WO2016042993A1 - Liquid supply system - Google Patents

Liquid supply system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016042993A1
WO2016042993A1 PCT/JP2015/073977 JP2015073977W WO2016042993A1 WO 2016042993 A1 WO2016042993 A1 WO 2016042993A1 JP 2015073977 W JP2015073977 W JP 2015073977W WO 2016042993 A1 WO2016042993 A1 WO 2016042993A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ink
gas
flow path
pressure
liquid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2015/073977
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
雅樹 片岡
柴田　博司
Original Assignee
富士フイルム株式会社
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 富士フイルム株式会社 filed Critical 富士フイルム株式会社
Priority to JP2016548797A priority Critical patent/JP6072380B2/en
Priority to DE112015004254.7T priority patent/DE112015004254B4/en
Publication of WO2016042993A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016042993A1/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
    • B41J2/175—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
    • 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
    • B41J2/19—Ink jet characterised by ink handling for removing air bubbles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a liquid supply system.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that includes a distribution tank that supplies ink to a plurality of ejection heads, and that relieves pressure fluctuations of the ink in the distribution tank by a damper portion provided on a side surface of the distribution tank. Yes.
  • Patent Document 2 discloses a liquid supply mechanism in which a shock absorber is provided in a branch path branched from a supply side manifold that supplies ink to a plurality of ejection modules, and the pressure fluctuation in the supply side manifold is reduced by the shock absorber. Has been.
  • the present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid supply system capable of obtaining uniform damper performance in all of the plurality of head modules.
  • a plurality of individual flow paths respectively communicating with a plurality of head modules are connected in parallel, and the head modules are connected via the individual flow paths.
  • the gas chamber provided by partitioning the common flow path with the elastic member is provided in a position parallel to the common flow path and facing the individual flow path.
  • the pressure fluctuation generated in the flow direction of the liquid in the individual flow path can be directly mitigated by the gas chamber provided in the pressure fluctuation direction. Therefore, sufficient damper performance can be obtained.
  • the gas chamber is provided at a position facing each individual flow path, uniform damper performance can be obtained in all the head modules.
  • the liquid supply system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment, and has gas holding means for holding and discharging the gas inside the gas chamber.
  • the gas inside the gas chamber can be held by the gas holding means. For this reason, compared with the case where the gas chamber is open
  • the gas holding means includes a communication path that connects the gas chamber and the atmosphere, and an open / close control that controls opening and closing of the communication path. Means.
  • the gas inside the gas chamber can be held by the communication path that communicates the gas chamber and the atmosphere and the opening / closing control means that controls the opening and closing of the communication path.
  • the gas holding means can be provided at low cost.
  • a liquid supply system is the liquid supply system according to any one of the first to third embodiments.
  • the control means controls the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber. It has.
  • the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber can be controlled by the control means. Since the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber can be controlled according to the pressure of the supply liquid, a higher damper performance can be obtained compared to a configuration in which the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber cannot be controlled.
  • the liquid supply system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the control means is a gas pressure control means for directly controlling the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber.
  • the gas pressure inside the gas chamber can be directly controlled by the gas pressure control means.
  • the liquid supply system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the control means controls the pressure of the liquid in the common flow path to control the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber.
  • the control means controls the pressure of the liquid in the common flow path to control the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber.
  • a liquid pressure control means for controlling the pressure.
  • the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber can be controlled by controlling the pressure of the liquid in the common flow path by the liquid pressure control means.
  • a liquid supply system is the liquid supply system according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, in the normal ejection in which the liquid is ejected from the ejection port of the head module.
  • the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber is changed at the time of pressurization maintenance in which the liquid in the head module is pressurized as compared with the normal ejection and the liquid is discharged from the ejection port of the head module.
  • the gas pressure in the gas chamber is changed during normal injection and during pressurized maintenance. For this reason, the degree of relaxation of the pressure fluctuation of the liquid by the gas chamber can be changed between the normal injection and the pressurization maintenance.
  • a liquid supply system is the liquid supply system according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, wherein the liquid is ejected from the ejection port of the head module during normal ejection. And the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber is changed at the time of discharging the bubble from which the bubble is discharged from the bubble removal channel provided on the downstream side in the common channel.
  • the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber is changed between normal injection and bubble discharge. For this reason, it is possible to change the flow velocity of the liquid at the same flow rate by changing the cross-sectional area of the common flow channel during normal injection and when discharging bubbles.
  • the liquid supply system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention in the liquid supply system according to the eighth embodiment, periodically changes the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber when bubbles are discharged.
  • liquid supply system by periodically changing the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber at the time of discharging the bubbles, it is possible to promote the discharge of the bubbles and efficiently discharge the bubbles.
  • the liquid supply system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein the common flow path is a common supply liquid to the head module.
  • a supply flow path and a common recovery flow path for recovering liquid from the head module are provided, and a liquid circulation flow path is formed by the common supply flow path and the common recovery flow path.
  • the pressure fluctuation of the liquid in the liquid circulation channel including the common supply channel that supplies the liquid to the head module and the common recovery channel that recovers the liquid from the head module. Can also be relaxed by the gas chamber.
  • the liquid supply system according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to the tenth embodiment, wherein the liquid supply system according to the tenth embodiment is configured so that the liquid is supplied from the injection port of the head module.
  • the gas pressure is higher than the gas pressure inside the gas chamber of the common recovery channel.
  • the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber of the common supply flow path is higher than the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber of the common recovery flow path.
  • the difference in liquid pressure between the common supply channel and the common recovery channel As a result, liquid flows from the common supply channel to the common recovery channel.
  • a liquid supply system is the liquid supply system according to the eleventh embodiment, wherein a gas tank that communicates with the gas chamber and holds the gas is provided, and the capacity of the gas tank of the common supply flow path Is larger than the capacity of the gas tank of the common recovery channel.
  • the capacity of the gas tank in the common supply flow path is larger than the capacity of the gas tank in the common recovery flow path.
  • a liquid supply system is the liquid supply system according to any one of the first to twelfth embodiments, wherein the common flow path includes a plurality of gas chambers each provided with a gas chamber.
  • the common flow path component members are connected in series.
  • the common flow path is configured by connecting a plurality of common flow path constituent members in series.
  • the liquid supply system according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to the thirteenth embodiment, wherein a communication path that communicates the gas chamber and the atmosphere is provided, and the communication path is a connection of common flow path components. Each is provided in a direction orthogonal to the direction.
  • the communication passages that communicate the gas chamber and the atmosphere are provided in directions orthogonal to the connection direction of the common flow path component members.
  • uniform damper performance can be obtained in all of the plurality of head modules.
  • FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image recording apparatus including a liquid supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 (A) is a piping diagram showing the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 (B) is a partially enlarged view thereof.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views showing a common flow path during normal injection of the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • 4 (A) and 4 (B) are cross-sectional views showing a common flow path during pressure maintenance of the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views showing a common flow path during pressure maintenance of the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views showing a common flow path when bubbles are discharged in the liquid supply system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • 14 (A) and 14 (B) are perspective cross-sectional views showing a common flow path when bubbles are discharged in a liquid supply system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the image recording apparatus 10 uses aqueous ultraviolet ink (ultraviolet curable ink using an aqueous medium) as a photocurable ink on a sheet recording medium (paper) P. It is set as the structure which records an image by the inkjet system using it.
  • the image recording apparatus 10 includes a paper feeding unit 12 that feeds the recording medium P, a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium P, a processing liquid applying unit 14, a processing liquid drying processing unit 16, and an ink ejecting unit.
  • the paper feed unit 12 is configured to feed the recording media P loaded on the paper feed tray 30 to the processing liquid application unit 14 one by one.
  • the sheet feeding unit 12 as an example of a sheet feeding unit mainly includes a sheet feeding table 30, a soccer device 32, a sheet feeding roller pair 34, a feeder board 36, a front pad 38, and a sheet feeding drum 40. Has been.
  • the recording medium P is placed on the sheet feeding table 30 in a bundle of many sheets.
  • the sheet feed table 30 is provided so as to be lifted and lowered by a sheet feed table lifting device (not shown).
  • the drive is controlled in conjunction with the increase / decrease of the recording media P stacked on the paper feed platform 30, and the recording medium P positioned at the top of the bundle is always positioned at a constant height.
  • the sheet feeding table 30 is configured to move up and down.
  • general-purpose printing paper used in general offset printing or the like (so-called high-quality paper, coated paper, paper mainly composed of cellulose such as art paper) is used as the recording medium P.
  • the recording media P loaded on the paper feed table 30 are picked up one by one from the top and fed to the paper feed roller pair 34.
  • the soccer device 32 includes a suction foot 32A provided so as to be movable up and down and swingable. The upper surface of the recording medium P is sucked and held by the suction foot 32A, and the recording medium P is conveyed from the paper feed table 30 to the paper feed roller pair. At this time, the suction foot 32A sucks and holds the top surface of the recording medium P positioned at the top of the bundle to pull up the recording medium P, and the leading end of the recording medium P that is pulled up constitutes a paper feed roller pair 34. It is set as the structure inserted between a pair of roller 34A and roller 34B.
  • the paper feed roller pair 34 includes a pair of upper and lower rollers 34A and 34B that are pressed against each other.
  • One of the pair of upper and lower rollers 34A and 34B is a driving roller (for example, roller 34A) and the other is a driven roller (for example, roller 34B).
  • the drive roller is connected to a motor (not shown) and is driven to rotate by the rotation of the motor.
  • the motor is driven in conjunction with the feeding of the recording medium P.
  • the driving roller is rotated in accordance with the timing.
  • the recording medium P inserted between the pair of upper and lower rollers 34 ⁇ / b> A and 34 ⁇ / b> B is nipped by the rollers 34 ⁇ / b> A and 34 ⁇ / b> B and sent out in the direction in which the feeder board 36 is installed.
  • the feeder board 36 is formed to correspond to the width of the recording medium, and is configured to guide the recording medium P sent out from the paper feed roller pair 34 to the front pad 38.
  • the feeder board 36 is installed to be inclined downward, and the recording medium P placed on the conveying surface of the conveying path of the feeder board 36 is slid along the conveying surface and guided to the front pad 38. .
  • the feeder board 36 is provided with a plurality of tape feeders 36A that convey the recording medium P and have the conveying direction as a longitudinal direction at intervals in the width direction.
  • the tape feeder 36A is formed in an endless shape and is configured to rotate using a motor (not shown) as a drive source.
  • the recording medium P placed on the conveyance surface of the feeder board 36 is conveyed on the feeder board 36 by the tape feeder 36A.
  • the front pad 38 is configured to correct the posture of the recording medium P.
  • the front pad 38 is formed in a plate shape, and a plate-like surface is disposed orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium P. Further, the front pad 38 is connected to a motor (not shown), and is driven to swing by the motor. When the leading edge of the recording medium P conveyed on the feeder board 36 comes into contact with the front pad 38, the conveying posture of the recording medium P is corrected (so-called skew prevention is performed).
  • the front pad 38 is swung in conjunction with the feeding of the recording medium P to the paper feeding drum 40, and the recording medium P whose transport posture is corrected is delivered to the paper feeding drum 40.
  • the paper feed drum 40 receives the recording medium P fed from the feeder board 36 through the front pad 38 and transports it to the processing liquid application unit 14.
  • the paper feed drum 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape, is connected to a motor (not shown), and is configured to rotate by driving from this motor.
  • a gripper 40A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the paper supply drum 40, and the leading end of the recording medium P is gripped by the gripper 40A.
  • the paper feed drum 40 conveys the recording medium P to the treatment liquid application unit 14 while winding the recording medium P on the peripheral surface by gripping and rotating the tip of the recording medium P with the gripper 40A.
  • the processing liquid applying unit 14 applies a predetermined processing liquid to the surface (image recording surface) of the recording medium P.
  • the treatment liquid application unit 14 mainly applies a treatment liquid application drum 42 that conveys the recording medium P, and a treatment liquid application that applies a predetermined treatment liquid to the image recording surface of the recording medium P that is conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42.
  • a unit 44 The treatment liquid applied to the surface of the recording medium P aggregates the color material (pigment) in the photocurable ink that is ejected (dropped) onto the recording medium P in the image recording unit 18 disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction. It is the flocculant which has the function to make it.
  • the treatment liquid application drum 42 conveys the recording medium P conveyed from the paper supply drum 40 of the paper supply unit 12 to the treatment liquid drying processing unit 16.
  • the treatment liquid application drum 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape, is connected to a motor (not shown), and is configured to be driven by the rotation of this motor.
  • a gripper 42A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the treatment liquid application drum 42, and the leading end of the recording medium P is gripped by the gripper 42A.
  • the treatment liquid application drum 42 conveys the recording medium P to the treatment liquid drying processing unit 16 while winding the recording medium P on the peripheral surface by gripping and rotating the tip of the recording medium P with the gripper 42A. . When the treatment liquid application drum 42 rotates once, one recording medium P is conveyed.
  • the processing liquid application drum 42 and the paper feed drum 40 are controlled in rotation by matching the timings of receiving and delivering the recording medium P with each other. That is, the treatment liquid application drum 42 and the paper feed drum 40 are driven with their peripheral speeds matched, and are driven with the positions of the grippers 40A and 42A matched.
  • the treatment liquid is applied to the surface of the recording medium P conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42 with a roller.
  • the processing liquid application unit 44 mainly pumps up the application roller 44A for applying the processing liquid to the recording medium P, the processing liquid tank 44B for storing the processing liquid, and the processing liquid stored in the processing liquid tank 44B,
  • the pumping roller 44 ⁇ / b> C is supplied to the application roller 44 ⁇ / b> A.
  • the processing liquid is applied by a roller, but the method of applying the processing liquid is not limited to this.
  • a method of applying using an inkjet head or a method of applying using a spray may be employed.
  • the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 In the processing liquid drying processing unit 16, the recording medium P having the processing liquid applied to the surface is dried.
  • the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 mainly performs drying air on the image recording surface of the recording medium P transported by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 that transports the recording medium P, the paper transport guide 48, and the processing liquid drying processing drum 46.
  • the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 is configured to receive the recording medium P from the processing liquid application drum 42 of the processing liquid application unit 14 and to transport the recording medium P to the image recording unit 18.
  • the treatment liquid drying treatment drum 46 is configured by a cylindrical frame, is connected to a motor (not shown), and is driven by the rotation of the motor.
  • a gripper 46A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46, and the leading end of the recording medium P is gripped by the gripper 46A.
  • the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 conveys the recording medium P to the image recording unit 18 by gripping and rotating the tip of the recording medium P with the gripper 46A.
  • processing liquid drying processing drum 46 in the present embodiment is configured such that grippers 42A are disposed at two locations on the outer peripheral surface, and the two recording media P are conveyed by one rotation.
  • the rotation of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and the processing liquid applying drum 42 is controlled by matching the timings of receiving and transferring both recording media P. That is, the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and the processing liquid application drum 42 are driven with their peripheral speeds matched, and are driven with the positions of the grippers 42A and the grippers 46A of each other.
  • the paper transport guide 48 is disposed around the outer periphery of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 along the transport path of the recording medium P.
  • the paper transport guide 48 guides the recording medium P so as not to be detached from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 (transport path).
  • the processing liquid drying processing unit 50 is installed inside the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and is configured to perform drying processing by blowing dry air toward the surface of the recording medium P conveyed by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. ing. Thereby, the solvent component in the processing liquid is removed, and an ink aggregation layer is formed on the surface of the recording medium P.
  • the two processing liquid drying processing units 50 are arranged in the processing liquid drying processing drum, and the drying air is directed toward the surface of the recording medium P conveyed by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. It is configured to spray.
  • photocurable ink is used as the ink ejected from each of the inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y.
  • the photocurable ink is cured and dried by irradiating light (in this case, ultraviolet rays) with an ink fixing unit described later after ejection.
  • the image recording drum 52 is configured to receive the recording medium P from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 of the processing liquid drying processing section 16 and to transport the recording medium P to the ink fixing processing section 20.
  • the image recording drum 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape, is connected to a motor (not shown), and is driven by the rotation of this motor.
  • a gripper 52A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52, and the leading end of the recording medium P is gripped by the gripper 52A.
  • the image recording drum 52 conveys the recording medium P to the ink fixing processing unit 20 while winding the recording medium P around the peripheral surface by gripping and rotating the tip of the recording medium P with the gripper 52A.
  • suction holes suction holes
  • suction holes are provided in a predetermined pattern on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
  • the recording medium P wound around the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52 is sucked through the suction hole, so that it can be conveyed while being sucked and held on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. Thereby, the recording medium P can be conveyed with high smoothness.
  • the suction from the suction hole is performed only within a certain range, and the recording medium P is sucked between a predetermined suction start position and a predetermined suction end position.
  • the suction start position is set to the installation position of the recording medium pressing roller 54.
  • the suction end position is set on the downstream side of the installation position of the inline sensor 58, and is set to a position where the recording medium P is delivered to the ink fixing processing unit 20, for example. That is, at least at the installation position (image recording position) of the inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y and the installation position (image reading position) of the inline sensor 58, the recording medium P is attracted and held on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
  • the adsorption method is not limited to the adsorption method using negative pressure, and may be an adsorption method using electrostatic adsorption.
  • the image recording drum 52 in the present embodiment is provided with grippers 52A at two positions on the outer peripheral surface, so that two recording media P can be conveyed by one rotation.
  • the rotation of the image recording drum 52 and the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 is controlled by matching the timings of receiving and delivering both recording media P. That is, the image recording drum 52 and the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 are driven with the peripheral speeds matched, and are driven with the positions of the grippers 46A and the grippers 52A matched.
  • the four inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52 along the conveyance path of the recording medium P at a constant interval.
  • Each of the inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y is configured by a line head corresponding to the recording medium width, and the ejection nozzle surface is disposed to face the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
  • Each of the inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y causes the image recording drum 52 to eject light-curable ink droplets from a plurality of ejection openings formed on the ejection nozzle surface toward the image recording drum 52. An image is recorded on the recording medium P being conveyed.
  • the in-line sensor 58 is installed on the downstream side of the rearmost inkjet head 56Y in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P by the image recording drum 52, and is recorded by the inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y. It is configured to read an image.
  • the inline sensor 58 is constituted by a line scanner, for example.
  • a contact prevention plate 59 installed in the vicinity of the inline sensor 58 is provided on the downstream side of the inline sensor 58.
  • the contact prevention plate 59 can prevent the recording medium P from coming into contact with the in-line sensor 58 when the recording medium P is lifted or broken due to a conveyance failure or the like.
  • the mist filter 60 is disposed between the rearmost inkjet head 56Y and the inline sensor 58, and sucks the air around the image recording drum 52 to capture the ink mist. By capturing the ink mist, the ink mist is prevented from entering the in-line sensor 58, and the occurrence of image reading defects and the like is effectively prevented.
  • the drum cooling unit 62 is configured to cool the image recording drum 52 by blowing cool air to the image recording drum 52.
  • the drum cooling unit 62 is mainly composed of an air conditioner (not shown) and a duct 62 ⁇ / b> A that blows cool air supplied from the air conditioner onto the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
  • the duct 62 ⁇ / b> A is configured to cool the image recording drum 52 by blowing cool air to the image recording drum 52 in an area other than the conveyance area of the recording medium P.
  • the duct 62A cools the region of the lower half of the image recording drum 52.
  • the image recording drum 52 is cooled by spraying.
  • the air outlets (not shown) of the duct 62 ⁇ / b> A are arranged in an arc shape so as to cover substantially the lower half of the image recording drum 52.
  • the ink fixing processing unit 20 is configured to remove the liquid component remaining on the image recording surface of the recording medium P and to post-process the recording medium P after image recording.
  • the ink fixing processing unit 20 mainly includes a chain gripper 64 that transports a recording medium P on which an image is recorded, a back tension applying mechanism 66 that applies back tension to the recording medium P transported by the chain gripper 64, and a chain gripper. 64, a drying processing unit 21 and a light irradiation unit 22 are provided as ink fixing means for fixing the recording medium P conveyed.
  • the chain gripper 64 is a medium transport mechanism as a part of transport means used in common in the drying processing unit 21, the light irradiation unit 22, and the paper discharge unit 24, and the recording medium delivered from the image recording unit 18. It is configured to receive P and transport it to the paper discharge unit 24.
  • the chain gripper 64 mainly includes a first sprocket 64A installed close to the image recording drum 52 side, a second sprocket 64B installed on the paper discharge unit 24 side, and the first sprocket 64A and the second sprocket 64B.
  • a chain 64C as an endless conveyance path wound around the chain, a plurality of chain guides (not shown) for guiding the travel of the chain 64C, and a plurality of grippers 64D attached to the chain 64C at a constant interval. It is configured.
