WO2004087426A1 - インク供給装置 - Google Patents
インク供給装置 Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2004087426A1 WO2004087426A1 PCT/JP2004/003986 JP2004003986W WO2004087426A1 WO 2004087426 A1 WO2004087426 A1 WO 2004087426A1 JP 2004003986 W JP2004003986 W JP 2004003986W WO 2004087426 A1 WO2004087426 A1 WO 2004087426A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- ink
- tank
- ink tank
- supply device
- pressure
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17556—Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
- B41J2/17523—Ink connection
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an ink supply device that stores ink to be supplied in an ink jet printer used for a facsimile machine, a copying machine, a printer of a computer A, and the like.
- Printing by the ink jet method is low noise and can be easily printed on plain paper, so it is used advantageously for facsimile machines, copiers, and printers for office automation equipment.
- an ink jet printer using the above method as an image forming apparatus scans an ink while a carriage equipped with an ink head scans reciprocally in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of a recording medium. By discharging, an image can be formed.
- Such an ink jet printer is provided with an ink tank for accommodating the ink to be ejected.
- the ink tank has been filled with a porous absorbent to absorb fluctuations in the internal pressure of the ink tank due to changes in the remaining amount of ink, and the ink is held in the porous absorbent.
- a porous absorbent to absorb fluctuations in the internal pressure of the ink tank due to changes in the remaining amount of ink, and the ink is held in the porous absorbent.
- Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-229133 (published on September 7, 1993) (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1)).
- the ink tank has a main ink containing ink and a main ink chamber to absorb fluctuations in the internal pressure due to changes in the external environment (changes in the surrounding environment) such as changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure.
- Some include an auxiliary ink chamber that communicates through a communication hole and has an air communication port opened on the upper side.
- An absorbing member is inserted into the sub-ink chamber, and is filled with an amount of ink that can be impregnated by the absorbing member. This makes it possible to control the negative pressure inside the main ink chamber (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-52405 (published February 28, 1995)). 2))).
- an ink cartridge that can be replaced with a waste ink collection body that holds the ink and a casing that houses the waste ink collection body.
- a cap member into which a hollow needle for supplying ink is inserted is connected to the ink container by a tube or the like (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-353888). No. 2 (published on Feb. 25, 2001) (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 3).
- Patent Document 4 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-314709. Gazette (published January 5, 1995, February 5) (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 4).
- Patent Document 5 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 9-163572.
- Patent Document 5 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 9-163572.
- an absorbing member such as a porous material is disposed inside the ink tank, and the ink is impregnated and held in the absorbing material.
- Patent Document 5 changes the volume of air only in response to a change in temperature, and thus cannot cope with a change in atmospheric pressure, generation or inflow of bubbles. Disclosure of the invention
- the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to be able to absorb pressure fluctuations inside an ink tank, increase the capacity, and stably supply ink. It is to provide an ink supply device. In addition, the purpose is to make effective use of the ink contained in the ink tank.
- an ink supply device is an ink supply device comprising: an ink tank for accommodating an ink therein; and a tank holder for detachably holding the ink tank.
- the holder is provided with pressure adjusting means (for example, a circulation needle, an air supply needle, or a pressure con- troller) that allows the flow of the ink and the ink to and from the ink tank so that the internal pressure of the mounted ink tank becomes a predetermined value. Control needle, pressure control tank, etc.).
- the ink tank when the ink tank is mounted on the tank holder, a part of the pressure adjusting means (for example, a flow needle, an air supply needle, or one end of a pressure-force control needle) is connected to the ink tank.
- a part of the pressure adjusting means for example, a flow needle, an air supply needle, or one end of a pressure-force control needle
- the tank holder including the pressure adjusting means and the ink tank are configured to be detachable.
- the pressure adjusting means is provided with a pressure adjusting chamber capable of accommodating ink and air flowing between the ink tank and the ink tank, the ink inside the ink tank is consumed and the pressure adjusting means Even if the ink tank is replaced while leaving the ink inside the chamber, the ink inside the pressure adjustment chamber can be used between the ink tank and another ink tank installed later. Thus, the ink can be effectively used without wasting.
- the pressure inside the ink tank fluctuates due to ink consumption and changes in the surrounding environment (temperature)
- the pressure inside the ink tank is adjusted by the flow of ink and air. can do. That is, the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank can be absorbed.
- an absorbing material for example, a porous material for absorbing the pressure fluctuation by setting the pressure inside the ink tank to a negative pressure inside the ink tank. You don't have to have your body
- the ink will be subjected to viscous resistance when flowing through it.
- the pressure for pushing out the ink from the ink supply device (ink supply pressure) varies depending on the remaining amount of ink. That is, pressure loss occurs due to the absorbent.
- the ink tank is not provided with an absorbent, pressure fluctuation does not occur, and ink can be supplied stably. Also, the ink tank is not thrown away with the ink remaining in the absorbent, Efficiency can be realized.
- an ink supply device of the present invention is an ink supply device including at least an ink tank for accommodating an ink therein, wherein the ink supply device is provided by an ink environment caused by a change in an external environment of the ink tank. It is characterized in that it is provided with a volume changing means for changing the volume of the ink tank according to a change in the state of the contents in the tank.
- the volume of the ink tank can be changed by the volume changing means in accordance with a change in the state of the contents in the ink tank due to a change in the external environment of the ink tank.
- the ink tank is affected by a change in the external environment of the ink tank (for example, a temperature change or a pressure change).
- the condition of the contents inside changes.
- the pressure in the ink tank always fluctuates due to such a change in the state of the contents. Therefore, in the ink supply device having a configuration not including the volume changing means, when the pressure fluctuation in the ink tank increases, the ink leaks.
- the volume of the ink tank can be changed by the volume changing means in accordance with a change in the state of the contained matter.
- the pressure of a container such as ink or air increases due to a change in ambient temperature, for example, the volume of the ink tank is increased, and if the pressure of the container decreases, the ink The volume of the tank can be reduced.
- fluctuations in the internal pressure of the ink tank due to changes in the external environment can be suppressed.
- the internal pressure in the ink tank is reduced by the volume changing means. Can be kept constant. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ink supply device that can supply ink stably.
- an ink supply device is an ink supply device including at least an ink tank that stores ink therein, wherein the ink supply device includes: Pressure fluctuation suppressing means for suppressing the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank due to consumption of the ink by supplying air to the ink tank. Accordingly, by supplying air from the outside of the ink tank to the inside of the ink tank, pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank due to ink consumption can be suppressed.
- the ink supply device when the ink supply device is used by attaching it to a printing device such as an ink-jet printer, the amount of ink in the ink tank decreases when the ink in the ink tank is consumed.
- the pressure in the ink tank always fluctuates due to such a decrease in the amount of ink. Therefore, in the case of the ink supply device having no pressure fluctuation suppressing means, the pressure fluctuation in the ink tank cannot be controlled, and when ink is consumed, the negative pressure in the tank rises and the ink supply shortage occurs.
- air pressure from nozzles and ink leakage occur due to pressure fluctuations due to temperature changes.
- the pressure fluctuation suppression means suppresses the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank due to ink consumption by supplying air from outside the ink tank to the inside of the ink tank. Can't. In other words, by supplying air into the ink tank as the ink is consumed, the internal pressure of the ink tank due to the ink consumption is reduced. Fluctuation and pressure fluctuation due to temperature change during long-term storage can be suppressed.
- the internal pressure in the ink tank can be kept constant by the pressure fluctuation suppressing means. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ink supply device that can supply ink stably.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 (a) is a diagram showing a configuration of an ink tank
- FIG. 2 (b) is a diagram showing a configuration of a tank holder.
- FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink jet printer using an ink supply device.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an ink supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ink supply device when a felt is arranged inside the pressure control tank.
- Fig. 6 shows the amount of ink flowing out due to the volume expansion of the air inside the ink tank and the volume expansion of the ink inside the ink tank when the temperature inside the ink tank rises from 5 ° C to 55 ° C.
- FIG. 7 shows the amount of ink remaining after the ink flows out of the ink tank when the ink remaining in the ink tank is 80 cc and the ink tank is repeatedly subjected to a temperature rise of 50 ° C. It is a graph.
- FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the outflow of the ink due to the volume expansion of the ink and the number of repetitions of the temperature rise of 50 ° C.
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an ink supply device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a graph showing the correspondence between pressure and volume.
