WO2014010389A1 - Inkjet recording device - Google Patents

Inkjet recording device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014010389A1
WO2014010389A1 PCT/JP2013/067149 JP2013067149W WO2014010389A1 WO 2014010389 A1 WO2014010389 A1 WO 2014010389A1 JP 2013067149 W JP2013067149 W JP 2013067149W WO 2014010389 A1 WO2014010389 A1 WO 2014010389A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ink
flow path
ink tank
recording head
flows
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2013/067149
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
耕 岡田
Original Assignee
セーレン株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by セーレン株式会社 filed Critical セーレン株式会社
Priority to JP2014524712A priority Critical patent/JP6153524B2/en
Priority to MX2015000063A priority patent/MX2015000063A/en
Publication of WO2014010389A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014010389A1/en

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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
    • B41J2/1707—Conditioning of the inside of ink supply circuits, e.g. flushing during start-up or shut-down
    • 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
    • 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
    • B41J2/18—Ink recirculation systems
    • 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
    • B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/377—Cooling or ventilating arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses an ink jet printer including a recording head, an ink tank, and a cooling device.
  • the recording head is provided with an ejection port for ejecting ink to the recording medium.
  • the ink tank stores ink supplied to the recording head.
  • the cooling device maintains the ink stored in the ink tank at a predetermined set temperature. According to this ink jet printer, it is said that it is possible to prevent ink ejection failure due to thickening of the ink in the ink tank and to obtain a high-quality recorded image.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a photocurable ink, more specifically an ultraviolet curable ink, as the ink used.
  • Patent Document 2 discloses an ink jet printing apparatus provided with a liquid passage through which liquid flows in contact with an ink jet head.
  • the ink jet printing apparatus includes a liquid storage unit, a pump, a first connection path, a second connection path, a third connection path, and temperature control means.
  • the liquid storage unit stores liquid.
  • the pump has a suction side and a discharge side and feeds liquid.
  • the pump is a non-pulsating pump, specifically, a vortex pump.
  • the first connection path connects the liquid storage portion and the inlet portion of the liquid passage.
  • the second connection path connects the outlet portion of the liquid passage and the suction side of the pump.
  • a 3rd connection path connects a liquid storage part and the discharge side of a pump.
  • the temperature control means controls the temperature of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit. According to this inkjet printing apparatus, it is possible to prevent liquid from leaking and prevent contamination of the print medium, and to perform high-quality printing by controlling the temperature of the inkjet head with high accuracy.
  • the aforementioned liquid is a specific cooling liquid such as water.
  • JP 2005-66989 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-86411
  • ink ejected from nozzles formed on a recording head is formed by dispersing predetermined components such as coloring materials and / or additives in a solvent.
  • the contained component has a predetermined specific gravity. All or some of the contained components have a specific gravity greater than that of the solvent. Therefore, sedimentation of contained components may occur in the ink existing inside the ink jet recording apparatus. Such sedimentation is likely to occur, for example, when an ink jet recording apparatus does not record an image and ink is continuously stored (stagnation) in a certain place.
  • the inventor has studied a configuration that can suppress sedimentation of the contained components in a state where no image is recorded. In this study, the inventor considered ink circulation when no image was recorded.
  • One aspect of the present invention is an ink tank that stores ink and an internal pressure in which the ink is stored is an atmospheric pressure, a recording head on which a nozzle that discharges the ink is formed, the ink tank, and the recording
  • An ink feeding section that flows to the ink tank side through the flow path, and a cooling flow path through which a cooling medium that cools the ink stored in the ink tank flows. It is an ink jet recording apparatus.
  • the ink stored in the ink tank can be cooled. Even when the temperature of the ink rises when the ink flowing out from the ink tank is circulated through the recovery flow path, the ink stored in the ink tank can be cooled and kept at a constant temperature. As the ink circulates, it is possible to suppress an increase in the temperature of the ink stored in the ink tank. It is possible to prevent the temperature from rising and the physical properties of the ink from changing. An image of suitable quality can be recorded.
  • This ink jet recording apparatus may be as follows. You may make it provide the heating part which is provided in the said recording head and heats the said ink supplied to the said recording head. According to this, the ink supplied to the recording head can be heated and the viscosity of the ink can be reduced. By reducing the viscosity, the ink can be suitably discharged from the nozzle.
  • the heating temperature may be appropriately set according to the physical properties of the ink.
  • the ink reaching the container may be a flow path for collecting the ink from the distributor to the ink tank. According to this, the ink before being supplied to the recording head that has flowed out of the ink tank can be discharged from the distributor to the collecting flow path and collected in the ink tank.
  • a first ink is stored, a first ink tank in which the internal pressure in which the first ink is stored is atmospheric pressure, an internal in which the second ink is stored and the second ink is stored.
  • a second ink tank having a pressure of atmospheric pressure, and a first recording head on which the nozzle for discharging the first ink is formed and a nozzle for discharging the second ink are formed as the recording head.
  • a second recording head, and as the supply flow path, the first ink tank and the first recording head are connected to each other and flow out of the first ink tank and supplied to the first recording head.
  • a first supply channel through which the first ink flows, the second ink tank and the second recording head are connected, and the second ink flowing out from the second ink tank and supplied to the second recording head is flow
  • a second supply channel, and the recovery channel is a channel for collecting the first ink flowing out of the first ink tank into the first ink tank, and is connected to the first ink tank
  • a second recovery channel that is connected to the second ink tank, and is a channel that recovers the second ink that has flowed out of the second ink tank into the second ink tank.
  • the ink feeding section in the middle of the first supply flow path, allowing the first ink to flow toward the first recording head via the first supply flow path, and A first ink feeding section for flowing the first ink flowing out from one ink tank to the first ink tank via the first recovery channel, and provided in the middle of the second supply channel, The second ink is supplied to the second ink through the second supply channel.
  • a second ink feeding section that flows to the recording head side and flows the second ink that has flowed out of the second ink tank to the second ink tank side through the second recovery flow path, and
  • the cooling flow path has one end at an outlet from which the cooling medium that cools the first ink stored in the first ink tank and the second ink stored in the second ink tank flows out.
  • One end is connected to the first flow path portion to be connected, and the flow inlet through which the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet and flowing through the cooling flow path flows, and flows out from the outlet and flows into the inlet.
  • a second flow path portion disposed downstream of the first flow path portion in a direction in which the cooling medium flows through the cooling flow path, and the cooling medium that has reached a first position of the first flow path portion. Flow to the side of the one ink tank, and A second flow path portion for flowing the cooling medium flowing on the first ink tank side into the second flow path section at two positions; and the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet and into the inlet.
  • the cooling medium that has reached the third position of the first flow path portion that is downstream of the first position in the flow direction of the cooling flow path is caused to flow toward the second ink tank, and the second flow path section And a fourth flow path portion for flowing the cooling medium flowing on the second ink tank side to the second flow path portion at four positions.
  • the cooling medium that has cooled the first ink stored in the first ink tank flows toward the second ink tank and is not reused for cooling the second ink. Therefore, the second ink can be suitably cooled in the same manner as the first ink while the first ink is suitably cooled.
  • the third channel portion is provided in the first ink tank in which the first ink is stored in the first ink tank, and the fourth channel portion is provided in the second ink tank. It may be arranged inside the second ink tank in which ink is stored. According to this, the first ink and the second ink can be suitably cooled.
  • the first ink stored in the first ink tank comes into contact with the third flow path portion in which the cooling medium flows, so that the first ink can be efficiently cooled.
  • the second ink stored in the second ink tank comes into contact with the fourth flow path portion in which the cooling medium flows, so that the second ink can be efficiently cooled.
  • the third channel portion is provided in contact with the outer surface of the first ink tank, and the fourth channel portion is provided in contact with the outer surface of the second ink tank. Good. According to this, the first ink and the second ink can be suitably cooled. By flowing the cooling medium through the third flow path portion and cooling the first ink tank, the first ink stored therein can be cooled as a whole. By flowing the cooling medium through the fourth flow path portion and cooling the second ink tank, the second ink stored therein can be cooled as a whole.
  • the first ink supplied to the first recording head can be heated and the viscosity of the first ink can be reduced. By reducing the viscosity, the first ink can be suitably discharged from the nozzle.
  • the second ink supplied to the second recording head can be heated to reduce the viscosity of the second ink. By reducing the viscosity, the second ink can be suitably discharged from the nozzle.
  • the heating temperature may be appropriately set according to the physical properties of the first ink and the second ink.
  • a first distributor which is provided in the first supply flow path and causes the first ink to flow toward the first recording head; and a second distributor which is provided in the second supply flow path and which supplies the second ink to the second recording head.
  • a second distributor that flows to the first side, and the first recovery flow path connects the first ink tank and the first distributor, flows out of the first ink tank, and flows into the first distributor.
  • the second ink that flows out from the second ink tank and reaches the second distributor may be a flow path for collecting the second ink from the second distributor to the second ink tank.
  • the first ink before being supplied to the first recording head that has flowed out from the first ink tank is allowed to flow out from the first distributor to the first collecting flow path and be collected in the first ink tank. it can.
  • the second ink before being supplied to the second recording head that has flowed out from the second ink tank can flow out from the second distributor to the second collecting flow path and be collected in the second ink tank.
  • an ink tank that stores ink and an internal pressure in which the ink is stored is an atmospheric pressure
  • a recording head in which a nozzle that discharges the ink is formed
  • the ink tank A supply flow path for connecting the print head, the ink flowing out of the ink tank and supplied to the print head, and a flow path for collecting the ink flowed out of the ink tank into the ink tank,
  • a recovery channel connected to the ink tank and provided in the middle of the supply channel, the ink flows to the side of the recording head via the supply channel, and the ink that has flowed out of the ink tank is And an ink feeding unit that flows to the ink tank side through a recovery channel.
  • an ink jet recording apparatus that can manage ink before ejection in a suitable state.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration of a recording head, and is a view of the recording head as viewed from a discharge surface side on which nozzles are formed.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining ink supply to the recording head and ink circulation. It is a perspective view which shows an example of schematic structure of a cooling unit.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is a line type ink jet recording apparatus. According to the inkjet recording apparatus 1, a full color image can be recorded on the recording medium 2.
  • the halftone dot pattern attached to the “recording surface 3” shown on the second side of the transport unit 10 indicates that an image is recorded on the recording surface 3.
  • a case where a full-color image is recorded with each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black will be described as an example.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes a transport unit 10, recording units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, a control box 30, ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K, ink flow paths 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K.
  • Distributors 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K, pumps 90Y, 90M, 90C, and 90K, and a cooling unit 100 are provided.
  • the transport unit 10 is configured by a transport mechanism such as a conveyor.
  • the transport unit 10 transports the recording medium 2 from the first side of the transport unit 10 to the second side of the transport unit 10 through the recording units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K.
  • the direction from the first side to the second side is referred to as the “conveying direction”.
  • the transport unit 10 has the same configuration as the transport unit included in an already-practical inkjet recording apparatus. Therefore, the other description regarding the conveyance part 10 is abbreviate
  • the recording unit 20Y is a recording unit that records an image with yellow ink.
  • the recording unit 20M is a recording unit that records an image with magenta ink.
  • the recording unit 20C is a recording unit that records an image with cyan ink.
  • the recording unit 20K is a recording unit that records an image with black ink.
  • the recording unit 20Y includes a plurality of recording heads 22Y. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of recording heads 22Y are linearly arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction.
  • the recording head 22Y is formed with a plurality of nozzles 24Y that discharge yellow ink.
  • the recording unit 20M includes a plurality of recording heads 22M. As shown in FIG.
  • the plurality of recording heads 22M are linearly arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction.
  • the recording head 22M is formed with a plurality of nozzles 24M that discharge magenta ink.
  • the recording unit 20C includes a plurality of recording heads 22C. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of recording heads 22C are linearly arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction.
  • the recording head 22C is formed with a plurality of nozzles 24C that discharge cyan ink.
  • the recording unit 20K includes a plurality of recording heads 22K. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of recording heads 22K are linearly arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction.
  • the recording head 22K is formed with a plurality of nozzles 24K that discharge black ink.
  • the arrangement and total number of the recording heads 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K included in each of the recording units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are 4 in total, that is, 4 / row ⁇ 1 row. It is an example. The arrangement and total number of the recording heads 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are appropriately determined in consideration of various conditions.
  • the arrangement and total number of nozzles 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K formed in each of the recording heads 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are six in a total of three / row ⁇ 2 rows in FIG. This is an example.
  • the arrangement and total number of the nozzles 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K are appropriately determined in consideration of various conditions.
  • the recording units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K have the same configuration.
  • the recording heads 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K have the same configuration.
  • the nozzles 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K have the same configuration.
  • the recording units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are referred to as “recording unit 20” when they are not distinguished from each other (when ink colors are not distinguished from each other) or collectively.
  • the recording heads 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are referred to as “recording head 22”.
  • the nozzles 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K are referred to as “nozzles 24”.
  • the recording unit 20 for each color is provided at a position above the conveyance surface 12.
  • the ejection surface faces the recording surface 3.
  • the ejection surface is the surface of the recording head 22 on which the nozzles 24 are formed.
  • the recording surface 3 is a surface on which an image is recorded on the recording medium 2 that is set and conveyed on the conveyance surface 12 of the conveyance unit 10.
  • the recording units 20 for each color are arranged adjacent to each other in the transport direction.
  • the arrangement of the recording units 20 for the respective colors may be in an order different from that shown in FIGS.
  • the arrangement order of the recording units 20 for each color is appropriately determined in consideration of various conditions.
  • each color ink is set and conveyed on the conveyance surface 12 from the nozzles 24 formed on the recording heads 22 included in the recording units 20 for the respective colors. 2 toward the recording surface 3.
  • Each color ink ejected from the nozzle 24 lands on the recording surface 3.
  • the control box 30 includes a control unit 32, for example.
  • the control unit 32 controls the ink jet recording apparatus 1.
  • the control unit 32 controls, for example, processing related to image recording. Processing related to image recording is controlled in accordance with image data corresponding to the image to be recorded.
  • the control box 30 includes a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, electrical wiring, and the like. A part of the circuit board and / or electrical wiring may be provided on the upper part of the recording unit 20.
  • the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K store the above-described inks of the respective colors that are used for image recording.
  • Each color ink is obtained by dispersing each component such as a color material of a corresponding color in a solvent.
  • An example of the solvent is water.
  • An ink whose solvent is water may be referred to as a water-based ink.
  • the color material include reactive dyes, acid dyes, direct dyes, disperse dyes and the like.
  • a pigment can also be used as the color material. You may add a dispersing agent, an antifoamer, a penetrating agent, a thick dye, a pH adjuster etc. to ink as needed.
  • Ink of each color may change its physical properties when it exceeds a predetermined temperature.
  • Water-based inks tend to change their physical properties with increasing temperature.
  • the predetermined temperature at which the physical property changes varies depending on the type of ink.
  • the ink tank 40Y is an ink tank that stores yellow ink.
  • the ink tank 40M is an ink tank that stores magenta ink.
  • the ink tank 40C is an ink tank that stores cyan ink.
  • the ink tank 40K is an ink tank that stores black ink.
  • the interiors 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K in which the inks of the respective colors are stored are in communication with an external space in which the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is installed (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, the pressures in the interiors 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K become atmospheric pressure.
  • the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K have the same configuration.
  • the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K are referred to as “ink tank 40” when they are not distinguished from each other (when ink colors are not distinguished from each other) or collectively.
  • the insides 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are referred to as “inside 42”.
  • the ink channels 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K are channels through which the above-described inks of the respective colors flow.
  • the ink channel 50Y is a channel through which yellow ink flows.
  • the ink flow path 50Y includes a supply flow path 52Y and a recovery flow path 54Y.
  • a distributor 60Y is provided in the supply flow path 52Y.
  • the distributor 60Y has a tubular configuration in which a space is formed.
  • a pump 90Y is provided in the supply flow path 52Y. The predetermined position of the supply flow path 52Y where the pump 90Y is provided is closer to the ink tank 40Y than the position where the distributor 60Y is provided.
  • the ink channel 50M is a channel through which magenta ink flows.
  • the ink flow path 50M includes a supply flow path 52M and a recovery flow path 54M.
  • a distributor 60M is provided in the supply flow path 52M.
  • the distributor 60M has a tubular configuration in which a space is formed.
  • a pump 90M is provided in the supply flow path 52M. The predetermined position of the supply flow path 52M where the pump 90M is provided is closer to the ink tank 40M than the position where the distributor 60M is provided.
  • the ink channel 50C is a channel through which cyan ink flows.
  • the ink flow path 50C includes a supply flow path 52C and a recovery flow path 54C.
  • a distributor 60C is provided in the supply flow path 52C.
  • the distributor 60C has a tubular configuration in which a space is formed.
  • a pump 90C is provided in the supply flow path 52C.
  • the predetermined position of the supply flow path 52C where the pump 90C is provided is closer to the ink tank 40C than the position where the distributor 60C is provided.
  • the ink channel 50K is a channel through which black ink flows.
  • the ink flow path 50K includes a supply flow path 52K and a recovery flow path 54K.
  • a distributor 60K is provided in the supply flow path 52K.
  • the distributor 60K has a tubular configuration in which a space is formed.
  • a pump 90K is provided in the supply flow path 52K.
  • the predetermined position of the supply flow path 52K where the pump 90K is provided is closer to the ink tank 40K than the position where the distributor 60K is provided.
  • the ink flow paths 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K have the same configuration.
  • Distributors 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K have the same configuration including the point of being tubular as described above.
  • the pumps 90Y, 90M, 90C, and 90K are the same type of pump.
  • the ink flow paths 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K are referred to as “ink flow paths 50” when they are not distinguished from each other (when ink colors are not distinguished from each other) or collectively.
  • the supply flow paths 52Y, 52M, 52C, and 52K are referred to as “supply flow paths 52”.
  • the recovery channels 54Y, 54M, 54C, and 54K are referred to as “recovery channels 54”.
  • the distributors 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K are referred to as “distributor 60”.
  • the pumps 90Y, 90M, 90C, and 90K are referred to as “pump 90”.
  • the ink flow paths 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K and the distributors 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K are simplified in illustration. The description regarding the supply of ink from the ink tank 40 to the recording head 22 and the circulation of the ink performed by the ink flow path 50, the distributor 60, and the pump 90 will be described later.
  • the cooling unit 100 cools the cooling medium to a constant temperature and circulates the cooling medium.
  • the cooling medium cools the yellow ink stored in the ink tank 40Y, the magenta ink stored in the ink tank 40M, the cyan ink stored in the ink tank 40C, and the black ink stored in the ink tank 40K. The description regarding the cooling unit 100 will be described later.
  • FIG. 3 a configuration in which each color ink is supplied from the ink tank 40 to the corresponding color recording head 22 and a configuration in which each color ink stored in each color ink tank 40 is circulated are shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG.
  • the ink supply from the ink tank 40 to the recording head 22 is realized by the configuration shown in FIG. 3 regardless of the ink color.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes the configuration shown in FIG. 3 for each of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Accordingly, the following description will be made without limiting the ink color.