  • the first sprocket 64A, the second sprocket 64B, the chain 64C, and the chain guide are configured as a pair on both sides in the conveyance width direction of the recording medium P.
  • the grippers 64D are provided on the pair of chains 64C, respectively.
  • the first sprocket 64A is connected to a motor (not shown) and is driven by the rotation of this motor.
  • the second sprocket 64B is dependently rotatable.
  • the back tension applying mechanism 66 is configured to apply a back tension to the recording medium P that is conveyed while its tip is held by the chain gripper 64.
  • the back tension applying mechanism 66 is not shown in detail, but mainly includes a guide plate 72 and a plurality of suction fans 70A as suction means for sucking air from a number of suction holes formed in the guide plate 72. It is equipped with.
  • the lower surface of the guide plate 72 is provided with a number of holes for discharging the sucked air.
  • back tension is applied by being sucked by the suction fan 70 ⁇ / b> A through the suction hole of the guide plate 72.
  • the drying processing unit 21 is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the chain gripper 64 and inside the chain gripper 64, and is arranged along the transport direction. It has.
  • the drying processing unit 68 is configured to blow dry air (for example, hot air) on the image recording surface of the recording medium P.
  • dry air for example, hot air
  • the drying air is blown by the drying processing unit 68, the amount of water in the photocurable ink is reduced before the light (ultraviolet ray) is irradiated by the light irradiation unit 22. Thereby, the curability of the photocurable ink is secured by the subsequent light irradiation.
  • the light irradiation unit 22 is configured to irradiate an image recorded using a photocurable ink with ultraviolet rays (UV) as light in this embodiment to fix the image.
  • the light irradiation unit 22 mainly includes a chain gripper 64 that conveys the recording medium P, a back tension applying mechanism 66 that applies a back tension to the recording medium P and serves as a suction unit, and an irradiation unit that irradiates the recording medium P with light. 74.
  • the irradiation unit 74 is provided downstream of the drying processing unit 21 in the transport direction of the chain gripper 64 and inside the chain gripper 64, and a plurality of the irradiation units 74 are arranged along the transport direction.
  • the irradiation unit 74 includes an ultraviolet lamp as a light source (not shown).
  • the back tension applying mechanism 66 mainly includes a guide plate 72 and a plurality of suction fans 70B as suction means for sucking air from a number of suction holes formed in the guide plate 72.
  • the lower surface of the guide plate 72 is provided with a number of holes for discharging the sucked air.
  • the chain gripper 64 In the recording medium P conveyed by the chain gripper 64, back tension is applied by being sucked by the suction fan 70B through the suction hole of the guide plate 72.
  • the height of the paper discharge unit 24 arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction is higher than that of the drying processing unit 21, so that the chain gripper 64, the guide plate 72, and the like are adjusted in order to adjust the transport position. These components are inclined upward from below.
  • the paper discharge unit 24 is configured to collect the recording medium P that has undergone a series of image recording processes.
  • the paper discharge unit 24 mainly includes a chain gripper 64 that transports the recording medium P on which the photocurable ink is fixed by light irradiation, and a paper discharge tray 76 that stacks and collects the recording medium P. .
  • the paper discharge tray 76 is provided with paper pads (front paper pads, rear paper pads, horizontal paper pads, etc.) for orderly stacking the recording media P.
  • a discharge tray lifting device (not shown) is provided on the discharge tray 76 so that the recording medium P can be lifted.
  • the elevation drive is controlled in conjunction with the increase / decrease of the recording media P collected on the paper delivery platform 76, so that the topmost recording media P is always positioned at a certain height. Has been adjusted to.
  • an aqueous ultraviolet ink that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays as light is used.
  • the aqueous ultraviolet ink preferably contains a pigment, polymer particles, a water-soluble polymerizable compound that is polymerized by active energy rays, and a photopolymerization initiator.
  • the coloring material may include a dye.
  • the ink supply system 100 mainly includes an ink tank 102, an ink pressure control tank 108, a common flow path 124, and an individual flow path 134. It is configured.
  • the ink tank 102 is a main tank in which photocurable ink is stored. Further, the ink tank 102 is capable of circulating photocurable ink between the ink pressure control tank 108 and a supply pipe 106 provided with an ink pump 104 as a liquid pressure control means.
  • the ink pressure control tank 108 has a two-chamber structure in which the inside is partitioned by an elastic film 110 that alleviates pressure fluctuations.
  • the lower space is an ink chamber 108A and the upper space is a gas chamber 108B.
  • a supply pipe 106 communicating with the ink tank 102 and a supply pipe 112 communicating with the common flow path 124 are connected to the ink chamber 108A.
  • a communication passage 116 that connects the gas chamber 108B and the air tank (gas tank) 114 is connected to the gas chamber 108B serving as a damper that relieves pressure fluctuation of the ink in the ink chamber 108A.
  • the air tank 114 is connected to a communication path 118 that communicates the air tank 114 with the atmosphere.
  • the communication passages 116 and 118 are provided with opening / closing valves 120 and 122 for controlling the opening and closing of the communication passages 116 and 118, respectively.
  • the common channel 124 is a hollow cylindrical member, and has a two-chamber structure in which the inside is partitioned in parallel in the longitudinal direction by an elastic membrane (elastic member) 126 as a damper that relieves pressure fluctuation.
  • an elastic membrane elastic member
  • the lower space is an ink flow path 124A through which photocurable ink flows, and the upper space narrower than the lower space is a gas chamber 124B.
  • a supply pipe 112 is connected to an upstream end that is one longitudinal end of the ink flow path 124A.
  • an ink pressure sensor 128 that detects the pressure of the photocurable ink flowing in the ink flow path 124A is provided at the downstream end that is the other end in the longitudinal direction.
  • a bubble vent channel 130 that connects the ink channel 124A and the ink tank 102 is connected to the downstream end of the ink channel 124A.
  • the bubble vent channel 130 is provided with an open / close valve 132 that controls opening / closing of the bubble vent channel 130.
  • a plurality of individual channels 134 are connected in parallel to the lower surface of the ink channel 124A facing the gas chamber 124B.
  • Each individual flow path 134 is provided with an open / close valve 136 that controls opening / closing of the individual flow path 134.
  • the inkjet head 56 includes a plurality of head modules 138 arranged in parallel, and each individual flow path 134 is connected to each head module 138.
  • a communication passage 142 that connects the gas chamber 124B and the air tank 140 is connected to the gas chamber 124B serving as a damper that relieves the pressure fluctuation of the ink in the ink flow path 124A.
  • the air tank 140 is connected to a communication path 144 that allows the air tank 140 to communicate with the atmosphere.
  • the communication path 144 is provided with an opening / closing valve 146 that serves as an opening / closing control means for controlling the opening / closing of the communication path 144. .
  • the gas chamber 124 ⁇ / b> B can hold and discharge the internal gas by the communication path 142 and the opening / closing valve 146 as gas holding means.
  • the ink pump 104 is operated to supply the photocurable ink stored in the ink tank 102 to the ink flow path 124A of the common flow path 124 through the ink chamber 108A of the ink pressure control tank 108.
  • the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A is increased to a predetermined pressure P1 by the ink pump 104, and the elastic film 126 is pushed up by the ink pressure as shown in FIG.
  • the predetermined pressure P1 is determined by the ink supply pressure during printing and the capacities of the gas chamber 124B and the air tank 140.
  • the open / close valve 146 of the communication path 144 shown in FIG. 2A is closed, and the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A is reduced to the printing pressure P2 lower than the predetermined pressure P1 by the ink pump 104.
  • the printing pressure P2 is a negative pressure.
  • the open / close valve 136 of the individual flow path 134 is opened to supply photocurable ink to each head module 138.
  • the open / close valve 146 of the communication path 144 is opened. Thereafter, the ink pump 104 is operated to supply the photocurable ink stored in the ink tank 102 to the ink flow path 124 ⁇ / b> A of the common flow path 124 through the ink chamber 108 ⁇ / b> A of the ink pressure control tank 108.
  • the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A is increased by the ink pump 104 to the purge pressure P3 at which bubbles and thickened photocurable ink can be discharged, and the elastic film 126 is pushed up by the ink pressure. Since the purge pressure P3 is higher than the predetermined pressure P1 and the printing pressure P2, the elastic film 126 is pushed up and pressed against the inner wall of the gas chamber 124B as shown in FIG.
  • the elastic membrane 126 is held in a state of being pressed against the inner wall of the gas chamber 124B.
  • the opening / closing valve 136 of the individual flow path 134 is opened, and the ink pump 104 applies the photocurable ink to each head module 138. Supply.
  • the open / close valve 146 of the communication path 144 is opened. Thereafter, the ink pump 104 is operated to return the photocurable ink in the ink flow path 124 ⁇ / b> A to the ink tank 102 through the ink chamber 108 ⁇ / b> A of the ink pressure control tank 108.
  • the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A is reduced to the negative pressure P4 by the ink pump 104, and the elastic film 126 is pulled down as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the on-off valve 146 of the communication path 144 shown in FIG. 2A is closed, the elastic membrane 126 is held in a lowered state.
  • the ink pump 104 After adjusting the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B, the ink pump 104 is stopped, the open / close valve 136 of the individual flow path 134 is opened, and the photocurable ink is supplied to each head module 138. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the elastic film 126 is pulled down by the pressure difference between the gas pressure inside the gas chamber 124B and the ink pressure, and the gas pressure inside the gas chamber 124B is changed from the purge pressure P3. Decrease to atmospheric pressure.
  • the ink pump 104 is operated to return the photocurable ink in the ink flow path 124A to the ink tank 102 through the ink chamber 108A of the ink pressure control tank 108.
  • the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A is reduced to a negative pressure P4 by the ink pump 104, and the elastic film 126 is pulled down as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the on-off valve 146 of the communication path 144 shown in FIG. 2A is closed, the elastic membrane 126 is held in a lowered state.
  • the open / close valve 132 of the bubble vent channel 130 is opened, and the ink pump 104 supplies a constant flow rate of photocurable ink to the ink channel 124A.
  • the cross-sectional area of the ink flow path 124A is decreased to increase the flow rate of the photocurable ink in the ink flow path 124A, thereby causing the bubbles in the ink flow path 124A to pass through the bubble removal flow path 130. It becomes easy to discharge to the ink tank 102.
  • the elastic film 126 swells toward the ink flow path 124A, so that the individual flow paths 134 are The resulting pressure fluctuation can be mitigated.
  • the elastic film 126 swells toward the gas chamber 124B, thereby causing the pressure fluctuation generated in each individual flow path 134. Can be relaxed.
  • the pressure fluctuation generated in the flow direction of the photocurable ink in the individual flow path 134 during printing can be directly mitigated by the gas chamber 124B and the elastic film 126 provided in the pressure fluctuation direction.
  • the gas chamber 124B is provided at a position facing each individual flow path 134, uniform damper performance can be obtained in all the head modules 138.
  • the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B is indirectly controlled by opening and closing the open / close valve 146 of the communication path 144 and adjusting the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A by the ink pump 104, thereby elastic film.
  • the holding position 126 is adjusted.
  • the pressure fluctuation of the photocurable ink can be reduced by using the elasticity of the elastic film 126 and the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B. Therefore, since it does not depend only on the elasticity of the elastic film 126, it is possible to obtain a higher damper performance than when the gas chamber 124B is open to the atmosphere. Further, a gas pump or a pressure sensor that directly adjusts the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B is unnecessary, and the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B can be adjusted by an inexpensive method.
  • the elastic membrane 126 is held in a state of being pressed against the inner wall of the gas chamber 124B. For this reason, compared with the time of printing, the degree of relaxation of the pressure fluctuation of the photocurable ink by the gas chamber 124B becomes lower. Therefore, since the pressurized photocurable ink is discharged from the ejection port of the head module 138 with almost no pressure absorbed by the gas chamber 124B, the pressurized maintenance can be performed efficiently.
  • the elastic film 126 is held in a lowered state, and the cross-sectional area of the ink flow path 124A is narrowed.
  • the degree of relaxation of the pressure fluctuation of the photocurable ink by the gas chamber 124B is lower than at the time of printing, and the flow rate of the photocurable ink is low even at a low flow rate. Will be faster. For this reason, the driving force of the ink pump 104 can be reduced, and the ink pump 104 can be reduced in size.
  • the ink supply system 150 of this embodiment has a gas as a gas pressure control means for controlling the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B.
  • a pump 152 is provided.
  • a communication path 154 that connects the air tank 140 and the gas pump 152 is connected to the air tank 140 that is connected to the gas chamber 124 ⁇ / b> B by the communication path 142.
  • the communication path 154 is provided with an opening / closing valve 156 for controlling the opening / closing of the communication path 154, and the air tank 140 is provided with a gas pressure sensor 158 for detecting the pressure of the gas in the air tank 140. .
  • the gas inside the gas chamber 124B is decompressed by the gas pump 152, and the elastic film 126 is formed as shown in FIG.
  • the gas chamber 124B is held while being pressed against the inner wall.
  • the opening / closing valve 136 of the individual flow path 134 is opened, and the ink pump 104 is driven to supply photocurable ink to each head module 138.
  • the gas inside the gas chamber 124B is pressurized by the gas pump 152, and the elastic film 126 is pushed down as shown in FIG. 8C. Hold in the state.
  • the open / close valve 132 of the bubble vent channel 130 is opened, and the ink pump 104 supplies photocurable ink at a constant flow rate to the ink channel 124A.
  • the bubbles are discharged to the ink tank 102.
  • an ink circulation channel 166 as a liquid circulation channel is formed by the common supply channel 162 and the common recovery channel 164.
  • each head module 138 is provided with an input port 138A through which photocurable ink flows and an output port 138B through which photocurable ink is discharged.
  • An individual supply channel 168 connected to the common supply channel 162 is connected to the input port 138A, and an individual recovery channel 170 connected to the common recovery channel 164 is connected to the output port 138B.
  • the individual supply channel 168 is provided with an opening / closing valve 172 that controls the opening and closing of the individual supply channel 168 and a damper 174 that relieves pressure fluctuation of the photocurable ink supplied from the common supply channel 162.
  • the individual recovery channel 170 is provided with an opening / closing valve 176 that controls the opening and closing of the individual recovery channel 170 and a damper 178 that relieves pressure fluctuation of the photocurable ink recovered to the common recovery channel 164. Yes.
  • a supply pipe 180 is connected to an upstream end that is one longitudinal end of the common supply flow path 162, and a supply pipe 182 is connected to a downstream end that is one longitudinal end of the common recovery flow path 164. Are connected. Between the downstream end that is the other end in the longitudinal direction of the common supply channel 162 and the upstream end that is the other end in the longitudinal direction of the common recovery channel 164, the first channel 184 and A second flow path 186 is provided.
  • the first flow path 184 is provided with a first valve 192
  • the second flow path 186 is provided with a second valve 194 and a damper 195.
  • the first flow path 184 and the second flow path 186 are used for adjusting the pressure between the common supply flow path 162 and the common recovery flow path 164, adjusting the flow rate of the photocurable ink, and the like.
  • ink pressure sensors 188 and 190 for detecting the pressure of the photocurable ink are provided at the downstream end of the common supply channel 162 and the upstream end of the common recovery channel 164, respectively.
  • the supply sub tank 196 has the same configuration as the ink pressure control tank 108 in the first embodiment.
  • the supply sub-tank 196 is connected to a supply-side main pipe 200 for drawing light curable ink from a buffer tank 198 connected to the ink tank 102.
  • the supply side main pipe 200 is provided with a deaeration module 202, a one-way valve 204, a supply pump 206 as a liquid pressure control means, a supply side filter 208, and a heat exchanger 210 in order from the buffer tank 198 to the supply sub tank 196. It has been.
  • the deaeration module 202 includes, for example, a two-layered cylinder (not shown), and this cylinder is formed of a film that allows only gas molecules to pass through.
  • a vacuum pump (not shown) having a negative pressure changing function is connected to the deaeration module 202, and when the vacuum pump is operated, pressure reduction is performed in the deaeration module 202, and a photo-curing type. Degas from the ink.
  • One end of the branch pipe 212 is connected to the upstream side of the supply pump 206 separately from the supply side main pipe 200, and the other end of the branch pipe 212 is connected to the buffer tank 198 through the one-way valve 214.
  • One end of a drain pipe 216 is connected to the supply sub tank 196, and the other end of the drain pipe 216 is connected to a buffer tank 198.
  • the drain pipe 216 is provided with a drain valve 218.
  • the supply sub tank 196 has a structure in which air bubbles in the flow path are trapped by circulating photocurable ink. For this reason, by opening the drain valve 218 and sending the bubbles in the supply sub tank 196 to the buffer tank 198 by the driving force of the supply pump 206, the bubbles are discharged from the buffer tank 198 opened to the atmosphere. .
  • the other end of the supply pipe 182 connected to the common recovery channel 164 is connected to the recovery sub tank 220.
  • the collection sub tank 220 has the same configuration as the ink pressure control tank 108 in the first embodiment.
  • a recovery side main pipe 222 for drawing the photocurable ink into the buffer tank 198 is connected to the recovery sub tank 220.
  • the recovery side main pipe 222 is provided with a recovery pump 224 as a liquid pressure control means and a one-way valve 225, and a downstream side of the recovery pump 224 and a downstream side of the deaeration module 202 in the supply side main pipe 200 are provided.
  • a pressure purge pipe 226 is provided therebetween.
  • a one-way valve 228 and a recovery filter 230 are provided in order from the degassing module 202 side to the recovery pump 224 side in the pressure purge pipe 226.
  • photocurable ink can be circulated between the buffer tank 198 and the ink tank 102 by a replenishment pipe 234 provided with a replenishment pump 232. Further, the buffer tank 198 stores an amount of ink necessary for circulating the photocurable ink, and the photocurable ink is replenished from the ink tank 102 according to consumption of the photocurable ink. It has become.
  • a filter 236 is provided at one end of the replenishment pipe 234 (in the ink tank 102).
  • An overflow pipe 238 is provided between the buffer tank 198 and the ink tank 102 so that the photocurable ink is returned to the ink tank 102 when the photocurable ink is replenished excessively.
  • branch pipe 240 One end of the branch pipe 240 is connected to the upstream side of the recovery pump 224 in the recovery side main pipe 222, and the other end of the branch pipe 240 is connected to the overflow pipe 238.
  • the branch pipe 240 is provided with a safety valve 242.
  • drain pipe 244 is connected to the recovery sub tank 220, and the other end of the drain pipe 244 is connected to the drain pipe 216 through the drain valve 246.
  • the recovery sub-tank 220 has a structure in which bubbles in the flow path are trapped by circulating photocurable ink. Therefore, by opening the drain valve 246 and sending the bubbles in the collection sub tank 220 to the buffer tank 198 by the driving force of the collection pump 224, the bubbles are discharged from the buffer tank 198.
  • branch pipe 248 is connected between the supply side filter 208 and the heat exchanger 210 in the supply side main pipe 200, and the other end of the branch pipe 248 is connected to the overflow pipe 238.
  • a branch valve 248 is provided with a safety valve 250.
  • the common supply channel 162 and the common recovery channel 164 are each formed in the longitudinal direction by elastic films 252 and 254 having elasticity, like the common channel 124 of the first embodiment. It has a two-chamber structure that is partitioned in parallel with each other. Of the spaces partitioned into the two chambers, the lower spaces are ink flow paths 162A and 164A through which photocurable ink flows, and the upper spaces narrower than the lower spaces are gas chambers 162B and 164B. ing.
  • the gas chambers 162B and 164B are connected to communication passages 260 and 262 that connect the gas chambers 162B and 164B and the air tanks 256 and 258, respectively.
  • the air tanks 256 and 258 are connected to the air tanks 256 and 258 and the atmosphere.
  • the passages 264 and 266 are connected to each other.
  • the communication passages 264 and 266 are provided with opening and closing valves 268 and 270 for controlling the opening and closing of the communication passages 264 and 266, respectively. Note that the capacity of the air tank 256 connected to the common supply flow path 162 is larger than the capacity of the air tank 258 connected to the common recovery flow path 164.
  • the ink pressure P5 in the ink flow path 162A of the common supply flow path 162 is set to a positive pressure
  • the ink pressure P6 in the ink flow path 164A is set to a negative pressure.
  • the photocurable ink supplied to the common supply channel 162 is supplied to each head module 138 by the ink pressure P5 higher than the ink pressure P6, and the photocurable ink supplied to the head module 138 is supplied to the ink pressure P6.
  • the head module 138 collects the head module 138 to the common recovery channel 164.