- Fig. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the mesh diameter of the filter and the negative pressure in the ink tank.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another ink supply device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of still another ink supply device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration of the moving wall in the above-mentioned ink supply device.
- FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a main part of an ink supply device according to the present embodiment.
- the ink supply device includes an ink tank 1 for storing ink and a tank holder 5 for holding the ink tank 1.
- the ink tank 1 is configured to be detachable from the tank holder 5.
- the tank holder 5 includes a control tank 50, a circulation needle 53, an air supply needle 54, and an ink supply needle (first ink supply means) 55 as shown in FIG. 2 (b). .
- the tank holder 5 is mounted on the ink tank 1, the flow needle 53, the air supply needle 54, and the ink supply needle 55 are inserted inside the ink tank 1.
- the control tank 50 has a spring (biasing member) 51 on its side surface.
- the spring 51 urges the upper and lower surfaces of the control tank 50 in a direction in which the volume of the control tank 50 increases, that is, in a direction in which the panel 51 expands. Air and ink can flow between the control tank 50 and the ink tank 1 through the flow needle 53.
- the material, shape, size, and arrangement of the spring 51 are particularly limited. is not. For example, only a part of the side may be made of panel.
- the circulation needle 53 is a hollow needle, and one end on the ink tank 1 side is pointed.
- the circulation needle 53 has a circulation hole 53 a near the ink tank 1 end and a circulation hole 53 b formed at the end of the control tank 50. The air and ink flow between the circulation holes 53a and 53b.
- the control tank 50 is connected to the circulation needle 53. In the control tank 50, communication with the outside is possible only through the circulation holes 53b and 53a of the circulation needle 53. is there.
- control tank 50 and the circulation needle 53 absorb pressure fluctuations due to a temperature change inside the ink tank 1. Note that the control tank 50 and the circulation needle 53 may be formed integrally.
- the air supply needle 54 is a hollow needle, and one end on the ink tank 1 side is pointed.
- the air supply needle 54 has an air communication hole 54 a near the end on the ink tank 1 side, and an air communication hole 54 b formed at an end on the power control tank 50 side.
- the other end of the air supply needle 54 is open to the outside through an atmosphere communication hole 54b. That is, the ink tank 1 is connected to the atmosphere via the air supply needle 54.
- the air supply needle 54 absorbs pressure fluctuations due to a change in the remaining amount of ink inside the ink tank 1.
- the ink supply needle 55 is a hollow needle, and one end on the ink tank 1 side is pointed.
- a supply hole 55a is formed near the end on the ink tank 1 side, and a supply hole 55b is formed on the end on the control tank 50 side.
- the ink contained in the ink tank 1 is connected to the outside of the ink tank 1 via the ink supply needle 55 (for example, when the ink supply device is used for an ink jet printer, the ink in the carriage). (Such as ink heads).
- the ink tank 1 has an inner wall 21 and an outer wall 22 on a side surface of the ink tank 1 on which the ink tank 1 is mounted on the tank holder 5.
- the inner wall 21 has openings 21a to 21d.
- the outer wall 22 has openings 22a to 22d.
- the openings 2 Id2 1a2 2a correspond to the positions where the air supply needles 54 are inserted, and the openings 2lb2 2b
- the openings 21c and 22c correspond to the positions where the ink supply needles 55 are inserted.
- a seal portion 31 having openings 31b and 31a is provided between the inner wall 21 and the outer wall 22 to provide an ink supply.
- a seal portion 32 having an opening 32 a is provided between the inner wall 21 and the outer wall 22 at a position where the needle 55 is inserted.
- the seals 3 1 and 3 2 prevent the ink from leaking from around the needles 5 3 to 55 when the needles 5 3 to 55 are inserted into the ink tank 1.
- a mesh filter 27 is arranged so as to cover the opening 21 d of the inner wall 21.
- the mesh filter 27 is for adjusting the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 to be within a predetermined range.
- the material, size, and the like are not particularly limited as long as a meniscus (ink film) is formed by the ink inside the ink tank 1.
- the mesh filter 27 may be a mesh-shaped metal mesh filter, a filter made of a knitted metal fiber or a resin fiber, or the like.
- the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 is a negative pressure (negative pressure)
- the meniscus in the mesh filter 27 is depressed toward the inside of the ink tank 1.
- the inner wall 21 has an air protection wall 28.
- the air protection wall 28 prevents the air supplied to the inside of the ink tank 1 from the flow needle 53 from the air supply needle 53 from being supplied together with the ink from the supply hole 55 a of the ink supply needle 55. This is to stop the air flow.
- control of the internal pressure during operation of the ink supply device (when the ink tank 1 is used (consumption of ink)) will be described.
- the negative pressure inside ink tank 1 increases.
- a predetermined value critical value
- the ink tank 1 sucks air through the mesh filter 27. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the negative pressure inside the ink tank 1 from becoming excessive, and to adjust the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 to a predetermined range.
- the ink level on the mesh of the mesh filter 27 Due to the increase of the negative pressure inside the ink tank 1, the ink level on the mesh of the mesh filter 27 is pushed, and it overcomes the surface tension (breaks the meniscus) and passes through it. It becomes bubbles.
- the pressure (critical value) for generating the air bubbles depends on the filtration accuracy of the mesh filter 27, but by optimizing the filtration accuracy, the internal pressure of the ink tank 1, that is, the ink pressure, The supply pressure can be kept constant.
- the mesh filter 27 also has a function of removing dust and the like that are larger than the filtration accuracy.
- the air supply needle 54 can adjust the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 during operation of the ink supply device. That is, the air supply needle 54 can absorb pressure fluctuations based on a change in the remaining amount of ink inside the ink tank 1 (consumption of ink). Next, control of the internal pressure when the temperature changes will be described.
- the environment around the ink supply device may change due to changes in the time zone and installation location.
- the volume of the air inside the inductor 1 changes, and the internal pressure fluctuates.
- the ink tank 1 contains, for example, 100 (cc) of air
- the volume of air inside the ink tank 1 changes, the volume of air or ink is allowed to flow between the control tank 50 and the control tank 50 via the flow needle 53.
- the pressure fluctuation inside the Ink Tank 1 based on the temperature change can be absorbed.
- the volume of the control tank 50 can be increased or decreased by providing the spring 51. In other words, by expanding the spring 51, the control tank 50 can accommodate the inflow of the inked air.
- the ink tank 1 sucks up the air or the ink inside the control tank 50 by the volume change. That is, air or ink flows into the ink tank 1 through the circulation needle 53.
- the change in the volume that is, the change in the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 is detected by the flow needle 53 and the control tank. It can be absorbed by 50.
- control tank 50 By providing the control tank 50 in this way, ink once flowing out of the ink tank 1 can also be used. As a result, the efficiency of ink use can be improved.
- the tank holder 5 and the ink tank 1 are detachable. Therefore, even if ink inside ink tank 1 is consumed and ink tank 1 is replaced while ink is left inside control tank 50, it will not be possible to replace ink tank 1 with another ink tank installed later.
- the ink inside the control tank 50 can be used. Thereby, the ink can be effectively used without wasting.
- the spaces 40 and 41 formed between the seal portions 31 and 32 and the outer wall 22 shown in FIG. 2A include a porous member (for example, a porous member). (Such as a batting material in which polyester fibers are bundled in one direction).
- a porous member for example, a porous member.
- the ink attached to the needles 53 to 55 can be absorbed. This can prevent ink from adhering to a user who has removed the ink tank 1.
- the order in which the needles 53 to 55 are inserted into the ink tank 1 is preferably such that the ink supply needle 55 is last.
- the ink supply needle 55 is first inserted, when the circulation needle 53 or the air supply needle 54 is inserted, a pressure fluctuation occurs inside the ink tank 1 and the air is supplied from the ink supply needle 55. The pink will be leaked.
- the ink supply needle 55 by inserting the ink supply needle 55 at the end, the pressure fluctuation due to the insertion of the ink supply needle 55 can be absorbed by the flow needle 53 and the air supply needle 54, and the ink supply needle 55 can be absorbed. From 5, it is possible to prevent air or ink from being pushed out to, for example, an ink supply tube (ink supply path). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality due to the discharge of the air-ink accumulated in the ink supply tube during the image formation using the ink.
- the ink supply needle 55 is withdrawn last, when the circulation needle 53 and the air supply needle 54 are withdrawn, a pressure fluctuation occurs inside the ink tank 1 and, for example, the nozzle tip of the carriage Then, air is sucked into the ink supply tube (ink supply path) via the ink supply needle 55.
