JPS6347625B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improvement in a liquid jet (inkjet) recording device, particularly an on-demand type liquid jet recording device.

Particularly in liquid jet recording devices used in the recording field, a recording head (liquid jet head) emits minute liquid (ink) to form flying droplets.
Since the ejection channel has an ejection port (discharge orifice) at the tip, the ink in the ejection channel dries and solidifies when the device is not in operation, causing the ejection channel to become blocked. Clogging often occurred.
Another drawback is that the meniscus formed at the tip of the discharge flow path retreats due to vibrations, shocks, etc. during transportation of the device, resulting in poor printing or inability to print. Furthermore, even during printing, the ejection channel could become clogged due to fine fibers from the printing paper, dust in the atmosphere, impurities in the ink, etc., resulting in poor printing or the inability to print. . Therefore, conventionally, a negative pressure applying means such as a suction pump or a suction cylinder is connected to the tip of the ejection channel each time to suck ink and clean the ejection channel, or a liquid that dissolves the ink is ejected. A method has been adopted in which droplet ejection is restored by applying the ink to the tip of the flow path and dissolving the solidified ink.

However, in the conventional method, although it is an effective print recovery method when there is ink in the liquid reservoir (ink tank) connected to the recording head, if there is no ink in the liquid reservoir, ink suction There was a drawback that air was sucked into the liquid path inside the recording head during operation, resulting in poor printing or the inability to print.
Furthermore, in the conventional example, ink cannot be supplied from the fixed liquid reservoir due to excessive suction operation or clogging of the connection path that communicates the movable liquid reservoir and the fixed liquid reservoir, and furthermore, the ink cannot be supplied from the movable liquid reservoir and the ink supply path. Ink may run out of the movable reservoir due to ink evaporation, etc. In this case, it is necessary to fill the movable reservoir with ink before sucking ink to restore printing. It was hot. However, if the ink filling mechanism and the ink suction mechanism for printing recovery are independent, even if a printing failure or printing failure occurs, the ink filling mechanism and suction mechanism will not work as long as the cause is unknown. If it is not possible to decide which one to use and the movable liquid reservoir is out of ink as described above, erroneously performing a suction operation will cause printing to become impossible to recover. Therefore, in order to prevent the above-mentioned problems, methods such as detecting the amount of ink remaining in movable liquid reservoirs and fixed liquid reservoirs have been devised in the past, but the mechanism is complicated and it is impossible to realize miniaturization and cost reduction. It was hot.

[Objective] An object of the present invention is to solve the conventional problems and provide a liquid jet recording device that can perform good printing.

In other words, when ink is introduced into the recording head or the recording head is restored to printing, it is necessary to provide a stable supply of ink without introducing air into the liquid path of the recording head, and to ensure reliable printing from the recording head. It's about measuring recovery.

Another object of the present invention is to simplify, reduce the size, and reduce the cost of a liquid jet recording device.

The liquid jet recording apparatus of the present invention includes a recording head having an orifice for discharging liquid, a first liquid reservoir containing liquid, and a second liquid reservoir communicating with the recording head and storing liquid to be supplied to the recording head. A liquid reservoir;
A supply pipe that connects the first liquid reservoir and the second liquid reservoir, and a cap that covers the orifice, the liquid being introduced into the second liquid reservoir through the supply pipe. The above object is achieved by providing a pressurizing means for pressurizing the liquid in the first liquid reservoir, and a liquid introducing means for introducing the liquid into the recording head by suctioning it through the cap. can be done.

[Effects] According to the present invention, ink is introduced from the first reservoir into the second reservoir by pressurizing the ink in the first reservoir and suctioning from the recording head. , then ink can be introduced into the recording head.

Therefore, if the amount of ink in the second reservoir communicating with the recording head is below a predetermined amount,
However, by introducing a predetermined amount or more of ink into the second liquid reservoir and then introducing the ink into the recording head, it is possible to prevent air from entering the recording head and causing printing failure. .

Furthermore, even if the recording head becomes unable to eject ink due to receding of the meniscus, inclusion of air bubbles, clogging, etc., the ink discharging inability is canceled by suction and the ink is introduced into the second liquid reservoir and into the recording head. By doing so, a reliable ink supply recovery operation can be performed.

〔Example〕

The present invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining a first example of a preferred embodiment of the liquid jet recording apparatus of the present invention.

The liquid jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a first liquid reservoir 101 that accommodates the main volume of liquid called ink required for recording, and a first connecting path (feeding pipe) between the liquid reservoir 101 and the first liquid reservoir 101. ) 102, and a liquid jet recording head 1 integrally constructed with the second liquid reservoir 103.
04, second liquid reservoir 103 and second connection path 105
(connecting pipe) and a liquid storage means (liquid introduction means) 106 connected to the liquid storage means (liquid introduction means).

The liquid introducing means 106 has a liquid storage section 123 which is a space area for temporarily storing the liquid in its lower part.
The liquid storage portion 123 is communicated via an inlet 119 with a connecting pipe 105 which is provided in communication with an outlet 118 provided at an upper position of the second liquid reservoir 103 .