  • a single arrow shown along the ink flow path 50 indicates the direction in which ink flows in each of the illustrated ranges.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus 1 has a configuration in which ink of a specific color is supplied from the ink tank 40 to the recording head 22 and circulated, in addition to the ink flow path 50, the distributor 60 and the pump 90 described above, and a plurality of supply sides.
  • a valve 92 and a recovery side valve 94 are provided.
  • the ink flow path 50 includes the supply flow path 52 and the recovery flow path 54 as described above.
  • the upstream part when distinguishing the upstream part and the downstream part with reference to the distributor 60, the upstream part is referred to as “upstream flow path 521”, and the downstream part is referred to as the upstream part. This is referred to as “downstream channel 522”.
  • the upstream portion is a portion between the ink tank 40 and the distributor 60.
  • the downstream portion is a portion between the distributor 60 and the recording head 22.
  • the supply flow path 52 (upstream flow path 521 and downstream flow path 522) and the recovery flow path 54 are each configured by a tube or a steel pipe.
  • the upstream channel 521 is a channel that connects the ink tank 40 and the distributor 60 and supplies ink from the ink tank 40 to the distributor 60.
  • the ink flowing out from the ink tank 40 flows through the upstream flow path 521 and flows into the distributor 60.
  • the downstream channel 522 is a channel that connects the distributor 60 and each of the plurality of recording heads 22 and supplies the ink supplied to the distributor 60 to each of the plurality of recording heads 22.
  • the ink flowing out from the distributor 60 toward the recording head 22 flows through the downstream flow path 522 and flows into the recording head 22.
  • the downstream flow paths 522 are provided in a number corresponding to the number of recording heads 22 included in the recording unit 20 for one color (a multiple of the number of recording heads 22).
  • the recording unit 20 of a specific color includes four recording heads 22 as shown in FIG. In this case, for example, four (one recording head / one recording head) are provided corresponding to the four recording heads 22 in the downstream flow path 522.
  • the recovery channel 54 is a channel branched from the supply channel 52 by the distributor 60.
  • the recovery channel 54 is a channel for connecting the distributor 60 and the ink tank 40 and recovering the ink supplied to the distributor 60 to the ink tank 40.
  • an inflow port 62 In the distributor 60, an inflow port 62, a common flow path 64, a plurality of supply ports 66, and an outflow port 68 are formed.
  • the inflow port 62 is an opening formed on one end side of the distributor 60.
  • An upstream channel 521 is connected to the inflow port 62.
  • the ink flowing through the upstream channel 521 flows into the distributor 60 from the inlet 62 and is supplied to the common channel 64 inside the distributor 60.
  • the common flow path 64 is a flow path formed inside the distributor 60.
  • the common flow path 64 extends between one end side and the other end side of the distributor 60.
  • the common flow path 64 is continuous with the inflow port 62, the plurality of supply ports 66, and the outflow port 68.
  • the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction in which the common channel 64 extends is constant in the direction in which the common channel 64 extends.
  • the cross-sectional shape is, for example, a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon.
  • a plurality of supply ports 66 are provided on the side surface of the distributor 60 in a state in which the common flow paths 64 are arranged in the extending direction.
  • the supply ports 66 are provided in a number corresponding to the number of recording heads 22 included in the recording unit 20 for one color. About this point, it is the same as that of the case of the downstream flow path 522 mentioned above. The description regarding this point is omitted.
  • Downstream channels 522 are connected to the plurality of supply ports 66, respectively.
  • the outlet 68 is formed on the other end side of the distributor 60.
  • the recovery channel 54 is connected to the outflow port 68.
  • the pump 90 is a liquid feeding unit that feeds ink through the ink flow path 50 and the distributor 60. As shown in FIG. 3, the pump 90 is provided at a position in the middle of the upstream channel 521.
  • the ink stored in the ink tank 40 flows out of the ink tank 40, flows through the upstream flow path 521, the distributor 60, and the downstream flow path 522, and is supplied to the recording head 22.
  • the ink that has flowed out of the ink tank 40 when the pump 90 is driven flows through the upstream channel 521, the distributor 60, and the recovery channel 54, and is collected in the ink tank 40. In this case, the ink is circulated through the above-described flow path and the like.
  • the plurality of supply side valves 92 are respectively provided in the middle of the plurality of downstream flow paths 522.
  • the number of supply-side valves 92 included in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 matches the number of downstream-side flow paths 522.
  • the supply side valve 92 is a valve that opens and closes the downstream side flow path 522 provided with each.
  • the supply side valve 92 is configured by, for example, an electromagnetic valve.
  • the collection side valve 94 is a valve that is provided in the middle of the collection channel 54 and opens and closes the collection channel 54.
  • the collection side valve 94 is configured by, for example, an electromagnetic valve.
  • the opening and closing of the supply side valve 92 and the recovery side valve 94 and the opening when the supply side valve 92 is opened are controlled by the control unit 32.
  • An outline of opening and closing of the supply side valve 92 and the recovery side valve 94 when ink is supplied to the recording head 22 and when ink is not supplied to the recording head 22 and circulated will be described.
  • the pump 90 is driven.
  • the collection side valve 94 is either opened or closed.
  • the plurality of supply side valves 92 are opened. At this time, each of the plurality of supply side valves 92 is opened at a predetermined opening degree.
  • the opening and closing of the collection side valve 94 is controlled in accordance with the total supply amount to the recording head 22.
  • each supply side valve 92 may be the same for all supply side valves 92. Further, the opening degree of each supply side valve 92 may be adjusted to a different amount for each supply side valve 92.
  • the opening and closing of the supply side valve 92 and the collection side valve 94 and the opening when opened may be controlled for each color. For example, when a monochrome image is recorded on the recording medium 2, only the supply side valve 92 and the recovery side valve 94 for supplying and circulating black ink are controlled. The supply side valve 92 and the recovery side valve 94 for supplying and circulating colors other than black are controlled in the same manner as when the inkjet recording apparatus 1 does not record an image.
  • the circulated ink is cooled by a cooling medium cooled and circulated by the cooling unit 100 as described later. Accordingly, the cooled ink is supplied to the recording head 22.
  • Such an ink may have a high viscosity.
  • a heating unit 26 may be provided in the recording head 22 (see FIG. 3).
  • the heating unit 26 is configured by a predetermined heater. As shown in FIG. 3, the heating unit 26 is sandwiched between predetermined units constituting the recording head 22.
  • the heating unit 26 is attached to the outer surface (excluding the ejection surface) of the recording head 22, for example, the side surface.
  • the viscosity of the ink heated by the heat from the heating unit 26 decreases. According to the ink having a lowered viscosity, the ink can be suitably discharged (discharged) from the nozzle 24. Heating by the heating unit 26 is performed at a temperature at which the physical properties of the ink do not change.
  • each color ink tank 40 is shown in a transparent state in order to facilitate understanding of the corresponding color ink stored in the interior 42, the mode of the cooling flow path 120, and the like.
  • the temperature of the ink may increase.
  • the temperature of the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 increases.
  • the temperature of the ink rises and exceeds a predetermined temperature, the physical properties of the ink may change, and an image with a suitable quality may not be recorded.
  • the cooling unit 100 prevents the temperature of the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color from exceeding a predetermined temperature when the ink of each color is circulated.
  • the cooling unit 100 includes a supply unit 110 and a cooling channel 120.
  • the supply unit 110 is configured by an apparatus called a chiller, for example.
  • the supply unit 110 includes a temperature adjustment unit 112, an outlet 114, an inlet 116, and a pump 118.
  • the temperature control unit 112 cools the cooling medium stored in the supply unit 110 to a certain temperature.
  • An example of the cooling medium is water.
  • the outlet 114 is an opening through which the cooling medium cooled by the temperature control unit 112 flows out of the supply unit 110.
  • One end of the cooling channel 120 is connected to the outlet 114.
  • the inflow port 116 is an opening through which the cooling medium flowing out from the outflow port 114 flows through the cooling flow channel 120 and circulates through the cooling flow channel 120 flows into the supply unit 110.
  • the other end of the cooling channel 120 is connected to the inlet 116.
  • the pump 118 is a liquid feeding unit that causes the cooling medium cooled by the temperature control unit 112 to flow out from the outlet 114, to flow into the cooling channel 120, and to flow into the inlet 116.
  • the cooling medium is circulated through the cooling flow path 120 between the outlet 114 and the inlet 116.
  • the cooling channel 120 includes a channel unit 122, a channel unit 124, a channel unit 126, a channel unit 128, a channel unit 130, and a channel unit 132.
  • the arrows shown along the flow path portions 122 to 132 forming the cooling flow path 120 indicate the directions in which the cooling medium flows in the illustrated ranges.
  • One end of the flow path portion 122 is connected to the outlet 114.
  • One end of the flow path portion 122 corresponds to one end of the cooling flow path 120 described above.
  • the cooling medium flowing out from the outflow port 114 flows through the flow path portion 122.
  • the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 122 is a cooling medium before cooling the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color.
  • the flow path part 122 can be said to be a flow path for supplying the cooling medium cooled by the temperature control part 112.
  • One end of the flow path portion 124 is connected to the inflow port 116.
  • One end of the flow path portion 124 corresponds to the other end of the cooling flow path 120 described above.
  • the cooling medium flowing into the inflow port 116 flows through the flow path portion 124.
  • the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 124 is a cooling medium after cooling the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color.
  • the flow path portion 124 can be said to be a flow path for collecting a cooling medium that has cooled the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color.
  • the flow path part 124 is disposed downstream of the flow path part 122 in the direction in which the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet 114 and flowing into the inlet 116 flows through the cooling flow path 120.
  • the flow path portion 126 branches from the flow path portion 122 at a position A (see FIG. 4) of the flow path portion 122, and merges with the flow path portion 124 at a position B (see FIG. 4) of the flow path portion 124.
  • the flow path part 126 causes the cooling medium that has reached the position A of the flow path part 122 to flow to the ink tank 40Y side, and the cooling medium that has flowed to the ink tank 40Y side at the position B of the flow path part 124 flows.
  • a part of the flow path portion 126 is provided in the interior 42Y of the ink tank 40Y, and a part thereof is provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40Y (see FIG. 4).
  • the portion of the flow path portion 126 provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40Y is in contact with or close to the bottom surface of the ink tank 40Y.
  • a portion of the flow path portion 126 provided in the inside 42Y is immersed in yellow ink.
  • the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 126 cools the yellow ink when flowing through the region immersed in the yellow ink.
  • the cooling medium that has cooled the yellow ink flows through the flow path section 126 toward the flow path section 124, joins the cooling medium that flows through the flow path section 124 toward the inlet 116 at the position B, and passes through the inlet 116.
  • And collected by the supply unit 110 The collected cooling medium is stored in the supply unit 110 and cooled by the temperature control unit 112.
  • the flow path part 128 branches off from the flow path part 122 at a position D (see FIG. 4) of the flow path part 122 and merges with the flow path part 124 at a position E of the flow path part 124.
  • the flow path section 128 causes the cooling medium that has reached the position D of the flow path section 122 to flow toward the ink tank 40M, and the cooling medium that has flowed on the ink tank 40M side at the position E of the flow path section 124 flows into the flow path section. 124.
  • the position D is a predetermined position of the flow path portion 122 that is downstream from the position A in the direction in which the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet 114 and flowing into the inlet 116 flows through the cooling flow path 120.
  • the position E is a predetermined position of the flow path portion 124 that is upstream from the position B in the above-described direction.
  • a part of the flow path portion 128 is provided in the inside 42M of the ink tank 40M, and a part thereof is provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40M (see FIG. 4).
  • the portion of the flow path portion 128 provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40M is in contact with or close to the bottom surface of the ink tank 40M.
  • the portion of the flow path portion 128 provided in the inside 42M is immersed in magenta ink.
  • the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 128 cools the magenta ink when flowing through the region immersed in the magenta ink.
  • the cooling medium that has cooled the magenta ink flows through the flow path portion 128 toward the flow path portion 124, joins the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 124 toward the inlet 116 at the position E, and passes through the inlet 116. And collected by the supply unit 110.
  • the collected cooling medium is stored in the supply unit 110 and cooled by the temperature control unit 112.
  • the flow path part 130 branches from the flow path part 122 at a position F (see FIG. 4) of the flow path part 122, and joins the flow path part 124 at a position G (see FIG. 4) of the flow path part 124.
  • the flow path unit 130 causes the cooling medium that has reached the position F of the flow path unit 122 to flow to the ink tank 40C side, and the cooling medium that has flowed on the ink tank 40C side at the position G of the flow path unit 124 flows to the flow path unit. 124.
  • the position F is a predetermined position of the flow path portion 122 that is downstream of the positions A and D in the direction in which the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet 114 and flowing into the inlet 116 flows through the cooling flow path 120.
  • the position G is a predetermined position of the flow path portion 124 that is upstream of the positions B and E in the above-described direction.
  • a part of the flow path part 130 is provided in the interior 42C of the ink tank 40C, and a part thereof is further provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40C (see FIG. 4).
  • a portion of the flow path portion 130 provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40C is in contact with or close to the bottom surface of the ink tank 40C.
  • a portion of the flow path portion 130 provided in the inner 42C is immersed in cyan ink.
  • the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 130 cools the cyan ink as it flows through the region immersed in the cyan ink.
  • the cooling medium that has cooled the cyan ink flows through the flow path section 130 toward the flow path section 124, merges with the cooling medium that flows through the flow path section 124 toward the inlet 116 at the position G, and passes through the inlet 116. And collected by the supply unit 110.
  • the collected cooling medium is stored in the supply unit 110 and cooled by the temperature control unit 112.
  • the flow path part 132 is connected to the flow path part 122 at a position H (see FIG. 4) of the flow path part 122, and is connected to the flow path part 124 at a position I of the flow path part 124 (see FIG. 4).
  • the flow path section 132 causes the cooling medium that has reached the position H of the flow path section 122 to flow toward the ink tank 40K, and the cooling medium that has flowed through the ink tank 40K at the position I of the flow path section 124 flows into the flow path section. 124.
  • the position H is a predetermined position of the flow path section 122 that is downstream of the positions A, D, and F in the direction in which the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet 114 and flowing into the inlet 116 flows through the cooling flow path 120.
  • the position I is a predetermined position of the flow path portion 124 that is upstream of the positions B, E, and G in the above-described direction.
  • a part of the flow path portion 132 is provided in the interior 42K of the ink tank 40K, and a part thereof is further provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40K (see FIG. 4).
  • a portion of the flow path portion 132 provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40K is in contact with or close to the bottom surface of the ink tank 40K.
  • the portion of the flow path portion 132 provided in the inside 42K is immersed in black ink.
  • the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 132 cools the black ink as it flows through the area immersed in the black ink.
  • the cooling medium that has cooled the black ink flows through the flow channel portion 132 toward the flow channel portion 124, flows from the position I through the flow channel portion 124 toward the inlet 116, passes through the inlet 116, and is supplied to the supply unit 110. To be recovered.
  • the collected cooling medium is stored in the supply unit 110 and cooled by the temperature control unit 112.
  • a pump 90 is provided in the upstream flow path 521 of the supply flow path 52 that forms the ink flow path 50, and the pump 90 is driven to feed ink through the ink flow path 50. Therefore, the pressure inside the ink tank 40 can be set to atmospheric pressure.
  • the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color is supplied via the supply flow path 52 (upstream flow path 521), the recovery flow path 54, and the like. It was circulated and collected in the ink tank 40. Therefore, it is possible to suppress sedimentation of components such as a coloring material included in the ink. An image of suitable quality can be recorded.
  • the cooling unit 100 is provided to cool the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color. Therefore, the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color can be maintained at a constant temperature. As the ink circulates, an increase in the temperature of the ink stored in the ink tank 40 can be suppressed. It is possible to prevent the temperature from rising and the physical properties of the ink from changing. An image of suitable quality can be recorded.
  • the cooling channel 120 includes channel units 122 and 124 and channel units 126, 128, 130, and 132.
  • the channel units 126, 128, 130, and 132 are connected to the channel units 122 and 124 in a state of being arranged in parallel. Therefore, the cooling medium that has flowed from the flow path portion 122 to any of the flow path portions 126, 128, 130 does not flow to any of the flow path portions 128, 130, 132. Therefore, the cooling medium that has cooled the ink of a specific color is not used again to cool the ink of another color.
  • the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color can be suitably cooled with the cooling medium suitably cooled by the temperature control unit 112.
  • the flow path portion 126 is provided in the inside 42Y of the ink tank 40Y so as to be immersed in the yellow ink stored in the ink tank 40Y. Therefore, the yellow ink stored in the ink tank 40Y can be efficiently cooled with the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 126.
  • the flow path portion 128 is provided in the inside 42M of the ink tank 40M in such a state that it is immersed in magenta ink stored in the ink tank 40M. Therefore, the magenta ink stored in the ink tank 40M can be efficiently cooled with the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 128.
  • the flow path portion 130 is provided in the inside 42C of the ink tank 40C in a state where it is immersed in cyan ink stored in the ink tank 40C. Therefore, the cyan ink stored in the ink tank 40C can be efficiently cooled by the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 130.
  • the flow path portion 132 is provided in the interior 42K of the ink tank 40K so as to be immersed in the black ink stored in the ink tank 40K. Therefore, the black ink stored in the ink tank 40K can be efficiently cooled with the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 132.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus may be a serial type ink jet recording apparatus.
  • the effects described above can also be obtained by a serial type ink jet recording apparatus having a configuration corresponding to each unit as shown in FIG.
  • the inkjet recording apparatus 1 has the same configuration as described above corresponding to the color ink to be added or replaced.
  • the cooling channel 120 channel units such as the channel units 126, 128, 130, and 132 through which a cooling medium that cools the ink of each color flows are arranged in parallel by the number corresponding to the number of colors used for image recording. In this state, they are connected to the flow path parts 122 and 124. Also by this, the effect as described above can be obtained.
  • the cooling channel 120 may include another channel unit that connects between the position H of the channel unit 122 and the position I of the channel unit 124.
  • the flow path part 132 branches from the flow path part 122 between the position F and the position H, and the flow path part 124 between the position I and the position G, similarly to the flow path parts 126, 128, and 130. It is provided so that it may join.
  • the configuration in which the flow path portions 126, 128, 130, and 132 are provided in the interiors 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K of the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K has been described as an example. All or part of the flow paths 126, 128, 130, 132 may be provided in contact with the outer surfaces of the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, 40K. In this case, the flow path portions 126, 128, 130, and 132 are formed in a spiral shape along the side surfaces of the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K, for example.
  • the spiral flow path portions 126, 128, 130, and 132 are provided in predetermined regions on the side surfaces of the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K, respectively. According to this, the ink tank 40 for each color is cooled, and accordingly, the ink of each color can be cooled as a whole.
  • the transport unit 10 Focusing on the point that the ink jet recording apparatus 1 realizes suitable ink circulation, the transport unit 10, the recording units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K (recording heads 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K), Inkjet including control box 30, ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, 40K, ink flow paths 50Y, 50M, 50C, 50K, distributors 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K, and pumps 90Y, 90M, 90C, 90K It can also be specified as a recording device. According to this, the ink before being ejected can be circulated suitably. The circulation can suppress sedimentation of components such as a coloring material contained in the ink.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus having the above-described parts is used. It is possible to record an image of suitable quality.