- the ink supply needle 55 by extracting the ink supply needle 55 first, the pressure fluctuations caused by the extraction of the ink supply needle 55 can be absorbed by the flow needle 53 and the air supply needle 54.
- the ink supply tube (ink) Supply path) can be prevented from inhaling air. Therefore, the image using ink 7
- the ink and the air are stored in the above-described ink tank 1, and other components (for example, storage members such as an ink absorber and an ink bag) are not stored.
- storage members such as an ink absorber and an ink bag
- viscous drag is applied when the ink flows through the storage member.
- the pressure (ink supply pressure) for pushing out the ink when the ink flows out of the ink supply needle 55 differs depending on the remaining amount of the ink. That is, a pressure loss occurs due to the storage member.
- control tank 50 is arranged near the bottom surface of the ink tank 1. This makes it possible to control the internal pressure using the control tank 50 until the ink inside the ink tank 1 is used up.Also, the pressure is substantially the same as the pressure at the supply hole 55 a that is the ink outlet. Based on the pressure, the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 can be controlled using the control tank 50. Accordingly, the ink supply pressure (the pressure required for ink supply) can be controlled, and ink supply can be performed stably.
- Vt be the volume of ink tank 1 and Vs be the volume of control tank 50. At this time, the relationship between the volumes V t 'V s is 0. L ⁇ V s / V t ⁇ 0.3 is satisfied.
- the allowable value of the ink supply pressure fluctuation is approximately 2 to 3 kPa. If the temperature rise is 20 to 50 ° C, the volume change of the air inside the ink tank 1 is about 7 to 17%.
- the control tank 50 does not become full of ink, and the space between the control tank 50 and the ink tank 1 is reduced.
- the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 can be adjusted. That is, the ink tank 1 can be maintained at an appropriate negative pressure.
- the ink supply device of the present embodiment includes the ink tank 1 that stores ink therein, and the tank holder 5 that holds the ink tank 1 detachably.
- the tank holder 5 is provided with a pressure adjusting means for allowing ink and air to flow between the ink tank 1 and the ink tank 1 so that the internal pressure of the mounted ink tank 1 becomes a predetermined value.
- Fig. 1 is characterized by having a distribution needle 53 'for allowing ink and air to flow, a control tank 50, and an air supply needle 54 for allowing air to flow). . That is, in the ink supply device, when the ink tank 1 is mounted on the tank holder 5, the circulation needle 53 and the air supply needle 54 are inserted into the ink tank 1.
- the tank holder 5 and the ink tank 1 are configured to be detachable.
- ink tank As an ink supply device pressure adjusting means, ink tank Assuming that a control tank 50 capable of accommodating the ink and air flowing to the ink tank 1 is provided, the ink inside the ink tank 1 is consumed, and the ink is left while the ink remains inside the control tank 50. Even if the tank 1 is replaced, the ink inside the control tank 50 can be used with another newly installed ink tank 1 after that. This allows the ink to be used effectively without wasting.
- the flow needle 5 3 ′ control tank 50 and the air supply needle 54 cause the pressure inside the ink tank 1 to fluctuate due to the consumption of ink and changes in the surrounding environment (temperature). Also, the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 can be adjusted by the circulation of the ink and air. That is, pressure fluctuations inside the ink tank 1 can be absorbed.
- the distribution needle 53, the control tank 50, and the air supply needle 54 detachable with respect to the ink tank 1, the pressure inside the ink tank 1 is reduced inside the ink tank 1. It is not necessary to provide an absorbing material (for example, a porous body) for absorbing pressure fluctuation by applying pressure.
- an absorbing material for example, a porous body
- the pressure for pushing the ink from the ink supply device (ink supply pressure) differs depending on the remaining amount of the ink. That is, pressure loss occurs due to the absorbent.
- the ink tank 1 is not provided with an absorbing material, pressure fluctuation does not occur and ink can be supplied stably.
- the ink tank 1 Figure 7 shows the remaining ink after the ink has flowed out of the printer.
- Figure 8 shows the relationship between the flow of the ink due to volume expansion and the number of repetitions of the temperature rise of 50 ° C. As shown in the figure, if the amount of remaining ink (c c) is y and the number of repetitions of the temperature rise of 50 ° C is X, the following equation (1) is obtained.
- the volume of the ink tank 1 is 100 cc and the ink is full.
- the ink tank 1 contains no air, when the temperature rises, only the outflow of the ink due to the volume expansion of the ink is considered.
- the ink supply device has the control tank 50 (pressure adjusting chamber), it is possible to absorb fluctuations in the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 due to changes in the surrounding environment (temperature).
- the ink inside the control tank 50 can be used between the ink tank 1 and another ink tank 1 mounted after that. As a result, the ink can be effectively used without wasting the ink.
- the ink supply device has an air supply needle 54 for supplying air to the inside of the ink tank 1 from the outside, so that the ink tank 1 can communicate with the atmosphere when the ink tank 1 is mounted. .
- fluctuations in the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 due to ink consumption can be absorbed.
- the air supply needle 54 is provided in the tank holder 5 that is detachable from the ink tank 1, the ink tank 1 can be sealed when the ink tank 1 is removed from the tank holder 5. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent ink from leaking from the ink tank 1.
- the injector printer is equipped with a paper feeder (paper feeder).
- the paper feed unit supplies sheets (recording paper) S when printing. Yes, consists of paper feed tray 6 and pickup roller 4. When printing is not performed, the sheet S is stored.
- the separating section (not shown) is for supplying sheets S supplied from the above-described sheet feeding section to a printing section described later one by one, and is provided with a sheet feeding roller and a separating apparatus.
- the friction between the pad portion (the contact portion with the sheet S and the sheet) and the sheet S is set to be larger than the friction between the sheets S and S.
- the friction between the paper feed roller and the sheet is set so as to be larger than the friction between the pad and the sheet S and the friction between the sheets S and S. ing. Therefore, even if two sheets S and S are sent to the separation unit, these sheets s can be separated by the feed roller and only the upper sheet S can be sent to the transport unit. .
- the transport section is for transporting sheets s supplied one by one from the separation section to the printing section, and includes a guide plate (not shown) and a pair of rollers (transport holding roller 8 ′ transport). Roller 9).
- roller pair feeds the sheet S between the print head 13 and the platen 16 described later, ink from the print head 13 is sprayed to an appropriate position on the sheet S.
- it is a member for adjusting the conveyance of the sheet s.
- the printing unit is for performing printing on the sheet s supplied from the roller pair of the transport unit.
- the print section includes a print head 13, a carriage 3 equipped with the print head 13, a guide shaft 10 for guiding the carriage 3, and a print head 1.
- the discharge section is for discharging the printed sheet S to the outside of the ink jet printer, and is composed of discharge rollers 1 1 and 1 2, a paper discharge port 15, and a discharge tray 7. .
- the ink tank 1 shown in FIG. 1 described above is provided in the ink cartridge 14.
- the tank holder 5 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a part of the ink cartridge mounting portion 17.
- a print request based on image information is made to the inkjet printer from a computer or the like (not shown). Then, the inkjet printer that has received the print request transports the sheet S on the paper feed tray 6 from the paper feed unit by the pickup roller 4.
- the unloaded sheet S passes through the separation unit by the feed roller and is sent to the transfer unit.
- the sheet S is sent between the print head 13 and the platen 16 by a pair of rollers.
- ink is sprayed (discharged) from the nozzles of the print head 13 onto the sheet S on the platen 16 in accordance with the image information.
- the sheet S is temporarily stopped on the platen 16.
- the carriage 3 is guided by the guide shaft 10 and is scanned by one line in the main scanning direction.
- the sheet S is moved on the platen 16 by a certain width in the sub-scanning direction.
- the above processing is continuously performed in accordance with the image information, so that printing is performed on the entire surface of the sheet S.
- the carriage 3 has an ink supply channel from the ink cartridge 14.
- the ink is supplied via the net 2.
- the ink supplied to the carriage 3 is discharged from the nozzles of the print head 13.
- the printed sheet S passes through the ink drying section, and is discharged from the paper discharge port 15 to the discharge tray 7 by the discharge rollers 11 and 12. Then, the sheet S is provided to the user as a printed matter.
- FIG. 1 components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
- FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the ink supply device according to the present embodiment.
- the present ink supply device includes an ink tank 1 'and a tank holder 5', and the ink tank 1 'is configured to be detachable from the tank holder 5'.