  • the head module 138 an ink pressure corresponding to the flow resistance ratio between the common supply flow channel 162 and the common recovery flow channel 164 is applied, but the ink pressure P5 and the ink pressure P By setting the ink pressure P6, the photocurable ink is held in the ejection port of the head module 138. By doing so, it is possible to record an image on the recording medium P by ejecting droplets of photocurable ink from the inkjet head 56 during printing.
  • the gas pressure inside the gas chamber 162B of the common supply channel 162 is adjusted to be equal to the ink pressure P5 in the ink channel 162A. Therefore, the elastic membrane 252 is held in the common supply channel 162 in a state where no tension is applied.
  • the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 164B of the common recovery channel 164 is adjusted to be equal to the ink pressure P6 in the ink channel 164A. Therefore, the elastic membrane 254 is held in the common recovery flow path 164 in a state where no tension is applied.
  • the present invention can be applied to the ink circulation channel 166 by providing the gas chambers 162B and 164B in both the common supply channel 162 and the common recovery channel 164, respectively. it can. For this reason, the pressure fluctuations of the photocurable ink in the ink circulation channel 166 can be reduced by the gas chambers 162B and 164B.
  • the gas pressure (P5) inside the gas chamber 162B of the common supply channel 162 is set higher than the gas pressure (P6) inside the gas chamber 164B of the common recovery channel 164. Yes. Thereby, even when the ink pressures of the common supply channel 162 and the common recovery channel 164 are different, good pressure fluctuation mitigation performance can be obtained.
  • the capacity of the air tank 256 connected to the common supply channel 162 is common recovery.
  • the capacity of the air tank 258 connected to the flow path 164 is increased. Accordingly, even if the sizes and configurations of the gas chambers 162B and 164B in the common supply channel 162 and the common recovery channel 164 are the same, the ink pressure in the common supply channel 162 is changed to the ink pressure in the common recovery channel 164. In a higher state, the pressure of the gas inside the gas chambers 162B and 164B and the ink pressure can be balanced. That is, the elastic films 252 and 254 can be held in a state where no tension is applied.
  • one common flow path 274 is configured by connecting a plurality (three in FIG. 11) of common flow path constituting members 272 in series.
  • a fitting portion 276 is formed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the common flow path constituting member 272, and a fitted portion 278 is formed at the other end, and another common flow path is formed in the fitted portion 278 of the common flow passage constituting member 272.
  • the fitting portions 276 of the constituent members 272 are connected.
  • a plurality (three in FIG. 11) of common flow path constituting members 272 are provided with independent gas chambers 280, respectively.
  • the upper part of the common flow path component member 272 is notched, and another member having an elastic film 282 bonded to the lower surface is fitted into the notched portion of the common flow path component member 272 as shown in FIG.
  • the gas chamber 280 is provided in the common flow path component 272 by being integrated by ultrasonic fusion.
  • communication passages 284 are connected to the upper part of the gas chamber 280 in the direction orthogonal to the connection direction of the common flow path component 272, respectively. As shown in FIG. 11, each communication passage 284 is connected to a common air tank 286, and a communication passage 288 that connects the air tank 286 and the atmosphere is connected to the air tank 286.
  • the communication passage 288 is provided with an opening / closing valve 290 that controls opening / closing of the communication passage 288.
  • a bubble vent channel 294 is connected to the downstream end portion of the common channel constituent member 272 arranged on the most downstream side.
  • the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber 280 is adjusted and the elastic film 282 is held in a lowered state, and photocuring is performed.
  • the mold ink is supplied to the common channel 274 and the bubbles in the common channel 274 are discharged to the bubble removal channel 130.
  • some of the bubbles accumulate between the elastic films 282 swelled toward the individual flow path 292 (downward), that is, at the connection portion of the common flow path constituting member 272.
  • the on-off valve 290 shown in FIG. 11 is opened, the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber 280 is adjusted to push up the elastic membrane 282, and then the on-off valve 290 is closed, as shown in FIG. Hold 282 in a pushed-up state. By doing so, some of the bubbles that have accumulated between the elastic films 282 and joined together are discharged to the bubble vent channel 130.
  • the above procedure is periodically repeated a plurality of times as necessary to discharge the bubbles in the common channel 274 to the bubble vent channel 130.
  • the common flow path 274 is comprised by connecting the some common flow path structural member 272 in series. For this reason, it can respond also to the apparatus from which the number of head modules connected differs.
  • Each common flow path component 272 is provided with a gas chamber 280, and a communication path 284 connected to each gas chamber 280 is provided in a direction orthogonal to the connection direction of the common flow path component 272. . For this reason, it becomes easy to adjust the pressure of the gas inside each gas chamber 280 uniformly.
  • the elastic film 282 is moved up and down to discharge the bubbles in the common channel 274 to the bubble removal channel 130.
  • a thick part 298 is provided on the inner wall of the upper part of the common flow path 296, and the width of the gas chamber 296B partitioned by the elastic film 300 is made narrower than the width of the ink flow path 296A. May be.
  • the elastic film 300 when the elastic film 300 is held at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 14A when the bubbles are discharged, the elastic film is compared with when the bubbles are discharged in the common flow path 124 of the first embodiment. It is difficult for air bubbles to accumulate between 300 and the inner wall of the common flow path 296. For this reason, the photocurable ink can be distributed without stagnation in the ink flow path 296A, and the bubbles can be efficiently discharged.
  • the mounting position of the elastic film 304 in the common flow path 302 is located above the mounting position of the elastic film 126 of the first embodiment, and the elastic film 304 is swelled upward. May be.
  • the elastic membrane 304 when the elastic membrane 304 is held at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 14B when the bubbles are discharged, the elastic membrane is compared with when the bubbles are discharged in the common flow path 124 of the first embodiment. Air bubbles hardly accumulate between 304 and the inner wall of the common flow path 302. For this reason, the photocurable ink can be distributed without stagnation in the ink flow path 302A, and bubbles can be efficiently discharged.
  • the first to fourth embodiments can be appropriately combined.
  • the pressure of the gas inside the gas chambers 162B, 164B, and 280 may be controlled by a gas pump.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)

Abstract

Provided is a liquid supply system in which uniform damper performance can be obtained in all of a plurality of head modules. A liquid supply system 100 is provided with: a common channel 124 having individual channels 134 respectively communicating with each of a plurality of head modules 138 connected thereto in parallel, the common channel 124 supplying a liquid to or recovering a liquid from the head modules 138; and a gas chamber 124B provided at a position parallel to the common channel 124 and opposite the individual channels 134 by partitioning the interior of the common channel 124 using an elastic member 126.

Description

液体供給システムLiquid supply system
　本発明は、液体供給システムに関する。 The present invention relates to a liquid supply system.
　下記特許文献１には、複数の吐出ヘッドにインクを供給する分配タンクを備え、分配タンクの側面に設けられたダンパー部によって分配タンク内のインクの圧力変動を緩和する画像形成装置が開示されている。 Patent Document 1 below discloses an image forming apparatus that includes a distribution tank that supplies ink to a plurality of ejection heads, and that relieves pressure fluctuations of the ink in the distribution tank by a damper portion provided on a side surface of the distribution tank. Yes.
　また、下記特許文献２には、複数の吐出モジュールにインクを供給する供給側マニホールドから分岐する分岐路に緩衝器を設け、緩衝器によって供給側マニホールド内の圧力変動を緩和する液体供給機構が開示されている。 Patent Document 2 below discloses a liquid supply mechanism in which a shock absorber is provided in a branch path branched from a supply side manifold that supplies ink to a plurality of ejection modules, and the pressure fluctuation in the supply side manifold is reduced by the shock absorber. Has been.
特許第５２９３３０９号公報Japanese Patent No. 5293309 特開２０１３－１０２１９号公報JP 2013-10219 A
　上記特許文献１に開示された画像形成装置では、吐出ヘッドにおけるインクの流動方向と直交する方向に弾性シートが設けられているため、印字時のインクの圧力変動を十分に緩和することができず、ダンパー性能が十分に得られない。 In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the elastic sheet is provided in the direction orthogonal to the ink flow direction in the ejection head, the ink pressure fluctuation during printing cannot be sufficiently relaxed. Damper performance is not obtained sufficiently.
　一方、上記特許文献２に開示された液体供給機構では、供給側マニホールド外に緩衝器が設けられているため、複数の吐出モジュールにおけるインクの圧力変動を均一に緩和することは困難であり、均一なダンパー性能が得られない。 On the other hand, in the liquid supply mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 2, since a buffer is provided outside the supply-side manifold, it is difficult to uniformly mitigate ink pressure fluctuations in a plurality of ejection modules. The damper performance is not obtained.
　本発明は上記事実を考慮し、複数のヘッドモジュールの全てにおいて均一なダンパー性能を得ることができる液体供給システムを提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid supply system capable of obtaining uniform damper performance in all of the plurality of head modules.
　上記課題を解決するため、本発明の第１実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、複数のヘッドモジュールにそれぞれ連通する複数の個別流路が並列に接続され、ヘッドモジュールに前記個別流路を介して液体を供給する、又はヘッドモジュールから前記個別流路を介して液体を回収する共通流路と、共通流路内を弾性部材によって仕切ることにより、共通流路に平行かつ個別流路に対向する位置に設けられた気体室と、を備えている。 In order to solve the above problems, in the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of individual flow paths respectively communicating with a plurality of head modules are connected in parallel, and the head modules are connected via the individual flow paths. A common channel for supplying liquid or collecting liquid from the head module via the individual channel, and a position parallel to the common channel and facing the individual channel by partitioning the common channel with an elastic member A gas chamber.
　第１実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、共通流路内を弾性部材によって仕切ることにより設けられた気体室が、共通流路に平行かつ個別流路に対向する位置に設けられている。 According to the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment, the gas chamber provided by partitioning the common flow path with the elastic member is provided in a position parallel to the common flow path and facing the individual flow path.
　このため、ヘッドモジュールから液体が噴射される際に個別流路の液体の流動方向に発生する圧力変動を、圧力変動方向に設けられている気体室によって直接的に緩和することができ、気体室により十分なダンパー性能を得ることができる。また、気体室は各々の個別流路に対向する位置に設けられているため、全てのヘッドモジュールにおいて均一なダンパー性能を得ることができる。 For this reason, when the liquid is ejected from the head module, the pressure fluctuation generated in the flow direction of the liquid in the individual flow path can be directly mitigated by the gas chamber provided in the pressure fluctuation direction. Therefore, sufficient damper performance can be obtained. In addition, since the gas chamber is provided at a position facing each individual flow path, uniform damper performance can be obtained in all the head modules.
　本発明の第２実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第１実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、気体室の内部の気体を保持及び排出する気体保持手段を有している。 The liquid supply system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment, and has gas holding means for holding and discharging the gas inside the gas chamber.
　第２実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、気体保持手段によって気体室の内部の気体を保持することができる。このため、気体室が大気に開放されている場合に比べ、弾性部材の弾性と気体室の内部の気体の圧力とによって液体の圧力変動を緩和することができる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the second embodiment, the gas inside the gas chamber can be held by the gas holding means. For this reason, compared with the case where the gas chamber is open | released to air | atmosphere, the pressure fluctuation of a liquid can be relieve | moderated by the elasticity of an elastic member and the pressure of the gas inside a gas chamber.
　本発明の第３実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第２実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、気体保持手段は、気体室と大気とを連通する連通路と、連通路を開閉制御する開閉制御手段と、を備えている。 In the liquid supply system according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in the liquid supply system according to the second embodiment, the gas holding means includes a communication path that connects the gas chamber and the atmosphere, and an open / close control that controls opening and closing of the communication path. Means.
　第３実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、気体室と大気とを連通する連通路と、連通路を開閉制御する開閉制御手段とによって気体室の内部の気体を保持することができる。この場合、気体室の内部の気体の圧力を調整する気体ポンプや圧力センサ等が不要であるため、気体保持手段を安価に提供することができる。　 According to the liquid supply system according to the third embodiment, the gas inside the gas chamber can be held by the communication path that communicates the gas chamber and the atmosphere and the opening / closing control means that controls the opening and closing of the communication path. In this case, since a gas pump, a pressure sensor, or the like that adjusts the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber is unnecessary, the gas holding means can be provided at low cost. *
　本発明の第４実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第１実施態様～第３実施態様のいずれか１つの実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、気体室の内部の気体の圧力を制御する制御手段を備えている。 A liquid supply system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to any one of the first to third embodiments. The control means controls the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber. It has.
　第４実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、制御手段により気体室の内部の気体の圧力を制御することができる。供給液体の圧力に応じて気体室の内部の気体の圧力を制御することができるため、気体室の内部の気体の圧力が制御できない構成と比べて高いダンパー性能を得ることができる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the fourth embodiment, the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber can be controlled by the control means. Since the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber can be controlled according to the pressure of the supply liquid, a higher damper performance can be obtained compared to a configuration in which the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber cannot be controlled.
　本発明の第５実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第４実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、制御手段は、気体室の内部の気体の圧力を直接制御する気体圧力制御手段である。 The liquid supply system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the control means is a gas pressure control means for directly controlling the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber.
　第５実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、気体圧力制御手段によって気体室の内部の気体の圧力を直接制御することができる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the fifth embodiment, the gas pressure inside the gas chamber can be directly controlled by the gas pressure control means.
　本発明の第６実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第４実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、制御手段は、共通流路内の液体の圧力を制御することにより気体室の内部の気体の圧力を制御する液体圧力制御手段である。 The liquid supply system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the control means controls the pressure of the liquid in the common flow path to control the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber. Is a liquid pressure control means for controlling the pressure.
　第６実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、液体圧力制御手段によって共通流路内の液体の圧力を制御することにより、気体室の内部の気体の圧力を制御することができる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the sixth embodiment, the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber can be controlled by controlling the pressure of the liquid in the common flow path by the liquid pressure control means.
　本発明の第７実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第１実施態様～第６実施態様のいずれか１つの実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、ヘッドモジュールの噴射口から液体を噴射させる通常噴射時と、ヘッドモジュール内の液体を通常噴射時に比べ加圧して、ヘッドモジュールの噴射口から液体を排出させる加圧メンテナンス時とで、気体室の気体の圧力を変化させている。 A liquid supply system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, in the normal ejection in which the liquid is ejected from the ejection port of the head module. The pressure of the gas in the gas chamber is changed at the time of pressurization maintenance in which the liquid in the head module is pressurized as compared with the normal ejection and the liquid is discharged from the ejection port of the head module.
　第７実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、通常噴射時と加圧メンテナンス時とで、気体室の気体の圧力を変化させている。このため、通常噴射時と加圧メンテナンス時とで、気体室による液体の圧力変動の緩和の度合いを変化させることができる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the seventh embodiment, the gas pressure in the gas chamber is changed during normal injection and during pressurized maintenance. For this reason, the degree of relaxation of the pressure fluctuation of the liquid by the gas chamber can be changed between the normal injection and the pressurization maintenance.
　本発明の第８実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第１実施態様～第７実施態様のいずれか１つの実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、ヘッドモジュールの噴射口から液体を噴射させる通常噴射時と、共通流路内の下流側に設けられた気泡抜き流路から気泡を排出させる気泡排出時とで、気体室の気体の圧力を変化させている。 A liquid supply system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, wherein the liquid is ejected from the ejection port of the head module during normal ejection. And the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber is changed at the time of discharging the bubble from which the bubble is discharged from the bubble removal channel provided on the downstream side in the common channel.
　第８実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、通常噴射時と気泡排出時とで、気体室の気体の圧力を変化させている。このため、通常噴射時と気泡排出時とで共通流路の流路断面積を変化させて、同一流量での液体の流速を変化させることができる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the eighth embodiment, the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber is changed between normal injection and bubble discharge. For this reason, it is possible to change the flow velocity of the liquid at the same flow rate by changing the cross-sectional area of the common flow channel during normal injection and when discharging bubbles.
　本発明の第９実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第８実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、気泡排出時には、気体室の気体の圧力を周期的に変化させている。 The liquid supply system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, in the liquid supply system according to the eighth embodiment, periodically changes the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber when bubbles are discharged.
　第９実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、気泡排出時に気体室の気体の圧力を周期的に変化させることにより、気泡の排出を促し、効率的に気泡を排出することができる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the ninth embodiment, by periodically changing the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber at the time of discharging the bubbles, it is possible to promote the discharge of the bubbles and efficiently discharge the bubbles.
　本発明の第１０実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第１実施態様～第９実施態様のいずれか１つの実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、共通流路は、ヘッドモジュールに液体を供給する共通供給流路と、ヘッドモジュールから液体を回収する共通回収流路と、を備え、共通供給流路と共通回収流路によって液体循環流路が形成されている。 The liquid supply system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein the common flow path is a common supply liquid to the head module. A supply flow path and a common recovery flow path for recovering liquid from the head module are provided, and a liquid circulation flow path is formed by the common supply flow path and the common recovery flow path.
　第１０実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、ヘッドモジュールに液体を供給する共通供給流路と、ヘッドモジュールから液体を回収する共通回収流路とを備える液体循環流路における液体の圧力変動についても、気体室によって緩和することができる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the tenth embodiment, the pressure fluctuation of the liquid in the liquid circulation channel including the common supply channel that supplies the liquid to the head module and the common recovery channel that recovers the liquid from the head module. Can also be relaxed by the gas chamber.
　本発明の第１１実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第１０実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、ヘッドモジュールの噴射口から液体を噴射させる通常噴射時において、共通供給流路の気体室の内部の気体の圧力は、共通回収流路の気体室の内部の気体の圧力に比べて高くされている。 The liquid supply system according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to the tenth embodiment, wherein the liquid supply system according to the tenth embodiment is configured so that the liquid is supplied from the injection port of the head module. The gas pressure is higher than the gas pressure inside the gas chamber of the common recovery channel.
　第１１実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、通常噴射時において、共通供給流路の気体室の内部の気体の圧力は、共通回収流路の気体室の内部の気体の圧力に比べて高くされている。これにより、共通供給流路内及び共通回収流路内の液体圧力と気体室の内部の気体の圧力とを略同様とした場合に、共通供給流路と共通回収流路との液体圧力の差により共通供給流路から共通回収流路へと液体が流れる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the eleventh embodiment, during normal injection, the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber of the common supply flow path is higher than the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber of the common recovery flow path. Has been. As a result, when the liquid pressure in the common supply channel and the common recovery channel and the gas pressure in the gas chamber are substantially the same, the difference in liquid pressure between the common supply channel and the common recovery channel As a result, liquid flows from the common supply channel to the common recovery channel.
　本発明の第１２実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第１１実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、気体室と連通し、気体を保持する気体タンクが設けられ、共通供給流路の気体タンクの容量は、共通回収流路の気体タンクの容量に比べて大きくされている。 A liquid supply system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to the eleventh embodiment, wherein a gas tank that communicates with the gas chamber and holds the gas is provided, and the capacity of the gas tank of the common supply flow path Is larger than the capacity of the gas tank of the common recovery channel.
　第１２実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、共通供給流路の気体タンクの容量は、共通回収流路の気体タンクの容量に比べて大きくされている。これにより、共通供給流路内と共通回収流路内の気体室の大きさ及び構成が同じ場合でも、共通供給流路内の液体圧力を共通回収流路内の液体圧力より高くした状態で、気体室の内部の気体の圧力と液体圧力とを平衡状態とすることができる。つまり、弾性膜を張力がかかっていない状態で保持することができる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the twelfth embodiment, the capacity of the gas tank in the common supply flow path is larger than the capacity of the gas tank in the common recovery flow path. Thereby, even when the size and configuration of the gas chambers in the common supply channel and the common recovery channel are the same, the liquid pressure in the common supply channel is higher than the liquid pressure in the common recovery channel, The gas pressure inside the gas chamber and the liquid pressure can be balanced. That is, the elastic membrane can be held in a state where no tension is applied.
　本発明の第１３実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第１実施態様～第１２実施態様のいずれか１つの実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、共通流路は、気体室がそれぞれ設けられた複数の共通流路構成部材が直列に連結されることにより構成されている。 A liquid supply system according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to any one of the first to twelfth embodiments, wherein the common flow path includes a plurality of gas chambers each provided with a gas chamber. The common flow path component members are connected in series.
　第１３実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、共通流路は、複数の共通流路構成部材が直列に連結されることにより構成されている。複数の共通流路構成部材を直列に連結することにより、共通流路に接続されるヘッドモジュール数が異なる装置にも対応することが可能となる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the thirteenth embodiment, the common flow path is configured by connecting a plurality of common flow path constituent members in series. By connecting a plurality of common flow path constituent members in series, it is possible to deal with apparatuses having different numbers of head modules connected to the common flow path.