The second liquid reservoir 103 communicates with a supply port 108 for supplying liquid to the head 104.
The liquid in the head 103 is supplied from the supply port 108 through a supply path 107 that communicates with the supply port 108 and the liquid path in the head 104 .

In the apparatus of FIG. 1, the supply path 107 is
Although it is provided in the second liquid reservoir 103 as a component of the second liquid reservoir 103, it is necessary to provide such a supply path 107 in relation to the position of the supply port 108. This is a case where the liquid inlet of the head 104 is provided at a position that is upwardly separated as shown in the figure. Therefore, in some cases, the liquid inlet of the head 104 is provided near the bottom of the second liquid reservoir 103, and in some cases, the liquid inlet of the head 104 is located near the bottom of the second liquid reservoir 103.
The second liquid reservoir 103 may be designed to have a structure in which the supply port 108 is directly provided on the wall surface of the second liquid reservoir 103 without providing the second liquid reservoir 103.

In addition, it is possible to obtain good printing characteristics and supply liquid to the head 104 stably and smoothly.
In order to fully utilize the liquid storage capacity in the second liquid reservoir 103, a supply path 107 is provided as shown in the figure, a supply port 108 is located at the bottom of the second liquid reservoir 103, and the recording head 104 is It is desirable to provide the liquid in the upper part of the second liquid reservoir 103.

That is, the supply port 108 is located near the bottom of the second liquid reservoir 103, and the liquid inlet of the liquid ejecting head 104 is provided on the wall located above the second liquid reservoir 103, so that the supply port 108 and the liquid Inlet and supply path 1
It is sufficient to communicate with 07.

As shown in the figure, the supply path 107 may be connected to the rear end (upstream end) of the liquid path of the liquid ejecting head 104, or may be connected to the liquid path of the head 104 as an extension of the liquid path of the head 104. It may also be provided integrally.

In the middle of the supply port 108 or the supply path 107, in order to prevent air bubbles from entering the liquid path inside the liquid ejecting head 104 during use, liquid is easily allowed to pass through, but air bubbles are prevented from passing through. It is preferable to provide a filter 124 with a function. As the filter 124 having such a function, for example, a porous body having a large number of fine through holes or a fibrous material such as felt is used. As the material constituting the supply path 107, almost any material can be used as long as it can smoothly supply the liquid and does not cause any unfavorable interaction with the liquid. Among these, glass, which is particularly effectively used in the present invention,
Tubes such as plastic can be mentioned, and suitable examples of the plastic include polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyester, and polyvinyl chloride.

The outflow port 118 that communicates the second connection path 105 and the second liquid reservoir 103 is located above the inflow port 117 and is arranged so that an air layer is formed at the top of the second liquid reservoir 103. , is provided at a wall surface position separated from the uppermost wall of the second liquid reservoir 103 by a predetermined distance.

The air layer formed at the top of the second liquid reservoir 103 occurs when the second liquid reservoir 103 repeatedly moves back and forth, for example, when liquid is ejected from the recording head 104. It has the function of alleviating pressure changes. This point will be explained in detail later.

The liquid introduction means 106 has a liquid reservoir 1 at its lower part.
The other end of a connecting pipe 105, which is a flow path between the connecting pipe 1
Above the joining position of 05 is a liquid ejecting head 10.
The orifice 10 covers a discharge orifice 109 for forming flying droplets provided at the tip of the orifice 10.
A liquid receiving means (cap) 110 for receiving liquid discharged from the container 9 is provided. The cap 110 is formed of a hollow tube and is linked to the liquid introduction means 106 so that it can be brought into a suction state by the operation of the absorption mechanism of the liquid introduction means 106. The tip of the cap 110 has a shape and structure to be joined to the tip of the head 104 in order to reduce pressure in the liquid path inside the liquid ejecting head 104. The suction mechanism of the liquid introducing means 106 shown in FIG. 1 has a suction pump structure, and includes a cylinder 111 and a piston 112, which are an outer frame for the suction pump. The piston 112 has a ventilation hole 1
13 and a vent valve 114 is provided at the lower part of the vent hole 113, and two O-rings 122 are provided between the inner wall surface of the cylinder 111 and the outer circumference of the piston 112 so as to tighten the piston 112. are fitted into each of the grooves provided in the. During normal operation, the piston 112 is pushed up to the upper part of the cylinder 111 by a spring 115, one end of which is fixed to the bottom of the cylinder 111, as necessary. An outlet 116 is provided at the bottom of the cylinder 111 for allowing the liquid sucked into the liquid introduction means 106 to flow out to the outside.
A liquid absorbing means 126 is connected to the outlet 116 to absorb the liquid flowing out through the outlet passage 125 and evaporate it naturally. Such liquid absorbing means 126 can be constructed using a so-called sponge, a porous material, felt, or the like. Alternatively, an outflow reservoir is provided downstream of the outflow port 116 to accommodate the outflow liquid,
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the spilled liquid is stored in the drained liquid reservoir. Outlet 116 is connected to cylinder 11
If the volume of the lower portion of 1 is sufficiently large, it is not necessarily necessary to provide such a hole, and it is sufficient to simply provide a fine hole that allows communication with the atmosphere. Of course, in this case, it is not necessary to provide the outflow path 125 and the liquid absorption means 126.