- This ink supply device has a configuration in which the circulation needle 53, the air supply needle 54, and the contact port tank 50 in the ink supply device of the first embodiment are integrally formed (FIGS. 1 and 2). See). That is, the ink tank 1 ′ is replaced with the pressure control needle 61 and the pressure control needle 53 instead of the flow needle 53 and the air supply needle 54 of the ink tank 1.
- Troll tank 62 is provided.
- the ink tank 1 ′ has an opening and a seal portion so as to correspond to the ink supply needle 55 and the pressure control needle 61.
- the ink tank 1 'and the pressure control tank 62 are communicated with each other by a pressure control needle 61, so that air and ink can flow.
- the pressure control needle 61 is a hollow needle, and one end on the ink tank 1 'side is pointed.
- the pressure control needle 61 has a flow hole 61a near the end on the ink tank 1 'side, and a flow hole 61b at the end on the pressure control tank 62 side.
- the pressure control tank 62 has an adjustment chamber 62 a that can store air and ink, and an air communication path 62 b that communicates the adjustment chamber 62 a, that is, the ink tank 1 with the atmosphere. Consists of That is, the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 ′ is adjusted to always be the atmospheric pressure.
- the ink tank 1 When the ink tank 1 'consumes ink and the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 changes, the ink tank 1' draws at least air or ink from the pressure control needle 61. In this way, by adjusting the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 ′ to be maintained at the atmospheric pressure, it is possible to absorb the pressure fluctuation due to the change in the ink remaining amount inside the ink tank 1 ′.
- the control of the internal pressure when the temperature changes will be described.
- the volume of the air inside the ink tank 1 ′ changes, the volume of air or ink is distributed between the pressure control tank 62 and the pressure control tank 62 via the pressure control needle 61.
- the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank 1 'based on the temperature change can be absorbed.
- the pressure control tank 62 can absorb the pressure fluctuation due to the temperature change inside the ink tank 1 ′ and the pressure fluctuation during the operation of the ink supply device.
- the pressure control port 61 in the pressure control tank 62 is used when air or ink flows from the pressure control tank 62 into the ink tank 1 'during the above-mentioned pressure fluctuation.
- ink is collected at the bottom of the adjustment chamber 62, the ink is sucked up first.
- the ink flows out of the ink tank 1 ′ to the pressure control tank 62.
- This is air, but on the other hand, it is the ink that flows from the pressure control / return 62 to the ink tank 1 ′. Then, when there is no ink in the pressure control tank 62, air can be supplied to stabilize the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 'to the atmospheric pressure.
- the ink can be used up without waste.
- the inside of the pressure control tank 62 may be provided with a porous body impregnated with ink in advance.
- a pressure core provided with a porous body (ink absorber) 70 will be described.
- the control tank 75 will be described.
- the pressure control tank 75 is provided with a porous body 70 and a mesh filter (negative pressure adjusting means) 71, and the porous body 70, which is in communication with the atmosphere through an opening 73, is provided in advance.
- the ink is impregnated, and the mesh of the mesh filter 71 has a meniscus formed by the ink.
- the pressure control tank 75 can absorb the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank 1 ′.
- the internal pressure of the ink tank 1 ′ is adjusted by the air inside the pressure control tank 75.
- the configuration, material, and the like of the porous body 70 ⁇ mesh filter 71 are not particularly limited. Further, the mesh filter 71 may be omitted.
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the ink supply device according to the present embodiment.
- the ink supply device 101 includes an ink tank 102, a moving wall (volume fluctuation means) 103, a first filter (pressure fluctuation suppression means) 104, and a second filter. (Second ink supply means) 105, ink supply port 106, seal film 107, seal rubber 108, sealing tape 109, and air tank 110 .
- the ink tank 102 is a tank chamber for storing ink, and includes a first opening 122, a second opening 122, a third opening 123, and a defense wall 124. ing.
- the first opening 121, the second opening 122, and the third opening 123 are provided on the lower surface of the ink tank 102.
- the above-mentioned defense wall 124 will be described later.
- the moving wall 103 is provided in the first opening 122 so as to cover the first opening.
- the first filter 104 is provided in the second opening 122 so as to cover the second opening 122.
- the third opening 1 2 3 covers the third opening 1 2 3
- the second filter 105 is provided.
- the moving wall 103 has a wall 103 a, a spring 103 b, an end 103 c, and a fixed part 103 d.
- One end of the panel portion 103b is connected to the outer peripheral portion 103a 'of the wall portion 103a so as to surround the outer peripheral portion 103a'.
- the end 103c is connected to the other end of the panel 103b.
- the end portion 103c is fixed to the lower surface of the ink tank 102 by the fixing portion 103d.
- the moving wall 103 is configured to be impermeable to the ink and the air.
- the wall portion 103a is configured to be movable mainly in the directions of arrows A and B in FIG. 3 by expansion and contraction of the spring portion 103b. Therefore, the ink supply device 101 can change the volume of the ink tank by moving the wall portion 103a in the direction of arrow A or arrow B.
- the wall 103 a., The panel 103 b, and the end 103 c are
- the ink tank 102 is integrally formed using an elastic member such as rubber from the viewpoint of ink leakage and ease of production.
- the first filter 104 is a member that separates the ink tank 102 from the air tank 110.
- the first filter 104 supplies the air in the air tank 110 to the ink tank 102, whereby the ink tank 102 generated by the consumption of the ink in the ink tank 102 is formed. It suppresses the pressure fluctuation inside.
- the first filter 104 forms a mechanical scum (ink film) by the ink inside the ink tank 102
- the first filter 104 can be used.
- the material and size are not particularly limited.
- the first filter 104 for example, a mesh-shaped metal mesh filter, a filter made of a knitted metal fiber or a resin fiber, or the like can be used. Also, the method of knitting the eyes of the first filter 104 is not particularly limited.
- the second filter 105 supplies the ink inside the ink tank 102 to the ink supply port 106 when the pressure outside the ink tank is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. That is, the second filter allows the ink to pass only when the ink is sucked from the ink supply port 106.
- the second ink supply means When the ink supply device is replaced with a new one, that is, when the pressure outside the ink tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the second ink supply means does not supply the ink to the outside.
- the second filter 105 is made of, for example, the same material and shape as the first filter.
- the ink supply port 106 is an opening for supplying the ink supplied from the ink tank 102 to the outside via the second filter 105.
- the seal film 107 is a film that blocks the ink supply port 106. However, the seal film 107 is removed when the ink supply device 101 is mounted on a printing device, for example, an ink jet printer (see FIG. 3).
- the seal rubber 108 is provided so as to contact the ink supply port 106.
- the seal rubber 108 comes into close contact with the outer peripheral portion 17 la of the ink supply needle 17 1: provided on the printing device ( This seals the ink and air inside the ink tank 102 so that they do not leak to the outside.
- the sealing tape 109 is a tape for closing the air tank 110.
- the sealing tape 109 is also removed when the ink supply device 101 is used by attaching it to a printing device, similarly to the sealing film 107. It is composed of the moving wall 103, the first filter 104, a part of the housing of the ink tank 102, and a part of the housing of the ink supply device 101. After removal, communicate with the outside. This allows air to flow in from outside and air to flow out.
- the ink supply needle 17 1 will be described.
- the ink supply needle 171 is inserted into the ink tank 102 as described above.
- the ink supply needle 17 1 is a hollow needle, and one end on the ink tank 102 side is pointed.
- a supply hole 171b is formed near the end of the ink tank 102 side, and a supply hole 171c is formed at the other end.
- the ink contained in the ink tank 102 is supplied to the outside of the ink tank 102 (for example, the ink) through the supply hole 17 1 b ′ 17 1 c of the ink supply needle 17 1.
- the supply device 101 is used for an inkjet printer, it is supplied to an ink head in a carriage.
- the defense wall 124 has an opening 124a at the lower end for passing an ink. The opening 124 a is located lower than the installation position of the first filter 104 and the second filter 105, that is, the ink tank 100.
- the opening 124a plays a role in keeping the liquid level of the ink in the ink tank 102 uniform. Further, the air supplied from the first filter 104 to the inside of the ink tank 102 through the opening 124 a flows from the supply hole 17 1 b of the ink supply needle 17 1. It can be prevented from being supplied together with ink.
- the internal pressure of the ink tank 102 is a negative pressure (negative pressure)
- the meniscus in the first filter 104 and the second filter 105 is equal to the ink tank 10. 2 is recessed inside.