　本発明の第１４実施態様に係る液体供給システムは、第１３実施態様に係る液体供給システムにおいて、気体室と大気とを連通する連通路が設けられ、連通路は、共通流路構成部材の連結方向と直交する方向にそれぞれ設けられている。 The liquid supply system according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid supply system according to the thirteenth embodiment, wherein a communication path that communicates the gas chamber and the atmosphere is provided, and the communication path is a connection of common flow path components. Each is provided in a direction orthogonal to the direction.
　第１４実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、気体室と大気とを連通する連通路が、共通流路構成部材の連結方向と直交する方向にそれぞれ設けられている。これにより、共通流路構成部材を確実に連結することができるとともに、気体室の気密性を容易に確保することができる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the fourteenth embodiment, the communication passages that communicate the gas chamber and the atmosphere are provided in directions orthogonal to the connection direction of the common flow path component members. Thereby, while being able to connect a common flow path structural member reliably, the airtightness of a gas chamber can be ensured easily.
　本発明の実施態様に係る液体供給システムによれば、複数のヘッドモジュールの全てにおいて均一なダンパー性能を得ることができる。 According to the liquid supply system according to the embodiment of the present invention, uniform damper performance can be obtained in all of the plurality of head modules.
本発明の第１実施形態に係る液体供給システムを備える画像記録装置を示す全体構成図である。1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image recording apparatus including a liquid supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 図２（Ａ）は本発明の第１実施形態に係る液体供給システムを示す配管図であり、図２（Ｂ）はその部分拡大図である。FIG. 2 (A) is a piping diagram showing the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 (B) is a partially enlarged view thereof. 図３（Ａ）、図３（Ｂ）は本発明の第１実施形態に係る液体供給システムの通常噴射時における共通流路を示す断面図である。FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views showing a common flow path during normal injection of the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図４（Ａ）、図４（Ｂ）は本発明の第１実施形態に係る液体供給システムの加圧メンテナンス時における共通流路を示す断面図である。4 (A) and 4 (B) are cross-sectional views showing a common flow path during pressure maintenance of the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図５（Ａ）～（Ｃ）は本発明の第１実施形態に係る液体供給システムの加圧メンテナンス時における共通流路を示す断面図である。FIGS. 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views showing a common flow path during pressure maintenance of the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図６（Ａ）、図６（Ｂ）は本発明の第１実施形態に係る液体供給システムの気泡排出時における共通流路を示す断面図である。6 (A) and 6 (B) are cross-sectional views showing a common flow path when bubbles are discharged in the liquid supply system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第２実施形態に係る液体供給システムを示す配管図である。It is a piping diagram showing the liquid supply system concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. 図８（Ａ）～（Ｃ）は本発明の第２実施形態に係る液体供給システムのそれぞれ通常噴射時、加圧メンテナンス時、気泡排出時における共通流路を示す断面図である。FIGS. 8A to 8C are cross-sectional views showing common flow paths during normal injection, pressurization maintenance, and bubble discharge, respectively, in the liquid supply system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第３実施形態に係る液体供給システムを示す配管図である。It is a piping diagram showing the liquid supply system concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. 図９における共通供給流路及び共通回収流路を示す部分拡大図である。FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view showing a common supply channel and a common recovery channel in FIG. 9. 本発明の第４実施形態に係る液体供給システムを示す分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the liquid supply system which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第４実施形態に係る液体供給システムを示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the liquid supply system which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. 図１３（Ａ）、図１３（Ｂ）は本発明の第４実施形態に係る液体供給システムの気泡排出時における共通流路を示す断面図である。FIGS. 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views showing a common flow path when bubbles are discharged in the liquid supply system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 図１４（Ａ）、図１４（Ｂ）は本発明のその他の実施形態に係る液体供給システムの気泡排出時における共通流路を示す斜視断面図である。14 (A) and 14 (B) are perspective cross-sectional views showing a common flow path when bubbles are discharged in a liquid supply system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
＜第１実施形態＞
　以下、添付の図面を参照しながら本発明の第１実施形態について説明する。本実施形態では、光硬化型インクとして紫外線硬化型インクが使用される画像記録装置のインク供給システムに本発明を適用した例を説明する。なお、図面において同一機能を有する構成要素には同一符号を付し、重複する説明は適宜省略する。 <First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an ink supply system of an image recording apparatus in which an ultraviolet curable ink is used as a photocurable ink will be described. In the drawings, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.
（画像記録装置の全体構成）
　図１に示すように、本実施形態に係る画像記録装置１０は、枚葉の記録媒体（用紙）Ｐに、光硬化型インクとしての水性紫外線インク（水性媒体を使用した紫外線硬化型インク）を用いてインクジェット方式により画像を記録する構成とされている。この画像記録装置１０は、記録媒体Ｐを給紙する給紙部１２と、記録媒体Ｐを搬送する搬送手段と、処理液付与部１４と、処理液乾燥処理部１６と、インク噴射手段としての画像記録部１８と、乾燥処理部２１及び光照射部２２を含むインク定着手段としてのインク定着処理部２０と、全体システムの制御を司る制御手段と、記録媒体Ｐを排紙する排紙部２４とを主要部として備えている。 (Overall configuration of image recording device)
As shown in FIG. 1, the image recording apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment uses aqueous ultraviolet ink (ultraviolet curable ink using an aqueous medium) as a photocurable ink on a sheet recording medium (paper) P. It is set as the structure which records an image by the inkjet system using it. The image recording apparatus 10 includes a paper feeding unit 12 that feeds the recording medium P, a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium P, a processing liquid applying unit 14, a processing liquid drying processing unit 16, and an ink ejecting unit. The image recording unit 18, an ink fixing processing unit 20 as an ink fixing unit including a drying processing unit 21 and a light irradiation unit 22, a control unit that controls the entire system, and a paper discharging unit 24 that discharges the recording medium P. And as a main part.
１．給紙部の構成
　給紙部１２は、給紙台３０に積載された記録媒体Ｐを１枚ずつ処理液付与部１４に給紙する構成とされている。給紙手段の一例としての給紙部１２は、主として、給紙台３０と、サッカー装置３２と、給紙ローラ対３４と、フィーダボード３６と、前当て３８と、給紙ドラム４０とにより構成されている。 1. Configuration of Paper Feed Unit The paper feed unit 12 is configured to feed the recording media P loaded on the paper feed tray 30 to the processing liquid application unit 14 one by one. The sheet feeding unit 12 as an example of a sheet feeding unit mainly includes a sheet feeding table 30, a soccer device 32, a sheet feeding roller pair 34, a feeder board 36, a front pad 38, and a sheet feeding drum 40. Has been.
　記録媒体Ｐは、多数枚が積層された束の状態で給紙台３０に載置されている。給紙台３０は、図示しない給紙台昇降装置によって昇降可能に設けられている。給紙台昇降装置では、給紙台３０に積載された記録媒体Ｐの増減に連動して駆動が制御されており、束の最上位に位置する記録媒体Ｐが常に一定の高さに位置するように、給紙台３０が昇降する構成とされている。 The recording medium P is placed on the sheet feeding table 30 in a bundle of many sheets. The sheet feed table 30 is provided so as to be lifted and lowered by a sheet feed table lifting device (not shown). In the paper feed table elevating device, the drive is controlled in conjunction with the increase / decrease of the recording media P stacked on the paper feed platform 30, and the recording medium P positioned at the top of the bundle is always positioned at a constant height. As described above, the sheet feeding table 30 is configured to move up and down.
　特に限定されないが、一般のオフセット印刷等において使用される汎用の印刷用紙（いわゆる上質紙、コート紙、アート紙等のセルロースを主体とする用紙）が記録媒体Ｐとして使用されている。 Although not particularly limited, general-purpose printing paper used in general offset printing or the like (so-called high-quality paper, coated paper, paper mainly composed of cellulose such as art paper) is used as the recording medium P.
　サッカー装置３２では、給紙台３０に積載されている記録媒体Ｐが、上から順に１枚ずつ取り上げて、給紙ローラ対３４に給紙される。サッカー装置３２は、昇降可能かつ揺動可能に設けられたサクションフット３２Ａを備えている。このサクションフット３２Ａによって記録媒体Ｐの上面が吸着保持され、記録媒体Ｐが給紙台３０から給紙ローラ対３４に搬送される。この際、サクションフット３２Ａは、束の最上位に位置する記録媒体Ｐの先端側の上面を吸着保持して記録媒体Ｐを引き上げ、引き上げた記録媒体Ｐの先端を給紙ローラ対３４を構成する一対のローラ３４Ａ及びローラ３４Ｂ間に挿入する構成とされている。 In the soccer device 32, the recording media P loaded on the paper feed table 30 are picked up one by one from the top and fed to the paper feed roller pair 34. The soccer device 32 includes a suction foot 32A provided so as to be movable up and down and swingable. The upper surface of the recording medium P is sucked and held by the suction foot 32A, and the recording medium P is conveyed from the paper feed table 30 to the paper feed roller pair. At this time, the suction foot 32A sucks and holds the top surface of the recording medium P positioned at the top of the bundle to pull up the recording medium P, and the leading end of the recording medium P that is pulled up constitutes a paper feed roller pair 34. It is set as the structure inserted between a pair of roller 34A and roller 34B.
　給紙ローラ対３４は、互いに押圧当接された上下一対のローラ３４Ａ及びローラ３４Ｂによって構成されている。上下一対のローラ３４Ａ及びローラ３４Ｂは、一方を駆動ローラ（例えばローラ３４Ａ）、他方を従動ローラ（例えばローラ３４Ｂ）としている。駆動ローラは、図示しないモータに接続され、このモータの回転により駆動されて回転する。モータは、記録媒体Ｐの給紙に連動して駆動され、サッカー装置３２から記録媒体Ｐが給紙されると、そのタイミングに合わせて駆動ローラを回転させる。上下一対のローラ３４Ａ及びローラ３４Ｂ間に挿入された記録媒体Ｐは、このローラ３４Ａ及びローラ３４Ｂによりニップされて、フィーダボード３６の設置方向へ送り出される。 The paper feed roller pair 34 includes a pair of upper and lower rollers 34A and 34B that are pressed against each other. One of the pair of upper and lower rollers 34A and 34B is a driving roller (for example, roller 34A) and the other is a driven roller (for example, roller 34B). The drive roller is connected to a motor (not shown) and is driven to rotate by the rotation of the motor. The motor is driven in conjunction with the feeding of the recording medium P. When the recording medium P is fed from the soccer device 32, the driving roller is rotated in accordance with the timing. The recording medium P inserted between the pair of upper and lower rollers 34 </ b> A and 34 </ b> B is nipped by the rollers 34 </ b> A and 34 </ b> B and sent out in the direction in which the feeder board 36 is installed.
　フィーダボード３６は、記録媒体幅に対応して形成され、給紙ローラ対３４から送り出された記録媒体Ｐを前当て３８まで導く構成とされている。このフィーダボード３６は下方に向けて傾斜して設置されており、フィーダボード３６の搬送路の搬送面上に載置された記録媒体Ｐは搬送面に沿って滑らせて前当て３８まで導かれる。 The feeder board 36 is formed to correspond to the width of the recording medium, and is configured to guide the recording medium P sent out from the paper feed roller pair 34 to the front pad 38. The feeder board 36 is installed to be inclined downward, and the recording medium P placed on the conveying surface of the conveying path of the feeder board 36 is slid along the conveying surface and guided to the front pad 38. .
　フィーダボード３６には、記録媒体Ｐを搬送しこの搬送方向を長手方向とするテープフィーダ３６Ａが幅方向に間隔をおいて複数設置されている。テープフィーダ３６Ａは、無端状に形成され、図示しないモータを駆動源として回転する構成とされている。フィーダボード３６の搬送面に載置された記録媒体Ｐは、このテープフィーダ３６Ａによってフィーダボード３６の上を搬送する。 The feeder board 36 is provided with a plurality of tape feeders 36A that convey the recording medium P and have the conveying direction as a longitudinal direction at intervals in the width direction. The tape feeder 36A is formed in an endless shape and is configured to rotate using a motor (not shown) as a drive source. The recording medium P placed on the conveyance surface of the feeder board 36 is conveyed on the feeder board 36 by the tape feeder 36A.
　また、フィーダボード３６の上には、リテーナ３６Ｂとコロ３６Ｃとが設置される。リテーナ３６Ｂは、記録媒体Ｐの搬送面に沿って前後に縦列して複数配置されている（本実施形態では２個配置されている）。このリテーナ３６Ｂは、記録媒体幅に対応した幅を有する板バネによって構成されており、搬送面に押圧当接されている。テープフィーダ３６Ａによりフィーダボード３６の上を搬送される記録媒体Ｐでは、リテーナ３６Ｂを通過することによって凹凸が矯正される。コロ３６Ｃは搬送方向に配置された上流側のリテーナ３６Ｂと下流側のリテーナ３６Ｂとの間に配設されている。このコロ３６Ｃは、記録媒体Ｐの搬送面に押圧当接されている。リテーナ３６Ｂ間を搬送される記録媒体Ｐはコロ３６Ｃによって上面を押圧されながら搬送される。 Also, a retainer 36B and a roller 36C are installed on the feeder board 36. A plurality of retainers 36 </ b> B are arranged in the longitudinal direction along the conveyance surface of the recording medium P (two in the present embodiment). The retainer 36 </ b> B is configured by a leaf spring having a width corresponding to the recording medium width, and is pressed against and brought into contact with the conveyance surface. In the recording medium P conveyed on the feeder board 36 by the tape feeder 36A, the unevenness is corrected by passing through the retainer 36B. The roller 36C is disposed between an upstream retainer 36B and a downstream retainer 36B disposed in the transport direction. The roller 36 </ b> C is pressed against the conveying surface of the recording medium P. The recording medium P conveyed between the retainers 36B is conveyed while the upper surface is pressed by the rollers 36C.
　前当て３８は記録媒体Ｐの姿勢を矯正する構成とされている。この前当て３８は板状に形成されており、記録媒体Ｐの搬送方向と直交して板状の面が配置される。また、前当て３８は、図示しないモータに接続されており、このモータに駆動されて揺動可能とされている。フィーダボード３６の上を搬送された記録媒体Ｐの先端が前当て３８に当接された時点で、記録媒体Ｐの搬送姿勢が矯正される（いわゆる、スキュー防止がなされる）。前当て３８は給紙ドラム４０への記録媒体Ｐの給紙に連動して揺動され、搬送姿勢が矯正された記録媒体Ｐが給紙ドラム４０に受渡される。 The front pad 38 is configured to correct the posture of the recording medium P. The front pad 38 is formed in a plate shape, and a plate-like surface is disposed orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium P. Further, the front pad 38 is connected to a motor (not shown), and is driven to swing by the motor. When the leading edge of the recording medium P conveyed on the feeder board 36 comes into contact with the front pad 38, the conveying posture of the recording medium P is corrected (so-called skew prevention is performed). The front pad 38 is swung in conjunction with the feeding of the recording medium P to the paper feeding drum 40, and the recording medium P whose transport posture is corrected is delivered to the paper feeding drum 40.
　給紙ドラム４０は、前当て３８を介してフィーダボード３６から給紙される記録媒体Ｐを受け取り、処理液付与部１４へと搬送する。給紙ドラム４０は、円筒状に形成され、図示しないモータに接続されており、このモータからの駆動により回転する構成とされている。給紙ドラム４０の外周面上にはグリッパ４０Ａが備えられ、このグリッパ４０Ａによって記録媒体Ｐの先端が把持される。給紙ドラム４０は、グリッパ４０Ａによって記録媒体Ｐの先端を把持して回転することにより、記録媒体Ｐを周面上に巻き掛けながら、処理液付与部１４へと記録媒体Ｐを搬送する。 The paper feed drum 40 receives the recording medium P fed from the feeder board 36 through the front pad 38 and transports it to the processing liquid application unit 14. The paper feed drum 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape, is connected to a motor (not shown), and is configured to rotate by driving from this motor. A gripper 40A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the paper supply drum 40, and the leading end of the recording medium P is gripped by the gripper 40A. The paper feed drum 40 conveys the recording medium P to the treatment liquid application unit 14 while winding the recording medium P on the peripheral surface by gripping and rotating the tip of the recording medium P with the gripper 40A.
２．処理液付与部の構成
　処理液付与部１４は、記録媒体Ｐの表面（画像記録面）に所定の処理液を付与する。この処理液付与部１４は、主として、記録媒体Ｐを搬送する処理液付与ドラム４２と、処理液付与ドラム４２によって搬送される記録媒体Ｐの画像記録面に所定の処理液を付与する処理液付与ユニット４４とによって構成される。記録媒体Ｐの表面に付与する処理液は、搬送方向の下流側に配設された画像記録部１８において記録媒体Ｐに噴射（打滴）する光硬化型インク中の色材（顔料）を凝集させる機能を有する凝集剤である。このような処理液を記録媒体Ｐの表面に付与して光硬化型インクを噴射することにより、汎用の印刷用紙を用いた場合であっても、着弾干渉等を起こすことなく、高品位な画像記録（印刷）が可能とされる。 2. Configuration of Processing Liquid Applying Unit The processing liquid applying unit 14 applies a predetermined processing liquid to the surface (image recording surface) of the recording medium P. The treatment liquid application unit 14 mainly applies a treatment liquid application drum 42 that conveys the recording medium P, and a treatment liquid application that applies a predetermined treatment liquid to the image recording surface of the recording medium P that is conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42. And a unit 44. The treatment liquid applied to the surface of the recording medium P aggregates the color material (pigment) in the photocurable ink that is ejected (dropped) onto the recording medium P in the image recording unit 18 disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction. It is the flocculant which has the function to make it. By applying such a treatment liquid to the surface of the recording medium P and ejecting photocurable ink, even when using general-purpose printing paper, high-quality images are produced without causing landing interference or the like. Recording (printing) is possible.
　処理液付与ドラム４２は、給紙部１２の給紙ドラム４０から搬送された記録媒体Ｐを処理液乾燥処理部１６へ搬送する。処理液付与ドラム４２は、円筒状に形成され、図示しないモータに接続されており、このモータの回転により駆動される構成とされている。処理液付与ドラム４２の外周面上にはグリッパ４２Ａが備えられており、このグリッパ４２Ａによって記録媒体Ｐの先端が把持される構成とされている。処理液付与ドラム４２は、このグリッパ４２Ａによって記録媒体Ｐの先端を把持して回転することにより、記録媒体Ｐを周面上に巻き掛けながら、処理液乾燥処理部１６へ記録媒体Ｐを搬送する。処理液付与ドラム４２が１回転すると、１枚の記録媒体Ｐが搬送される。処理液付与ドラム４２及び給紙ドラム４０では、互いの記録媒体Ｐの受け取りと受け渡しのタイミングを一致させて、回転が制御される。すなわち、処理液付与ドラム４２及び給紙ドラム４０は、双方の周速度を一致させて駆動されると共に、双方のグリッパ４０Ａ及び４２Ａの位置を一致させて駆動されている。 The treatment liquid application drum 42 conveys the recording medium P conveyed from the paper supply drum 40 of the paper supply unit 12 to the treatment liquid drying processing unit 16. The treatment liquid application drum 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape, is connected to a motor (not shown), and is configured to be driven by the rotation of this motor. A gripper 42A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the treatment liquid application drum 42, and the leading end of the recording medium P is gripped by the gripper 42A. The treatment liquid application drum 42 conveys the recording medium P to the treatment liquid drying processing unit 16 while winding the recording medium P on the peripheral surface by gripping and rotating the tip of the recording medium P with the gripper 42A. . When the treatment liquid application drum 42 rotates once, one recording medium P is conveyed. The processing liquid application drum 42 and the paper feed drum 40 are controlled in rotation by matching the timings of receiving and delivering the recording medium P with each other. That is, the treatment liquid application drum 42 and the paper feed drum 40 are driven with their peripheral speeds matched, and are driven with the positions of the grippers 40A and 42A matched.
　処理液付与ユニット４４では、処理液付与ドラム４２によって搬送される記録媒体Ｐの表面に処理液がローラにより塗布される。この処理液付与ユニット４４は、主として、記録媒体Ｐに処理液を塗布する塗布ローラ４４Ａと、処理液が貯留される処理液槽４４Ｂと、処理液槽４４Ｂに貯留された処理液を汲み上げて、塗布ローラ４４Ａに供給する汲み上げローラ４４Ｃとで構成されている。 In the treatment liquid application unit 44, the treatment liquid is applied to the surface of the recording medium P conveyed by the treatment liquid application drum 42 with a roller. The processing liquid application unit 44 mainly pumps up the application roller 44A for applying the processing liquid to the recording medium P, the processing liquid tank 44B for storing the processing liquid, and the processing liquid stored in the processing liquid tank 44B, The pumping roller 44 </ b> C is supplied to the application roller 44 </ b> A.