In the device shown in FIG. 1, the first liquid reservoir 101 is constructed of a bag-like material, for example, made of plastic sheet, rubber, metal foil film, etc., and whose internal volume can be changed freely. A hard case-like cassette 127 is provided for ease of setting in position and for protection from shock and damage caused by external forces.
It is stored in.

The first liquid reservoir 101 is arranged so that the liquid therein is smoothly supplied to the second liquid reservoir 103.
One end of the feed pipe 102 is inserted. Feed pipe 1
02 passes through an opening of an opening member 132 provided in the outer frame of the cassette 127 so as to connect the first liquid reservoir 101 and the second liquid reservoir 103 to form a continuous integral structure. It may be formed by
It may be formed in such a manner that it is joined at the opening member 132 and is detachable.

Cassette 127 in which the first liquid reservoir 101 is stored
Approximately at the center of the upper lid 128, there is provided a pressurizing means (pressing means) 129 that pressurizes the ink formed by notches on three sides. Pressure means 1
29 is a first liquid reservoir that is bent inward of the cassette 127 around an axis (XY line) 130 shown by a dotted line when pressed from above with a finger or the like (the bent state is shown by a dotted line). Pressure is applied to the liquid reservoir 101 from above, and the liquid inside the liquid reservoir 101 is transferred to the supply pipe 10.
It works by applying pressure and extrusion in two directions. At this time,
A pressure difference is generated between the first liquid reservoir 101 and the second liquid reservoir 103, and a state in which liquid is smoothly supplied to the second liquid reservoir 103 is established. Due to the pressurizing action of the pressurizing means 129, the liquid pushed out from the first liquid reservoir 101 flows into the second liquid reservoir 103 through the feed pipe 102, and a predetermined amount is supplied to the second liquid reservoir 103. be done. When the pressurizing action of the pressurizing means 129 on the first liquid reservoir 101 is sufficiently large, the level of the liquid flowing into the second liquid reservoir 103 reaches the outlet 118, and then the liquid overflowing from the outlet 118 is connected. It is accommodated in the liquid storage section 123 of the liquid introduction means 106 through the pipe 105. The pressurizing operation of the pressurizing means 129 may be performed manually or electrically using a solenoid.

At least a supply port 108 in the second reservoir 103
When more liquid is supplied than can be covered by the inflowing liquid, the suction mechanism of the liquid introduction means 106 is activated, and the cap 110 connected to the discharge orifice 109 at the tip of the liquid injection head 104 is activated. A liquid flow is created in the liquid path within the head 104 by suctioning through the liquid. This suction operation state may coexist with the pressurization operation state, or may be formed independently if a sufficient amount of liquid is present in the second liquid reservoir 103.

However, in order to perform the liquid supply operation and print recovery operation more efficiently, it is preferable to use the pressurization operation and the suction operation together after supplying a sufficient amount of liquid into the second liquid reservoir 103. It is. The pressurizing means 129 is
As shown in FIG.
In addition to being composed of a flexible plate formed by making a cut in a part of 28, it also contains springs, springs, pistons,
It may be constructed of a means having a function of pressurizing the ink, such as a plunger, which can generate a pressurizing effect.

A liquid injection head 104 is located in the middle of the connecting pipe 105.
A fluid resistor 131 is provided to adjust the difference between the liquid flow rate per unit time in the internal liquid path and the liquid flow rate per unit time in the connecting pipe 105.

This fluid resistor 131 is connected to the liquid ejecting head 104.
The liquid is supplied smoothly and efficiently to the printer, and the liquid in the second reservoir 103 is suctioned with high efficiency through the liquid path in the head 104 by the suction force through the cap 110, resulting in smooth print recovery. Therefore, the flow rate of the liquid flowing out through the supply port 108 is set to be sufficiently larger than the flow rate of the liquid flowing out through the outlet 118. Further, in the case of the device shown in FIG. It also functions to adjust the fluid resistance of the connecting pipe 105 so that when liquid flows out from the outlet 116 during operation, it does not flow back into the second reservoir 103 through the connecting pipe 105. The fluid resistor 131 exhibits the above-mentioned effects, but even if the fluid resistor 131 is not provided, the connecting pipe 105, the outlet 118, the inlet 119, the supply port 108, the supply path 107, the head The object of the present invention can be fully achieved by designing the liquid path inside the liquid passage 104 or the discharge orifice 109 with sufficient consideration given to the size, size, material, etc. thereof.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the inlet 120 is closed by two O-rings at the top dead center of the piston 112, and the inlet 119 is constantly in communication with the lower space region 123 within the cylinder 111. For the device shown in FIG. 1, the liquid storage means (fluid introduction means) 206
There are three O-rings attached to the piston 212 that constitutes the second liquid reservoir 2 through the outlet 218.
A second connecting path (connecting pipe) 205 that communicates with 03 is connected to an inlet 219 provided above the inlet 220, and the liquid is introduced so that it can communicate with the upper space area 221 of the liquid introducing means 206. Means 20
6 and when the piston 212 is at the top dead center, the inlets 219 and 220 are connected to the three O
Communication with the upper space region 221 is closed by the ring.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is substantially the same as the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, except for the differences in operating mechanism based on these points.