- the ink supply device 101 when the ink supply device 101 is used by attaching it to a printing device such as an ink jet printer, for example, if the ink in the ink tank 102 is consumed, the ink supply device 101 in the ink tank 102 is not used. The amount of ink decreases. Then, due to such a decrease in the amount of ink, the pressure in the ink tank 102 constantly fluctuates. In addition, due to a change in the external environment of the ink tank 102 such as a change in the temperature around the ink tank 102 or a change in the atmospheric pressure, the state of the items contained in the ink tank 102 changes. The internal pressure of the ink tank 102 constantly fluctuates due to such a state change of the container.
- the negative pressure of the internal pressure of the ink tank 102 increases.
- the negative pressure increases to a predetermined value (critical value)
- the meniscus formed by the ink on the surface of the first filter 104 is broken.
- the ink tank 102 sucks air through the first filter 104. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the negative pressure inside the ink tank 102 from becoming excessive, and to adjust the internal pressure of the ink tank 102 to a predetermined range.
- the negative pressure of the ink inside the ink tank 102 increases the pressure, so that the air pushes the liquid surface of the ink in the filter of the first filter 104, and the surface tension is increased. Overcome (break the meniscus) and pass through it to become bubbles.
- the pressure (critical value) for generating the bubbles depends on the filtration accuracy (mesh diameter of the filter) of the first filter. By optimizing the filtration accuracy, the internal pressure of the ink tank 102 is reduced. That is, the ink supply pressure can be kept constant.
- the first filter 104 also has a function of removing dust and the like larger than the filtering accuracy.
- the first filter 104 can adjust the internal pressure of the ink tank 102 when the ink supply device 101 operates. That is, the first filter 104 absorbs a pressure fluctuation based on a change in the remaining amount of ink inside the ink tank 102 (consumption of ink).
- the first filter 104 uses the surface tension of the ink at the interface between the first filter 104 and the ink inside the ink tank 102.
- pressure fluctuations inside the ink tank 102 are suppressed.
- the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank 102 caused by the consumption of ink can be suppressed with a simple configuration.
- the ambient temperature of the above-mentioned ink supply device 101 changes depending on the time zone and the change of the installation location. In such a case, the air inside the ink tank 102 tries to expand or contract, and the internal pressure fluctuates.
- the moving wall 103 is deformed so that the volume of the ink tank changes according to the change in the state.
- the wall portion 103a of the moving wall 1'03 is moved so as to increase the volume of the ink tank 102 in FIG. Move in the direction of arrow A, and if the pressure of the above items decreases, reduce the volume of ink tank 102 Then, the wall portion 103a of the moving wall 103 moves in the direction B in FIG.
- ink tank 1 0 The movement of the moving wall 103 can suppress the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank due to the temperature change. Therefore, ink tank 1 0
- the filter 2 can accommodate the ink or air whose state has changed without leaking from the first filter 104.
- V 2 is represented by the following equation (2).
- V 2 (P 1 / P 2) V 1 ⁇ (T 2 / T 1) (2)
- V b ⁇ ( ⁇ — P I) + V 1 (3)
- Vm is expressed by the following equation (4).
- V m V 1 T 2 / T 1 (4)
- the volume change means means that the pressure rises to P m and the volume changes by (V d-VI), and the pressure is balanced by the pressure P d are doing.
- the operating point may be set under conditions for stable operation according to the solution of the quadratic equation, and details thereof are omitted.
- the volume changing means is set so as to change the volume of the ink tank by 10% or more with respect to the pressure change per lkPa inside the ink tank.
- the maximum value of the negative pressure of the ink supply is 2-3 kPa
- the upper limit of the ink supply pressure rise is the atmospheric pressure because the ink does not leak from the communication part with the atmosphere (the upper limit may be set to the atmospheric pressure or less in consideration of vibration and changes in the atmospheric pressure). Therefore, the permissible value of the fluctuation of the ink supply pressure is approximately between 2 and 3 kPa. Also, if the temperature outside the ink tank rises by 50 ° from 5 ° C to 55 ° C, the volume of air inside the ink tank will increase by about 18% in the case of constant pressure change (see Fig. 10). ).
- the moving wall 103 is configured so that the volume of the ink tank 102 is changed by 10% or more. If, for example, the pressure change is 2 kPa, the volume of the ink tank can be changed by 20% or more (see FIG. 10). Therefore, in the case of this configuration, if the temperature change in the environment where the ink supply device is used is generally 50 deg or less, the fluctuation of the ink supply pressure can be 2 kPa or less. As a result, highly accurate printing can be performed on the recording medium.
- the ink supply device 101 includes the ink tank 102 that contains at least ink therein, and the internal pressure of the ink tank 102 is controlled to a predetermined value.
- a moving wall (volume changing means) 103 and a first filter (pressure fluctuation suppressing means) 104 are provided to maintain the pressure at a value.
- the moving wall (volume changing means) 103 is used for changing the state of the contents (air and ink) in the ink tank 102 due to a change in the external environment of the ink tank 102. This is to change the volume of 102.
- the first filter 104 supplies air from the outside of the ink tank 102 to the inside of the ink tank 102, so that the inside of the ink tank 102 due to ink consumption is supplied. Reduce pressure fluctuations.
- Moving wall to suppress the increase in the pressure inside the ink tank If the head discharges and consumes ink while the volume of 103 is increased, the moving wall ( Volume change means) The volume of 103 decreases and restores to the volume before the increase. The ink is consumed and the moving wall (volume change means) exceeds the supply capacity of 103, and the ink tank ⁇ When the negative pressure exceeds the set pressure of the pressure fluctuation suppression means, the first filter (pressure fluctuation suppression means) The pressure fluctuation suppression function operates.
- the ink supply device 101 can supply ink stably.
- the ink supply device 101 only the third opening 123 (or the second filter 105) and the first filter 104 communicate with the outside of the ink tank 102.
- the structure has.
- the ink tank 102 is closed except for the third opening 123 (or the second filter 105) and the first filter 104. Therefore, it is possible to suppress evaporation of the water content of the ink in the ink tank 102, and it is possible to eliminate a problem that the viscosity of the ink increases.
- the first filter 104 suppresses the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank 102 due to the consumption of the ink.
- the filter by using the filter, the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank 102 due to ink consumption can be suppressed with a simple configuration.
- filters having different mesh diameters the internal pressure of the ink tank 102 can be easily and accurately adjusted.
- the mesh diameter of the filter in the first filter 104 is preferably from 25 ⁇ to 50 ⁇ . As shown in Fig. 11, this is achieved by changing the mesh diameter from 25 zm to 50111 to reduce the negative pressure inside the ink tank 1-2 from 1.7 kPa force. It can be a value between 3.5 kPa. As a result, pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank 102 due to ink consumption When the ink does not occur, it is possible to prevent the ink-waste formed on the mesh of the first filter 104 from becoming loose, and to prevent ink leakage. Further, since the above-mentioned second filter 105 is provided in the above-mentioned ink supply device 101, even when the ink supply device is replaced with a new device, ink leakage can be prevented.
- the mesh size of the second filter is preferably from 25 ⁇ to 50 / m, similarly to the mesh size of the first finoleta.
- the negative pressure inside the ink tank 102 can be set to a value between 1.7 kPa force and 3.5 kPa.
- the surface of each of the filters is preferably subjected to a hydrophilic treatment by, for example, a washing treatment.
- the second opening 122 is provided on the lower surface of the ink tank 102 as shown in FIG. That is, the first filter 104 is provided on the lower surface of the ink tank 102. As a result, the pressure fluctuation in the ink tank 102 can be suppressed using the first filter 104 until the ink in the ink tank 102 is used up.
- the third opening 123 is provided on the lower surface of the ink tank 102 as described above.
- the third opening 123 is preferably provided at substantially the same height as the second opening 122. That is, It is preferable that the two openings 122, 123 are formed at the same height from the lower surface of the ink tank 102.
- the pressure near the bottom surface of the ink tank, which is adjusted by the first filter 104, and the pressure near the second filter are substantially reduced. Equal. Therefore, the pressure of the ink supply to the outside can be controlled by adjusting the first filter 104, that is, by selecting the mesh diameter. Therefore, pressure fluctuation due to a change in ink level due to ink consumption is eliminated, and ink can be supplied stably to the outside.
- the first opening 122 is also connected to the ink tank 1. 02 is provided on the lower surface.