　なお、本実施形態では、処理液がローラにより塗布される構成とされているが、処理液を付与する方法は、これに限定されるものではない。処理液の塗布には、他に、インクジェットヘッドを用いて塗布する方法や、スプレーを用いて塗布する方法が採用されてもよい。 In this embodiment, the processing liquid is applied by a roller, but the method of applying the processing liquid is not limited to this. In addition to the treatment liquid, a method of applying using an inkjet head or a method of applying using a spray may be employed.
３．処理液乾燥処理部の構成
　処理液乾燥処理部１６では、表面に処理液が付与された記録媒体Ｐが乾燥処理される。処理液乾燥処理部１６は、主として、記録媒体Ｐを搬送する処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６と、用紙搬送ガイド４８と、処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６によって搬送される記録媒体Ｐの画像記録面に乾燥風を吹き当てて乾燥させる処理液乾燥処理ユニット５０とにより構成されている。 3. Configuration of Processing Liquid Drying Processing Unit In the processing liquid drying processing unit 16, the recording medium P having the processing liquid applied to the surface is dried. The processing liquid drying processing unit 16 mainly performs drying air on the image recording surface of the recording medium P transported by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 that transports the recording medium P, the paper transport guide 48, and the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. And a processing liquid drying processing unit 50 for spraying and drying.
　処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６は、処理液付与部１４の処理液付与ドラム４２から記録媒体Ｐを受け取り、画像記録部１８へ記録媒体Ｐを搬送する構成とされている。処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６は、円筒状に組んだ枠体によって構成され、図示しないモータに接続されており、このモータの回転により駆動される。処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６の外周面上にはグリッパ４６Ａが備えられており、このグリッパ４６Ａによって記録媒体Ｐの先端が把持される。処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６は、このグリッパ４６Ａによって記録媒体Ｐの先端を把持して回転することにより、画像記録部１８へ記録媒体Ｐを搬送する。なお、本実施形態における処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６は、外周面上の２カ所にグリッパ４２Ａが配設され、１回の回転により２枚の記録媒体Ｐを搬送する構成とされている。処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６及び処理液付与ドラム４２では、双方の記録媒体Ｐの受け取りと受け渡しのタイミングを一致させて回転が制御されている。すなわち、処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６及び処理液付与ドラム４２は、双方の周速度を一致させて駆動されると共に、互いのグリッパ４２Ａ及びグリッパ４６Ａの位置を一致させて駆動されている。 The processing liquid drying processing drum 46 is configured to receive the recording medium P from the processing liquid application drum 42 of the processing liquid application unit 14 and to transport the recording medium P to the image recording unit 18. The treatment liquid drying treatment drum 46 is configured by a cylindrical frame, is connected to a motor (not shown), and is driven by the rotation of the motor. A gripper 46A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46, and the leading end of the recording medium P is gripped by the gripper 46A. The processing liquid drying processing drum 46 conveys the recording medium P to the image recording unit 18 by gripping and rotating the tip of the recording medium P with the gripper 46A. Note that the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 in the present embodiment is configured such that grippers 42A are disposed at two locations on the outer peripheral surface, and the two recording media P are conveyed by one rotation. The rotation of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and the processing liquid applying drum 42 is controlled by matching the timings of receiving and transferring both recording media P. That is, the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and the processing liquid application drum 42 are driven with their peripheral speeds matched, and are driven with the positions of the grippers 42A and the grippers 46A of each other.
　用紙搬送ガイド４８は記録媒体Ｐの搬送経路に沿って処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６の外周囲に配設されている。用紙搬送ガイド４８は、処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６（搬送経路）から外れないように記録媒体Ｐを導く。 The paper transport guide 48 is disposed around the outer periphery of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 along the transport path of the recording medium P. The paper transport guide 48 guides the recording medium P so as not to be detached from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 (transport path).
　処理液乾燥処理ユニット５０は、処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６の内側に設置され、処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６によって搬送される記録媒体Ｐの表面に向けて乾燥風を吹き当てて乾燥処理する構成とされている。これにより、処理液中の溶媒成分が除去されて記録媒体Ｐの表面にインク凝集層が形成される。本実施形態では、２台の処理液乾燥処理ユニット５０が、処理液乾燥処理ドラム内に配設されており、処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６によって搬送される記録媒体Ｐの表面に向けて乾燥風を吹き当てる構成とされている。 The processing liquid drying processing unit 50 is installed inside the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and is configured to perform drying processing by blowing dry air toward the surface of the recording medium P conveyed by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. ing. Thereby, the solvent component in the processing liquid is removed, and an ink aggregation layer is formed on the surface of the recording medium P. In the present embodiment, the two processing liquid drying processing units 50 are arranged in the processing liquid drying processing drum, and the drying air is directed toward the surface of the recording medium P conveyed by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. It is configured to spray.
４．画像記録部の構成
　画像記録部１８は、記録媒体Ｐの画像記録面にＭ、Ｋ、Ｙ、Ｃの各色の光硬化型インクの液滴を噴射して、記録媒体Ｐの画像形成面にカラー画像を記録する（印刷又は描画）構成とされている。この画像記録部１８は、主として、記録媒体Ｐを搬送する画像記録ドラム５２と、画像記録ドラム５２によって搬送される記録媒体Ｐを押圧して、記録媒体Ｐを画像記録ドラム５２の周面に密着させる記録媒体押えローラ５４と、記録媒体ＰにＭ、Ｋ、Ｙ、Ｃの各色のインク滴を噴射する噴射ヘッドの一例としてのインクジェットヘッド５６Ｍ、５６Ｋ、５６Ｃ、５６Ｙと、記録媒体Ｐに記録された画像を読み取るインラインセンサ５８と、インクミストを捕捉するミストフィルタ６０と、ドラム冷却ユニット６２とで構成される。なお、上記のように、各インクジェットヘッド５６Ｍ、５６Ｋ、５６Ｃ、５６Ｙから噴射させるインクには光硬化型インクが使用されている。光硬化型インクは、噴射後に、後に説明するインク定着手段により光（ここでは紫外線）を照射することにより硬化させて乾燥させる。 4). Configuration of Image Recording Unit The image recording unit 18 ejects droplets of photocurable inks of M, K, Y, and C colors onto the image recording surface of the recording medium P, and colors the image forming surface of the recording medium P. An image is recorded (printed or drawn). The image recording unit 18 mainly presses the image recording drum 52 that conveys the recording medium P and the recording medium P that is conveyed by the image recording drum 52 so that the recording medium P adheres to the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. Recording medium pressing roller 54 to be recorded, inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y as an example of an ejection head that ejects ink droplets of M, K, Y, and C colors to recording medium P, and recording medium P. The in-line sensor 58 for reading the printed image, the mist filter 60 for capturing the ink mist, and the drum cooling unit 62. As described above, photocurable ink is used as the ink ejected from each of the inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y. The photocurable ink is cured and dried by irradiating light (in this case, ultraviolet rays) with an ink fixing unit described later after ejection.
　画像記録ドラム５２は、処理液乾燥処理部１６の処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６から記録媒体Ｐを受け取り、インク定着処理部２０へ記録媒体Ｐを搬送する構成とされている。画像記録ドラム５２は、円筒状により形成され、図示しないモータに接続されており、このモータの回転により駆動される。画像記録ドラム５２の外周面上にはグリッパ５２Ａが備えられており、このグリッパ５２Ａによって記録媒体Ｐの先端が把持される。画像記録ドラム５２は、このグリッパ５２Ａによって記録媒体Ｐの先端を把持して回転することにより、記録媒体Ｐを周面に巻き掛けながら、インク定着処理部２０へ記録媒体Ｐを搬送する。また、画像記録ドラム５２の周面には図示を省略した多数の吸着穴（吸引穴）が所定のパターンで設けられている。画像記録ドラム５２の周面に巻き掛けられた記録媒体Ｐは、この吸着穴を通して吸引されることにより、画像記録ドラム５２の周面に吸着保持されながら搬送可能とされている。これにより、高い平滑性をもって記録媒体Ｐが搬送可能とされている。 The image recording drum 52 is configured to receive the recording medium P from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 of the processing liquid drying processing section 16 and to transport the recording medium P to the ink fixing processing section 20. The image recording drum 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape, is connected to a motor (not shown), and is driven by the rotation of this motor. A gripper 52A is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52, and the leading end of the recording medium P is gripped by the gripper 52A. The image recording drum 52 conveys the recording medium P to the ink fixing processing unit 20 while winding the recording medium P around the peripheral surface by gripping and rotating the tip of the recording medium P with the gripper 52A. In addition, a large number of suction holes (suction holes) (not shown) are provided in a predetermined pattern on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. The recording medium P wound around the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52 is sucked through the suction hole, so that it can be conveyed while being sucked and held on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. Thereby, the recording medium P can be conveyed with high smoothness.
　なお、この吸着穴からの吸着は、一定の範囲でのみ実施され、所定の吸着開始位置から所定の吸着終了位置までの間において記録媒体Ｐを吸着させている。吸着開始位置は記録媒体押えローラ５４の設置位置に設定されている。吸着終了位置は、インラインセンサ５８の設置位置の下流側に設定されており、例えば、インク定着処理部２０に記録媒体Ｐを受け渡す位置に設定されている。すなわち、少なくともインクジェットヘッド５６Ｍ、５６Ｋ、５６Ｃ、５６Ｙの設置位置（画像記録位置）とインラインセンサ５８の設置位置（画像読取位置）では、記録媒体Ｐが画像記録ドラム５２の周面に吸着保持されるように設定されている。また、吸着方法は、負圧による吸着方法に限らず、静電吸着による吸着方法であってもよい。 Note that the suction from the suction hole is performed only within a certain range, and the recording medium P is sucked between a predetermined suction start position and a predetermined suction end position. The suction start position is set to the installation position of the recording medium pressing roller 54. The suction end position is set on the downstream side of the installation position of the inline sensor 58, and is set to a position where the recording medium P is delivered to the ink fixing processing unit 20, for example. That is, at least at the installation position (image recording position) of the inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y and the installation position (image reading position) of the inline sensor 58, the recording medium P is attracted and held on the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. Is set to Further, the adsorption method is not limited to the adsorption method using negative pressure, and may be an adsorption method using electrostatic adsorption.
　また、本実施形態における画像記録ドラム５２は、外周面上の２カ所にグリッパ５２Ａが配設されており、１回の回転によって２枚の記録媒体Ｐを搬送可能とされている。画像記録ドラム５２及び処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６では、双方の記録媒体Ｐの受け取りと受け渡しのタイミングを一致させて、回転が制御されている。すなわち、画像記録ドラム５２及び処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６は、周速度を一致させて駆動されると共に、双方のグリッパ４６Ａ及びグリッパ５２Ａの位置を一致させて駆動されている。 Further, the image recording drum 52 in the present embodiment is provided with grippers 52A at two positions on the outer peripheral surface, so that two recording media P can be conveyed by one rotation. The rotation of the image recording drum 52 and the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 is controlled by matching the timings of receiving and delivering both recording media P. That is, the image recording drum 52 and the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 are driven with the peripheral speeds matched, and are driven with the positions of the grippers 46A and the grippers 52A matched.
　記録媒体押えローラ５４は、画像記録ドラム５２の記録媒体Ｐの受取位置（処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６から記録媒体Ｐを受け取る位置）の近傍に配設されている。この記録媒体押えローラ５４は、例えばゴムローラによって構成され、画像記録ドラム５２の周面に押圧当接させて設置されている。処理液乾燥処理ドラム４６から画像記録ドラム５２に受け渡された記録媒体Ｐは、この記録媒体押えローラ５４を通過することによりニップされ、画像記録ドラム５２の周面に密着させられる。 The recording medium pressing roller 54 is disposed in the vicinity of the receiving position of the recording medium P of the image recording drum 52 (the position where the recording medium P is received from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46). The recording medium pressing roller 54 is constituted by a rubber roller, for example, and is installed in press contact with the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. The recording medium P transferred from the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 to the image recording drum 52 is nipped by passing through the recording medium pressing roller 54 and is brought into close contact with the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52.
　４台のインクジェットヘッド５６Ｍ、５６Ｋ、５６Ｃ、及び５６Ｙは、記録媒体Ｐの搬送経路に沿って画像記録ドラム５２の外周面上に一定の間隔をもって配置されている。各インクジェットヘッド５６Ｍ、５６Ｋ、５６Ｃ、５６Ｙは記録媒体幅に対応したラインヘッドによって構成されており、噴射ノズル面が画像記録ドラム５２の周面に対向して配置される構成とされている。各インクジェットヘッド５６Ｍ、５６Ｋ、５６Ｃ、及び５６Ｙは、噴射ノズル面に形成された複数の噴射口から画像記録ドラム５２に向けて光硬化型インクの液滴を噴射することにより、画像記録ドラム５２によって搬送される記録媒体Ｐに画像を記録する。 The four inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52 along the conveyance path of the recording medium P at a constant interval. Each of the inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y is configured by a line head corresponding to the recording medium width, and the ejection nozzle surface is disposed to face the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. Each of the inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y causes the image recording drum 52 to eject light-curable ink droplets from a plurality of ejection openings formed on the ejection nozzle surface toward the image recording drum 52. An image is recorded on the recording medium P being conveyed.
　インラインセンサ５８は、画像記録ドラム５２による記録媒体Ｐの搬送方向に対して、最後尾のインクジェットヘッド５６Ｙよりも下流側に設置されており、インクジェットヘッド５６Ｍ、５６Ｋ、５６Ｃ、及び５６Ｙによって記録された画像を読み取る構成とされている。このインラインセンサ５８は例えばラインスキャナによって構成されている。 The in-line sensor 58 is installed on the downstream side of the rearmost inkjet head 56Y in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P by the image recording drum 52, and is recorded by the inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y. It is configured to read an image. The inline sensor 58 is constituted by a line scanner, for example.
　なお、インラインセンサ５８の下流側には、インラインセンサ５８に近接して設置された接触防止板５９が設けられている。接触防止板５９は、搬送の不具合等によって記録媒体Ｐに浮きや折れ等が生じた場合に、インラインセンサ５８への記録媒体Ｐの接触を防止可能とされている。 Note that a contact prevention plate 59 installed in the vicinity of the inline sensor 58 is provided on the downstream side of the inline sensor 58. The contact prevention plate 59 can prevent the recording medium P from coming into contact with the in-line sensor 58 when the recording medium P is lifted or broken due to a conveyance failure or the like.
　ミストフィルタ６０は、最後尾のインクジェットヘッド５６Ｙとインラインセンサ５８との間に配設されており、画像記録ドラム５２の周辺の空気を吸引してインクミストを捕捉する。インクミストの捕捉により、インラインセンサ５８へのインクミストの進入が防止され、画像の読み取り不良等の発生が効果的に防止される。 The mist filter 60 is disposed between the rearmost inkjet head 56Y and the inline sensor 58, and sucks the air around the image recording drum 52 to capture the ink mist. By capturing the ink mist, the ink mist is prevented from entering the in-line sensor 58, and the occurrence of image reading defects and the like is effectively prevented.
　ドラム冷却ユニット６２は、画像記録ドラム５２に冷気を吹き当てて、画像記録ドラム５２を冷却する構成とされている。このドラム冷却ユニット６２は、主として、エアコン（図示せず）と、そのエアコンから供給される冷気を画像記録ドラム５２の周面に吹き当てるダクト６２Ａとによって構成されている。ダクト６２Ａは、記録媒体Ｐの搬送領域以外の領域において画像記録ドラム５２に冷気を吹き当てて、画像記録ドラム５２を冷却する構成とされている。本実施形態では、画像記録ドラム５２のほぼ上側半分の円弧状の外周面に沿って記録媒体Ｐが搬送されているので、ダクト６２Ａは、画像記録ドラム５２のほぼ下側半分の領域に冷気を吹き当てて、画像記録ドラム５２を冷却するようになっている。具体的には、ダクト６２Ａの図示を省略した吹出口が、画像記録ドラム５２のほぼ下側半分を覆うように円弧状に配列されている。 The drum cooling unit 62 is configured to cool the image recording drum 52 by blowing cool air to the image recording drum 52. The drum cooling unit 62 is mainly composed of an air conditioner (not shown) and a duct 62 </ b> A that blows cool air supplied from the air conditioner onto the peripheral surface of the image recording drum 52. The duct 62 </ b> A is configured to cool the image recording drum 52 by blowing cool air to the image recording drum 52 in an area other than the conveyance area of the recording medium P. In this embodiment, since the recording medium P is conveyed along the arc-shaped outer peripheral surface of the upper half of the image recording drum 52, the duct 62A cools the region of the lower half of the image recording drum 52. The image recording drum 52 is cooled by spraying. Specifically, the air outlets (not shown) of the duct 62 </ b> A are arranged in an arc shape so as to cover substantially the lower half of the image recording drum 52.
５．インク定着処理部の構成
　インク定着処理部２０は、記録媒体Ｐの画像記録面に残存する液体成分が除去され、画像記録後の記録媒体Ｐを後処理する構成とされている。インク定着処理部２０は、主として、画像が記録された記録媒体Ｐを搬送するチェーングリッパ６４と、チェーングリッパ６４によって搬送される記録媒体Ｐにバックテンションを付与するバックテンション付与機構６６と、チェーングリッパ６４によって搬送される記録媒体Ｐを定着処理するインク定着手段としての乾燥処理部２１及び光照射部２２とを備えている。 5. Configuration of Ink Fixing Processing Unit The ink fixing processing unit 20 is configured to remove the liquid component remaining on the image recording surface of the recording medium P and to post-process the recording medium P after image recording. The ink fixing processing unit 20 mainly includes a chain gripper 64 that transports a recording medium P on which an image is recorded, a back tension applying mechanism 66 that applies back tension to the recording medium P transported by the chain gripper 64, and a chain gripper. 64, a drying processing unit 21 and a light irradiation unit 22 are provided as ink fixing means for fixing the recording medium P conveyed.
　チェーングリッパ６４は、乾燥処理部２１、光照射部２２及び排紙部２４において共通して使用される搬送手段の一部としての媒体搬送機構であり、画像記録部１８から受け渡された記録媒体Ｐを受け取って、排紙部２４まで搬送する構成とされている。 The chain gripper 64 is a medium transport mechanism as a part of transport means used in common in the drying processing unit 21, the light irradiation unit 22, and the paper discharge unit 24, and the recording medium delivered from the image recording unit 18. It is configured to receive P and transport it to the paper discharge unit 24.
　このチェーングリッパ６４は、主として、画像記録ドラム５２側に近接して設置された第１スプロケット６４Ａと、排紙部２４側に設置された第２スプロケット６４Ｂと、第１スプロケット６４Ａと第２スプロケット６４Ｂとに巻き掛けられる無端状の搬送路としてのチェーン６４Ｃと、チェーン６４Ｃの走行をガイドする図示を省略した複数のチェーンガイドと、チェーン６４Ｃに一定の間隔をもって取付けられる複数のグリッパ６４Ｄとを備えて構成されている。第１スプロケット６４Ａ、第２スプロケット６４Ｂ、チェーン６４Ｃ及びチェーンガイドは、記録媒体Ｐの搬送幅方向の両側に一対で構成されている。グリッパ６４Ｄは一対のチェーン６４Ｃに各々設けられている。第１スプロケット６４Ａは、図示を省略したモータに接続されており、このモータの回転により駆動されている。第２スプロケット６４Ｂは従属回転可能とされている。 The chain gripper 64 mainly includes a first sprocket 64A installed close to the image recording drum 52 side, a second sprocket 64B installed on the paper discharge unit 24 side, and the first sprocket 64A and the second sprocket 64B. A chain 64C as an endless conveyance path wound around the chain, a plurality of chain guides (not shown) for guiding the travel of the chain 64C, and a plurality of grippers 64D attached to the chain 64C at a constant interval. It is configured. The first sprocket 64A, the second sprocket 64B, the chain 64C, and the chain guide are configured as a pair on both sides in the conveyance width direction of the recording medium P. The grippers 64D are provided on the pair of chains 64C, respectively. The first sprocket 64A is connected to a motor (not shown) and is driven by the rotation of this motor. The second sprocket 64B is dependently rotatable.