The ink pressurizing means (pressing means) 229 in the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 has the same structure as the pressing means (pressing means) shown in FIG. 1, and performs the same function. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, pressurizing means 229
The pressurizing operation is performed in conjunction with the suction operation of the suction mechanism of the liquid introduction means 206, which will be described later. The cooperation of this pressurizing operation and suction operation creates the second liquid reservoir 203
Also, the liquid can be efficiently and quickly supplied to the liquid ejecting head. Furthermore, there may be a lack of liquid in the second liquid reservoir 203, a blockage in the liquid path from the first liquid reservoir 201 to the discharge orifice 209, or a shock applied to the device from the outside that causes the liquid near the discharge orifice 209 to become clogged. If the formed meniscus recedes too much and does not return to its original position, or if liquid jetting from the head 204 becomes unstable or impossible due to other reasons, the pressurizing means 229 and the liquid introduction By operating the suction mechanisms of the means 206 in conjunction, it is possible to restore the original stable state in which liquid can be ejected more quickly and smoothly than when they are operated alone.

Next, we will discuss the structure and operation of the device shown in Figure 2.
The mechanism will be explained in more detail.

The first liquid reservoir 203 is provided with a liquid inlet 217 and an outlet 218 for sucking air and/or liquid.
It communicates with the first liquid reservoir 201 via (feeding pipe). The outlet 218 communicates with the inlet 219 of the liquid introduction means 206 via a connecting tube 205, preferably constructed of a flexible material. In the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, the second liquid reservoir 203 and the liquid introducing means 206 are always connected by a connecting pipe 205 except in an emergency. An inlet 220 provided in the liquid introducing means 206 communicates with a liquid receiving means (cap) 210 covering the discharge orifice 209.
At a given time, the cap 210 is connected to the head 204.
It can be combined with the tip of the The supply of liquid from the liquid reservoir 201 into the liquid reservoir 203 is carried out by the piston 212 constituting the liquid introducing means 206 in conjunction with the pressurizing operation of the pressurizing means 229 as described in the apparatus shown in FIG. This occurs during the downward movement of the piston 212 by manually pressing the upper end of the piston 212.
When the piston 212 descends, the vent valve 214
closes the vent hole 213 and makes the space region 221 of the cylinder 211 above the piston 212 negative pressure. This negative pressure state in the cylinder 211 causes the pressure in the second reservoir 203 to fluctuate through the connecting pipe 205, and the supply pipe 203 is connected between it and the first reservoir 201.
2 to form a pressure difference. This pressure difference is generated in the first liquid reservoir 20 based on the pressurizing operation of the pressurizing means 229.
1 to the second liquid reservoir 203. Of course, the liquid can be moved only by this pressure difference. When the lowered position of the piston 212 is such that the O-ring 222-1 is below the inlet 220, the pressure in the passage inside the cap 210 is reduced through the inlet 220. At this time, if the liquid ejecting head 204 and the cap 210 are connected, a second
The liquid in the liquid reservoir 203 is sucked into the head 204, and the liquid is supplied to the liquid path inside the head 204. Head 204 via cap 210
The movement state of the liquid in the internal liquid path is such that the amount of liquid introduced into the second liquid reservoir 203 is at least as high as that of the supply path 2.
It is formed when the liquid supply port 208 at the tip of 07 becomes immersed in the supplied liquid.
Furthermore, the inflow amount of liquid per unit time from the liquid supply port 208 when liquid is supplied to the liquid ejection head 204 is such that the liquid level of the liquid supplied in the second liquid reservoir 203 reaches the liquid supply port 208. If it is nearby, the first
The supply pipe 202 is arranged so that the amount of liquid flowing from the second liquid reservoir 201 to the second liquid reservoir 203 is smaller than that per unit time.
The fluid resistance of the supply path 208 and the fluid resistance of the supply path 208 are adjusted.