  • the recovery flow path 54 is a flow path branched from the supply flow path 52 by the distributor 60
  • the collection channel may be provided between the recording head 22 and the ink tank 40 and may be a channel that connects the recording head 22 and the ink tank 40.
  • the recovery flow path is a flow path for recovering the ink supplied to the recording head 22 through the supply flow path 52 and the like in the ink tank 40 as described above.
  • the recovery flow path is a branch flow path in which a portion on the recording head 22 side branches into a number corresponding to the number of recording heads 22 at a predetermined position. Formed by.
  • Each branched branch channel is connected to a plurality of recording heads 22, respectively.
  • the ink that flows out of the ink tank 40 when the pump 90 is driven flows through the upstream flow path 521, the distributor 60, and the downstream flow path 522, and is supplied to the recording head 22.
  • the ink supplied to the recording head 22 flows inside the recording head 22 to the recovery channel side (branch channel side), and then flows out from the recording head 22 to the branch channel that forms the recovery channel. It flows through the path and is collected in the ink tank 40.
  • the ink can also be circulated by such a recovery channel as described above.
  • the recovery side valve 94 and / or the outlet 68 of the distributor 60 may be omitted.
  • the collection side valve 94 When the collection side valve 94 is omitted, the amount of ink supplied to the recording head 22 via the supply flow path 52 or the like is larger than the amount discharged from the nozzle 24 and consumed, for example, a sufficiently large amount. It is said.
  • the collection-side valve 94 may be provided at a position closer to the ink tank 40 than the above-described predetermined position regarding the branch to the branch flow path. In this case, the opening and closing of the collection side valve 94 is controlled in the same manner as described above.
  • a deaeration module may be provided in the upstream channel 521.
  • the deaeration module is provided at a predetermined position between the pump 90 and the distributor 60, for example.
  • the deaeration module is configured to remove air mixed in ink by bundling a small-diameter tube, passing ink through the outside, and vacuuming from the inside.
  • the deaeration module may have a configuration in which micro tubes are bundled, ink is passed through the tube, and vacuum suction is performed from the outside. According to the deaeration module, air called a micro-valve can be removed and the amount of dissolved oxygen can be reduced. Since the deaeration module has already been put into practical use, the other description is omitted.
  • the ink jet recording apparatus 1 including the cooling unit 100 the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color is kept constant even when the ink circulation is continuously performed as described above. Can be kept at temperature. As the ink circulates, an increase in the temperature of the ink stored in the ink tank 40 can be suppressed. It is possible to prevent the temperature from rising and the physical properties of the ink from changing. For example, even with water-based ink, air can be suitably removed while suppressing changes in physical properties. An image of suitable quality can be recorded.
  • a large volume of air can be removed by, for example, providing the distributor 60 in an inclined state in the inkjet recording apparatus 1.
  • the distributor 60 is inclined so that the other end side (the outlet 68 side) of the common channel 64 is above the one end side (the inlet 62 side) of the common channel 64 in the vertical direction. State.
  • Control section 40 40Y, 40M, 40C, 40K Ink tank 42, 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42K Inside 50, 50Y, 50M, 50C, 50K Ink flow path 52, 52Y, 52M, 52C, 52K Supply Flow path 54, 54Y, 54M, 54C, 54K Recovery flow path 60, 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K Distributor 62 Inlet 64 Common flow path 66 Supply port 68 Outlet 90, 90Y, 90M, 90C, 90K Pump 92 Supply Side valve 94 Collection side valve 100 Cooling section 110 Supply section 112 Temperature Control Unit 114 Outlet 116 Inlet 118 Pump 120 Cooling Channel 122,

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)

Abstract

An inkjet recording device (1) is provided with an ink tank (40), a recording head, a supply flow path (52), a recovery flow path (54), an ink feeding section, and a cooling flow path (120). The ink tank (40) retains ink, and the pressure of the interior where the ink is retained is atmospheric pressure. A nozzle for discharging the ink is formed in the recording head. The supply flow path (52) connects the ink tank (40) and the recording head together, and ink that flows out from the ink tank (40) and is supplied to the recording head flows therethrough. The recovery flow path (54) is for recovering, to the ink tank (40), ink that has flowed out from the ink tank (40), and is connected to the ink tank (40). The ink feeding section is provided to the supply flow path (52), and causes ink to flow toward the recording head side via the supply flow path (52), but causes the ink that has flowed out from the ink tank (40) to flow toward the ink tank (40) side via the recovery flow path (54). A cooling medium for cooling the ink retained in the ink tank (40) flows in the cooling flow path (120).

Description

インクジェット記録装置Inkjet recording device
　本発明は、インクジェット記録装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus.
　インクジェット記録装置に関する技術が提案されている。例えば、特許文献１には、記録ヘッドと、インクタンクと、冷却装置を備えるインクジェットプリンタが開示されている。記録ヘッドには、記録媒体に対しインクを吐出する吐出口が設けられる。インクタンクは、記録ヘッドに供給されるインクを貯留する。冷却装置は、インクタンクに貯留されたインクを所定の設定温度に維持する。このインクジェットプリンタによれば、インクタンク内のインクの増粘に起因したインクの吐出不良を防止し、高品質の記録画像を得ることができる、とされている。特許文献１には、使用されるインクとして、光硬化型インク、より具体的には、紫外線硬化インクが開示されている。 Technology related to inkjet recording devices has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ink jet printer including a recording head, an ink tank, and a cooling device. The recording head is provided with an ejection port for ejecting ink to the recording medium. The ink tank stores ink supplied to the recording head. The cooling device maintains the ink stored in the ink tank at a predetermined set temperature. According to this ink jet printer, it is said that it is possible to prevent ink ejection failure due to thickening of the ink in the ink tank and to obtain a high-quality recorded image. Patent Document 1 discloses a photocurable ink, more specifically an ultraviolet curable ink, as the ink used.
　特許文献２には、インクジェットヘッドに接して液体を流す液体通路が設けられたインクジェットプリント装置が開示されている。インクジェットプリント装置は、液体貯留部と、ポンプと、第１連結路と、第２連結路と、第３連結路と、温度制御手段を備える。液体貯留部は、液体を貯留する。ポンプは、吸込側と吐出側とを有し液体を給送する。ポンプは、無脈動のポンプ、具体的には、渦流ポンプである。第１連結路は、液体貯留部と液体通路の入口部とを連結する。第２連結路は、液体通路の出口部とポンプの吸込側とを連結する。第３連結路は、液体貯留部とポンプの吐出側とを連結する。温度制御手段は、液体貯留部に貯留されている液体の温度を制御する。このインクジェットプリント装置によれば、液体の漏出を防止して被プリント媒体の汚れを防ぐことができ、また、インクジェットヘッドの温度制御を高精度で行い、高品位なプリントを行うことのできる、とされている。前述した液体は、水などの特定の冷却用の液体である。 Patent Document 2 discloses an ink jet printing apparatus provided with a liquid passage through which liquid flows in contact with an ink jet head. The ink jet printing apparatus includes a liquid storage unit, a pump, a first connection path, a second connection path, a third connection path, and temperature control means. The liquid storage unit stores liquid. The pump has a suction side and a discharge side and feeds liquid. The pump is a non-pulsating pump, specifically, a vortex pump. The first connection path connects the liquid storage portion and the inlet portion of the liquid passage. The second connection path connects the outlet portion of the liquid passage and the suction side of the pump. A 3rd connection path connects a liquid storage part and the discharge side of a pump. The temperature control means controls the temperature of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit. According to this inkjet printing apparatus, it is possible to prevent liquid from leaking and prevent contamination of the print medium, and to perform high-quality printing by controlling the temperature of the inkjet head with high accuracy. Has been. The aforementioned liquid is a specific cooling liquid such as water.
特開２００５－６６９８９号公報JP 2005-66989 A 特開平１０－８６４１１号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-86411
　インクジェット記録装置において、画像を記録するために、記録ヘッドに形成されたノズルから吐出されるインクは、例えば、色材及び／又は添加剤といった所定の成分を溶媒に分散させてなる。含有成分は、所定の比重を有する。全部又は一部の含有成分は、溶媒より比重が大きい。従って、インクジェット記録装置の内部に存在するインクにおいて、含有成分の沈降が生じる場合もある。このような沈降は、例えば、インクジェット記録装置で画像の記録が行われず、インクが一定の場所に継続して貯留（停滞）しているような場合に生じ易い。含有成分が沈降すると、濃度が変化し、吐出結果に濃度ムラ及び／又は歪み、色再現性の悪化等の品質劣化が生じる場合もある。従って、発明者は、画像の記録が行われていない状態において、含有成分の沈降を抑制できる構成について検討を行った。発明者は、この検討において、画像の記録が行われていない場合のインク循環について考えた。 In an ink jet recording apparatus, in order to record an image, ink ejected from nozzles formed on a recording head is formed by dispersing predetermined components such as coloring materials and / or additives in a solvent. The contained component has a predetermined specific gravity. All or some of the contained components have a specific gravity greater than that of the solvent. Therefore, sedimentation of contained components may occur in the ink existing inside the ink jet recording apparatus. Such sedimentation is likely to occur, for example, when an ink jet recording apparatus does not record an image and ink is continuously stored (stagnation) in a certain place. When the contained component settles, the density changes, and quality deterioration such as density unevenness and / or distortion and deterioration of color reproducibility may occur in the ejection result. Accordingly, the inventor has studied a configuration that can suppress sedimentation of the contained components in a state where no image is recorded. In this study, the inventor considered ink circulation when no image was recorded.
　記録ヘッドへのインクの供給は、インクを貯留するインクタンクの内部を大気圧（外気圧）以上の圧力に加圧し、その圧力によって、インクタンクからインクを流出させ、インクタンクと記録ヘッドを接続する供給流路を介して行うことができる。但し、このような方法によってインクを供給すると、インクタンクの内部が加圧状態となる。そのため、インクタンクから流出したインクを、再度、インクタンクに流入させて回収することができない。また、発明者は、インクを循環させると、インクの温度が上昇し、インクの物性が変化する場合があることを知得した。 To supply ink to the print head, pressurize the interior of the ink tank that stores the ink to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure (external pressure), the ink flows out of the ink tank by that pressure, and the ink tank and print head are connected. Through the supply flow path. However, when ink is supplied by such a method, the inside of the ink tank is in a pressurized state. Therefore, the ink that has flowed out of the ink tank cannot be made to flow again into the ink tank and be collected. Further, the inventor has found that when ink is circulated, the temperature of the ink rises and the physical properties of the ink may change.
　本発明は、吐出前のインクを好適な状態に管理することができる、インクジェット記録装置を提供することを目的とする。 It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus that can manage ink before ejection in a suitable state.
　本発明の一側面は、インクを貯留し、前記インクが貯留される内部の圧力が大気圧であるインクタンクと、前記インクを吐出するノズルが形成された記録ヘッドと、前記インクタンクと前記記録ヘッドとを接続し、前記インクタンクから流出し前記記録ヘッドに供給される前記インクが流れる供給流路と、前記インクタンクから流出した前記インクを前記インクタンクに回収する流路であって、前記インクタンクに接続される回収流路と、前記供給流路の途中に設けられ、前記インクを前記供給流路を介して前記記録ヘッドの側に流し、前記インクタンクから流出した前記インクを前記回収流路を介して前記インクタンクの側に流すインク送液部と、前記インクタンクに貯留されたインクを冷却する冷却媒体が流れる冷却流路と、を備えるインクジェット記録装置である。 One aspect of the present invention is an ink tank that stores ink and an internal pressure in which the ink is stored is an atmospheric pressure, a recording head on which a nozzle that discharges the ink is formed, the ink tank, and the recording A supply flow path for connecting the head, the ink flowing out from the ink tank and supplied to the recording head, and a flow path for collecting the ink flowing out from the ink tank into the ink tank, A recovery channel connected to an ink tank, and provided in the middle of the supply channel, allows the ink to flow toward the recording head via the supply channel, and recovers the ink flowing out of the ink tank. An ink feeding section that flows to the ink tank side through the flow path, and a cooling flow path through which a cooling medium that cools the ink stored in the ink tank flows. It is an ink jet recording apparatus.
　これによれば、吐出される前のインクを好適に循環させることができる。循環によって、インクに含まれる含有成分の沈降を抑制することができる。インクタンクに貯留されたインクを冷却することができる。インクタンクから流出したインクを回収流路を介して循環させている際に、インクの温度が上昇したとしても、インクタンクに貯留されたインクを冷却し、一定の温度に保つことができる。インクの循環に伴い、インクタンクに貯留されたインクの温度が上昇することを抑制することができる。温度が上昇し、インクの物性が変化することを抑制することができる。好適な品質の画像を記録することができる。 According to this, it is possible to suitably circulate the ink before being ejected. By circulation, sedimentation of the contained components contained in the ink can be suppressed. The ink stored in the ink tank can be cooled. Even when the temperature of the ink rises when the ink flowing out from the ink tank is circulated through the recovery flow path, the ink stored in the ink tank can be cooled and kept at a constant temperature. As the ink circulates, it is possible to suppress an increase in the temperature of the ink stored in the ink tank. It is possible to prevent the temperature from rising and the physical properties of the ink from changing. An image of suitable quality can be recorded.
　このインクジェット記録装置は、次のようにしてもよい。前記記録ヘッドに設けられ、前記記録ヘッドに供給された前記インクを加熱する加熱部を備える、ようにしてもよい。これによれば、記録ヘッドに供給されたインクを加熱し、インクの粘度を低下させることができる。粘度を低下させることで、インクをノズルから好適に吐出することができる。加熱温度は、インクの物性に応じて適宜設定するとよい。 This ink jet recording apparatus may be as follows. You may make it provide the heating part which is provided in the said recording head and heats the said ink supplied to the said recording head. According to this, the ink supplied to the recording head can be heated and the viscosity of the ink can be reduced. By reducing the viscosity, the ink can be suitably discharged from the nozzle. The heating temperature may be appropriately set according to the physical properties of the ink.
　前記供給流路に設けられ、前記インクを前記記録ヘッドの側に流す分配器を備え、前記回収流路は、前記インクタンクと前記分配器とを接続し、前記インクタンクから流出して前記分配器に到達した前記インクを前記分配器から前記インクタンクに回収する流路である、ようにしてもよい。これによれば、インクタンクから流出した記録ヘッドに供給される前のインクを、分配器から回収流路に流出させてインクタンクに回収することができる。 A distributor provided in the supply channel and configured to flow the ink toward the recording head; and the recovery channel connects the ink tank and the distributor and flows out of the ink tank and distributes the ink The ink reaching the container may be a flow path for collecting the ink from the distributor to the ink tank. According to this, the ink before being supplied to the recording head that has flowed out of the ink tank can be discharged from the distributor to the collecting flow path and collected in the ink tank.
　前記インクタンクとして、第一インクを貯留し、前記第一インクが貯留される内部の圧力が大気圧である第一インクタンクと、第二インクを貯留し、前記第二インクが貯留される内部の圧力が大気圧である第二インクタンクと、を備え、前記記録ヘッドとして、前記第一インクを吐出するノズルが形成された第一記録ヘッドと、前記第二インクを吐出するノズルが形成された第二記録ヘッドと、を備え、前記供給流路として、前記第一インクタンクと前記第一記録ヘッドとを接続し、前記第一インクタンクから流出し前記第一記録ヘッドに供給される前記第一インクが流れる第一供給流路と、前記第二インクタンクと前記第二記録ヘッドとを接続し、前記第二インクタンクから流出し前記第二記録ヘッドに供給される前記第二インクが流れる第二供給流路と、を備え、前記回収流路として、前記第一インクタンクから流出した前記第一インクを前記第一インクタンクに回収する流路であって、前記第一インクタンクに接続される第一回収流路と、前記第二インクタンクから流出した前記第二インクを前記第二インクタンクに回収する流路であって、前記第二インクタンクに接続される第二回収流路と、を備え、前記インク送液部として、前記第一供給流路の途中に設けられ、前記第一インクを前記第一供給流路を介して前記第一記録ヘッドの側に流し、前記第一インクタンクから流出した前記第一インクを前記第一回収流路を介して前記第一インクタンクの側に流す第一インク送液部と、前記第二供給流路の途中に設けられ、前記第二インクを前記第二供給流路を介して前記第二記録ヘッドの側に流し、前記第二インクタンクから流出した前記第二インクを前記第二回収流路を介して前記第二インクタンクの側に流す第二インク送液部と、を備え、前記冷却流路は、前記第一インクタンクに貯留された前記第一インクと、前記第二インクタンクに貯留された前記第二インクと、を冷却する前記冷却媒体が流出する流出口に片側端が接続される第一流路部と、前記流出口から流出し前記冷却流路を流れた前記冷却媒体が流入する流入口に片側端が接続され、且つ、前記流出口から流出し前記流入口に流入する前記冷却媒体が前記冷却流路を流れる方向において前記第一流路部より下流側に配置される第二流路部と、前記第一流路部の第一位置に到達した前記冷却媒体を前記第一インクタンクの側に流し、前記第二流路部の第二位置で、前記第一インクタンクの側を流れた前記冷却媒体を前記第二流路部に流す第三流路部と、前記流出口から流出し前記流入口に流入する前記冷却媒体が前記冷却流路を流れる方向において前記第一位置より下流側である前記第一流路部の第三位置に到達した前記冷却媒体を前記第二インクタンクの側に流し、前記第二流路部の第四位置で、前記第二インクタンクの側を流れた前記冷却媒体を前記第二流路部に流す第四流路部と、を含む、ようにしてもよい。 As the ink tank, a first ink is stored, a first ink tank in which the internal pressure in which the first ink is stored is atmospheric pressure, an internal in which the second ink is stored and the second ink is stored. A second ink tank having a pressure of atmospheric pressure, and a first recording head on which the nozzle for discharging the first ink is formed and a nozzle for discharging the second ink are formed as the recording head. A second recording head, and as the supply flow path, the first ink tank and the first recording head are connected to each other and flow out of the first ink tank and supplied to the first recording head. A first supply channel through which the first ink flows, the second ink tank and the second recording head are connected, and the second ink flowing out from the second ink tank and supplied to the second recording head is flow A second supply channel, and the recovery channel is a channel for collecting the first ink flowing out of the first ink tank into the first ink tank, and is connected to the first ink tank And a second recovery channel that is connected to the second ink tank, and is a channel that recovers the second ink that has flowed out of the second ink tank into the second ink tank. And provided as the ink feeding section in the middle of the first supply flow path, allowing the first ink to flow toward the first recording head via the first supply flow path, and A first ink feeding section for flowing the first ink flowing out from one ink tank to the first ink tank via the first recovery channel, and provided in the middle of the second supply channel, The second ink is supplied to the second ink through the second supply channel. A second ink feeding section that flows to the recording head side and flows the second ink that has flowed out of the second ink tank to the second ink tank side through the second recovery flow path, and The cooling flow path has one end at an outlet from which the cooling medium that cools the first ink stored in the first ink tank and the second ink stored in the second ink tank flows out. One end is connected to the first flow path portion to be connected, and the flow inlet through which the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet and flowing through the cooling flow path flows, and flows out from the outlet and flows into the inlet. A second flow path portion disposed downstream of the first flow path portion in a direction in which the cooling medium flows through the cooling flow path, and the cooling medium that has reached a first position of the first flow path portion. Flow to the side of the one ink tank, and A second flow path portion for flowing the cooling medium flowing on the first ink tank side into the second flow path section at two positions; and the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet and into the inlet. The cooling medium that has reached the third position of the first flow path portion that is downstream of the first position in the flow direction of the cooling flow path is caused to flow toward the second ink tank, and the second flow path section And a fourth flow path portion for flowing the cooling medium flowing on the second ink tank side to the second flow path portion at four positions.
