tis in the preliminary ink tank 22S to the set temperature Tss.

The set temperature Tss is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 83 and checked on the display 85 while the keyboard 8
4, the setting can be changed. It is preferable to set the temperature slightly higher than the set temperature Tsm by the heat radiation loss of the spare ink supply pipe 24S.

The preliminary ink level detecting means 94S is provided with a first preliminary sensor 95S for detecting whether or not there is ink in the preliminary ink tank 22S and a level one step before the ink becomes more difficult to print, that is, ink reduction. It comprises a second preliminary sensor 96S to be detected.

The preliminary ink return means 30S includes a preliminary ink return pipe 31S and a switching valve 31VS.
The ink from the ink chamber 11 can be returned to the spare ink tank 22S. That is, the preliminary ink supply unit 20S
Is used alone when ink is circulated by the cooperation of the above and when the ink in the ink chamber 11 is drained.

Thus, because of the provision of the switching valve 24VS and the switching valve 31VS, the switching valve 24V is provided in the ink supply pipe 24, and the ink return pipe 31 is provided.
Is provided with a switching valve 31V. The switching valves 24V and 31V are switched in the opening and closing operations in reverse to the switching valves 24VS and 31VS.

Here, the preliminary switching control means for switching from the ink tank 22 to the preliminary ink tank 22S when the amount of ink in the ink tank 22 is reduced is formed of a ROM 82 storing a preliminary switching control program and a CPU 81. This is executed in ST16 to ST20 of FIG.

The spare switching control means (81, 8)
2) After once switching to the spare ink tank 22S,
Ink tank 22 replaced with new ink bottle 21
Switching from the spare ink tank 22S to the ink tank 22 can be prohibited during a period until the ink temperature Tim inside the ink tank becomes constant at the set temperature Tsm (NO in ST12 of FIG. 3).
It is formed in.

The capacity of the ink temperature adjusting means 90 can be reduced while stabilizing the ink fluidity (viscosity) and the printing quality while ensuring the printing operation by using the spare ink tank 22.

Further, spare switching control means (81, 82)
Indicates that the ink bottle 21 can be inhibited from being switched to the replaced ink tank 22 until the ink temperature Tis in the spare ink tank 22S is at the set temperature Tss and the ink is reduced (YES in ST24 of FIG. 5). It is formed. The ink in the spare ink tank 22S once switched can be effectively used without waste.

The ink supply means 20 and the ink return means 30 and the preliminary ink supply means 20S and the preliminary ink return means 30S are formed in an integral structure, that is, the module 1 incorporated in the main body 1B detachable from the ink jet printer. . That is, since a plurality (4) of ink colors (cyan, yellow, magenta, and black) are integrated, it is more effective for simplifying the structure of the printer.

When the module 1 (main body 1B) is mounted on a printer (nozzle head 10), the ink supply pipe 2
4 and one end of the ink return pipe 31 are formed to be able to communicate with the ink chamber 11 via an automatic opening / closing cap structure (not shown).

The ink supply tube 24 and the ink return tube 31 and the spare ink supply tube 24S and the spare ink return tube 31S are formed of tubes having high elasticity.
Further, the ink supply valve (supply pump) 25 and the ink return valve (return pump) 32
31) is formed from a tube type pump having a valve function capable of selecting either an open state or a closed state.

For example, the rotating roller has a plurality of pressing rollers, and the ink can be sent out in a closed state by pressing the tube with each pressing roller and in an open state by rotating while pressing. Therefore, each switching can be quickly performed, the ink supply and the ink return can be accurately performed, the piping for manufacturing the module is simple, and the cost can be effectively reduced.

Further, since the supply pump (25) and the return pump (32) have the same structure, the work of arranging and mounting on the main body 1B can be speeded up and the assembly is easy.
In this embodiment, the specifications are the same.

Thus, when the module 1 (main body 1B) is mounted on the printer (nozzle head 10), the ink supply pipe 24 and the ink return pipe 31
It is connected to the corresponding position on the (11) side. Then, the ink bottle 21 is attached to the ink tank 22 and the ink tank 22 is
Fill the ink.

When the supply pump (25) is activated to supply ink to the nozzle head 10 and the return pump (32) is activated to perform ink circulation operation for returning ink from the nozzle head 10 to the ink tank 22, warming is achieved. And so on.