Alternatively, in order to prevent gas or bubbles from entering the liquid path inside the liquid injection head 204,
After supplying a sufficient amount of liquid into the second reservoir 203, it is necessary to supply the liquid into the head 204. To do this, the piston 212
The solution is to make the descending motion a two-stage motion. That is, in the first motion,
The piston 212 is lowered so that the O-ring 222-1 is between the inlet 219 and the inlet 220, and the second liquid reservoir 2 is opened only through the connecting pipe 205.
By varying the pressure inside 03, the first liquid reservoir 20
1 supplies liquid to the second liquid reservoir 203. The degree of pressure fluctuation within the second liquid reservoir 203 caused by this operation is greater than or equal to the level at which a sufficient amount of liquid is supplied into the second liquid reservoir 203. After a sufficient amount of liquid is supplied into the second liquid reservoir 203, as a second motion of the downward movement of the piston 212, the piston 212 is lowered until the position of the O-ring 222-1 is below the inlet 220. let, second
A head 204 is located between the liquid reservoir 203 and the cap 210.
A pressure difference is created through the head 204 to create a flow of liquid in the liquid path inside the head 204. At this time, the speed of the downward movement of the piston 212 and the time interval when moving from the first motion to the second motion are determined according to the desired timing for supplying the liquid to the second liquid reservoir 203 and the liquid to the head 204. This is determined by appropriately considering the design of the device and the balance with the pressurizing force applied to the liquid in the first liquid reservoir 201 by the pressurizing means 229 so that the process can be carried out smoothly. Feeding pipe 202, connecting pipe 205, supply path 20
7. Design the dimensions and shapes of the liquid inlet 217, outlet 218, and liquid supply port 208 as desired,
In addition, by appropriately designing and manufacturing the dimensions of the inlet 219 and the inlet 220 in relation to these, the downward motion of the piston 212 is not made into a two-stage motion as described above. It is also possible to make it take a continuous downward movement. When the level of the liquid supplied in the second liquid reservoir 203 reaches a level above the outflow port 218 due to the downward movement of the piston 212, the liquid is pumped into the cylinder 211 from the inflow port 219 through the connecting pipe 205. upper space area 2
Liquid flows into 21. The liquid flowing into the space region 221 also flows into the vent hole 213 and flows into the space region 223 at the lower portion of the cylinder 211 when the vent valve 214 is opened. When the downward movement of the piston 212 reaches the bottom dead center, the piston 212
is raised toward the home position by the repulsive force of the spring 215. When the piston 212 is raised, the vent valve 214 is opened based on the pressure difference between the vent hole 213 and the space region 216, and the upper space region 221 of the cylinder 211 is communicated with the atmosphere through the outlet 216. When the vent valve 214 is opened, the liquid present in the vent hole 213 and/or the space region 221 flows out into the lower space region 223 of the cylinder 211 . As described above, the piston 212 of the liquid storage means 206 in the device shown in FIG.
is attached, and when the piston 212 is at the normal position (top dead center), the inlets 219 and 220 are closed by the piston 212 and these O-rings. The printing recovery operation when the meniscus recedes due to an imbalance due to clogging inside the liquid ejecting head 204 or a drop in the liquid level in the second liquid reservoir 203, which hinders printing, is also performed in the same way as described above. This can be done extremely easily using similar operating procedures. This printing recovery operation will be briefly described below.

The first problem with printing is that the amount of liquid in the second liquid reservoir 203 decreases for some reason, and the liquid ejecting head 204 due to the drop in the liquid level in the second liquid reservoir 203. An example of this is that the meniscus from the orifice 209 is too retracted. Second, when printing is performed while the second liquid reservoir 203 is moved back and forth with the head 204, the meniscus retreats too much due to the impact at the time of return and does not recover to its normal position, resulting in failure of droplet ejection. This is a case where stabilization or even droplet ejection becomes impossible. Thirdly, air bubbles are likely to be mixed into the head 204 during the reciprocating movement of the second liquid reservoir 203. The fourth problem is clogging due to drying of the liquid in the liquid path inside the head 204 or clogging due to contamination of foreign matter.

If a problem occurs in printing due to the above-mentioned causes, printing can be recovered in the following manner.

When the cap 210 is connected to the tip of the liquid injection head 204 and the piston 212 is pressed, the O-ring 222-1 passes through the inlet 219 as a first step, and at the same time, the upper space area 221 of the cylinder 211 is opened. The second
The air in the second reservoir 203 is sucked by the negative pressure inside the cylinder 211, and as a result, the liquid is transferred from the first reservoir 201 to the second reservoir 2.
It is attracted and introduced into 03. At this time, the inlet 22
0 is closed by O-rings 222-2 and 222-3, so no movement of liquid through head 204 occurs.

When the piston 211 further descends, the O-rings 222-1 and 222-2 close to the inlet 2 in a second stage.
19 , an inlet 219 communicates with the inside of the cylinder 211 , and liquid is sucked through the head 204 and the cap 210 . At this time, if there is a substance that causes ejection prevention together with the liquid, that substance is also sucked and discharged into the upper space area 221 of the cylinder 211, and the piston 212
When the temperature rises, the vent 213, the vent valve 214,
The liquid is discharged to the outside of the liquid introducing means 206 through the outlet 216.

As mentioned above, in the device shown in Figure 2,
When the piston 212 constituting the liquid introducing means 206 is pressed, the residual air in the second liquid reservoir 203 is first sucked, and then the liquid is injected from the first liquid reservoir 201 to the second liquid reservoir 203. It will be done. After the rear end of the supply path is immersed in the liquid, the liquid injection head 2
Since the liquid is sucked through the head 204, air is prevented from entering the liquid path inside the head 204. Furthermore, by repeating the pressing operation of the piston 212 as necessary, the liquid level in the liquid reservoir 203 rises and the outflow port 2
18, but then the liquid also flows to the outlet 21.
Since the liquid is sucked through the second liquid reservoir 203 , the liquid level in the second liquid reservoir 203 is maintained at the level of the outlet 218 . In this case, a certain air layer exists in the second liquid reservoir 203 above the outlet 218, but this air layer has a function of absorbing shock pressure when the second liquid reservoir 203 is driven. Demonstrate the effect of fulfilling one's goals.