　これによれば、第一インクタンクに貯留された第一インクを冷却した冷却媒体が、第二インクタンクの側に流れ、第二インクの冷却に再度利用されることがない。そのため、第一インクを好適に冷却しつつ、第二インクを第一インクと同様、好適に冷却することができる。 According to this, the cooling medium that has cooled the first ink stored in the first ink tank flows toward the second ink tank and is not reused for cooling the second ink. Therefore, the second ink can be suitably cooled in the same manner as the first ink while the first ink is suitably cooled.
　前記第三流路部は、前記第一インクタンクにおいて前記第一インクが貯留される前記第一インクタンクの内部に設けられ、前記第四流路部は、前記第二インクタンクにおいて前記第二インクが貯留される前記第二インクタンクの内部に設けられる、ようにしてもよい。これによれば、第一インク及び第二インクを好適に冷却することができる。第一インクタンクに貯留された第一インクが冷却媒体が流れている第三流路部に接することで、第一インクを効率よく冷却することができる。第二インクタンクに貯留された第二インクが冷却媒体が流れている第四流路部に接することで、第二インクを効率よく冷却することができる。 The third channel portion is provided in the first ink tank in which the first ink is stored in the first ink tank, and the fourth channel portion is provided in the second ink tank. It may be arranged inside the second ink tank in which ink is stored. According to this, the first ink and the second ink can be suitably cooled. The first ink stored in the first ink tank comes into contact with the third flow path portion in which the cooling medium flows, so that the first ink can be efficiently cooled. The second ink stored in the second ink tank comes into contact with the fourth flow path portion in which the cooling medium flows, so that the second ink can be efficiently cooled.
　前記第三流路部は、前記第一インクタンクの外面に接した状態で設けられ、前記第四流路部は、前記第二インクタンクの外面に接した状態で設けられる、ようにしてもよい。これによれば、第一インク及び第二インクを好適に冷却することができる。第三流路部に冷却媒体を流し第一インクタンクを冷却することで、そこに貯留された第一インクを全体的に冷却することができる。第四流路部に冷却媒体を流し第二インクタンクを冷却することで、そこに貯留された第二インクを全体的に冷却することができる。 The third channel portion is provided in contact with the outer surface of the first ink tank, and the fourth channel portion is provided in contact with the outer surface of the second ink tank. Good. According to this, the first ink and the second ink can be suitably cooled. By flowing the cooling medium through the third flow path portion and cooling the first ink tank, the first ink stored therein can be cooled as a whole. By flowing the cooling medium through the fourth flow path portion and cooling the second ink tank, the second ink stored therein can be cooled as a whole.
　前記第一記録ヘッドに設けられ、前記第一記録ヘッドに供給された前記第一インクを加熱する第一加熱部と、前記第二記録ヘッドに設けられ、前記第二記録ヘッドに供給された前記第二インクを加熱する第二加熱部と、を備える、ようにしてもよい。これによれば、第一記録ヘッドに供給された第一インクを加熱し、第一インクの粘度を低下させることができる。粘度を低下させることで、第一インクをノズルから好適に吐出することができる。第二記録ヘッドに供給された第二インクを加熱し、第二インクの粘度を低下させることができる。粘度を低下させることで、第二インクをノズルから好適に吐出することができる。加熱温度は、第一インク及び第二インクの各物性に応じて適宜設定するとよい。 A first heating unit provided in the first recording head for heating the first ink supplied to the first recording head; and provided in the second recording head and supplied to the second recording head. And a second heating unit that heats the second ink. According to this, the first ink supplied to the first recording head can be heated and the viscosity of the first ink can be reduced. By reducing the viscosity, the first ink can be suitably discharged from the nozzle. The second ink supplied to the second recording head can be heated to reduce the viscosity of the second ink. By reducing the viscosity, the second ink can be suitably discharged from the nozzle. The heating temperature may be appropriately set according to the physical properties of the first ink and the second ink.
　前記第一供給流路に設けられ、前記第一インクを前記第一記録ヘッドの側に流す第一分配器と、前記第二供給流路に設けられ、前記第二インクを前記第二記録ヘッドの側に流す第二分配器と、を備え、前記第一回収流路は、前記第一インクタンクと前記第一分配器とを接続し、前記第一インクタンクから流出して前記第一分配器に到達した前記第一インクを前記第一分配器から前記第一インクタンクに回収する流路であり、前記第二回収流路は、前記第二インクタンクと前記第二分配器とを接続し、前記第二インクタンクから流出して前記第二分配器に到達した前記第二インクを前記第二分配器から前記第二インクタンクに回収する流路である、ようにしてもよい。これによれば、第一インクタンクから流出した第一記録ヘッドに供給される前の第一インクを、第一分配器から第一回収流路に流出させて第一インクタンクに回収することができる。第二インクタンクから流出した第二記録ヘッドに供給される前の第二インクを第二分配器から第二回収流路に流出させて第二インクタンクに回収することができる。 A first distributor which is provided in the first supply flow path and causes the first ink to flow toward the first recording head; and a second distributor which is provided in the second supply flow path and which supplies the second ink to the second recording head. A second distributor that flows to the first side, and the first recovery flow path connects the first ink tank and the first distributor, flows out of the first ink tank, and flows into the first distributor. A flow path for collecting the first ink that has reached the container from the first distributor to the first ink tank, wherein the second recovery flow path connects the second ink tank and the second distributor. The second ink that flows out from the second ink tank and reaches the second distributor may be a flow path for collecting the second ink from the second distributor to the second ink tank. According to this, the first ink before being supplied to the first recording head that has flowed out from the first ink tank is allowed to flow out from the first distributor to the first collecting flow path and be collected in the first ink tank. it can. The second ink before being supplied to the second recording head that has flowed out from the second ink tank can flow out from the second distributor to the second collecting flow path and be collected in the second ink tank.
　本発明の他の側面は、インクを貯留し、前記インクが貯留される内部の圧力が大気圧であるインクタンクと、前記インクを吐出するノズルが形成された記録ヘッドと、前記インクタンクと前記記録ヘッドとを接続し、前記インクタンクから流出し前記記録ヘッドに供給される前記インクが流れる供給流路と、前記インクタンクから流出した前記インクを前記インクタンクに回収する流路であって、前記インクタンクに接続される回収流路と、前記供給流路の途中に設けられ、前記インクを前記供給流路を介して前記記録ヘッドの側に流し、前記インクタンクから流出した前記インクを前記回収流路を介して前記インクタンクの側に流すインク送液部と、を備えるインクジェット記録装置である。 In another aspect of the present invention, an ink tank that stores ink and an internal pressure in which the ink is stored is an atmospheric pressure, a recording head in which a nozzle that discharges the ink is formed, the ink tank, A supply flow path for connecting the print head, the ink flowing out of the ink tank and supplied to the print head, and a flow path for collecting the ink flowed out of the ink tank into the ink tank, A recovery channel connected to the ink tank and provided in the middle of the supply channel, the ink flows to the side of the recording head via the supply channel, and the ink that has flowed out of the ink tank is And an ink feeding unit that flows to the ink tank side through a recovery channel.
　これによれば、吐出される前のインクを好適に循環させることができる。循環によって、インクに含まれる含有成分の沈降を抑制することができる。好適な品質の画像を記録することができる。 According to this, it is possible to suitably circulate the ink before being ejected. By circulation, sedimentation of the contained components contained in the ink can be suppressed. An image of suitable quality can be recorded.
　本発明によれば、吐出前のインクを好適な状態に管理することができる、インクジェット記録装置を得ることができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an ink jet recording apparatus that can manage ink before ejection in a suitable state.
インクジェット記録装置の概略構成の一例を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows an example of schematic structure of an inkjet recording device. 記録ヘッドの概略構成の一例を示し、記録ヘッドをノズルが形成された吐出面の側から視た図である。FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration of a recording head, and is a view of the recording head as viewed from a discharge surface side on which nozzles are formed. 記録ヘッドへのインクの供給と、インクの循環を説明する図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining ink supply to the recording head and ink circulation. 冷却部の概略構成の一例を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows an example of schematic structure of a cooling unit.
　本発明を実施するための実施形態について、図面を用いて説明する。本発明は、以下に記載の構成に限定されるものではなく、同一の技術的思想において種々の構成を採用することができる。例えば、以下に示す構成の一部は、省略し又は他の構成等に置換してもよい。また、他の構成を含むようにしてもよい。 Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the configurations described below, and various configurations can be employed in the same technical idea. For example, some of the configurations shown below may be omitted or replaced with other configurations. Moreover, you may make it include another structure.
　＜インクジェット記録装置＞
　インクジェット記録装置１について、図１及び図２を参照して説明する。インクジェット記録装置１は、ライン型のインクジェット記録装置である。インクジェット記録装置１によれば、記録媒体２にフルカラーの画像を記録することができる。図１で、搬送部１０の第二側に示す「記録面３」に付した網点模様は、記録面３に画像が記録されていることを示す。本実施形態では、イエロー、マゼンタ、シアン及びブラックの各色によってフルカラーの画像を記録する場合を例に説明する。インクジェット記録装置１は、搬送部１０と、記録部２０Ｙ，２０Ｍ，２０Ｃ，２０Ｋと、制御ボックス３０と、インクタンク４０Ｙ，４０Ｍ，４０Ｃ，４０Ｋと、インク流路５０Ｙ，５０Ｍ，５０Ｃ，５０Ｋと、分配器６０Ｙ，６０Ｍ，６０Ｃ，６０Ｋと、ポンプ９０Ｙ，９０Ｍ，９０Ｃ，９０Ｋと、冷却部１００を備える。 <Inkjet recording apparatus>
The ink jet recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 is a line type ink jet recording apparatus. According to the inkjet recording apparatus 1, a full color image can be recorded on the recording medium 2. In FIG. 1, the halftone dot pattern attached to the “recording surface 3” shown on the second side of the transport unit 10 indicates that an image is recorded on the recording surface 3. In this embodiment, a case where a full-color image is recorded with each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black will be described as an example. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes a transport unit 10, recording units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, a control box 30, ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K, ink flow paths 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K. Distributors 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K, pumps 90Y, 90M, 90C, and 90K, and a cooling unit 100 are provided.
　搬送部１０は、コンベア等のような搬送機構によって構成される。搬送部１０は、記録媒体２を、搬送部１０の第一側から、記録部２０Ｙ，２０Ｍ，２０Ｃ，２０Ｋを通過させ、搬送部１０の第二側に搬送する。第一側から第二側への方向を、「搬送方向」という。搬送部１０は、既に実用化されたインクジェット記録装置が備える搬送部と同様の構成を有する。従って、搬送部１０に関するこの他の説明は省略する。 The transport unit 10 is configured by a transport mechanism such as a conveyor. The transport unit 10 transports the recording medium 2 from the first side of the transport unit 10 to the second side of the transport unit 10 through the recording units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. The direction from the first side to the second side is referred to as the “conveying direction”. The transport unit 10 has the same configuration as the transport unit included in an already-practical inkjet recording apparatus. Therefore, the other description regarding the conveyance part 10 is abbreviate | omitted.
　記録部２０Ｙは、イエローインクによって画像を記録する記録部である。記録部２０Ｍは、マゼンタインクによって画像を記録する記録部である。記録部２０Ｃは、シアンインクによって画像を記録する記録部である。記録部２０Ｋは、ブラックインクによって画像を記録する記録部である。記録部２０Ｙは、複数の記録ヘッド２２Ｙを含む。複数の記録ヘッド２２Ｙは、図２に示すように、搬送方向に直交する方向に直線的に配置される。記録ヘッド２２Ｙには、イエローインクを吐出する複数のノズル２４Ｙが形成される。記録部２０Ｍは、複数の記録ヘッド２２Ｍを含む。複数の記録ヘッド２２Ｍは、図２に示すように、搬送方向に直交する方向に直線的に配置される。記録ヘッド２２Ｍには、マゼンタインクを吐出する複数のノズル２４Ｍが形成される。記録部２０Ｃは、複数の記録ヘッド２２Ｃを含む。複数の記録ヘッド２２Ｃは、図２に示すように、搬送方向に直交する方向に直線的に配置される。記録ヘッド２２Ｃには、シアンインクを吐出する複数のノズル２４Ｃが形成される。記録部２０Ｋは、複数の記録ヘッド２２Ｋを含む。複数の記録ヘッド２２Ｋは、図２に示すように、搬送方向に直交する方向に直線的に配置される。記録ヘッド２２Ｋには、ブラックインクを吐出する複数のノズル２４Ｋが形成される。 The recording unit 20Y is a recording unit that records an image with yellow ink. The recording unit 20M is a recording unit that records an image with magenta ink. The recording unit 20C is a recording unit that records an image with cyan ink. The recording unit 20K is a recording unit that records an image with black ink. The recording unit 20Y includes a plurality of recording heads 22Y. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of recording heads 22Y are linearly arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The recording head 22Y is formed with a plurality of nozzles 24Y that discharge yellow ink. The recording unit 20M includes a plurality of recording heads 22M. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of recording heads 22M are linearly arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The recording head 22M is formed with a plurality of nozzles 24M that discharge magenta ink. The recording unit 20C includes a plurality of recording heads 22C. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of recording heads 22C are linearly arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The recording head 22C is formed with a plurality of nozzles 24C that discharge cyan ink. The recording unit 20K includes a plurality of recording heads 22K. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of recording heads 22K are linearly arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The recording head 22K is formed with a plurality of nozzles 24K that discharge black ink.
　記録部２０Ｙ，２０Ｍ，２０Ｃ，２０Ｋのそれぞれに含まれる記録ヘッド２２Ｙ，２２Ｍ，２２Ｃ，２２Ｋの配置及び総数について、図２では、４個／列×１列の合計４個としているが、これは例示である。記録ヘッド２２Ｙ，２２Ｍ，２２Ｃ，２２Ｋの配置及び総数は、諸条件を考慮して適宜決定される。１個の記録ヘッド２２Ｙ，２２Ｍ，２２Ｃ，２２Ｋのそれぞれに形成されるノズル２４Ｙ，２４Ｍ，２４Ｃ，２４Ｋの配置及び総数について、図２では、３個／列×２列の合計６個としているが、これは例示である。ノズル２４Ｙ，２４Ｍ，２４Ｃ，２４Ｋの配置及び総数は、諸条件を考慮して適宜決定される。 In FIG. 2, the arrangement and total number of the recording heads 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K included in each of the recording units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are 4 in total, that is, 4 / row × 1 row. It is an example. The arrangement and total number of the recording heads 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are appropriately determined in consideration of various conditions. In FIG. 2, the arrangement and total number of nozzles 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K formed in each of the recording heads 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are six in a total of three / row × 2 rows in FIG. This is an example. The arrangement and total number of the nozzles 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K are appropriately determined in consideration of various conditions.
　記録部２０Ｙ，２０Ｍ，２０Ｃ，２０Ｋは、同一の構成を有する。記録ヘッド２２Ｙ，２２Ｍ，２２Ｃ，２２Ｋは、同一の構成を有する。ノズル２４Ｙ，２４Ｍ，２４Ｃ，２４Ｋは、同一の構成を有する。本実施形態では、記録部２０Ｙ，２０Ｍ，２０Ｃ，２０Ｋをそれぞれ区別しない場合（インク色をそれぞれ区別しない場合）、又は、これらを総称する場合、「記録部２０」という。同様に、記録ヘッド２２Ｙ，２２Ｍ，２２Ｃ，２２Ｋは、「記録ヘッド２２」という。ノズル２４Ｙ，２４Ｍ，２４Ｃ，２４Ｋは、「ノズル２４」という。 The recording units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K have the same configuration. The recording heads 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K have the same configuration. The nozzles 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K have the same configuration. In the present embodiment, the recording units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are referred to as “recording unit 20” when they are not distinguished from each other (when ink colors are not distinguished from each other) or collectively. Similarly, the recording heads 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are referred to as “recording head 22”. The nozzles 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K are referred to as “nozzles 24”.
　各色用の記録部２０は、搬送面１２の上方の位置に設けられる。各色用の記録部２０において、吐出面は、記録面３に対向する。吐出面は、ノズル２４が形成された記録ヘッド２２の面である。記録面３は、搬送部１０の搬送面１２にセットされて搬送される記録媒体２において、画像が記録される面である。各色用の記録部２０は、搬送方向に隣り合った状態で配列される。各色用の記録部２０の配列は、図１及び図２とは異なる順序としてもよい。各色用の記録部２０の配列順序は、諸条件を考慮して適宜決定される。インクジェット記録装置１で画像が記録される場合、各色のインクは、各色用の記録部２０にそれぞれ含まれる記録ヘッド２２に形成されたノズル２４から、搬送面１２にセットされて搬送される記録媒体２の記録面３に向けて吐出される。ノズル２４から吐出された各色のインクは、記録面３に着弾する。 The recording unit 20 for each color is provided at a position above the conveyance surface 12. In the recording unit 20 for each color, the ejection surface faces the recording surface 3. The ejection surface is the surface of the recording head 22 on which the nozzles 24 are formed. The recording surface 3 is a surface on which an image is recorded on the recording medium 2 that is set and conveyed on the conveyance surface 12 of the conveyance unit 10. The recording units 20 for each color are arranged adjacent to each other in the transport direction. The arrangement of the recording units 20 for the respective colors may be in an order different from that shown in FIGS. The arrangement order of the recording units 20 for each color is appropriately determined in consideration of various conditions. When an image is recorded by the inkjet recording apparatus 1, each color ink is set and conveyed on the conveyance surface 12 from the nozzles 24 formed on the recording heads 22 included in the recording units 20 for the respective colors. 2 toward the recording surface 3. Each color ink ejected from the nozzle 24 lands on the recording surface 3.
　制御ボックス３０は、例えば、制御部３２を含む。制御部３２は、インクジェット記録装置１を制御する。制御部３２は、例えば、画像の記録に関する処理等を制御する。画像の記録に関する処理は、記録される画像に対応した画像データに従い制御される。制御ボックス３０は、電子部品が搭載された回路基板及び電気配線等を含む。回路基板及び／又は電気配線等の一部は、記録部２０の上部に設けられることもある。 The control box 30 includes a control unit 32, for example. The control unit 32 controls the ink jet recording apparatus 1. The control unit 32 controls, for example, processing related to image recording. Processing related to image recording is controlled in accordance with image data corresponding to the image to be recorded. The control box 30 includes a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, electrical wiring, and the like. A part of the circuit board and / or electrical wiring may be provided on the upper part of the recording unit 20.