　バックテンション付与機構６６は、チェーングリッパ６４によって先端を把持されながら搬送される記録媒体Ｐにバックテンションを付与する構成とされている。バックテンション付与機構６６は、詳細な図示を省略しているが、主として、ガイドプレート７２と、ガイドプレート７２に形成された多数の吸着穴から空気を吸引する吸着手段としての複数の吸着ファン７０Ａと、を備えている。また、ガイドプレート７２の下面には、吸引した空気を吐き出すための多数の穴が設けられている。チェーングリッパ６４によって搬送される記録媒体Ｐでは、ガイドプレート７２の吸着穴を通して吸着ファン７０Ａにより吸引されることにより、バックテンションが付与される。 The back tension applying mechanism 66 is configured to apply a back tension to the recording medium P that is conveyed while its tip is held by the chain gripper 64. The back tension applying mechanism 66 is not shown in detail, but mainly includes a guide plate 72 and a plurality of suction fans 70A as suction means for sucking air from a number of suction holes formed in the guide plate 72. It is equipped with. The lower surface of the guide plate 72 is provided with a number of holes for discharging the sucked air. In the recording medium P conveyed by the chain gripper 64, back tension is applied by being sucked by the suction fan 70 </ b> A through the suction hole of the guide plate 72.
　（１）乾燥処理部の構成
　乾燥処理部２１は、チェーングリッパ６４の搬送方向の上流側であってこのチェーングリッパ６４の内部に設けられ、搬送方向に沿って配列された複数の乾燥処理ユニット６８を備えている。乾燥処理ユニット６８は記録媒体Ｐの画像記録面に乾燥風（例えば熱風）を吹付ける構成とされている。乾燥処理ユニット６８により乾燥風が吹付けられると、光硬化型インク中の水分量が、光照射部２２による光（紫外線）の照射前に減少される。これにより、この後の光照射によって光硬化型インクの硬化性が確保される。 (1) Configuration of Drying Processing Unit The drying processing unit 21 is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the chain gripper 64 and inside the chain gripper 64, and is arranged along the transport direction. It has. The drying processing unit 68 is configured to blow dry air (for example, hot air) on the image recording surface of the recording medium P. When the drying air is blown by the drying processing unit 68, the amount of water in the photocurable ink is reduced before the light (ultraviolet ray) is irradiated by the light irradiation unit 22. Thereby, the curability of the photocurable ink is secured by the subsequent light irradiation.
　（２）光照射部の構成
　光照射部２２は、光硬化型インクを用いて記録された画像に、本実施形態では光として紫外線（ＵＶ）を照射して、画像を定着させる構成とされている。光照射部２２は、主として、記録媒体Ｐを搬送するチェーングリッパ６４と、記録媒体Ｐにバックテンションを付与すると共に吸着手段としてのバックテンション付与機構６６と、記録媒体Ｐに光を照射する照射ユニット７４とを備えて構成されている。 (2) Configuration of Light Irradiation Unit The light irradiation unit 22 is configured to irradiate an image recorded using a photocurable ink with ultraviolet rays (UV) as light in this embodiment to fix the image. Yes. The light irradiation unit 22 mainly includes a chain gripper 64 that conveys the recording medium P, a back tension applying mechanism 66 that applies a back tension to the recording medium P and serves as a suction unit, and an irradiation unit that irradiates the recording medium P with light. 74.
　照射ユニット７４は、チェーングリッパ６４の搬送方向の乾燥処理部２１よりも下流側であってこのチェーングリッパ６４の内部に設けられ、搬送方向に沿って複数配列されている。照射ユニット７４は図示を省略した光源としての紫外線ランプを備えている。バックテンション付与機構６６は、主として、ガイドプレート７２と、ガイドプレート７２に形成された多数の吸着穴から空気を吸引する吸着手段としての複数の吸着ファン７０Ｂと、を備えている。また、ガイドプレート７２の下面には、吸引した空気を吐き出すための多数の穴が設けられている。チェーングリッパ６４によって搬送される記録媒体Ｐでは、ガイドプレート７２の吸着穴を通して吸着ファン７０Ｂにより吸引されることによって、バックテンションが付与される。なお、光照射部２２では、乾燥処理部２１よりも搬送方向の下流側に配置された排紙部２４の高さが高いので、搬送位置を調整するために、チェーングリッパ６４、ガイドプレート７２等の構成要素が下方から上方に傾斜された構成とされている。 The irradiation unit 74 is provided downstream of the drying processing unit 21 in the transport direction of the chain gripper 64 and inside the chain gripper 64, and a plurality of the irradiation units 74 are arranged along the transport direction. The irradiation unit 74 includes an ultraviolet lamp as a light source (not shown). The back tension applying mechanism 66 mainly includes a guide plate 72 and a plurality of suction fans 70B as suction means for sucking air from a number of suction holes formed in the guide plate 72. The lower surface of the guide plate 72 is provided with a number of holes for discharging the sucked air. In the recording medium P conveyed by the chain gripper 64, back tension is applied by being sucked by the suction fan 70B through the suction hole of the guide plate 72. In the light irradiation unit 22, the height of the paper discharge unit 24 arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction is higher than that of the drying processing unit 21, so that the chain gripper 64, the guide plate 72, and the like are adjusted in order to adjust the transport position. These components are inclined upward from below.
６．排紙部の構成
　排紙部２４は一連の画像記録処理が行われた記録媒体Ｐを回収する構成とされている。排紙部２４は、主として、光照射により光硬化型インクが定着された記録媒体Ｐを搬送するチェーングリッパ６４と、記録媒体Ｐを積み重ねて回収する排紙台７６とを備えて構成されている。図示を省略しているが、排紙台７６には、記録媒体Ｐを整然と積み重ねるための用紙当て（前用紙当て、後用紙当て、横用紙当て等）が設けられている。また、排紙台７６には、図示を省略した排紙台昇降装置が記録媒体Ｐを昇降可能に設けられている。排紙台昇降装置では、排紙台７６に回収される記録媒体Ｐの増減に連動して、昇降の駆動が制御されており、最上位に位置する記録媒体Ｐが常に一定の高さに位置するように調整されている。 6). Configuration of Paper Discharge Unit The paper discharge unit 24 is configured to collect the recording medium P that has undergone a series of image recording processes. The paper discharge unit 24 mainly includes a chain gripper 64 that transports the recording medium P on which the photocurable ink is fixed by light irradiation, and a paper discharge tray 76 that stacks and collects the recording medium P. . Although not shown, the paper discharge tray 76 is provided with paper pads (front paper pads, rear paper pads, horizontal paper pads, etc.) for orderly stacking the recording media P. In addition, a discharge tray lifting device (not shown) is provided on the discharge tray 76 so that the recording medium P can be lifted. In the paper delivery platform lifting / lowering device, the elevation drive is controlled in conjunction with the increase / decrease of the recording media P collected on the paper delivery platform 76, so that the topmost recording media P is always positioned at a certain height. Has been adjusted to.
７．光硬化型インク
　ここで、本実施形態における光硬化型インクとしては、例えば光としての紫外線の照射により硬化する水性紫外線インクが使用されている。水性紫外線インクには、顔料と、ポリマー粒子と、活性エネルギー線により重合する水溶性の重合性化合物と、光重合開始剤とが含まれることが好ましい。このような水性紫外線インクでは、紫外線が照射されて硬化されると、画像の耐擦性が優れ、画像の膜強度が高い。なお、色材としては染料が含まれてもよい。 7). Here, as the photocurable ink in this embodiment, for example, an aqueous ultraviolet ink that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays as light is used. The aqueous ultraviolet ink preferably contains a pigment, polymer particles, a water-soluble polymerizable compound that is polymerized by active energy rays, and a photopolymerization initiator. In such an aqueous ultraviolet ink, when cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the image has excellent abrasion resistance and the image has high film strength. Note that the coloring material may include a dye.
（インク供給システムの構成）
　次に、液体供給システムの一例として、インクジェットヘッド５６Ｍ、５６Ｋ、５６Ｃ、及び５６Ｙに光硬化型インクを供給するインク供給システムの構成について説明する。なお、各インクジェットヘッド５６Ｍ、５６Ｋ、５６Ｃ、及び５６Ｙの構成は共通しているため、以下、これらを代表してインクジェットヘッド５６と表し、インクジェットヘッド５６に対応するインク供給システム１００を例に説明する。 (Configuration of ink supply system)
Next, as an example of the liquid supply system, the configuration of an ink supply system that supplies photocurable ink to the inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y will be described. In addition, since the configurations of the inkjet heads 56M, 56K, 56C, and 56Y are common, the following description will be given by taking the ink supply system 100 corresponding to the inkjet head 56 as an example. .
　図２（Ａ）～（Ｂ）に示すように、インク供給システム１００は、主に、インクタンク１０２と、インク圧力制御タンク１０８と、共通流路１２４と、個別流路１３４と、を含んで構成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2B, the ink supply system 100 mainly includes an ink tank 102, an ink pressure control tank 108, a common flow path 124, and an individual flow path 134. It is configured.
　インクタンク１０２は光硬化型インクが貯蔵されているメインタンクである。また、インクタンク１０２は、液体圧力制御手段としてのインクポンプ１０４が設けられた供給管１０６によってインク圧力制御タンク１０８との間において光硬化型インクが流通可能とされている。 The ink tank 102 is a main tank in which photocurable ink is stored. Further, the ink tank 102 is capable of circulating photocurable ink between the ink pressure control tank 108 and a supply pipe 106 provided with an ink pump 104 as a liquid pressure control means.
　インク圧力制御タンク１０８は、圧力変動を緩和する弾性膜１１０によって内部が仕切られた二室構造となっており、下側の空間がインク室１０８Ａ、上側の空間が気体室１０８Ｂとされている。インク室１０８Ａには、インクタンク１０２と連通する供給管１０６、及び共通流路１２４と連通する供給管１１２がそれぞれ連結されている。 The ink pressure control tank 108 has a two-chamber structure in which the inside is partitioned by an elastic film 110 that alleviates pressure fluctuations. The lower space is an ink chamber 108A and the upper space is a gas chamber 108B. A supply pipe 106 communicating with the ink tank 102 and a supply pipe 112 communicating with the common flow path 124 are connected to the ink chamber 108A.
　インク室１０８Ａ内のインクの圧力変動を緩和するダンパーとしての気体室１０８Ｂには、気体室１０８Ｂとエアタンク（気体タンク）１１４とを連通する連通路１１６が連結されている。また、エアタンク１１４には、エアタンク１１４と大気とを連通する連通路１１８が連結されている。なお、連通路１１６、１１８には、連通路１１６、１１８を開閉制御する開閉バルブ１２０、１２２がそれぞれ設けられている。 A communication passage 116 that connects the gas chamber 108B and the air tank (gas tank) 114 is connected to the gas chamber 108B serving as a damper that relieves pressure fluctuation of the ink in the ink chamber 108A. The air tank 114 is connected to a communication path 118 that communicates the air tank 114 with the atmosphere. The communication passages 116 and 118 are provided with opening / closing valves 120 and 122 for controlling the opening and closing of the communication passages 116 and 118, respectively.
　共通流路１２４は中空の円筒状の部材であり、圧力変動を緩和するダンパーとしての弾性膜（弾性部材）１２６によって、内部が長手方向に平行に仕切られて二室構造となっている。また、二室に仕切られた空間のうち、下側の空間は光硬化型インクが流通するインク流路１２４Ａとされ、下側の空間より狭い上側の空間は気体室１２４Ｂとされている。 The common channel 124 is a hollow cylindrical member, and has a two-chamber structure in which the inside is partitioned in parallel in the longitudinal direction by an elastic membrane (elastic member) 126 as a damper that relieves pressure fluctuation. Of the spaces partitioned into two chambers, the lower space is an ink flow path 124A through which photocurable ink flows, and the upper space narrower than the lower space is a gas chamber 124B.
　インク流路１２４Ａの長手方向一端部である上流側端部には、供給管１１２が連結されている。また、長手方向他端部である下流側端部には、インク流路１２４Ａ内を流通する光硬化型インクの圧力を検出するインク圧力センサ１２８が設けられている。 A supply pipe 112 is connected to an upstream end that is one longitudinal end of the ink flow path 124A. In addition, an ink pressure sensor 128 that detects the pressure of the photocurable ink flowing in the ink flow path 124A is provided at the downstream end that is the other end in the longitudinal direction.
　さらに、インク流路１２４Ａの下流側端部には、インク流路１２４Ａとインクタンク１０２とを連通する気泡抜き流路１３０が連結されている。なお、気泡抜き流路１３０には、気泡抜き流路１３０を開閉制御する開閉バルブ１３２が設けられている。 Furthermore, a bubble vent channel 130 that connects the ink channel 124A and the ink tank 102 is connected to the downstream end of the ink channel 124A. The bubble vent channel 130 is provided with an open / close valve 132 that controls opening / closing of the bubble vent channel 130.
　インク流路１２４Ａの気体室１２４Ｂに対向する下面には、複数の個別流路１３４が並列して接続されている。また、各個別流路１３４には、個別流路１３４を開閉制御する開閉バルブ１３６がそれぞれ設けられている。なお、インクジェットヘッド５６は複数の並設されたヘッドモジュール１３８を備えており、各ヘッドモジュール１３８に各個別流路１３４がそれぞれ連結されている。 A plurality of individual channels 134 are connected in parallel to the lower surface of the ink channel 124A facing the gas chamber 124B. Each individual flow path 134 is provided with an open / close valve 136 that controls opening / closing of the individual flow path 134. The inkjet head 56 includes a plurality of head modules 138 arranged in parallel, and each individual flow path 134 is connected to each head module 138.
　インク流路１２４Ａ内のインクの圧力変動を緩和するダンパーとしての気体室１２４Ｂには、気体室１２４Ｂとエアタンク１４０とを連通する連通路１４２が連結されている。また、エアタンク１４０には、エアタンク１４０と大気とを連通する連通路１４４が連結されており、連通路１４４には、連通路１４４を開閉制御する開閉制御手段としての開閉バルブ１４６が設けられている。気体室１２４Ｂは、気体保持手段としての連通路１４２と開閉バルブ１４６によって、内部の気体が保持及び排出可能とされている。 A communication passage 142 that connects the gas chamber 124B and the air tank 140 is connected to the gas chamber 124B serving as a damper that relieves the pressure fluctuation of the ink in the ink flow path 124A. The air tank 140 is connected to a communication path 144 that allows the air tank 140 to communicate with the atmosphere. The communication path 144 is provided with an opening / closing valve 146 that serves as an opening / closing control means for controlling the opening / closing of the communication path 144. . The gas chamber 124 </ b> B can hold and discharge the internal gas by the communication path 142 and the opening / closing valve 146 as gas holding means.
（インク供給システムによるインク供給手順）
　次に、印字時（通常噴射時）、加圧メンテナンス時、及び気泡排出時における、インク供給システム１００によるインク供給手順についてそれぞれ説明する。 (Ink supply procedure by ink supply system)
Next, an ink supply procedure by the ink supply system 100 at the time of printing (during normal ejection), pressurization maintenance, and bubble discharge will be described.
１．印字時（通常噴射時）
　以下、インクジェットヘッド５６から光硬化型インクの液滴を噴射して記録媒体Ｐに画像を記録する印字時におけるインク供給手順について説明する。印字時には、まず、個別流路１３４の開閉バルブ１３６、及び気泡抜き流路１３０の開閉バルブ１３２をそれぞれ閉じた状態で、連通路１４４の開閉バルブ１４６を開く。 1. During printing (normal injection)
Hereinafter, an ink supply procedure at the time of printing in which droplets of photocurable ink are ejected from the inkjet head 56 to record an image on the recording medium P will be described. At the time of printing, first, the open / close valve 146 of the communication path 144 is opened with the open / close valve 136 of the individual flow path 134 and the open / close valve 132 of the bubble removal flow path 130 being closed.
　その後、インクポンプ１０４を作動させ、インクタンク１０２に貯蔵されている光硬化型インクをインク圧力制御タンク１０８のインク室１０８Ａを経て共通流路１２４のインク流路１２４Ａへ供給する。 Thereafter, the ink pump 104 is operated to supply the photocurable ink stored in the ink tank 102 to the ink flow path 124A of the common flow path 124 through the ink chamber 108A of the ink pressure control tank 108.
　このとき、インクポンプ１０４によってインク流路１２４Ａ内のインク圧力を所定の圧力Ｐ１まで加圧し、図３（Ａ）に示すように、インク圧力によって弾性膜１２６を押し上げる。なお、所定の圧力Ｐ１は、印字時のインク供給圧、及び気体室１２４Ｂとエアタンク１４０の容量によって定められる。 At this time, the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A is increased to a predetermined pressure P1 by the ink pump 104, and the elastic film 126 is pushed up by the ink pressure as shown in FIG. The predetermined pressure P1 is determined by the ink supply pressure during printing and the capacities of the gas chamber 124B and the air tank 140.
　その後、図２（Ａ）に示す連通路１４４の開閉バルブ１４６を閉じ、インクポンプ１０４によってインク流路１２４Ａ内のインク圧力を所定の圧力Ｐ１より低い印字圧力Ｐ２まで減圧する。なお、本実施形態において印字圧力Ｐ２は負圧とされている。 Thereafter, the open / close valve 146 of the communication path 144 shown in FIG. 2A is closed, and the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A is reduced to the printing pressure P2 lower than the predetermined pressure P1 by the ink pump 104. In the present embodiment, the printing pressure P2 is a negative pressure.
　インク流路１２４Ａ内のインク圧力を圧力Ｐ１から印字圧力Ｐ２まで減圧すると、図３（Ｂ）に示すように、インク圧力によって押し上げられていた弾性膜１２６が引き下げられる。このとき、図２（Ａ）に示す連通路１４４の開閉バルブ１４６は閉じられているため、気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体（この場合は空気）が減圧される。 When the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A is reduced from the pressure P1 to the printing pressure P2, as shown in FIG. 3B, the elastic film 126 pushed up by the ink pressure is pulled down. At this time, since the opening / closing valve 146 of the communication path 144 shown in FIG. 2A is closed, the gas (in this case, air) inside the gas chamber 124B is decompressed.
　気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力がインク流路１２４Ａ内のインク圧力と同じ印字圧力Ｐ２となると、弾性膜１２６は共通流路１２４内において張力がかかっていない状態で保持される。 When the gas pressure inside the gas chamber 124B becomes the same printing pressure P2 as the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A, the elastic film 126 is held in the common flow path 124 in a state where no tension is applied.
　インク流路１２４Ａ内のインク圧力、及び共通流路１２４内における弾性膜１２６の位置を調整した後、個別流路１３４の開閉バルブ１３６を開いて各ヘッドモジュール１３８に光硬化型インクを供給する。以上の手順によって、インクジェットヘッド５６から光硬化型インクの液滴を噴射して記録媒体Ｐに画像を記録することが可能となる。 After adjusting the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124 </ b> A and the position of the elastic film 126 in the common flow path 124, the open / close valve 136 of the individual flow path 134 is opened to supply photocurable ink to each head module 138. With the above procedure, it is possible to record an image on the recording medium P by ejecting droplets of photocurable ink from the inkjet head 56.
２．加圧メンテナンス時
　（１）インクポンプによって加圧する手順
　以下、ヘッドモジュール１３８の噴射口から加圧した光硬化型インクを排出することにより、気泡や増粘した光硬化型インクを排出（パージ）する加圧メンテナンス時のインク供給手順のうち、インクポンプ１０４によって光硬化型インクの圧力を調整する場合の手順について説明する。 2. At the time of pressurization maintenance (1) Procedure of pressurizing by ink pump Hereinafter, by discharging the photocurable ink pressurized from the ejection port of the head module 138, the bubbles and the thickened photocurable ink are discharged (purged). Of the ink supply procedure at the time of pressurization maintenance, the procedure for adjusting the pressure of the photocurable ink by the ink pump 104 will be described.
　まず、個別流路１３４の開閉バルブ１３６、及び気泡抜き流路１３０の開閉バルブ１３２をそれぞれ閉じた状態で、連通路１４４の開閉バルブ１４６を開く。その後、インクポンプ１０４を作動させ、インクタンク１０２に貯蔵されている光硬化型インクをインク圧力制御タンク１０８のインク室１０８Ａを経て共通流路１２４のインク流路１２４Ａへ供給する。 First, with the open / close valve 136 of the individual flow path 134 and the open / close valve 132 of the bubble vent flow path 130 closed, the open / close valve 146 of the communication path 144 is opened. Thereafter, the ink pump 104 is operated to supply the photocurable ink stored in the ink tank 102 to the ink flow path 124 </ b> A of the common flow path 124 through the ink chamber 108 </ b> A of the ink pressure control tank 108.