A fluid resistor 231 may be provided in the connecting tube 205 to adjust the flow rate of liquid and/or air through the liquid ejection head 204 and the flow rate of liquid and/or air through the connecting tube 205. Such a fluid resistor 231 is made of porous plastic, porous ceramics, glass having micropores, felt, sponge, orifice, or the like.

Preferably, in the liquid supply port 208 of the supply path 207,
Non-fluid foreign substances mixed in the liquid in the second liquid reservoir 203 enter the liquid path inside the head 204,
To prevent the liquid path from clogging and supply path 2
In order to adjust the liquid resistance of 07, it is desirable to provide a filter for removing foreign substances.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment example, FIGS.
Its structure and operational function are essentially the same as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, except that the second connecting channel shown in the embodiment shown in the figure is designed to be separable. The second connection path (connection pipe) 305
A connecting passage portion 305-1 is provided on the liquid reservoir 303 side and is formed to have a protruding portion with an opening at the tip for easy fitting, and a liquid receiving means (cap) 310 that covers the discharge orifice. A connecting path portion 30 that is similar to the above and has a structure into which the connecting path portion 305-1 can be inserted and is provided on the liquid introducing means 306 side.
It consists of 5-2. If a member forming the connecting path portion 305-1 is used that has the same structure and dimensions as the member forming the liquid path of the liquid injection head 304, the number of parts can be reduced, leading to cost reduction. This is desirable for this reason. The connecting path portions 305-1 and 305-2 are connected, for example, when the carriage carrying the second liquid reservoir 303 and the head 304 is stopped at a predetermined position, or when the head 304 and the cap are connected in the middle of a stopping operation. 310
It is desirable to perform this together with the joining operation in order to simplify the operating mechanism and ensure reliable operation execution. The connecting path portion 305-1 acts as a pressure relief against sudden and strong internal pressure changes in the second liquid reservoir 303 that affect printing, and prevents liquid leakage during movement such as when transporting the device. The dimensions of the opening and the structure of the tip are determined so that the opening of the tip of the tip can be prevented by surface tension.

FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention. The device shown in this embodiment is a modification of the ink pressurizing means (pressing means) in the embodiment shown in FIG. Constituent piston 4
By pressing 12, the liquid in the first liquid reservoir 401 is pressurized and the second connecting path (connecting pipe) 4 is pressurized.
05 so that the inside of the second liquid reservoir 403 can be suctioned at once.

Pressurizing means 429 in the device shown in FIG.
consists of a concave upper lid stand 427 that is hollow so that the first liquid reservoir 401 is accommodated therein, and a base 430 that has a guide groove 428 through which the peripheral side wall of the upper lid stand 427 is inserted and taken out. The top surface of the stand 427 is formed integrally with the bottom surface of the liquid introducing means 406. A bag-shaped first liquid reservoir 401 is accommodated in the space formed by the upper lid stand 427 and the base stand 430, as shown in the figure. At the right end of the base 430,
A recess 432 is provided for accommodating a liquid absorber 426 for accommodating the liquid flowing out from the liquid introducing means 406 and evaporating it naturally or forcefully.
The liquid accommodated in the recess 432 is transferred to the liquid introducing means 4
The liquid is absorbed into the liquid absorber 426 through an outflow path 425 that communicates with an outflow port 416 provided at the lower part of the liquid absorber 426 .

In the device having the structure shown in FIG.
In order to supply liquid to the liquid reservoir 403 and/or liquid injection head 404 or to recover the liquid injection function, the piston 41 constituting the liquid introduction means 406 is used.
2 against the resistance of spring 415 in a predetermined manner. That is,
When the piston 412 is pressed, the piston 412 relatively descends within the cylinder 411, resulting in a reduced pressure state in the upper space region 421, and the O
When the piston 412 is relatively lowered to a position where the ring 422-1 is below the inlet 419 and the upper space region 421 is communicated with the second liquid reservoir 403 via the connecting pipe 405, Second reservoir 40
3 is suctioned. At the same time, since the base 429-3 is fixed, the pressing force of the piston 412 is applied to the first liquid reservoir 40 through the upper lid 429-1.
1, and the liquid in the first liquid reservoir 401 is pressurized. By pressurizing the liquid in the first liquid reservoir 401, through the first connection path (feeding pipe) 402,
The liquid in the first liquid reservoir 401 is fed to the second liquid reservoir 403 . The piston 412 further descends,
When the O-ring 422-1 is positioned below the inlet 420, the suction force through the liquid receiving means (cap) 410 causes the liquid to flow into the liquid path in the liquid ejecting head 404, as explained in FIG. Second liquid reservoir 403
More liquid is sucked and supplied.