- the moving wall 103 is provided on the same surface (lower surface) of the ink tank 102 as the first filter 104 and the second filter 105. Become .
- the machining of the ink container 102 becomes easy.
- a moving wall 103 is formed inside the ink supply device 101.
- the ink supply device 101 when the ink supply device 101 is replaced with a new device, the user does not accidentally touch the moving wall 103. That is, it is possible to prevent an unintended external force from being applied to the moving wall 103.
- the internal pressure of the ink tank 102 does not fluctuate due to the external force and the ink leakage can be prevented.
- the ink supply device 101 has an ink tank 102 in which ink is supplied. Preferably, only air and air are accommodated. In other words, the ink tank
- an ink absorber eg, a porous material
- an ink bag or the like be not contained in the inside of the container 102.
- the capacity of the ink tank 102 can be effectively used.
- the ink tank 102 does not include an absorbent material, so the amount of ink that can be filled must be increased. Can be.
- the moving wall 103 is provided on the lower surface of the ink tank 102, but is not particularly limited to this.
- a configuration in which the moving wall is provided on the upper surface or side surface of the ink tank 102 may be adopted.
- FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of an ink supply device in which a moving wall is provided on an upper surface of an ink tank.
- this moving wall is referred to as a moving wall 103 '
- an ink supply device provided with the moving wall 103' is referred to as an ink supply device 101 '.
- the ink tank of the ink supply device 101 ′ is referred to as an ink tank 102 ′
- the first opening is referred to as a first opening 122.
- the first opening 122' is formed on the upper surface of the ink tank 102 ', and the moving wall 103' forms the first opening 122 '. It is formed to cover.
- Other configurations are the same as those of the above-mentioned ink supply device 101.
- the moving wall 103 'does not need to be affected by the change in the ink level' caused by ink consumption. Therefore, pressure fluctuations in the ink tank caused by changes in the external environment can be more stably suppressed. Wear.
- the ink weight is not applied to the moving wall 103 ′, the effect of the gravitational acceleration (g) in the direction perpendicular to the ink liquid level of the ink tank can be reduced.
- FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of an ink supply device in which a moving wall is provided on a side surface of an ink tank.
- this moving wall is referred to as a moving wall 103 ⁇
- an ink supply device provided with the moving wall 103 ⁇ is referred to as an ink supply device 101 ”.
- the 101 ⁇ ink tank is represented as an ink tank 102 "
- the first opening is represented as a first opening 122".
- the first opening portion 121" is formed on the side surface of the ink tank 102 ", and the moving wall 103" forms the first opening portion 121 ".
- the other configuration is the same as that of the above-mentioned ink supply device 101.
- the direction in which the moving wall 103 ⁇ moves to change the volume (the direction of ⁇ 'in Fig. 13) and the ink supply device 101 ⁇ are attached to a printing device (not shown). It is preferable to provide the moving wall 103 ⁇ so that the directions of movement of the ink supply device 101 ⁇ during use are different from each other.
- the movement of the ink supply device with acceleration and deceleration causes the volume change means to change the volume change means.
- gravitational acceleration (g) in the direction in which it operates to change its volume.
- an external force is applied to the volume changing means, and pressure fluctuation occurs inside the ink tank.
- the ink supplying device 101 ⁇ is provided. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of pressure fluctuation due to movement accompanied by acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle.
- the volume changing means is shown in FIGS. Or moving wall 10 3 ⁇ 10 3 ⁇ ⁇ 10 3 ⁇ as shown in Fig. 1 or 2.
- the moving wall 103 ⁇ 103 ' ⁇ 103 ⁇ is not limited to such a shape.
- the moving wall may have a configuration in which the depth of the first opening 122 is increased and the cylinder 140 is arranged in the opening. Even in such a configuration, the cylinder 140 can exhibit the same function as the moving wall 103 by moving in the AB direction in the figure.
- the moving wall 103 may be formed of a flexible material such as balloon rubber. In this case, the configuration of the moving wall 103 can be simplified.
- the above-mentioned ink supply device 101, 101, 101 has a configuration including the moving wall 103, 103, 103, and the first filter 104.
- a configuration having only the moving wall 103 ⁇ 103 ' ⁇ 103' or a configuration having only the first filter 104 may be employed.
- the configuration in which the ink supply device 101, 101, 101 1 is applied to an ink jet printer is the same as the configuration shown in FIG.
- the ink supply device 101 shown in FIG. 9 described above is provided in the ink cartridge 14 so that the ink supply device 101 of the present invention is provided.
- the tank holder is mounted on the ink supply device.
- Pressure adjusting means for example, a circulation needle, an air supply needle, a pressure control needle, a pressure control tank, etc. for allowing ink and air to flow to and from the above-mentioned ink tank so that the internal pressure of the tank becomes a predetermined value. It is a configuration provided.
- the above ink supply device mounts the ink tank on the tank holder At this time, it is preferable that a part of the pressure adjusting means (for example, a flow needle, an air supply needle, or one end of a pressure control needle) is inserted into the ink tank.
- a part of the pressure adjusting means for example, a flow needle, an air supply needle, or one end of a pressure control needle
- the tank holder including the pressure adjusting means and the ink tank are configured to be detachable.
- the pressure adjusting means is provided with a pressure adjusting chamber capable of accommodating ink and air flowing between the ink tank and the ink tank, the ink inside the ink tank is consumed and the pressure adjusting means Even if the ink tank is replaced while leaving the ink inside the chamber, the ink inside the pressure adjustment chamber can be used with another ink tank installed afterwards. Thus, the ink can be effectively used without wasting.
- the pressure inside the ink tank is adjusted by the flow of ink and air by the pressure adjusting means. Can be. That is, the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank can be absorbed.
- an absorbing material for example, a porous material for absorbing the pressure fluctuation by setting the pressure inside the ink tank to a negative pressure inside the ink tank. Body).
- the ink flows through the material and receives viscous resistance.
- the pressure for pushing out the ink from the ink supply device (ink supply pressure) varies depending on the remaining amount of ink. That is, pressure loss occurs due to the absorbent.
- the ink tank is not provided with an absorbent, pressure fluctuation does not occur, and ink can be supplied stably.
- the pressure adjusting means may have a pressure adjusting chamber (for example, a control tank, a pressure control tank, an adjusting chamber) for holding ink and air flowing out of the ink tank. I like it.
- a pressure adjusting chamber for example, a control tank, a pressure control tank, an adjusting chamber
- the ink inside the ink tank is consumed and the ink tank is replaced while leaving the ink inside the pressure adjustment chamber, the ink inside the pressure adjustment chamber will be exchanged with another ink tank installed afterwards. Can be used. Thus, the ink can be effectively used without wasting.
- the pressure adjusting means may include air supply means (for example, an air supply needle, a pressure control needle, and a pressure control tank) for supplying air from outside to the inside of the ink tank.
- air supply means for example, an air supply needle, a pressure control needle, and a pressure control tank
- the ink tank when the ink tank is mounted, the ink tank can communicate with the atmosphere. This can absorb fluctuations in the internal pressure of the ink tank due to ink consumption.
- the air supply means is provided in the tank holder that is detachable from the ink tank.
- the ink tank can be sealed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink from leaking from the ink tank.
- the tank holder is provided with first ink supply means which communicates with the attached ink tank and supplies the ink contained in the ink tank to the outside.
- the ink tank be communicated with the ink tank last. That is, the first ink supply means communicates with the ink tank after the pressure adjusting means communicates with the ink tank (is mounted on the ink tank).
- the first ink supply means is communicated with the ink tank first
- the pressure adjustment means is communicated with the ink tank
- a pressure fluctuation occurs inside the ink tank, and the air flow from the first ink supply means is reduced.
- the ink will be leaked.
- the first ink supply means is finally communicated with the ink tank.
- Pressure fluctuations caused by the communication between the ink and the ink tank can be absorbed, and it is possible to prevent air or ink from being pushed out from the first ink supply means to, for example, an ink supply tube (ink supply path). Therefore, at the time of image formation using the ink, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality due to the discharge of the air pink accumulated in the ink supply tube.
- the tank holder communicates with the attached ink tank and supplies the ink contained in the ink tank to the outside.
- the first ink supply means be provided with the first ink supply means, and the communication be canceled first when the ink tank is removed from the tank holder. Immediately, the communication between the first ink supply means and the ink tank is released (ink (The tank is removed from the tank) before the communication between the pressure adjusting means and the ink tank is released.