　このとき、インクポンプ１０４によってインク流路１２４Ａ内のインク圧力を、気泡や増粘した光硬化型インクを排出することのできるパージ圧力Ｐ３まで加圧し、インク圧力によって弾性膜１２６を押し上げる。パージ圧力Ｐ３は所定の圧力Ｐ１や印字圧力Ｐ２より高いため、弾性膜１２６は押し上げられて、図４（Ａ）に示すように、気体室１２４Ｂの内壁に押し付けられる。 At this time, the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A is increased by the ink pump 104 to the purge pressure P3 at which bubbles and thickened photocurable ink can be discharged, and the elastic film 126 is pushed up by the ink pressure. Since the purge pressure P3 is higher than the predetermined pressure P1 and the printing pressure P2, the elastic film 126 is pushed up and pressed against the inner wall of the gas chamber 124B as shown in FIG.
　その後、図２（Ａ）に示す連通路１４４の開閉バルブ１４６を閉じることにより、弾性膜１２６を気体室１２４Ｂの内壁に押し付けた状態で保持する。インク流路１２４Ａ内のインク圧力、及び共通流路１２４内における弾性膜１２６の位置を調整した後、個別流路１３４の開閉バルブ１３６を開いてインクポンプ１０４によって各ヘッドモジュール１３８に光硬化型インクを供給する。以上の手順によって、ヘッドモジュール１３８の噴射口から加圧した光硬化型インクを排出することにより、気泡や増粘した光硬化型インクを排出（パージ）することが可能となる。 Thereafter, by closing the opening / closing valve 146 of the communication path 144 shown in FIG. 2A, the elastic membrane 126 is held in a state of being pressed against the inner wall of the gas chamber 124B. After adjusting the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A and the position of the elastic film 126 in the common flow path 124, the opening / closing valve 136 of the individual flow path 134 is opened, and the ink pump 104 applies the photocurable ink to each head module 138. Supply. By discharging the pressurized photocurable ink from the ejection port of the head module 138 by the above procedure, it becomes possible to discharge (purge) the bubbles and the thickened photocurable ink.
　（２）弾性膜の弾性によって加圧する手順
　以下、ヘッドモジュール１３８の噴射口から加圧した光硬化型インクを排出することにより、気泡や増粘した光硬化型インクを排出（パージ）する加圧メンテナンス時のインク供給手順のうち、弾性膜１２６の弾性によって光硬化型インクの圧力を調整する場合の手順について説明する。 (2) Procedure for Pressurization by Elasticity of Elastic Film Hereinafter, pressurization for discharging (purging) air bubbles and thickened photocurable ink by discharging pressurized photocurable ink from the ejection port of the head module 138. Of the ink supply procedure during maintenance, a procedure for adjusting the pressure of the photocurable ink by the elasticity of the elastic film 126 will be described.
　まず、個別流路１３４の開閉バルブ１３６、及び気泡抜き流路１３０の開閉バルブ１３２をそれぞれ閉じた状態で、連通路１４４の開閉バルブ１４６を開く。その後、インクポンプ１０４を作動させ、インク流路１２４Ａ内の光硬化型インクをインク圧力制御タンク１０８のインク室１０８Ａを経てインクタンク１０２へと戻す。 First, with the open / close valve 136 of the individual flow path 134 and the open / close valve 132 of the bubble vent flow path 130 closed, the open / close valve 146 of the communication path 144 is opened. Thereafter, the ink pump 104 is operated to return the photocurable ink in the ink flow path 124 </ b> A to the ink tank 102 through the ink chamber 108 </ b> A of the ink pressure control tank 108.
　このとき、インクポンプ１０４によってインク流路１２４Ａ内のインク圧力を負圧である圧力Ｐ４まで減圧し、図５（Ａ）に示すように、弾性膜１２６を引き下げる。その後、図２（Ａ）に示す連通路１４４の開閉バルブ１４６を閉じると、弾性膜１２６は引き下げられた状態で保持される。 At this time, the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A is reduced to the negative pressure P4 by the ink pump 104, and the elastic film 126 is pulled down as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the on-off valve 146 of the communication path 144 shown in FIG. 2A is closed, the elastic membrane 126 is held in a lowered state.
　その後、インクポンプ１０４によってインク流路１２４Ａ内のインク圧力をパージ圧力Ｐ３まで加圧すると、図５（Ｂ）に示すように、インク圧力によって引き下げられていた弾性膜１２６が押し上げられる。このとき、図２（Ａ）に示す連通路１４４の開閉バルブ１４６は閉じられているため、気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力はパージ圧力Ｐ３まで加圧される。 Thereafter, when the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A is increased to the purge pressure P3 by the ink pump 104, the elastic film 126 pulled down by the ink pressure is pushed up as shown in FIG. 5B. At this time, since the opening / closing valve 146 of the communication path 144 shown in FIG. 2A is closed, the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B is increased to the purge pressure P3.
　気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力を調整した後、インクポンプ１０４を停止させ、個別流路１３４の開閉バルブ１３６を開いて各ヘッドモジュール１３８に光硬化型インクを供給する。すると、図５（Ｃ）に示すように、気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力とインク圧力との圧力差によって弾性膜１２６が引き下げられ、気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力がパージ圧力Ｐ３から大気圧へと下がる。 After adjusting the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B, the ink pump 104 is stopped, the open / close valve 136 of the individual flow path 134 is opened, and the photocurable ink is supplied to each head module 138. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the elastic film 126 is pulled down by the pressure difference between the gas pressure inside the gas chamber 124B and the ink pressure, and the gas pressure inside the gas chamber 124B is changed from the purge pressure P3. Decrease to atmospheric pressure.
　気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力がパージ圧力Ｐ３から大気圧へと下がる間、すなわち弾性膜１２６が、図５（Ｂ）に示す位置から図５（Ｃ）に示す位置まで下がる間、インク流路１２４Ａ内の光硬化型インクは弾性膜１２６の弾性によって加圧される。 While the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B is lowered from the purge pressure P3 to the atmospheric pressure, that is, while the elastic film 126 is lowered from the position shown in FIG. 5B to the position shown in FIG. The photocurable ink in the path 124A is pressurized by the elasticity of the elastic film 126.
　以上の手順によって、ヘッドモジュール１３８の噴射口から加圧した光硬化型インクを排出することにより、気泡や増粘した光硬化型インクを排出（パージ）することが可能となる。 By discharging the pressurized photocurable ink from the ejection port of the head module 138 by the above procedure, it becomes possible to discharge (purge) bubbles and thickened photocurable ink.
３．気泡排出時
　以下、気泡抜き流路１３０からインク流路１２４Ａ内の気泡を排出させる気泡排出時におけるインク供給手順について説明する。気泡排出時には、まず、個別流路１３４の開閉バルブ１３６、及び気泡抜き流路１３０の開閉バルブ１３２をそれぞれ閉じた状態で、連通路１４４の開閉バルブ１４６を開く。 3. In the following, an ink supply procedure at the time of discharging a bubble in which the bubbles in the ink channel 124A are discharged from the bubble removal channel 130 will be described. When discharging bubbles, first, the opening / closing valve 146 of the communication path 144 is opened with the opening / closing valve 136 of the individual channel 134 and the opening / closing valve 132 of the bubble removal channel 130 closed.
　その後、インクポンプ１０４を作動させ、インク流路１２４Ａ内の光硬化型インクをインク圧力制御タンク１０８のインク室１０８Ａを経てインクタンク１０２へと戻す。 Thereafter, the ink pump 104 is operated to return the photocurable ink in the ink flow path 124A to the ink tank 102 through the ink chamber 108A of the ink pressure control tank 108.
　このとき、インクポンプ１０４によってインク流路１２４Ａ内のインク圧力を負圧である圧力Ｐ４まで減圧し、図６（Ａ）に示すように、弾性膜１２６を引き下げる。その後、図２（Ａ）に示す連通路１４４の開閉バルブ１４６を閉じると、弾性膜１２６は引き下げられた状態で保持される。 At this time, the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A is reduced to a negative pressure P4 by the ink pump 104, and the elastic film 126 is pulled down as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the on-off valve 146 of the communication path 144 shown in FIG. 2A is closed, the elastic membrane 126 is held in a lowered state.
　その後、気泡抜き流路１３０の開閉バルブ１３２を開き、インクポンプ１０４によって一定流量の光硬化型インクをインク流路１２４Ａへ供給する。以上の手順によって、インク流路１２４Ａの断面積を減少させてインク流路内１２４Ａでの光硬化型インクの流速を上げる事により、インク流路１２４Ａ内の気泡を気泡抜き流路１３０を介してインクタンク１０２へ排出することが容易となる。 Thereafter, the open / close valve 132 of the bubble vent channel 130 is opened, and the ink pump 104 supplies a constant flow rate of photocurable ink to the ink channel 124A. By the above procedure, the cross-sectional area of the ink flow path 124A is decreased to increase the flow rate of the photocurable ink in the ink flow path 124A, thereby causing the bubbles in the ink flow path 124A to pass through the bubble removal flow path 130. It becomes easy to discharge to the ink tank 102.
（本実施形態の作用及び効果）
　本実施形態に係るインク供給システム１００では、弾性膜１２６によって仕切られた気体室１２４Ｂが、共通流路１２４内においてインク流路１２４Ａに平行かつ個別流路１３４に対向する位置に設けられている。また、印字時において、弾性膜１２６は共通流路１２４内において張力がかかっていない状態で保持されている。 (Operation and effect of this embodiment)
In the ink supply system 100 according to the present embodiment, the gas chamber 124 </ b> B partitioned by the elastic film 126 is provided in the common channel 124 at a position parallel to the ink channel 124 </ b> A and facing the individual channel 134. Further, at the time of printing, the elastic film 126 is held in a state where no tension is applied in the common flow path 124.
　このため、印字時において、特に光硬化型インクの噴射開始時等に急激に光硬化型インクが消費された場合、弾性膜１２６がインク流路１２４Ａ側に膨らむことにより、各個別流路１３４に生じる圧力変動を緩和することができる。一方、特に光硬化型インクの噴射停止時等に光硬化型インクの消費量が急激に減少した場合、弾性膜１２６が気体室１２４Ｂ側に膨らむことにより、各個別流路１３４に生じる圧力変動を緩和することができる。 For this reason, when the photocurable ink is consumed rapidly during printing, particularly at the start of ejection of the photocurable ink, the elastic film 126 swells toward the ink flow path 124A, so that the individual flow paths 134 are The resulting pressure fluctuation can be mitigated. On the other hand, particularly when the consumption of the photocurable ink is suddenly reduced, for example, when the ejection of the photocurable ink is stopped, the elastic film 126 swells toward the gas chamber 124B, thereby causing the pressure fluctuation generated in each individual flow path 134. Can be relaxed.
　つまり、印字時における個別流路１３４の光硬化型インクの流動方向に発生する圧力変動を、圧力変動方向に設けられている気体室１２４Ｂ及び弾性膜１２６によって直接的に緩和することができる。なお、気体室１２４Ｂは各々の個別流路１３４に対向する位置に設けられているため、全てのヘッドモジュール１３８において均一なダンパー性能を得ることができる。 That is, the pressure fluctuation generated in the flow direction of the photocurable ink in the individual flow path 134 during printing can be directly mitigated by the gas chamber 124B and the elastic film 126 provided in the pressure fluctuation direction. In addition, since the gas chamber 124B is provided at a position facing each individual flow path 134, uniform damper performance can be obtained in all the head modules 138.
　また、連通路１４４の開閉バルブ１４６を開閉させるとともにインクポンプ１０４によってインク流路１２４Ａ内のインク圧力を調整することにより、気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力を間接的に制御して、弾性膜１２６の保持位置を調整している。 Further, the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B is indirectly controlled by opening and closing the open / close valve 146 of the communication path 144 and adjusting the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A by the ink pump 104, thereby elastic film. The holding position 126 is adjusted.
　このため、弾性膜１２６の弾性と気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力とを用いて光硬化型インクの圧力変動を緩和することができる。したがって、弾性膜１２６の弾性のみに依存することがないため、気体室１２４Ｂが大気に開放されている場合に比べて高いダンパー性能を得ることができる。また、気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力を直接調整する気体ポンプや圧力センサ等が不要であり、安価な方法によって気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力を調整することができる。 For this reason, the pressure fluctuation of the photocurable ink can be reduced by using the elasticity of the elastic film 126 and the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B. Therefore, since it does not depend only on the elasticity of the elastic film 126, it is possible to obtain a higher damper performance than when the gas chamber 124B is open to the atmosphere. Further, a gas pump or a pressure sensor that directly adjusts the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B is unnecessary, and the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B can be adjusted by an inexpensive method.
　また、加圧メンテナンス時において、弾性膜１２６は気体室１２４Ｂの内壁に押し付けられた状態で保持されている。このため、印字時に比べ、気体室１２４Ｂによる光硬化型インクの圧力変動の緩和の度合いが低くなる。したがって、加圧された光硬化型インクは、気体室１２４Ｂによってほとんど圧力が吸収されることなくヘッドモジュール１３８の噴射口から排出されるため、効率よく加圧メンテナンスを行うことができる。 Further, at the time of pressurization maintenance, the elastic membrane 126 is held in a state of being pressed against the inner wall of the gas chamber 124B. For this reason, compared with the time of printing, the degree of relaxation of the pressure fluctuation of the photocurable ink by the gas chamber 124B becomes lower. Therefore, since the pressurized photocurable ink is discharged from the ejection port of the head module 138 with almost no pressure absorbed by the gas chamber 124B, the pressurized maintenance can be performed efficiently.
　また、気泡排出時において、弾性膜１２６は引き下げられた状態で保持されており、インク流路１２４Ａの断面積が狭くなっている。この状態でインク流路１２４Ａへ光硬化型インクを供給すると、印字時に比べ、気体室１２４Ｂによる光硬化型インクの圧力変動の緩和の度合いは低くなり、また、少ない流量でも光硬化型インクの流速が速くなる。このため、インクポンプ１０４の駆動力を小さくすることができ、インクポンプ１０４を小型化することができる。 Further, when the bubbles are discharged, the elastic film 126 is held in a lowered state, and the cross-sectional area of the ink flow path 124A is narrowed. When the photocurable ink is supplied to the ink flow path 124A in this state, the degree of relaxation of the pressure fluctuation of the photocurable ink by the gas chamber 124B is lower than at the time of printing, and the flow rate of the photocurable ink is low even at a low flow rate. Will be faster. For this reason, the driving force of the ink pump 104 can be reduced, and the ink pump 104 can be reduced in size.
＜第２実施形態＞
　以下、添付の図面を参照しながら本発明の第２実施形態について説明する。なお、インク供給システム以外の構成は第１実施形態と同様のため、説明を省略する。また、図面において第１実施形態と同一機能を有する構成要素には同一符号を付し、重複する説明は適宜省略する。 Second Embodiment
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since the configuration other than the ink supply system is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. In the drawings, components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.
（インク供給システムの構成）
　図７に示すように、第１実施形態のインク供給システム１００とは異なり、本実施形態のインク供給システム１５０には、気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力を制御する気体圧力制御手段としての気体ポンプ１５２が設けられている。 (Configuration of ink supply system)
As shown in FIG. 7, unlike the ink supply system 100 of the first embodiment, the ink supply system 150 of this embodiment has a gas as a gas pressure control means for controlling the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B. A pump 152 is provided.
　具体的には、連通路１４２によって気体室１２４Ｂと連結されたエアタンク１４０に、エアタンク１４０と気体ポンプ１５２とを連通する連通路１５４が連結されている。なお、連通路１５４には、連通路１５４を開閉制御する開閉バルブ１５６が設けられており、また、エアタンク１４０には、エアタンク１４０内の気体の圧力を検出する気体圧力センサ１５８が設けられている。 Specifically, a communication path 154 that connects the air tank 140 and the gas pump 152 is connected to the air tank 140 that is connected to the gas chamber 124 </ b> B by the communication path 142. The communication path 154 is provided with an opening / closing valve 156 for controlling the opening / closing of the communication path 154, and the air tank 140 is provided with a gas pressure sensor 158 for detecting the pressure of the gas in the air tank 140. .
（インク供給システムによるインク供給手順）
　印字時においてインク供給システム１５０によって光硬化型インクを供給する場合には、気体ポンプ１５２によって気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力をインク流路１２４Ａ内のインク圧力と同じ印字圧力Ｐ２に調整する。すると、図８（Ａ）に示すように、弾性膜１２６が共通流路１２４内において張力がかかっていない状態で保持される。その後、第１実施形態と同様に、個別流路１３４の開閉バルブ１３６を開いて各ヘッドモジュール１３８に光硬化型インクを供給する。 (Ink supply procedure by ink supply system)
When supplying the photocurable ink by the ink supply system 150 at the time of printing, the gas pressure in the gas chamber 124B is adjusted to the same printing pressure P2 as the ink pressure in the ink flow path 124A by the gas pump 152. Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, the elastic film 126 is held in the common flow path 124 in a state where no tension is applied. Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, the open / close valve 136 of the individual flow path 134 is opened to supply the photocurable ink to each head module 138.
　加圧メンテナンス時においてインク供給システム１５０によって光硬化型インクを供給する場合には、気体ポンプ１５２によって気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体を減圧し、図８（Ｂ）に示すように、弾性膜１２６を気体室１２４Ｂの内壁に押し付けた状態で保持する。その後、第１実施形態と同様に、個別流路１３４の開閉バルブ１３６を開き、インクポンプ１０４を駆動させることにより各ヘッドモジュール１３８に光硬化型インクを供給する。 When photocurable ink is supplied by the ink supply system 150 during pressure maintenance, the gas inside the gas chamber 124B is decompressed by the gas pump 152, and the elastic film 126 is formed as shown in FIG. The gas chamber 124B is held while being pressed against the inner wall. Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, the opening / closing valve 136 of the individual flow path 134 is opened, and the ink pump 104 is driven to supply photocurable ink to each head module 138.
　気泡排出時においてインク供給システム１５０によって光硬化型インクを供給する場合には、気体ポンプ１５２によって気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体を加圧し、図８（Ｃ）に示すように、弾性膜１２６を押し下げた状態で保持する。その後、第１実施形態と同様に、気泡抜き流路１３０の開閉バルブ１３２を開き、インクポンプ１０４によって一定流量の光硬化型インクをインク流路１２４Ａへ供給することによって、インク流路１２４Ａ内の気泡をインクタンク１０２へ排出する。 When supplying the photocurable ink by the ink supply system 150 when the bubbles are discharged, the gas inside the gas chamber 124B is pressurized by the gas pump 152, and the elastic film 126 is pushed down as shown in FIG. 8C. Hold in the state. After that, as in the first embodiment, the open / close valve 132 of the bubble vent channel 130 is opened, and the ink pump 104 supplies photocurable ink at a constant flow rate to the ink channel 124A. The bubbles are discharged to the ink tank 102.
（本実施形態の作用及び効果）
　本実施形態に係るインク供給システム１５０では、第１実施形態のインク供給システム１００と同様の作用及び効果を得ることができる。さらに、気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力を気体圧力センサ１５８によって検出し、気体ポンプ１５２によって直接制御することができる。このため、印字時、加圧メンテナンス時、及び気泡排出時において、気体室１２４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力を簡単に最適な圧力に調整することができる。
＜第３実施形態＞
　以下、添付の図面を参照しながら本発明の第３実施形態について説明する。なお、インク供給システム以外の構成は第１実施形態と同様のため、説明を省略する。また、図面において第１実施形態と同一機能を有する構成要素には同一符号を付し、重複する説明は適宜省略する。 (Operation and effect of this embodiment)
In the ink supply system 150 according to the present embodiment, the same operations and effects as the ink supply system 100 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, the gas pressure inside the gas chamber 124 </ b> B can be detected by the gas pressure sensor 158 and directly controlled by the gas pump 152. For this reason, the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 124B can be easily adjusted to an optimum pressure at the time of printing, pressurization maintenance, and bubble discharge.
<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since the configuration other than the ink supply system is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. In the drawings, components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.
　図９に示すように、本実施形態のインク供給システム１６０では、共通供給流路１６２と共通回収流路１６４によって液体循環流路としてのインク循環流路１６６が形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 9, in the ink supply system 160 of this embodiment, an ink circulation channel 166 as a liquid circulation channel is formed by the common supply channel 162 and the common recovery channel 164.
　具体的には、各ヘッドモジュール１３８には、光硬化型インクが流入する入力ポート１３８Ａと、光硬化型インクが排出される出力ポート１３８Ｂとが設けられている。入力ポート１３８Ａには、共通供給流路１６２に連結された個別供給流路１６８が連結され、出力ポート１３８Ｂには、共通回収流路１６４に連結された個別回収流路１７０が連結されている。 Specifically, each head module 138 is provided with an input port 138A through which photocurable ink flows and an output port 138B through which photocurable ink is discharged. An individual supply channel 168 connected to the common supply channel 162 is connected to the input port 138A, and an individual recovery channel 170 connected to the common recovery channel 164 is connected to the output port 138B.