In this manner, in the device shown in FIG. 4, the one-touch pressing operation of the piston 412 causes the suction mechanism of the liquid introducing means 406 to perform a suction action on the second liquid reservoir 403, and the pressurizing means 429 to perform a suction action on the second liquid reservoir 403. Since the pressurizing action on the liquid reservoir 401 of No. 1 is performed simultaneously, the liquid supply operation or the recovery operation of the liquid injection function can be performed easily and smoothly.

As explained above, in the present invention, the first
A pressurizing means for pressurizing the liquid in the liquid reservoir and a liquid introduction means for suctioning through the liquid introduction cap are provided to form a pressure difference between the first liquid reservoir and the second liquid reservoir, and to A predetermined amount of liquid is supplied from the first liquid reservoir to the second liquid reservoir based on the recording head, a pressure difference is formed between the second liquid reservoir and the cap through the recording head, and the liquid is introduced into the head based on the pressure difference. Therefore, there is no problem of air being sucked into the head, and printing recovery and supply of liquid to the second liquid reservoir and the head are ensured. Moreover, since it does not have a complicated mechanism, the device can be made smaller and lower in cost. Furthermore, as a derivative effect, the amount of liquid in the first reservoir decreases and the first
The liquid supply to the second liquid reservoir is stopped due to the resistance against the decrease in the internal pressure of the second liquid reservoir. However, in the present invention, the liquid supply is forcibly stopped by using the pressurizing means and the suction mechanism of the liquid introduction means. The supply operation enables the liquid to be supplied from the first liquid reservoir to the second liquid reservoir. Therefore, if the liquid supply from the first liquid reservoir is frequently stopped, the remaining amount of liquid in the first liquid reservoir is small.
It is possible to easily detect that it is almost time to replace the first liquid reservoir or to replenish the first liquid reservoir. or,
By the above-described operation, it is possible to transfer the liquid in the first liquid reservoir to the second liquid reservoir without leaving any remaining liquid, so that the liquid can be used without wasting it.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the liquid ejecting head is only shown having a structure having one ejection orifice, but the present invention is directed to a so-called multi-orifice type liquid ejection head having two or more ejection orifices. This can also be applied when using an injection head.

Furthermore, the form of the liquid ejecting head in the present invention is not particularly limited; for example,
Liquid ejection heads using piezoelectric elements such as those described in publications such as USP3683212, USP3946398, and USP3747120, liquid injection heads that utilize thermal energy as described in German Publication No. 2843064, and furthermore, Modifications of the liquid ejecting head described in the publications and other forms of recording heads applied to so-called continuous method liquid ejecting recording apparatuses that control the direction of flight of flying droplets can be cited.

Next, an example in which the liquid jet recording apparatus of the present invention is applied as a printer will be described.

5 and 6 show an example of the configuration of a printer to which a liquid ejecting device having the same structure and mechanism as shown in FIG. 2 is applied. NZ is an inkjet nozzle (recording head), and is provided with an electrostrictive element PZ that generates energy for ejecting droplets. Inkjet nozzle NZ is a cartridge
The reciprocating drive of this carriage CA is controlled by a linear motor. A linear motor constitutes a closed magnetic circuit with a permanent magnet PM, a shaft yoke plate Y1, and a magnetic sliding shaft Y2.
A uniform magnetic field is formed between the magnetic sliding shaft Y2 and the magnetic sliding axis Y2. The coil CO is wound around the coil bobbin CB (see Figure 5), which is integrated with the carriage CA.
The carriage CA is slidably arranged on the magnetic sliding axis Y2 so that a part of the magnetic field crosses the above-mentioned magnetic field at right angles. Here, when the coil CO wound around the coil bobbin CB is energized, the carriage CA reciprocates on the sliding shaft Y2 with the driving force generated by Fleming's right-hand rule. The reciprocating motion of the carriage CA on the drive shaft Y2 is performed by utilizing the fact that the direction of the driving force changes by changing the direction of the current flowing through the coil CO wound around the coil bobbin CB.

The carriage CA is equipped with a light emitting diode LEA as a timing pulse generating element to detect the position of the carriage CA and to control the ink jetting timing of the inkjet nozzle NZ, paper feeding, etc.
and a phototransistor PTA are arranged facing each other as shown in Fig.
Place a receiving slit GS with a slit of the same width as the SS. Also, in the carriage CA,
The electrical connection plate PC is fixed, and the terminals CT1 and CT2 of the coil CO and the terminals PT1 and PT of the electrostrictive element PZ are fixed.
2. The terminal LET of the light emitting diode LEA and the terminal PTT of the phototransistor PTA are respectively attached to the upper surface of the connection plate PC. Also, these terminals are
Each is connected to a flexible cable FL fixed to one end of the connection plate PC. The other end of the flexible cable FL is folded back in the middle, and the cable FL is fixed to the printer by a holding plate P2. The end of the folded cable FL is connected to a connector (not shown), and the drive of the carriage CA and the electrostrictive element PZ of the inkjet nozzle NZ are controlled via the flexible cable FL. Furthermore, a shielding plate SB is protruded from the lower end of the carriage CA, and when the shielding plate SB is positioned in the recess of the initial position detection member HPD, which has a concave cross section and is arranged on the magnetic yoke plate Y1, the detection member HPD The light emitting diode LEH and the phototransistor PTH, which are disposed opposite to each other in the recessed portion of the shield plate SB, are shielded by the shielding plate SB to detect the initial position HP of the carriage CA.