- the communication of the first ink supply means when the communication of the first ink supply means is finally released, when the communication of the pressure adjusting means is released, a pressure fluctuation occurs in the ink tank, and, for example, the first ink supply means from the nozzle end of the carriage. Air is sucked into the ink supply tube (ink supply path) via the.
- the pressure fluctuation can be absorbed by the pressure adjustment means due to the insertion of the first ink supply means.
- the supply tube (ink supply path) can be prevented from sucking air. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality due to the discharge of the air accumulated in the ink supply tube during the image formation using the ink.
- the ink supply device it is preferable that only the ink and the air are contained in the ink tank.
- the volume of the ink tank can be effectively used. Therefore, the size of the ink tank can be reduced.
- At least a part of the pressure regulating chamber has another surface (an area excluding at least a part of the side surface (including the side surface)) so as to increase the volume of the pressure regulating substance. , For example, a bottom surface).
- the pressure adjusting unit may be configured such that It is preferable to be arranged near the surface.
- the pressure (predetermined value) near the bottom surface of the ink tank and the pressure at the ink outlet (for example, the supply hole) in the first ink supply unit, which are adjusted by the pressure adjustment unit, are substantially equal. . Therefore, the outflow of ink can be controlled by adjusting the pressure by the pressure adjusting means. That is, the pressure adjusting means can be used until the ink runs out.
- the pressure adjusting chamber has an ink absorber that absorbs ink in advance.
- the provision of the ink absorber makes it possible to adjust the negative pressure inside the ink tank.
- the pressure adjusting means includes negative pressure adjusting means for adjusting the internal pressure of the ink tank to a negative pressure.
- the supply of air can be adjusted using the meniscus by the negative pressure adjusting means (for example, a mesh filter), and the internal pressure of the ink tank can be adjusted to a predetermined range.
- the negative pressure adjusting means for example, a mesh filter
- the ink supply device of the present invention is an ink supply device including an ink tank that stores at least ink therein,
- the configuration is provided with volume changing means for changing the volume of the ink tank in response to a change in the state of the contents in the ink tank due to a change in the external environment of the tank.
- the volume of the ink tank can be changed by the volume changing means in accordance with a change in the state of the contents in the ink tank due to a change in the external environment of the ink tank.
- the ink supply device when the ink supply device is used by attaching it to a printing device such as an ink jet printer, changes in the external environment of the ink tank (for example, changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure) cause a change in the ink supply device.
- the condition of the contents changes.
- the pressure in the ink tank always fluctuates due to such a change in the state of the contents. Therefore, in an ink supply device having a configuration not provided with the above-described volume changing means, ink leakage occurs when the pressure fluctuation in the ink tank increases.
- the volume of the ink tank can be changed by the volume changing means in accordance with a change in the state of the stored material. That is, for example, when the pressure of a substance such as ink or air increases due to a change in ambient temperature, the volume of the ink tank is increased, and when the pressure of the aforementioned substance decreases, In addition, the volume of the ink tank can be reduced. As a result, fluctuations in the internal pressure of the ink tank due to changes in the external environment can be suppressed.
- the internal pressure in the ink tank can be kept constant by the volume changing means. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ink supply device that can supply ink stably.
- the ink supply device of the present invention has at least A supply of air from the outside of the ink tank to the inside of the ink tank, thereby suppressing pressure fluctuations inside the ink tank due to consumption of the ink.
- This is a configuration including a fluctuation suppressing unit.
- the pressure fluctuation suppressing means supplies air from the outside of the ink tank to the inside of the ink tank, thereby suppressing the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank due to ink consumption. .
- the ink supply device when the ink supply device is used by attaching it to a printing device such as an ink jet printer, if the ink in the ink tank is consumed, the amount of ink in the ink tank is reduced.
- the pressure in the ink tank constantly fluctuates due to such a decrease in the amount of ink. Therefore, in the ink supply device having the configuration that does not include the above-described pressure fluctuation suppression means, ink leakage occurs when the pressure fluctuation in the ink tank increases.
- the present invention as described above, by supplying air from the outside of the ink tank to the inside of the ink tank by the pressure fluctuation suppressing means, the inside of the ink tank due to the consumption of the ink is reduced. Pressure fluctuation can be suppressed. That is, by supplying air to the inside of the ink tank as the ink is consumed, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the internal pressure of the ink tank due to the consumption of the ink.
- the internal pressure in the ink tank can be kept constant by the pressure fluctuation suppressing means. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ink supply device capable of supplying ink stably.
- the ink supply device of the present invention is the ink supply device provided with the above-mentioned volume changing means, further comprising: It is preferable that a pressure fluctuation suppressing unit that suppresses a pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank due to consumption of the ink by supplying air into the tank is provided.
- the pressure fluctuation suppressing means supplies air from the outside of the ink tank to the inside of the ink tank, so that the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank due to ink consumption can be suppressed.
- the ink supply device when the ink supply device is used by attaching it to a printing device such as an ink jet printer, the amount of ink in the ink tank decreases when the ink in the ink tank is consumed.
- the pressure in the ink tank constantly fluctuates due to such a decrease in the amount of ink. Therefore, in the ink supply device having no pressure fluctuation suppressing means, ink leakage occurs when the pressure fluctuation in the ink tank increases.
- the pressure fluctuation suppressing means by supplying air from outside the ink tank to the inside of the ink tank by the pressure fluctuation suppressing means, the pressure inside the ink tank due to consumption of the ink is reduced. Fluctuations can be suppressed. That is, by supplying air to the inside of the ink tank as the ink is consumed, fluctuations in the internal pressure of the ink tank due to consumption of the ink can be suppressed.
- the internal pressure in the ink tank can be kept constant by the volume changing means and the pressure fluctuation suppressing means. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ink supply device that can supply ink stably.
- the ink tank includes a first opening and a second opening, and the volume changing unit covers the first opening.
- the pressure fluctuation suppressing means is Preferably, it is provided so as to cover the second opening.
- the volume changing means and the pressure fluctuation suppressing means are provided so as to cover the separate openings provided in the ink tank.
- the volume changing means allows air to flow without leaking ink to the outside of the ink tank. Can be passed through the inside of the ink tank.
- the ink supply device of the present invention is the above-mentioned ink supply device, wherein the ink tank has a third opening for supplying the ink stored in the ink tank to the outside, the third opening,
- the ink tank has a third opening for supplying the ink stored in the ink tank to the outside, the third opening,
- the pressure fluctuation suppressing means communicates with the outside of the ink tank, except for the third opening for supplying ink to the outside, and the pressure fluctuation suppressing means.
- the ink tank will be closed.
- the volume changing means is made of an elastic member.
- the volume changing means is constituted by the elastic member. Therefore, the volume of the ink tank can be changed with a simple configuration.
- the volume changing means may be configured to have a volume per 1 kPa within the ink tank. It is preferable to change the volume of the ink tank by 10% or more with respect to the pressure change.
- the volume changing means changes the volume of the ink tank by 10% or more with respect to the pressure change per lkPa inside the ink tank. .
- the maximum value of the negative pressure of the ink supply is 2-3 kPa
- the upper limit of the ink supply pressure rise is the atmospheric pressure because the ink does not leak from the communication section of the ink, and the allowable value of the ink supply pressure fluctuation is approximately between 2 and 3 kPa.
- the temperature outside the ink tank is 5 ° C to 55 ° C. When C and 50deg rise, the volume of air inside the ink tank increases by about 18% in the case of constant pressure change.
- the volume of the ink tank can be changed by 20% or more.
- the fluctuation of the ink supply pressure can be made 2 kPa or less. Therefore, highly accurate printing can be performed on the recording medium.
- the volume changing means is set so as to generate a negative pressure inside the ink supply at the start of use of the ink supply. Is preferred. According to the above configuration, the volume changing means is set so as to generate a negative pressure inside the ink tank when the use of the ink supply device is started. ing.
- the volume of the ink tank can be reliably increased even when the contents in the ink tank expand due to a change in the external environment when the ink supply device is used.
- the pressure fluctuation suppressing means uses surface tension of the ink at an interface between the pressure fluctuation suppressing means and the ink inside the ink tank. Thus, it is preferable to suppress the pressure fluctuation inside the ink tank.
- the pressure fluctuation suppressing means uses the surface tension at the interface between the pressure fluctuation suppressing means and the ink inside the ink tank to suppress the fluctuation in the pressure inside the ink tank.