　インクタンク４０Ｙ，４０Ｍ，４０Ｃ，４０Ｋは、画像の記録に用いられる上述した各色のインクをそれぞれ貯留する。各色のインクは、対応する色の色材等の各成分を、溶媒に分散させてなる。溶媒としては、水が例示される。溶媒が水であるインクは、水系インクと称されることもある。色材としては、反応染料、酸性染料、直接染料、分散染料等の染料が例示される。色材として、顔料を用いることもできる。インクには、必要に応じて分散剤、消泡剤、浸透剤、濃染剤、ｐＨ調整剤等を、添加してもよい。各色のインクは、所定の温度を超えると、物性が変化する場合がある。水系インクは、温度上昇に伴い、物性が変化し易い傾向にある。物性が変化する所定の温度は、インクの種類によって異なる。インクタンク４０Ｙは、イエローインクを貯留するインクタンクである。インクタンク４０Ｍは、マゼンタインクを貯留するインクタンクである。インクタンク４０Ｃは、シアンインクを貯留するインクタンクである。インクタンク４０Ｋは、ブラックインクを貯留するインクタンクである。インクタンク４０Ｙ，４０Ｍ，４０Ｃ，４０Ｋにおいて、各色のインクが貯留される内部４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃ，４２Ｋは、インクジェット記録装置１が設置された外部空間に連通した状態とされる（図３参照）。従って、内部４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃ，４２Ｋの圧力は、大気圧となる。 The ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K store the above-described inks of the respective colors that are used for image recording. Each color ink is obtained by dispersing each component such as a color material of a corresponding color in a solvent. An example of the solvent is water. An ink whose solvent is water may be referred to as a water-based ink. Examples of the color material include reactive dyes, acid dyes, direct dyes, disperse dyes and the like. A pigment can also be used as the color material. You may add a dispersing agent, an antifoamer, a penetrating agent, a thick dye, a pH adjuster etc. to ink as needed. Ink of each color may change its physical properties when it exceeds a predetermined temperature. Water-based inks tend to change their physical properties with increasing temperature. The predetermined temperature at which the physical property changes varies depending on the type of ink. The ink tank 40Y is an ink tank that stores yellow ink. The ink tank 40M is an ink tank that stores magenta ink. The ink tank 40C is an ink tank that stores cyan ink. The ink tank 40K is an ink tank that stores black ink. In the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K, the interiors 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K in which the inks of the respective colors are stored are in communication with an external space in which the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is installed (see FIG. 3). . Accordingly, the pressures in the interiors 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K become atmospheric pressure.
　インクタンク４０Ｙ，４０Ｍ，４０Ｃ，４０Ｋは、同様の構成を有する。本実施形態では、インクタンク４０Ｙ，４０Ｍ，４０Ｃ，４０Ｋをそれぞれ区別しない場合（インク色をそれぞれ区別しない場合）、又は、これらを総称する場合、「インクタンク４０」という。同様に、内部４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃ，４２Ｋは、「内部４２」という。 The ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K have the same configuration. In the present embodiment, the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K are referred to as “ink tank 40” when they are not distinguished from each other (when ink colors are not distinguished from each other) or collectively. Similarly, the insides 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are referred to as “inside 42”.
　インク流路５０Ｙ，５０Ｍ，５０Ｃ，５０Ｋは、上述した各色のインクが流れる流路である。インク流路５０Ｙは、イエローインクが流れる流路である。インク流路５０Ｙは、供給流路５２Ｙと、回収流路５４Ｙを含む。供給流路５２Ｙには、分配器６０Ｙが設けられる。分配器６０Ｙは、内部に空間が形成された管状の構成を有する。供給流路５２Ｙには、ポンプ９０Ｙが設けられる。ポンプ９０Ｙが設けられる供給流路５２Ｙの所定の位置は、分配器６０Ｙが設けられる位置よりインクタンク４０Ｙの側である。インク流路５０Ｍは、マゼンタインクが流れる流路である。インク流路５０Ｍは、供給流路５２Ｍと、回収流路５４Ｍを含む。供給流路５２Ｍには、分配器６０Ｍが設けられる。分配器６０Ｍは、内部に空間が形成された管状の構成を有する。供給流路５２Ｍには、ポンプ９０Ｍが設けられる。ポンプ９０Ｍが設けられる供給流路５２Ｍの所定の位置は、分配器６０Ｍが設けられる位置よりインクタンク４０Ｍの側である。 The ink channels 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K are channels through which the above-described inks of the respective colors flow. The ink channel 50Y is a channel through which yellow ink flows. The ink flow path 50Y includes a supply flow path 52Y and a recovery flow path 54Y. A distributor 60Y is provided in the supply flow path 52Y. The distributor 60Y has a tubular configuration in which a space is formed. A pump 90Y is provided in the supply flow path 52Y. The predetermined position of the supply flow path 52Y where the pump 90Y is provided is closer to the ink tank 40Y than the position where the distributor 60Y is provided. The ink channel 50M is a channel through which magenta ink flows. The ink flow path 50M includes a supply flow path 52M and a recovery flow path 54M. A distributor 60M is provided in the supply flow path 52M. The distributor 60M has a tubular configuration in which a space is formed. A pump 90M is provided in the supply flow path 52M. The predetermined position of the supply flow path 52M where the pump 90M is provided is closer to the ink tank 40M than the position where the distributor 60M is provided.
　インク流路５０Ｃは、シアンインクが流れる流路である。インク流路５０Ｃは、供給流路５２Ｃと、回収流路５４Ｃを含む。供給流路５２Ｃには、分配器６０Ｃが設けられる。分配器６０Ｃは、内部に空間が形成された管状の構成を有する。供給流路５２Ｃには、ポンプ９０Ｃが設けられる。ポンプ９０Ｃが設けられる供給流路５２Ｃの所定の位置は、分配器６０Ｃが設けられる位置よりインクタンク４０Ｃの側である。インク流路５０Ｋは、ブラックインクが流れる流路である。インク流路５０Ｋは、供給流路５２Ｋと、回収流路５４Ｋを含む。供給流路５２Ｋには、分配器６０Ｋが設けられる。分配器６０Ｋは、内部に空間が形成された管状の構成を有する。供給流路５２Ｋには、ポンプ９０Ｋが設けられる。ポンプ９０Ｋが設けられる供給流路５２Ｋの所定の位置は、分配器６０Ｋが設けられる位置よりインクタンク４０Ｋの側である。 The ink channel 50C is a channel through which cyan ink flows. The ink flow path 50C includes a supply flow path 52C and a recovery flow path 54C. A distributor 60C is provided in the supply flow path 52C. The distributor 60C has a tubular configuration in which a space is formed. A pump 90C is provided in the supply flow path 52C. The predetermined position of the supply flow path 52C where the pump 90C is provided is closer to the ink tank 40C than the position where the distributor 60C is provided. The ink channel 50K is a channel through which black ink flows. The ink flow path 50K includes a supply flow path 52K and a recovery flow path 54K. A distributor 60K is provided in the supply flow path 52K. The distributor 60K has a tubular configuration in which a space is formed. A pump 90K is provided in the supply flow path 52K. The predetermined position of the supply flow path 52K where the pump 90K is provided is closer to the ink tank 40K than the position where the distributor 60K is provided.
　インク流路５０Ｙ，５０Ｍ，５０Ｃ，５０Ｋは、同様の構成を有する。分配器６０Ｙ，６０Ｍ，６０Ｃ，６０Ｋは、上述したように管状である点を含め、同様の構成を有する。ポンプ９０Ｙ，９０Ｍ，９０Ｃ，９０Ｋは、同じタイプのポンプである。本実施形態では、インク流路５０Ｙ，５０Ｍ，５０Ｃ，５０Ｋをそれぞれ区別しない場合（インク色をそれぞれ区別しない場合）、又は、これらを総称する場合、「インク流路５０」という。同様に、供給流路５２Ｙ，５２Ｍ，５２Ｃ，５２Ｋは、「供給流路５２」という。回収流路５４Ｙ，５４Ｍ，５４Ｃ，５４Ｋは、「回収流路５４」という。分配器６０Ｙ，６０Ｍ，６０Ｃ，６０Ｋは、「分配器６０」という。ポンプ９０Ｙ，９０Ｍ，９０Ｃ，９０Ｋは、「ポンプ９０」という。図１においてインク流路５０Ｙ，５０Ｍ，５０Ｃ，５０Ｋ、及び、分配器６０Ｙ，６０Ｍ，６０Ｃ，６０Ｋは、図示を簡略化している。インク流路５０、分配器６０及びポンプ９０によって行われる、インクタンク４０から記録ヘッド２２へのインクの供給と、インクの循環に関する説明は、後述する。 The ink flow paths 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K have the same configuration. Distributors 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K have the same configuration including the point of being tubular as described above. The pumps 90Y, 90M, 90C, and 90K are the same type of pump. In the present embodiment, the ink flow paths 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K are referred to as “ink flow paths 50” when they are not distinguished from each other (when ink colors are not distinguished from each other) or collectively. Similarly, the supply flow paths 52Y, 52M, 52C, and 52K are referred to as “supply flow paths 52”. The recovery channels 54Y, 54M, 54C, and 54K are referred to as “recovery channels 54”. The distributors 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K are referred to as “distributor 60”. The pumps 90Y, 90M, 90C, and 90K are referred to as “pump 90”. In FIG. 1, the ink flow paths 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K and the distributors 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K are simplified in illustration. The description regarding the supply of ink from the ink tank 40 to the recording head 22 and the circulation of the ink performed by the ink flow path 50, the distributor 60, and the pump 90 will be described later.
　冷却部１００は、冷却媒体を一定の温度に冷却し、冷却媒体を循環させる。冷却媒体は、インクタンク４０Ｙに貯留されたイエローインクと、インクタンク４０Ｍに貯留されたマゼンタインクと、インクタンク４０Ｃに貯留されたシアンインクと、インクタンク４０Ｋに貯留されたブラックインクを冷却する。冷却部１００に関する説明は、後述する。 The cooling unit 100 cools the cooling medium to a constant temperature and circulates the cooling medium. The cooling medium cools the yellow ink stored in the ink tank 40Y, the magenta ink stored in the ink tank 40M, the cyan ink stored in the ink tank 40C, and the black ink stored in the ink tank 40K. The description regarding the cooling unit 100 will be described later.
　＜インクの供給及び循環＞
　インクジェット記録装置１において、各色のインクがインクタンク４０から対応する色の記録ヘッド２２に供給される構成と、各色用のインクタンク４０にそれぞれ貯留された各色のインクが循環される構成について、図３を参照して説明する。インクタンク４０から記録ヘッド２２へのインクの供給は、インク色に関わらず、図３に示すような構成によって実現される。インクジェット記録装置１は、図３に示すような構成を、イエロー、マゼンタ、シアン及びブラックの各色分だけ備える。従って、以下では、インク色を限定することなく説明する。図３において、インク流路５０（供給流路５２及び回収流路５４）に沿って図示した片矢の矢印は、図示された各範囲において、インクが流れる方向を示す。 <Ink supply and circulation>
In the inkjet recording apparatus 1, a configuration in which each color ink is supplied from the ink tank 40 to the corresponding color recording head 22 and a configuration in which each color ink stored in each color ink tank 40 is circulated are shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. The ink supply from the ink tank 40 to the recording head 22 is realized by the configuration shown in FIG. 3 regardless of the ink color. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes the configuration shown in FIG. 3 for each of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Accordingly, the following description will be made without limiting the ink color. In FIG. 3, a single arrow shown along the ink flow path 50 (the supply flow path 52 and the recovery flow path 54) indicates the direction in which ink flows in each of the illustrated ranges.
　インクジェット記録装置１は、インクタンク４０から、記録ヘッド２２に、特定の色のインクを供給し、循環させる構成として、上述したインク流路５０、分配器６０及びポンプ９０の他、複数の供給側バルブ９２と、回収側バルブ９４を備える。 The ink jet recording apparatus 1 has a configuration in which ink of a specific color is supplied from the ink tank 40 to the recording head 22 and circulated, in addition to the ink flow path 50, the distributor 60 and the pump 90 described above, and a plurality of supply sides. A valve 92 and a recovery side valve 94 are provided.
　インク流路５０は、上述した通り、供給流路５２と、回収流路５４を含む。以下では、供給流路５２に関し、分配器６０を基準として、上流側の部分と下流側の部分を区別する場合、上流側の部分を「上流側流路５２１」といい、下流側の部分を「下流側流路５２２」という。上流側の部分は、インクタンク４０と分配器６０の間の部分である。下流側の部分は、分配器６０と記録ヘッド２２の間の部分である。供給流路５２（上流側流路５２１及び下流側流路５２２）及び回収流路５４は、何れも、チューブ又は鋼管等で構成される。上流側流路５２１は、インクタンク４０と分配器６０を接続し、インクタンク４０から分配器６０にインクを供給する流路である。インクタンク４０から流出したインクは、上流側流路５２１を流れ、分配器６０に流入する。 The ink flow path 50 includes the supply flow path 52 and the recovery flow path 54 as described above. In the following, regarding the supply flow path 52, when distinguishing the upstream part and the downstream part with reference to the distributor 60, the upstream part is referred to as “upstream flow path 521”, and the downstream part is referred to as the upstream part. This is referred to as “downstream channel 522”. The upstream portion is a portion between the ink tank 40 and the distributor 60. The downstream portion is a portion between the distributor 60 and the recording head 22. The supply flow path 52 (upstream flow path 521 and downstream flow path 522) and the recovery flow path 54 are each configured by a tube or a steel pipe. The upstream channel 521 is a channel that connects the ink tank 40 and the distributor 60 and supplies ink from the ink tank 40 to the distributor 60. The ink flowing out from the ink tank 40 flows through the upstream flow path 521 and flows into the distributor 60.
　下流側流路５２２は、分配器６０と複数の記録ヘッド２２のそれぞれを接続し、分配器６０に供給されたインクを、複数の記録ヘッド２２のそれぞれに供給する流路である。分配器６０から記録ヘッド２２の側に流出したインクは、下流側流路５２２を流れ、記録ヘッド２２に流入する。下流側流路５２２は、１色分の記録部２０に含まれる記録ヘッド２２の数に対応した数（記録ヘッド２２の数の倍数）だけ設けられる。例えば、図２に示すように特定の色の記録部２０が４個の記録ヘッド２２を含むとする。この場合、下流側流路５２２は、４個の記録ヘッド２２に対応して、例えば、４本（１本／記録ヘッド１個）設けられる。回収流路５４は、分配器６０によって供給流路５２から分岐した流路である。回収流路５４は、分配器６０とインクタンク４０を接続し、分配器６０に供給されたインクをインクタンク４０に回収する流路である。 The downstream channel 522 is a channel that connects the distributor 60 and each of the plurality of recording heads 22 and supplies the ink supplied to the distributor 60 to each of the plurality of recording heads 22. The ink flowing out from the distributor 60 toward the recording head 22 flows through the downstream flow path 522 and flows into the recording head 22. The downstream flow paths 522 are provided in a number corresponding to the number of recording heads 22 included in the recording unit 20 for one color (a multiple of the number of recording heads 22). For example, it is assumed that the recording unit 20 of a specific color includes four recording heads 22 as shown in FIG. In this case, for example, four (one recording head / one recording head) are provided corresponding to the four recording heads 22 in the downstream flow path 522. The recovery channel 54 is a channel branched from the supply channel 52 by the distributor 60. The recovery channel 54 is a channel for connecting the distributor 60 and the ink tank 40 and recovering the ink supplied to the distributor 60 to the ink tank 40.
　分配器６０には、流入口６２と、共通流路６４と、複数の供給口６６と、流出口６８が形成される。流入口６２は、分配器６０の一端側に形成された開口である。流入口６２には、上流側流路５２１が接続される。上流側流路５２１を流れるインクは、流入口６２から分配器６０に流入し、分配器６０の内部の共通流路６４に供給される。共通流路６４は、分配器６０の内部に形成された流路である。共通流路６４は、分配器６０の一端側と他端側の間に延在する。共通流路６４は、流入口６２と、複数の供給口６６と、流出口６８に連続する。共通流路６４の形状に関し、共通流路６４が延在する方向に垂直な断面形状は、共通流路６４が延在する方向に一定とされる。この断面形状は、例えば、円形、楕円形又は多角形とされる。 In the distributor 60, an inflow port 62, a common flow path 64, a plurality of supply ports 66, and an outflow port 68 are formed. The inflow port 62 is an opening formed on one end side of the distributor 60. An upstream channel 521 is connected to the inflow port 62. The ink flowing through the upstream channel 521 flows into the distributor 60 from the inlet 62 and is supplied to the common channel 64 inside the distributor 60. The common flow path 64 is a flow path formed inside the distributor 60. The common flow path 64 extends between one end side and the other end side of the distributor 60. The common flow path 64 is continuous with the inflow port 62, the plurality of supply ports 66, and the outflow port 68. Regarding the shape of the common channel 64, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction in which the common channel 64 extends is constant in the direction in which the common channel 64 extends. The cross-sectional shape is, for example, a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon.
　供給口６６は、分配器６０の側面部において、共通流路６４が延在する方向に配列された状態で複数設けられる。供給口６６は、１色分の記録部２０に含まれる記録ヘッド２２の数に対応した数だけ設けられる。この点については、上述した下流側流路５２２の場合と同様である。この点に関する説明は省略する。複数の供給口６６には、下流側流路５２２がそれぞれ接続される。流出口６８は、分配器６０の他端側に形成される。流出口６８には、回収流路５４が接続される。インクを循環させる場合、共通流路６４を流れたインクは、流出口６８から回収流路５４の側に流れ、インクタンク４０に回収される。 A plurality of supply ports 66 are provided on the side surface of the distributor 60 in a state in which the common flow paths 64 are arranged in the extending direction. The supply ports 66 are provided in a number corresponding to the number of recording heads 22 included in the recording unit 20 for one color. About this point, it is the same as that of the case of the downstream flow path 522 mentioned above. The description regarding this point is omitted. Downstream channels 522 are connected to the plurality of supply ports 66, respectively. The outlet 68 is formed on the other end side of the distributor 60. The recovery channel 54 is connected to the outflow port 68. When the ink is circulated, the ink that has flowed through the common flow path 64 flows from the outlet 68 to the collection flow path 54 and is collected in the ink tank 40.
　ポンプ９０は、インクを、インク流路５０及び分配器６０を介して送液する送液部である。ポンプ９０は、図３に示すように、上流側流路５２１の途中の位置に設けられる。ポンプ９０が駆動すると、インクタンク４０に貯留されたインクは、インクタンク４０から流出し、上流側流路５２１と、分配器６０と、下流側流路５２２を流れて、記録ヘッド２２に供給される。また、ポンプ９０が駆動してインクタンク４０から流出したインクは、上流側流路５２１と、分配器６０と、回収流路５４を流れて、インクタンク４０に回収される。この場合、インクは、前述した流路等を介して循環される。 The pump 90 is a liquid feeding unit that feeds ink through the ink flow path 50 and the distributor 60. As shown in FIG. 3, the pump 90 is provided at a position in the middle of the upstream channel 521. When the pump 90 is driven, the ink stored in the ink tank 40 flows out of the ink tank 40, flows through the upstream flow path 521, the distributor 60, and the downstream flow path 522, and is supplied to the recording head 22. The Further, the ink that has flowed out of the ink tank 40 when the pump 90 is driven flows through the upstream channel 521, the distributor 60, and the recovery channel 54, and is collected in the ink tank 40. In this case, the ink is circulated through the above-described flow path and the like.