When the return pump (32) is stopped and the supply pump (25) is started to supply the ink continuously or intermittently, the printing operation and the maintenance of the nozzle head 10 can be performed.

As described above, each tank, piping, etc.
Since the structure of the module 1 is integrated into the ink jet printer, the size and the structure of the ink jet printer can be reduced and the structure can be simplified. Compared to the case of a layout in which individual arrangements and piping are provided, it is easier to find the cause and continuous operation can be performed by replacing the module. In other words, the structure is simple and easy to assemble, and the cause of the abnormality and the like can be quickly and easily and accurately recovered, including the replacement of parts, and the size and cost of the printer can be reduced.

Further, the ink supply means 20 is provided in the main body 1B.
And an impact purging mechanism 27 for cleaning the nozzle head 10 (ink jet nozzle 12) including the ink cleaning filter 26 and the front and rear valves 28 and 29, which is interposed in the middle of the ink supply pipe 24. I have. Therefore, it is effective for further miniaturization of the entire printer.

The maintenance of the filter 26 is performed smoothly and promptly, or an air bleeding means 70 for bleeding air from the filter 26 after the maintenance is incorporated in the main body 1B. The air release means 70 includes an air release pipe 71 and an air release valve 72 shown in FIG.
Ink can be released from the filter 26 when the air inside is removed.

In this embodiment, the ink discharging means 40 is also formed in a module 2 structure. In FIG. 2, the ink discharging means 40 is provided for the ink jet nozzle 12.
Is a means for receiving the ink ejected from the ink receiver 41 and discharging the waste ink temporarily held in the receiving tank 42 communicated with the ink receiver 41 to the waste ink bottle 50 side. 1 discharging means (the first discharging pipe 44,
The first discharge valve 45) is formed. The ink is discharged to the waste ink bottle 50 through the total discharge pipe 49.

Further, an overflow tank 62 capable of holding the waste ink overflowing from the ink tank 22 and the spare ink tank 22S, and a second discharge means (a second discharge pipe 63, a second discharge valve 64) are provided. The waste ink temporarily held in the overflow tank 62 can also be discharged to the waste ink bottle 50 through the total discharge pipe 49.

That is, the second discharging means discharges waste ink which has overflowed from the ink tank 22 and the preliminary ink tank 22S and is discharged through the overflow pipe 61 and the preliminary overflow pipe 61S, and which has been temporarily stored in the overflow tank 62. It is discharged to the waste ink bottle 50. When the second discharge valve 64 is closed, the waste ink cannot be forcibly discharged and the second discharge valve 64 cannot be discharged.
, The natural flow of the waste ink can be prevented.

Further, the waste ink containing air in the ink receiver 42 is supplied to the waste ink bottle 50 by the ink discharging means 40.
A third discharge means (a third discharge pipe 47, a third discharge valve 48) having a pump function capable of forcibly discharging the water is provided. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the vapor-like (fog-like) ink from being scattered to the surroundings, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent ink contamination.

The connecting pipe 43, the first discharge pipe 44, the second discharge pipe 63, the third discharge pipe 47 and the total discharge pipe 49.
Are formed of a tube rich in elasticity, and are provided with a first discharge valve (first discharge pump) 45, a second discharge valve (second discharge pump) 64, and a third discharge valve (third discharge pump). The pump (48) is connected to each of the pipes (44, 63, 4).
7) is formed of a tube type pump similar to the pumps 25 and 32 having a valve function capable of selecting either the open state or the closed state.

Thus, the overflow tank 62 is
As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, it is disposed below the position of the waste ink bottle 50. This is because the waste ink can be forcibly discharged to the upper waste ink bottle 50 by the pump function.

Therefore, the height difference between the ink tank 22 (preliminary ink tank 22S) disposed at the upper position and the overflow tank 62 disposed at the lower position can be increased. The overflow from the tank 22S can be made smoother and more stable. In addition, the degree of freedom in the layout of the ink receiver 42, the overflow tank 62, and the waste ink bottle 50 in the vertical relationship can be greatly expanded, and further downsizing and cost reduction can be achieved.

The first discharge valve 45 and the second discharge valve 64 form one discharge valve (for discharging waste ink in the ink receiver 42 and waste ink in the overflow 62) to the waste ink bottle 50. Discharge pump) [No. 1
Discharge valve (first discharge pump) 45]. Therefore, effective use can be made during the printing operation stop and during the printing operation, so that the cost can be reduced and the layout congestion can be further alleviated.