ST is a sub-tank (second reservoir) attached to the carriage CA, and the ink stored in the main tank MT (first reservoir), which has a pressing means as a pressurizing means, is transferred to the ink supply tube. (First connection path) Ink is supplied to this sub-tank ST via DT, and from there to the ink jet nozzle NZ. DT-2 is a connecting pipe (second connecting path) for communicating between the liquid introducing means PP having a suction pump mechanism and the sub-tank ST,
When supplying ink to the sub-tank ST and inkjet nozzle NZ in the initial state, or when recovering from printing problems due to clogging or liquid shortage, the air and/or liquid in the sub-tank ST is removed from the liquid storage member.
This is for suctioning to the PP side. ink supply tube
DT-1 and connecting pipe DT-2 are fixed plate P2
One point is fixed by PMT is a pulse motor,
PL is the platen on which the printing paper PP is loaded, and the driving force of the pulse motor PMT is
A gear (not shown) attached to the tip of an output shaft (not shown) taken out from one end transmits deceleration through gear G1 and gear G2 to which the shaft of the platen PL is fixed, thereby driving the platen PL. The paper is fed.

D1 and D2 are collision buffer dampers fixed to both ends of the magnetic sliding shaft Y2, which soften the impact force when the carriage CA traveling on the sliding shaft Y2 collides with both ends of the sliding shaft Y2, This prevents ink from leaking from the inkjet nozzle NZ and the meniscus from receding too much, and also prevents ink from bubbling inside the sub-tank ST. This damper D1 and D
2 is made of an elastic body such as foam. KP is a connecting tube that connects with the inkjet nozzle NL during ink supply or printing recovery operation to suck ink from inside the nozzle NL.After printing is completed, it covers the tip of the inkjet nozzle NZ. Then,
This is a cap to prevent the inkjet nozzle NZ from clogging and drying out.

OS is an optical slit for detecting printing position.
A large number of slits SS are opened at equal intervals.
As shown in FIG. 5, the optical slit OS is arranged in a space where a light emitting diode LEA and a phototransistor PTA, which serve as a pair of timing pulse generating elements arranged in the carriage CA, face each other.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIGS. 1a and 1b are schematic explanatory views for explaining the configuration of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS.
The figure is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the second embodiment, FIG. 3 is the third embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the external appearance when the device is applied to a printer, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A. 101,201,301,401...First liquid reservoir, 102,202,302,402...Feeding pipe, 103,203,303,403...Second liquid reservoir, 104,204,304,404 ...Liquid injection head, 105, 205, 305, 405...
...Connecting pipe, 106, 206, 306, 406...
Liquid introduction means, 107, 207, 307, 407
... Supply route, 108, 208, 308, 408...
...Liquid supply port, 109, 209, 309, 409...
...Discharge orifice, 110, 210, 310, 4
10... Cap, 111, 211, 311, 4
11...Cylinder, 112, 212, 312, 4
12...Piston, 113,213,313,4
13... Ventilation hole, 114, 214, 314, 41
4...Vent valve, 115,215,315,415
...Spring, 116, 216, 316, 41
6... Outlet, 117, 217, 317, 417
...Inlet, 118, 218, 318, 418...
... Outlet, 119, 219, 319, 419...
Inflow port, 120, 220, 320, 420... Inflow port, 121, 221, 321, 421... Upper space region, 122, 222, 322, 422...
O-ring, 123, 223, 323, 423...
Lower space area, 124, 224, 324, 424
...Filter, 125, 225, 325, 42
5...Outflow path, 126, 226, 326, 426
...Liquid absorption means, 127,227,327...
Cassette, 128, 228, 328...Top lid, 1
29,229,329,429...pressurizing means, 1
30... Support shaft, 131, 231, 431... Fluid resistance element, 132... Opening member, 427... Concave top cover stand, 428... Guide groove, 430... Base, 43
2... Concavity.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A recording head having an orifice for discharging a liquid, a first liquid reservoir containing the liquid, and a second liquid reservoir communicating with the recording head and storing a liquid to be supplied to the recording head. a supply pipe that connects the first liquid reservoir and the second liquid reservoir; and a cap that covers the orifice, and the liquid is supplied to the second liquid reservoir through the supply pipe. a pressurizing means for pressurizing the liquid in the first liquid reservoir to introduce the liquid; a liquid introducing means for introducing the liquid into the recording head by suction through the cap;
A liquid jet recording device comprising: 2. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressurizing means is a cassette having a notch and accommodating the first liquid reservoir. 3. The liquid jet recording device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid introducing means is a suction pump. 4. The liquid jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid introducing means communicates with the second liquid reservoir. 5. Claim 1, wherein the pressurizing means is constructed integrally with the liquid introduction means.
The liquid jet recording device described in 2.