　複数の供給側バルブ９２は、複数の下流側流路５２２の途中にそれぞれ設けられる。インクジェット記録装置１が備える供給側バルブ９２の数は、下流側流路５２２の数に一致する。供給側バルブ９２は、各々が設けられた下流側流路５２２を開閉するバルブである。供給側バルブ９２は、例えば、電磁弁によって構成される。回収側バルブ９４は、回収流路５４の途中に設けられ、回収流路５４を開閉するバルブである。回収側バルブ９４は、例えば、電磁弁によって構成される。 The plurality of supply side valves 92 are respectively provided in the middle of the plurality of downstream flow paths 522. The number of supply-side valves 92 included in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 matches the number of downstream-side flow paths 522. The supply side valve 92 is a valve that opens and closes the downstream side flow path 522 provided with each. The supply side valve 92 is configured by, for example, an electromagnetic valve. The collection side valve 94 is a valve that is provided in the middle of the collection channel 54 and opens and closes the collection channel 54. The collection side valve 94 is configured by, for example, an electromagnetic valve.
　供給側バルブ９２及び回収側バルブ９４の開閉と、開放される場合の開度は、制御部３２によって制御される。記録ヘッド２２にインクが供給される場合、及び、記録ヘッド２２にインクが供給されず循環される場合における供給側バルブ９２及び回収側バルブ９４の開閉について、その概略を説明する。インクジェット記録装置１で記録媒体２に画像が記録される場合、ポンプ９０は駆動した状態とされる。回収側バルブ９４は、開放及び閉鎖の何れかとされる。複数の供給側バルブ９２は、それぞれ開放される。このとき、複数の供給側バルブ９２は、それぞれが所定の開度で開放される。回収側バルブ９４の開閉は、記録ヘッド２２への供給総量に応じて制御される。例えば、ノズル２４から吐出されるインクの量が多くなり、その結果、各記録ヘッド２２に多くのインクが供給される場合、回収側バルブ９４は、閉鎖、又は、僅かに開放された状態とされる。一方、ノズル２４から吐出されるインクの量が少なく、その結果、各記録ヘッド２２に少しのインクが供給される場合、回収側バルブ９４は、例えば、全開又は全開に近い状態とされる。各供給側バルブ９２の開度は、供給側バルブ９２の全てで同一となるようにしてもよい。また、各供給側バルブ９２の開度は、供給側バルブ９２のそれぞれで異なる量に調整されるようにしてもよい。インクジェット記録装置１で記録媒体２に画像が記録されない場合、ポンプ９０は駆動した状態とされる。回収側バルブ９４は、開放される。複数の供給側バルブ９２は、それぞれ閉鎖される。 The opening and closing of the supply side valve 92 and the recovery side valve 94 and the opening when the supply side valve 92 is opened are controlled by the control unit 32. An outline of opening and closing of the supply side valve 92 and the recovery side valve 94 when ink is supplied to the recording head 22 and when ink is not supplied to the recording head 22 and circulated will be described. When an image is recorded on the recording medium 2 by the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the pump 90 is driven. The collection side valve 94 is either opened or closed. The plurality of supply side valves 92 are opened. At this time, each of the plurality of supply side valves 92 is opened at a predetermined opening degree. The opening and closing of the collection side valve 94 is controlled in accordance with the total supply amount to the recording head 22. For example, when the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle 24 increases and as a result, a large amount of ink is supplied to each recording head 22, the recovery-side valve 94 is closed or slightly opened. The On the other hand, when the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle 24 is small, and as a result, a small amount of ink is supplied to each recording head 22, the collection side valve 94 is in a fully open state or a state close to full open, for example. The opening degree of each supply side valve 92 may be the same for all supply side valves 92. Further, the opening degree of each supply side valve 92 may be adjusted to a different amount for each supply side valve 92. When an image is not recorded on the recording medium 2 by the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the pump 90 is driven. The collection side valve 94 is opened. Each of the plurality of supply side valves 92 is closed.
　供給側バルブ９２及び回収側バルブ９４の開閉と、開放される場合の開度は、色毎に制御されるようにしてもよい。例えば、モノクロの画像が記録媒体２に記録される場合、ブラックインクの供給及び循環のための供給側バルブ９２及び回収側バルブ９４のみが制御の対象とされる。ブラック以外の色の供給及び循環のための供給側バルブ９２及び回収側バルブ９４については、インクジェット記録装置１で画像が記録されない場合と同様にして制御される。 The opening and closing of the supply side valve 92 and the collection side valve 94 and the opening when opened may be controlled for each color. For example, when a monochrome image is recorded on the recording medium 2, only the supply side valve 92 and the recovery side valve 94 for supplying and circulating black ink are controlled. The supply side valve 92 and the recovery side valve 94 for supplying and circulating colors other than black are controlled in the same manner as when the inkjet recording apparatus 1 does not record an image.
　インクジェット記録装置１では、循環されるインクは、後述するようにして、冷却部１００によって冷却及び循環される冷却媒体によって冷却される。従って、記録ヘッド２２には、冷却されていたインクが供給される。このようなインクは、粘度が高い場合もある。このような場合に対応するため、記録ヘッド２２に加熱部２６を設けるようにしてもよい（図３参照）。加熱部２６は、所定のヒータによって構成される。加熱部２６は、図３に示すように、記録ヘッド２２を構成する所定の各部間に挟み込まれる。この他、加熱部２６は、記録ヘッド２２の外面（吐出面を除く）、例えば側面に貼り付けられる。加熱部２６からの熱によって加熱されたインクは、粘度が低下する。粘度が低下したインクによれば、ノズル２４からのインクの吐出（排出）を好適に行うことができる。加熱部２６による加熱は、インクの物性が変化しない温度で行われる。 In the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the circulated ink is cooled by a cooling medium cooled and circulated by the cooling unit 100 as described later. Accordingly, the cooled ink is supplied to the recording head 22. Such an ink may have a high viscosity. In order to cope with such a case, a heating unit 26 may be provided in the recording head 22 (see FIG. 3). The heating unit 26 is configured by a predetermined heater. As shown in FIG. 3, the heating unit 26 is sandwiched between predetermined units constituting the recording head 22. In addition, the heating unit 26 is attached to the outer surface (excluding the ejection surface) of the recording head 22, for example, the side surface. The viscosity of the ink heated by the heat from the heating unit 26 decreases. According to the ink having a lowered viscosity, the ink can be suitably discharged (discharged) from the nozzle 24. Heating by the heating unit 26 is performed at a temperature at which the physical properties of the ink do not change.
　＜冷却部＞
　冷却部１００について、図４を参照して説明する。図４において、各色用のインクタンク４０は、その内部４２に貯留された対応する色のインクと、冷却流路１２０の態様等を理解し易くするため、透過された状態で図示されている。 <Cooling section>
The cooling unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, each color ink tank 40 is shown in a transparent state in order to facilitate understanding of the corresponding color ink stored in the interior 42, the mode of the cooling flow path 120, and the like.
　上述したようにして、各色のインクを循環させた場合、インクの温度が上昇することがある。温度が上昇した各色のインクが、各色用のインクタンク４０に流入すると、インクタンク４０に貯留された各色のインクの温度が上昇することとなる。インクの温度が上昇し、所定の温度を超えると、インクの物性が変化する場合があり、好適な品質の画像が記録されなくなることもある。冷却部１００は、各色のインクがそれぞれ循環された場合において、各色用のインクタンク４０に貯留された各色のインクの温度が所定の温度以上となることを防止する。冷却部１００は、図４に示すように、供給部１１０と、冷却流路１２０を備える。 As described above, when ink of each color is circulated, the temperature of the ink may increase. When the ink of each color whose temperature has increased flows into the ink tank 40 for each color, the temperature of the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 increases. When the temperature of the ink rises and exceeds a predetermined temperature, the physical properties of the ink may change, and an image with a suitable quality may not be recorded. The cooling unit 100 prevents the temperature of the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color from exceeding a predetermined temperature when the ink of each color is circulated. As shown in FIG. 4, the cooling unit 100 includes a supply unit 110 and a cooling channel 120.
　供給部１１０は、例えば、チラーと称される装置によって構成される。供給部１１０は、温調部１１２と、流出口１１４と、流入口１１６と、ポンプ１１８を備える。温調部１１２は、供給部１１０の内部に貯留された冷却媒体を、一定の温度に冷却する。冷却媒体としては、水が例示される。流出口１１４は、温調部１１２によって冷却された冷却媒体を供給部１１０の外部に流出させる口部である。流出口１１４には、冷却流路１２０の一端が接続される。流入口１１６は、流出口１１４から流出し冷却流路１２０を流れ、冷却流路１２０を循環した冷却媒体を供給部１１０の内部に流入させる口部である。流入口１１６には、冷却流路１２０の他端が接続される。ポンプ１１８は、温調部１１２で冷却された冷却媒体を、流出口１１４から流出させ、冷却流路１２０に流し、流入口１１６に流入させる送液部である。ポンプ１１８が駆動することで、冷却媒体は、流出口１１４と流入口１１６の間で、冷却流路１２０を介して循環される。 The supply unit 110 is configured by an apparatus called a chiller, for example. The supply unit 110 includes a temperature adjustment unit 112, an outlet 114, an inlet 116, and a pump 118. The temperature control unit 112 cools the cooling medium stored in the supply unit 110 to a certain temperature. An example of the cooling medium is water. The outlet 114 is an opening through which the cooling medium cooled by the temperature control unit 112 flows out of the supply unit 110. One end of the cooling channel 120 is connected to the outlet 114. The inflow port 116 is an opening through which the cooling medium flowing out from the outflow port 114 flows through the cooling flow channel 120 and circulates through the cooling flow channel 120 flows into the supply unit 110. The other end of the cooling channel 120 is connected to the inlet 116. The pump 118 is a liquid feeding unit that causes the cooling medium cooled by the temperature control unit 112 to flow out from the outlet 114, to flow into the cooling channel 120, and to flow into the inlet 116. When the pump 118 is driven, the cooling medium is circulated through the cooling flow path 120 between the outlet 114 and the inlet 116.
　冷却流路１２０は、流路部１２２と、流路部１２４と、流路部１２６と、流路部１２８と、流路部１３０と、流路部１３２を含む。図４において、冷却流路１２０を形成する各流路部１２２～１３２に沿って図示した矢印は、図示された各範囲において、冷却媒体が流れる方向を示す。 The cooling channel 120 includes a channel unit 122, a channel unit 124, a channel unit 126, a channel unit 128, a channel unit 130, and a channel unit 132. In FIG. 4, the arrows shown along the flow path portions 122 to 132 forming the cooling flow path 120 indicate the directions in which the cooling medium flows in the illustrated ranges.
　流路部１２２は、片側端が流出口１１４に接続される。流路部１２２の片側端は、上述した冷却流路１２０の一端に相当する。流路部１２２には、流出口１１４から流出した冷却媒体が流れる。流路部１２２を流れる冷却媒体は、各色用のインクタンク４０に貯留された各色のインクを冷却する前の冷却媒体である。流路部１２２は、温調部１１２で冷却された冷却媒体を供給する流路といえる。流路部１２４は、片側端が流入口１１６に接続される。流路部１２４の片側端は、上述した冷却流路１２０の他端に相当する。流路部１２４には、流入口１１６に流入する冷却媒体が流れる。流路部１２４を流れる冷却媒体は、各色用のインクタンク４０に貯留された各色のインクを冷却した後の冷却媒体である。流路部１２４は、各色用のインクタンク４０に貯留された各色のインクを冷却した冷却媒体を回収する流路といえる。流路部１２４は、流出口１１４から流出し流入口１１６に流入する冷却媒体が冷却流路１２０を流れる方向において流路部１２２より下流側に配置される。 One end of the flow path portion 122 is connected to the outlet 114. One end of the flow path portion 122 corresponds to one end of the cooling flow path 120 described above. The cooling medium flowing out from the outflow port 114 flows through the flow path portion 122. The cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 122 is a cooling medium before cooling the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color. The flow path part 122 can be said to be a flow path for supplying the cooling medium cooled by the temperature control part 112. One end of the flow path portion 124 is connected to the inflow port 116. One end of the flow path portion 124 corresponds to the other end of the cooling flow path 120 described above. The cooling medium flowing into the inflow port 116 flows through the flow path portion 124. The cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 124 is a cooling medium after cooling the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color. The flow path portion 124 can be said to be a flow path for collecting a cooling medium that has cooled the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color. The flow path part 124 is disposed downstream of the flow path part 122 in the direction in which the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet 114 and flowing into the inlet 116 flows through the cooling flow path 120.
　流路部１２６は、流路部１２２の位置Ａ（図４参照）で流路部１２２から分岐し、流路部１２４の位置Ｂ（図４参照）で流路部１２４に合流する。流路部１２６は、流路部１２２の位置Ａに到達した冷却媒体をインクタンク４０Ｙの側に流し、流路部１２４の位置Ｂで、インクタンク４０Ｙの側を流れた冷却媒体を流路部１２４に流す。流路部１２６の一部は、インクタンク４０Ｙの内部４２Ｙに設けられ、更にその一部は、インクタンク４０Ｙの底面に沿って設けられる（図４参照）。インクタンク４０Ｙの底面に沿って設けられる流路部１２６の部分は、インクタンク４０Ｙの底面に接し又は近接した状態とされる。内部４２Ｙに設けられた流路部１２６の部分は、イエローインクに浸漬される。流路部１２６を流れる冷却媒体は、イエローインクに浸漬した領域を流れる際に、イエローインクを冷却する。イエローインクを冷却した冷却媒体は、流路部１２６を流路部１２４の側に流れ、位置Ｂで流路部１２４を流入口１１６の側に流れる冷却媒体に合流し、流入口１１６を通過して供給部１１０に回収される。回収された冷却媒体は、供給部１１０の内部に貯留され、温調部１１２によって冷却される。 The flow path portion 126 branches from the flow path portion 122 at a position A (see FIG. 4) of the flow path portion 122, and merges with the flow path portion 124 at a position B (see FIG. 4) of the flow path portion 124. The flow path part 126 causes the cooling medium that has reached the position A of the flow path part 122 to flow to the ink tank 40Y side, and the cooling medium that has flowed to the ink tank 40Y side at the position B of the flow path part 124 flows. 124. A part of the flow path portion 126 is provided in the interior 42Y of the ink tank 40Y, and a part thereof is provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40Y (see FIG. 4). The portion of the flow path portion 126 provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40Y is in contact with or close to the bottom surface of the ink tank 40Y. A portion of the flow path portion 126 provided in the inside 42Y is immersed in yellow ink. The cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 126 cools the yellow ink when flowing through the region immersed in the yellow ink. The cooling medium that has cooled the yellow ink flows through the flow path section 126 toward the flow path section 124, joins the cooling medium that flows through the flow path section 124 toward the inlet 116 at the position B, and passes through the inlet 116. And collected by the supply unit 110. The collected cooling medium is stored in the supply unit 110 and cooled by the temperature control unit 112.
　流路部１２８は、流路部１２２の位置Ｄ（図４参照）で流路部１２２から分岐し、流路部１２４の位置Ｅで流路部１２４に合流する。流路部１２８は、流路部１２２の位置Ｄに到達した冷却媒体をインクタンク４０Ｍの側に流し、流路部１２４の位置Ｅで、インクタンク４０Ｍの側を流れた冷却媒体を流路部１２４に流す。位置Ｄは、流出口１１４から流出し流入口１１６に流入する冷却媒体が冷却流路１２０を流れる方向において、位置Ａより下流側である流路部１２２の所定の位置である。位置Ｅは、前述した方向において、位置Ｂより上流側である流路部１２４の所定の位置である。流路部１２８の一部は、インクタンク４０Ｍの内部４２Ｍに設けられ、更にその一部は、インクタンク４０Ｍの底面に沿って設けられる（図４参照）。インクタンク４０Ｍの底面に沿って設けられる流路部１２８の部分は、インクタンク４０Ｍの底面に接し又は近接した状態とされる。内部４２Ｍに設けられた流路部１２８の部分は、マゼンタインクに浸漬される。流路部１２８を流れる冷却媒体は、マゼンタインクに浸漬した領域を流れる際に、マゼンタインクを冷却する。マゼンタインクを冷却した冷却媒体は、流路部１２８を流路部１２４の側に流れ、位置Ｅで流路部１２４を流入口１１６の側に流れる冷却媒体に合流し、流入口１１６を通過して供給部１１０に回収される。回収された冷却媒体は、供給部１１０の内部に貯留され、温調部１１２によって冷却される。 The flow path part 128 branches off from the flow path part 122 at a position D (see FIG. 4) of the flow path part 122 and merges with the flow path part 124 at a position E of the flow path part 124. The flow path section 128 causes the cooling medium that has reached the position D of the flow path section 122 to flow toward the ink tank 40M, and the cooling medium that has flowed on the ink tank 40M side at the position E of the flow path section 124 flows into the flow path section. 124. The position D is a predetermined position of the flow path portion 122 that is downstream from the position A in the direction in which the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet 114 and flowing into the inlet 116 flows through the cooling flow path 120. The position E is a predetermined position of the flow path portion 124 that is upstream from the position B in the above-described direction. A part of the flow path portion 128 is provided in the inside 42M of the ink tank 40M, and a part thereof is provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40M (see FIG. 4). The portion of the flow path portion 128 provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40M is in contact with or close to the bottom surface of the ink tank 40M. The portion of the flow path portion 128 provided in the inside 42M is immersed in magenta ink. The cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 128 cools the magenta ink when flowing through the region immersed in the magenta ink. The cooling medium that has cooled the magenta ink flows through the flow path portion 128 toward the flow path portion 124, joins the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 124 toward the inlet 116 at the position E, and passes through the inlet 116. And collected by the supply unit 110. The collected cooling medium is stored in the supply unit 110 and cooled by the temperature control unit 112.