The waste ink bottle 50 is detachably formed at a predetermined position of the main body 2B (or the waste ink bottle case), and it is possible to detect whether the waste ink bottle 50 is mounted at a predetermined position of the main body 1B. A fixed position detecting means (bottle sensor 54) is provided, and when the waste ink bottle 50 is not mounted at a predetermined position of the main body 1B using the detection signal, each pump 45 (= 6) forming each ink discharging means is provided.
4) The open state of 48 is forcibly prevented. Therefore, even if the user forgets to attach the waste ink bottle 50, it is possible to reliably prevent the surroundings from being stained with ink.

In the ink jet printer of this embodiment, the printing operation is started (YE in ST10 of FIG. 3).
S), if there is ink in the ink tank (Tkm) 22 (YES in ST11) and if the set temperature Tsm, (S
If YES in T12, the mode is switched to the ink tank 22 (ST13). This is a normal printing operation. That is,
The switching valves 24VS and 31VS shown in FIG. 2 are closed,
The switching valves 24V and 31V are opened.

Therefore, the ink temperature adjusting means 90 is transferred from the ink tank 22 to the nozzle head 10 (ink chamber 11).
The printing operation is performed by supplying the ink adjusted to the set temperature Tsm. During this period, the spare ink tank (T
ks) The ink temperature Tis in 22S is adjusted to a set temperature Tss by the preliminary ink temperature adjusting means 90S.

During the printing operation (YES in ST14, S in FIG. 4)
For example, when T15 is YES), for example, when the ink bottle 21 for refilling the ink tank 22 is empty and the ink in the ink tank 22 is reduced (reduced) to, for example, a predetermined level or less (YES in ST16 of FIG. 4). That is, when the ink level is detected by the ink level detecting means 94, the preliminary switching control means (81, 82) switches from the ink tank 22 to the preliminary ink tank 22S (ST20).

More specifically, the switching valves 24V and 31V are closed and the switching valves 24VS and 31VS are opened.
Thus, the ink in the spare ink tank 22S is adjusted to be constant at the set temperature Tss (YE in ST18).
(YES in S, ST19), and can be used for printing immediately after switching.

It should be noted that even if there is no (reduced) ink in the spare ink tank 22S or if there is ink, the set temperature Ts
s (NO in ST18, S
At T19 (NO), the printing operation is not permitted (ST2).
1).

Therefore, if the size of the spare ink tank 22S is appropriately set and the preliminary ink temperature adjusting means 90S is started up earlier, the ink tank 22 is automatically switched to the spare ink tank 22S and the ink bottle 21 Exchange work etc. can be performed with sufficient time.

Further, preliminary switching control means (81, 82)
During printing operation in which ink is supplied from the spare ink tank (Tks) 22S (N in ST15 in FIG. 4).
O), during a period until the ink temperature Tim in the ink tank 22 replaced with the new ink bottle 21 is stabilized at the set temperature Tsm (NO in ST23 in FIG. 5, S in FIG. 3).
(NO in T12) is formed so that switching from the spare ink tank 22S to the ink tank 22 (ST13 in FIG. 3) can be prohibited. Therefore, the capacity of the ink temperature adjusting unit 90 can be reduced while stabilizing the ink fluidity and the print image quality.

Further, preliminary switching control means (81, 82)
The new ink bottle 21 is transferred to the replaced ink tank 22 until the ink temperature Tis in the spare ink tank 22S is at the set temperature Tss and the ink is reduced (YES in ST23 in FIG. 5, YES in ST24). (ST13 in FIG. 3) can be prohibited. Therefore, the ink in the spare ink tank 22S can be effectively used without waste.

In this embodiment, the keyboard 84
Is used (YES in ST22 of FIG. 5), the fact that the ink in the spare ink tank 22S has been reduced (used up) is detected by the spare ink level detecting means 94S (ST24). YE
Until S), ink is supplied from the spare ink tank 22S side.