- the pressure fluctuation suppressing unit includes a filter.
- the pressure fluctuation suppressing unit is formed of a filter. Therefore, the pressure fluctuation suppressing unit can be provided with a simple configuration. Further, by selectively using filters having different mesh diameters, the internal pressure of the ink tank can be easily and accurately adjusted.
- the mesh diameter of the filter is preferably 25/1 m to 50 ⁇ m. According to the above configuration, the mesh diameter of the filter is from 25 ⁇ m to 50 ⁇ m.
- the pressure (negative pressure) inside the ink tank can be set to 1.7 to 3.5 kPa. Therefore, when the pressure inside the ink tank does not fluctuate due to the consumption of the ink, it is possible to prevent the mechanical mechanism formed on the mesh of the filter from breaking, and to prevent ink leakage.
- the third opening is provided so as to cover the third opening, and the pressure outside the ink tank is equal to or less than a predetermined value. In this case, it is preferable to include a second ink supply means for supplying the ink to the outside.
- the second ink supply means that supplies the ink to the third opening different from the first opening and the second opening. Is provided.
- the second ink supply means does not supply ink to the outside. Ink leakage from the opening can be prevented.
- the second ink supply means comprises a filter, and a mesh diameter of the filter is 25 ⁇ m to 50 m.
- the second ink supply means is formed of a filter, and the mesh diameter of the filter ranges from 25111 to 50111.
- the second ink supply means can be provided with a simple configuration. Furthermore, by setting the mesh diameter of the filter within the above range, the pressure (negative pressure) inside the ink tank can be set to 1.7 to 3.5 kPa. Therefore, when the ink is not supplied, the mechanical mechanism formed on the mesh of the filter can be prevented from breaking, and the ink can be prevented from leaking.
- the surface of the filter is preferably subjected to a hydrophilic treatment.
- the surface is made hydrophilic by, for example, a cleaning treatment.
- the mechanism in the filter can be stabilized.
- a direction in which the volume changing means operates to change the volume It is preferable that the volume changing means is provided so that the directions in which the ink supply device moves when the device is mounted on the printing device are different from each other.
- the direction in which the volume changing means operates to change the volume is not parallel to the direction in which the ink supply device moves when the ink supply device is mounted on the printing device and used.
- the volume change is caused by the movement of the ink supply device with acceleration / deceleration.
- the means will experience a gravitational acceleration (g) in the direction in which the volume changing means operates to change the volume.
- g gravitational acceleration
- an external force is applied to the volume changing means, and pressure fluctuation occurs inside the ink tank.
- it is possible to prevent the occurrence of pressure fluctuation due to the movement of the ink supply device with acceleration and deceleration.
- the second opening is provided on a lower surface of the ink tank. .
- the second opening is provided on the lower surface of the ink tank. That is, the pressure fluctuation suppressing means is provided on the lower surface of the ink tank.
- the pressure fluctuation can be suppressed using the pressure fluctuation suppressing means until the ink in the ink tank is used up.
- the third opening is provided on a lower surface of the ink tank, and the second opening, the third opening, Are preferably provided at substantially the same height.
- the pressure fluctuation suppressing means and the second ink supply means are provided at substantially the same height.
- the pressure near the bottom surface of the ink tank, which is adjusted by the pressure fluctuation suppressing means, and the pressure near the second ink supply means are substantially equal.
- the supply pressure of the ink can be controlled by adjusting the pressure fluctuation suppressing means. Therefore, the pressure fluctuation due to the change in the ink level is eliminated, and the ink can be stably supplied to the outside.
- the volume changing means is provided inside the ink supply device.
- the volume changing means is provided inside the ink supply device, so that, for example, a person or the like cannot easily touch the volume changing means.
- the first opening is provided on an upper surface of the ink tank.
- the first opening is provided on the upper surface of the ink tank.
- the volume changing means since the volume changing means is provided on the upper surface of the ink tank, the volume changing means does not need to be affected by the change in the intermediate level caused by the consumption of the ink. Therefore, it is possible to more stably suppress the pressure fluctuation in the ink tank caused by the change of the external environment. The effect of the gravitational acceleration (g) in the direction perpendicular to the ink level of the ink can be reduced.
- the first opening is provided on a lower surface of the ink tank.
- the first opening is provided on the lower surface of the ink tank. That is, the volume changing means is provided on the lower surface of the ink tank.
- the volume changing means is provided on the same side of the ink tank as the pressure fluctuation suppressing means, or on the same side as the pressure fluctuation controlling means and the second ink supply means.
- the ink supply device of the present invention in the ink supply device described above, it is preferable that only the ink and the air are contained in the ink tank.
- no ink absorbing material eg, a porous material
- an ink absorber or an ink bag is stored inside the ink tank, and the capacity of the ink tank can be effectively utilized.
- the ink receives viscous resistance when the ink flows in the ink tank.
- the pressure (ink supply pressure) for pushing the ink out of the ink supply device differs depending on the remaining amount of the ink.
- the above-mentioned absorbent causes a pressure loss.
- the absorbent is not provided in the ink tank, the pressure loss as described above does not occur, and the ink can be supplied stably.
- the ink can be supplied stably.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/550,275 US20060238581A1 (en) | 2003-03-28 | 2004-03-23 | Ink-feeding device |
CN200480008462.2A CN1767950B (zh) | 2003-03-28 | 2004-03-23 | 墨水供给装置 |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2003092413A JP4209236B2 (ja) | 2003-03-28 | 2003-03-28 | インク供給装置 |
JP2003-092413 | 2003-03-28 | ||
JP2003-204011 | 2003-07-30 | ||
JP2003204011A JP2005047057A (ja) | 2003-07-30 | 2003-07-30 | インク供給装置 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2004087426A1 true WO2004087426A1 (ja) | 2004-10-14 |
Family
ID=33134300
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2004/003986 WO2004087426A1 (ja) | 2003-03-28 | 2004-03-23 | インク供給装置 |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060238581A1 (ja) |
WO (1) | WO2004087426A1 (ja) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ATE494148T1 (de) | 2006-11-06 | 2011-01-15 | Seiko Epson Corp | Flüssigkeitsbehälter |
JP2011131514A (ja) * | 2009-12-25 | 2011-07-07 | Brother Industries Ltd | 液体供給装置 |
US8646889B2 (en) | 2012-01-13 | 2014-02-11 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Cartridge and printing device |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH0796609A (ja) * | 1993-09-29 | 1995-04-11 | Nec Corp | インクジェットカートリッジ |
JPH10296988A (ja) * | 1997-04-25 | 1998-11-10 | Oki Data:Kk | インク貯蔵容器 |
JP2002307709A (ja) * | 2001-02-09 | 2002-10-23 | Canon Inc | 液体供給システム、インクジェット記録ヘッド、インクジェット記録装置、および液体充填方法 |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
TW373595U (en) * | 1994-05-25 | 1999-11-01 | Canon Kk | An ink container and an ink jet recording apparatus using the same |
JP3586222B2 (ja) * | 2001-06-18 | 2004-11-10 | キヤノン株式会社 | インク貯留容器および該容器を用いるインクジェットプリント装置 |
ATE326348T1 (de) * | 2001-10-05 | 2006-06-15 | Canon Kk | Tintenbehälter, flüssigkeitszufuhrvorrichtung und aufzeichnungsvorrichtung |
US6854836B2 (en) * | 2001-10-05 | 2005-02-15 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Liquid container, liquid supply system, liquid using apparatus, ink tank, ink supply system, inkjet print head and print apparatus |
JP2003246078A (ja) * | 2002-02-25 | 2003-09-02 | Canon Inc | インク貯留容器並びに該容器を用いるインクジェットプリント装置およびインク供給方法 |
US7156509B2 (en) * | 2003-01-29 | 2007-01-02 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming apparatus |
-
2004
- 2004-03-23 US US10/550,275 patent/US20060238581A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-03-23 WO PCT/JP2004/003986 patent/WO2004087426A1/ja active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH0796609A (ja) * | 1993-09-29 | 1995-04-11 | Nec Corp | インクジェットカートリッジ |
JPH10296988A (ja) * | 1997-04-25 | 1998-11-10 | Oki Data:Kk | インク貯蔵容器 |
JP2002307709A (ja) * | 2001-02-09 | 2002-10-23 | Canon Inc | 液体供給システム、インクジェット記録ヘッド、インクジェット記録装置、および液体充填方法 |
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US20060238581A1 (en) | 2006-10-26 |
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