　流路部１３０は、流路部１２２の位置Ｆ（図４参照）で流路部１２２から分岐し、流路部１２４の位置Ｇ（図４参照）で流路部１２４に合流する。流路部１３０は、流路部１２２の位置Ｆに到達した冷却媒体をインクタンク４０Ｃの側に流し、流路部１２４の位置Ｇで、インクタンク４０Ｃの側を流れた冷却媒体を流路部１２４に流す。位置Ｆは、流出口１１４から流出し流入口１１６に流入する冷却媒体が冷却流路１２０を流れる方向において、位置Ａ，Ｄより下流側である流路部１２２の所定の位置である。位置Ｇは、前述した方向において、位置Ｂ，Ｅより上流側である流路部１２４の所定の位置である。流路部１３０の一部は、インクタンク４０Ｃの内部４２Ｃに設けられ、更にその一部は、インクタンク４０Ｃの底面に沿って設けられる（図４参照）。インクタンク４０Ｃの底面に沿って設けられる流路部１３０の部分は、インクタンク４０Ｃの底面に接し又は近接した状態とされる。内部４２Ｃに設けられた流路部１３０の部分は、シアンインクに浸漬される。流路部１３０を流れる冷却媒体は、シアンインクに浸漬した領域を流れる際に、シアンインクを冷却する。シアンインクを冷却した冷却媒体は、流路部１３０を流路部１２４の側に流れ、位置Ｇで流路部１２４を流入口１１６の側に流れる冷却媒体に合流し、流入口１１６を通過して供給部１１０に回収される。回収された冷却媒体は、供給部１１０の内部に貯留され、温調部１１２によって冷却される。 The flow path part 130 branches from the flow path part 122 at a position F (see FIG. 4) of the flow path part 122, and joins the flow path part 124 at a position G (see FIG. 4) of the flow path part 124. The flow path unit 130 causes the cooling medium that has reached the position F of the flow path unit 122 to flow to the ink tank 40C side, and the cooling medium that has flowed on the ink tank 40C side at the position G of the flow path unit 124 flows to the flow path unit. 124. The position F is a predetermined position of the flow path portion 122 that is downstream of the positions A and D in the direction in which the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet 114 and flowing into the inlet 116 flows through the cooling flow path 120. The position G is a predetermined position of the flow path portion 124 that is upstream of the positions B and E in the above-described direction. A part of the flow path part 130 is provided in the interior 42C of the ink tank 40C, and a part thereof is further provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40C (see FIG. 4). A portion of the flow path portion 130 provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40C is in contact with or close to the bottom surface of the ink tank 40C. A portion of the flow path portion 130 provided in the inner 42C is immersed in cyan ink. The cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 130 cools the cyan ink as it flows through the region immersed in the cyan ink. The cooling medium that has cooled the cyan ink flows through the flow path section 130 toward the flow path section 124, merges with the cooling medium that flows through the flow path section 124 toward the inlet 116 at the position G, and passes through the inlet 116. And collected by the supply unit 110. The collected cooling medium is stored in the supply unit 110 and cooled by the temperature control unit 112.
　流路部１３２は、流路部１２２の位置Ｈ（図４参照）で流路部１２２と繋がり、流路部１２４の位置Ｉ（図４参照）で流路部１２４と繋がる。流路部１３２は、流路部１２２の位置Ｈに到達した冷却媒体をインクタンク４０Ｋの側に流し、流路部１２４の位置Ｉで、インクタンク４０Ｋの側を流れた冷却媒体を流路部１２４に流す。位置Ｈは、流出口１１４から流出し流入口１１６に流入する冷却媒体が冷却流路１２０を流れる方向において、位置Ａ，Ｄ，Ｆより下流側である流路部１２２の所定の位置である。位置Ｉは、前述した方向において、位置Ｂ，Ｅ，Ｇより上流側である流路部１２４の所定の位置である。流路部１３２の一部は、インクタンク４０Ｋの内部４２Ｋに設けられ、更にその一部は、インクタンク４０Ｋの底面に沿って設けられる（図４参照）。インクタンク４０Ｋの底面に沿って設けられる流路部１３２の部分は、インクタンク４０Ｋの底面に接し又は近接した状態とされる。内部４２Ｋに設けられた流路部１３２の部分は、ブラックインクに浸漬される。流路部１３２を流れる冷却媒体は、ブラックインクに浸漬した領域を流れる際に、ブラックインクを冷却する。ブラックインクを冷却した冷却媒体は、流路部１３２を流路部１２４の側に流れ、位置Ｉから流路部１２４を流入口１１６の側に流れ、流入口１１６を通過して供給部１１０に回収される。回収された冷却媒体は、供給部１１０の内部に貯留され、温調部１１２によって冷却される。 The flow path part 132 is connected to the flow path part 122 at a position H (see FIG. 4) of the flow path part 122, and is connected to the flow path part 124 at a position I of the flow path part 124 (see FIG. 4). The flow path section 132 causes the cooling medium that has reached the position H of the flow path section 122 to flow toward the ink tank 40K, and the cooling medium that has flowed through the ink tank 40K at the position I of the flow path section 124 flows into the flow path section. 124. The position H is a predetermined position of the flow path section 122 that is downstream of the positions A, D, and F in the direction in which the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet 114 and flowing into the inlet 116 flows through the cooling flow path 120. The position I is a predetermined position of the flow path portion 124 that is upstream of the positions B, E, and G in the above-described direction. A part of the flow path portion 132 is provided in the interior 42K of the ink tank 40K, and a part thereof is further provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40K (see FIG. 4). A portion of the flow path portion 132 provided along the bottom surface of the ink tank 40K is in contact with or close to the bottom surface of the ink tank 40K. The portion of the flow path portion 132 provided in the inside 42K is immersed in black ink. The cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 132 cools the black ink as it flows through the area immersed in the black ink. The cooling medium that has cooled the black ink flows through the flow channel portion 132 toward the flow channel portion 124, flows from the position I through the flow channel portion 124 toward the inlet 116, passes through the inlet 116, and is supplied to the supply unit 110. To be recovered. The collected cooling medium is stored in the supply unit 110 and cooled by the temperature control unit 112.
　＜本実施形態による効果＞
　本実施形態によれば、次のような効果を得ることができる。 <Effects of this embodiment>
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
　（１）インク流路５０を形成する供給流路５２の上流側流路５２１にポンプ９０を設け、ポンプ９０を駆動させることで、インク流路５０を介してインクを送液することとした。そのため、インクタンク４０の内部４２の圧力を大気圧とすることができる。その上で、インクジェット記録装置１で画像が記録されない場合、各色用のインクタンク４０に貯留された各色のインクを、供給流路５２（上流側流路５２１）及び回収流路５４等を介して循環させ、インクタンク４０に回収することとした。そのため、インクに含まれる色材等の含有成分の沈降を抑制することができる。好適な品質の画像を記録することができる。 (1) A pump 90 is provided in the upstream flow path 521 of the supply flow path 52 that forms the ink flow path 50, and the pump 90 is driven to feed ink through the ink flow path 50. Therefore, the pressure inside the ink tank 40 can be set to atmospheric pressure. In addition, when an image is not recorded by the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color is supplied via the supply flow path 52 (upstream flow path 521), the recovery flow path 54, and the like. It was circulated and collected in the ink tank 40. Therefore, it is possible to suppress sedimentation of components such as a coloring material included in the ink. An image of suitable quality can be recorded.
　（２）冷却部１００を設け、各色用のインクタンク４０に貯留された各色のインクを冷却することとした。そのため、各色用のインクタンク４０に貯留された各色のインクを、一定の温度に保つことができる。インクの循環に伴い、インクタンク４０に貯留されたインクの温度が上昇することを抑制することができる。温度が上昇し、インクの物性が変化することを抑制することができる。好適な品質の画像を記録することができる。 (2) The cooling unit 100 is provided to cool the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color. Therefore, the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color can be maintained at a constant temperature. As the ink circulates, an increase in the temperature of the ink stored in the ink tank 40 can be suppressed. It is possible to prevent the temperature from rising and the physical properties of the ink from changing. An image of suitable quality can be recorded.
　冷却部１００では、冷却流路１２０が、流路部１２２，１２４と、流路部１２６，１２８，１３０，１３２を含むようにした。冷却流路１２０において、流路部１２６，１２８，１３０，１３２は、並列に配置された状態で、流路部１２２，１２４に繋がる。そのため、流路部１２２から流路部１２６，１２８，１３０の何れかを流れた冷却媒体が、流路部１２８，１３０，１３２の何れかを流れることがない。従って、特定の色のインクを冷却した冷却媒体が、再度、他の色のインクを冷却するために利用されることがない。温調部１１２で好適に冷却された冷却媒体で、各色用のインクタンク４０に貯留された各色のインクを好適に冷却することができる。 In the cooling unit 100, the cooling channel 120 includes channel units 122 and 124 and channel units 126, 128, 130, and 132. In the cooling channel 120, the channel units 126, 128, 130, and 132 are connected to the channel units 122 and 124 in a state of being arranged in parallel. Therefore, the cooling medium that has flowed from the flow path portion 122 to any of the flow path portions 126, 128, 130 does not flow to any of the flow path portions 128, 130, 132. Therefore, the cooling medium that has cooled the ink of a specific color is not used again to cool the ink of another color. The ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color can be suitably cooled with the cooling medium suitably cooled by the temperature control unit 112.
　流路部１２６を、インクタンク４０Ｙに貯留されたイエローインクに浸漬するような状態で、インクタンク４０Ｙの内部４２Ｙに設けることとした。そのため、インクタンク４０Ｙに貯留されたイエローインクを流路部１２６を流れる冷却媒体で、効率よく冷却することができる。流路部１２８を、インクタンク４０Ｍに貯留されたマゼンタインクに浸漬するような状態で、インクタンク４０Ｍの内部４２Ｍに設けることとした。そのため、インクタンク４０Ｍに貯留されたマゼンタインクを流路部１２８を流れる冷却媒体で、効率よく冷却することができる。流路部１３０を、インクタンク４０Ｃに貯留されたシアンインクに浸漬するような状態で、インクタンク４０Ｃの内部４２Ｃに設けることとした。そのため、インクタンク４０Ｃに貯留されたシアンインクを流路部１３０を流れる冷却媒体で、効率よく冷却することができる。流路部１３２を、インクタンク４０Ｋに貯留されたブラックインクに浸漬するような状態で、インクタンク４０Ｋの内部４２Ｋに設けることとした。そのため、インクタンク４０Ｋに貯留されたブラックインクを流路部１３２を流れる冷却媒体で、効率よく冷却することができる。 The flow path portion 126 is provided in the inside 42Y of the ink tank 40Y so as to be immersed in the yellow ink stored in the ink tank 40Y. Therefore, the yellow ink stored in the ink tank 40Y can be efficiently cooled with the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 126. The flow path portion 128 is provided in the inside 42M of the ink tank 40M in such a state that it is immersed in magenta ink stored in the ink tank 40M. Therefore, the magenta ink stored in the ink tank 40M can be efficiently cooled with the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 128. The flow path portion 130 is provided in the inside 42C of the ink tank 40C in a state where it is immersed in cyan ink stored in the ink tank 40C. Therefore, the cyan ink stored in the ink tank 40C can be efficiently cooled by the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 130. The flow path portion 132 is provided in the interior 42K of the ink tank 40K so as to be immersed in the black ink stored in the ink tank 40K. Therefore, the black ink stored in the ink tank 40K can be efficiently cooled with the cooling medium flowing through the flow path portion 132.
　＜変形例＞
　本実施形態は次のようにすることもできる。 <Modification>
This embodiment can also be performed as follows.
　（１）上記では、インクジェット記録装置１として、ライン型インクジェット記録装置を例に説明した。インクジェット記録装置は、シリアル型インクジェット記録装置であってもよい。例えば、図３に示すような各部に対応した構成を備えるシリアル型インクジェット記録装置によっても、上述したような効果を得ることができる。 (1) In the above description, a line type ink jet recording apparatus has been described as an example of the ink jet recording apparatus 1. The ink jet recording apparatus may be a serial type ink jet recording apparatus. For example, the effects described above can also be obtained by a serial type ink jet recording apparatus having a configuration corresponding to each unit as shown in FIG.
　（２）上記では、画像の記録に用いるインクの色として、イエロー、マゼンタ、シアン及びブラックを例に説明した。これとは異なる色のインクを用いてもよい。例えば、これら４色に加え、又は、何れかの色に代えて、イエロー、マゼンタ、シアンの各色の淡色系であるライトイエロー、ライトマゼンタ、ライトシアン、及び／又は、クリアを用いてもよい。この場合、インクジェット記録装置１は、追加又は代替される色のインクに対応した上記同様の構成を備える。冷却流路１２０では、各色のインクを冷却する冷却媒体が流れる流路部１２６，１２８，１３０，１３２のような流路部が、画像の記録に用いる色数に応じた数だけ、並列に配置された状態で、流路部１２２，１２４に繋げられる。これによっても、上述したような効果を得ることができる。 (2) In the above description, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black have been described as examples of ink colors used for image recording. Ink of a different color may be used. For example, light yellow, light magenta, light cyan, and / or clear, which are light colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan, may be used in addition to these four colors or instead of any of the colors. In this case, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 has the same configuration as described above corresponding to the color ink to be added or replaced. In the cooling channel 120, channel units such as the channel units 126, 128, 130, and 132 through which a cooling medium that cools the ink of each color flows are arranged in parallel by the number corresponding to the number of colors used for image recording. In this state, they are connected to the flow path parts 122 and 124. Also by this, the effect as described above can be obtained.
　（３）上記では、流路部１３２を、流路部１２２及び流路部１２４に対して、図４に示すような配置とした冷却流路１２０を例に説明した。冷却流路１２０は、流路部１２２の位置Ｈと、流路部１２４の位置Ｉの間を繋ぐ別の流路部を含むようにしてもよい。この場合、流路部１３２は、流路部１２６，１２８，１３０と同様、位置Ｆと位置Ｈの間で、流路部１２２から分岐し、位置Ｉと位置Ｇの間で、流路部１２４に合流するようにして設けられる。 (3) In the above description, the cooling flow path 120 in which the flow path section 132 is arranged as shown in FIG. 4 with respect to the flow path section 122 and the flow path section 124 has been described as an example. The cooling channel 120 may include another channel unit that connects between the position H of the channel unit 122 and the position I of the channel unit 124. In this case, the flow path part 132 branches from the flow path part 122 between the position F and the position H, and the flow path part 124 between the position I and the position G, similarly to the flow path parts 126, 128, and 130. It is provided so that it may join.
　（４）上記では、流路部１２６，１２８，１３０，１３２が、インクタンク４０Ｙ，４０Ｍ，４０Ｃ，４０Ｋの内部４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃ，４２Ｋにそれぞれ設けられた構成を例に説明した。流路部１２６，１２８，１３０，１３２の全部又は一部は、インクタンク４０Ｙ，４０Ｍ，４０Ｃ，４０Ｋの外面に接した状態で設けられてもよい。この場合、流路部１２６，１２８，１３０，１３２は、例えば、インクタンク４０Ｙ，４０Ｍ，４０Ｃ，４０Ｋの側面に沿った螺旋状に形成される。螺旋状の流路部１２６，１２８，１３０，１３２は、インクタンク４０Ｙ，４０Ｍ，４０Ｃ，４０Ｋの側面の所定の領域にそれぞれ設けられる。これによれば、各色用のインクタンク４０が冷却され、これに伴い、各色のインクを全体的に冷却することができる。 (4) In the above description, the configuration in which the flow path portions 126, 128, 130, and 132 are provided in the interiors 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K of the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K has been described as an example. All or part of the flow paths 126, 128, 130, 132 may be provided in contact with the outer surfaces of the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, 40K. In this case, the flow path portions 126, 128, 130, and 132 are formed in a spiral shape along the side surfaces of the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K, for example. The spiral flow path portions 126, 128, 130, and 132 are provided in predetermined regions on the side surfaces of the ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K, respectively. According to this, the ink tank 40 for each color is cooled, and accordingly, the ink of each color can be cooled as a whole.
　（５）インクジェット記録装置１は、好適なインクの循環を実現させる点に着目すれば、搬送部１０と、記録部２０Ｙ，２０Ｍ，２０Ｃ，２０Ｋ（記録ヘッド２２Ｙ，２２Ｍ，２２Ｃ，２２Ｋ）と、制御ボックス３０と、インクタンク４０Ｙ，４０Ｍ，４０Ｃ，４０Ｋと、インク流路５０Ｙ，５０Ｍ，５０Ｃ，５０Ｋと、分配器６０Ｙ，６０Ｍ，６０Ｃ，６０Ｋと、ポンプ９０Ｙ，９０Ｍ，９０Ｃ，９０Ｋを備えるインクジェット記録装置として特定することもできる。これによれば、吐出される前のインクを好適に循環させることができる。循環によって、インクに含まれる色材等の含有成分の沈降を抑制することができる。上述した水系のインクと比較して、物性が変化する温度が高く、インクを循環したとしても、その温度を超えることがないような場合であれば、前述したような各部を備えるインクジェット記録装置によって、好適な品質の画像を記録することができる。 (5) Focusing on the point that the ink jet recording apparatus 1 realizes suitable ink circulation, the transport unit 10, the recording units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K (recording heads 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K), Inkjet including control box 30, ink tanks 40Y, 40M, 40C, 40K, ink flow paths 50Y, 50M, 50C, 50K, distributors 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K, and pumps 90Y, 90M, 90C, 90K It can also be specified as a recording device. According to this, the ink before being ejected can be circulated suitably. The circulation can suppress sedimentation of components such as a coloring material contained in the ink. If the temperature at which the physical properties change is higher than that of the water-based ink described above and the temperature does not exceed the temperature even if the ink is circulated, the ink jet recording apparatus having the above-described parts is used. It is possible to record an image of suitable quality.
　（６）上記では、供給流路５２と回収流路５４を含むインク流路５０において、回収流路５４が、分配器６０によって供給流路５２から分岐した流路である場合を例に説明した。回収流路は、記録ヘッド２２とインクタンク４０の間に設けられ、記録ヘッド２２とインクタンク４０を接続する流路としてもよい。この場合、回収流路は、上述したようにして供給流路５２等を流れて記録ヘッド２２に供給されたインクをインクタンク４０に回収する流路となる。１色分の記録部２０に複数の記録ヘッド２２が含まれる場合、回収流路は、所定の位置で、記録ヘッド２２の側の部分が記録ヘッド２２の数に対応した数に分岐した支流路によって形成される。分岐した各支流路は、複数の記録ヘッド２２にそれぞれ接続される。ポンプ９０が駆動してインクタンク４０から流出したインクは、上流側流路５２１と、分配器６０と、下流側流路５２２を流れ、記録ヘッド２２に供給される。記録ヘッド２２に供給されたインクは、記録ヘッド２２の内部を回収流路の側（支流路の側）に流れ、その後、記録ヘッド２２から回収流路を形成する支流路に流出し、回収流路を流れて、インクタンク４０に回収される。このような回収流路によっても、上記同様、インクを循環させることができる。 (6) In the above description, in the ink flow path 50 including the supply flow path 52 and the recovery flow path 54, the case where the recovery flow path 54 is a flow path branched from the supply flow path 52 by the distributor 60 has been described as an example. . The collection channel may be provided between the recording head 22 and the ink tank 40 and may be a channel that connects the recording head 22 and the ink tank 40. In this case, the recovery flow path is a flow path for recovering the ink supplied to the recording head 22 through the supply flow path 52 and the like in the ink tank 40 as described above. When a plurality of recording heads 22 are included in the recording unit 20 for one color, the recovery flow path is a branch flow path in which a portion on the recording head 22 side branches into a number corresponding to the number of recording heads 22 at a predetermined position. Formed by. Each branched branch channel is connected to a plurality of recording heads 22, respectively. The ink that flows out of the ink tank 40 when the pump 90 is driven flows through the upstream flow path 521, the distributor 60, and the downstream flow path 522, and is supplied to the recording head 22. The ink supplied to the recording head 22 flows inside the recording head 22 to the recovery channel side (branch channel side), and then flows out from the recording head 22 to the branch channel that forms the recovery channel. It flows through the path and is collected in the ink tank 40. The ink can also be circulated by such a recovery channel as described above.