[0076]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spare ink tank capable of adjusting the temperature of the ink in the ink tank to a predetermined temperature and switching the ink chamber with the ink tank. Since the ink jet printer is formed so that the temperature of the ink inside the ink jet printer can be adjusted to a fixed temperature, the continuous or continuous printing operation for a long time can be guaranteed. That is, a large number of printing operations can be performed continuously and stably while ensuring high image quality.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature adjusting means for the ink tank, a spare ink tank, a spare ink temperature adjusting means for the spare ink tank, and a spare switching control means. Therefore, when the ink in the ink tank is reduced, the ink jet printer is formed so that the ink tank can be switched from the ink tank to the spare ink tank. Therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, if the size of the spare ink tank is appropriately set and the preliminary ink temperature adjusting means is started up earlier, the ink tank can be automatically switched from the ink tank to the spare ink tank, and there is sufficient time for the replacement work of the ink bottle and the like. Can be done.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the preliminary switching control means controls the supply of the ink from the spare ink tank until the ink temperature in the ink tank whose ink bottle has been replaced becomes constant at the set temperature. Since the switching to the tank is formed so as to be inhibited, the same effect as that of the invention of claim 2 can be obtained. In addition, the ink flow rate and the print quality can be stabilized while reducing the size of the ink temperature adjusting means. The capacity can be increased.

Further, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the preliminary switching control means controls the operation of switching the ink bottle to the replaced ink tank until the ink temperature in the preliminary ink tank is at the set temperature and the ink is reduced. Since the switching is prohibited, the same effect as that of the second aspect of the invention can be obtained, and the ink in the spare ink tank can be effectively used without waste.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the ink is an oil-based ink, the same effects as in the first to fourth aspects of the invention can be obtained. In addition, there is a wide adaptability to the properties of the ink used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is also a system diagram.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart (1) for explaining a switching operation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart (2) for explaining a switching operation.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart (3) for explaining the switching operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink supply processing module 2 Waste ink discharge processing module 10 Nozzle head 11 Ink chamber 12 Ink jet nozzle 20 Ink supply means 21 Ink bottle 22 Ink tank (Tkm) 24 Ink supply pipe 24V Switching valve 25 Ink supply valve 20S Spare ink supply means 21S Spare ink bottle 22S Spare ink tank (Tks) 24S Spare ink supply pipe 24VS Switching valve 30 Ink return means 31 Ink return pipe 31V Switching valve 32 Ink return valve 30S Spare ink return means 31S Spare ink return pipe 31VS Switching valve 40 Ink discharging means 42 receiving tank 49 total discharge pipe 50 waste ink bottle 54 bottle sensor 60 overflow discharge means 61 overflow pipe 61S preliminary overflow pipe 6 Overflow tank 70 Air venting means 80 Drive control unit 81 CPU (preliminary switching control means) 82 ROM (preliminary switching control means) 90 Ink temperature adjusting means 90S Spare ink temperature adjusting means 94 Ink level detecting means 94S Spare ink level detecting means 100 Engine section Tim Ink tank temperature Tsm Set temperature in ink tank Tis Ink temperature in spare ink tank Tss Set temperature in spare ink tank

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An ink jet printer formed so as to be able to supply ink from an ink tank to an ink chamber of a nozzle head and to discharge ink from each ink jet nozzle connected to the ink chamber to a print medium so as to be printable. The ink temperature in the ink tank is formed so as to be constant and can be adjusted to a set temperature, and the ink chamber is provided with a spare ink tank that can be switched to an ink tank, and the ink temperature in the spare ink tank is adjusted to a fixed temperature. An inkjet printer that can be formed. 2. An ink jet printer formed so as to be able to supply ink from an ink tank to an ink chamber of a nozzle head and to print by ejecting ink from an ink jet nozzle connected to the ink chamber to a print medium. An ink temperature adjusting means capable of adjusting the temperature of the ink in the ink container to a set temperature, a spare ink tank switchable with the ink tank with respect to the ink chamber,
An ink jet printer comprising: a preliminary ink temperature adjusting means capable of adjusting the temperature of the ink in the preliminary ink tank to a fixed temperature; and a preliminary switching control means for switching to the preliminary ink tank when the ink in the ink tank is reduced. . 3. The spare switching control means inhibits switching from the spare ink tank to the ink tank until the ink temperature in the ink tank in which the ink bottle has been replaced is stabilized at the set temperature. The ink jet printer according to claim 2, wherein the ink jet printer is formed so as to be capable of being formed. 4. The spare switching control means is configured to prohibit switching of the ink bottle to a replaced ink tank until the ink temperature in the spare ink tank is at the set temperature and the ink is reduced. The ink jet printer according to claim 2, wherein 5. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein said ink is an oil-based ink.