　回収流路を、記録ヘッド２２とインクタンク４０を接続するようにして設ける場合、回収側バルブ９４及び／又は分配器６０の流出口６８は、省略してもよい。回収側バルブ９４が省略される場合、供給流路５２等を介して記録ヘッド２２に供給されるインクの量は、ノズル２４から吐出されて消費される量より多い量、例えば、十分に多い量とされる。回収側バルブ９４は、支流路への分岐に関する上述した所定の位置よりインクタンク４０の側となる位置に設けるようにしてもよい。この場合、回収側バルブ９４の開閉は、上記同様にして制御される。 When the recovery flow path is provided so as to connect the recording head 22 and the ink tank 40, the recovery side valve 94 and / or the outlet 68 of the distributor 60 may be omitted. When the collection side valve 94 is omitted, the amount of ink supplied to the recording head 22 via the supply flow path 52 or the like is larger than the amount discharged from the nozzle 24 and consumed, for example, a sufficiently large amount. It is said. The collection-side valve 94 may be provided at a position closer to the ink tank 40 than the above-described predetermined position regarding the branch to the branch flow path. In this case, the opening and closing of the collection side valve 94 is controlled in the same manner as described above.
　（７）上記では、説明を省略したが、インクタンク４０に貯留され、インク流路５０を流れるインクには、エアが混入している場合がある。エアが混入したインクが記録ヘッド２２に供給されると、ノズル２４にエアが詰まり、吐出不良となる場合がある。そこで、インクに混入したエアを除去するために、上流側流路５２１に、脱気モジュールを設けるようにしてもよい。上流側流路５２１において、脱気モジュールは、例えば、ポンプ９０と分配器６０の間の所定の位置に設けられる。脱気モジュールは、微小径チューブを束にし、その外部にインクを通し、内側から真空吸引することで、インクに混入したエアを除去する構成である。脱気モジュールは、微小径チューブを束にし、その内部にインクを通し、外側から真空吸引する構成であってもよい。脱気モジュールによれば、微小なマイクロバルブと称されるエアを除去し、溶存酸素量を低下させることができる。脱気モジュールは、既に実用化された構成であるため、この他の説明は省略する。 (7) Although the description is omitted above, air may be mixed in the ink stored in the ink tank 40 and flowing through the ink flow path 50. When ink mixed with air is supplied to the recording head 22, the nozzle 24 may be clogged with air, resulting in ejection failure. Therefore, in order to remove the air mixed in the ink, a deaeration module may be provided in the upstream channel 521. In the upstream channel 521, the deaeration module is provided at a predetermined position between the pump 90 and the distributor 60, for example. The deaeration module is configured to remove air mixed in ink by bundling a small-diameter tube, passing ink through the outside, and vacuuming from the inside. The deaeration module may have a configuration in which micro tubes are bundled, ink is passed through the tube, and vacuum suction is performed from the outside. According to the deaeration module, air called a micro-valve can be removed and the amount of dissolved oxygen can be reduced. Since the deaeration module has already been put into practical use, the other description is omitted.
　脱気モジュールを設けた場合、上述したようなインクの循環を、連続して行うと、インクが繰り返して脱気モジュールを通過することとなるため、エアを好適に除去することができる。冷却部１００を備えるインクジェット記録装置１によれば、このようにインクの循環が連続して行われるような場合であっても、各色用のインクタンク４０に貯留された各色のインクを、一定の温度に保つことができる。インクの循環に伴い、インクタンク４０に貯留されたインクの温度が上昇することを抑制することができる。温度が上昇し、インクの物性が変化することを抑制することができる。例えば、水系インクであっても、物性が変化することを抑制しつつ、エアを好適に除去することができる。好適な品質の画像を記録することができる。なお、大きな体積のエアについては、例えば、インクジェット記録装置１において、分配器６０を適宜傾斜させた状態で設けることで、除去することも可能である。例えば、分配器６０は、鉛直方向において、共通流路６４の他端側（流出口６８の側）が共通流路６４の一端側（流入口６２の側）より上側となるように、傾斜した状態とされる。 When the deaeration module is provided, if the ink is continuously circulated as described above, the ink repeatedly passes through the deaeration module, so that the air can be suitably removed. According to the ink jet recording apparatus 1 including the cooling unit 100, the ink of each color stored in the ink tank 40 for each color is kept constant even when the ink circulation is continuously performed as described above. Can be kept at temperature. As the ink circulates, an increase in the temperature of the ink stored in the ink tank 40 can be suppressed. It is possible to prevent the temperature from rising and the physical properties of the ink from changing. For example, even with water-based ink, air can be suitably removed while suppressing changes in physical properties. An image of suitable quality can be recorded. Note that a large volume of air can be removed by, for example, providing the distributor 60 in an inclined state in the inkjet recording apparatus 1. For example, the distributor 60 is inclined so that the other end side (the outlet 68 side) of the common channel 64 is above the one end side (the inlet 62 side) of the common channel 64 in the vertical direction. State.
　１　インクジェット記録装置
　２　記録媒体
　３　記録面
　１０　搬送部
　１２　搬送面
　２０，２０Ｙ，２０Ｍ，２０Ｃ，２０Ｋ　記録部
　２２，２２Ｙ，２２Ｍ，２２Ｃ，２２Ｋ　記録ヘッド
　２４，２４Ｙ，２４Ｍ，２４Ｃ，２４Ｋ　ノズル
　２６　加熱部
　３０　制御ボックス
　３２　制御部
　４０，４０Ｙ，４０Ｍ，４０Ｃ，４０Ｋ　インクタンク
　４２，４２Ｙ，４２Ｍ，４２Ｃ，４２Ｋ　内部
　５０，５０Ｙ，５０Ｍ，５０Ｃ，５０Ｋ　インク流路
　５２，５２Ｙ，５２Ｍ，５２Ｃ，５２Ｋ　供給流路
　５４，５４Ｙ，５４Ｍ，５４Ｃ，５４Ｋ　回収流路
　６０，６０Ｙ，６０Ｍ，６０Ｃ，６０Ｋ　分配器
　６２　流入口
　６４　共通流路
　６６　供給口
　６８　流出口
　９０，９０Ｙ，９０Ｍ，９０Ｃ，９０Ｋ　ポンプ
　９２　供給側バルブ
　９４　回収側バルブ
　１００　冷却部
　１１０　供給部
　１１２　温調部
　１１４　流出口
　１１６　流入口
　１１８　ポンプ
　１２０　冷却流路
　１２２，１２４，１２６，１２８，１３０，１３２　流路部
　５２１　上流側流路
　５２２　下流側流路
　Ａ，Ｂ，Ｄ，Ｅ，Ｆ，Ｇ，Ｈ，Ｉ　位置 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet recording device 2 Recording medium 3 Recording surface 10 Conveyance part 12 Conveyance surface 20, 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K Recording part 22, 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22K Recording head 24, 24Y, 24M, 24C, 24K Nozzle 26 Heating Section 30 Control box 32 Control section 40, 40Y, 40M, 40C, 40K Ink tank 42, 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42K Inside 50, 50Y, 50M, 50C, 50K Ink flow path 52, 52Y, 52M, 52C, 52K Supply Flow path 54, 54Y, 54M, 54C, 54K Recovery flow path 60, 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K Distributor 62 Inlet 64 Common flow path 66 Supply port 68 Outlet 90, 90Y, 90M, 90C, 90K Pump 92 Supply Side valve 94 Collection side valve 100 Cooling section 110 Supply section 112 Temperature Control Unit 114 Outlet 116 Inlet 118 Pump 120 Cooling Channel 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 Channel Unit 521 Upstream Channel 522 Downstream Channel A, B, D, E, F, G, H, I position

Claims (9)

  1. 　インクを貯留し、前記インクが貯留される内部の圧力が大気圧であるインクタンクと、
    　前記インクを吐出するノズルが形成された記録ヘッドと、
    　前記インクタンクと前記記録ヘッドとを接続し、前記インクタンクから流出し前記記録ヘッドに供給される前記インクが流れる供給流路と、
    　前記インクタンクから流出した前記インクを前記インクタンクに回収する流路であって、前記インクタンクに接続される回収流路と、
    　前記供給流路の途中に設けられ、前記インクを前記供給流路を介して前記記録ヘッドの側に流し、前記インクタンクから流出した前記インクを前記回収流路を介して前記インクタンクの側に流すインク送液部と、
    　前記インクタンクに貯留されたインクを冷却する冷却媒体が流れる冷却流路と、を備えるインクジェット記録装置。     An ink tank for storing ink, and an internal pressure in which the ink is stored is atmospheric pressure;
    A recording head on which nozzles for discharging the ink are formed;
    A supply flow path for connecting the ink tank and the recording head, through which the ink flowing out of the ink tank and supplied to the recording head flows;
    A flow path for collecting the ink that has flowed out of the ink tank into the ink tank, wherein the flow path is connected to the ink tank;
    Provided in the middle of the supply flow path, the ink flows to the recording head side through the supply flow path, and the ink that has flowed out of the ink tank flows to the ink tank side through the recovery flow path An ink feeding part to flow;
    An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a cooling flow path through which a cooling medium for cooling the ink stored in the ink tank flows.
  2. 　前記記録ヘッドに設けられ、前記記録ヘッドに供給された前記インクを加熱する加熱部を備える、請求項１に記載のインクジェット記録装置。 The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a heating unit that is provided in the recording head and heats the ink supplied to the recording head.
  3. 　前記供給流路に設けられ、前記インクを前記記録ヘッドの側に流す分配器を備え、
    　前記回収流路は、前記インクタンクと前記分配器とを接続し、前記インクタンクから流出して前記分配器に到達した前記インクを前記分配器から前記インクタンクに回収する流路である、請求項１又は請求項２に記載のインクジェット記録装置。     A distributor provided in the supply flow path, for flowing the ink toward the recording head;
    The recovery flow path is a flow path for connecting the ink tank and the distributor and recovering the ink that has flowed out of the ink tank and reached the distributor from the distributor to the ink tank. Item 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to item 1 or 2.
  4. 　前記インクタンクとして、
    　　第一インクを貯留し、前記第一インクが貯留される内部の圧力が大気圧である第一インクタンクと、
    　　第二インクを貯留し、前記第二インクが貯留される内部の圧力が大気圧である第二インクタンクと、を備え、
    　前記記録ヘッドとして、
    　　前記第一インクを吐出するノズルが形成された第一記録ヘッドと、
    　　前記第二インクを吐出するノズルが形成された第二記録ヘッドと、を備え、
    　前記供給流路として、
    　　前記第一インクタンクと前記第一記録ヘッドとを接続し、前記第一インクタンクから流出し前記第一記録ヘッドに供給される前記第一インクが流れる第一供給流路と、
    　　前記第二インクタンクと前記第二記録ヘッドとを接続し、前記第二インクタンクから流出し前記第二記録ヘッドに供給される前記第二インクが流れる第二供給流路と、を備え、
    　前記回収流路として、
    　　前記第一インクタンクから流出した前記第一インクを前記第一インクタンクに回収する流路であって、前記第一インクタンクに接続される第一回収流路と、
    　　前記第二インクタンクから流出した前記第二インクを前記第二インクタンクに回収する流路であって、前記第二インクタンクに接続される第二回収流路と、を備え、
    　前記インク送液部として、
    　　前記第一供給流路の途中に設けられ、前記第一インクを前記第一供給流路を介して前記第一記録ヘッドの側に流し、前記第一インクタンクから流出した前記第一インクを前記第一回収流路を介して前記第一インクタンクの側に流す第一インク送液部と、
    　　前記第二供給流路の途中に設けられ、前記第二インクを前記第二供給流路を介して前記第二記録ヘッドの側に流し、前記第二インクタンクから流出した前記第二インクを前記第二回収流路を介して前記第二インクタンクの側に流す第二インク送液部と、を備え、
    　前記冷却流路は、
    　　前記第一インクタンクに貯留された前記第一インクと、前記第二インクタンクに貯留された前記第二インクと、を冷却する前記冷却媒体が流出する流出口に片側端が接続される第一流路部と、
    　　前記流出口から流出し前記冷却流路を流れた前記冷却媒体が流入する流入口に片側端が接続され、且つ、前記流出口から流出し前記流入口に流入する前記冷却媒体が前記冷却流路を流れる方向において前記第一流路部より下流側に配置される第二流路部と、
    　　前記第一流路部の第一位置に到達した前記冷却媒体を前記第一インクタンクの側に流し、前記第二流路部の第二位置で、前記第一インクタンクの側を流れた前記冷却媒体を前記第二流路部に流す第三流路部と、
    　　前記流出口から流出し前記流入口に流入する前記冷却媒体が前記冷却流路を流れる方向において前記第一位置より下流側である前記第一流路部の第三位置に到達した前記冷却媒体を前記第二インクタンクの側に流し、前記第二流路部の第四位置で、前記第二インクタンクの側を流れた前記冷却媒体を前記第二流路部に流す第四流路部と、を含む、請求項１に記載のインクジェット記録装置。     As the ink tank,
    A first ink tank for storing the first ink, and an internal pressure in which the first ink is stored is an atmospheric pressure;
    A second ink tank for storing the second ink, and an internal pressure in which the second ink is stored is an atmospheric pressure,
    As the recording head,
    A first recording head on which nozzles for discharging the first ink are formed;
    A second recording head on which nozzles for discharging the second ink are formed,
    As the supply channel,
    A first supply flow path for connecting the first ink tank and the first recording head, through which the first ink flowing out of the first ink tank and supplied to the first recording head flows;
    A second supply channel that connects the second ink tank and the second recording head, and flows through the second ink that flows out of the second ink tank and is supplied to the second recording head;
    As the recovery channel,
    A flow path for collecting the first ink that has flowed out of the first ink tank into the first ink tank, and a first collection flow path connected to the first ink tank;
    A flow path for collecting the second ink that has flowed out of the second ink tank into the second ink tank, and a second collection flow path connected to the second ink tank,
    As the ink feeding part,
    The first ink is provided in the middle of the first supply channel, and flows the first ink to the first recording head via the first supply channel, and the first ink flowing out of the first ink tank is A first ink feeding section that flows to the first ink tank side through a first recovery flow path;
    The second ink is provided in the middle of the second supply channel, and flows the second ink to the second recording head via the second supply channel, and the second ink flowing out from the second ink tank is A second ink feeding part that flows to the side of the second ink tank through a second recovery flow path,
    The cooling channel is
    A first flow having one end connected to an outlet through which the cooling medium for cooling the first ink stored in the first ink tank and the second ink stored in the second ink tank flows out. The road,
    One end is connected to an inlet into which the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet and flowing through the cooling flow path flows, and the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet and flows into the inlet becomes the cooling flow path. A second flow path portion disposed downstream of the first flow path portion in the direction of flowing through
    The cooling medium that has reached the first position of the first flow path section is caused to flow toward the first ink tank, and the cooling medium that has flowed through the first ink tank side at the second position of the second flow path section. A third flow path portion for flowing the medium through the second flow path portion;
    The cooling medium that has reached the third position of the first flow path portion, which is downstream from the first position in the direction in which the cooling medium flowing out from the outlet and flowing into the inlet flows in the cooling flow path, is A fourth flow path section that flows to the second ink tank side and flows the cooling medium that has flowed on the second ink tank side to the second flow path section at a fourth position of the second flow path section; The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:
  5. 　前記第三流路部は、前記第一インクタンクにおいて前記第一インクが貯留される前記第一インクタンクの内部に設けられ、
    　前記第四流路部は、前記第二インクタンクにおいて前記第二インクが貯留される前記第二インクタンクの内部に設けられる、請求項４に記載のインクジェット記録装置。     The third flow path portion is provided in the first ink tank in which the first ink is stored in the first ink tank,
    5. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the fourth flow path portion is provided inside the second ink tank in which the second ink is stored in the second ink tank.
  6. 　前記第三流路部は、前記第一インクタンクの外面に接した状態で設けられ、
    　前記第四流路部は、前記第二インクタンクの外面に接した状態で設けられる、請求項４に記載のインクジェット記録装置。     The third flow path portion is provided in contact with the outer surface of the first ink tank,
    The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the fourth flow path portion is provided in contact with an outer surface of the second ink tank.
  7. 　前記第一記録ヘッドに設けられ、前記第一記録ヘッドに供給された前記第一インクを加熱する第一加熱部と、
    　前記第二記録ヘッドに設けられ、前記第二記録ヘッドに供給された前記第二インクを加熱する第二加熱部と、を備える、請求項４から請求項６の何れか１項に記載のインクジェット記録装置。     A first heating unit provided in the first recording head for heating the first ink supplied to the first recording head;
    The inkjet according to claim 4, further comprising: a second heating unit that is provided in the second recording head and heats the second ink supplied to the second recording head. Recording device.
  8. 　前記第一供給流路に設けられ、前記第一インクを前記第一記録ヘッドの側に流す第一分配器と、
    　前記第二供給流路に設けられ、前記第二インクを前記第二記録ヘッドの側に流す第二分配器と、を備え、
    　前記第一回収流路は、前記第一インクタンクと前記第一分配器とを接続し、前記第一インクタンクから流出して前記第一分配器に到達した前記第一インクを前記第一分配器から前記第一インクタンクに回収する流路であり、
    　前記第二回収流路は、前記第二インクタンクと前記第二分配器とを接続し、前記第二インクタンクから流出して前記第二分配器に到達した前記第二インクを前記第二分配器から前記第二インクタンクに回収する流路である、請求項４から請求項７の何れか１項に記載のインクジェット記録装置。     A first distributor that is provided in the first supply flow path and causes the first ink to flow toward the first recording head;
    A second distributor that is provided in the second supply flow path and causes the second ink to flow toward the second recording head;
    The first recovery flow path connects the first ink tank and the first distributor, and flows the first ink that has flowed out of the first ink tank and reached the first distributor into the first distributor. A flow path for collecting from the container to the first ink tank,
    The second recovery flow path connects the second ink tank and the second distributor, and flows the second ink that flows out of the second ink tank and reaches the second distributor to the second distributor. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the ink jet recording apparatus is a flow path for collecting the ink from a container to the second ink tank.
  9. 　インクを貯留し、前記インクが貯留される内部の圧力が大気圧であるインクタンクと、
    　前記インクを吐出するノズルが形成された記録ヘッドと、
    　前記インクタンクと前記記録ヘッドとを接続し、前記インクタンクから流出し前記記録ヘッドに供給される前記インクが流れる供給流路と、
    　前記インクタンクから流出した前記インクを前記インクタンクに回収する流路であって、前記インクタンクに接続される回収流路と、
    　前記供給流路の途中に設けられ、前記インクを前記供給流路を介して前記記録ヘッドの側に流し、前記インクタンクから流出した前記インクを前記回収流路を介して前記インクタンクの側に流すインク送液部と、を備えるインクジェット記録装置。     An ink tank for storing ink, and an internal pressure in which the ink is stored is atmospheric pressure;
    A recording head on which nozzles for discharging the ink are formed;
    A supply flow path for connecting the ink tank and the recording head, through which the ink flowing out of the ink tank and supplied to the recording head flows;
    A flow path for collecting the ink that has flowed out of the ink tank into the ink tank, wherein the flow path is connected to the ink tank;
    Provided in the middle of the supply flow path, the ink flows to the recording head side through the supply flow path, and the ink that has flowed out of the ink tank flows to the ink tank side through the recovery flow path An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: an ink feeding unit that flows.
PCT/JP2013/067149 2012-07-09 2013-06-22 Inkjet recording device WO2014010389A1 (en)

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