　個別供給流路１６８には、個別供給流路１６８を開閉制御する開閉バルブ１７２と、共通供給流路１６２から供給される光硬化型インクの圧力変動を緩和するダンパー１７４とが設けられている。また、個別回収流路１７０には、個別回収流路１７０を開閉制御する開閉バルブ１７６と、共通回収流路１６４へ回収される光硬化型インクの圧力変動を緩和するダンパー１７８とが設けられている。 The individual supply channel 168 is provided with an opening / closing valve 172 that controls the opening and closing of the individual supply channel 168 and a damper 174 that relieves pressure fluctuation of the photocurable ink supplied from the common supply channel 162. In addition, the individual recovery channel 170 is provided with an opening / closing valve 176 that controls the opening and closing of the individual recovery channel 170 and a damper 178 that relieves pressure fluctuation of the photocurable ink recovered to the common recovery channel 164. Yes.
　共通供給流路１６２の長手方向一端部である上流側端部には、供給管１８０が連結されており、共通回収流路１６４の長手方向一端部である下流側端部には、供給管１８２が連結されている。また、共通供給流路１６２の長手方向他端部である下流側端部と、共通回収流路１６４の長手方向他端部である上流側端部との間には、第１流路１８４及び第２流路１８６が設けられている。 A supply pipe 180 is connected to an upstream end that is one longitudinal end of the common supply flow path 162, and a supply pipe 182 is connected to a downstream end that is one longitudinal end of the common recovery flow path 164. Are connected. Between the downstream end that is the other end in the longitudinal direction of the common supply channel 162 and the upstream end that is the other end in the longitudinal direction of the common recovery channel 164, the first channel 184 and A second flow path 186 is provided.
　第１流路１８４には第１バルブ１９２が設けられ、第２流路１８６には第２バルブ１９４及びダンパー１９５が設けられている。第１流路１８４及び第２流路１８６は、共通供給流路１６２と共通回収流路１６４との間の圧力調整や光硬化型インクの流量調整等に用いられる。 The first flow path 184 is provided with a first valve 192, and the second flow path 186 is provided with a second valve 194 and a damper 195. The first flow path 184 and the second flow path 186 are used for adjusting the pressure between the common supply flow path 162 and the common recovery flow path 164, adjusting the flow rate of the photocurable ink, and the like.
　さらに、共通供給流路１６２の下流側端部、及び共通回収流路１６４の上流側端部には、光硬化型インクの圧力を検出するインク圧力センサ１８８、１９０がそれぞれ設けられている。 Furthermore, ink pressure sensors 188 and 190 for detecting the pressure of the photocurable ink are provided at the downstream end of the common supply channel 162 and the upstream end of the common recovery channel 164, respectively.
　また、共通供給流路１６２に連結された供給管１８０の他端は供給サブタンク１９６に連結されている。なお、供給サブタンク１９６は、第１実施形態におけるインク圧力制御タンク１０８と同様の構成とされている。 Also, the other end of the supply pipe 180 connected to the common supply flow path 162 is connected to the supply sub tank 196. The supply sub tank 196 has the same configuration as the ink pressure control tank 108 in the first embodiment.
　供給サブタンク１９６には、インクタンク１０２に連結されたバッファタンク１９８から光硬化型インクを引き込むための供給側主管２００が連結されている。供給側主管２００には、バッファタンク１９８から供給サブタンク１９６まで順番に、脱気モジュール２０２、一方向弁２０４、液体圧力制御手段としての供給ポンプ２０６、供給側フィルタ２０８、及び熱交換器２１０が設けられている。 The supply sub-tank 196 is connected to a supply-side main pipe 200 for drawing light curable ink from a buffer tank 198 connected to the ink tank 102. The supply side main pipe 200 is provided with a deaeration module 202, a one-way valve 204, a supply pump 206 as a liquid pressure control means, a supply side filter 208, and a heat exchanger 210 in order from the buffer tank 198 to the supply sub tank 196. It has been.
　脱気モジュール２０２は、一例として、２層構造の筒体（図示省略）を含んで構成されており、この筒体は、気体分子のみを透過させる膜によって形成されている。また、脱気モジュール２０２には、負圧の変更機能を有する真空ポンプ（図示省略）が接続されており、真空ポンプが動作することにより、脱気モジュール２０２内で減圧が行われ、光硬化型インクから脱気するようになっている。 The deaeration module 202 includes, for example, a two-layered cylinder (not shown), and this cylinder is formed of a film that allows only gas molecules to pass through. In addition, a vacuum pump (not shown) having a negative pressure changing function is connected to the deaeration module 202, and when the vacuum pump is operated, pressure reduction is performed in the deaeration module 202, and a photo-curing type. Degas from the ink.
　供給ポンプ２０６の上流側には、供給側主管２００とは別に分岐配管２１２の一端が連結されており、分岐配管２１２の他端は、一方向弁２１４を通ってバッファタンク１９８に連結されている。また、供給サブタンク１９６にはドレイン管２１６の一端が連結されており、ドレイン管２１６の他端はバッファタンク１９８に連結されている。なお、ドレイン管２１６には、ドレインバルブ２１８が設けられている。 One end of the branch pipe 212 is connected to the upstream side of the supply pump 206 separately from the supply side main pipe 200, and the other end of the branch pipe 212 is connected to the buffer tank 198 through the one-way valve 214. . One end of a drain pipe 216 is connected to the supply sub tank 196, and the other end of the drain pipe 216 is connected to a buffer tank 198. The drain pipe 216 is provided with a drain valve 218.
　供給サブタンク１９６は光硬化型インクを循環することによって流路内の気泡がトラップされる構造になっている。このため、ドレインバルブ２１８を開き、供給ポンプ２０６の駆動力によって供給サブタンク１９６内の気泡をバッファタンク１９８へ送ることにより、大気開放されているバッファタンク１９８から気泡が排出されるようになっている。 The supply sub tank 196 has a structure in which air bubbles in the flow path are trapped by circulating photocurable ink. For this reason, by opening the drain valve 218 and sending the bubbles in the supply sub tank 196 to the buffer tank 198 by the driving force of the supply pump 206, the bubbles are discharged from the buffer tank 198 opened to the atmosphere. .
　一方、共通回収流路１６４に連結された供給管１８２の他端は、回収サブタンク２２０に連結されている。なお、回収サブタンク２２０は、第１実施形態におけるインク圧力制御タンク１０８と同様の構成とされている。また、回収サブタンク２２０には、バッファタンク１９８へ光硬化型インクを引き込むための回収側主管２２２が連結されている。 On the other hand, the other end of the supply pipe 182 connected to the common recovery channel 164 is connected to the recovery sub tank 220. The collection sub tank 220 has the same configuration as the ink pressure control tank 108 in the first embodiment. Further, a recovery side main pipe 222 for drawing the photocurable ink into the buffer tank 198 is connected to the recovery sub tank 220.
　回収側主管２２２には、液体圧力制御手段としての回収ポンプ２２４、及び一方向弁２２５が設けられており、回収ポンプ２２４の下流側と、供給側主管２００における脱気モジュール２０２の下流側との間には、加圧パージ用配管２２６が設けられている。また、加圧パージ用配管２２６には、脱気モジュール２０２側から回収ポンプ２２４側まで順番に、一方向弁２２８、回収フィルタ２３０が設けられている。 The recovery side main pipe 222 is provided with a recovery pump 224 as a liquid pressure control means and a one-way valve 225, and a downstream side of the recovery pump 224 and a downstream side of the deaeration module 202 in the supply side main pipe 200 are provided. A pressure purge pipe 226 is provided therebetween. In addition, a one-way valve 228 and a recovery filter 230 are provided in order from the degassing module 202 side to the recovery pump 224 side in the pressure purge pipe 226.
　バッファタンク１９８は、補充ポンプ２３２が設けられた補充管２３４によって、インクタンク１０２との間において光硬化型インクが流通可能となっている。さらに、バッファタンク１９８には、光硬化型インクを循環させるために必要なインク量が貯留されており、光硬化型インクの消費に応じて、インクタンク１０２から光硬化型インクが補充される構成となっている。 In the buffer tank 198, photocurable ink can be circulated between the buffer tank 198 and the ink tank 102 by a replenishment pipe 234 provided with a replenishment pump 232. Further, the buffer tank 198 stores an amount of ink necessary for circulating the photocurable ink, and the photocurable ink is replenished from the ink tank 102 according to consumption of the photocurable ink. It has become.
　補充管２３４の一端（インクタンク１０２内）には、フィルタ２３６が設けられている。なお、バッファタンク１９８とインクタンク１０２との間には、オーバーフロー管２３８が設けられており、光硬化型インクの過剰補充時に、光硬化型インクがインクタンク１０２へ戻されるようになっている。 A filter 236 is provided at one end of the replenishment pipe 234 (in the ink tank 102). An overflow pipe 238 is provided between the buffer tank 198 and the ink tank 102 so that the photocurable ink is returned to the ink tank 102 when the photocurable ink is replenished excessively.
　回収側主管２２２における回収ポンプ２２４よりも上流側には、分岐配管２４０の一端が接続されており、分岐配管２４０の他端は、オーバーフロー管２３８に接続されている。また、分岐配管２４０には、安全弁２４２が設けられている。 One end of the branch pipe 240 is connected to the upstream side of the recovery pump 224 in the recovery side main pipe 222, and the other end of the branch pipe 240 is connected to the overflow pipe 238. The branch pipe 240 is provided with a safety valve 242.
　また、回収サブタンク２２０にはドレイン管２４４の一端が連結されており、ドレイン管２４４の他端は、ドレインバルブ２４６を通ってドレイン管２１６と繋がっている。 Further, one end of a drain pipe 244 is connected to the recovery sub tank 220, and the other end of the drain pipe 244 is connected to the drain pipe 216 through the drain valve 246.
　回収サブタンク２２０は、光硬化型インクを循環することによって流路内の気泡がトラップされる構造になっている。このため、ドレインバルブ２４６を開き、回収ポンプ２２４の駆動力によって回収サブタンク２２０内の気泡をバッファタンク１９８へ送ることにより、バッファタンク１９８から気泡が排出されるようになっている。 The recovery sub-tank 220 has a structure in which bubbles in the flow path are trapped by circulating photocurable ink. Therefore, by opening the drain valve 246 and sending the bubbles in the collection sub tank 220 to the buffer tank 198 by the driving force of the collection pump 224, the bubbles are discharged from the buffer tank 198.
　また、供給側主管２００における供給側フィルタ２０８と熱交換器２１０との間には、分岐配管２４８の一端が接続されており、分岐配管２４８の他端は、オーバーフロー管２３８に接続されている。なお、分岐配管２４８には、安全弁２５０が設けられている。 Further, one end of the branch pipe 248 is connected between the supply side filter 208 and the heat exchanger 210 in the supply side main pipe 200, and the other end of the branch pipe 248 is connected to the overflow pipe 238. A branch valve 248 is provided with a safety valve 250.
　また、図１０に示すように、共通供給流路１６２及び共通回収流路１６４は、第１実施形態の共通流路１２４と同様に、弾性を有する弾性膜２５２、２５４によって、それぞれ内部が長手方向に平行に仕切られて二室構造となっている。また、二室に仕切られた空間のうち、下側の空間は光硬化型インクが流通するインク流路１６２Ａ、１６４Ａとされ、下側の空間より狭い上側の空間は気体室１６２Ｂ、１６４Ｂとされている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the common supply channel 162 and the common recovery channel 164 are each formed in the longitudinal direction by elastic films 252 and 254 having elasticity, like the common channel 124 of the first embodiment. It has a two-chamber structure that is partitioned in parallel with each other. Of the spaces partitioned into the two chambers, the lower spaces are ink flow paths 162A and 164A through which photocurable ink flows, and the upper spaces narrower than the lower spaces are gas chambers 162B and 164B. ing.
　気体室１６２Ｂ、１６４Ｂには、気体室１６２Ｂ、１６４Ｂとエアタンク２５６、２５８とをそれぞれ連通する連通路２６０、２６２が連結され、エアタンク２５６、２５８には、エアタンク２５６、２５８と大気とを連通する連通路２６４、２６６がそれぞれ連結されている。 The gas chambers 162B and 164B are connected to communication passages 260 and 262 that connect the gas chambers 162B and 164B and the air tanks 256 and 258, respectively. The air tanks 256 and 258 are connected to the air tanks 256 and 258 and the atmosphere. The passages 264 and 266 are connected to each other.
　また、連通路２６４、２６６には、連通路２６４、２６６をそれぞれ開閉制御する開閉バルブ２６８、２７０が設けられている。なお、共通供給流路１６２に連結されたエアタンク２５６の容量は、共通回収流路１６４に連結されたエアタンク２５８の容量に比べて大きくされている。 The communication passages 264 and 266 are provided with opening and closing valves 268 and 270 for controlling the opening and closing of the communication passages 264 and 266, respectively. Note that the capacity of the air tank 256 connected to the common supply flow path 162 is larger than the capacity of the air tank 258 connected to the common recovery flow path 164.
（インク供給システムによるインク供給手順）
　本実施形態のインク循環流路１６６によって、印字時に各ヘッドモジュール１３８にインクを供給する場合、共通供給流路１６２のインク流路１６２Ａ内のインク圧力Ｐ５を正圧とし、共通回収流路１６４のインク流路１６４Ａ内のインク圧力Ｐ６を負圧とする。 (Ink supply procedure by ink supply system)
When ink is supplied to each head module 138 during printing by the ink circulation flow path 166 of the present embodiment, the ink pressure P5 in the ink flow path 162A of the common supply flow path 162 is set to a positive pressure, and the common recovery flow path 164 The ink pressure P6 in the ink flow path 164A is set to a negative pressure.
　つまり、共通供給流路１６２に供給される光硬化型インクを、インク圧力Ｐ６より高いインク圧力Ｐ５によって各ヘッドモジュール１３８へ供給し、ヘッドモジュール１３８へ供給された光硬化型インクを、インク圧力Ｐ６によって各ヘッドモジュール１３８から共通回収流路１６４へ回収する構造となっている。 That is, the photocurable ink supplied to the common supply channel 162 is supplied to each head module 138 by the ink pressure P5 higher than the ink pressure P6, and the photocurable ink supplied to the head module 138 is supplied to the ink pressure P6. Thus, the head module 138 collects the head module 138 to the common recovery channel 164.
　ここで、ヘッドモジュール１３８内では、共通供給流路１６２側と共通回収流路１６４側の流路抵抗比に応じたインク圧力が掛かるが、このインク圧力が負圧になるようにインク圧力Ｐ５及びインク圧力Ｐ６を設定する事により、ヘッドモジュール１３８の噴射口に光硬化型インクが保持されるようになっている。そうすることにより、印字時において、インクジェットヘッド５６から光硬化型インクの液滴を噴射して記録媒体Ｐに画像を記録することが可能となる。 Here, in the head module 138, an ink pressure corresponding to the flow resistance ratio between the common supply flow channel 162 and the common recovery flow channel 164 is applied, but the ink pressure P5 and the ink pressure P By setting the ink pressure P6, the photocurable ink is held in the ejection port of the head module 138. By doing so, it is possible to record an image on the recording medium P by ejecting droplets of photocurable ink from the inkjet head 56 during printing.
　なお、以上の手順において、共通供給流路１６２の気体室１６２Ｂの内部の気体の圧力は、インク流路１６２Ａ内のインク圧力Ｐ５と同等となるよう調整される。そのため、弾性膜２５２は共通供給流路１６２内で張力がかかっていない状態で保持される。同様に、共通回収流路１６４の気体室１６４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力は、インク流路１６４Ａ内のインク圧力Ｐ６と同等となるよう調整される。そのため、弾性膜２５４は共通回収流路１６４内で張力がかかっていない状態で保持される。 In the above procedure, the gas pressure inside the gas chamber 162B of the common supply channel 162 is adjusted to be equal to the ink pressure P5 in the ink channel 162A. Therefore, the elastic membrane 252 is held in the common supply channel 162 in a state where no tension is applied. Similarly, the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber 164B of the common recovery channel 164 is adjusted to be equal to the ink pressure P6 in the ink channel 164A. Therefore, the elastic membrane 254 is held in the common recovery flow path 164 in a state where no tension is applied.
（本実施形態の作用及び効果）
　本実施形態に係るインク供給システム１６０では、共通供給流路１６２及び共通回収流路１６４の双方にそれぞれ気体室１６２Ｂ、１６４Ｂを設けることにより、インク循環流路１６６にも本発明を適用することができる。このため、インク循環流路１６６における光硬化型インクの圧力変動についても、気体室１６２Ｂ、１６４Ｂによって緩和することができる。 (Operation and effect of this embodiment)
In the ink supply system 160 according to the present embodiment, the present invention can be applied to the ink circulation channel 166 by providing the gas chambers 162B and 164B in both the common supply channel 162 and the common recovery channel 164, respectively. it can. For this reason, the pressure fluctuations of the photocurable ink in the ink circulation channel 166 can be reduced by the gas chambers 162B and 164B.
　また、印字時において、共通供給流路１６２の気体室１６２Ｂの内部の気体の圧力（Ｐ５）は、共通回収流路１６４の気体室１６４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力（Ｐ６）に比べて高くされている。これにより、共通供給流路１６２と共通回収流路１６４のインク圧力が異なる場合でも、良好な圧力変動緩和性能を得ることができる。 At the time of printing, the gas pressure (P5) inside the gas chamber 162B of the common supply channel 162 is set higher than the gas pressure (P6) inside the gas chamber 164B of the common recovery channel 164. Yes. Thereby, even when the ink pressures of the common supply channel 162 and the common recovery channel 164 are different, good pressure fluctuation mitigation performance can be obtained.
　なお、気体室１６２Ｂの内部の気体の圧力（Ｐ５）を気体室１６４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力（Ｐ６）に比べて高くするため、共通供給流路１６２に連結されたエアタンク２５６の容量は共通回収流路１６４に連結されたエアタンク２５８の容量に比べて大きくされている。これにより、共通供給流路１６２内と共通回収流路１６４内の気体室１６２Ｂ、１６４Ｂの大きさ及び構成が同じでも、共通供給流路１６２内のインク圧力を共通回収流路１６４内のインク圧力より高くした状態で、気体室１６２Ｂ、１６４Ｂの内部の気体の圧力とインク圧力とを平衡状態とすることができる。つまり、弾性膜２５２、２５４を張力がかかっていない状態で保持することができる。 In order to make the gas pressure (P5) inside the gas chamber 162B higher than the gas pressure (P6) inside the gas chamber 164B, the capacity of the air tank 256 connected to the common supply channel 162 is common recovery. The capacity of the air tank 258 connected to the flow path 164 is increased. Accordingly, even if the sizes and configurations of the gas chambers 162B and 164B in the common supply channel 162 and the common recovery channel 164 are the same, the ink pressure in the common supply channel 162 is changed to the ink pressure in the common recovery channel 164. In a higher state, the pressure of the gas inside the gas chambers 162B and 164B and the ink pressure can be balanced. That is, the elastic films 252 and 254 can be held in a state where no tension is applied.
＜第４実施形態＞
　以下、添付の図面を参照しながら本発明の第４実施形態について説明する。なお、インク供給システム以外の構成は第１実施形態と同様のため、説明を省略する。また、図面において第１実施形態と同一機能を有する構成要素には同一符号を付し、重複する説明は適宜省略する。 <Fourth embodiment>
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since the configuration other than the ink supply system is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. In the drawings, components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.
（インク供給システムの構成）
　図１１に示すように、本実施形態では、複数（図１１では３つ）の共通流路構成部材２７２が直列に連結されることにより、１つの共通流路２７４が構成されている。共通流路構成部材２７２の長手方向の一端部に嵌合部２７６、他端部に被嵌合部２７８が形成され、共通流路構成部材２７２の被嵌合部２７８に、別の共通流路構成部材２７２の嵌合部２７６を嵌合させて固定することにより、それぞれの共通流路構成部材２７２が連結されている。 (Configuration of ink supply system)
As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, one common flow path 274 is configured by connecting a plurality (three in FIG. 11) of common flow path constituting members 272 in series. A fitting portion 276 is formed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the common flow path constituting member 272, and a fitted portion 278 is formed at the other end, and another common flow path is formed in the fitted portion 278 of the common flow passage constituting member 272. By fitting and fixing the fitting portions 276 of the constituent members 272, the respective common flow path constituent members 272 are connected.
　また、複数（図１１では３つ）の共通流路構成部材２７２には、それぞれ独立した気体室２８０が設けられている。共通流路構成部材２７２は上部が切り欠かれており、図１２に示すように、下面に弾性膜２８２が接合された別部材を共通流路構成部材２７２の切り欠かれた部分に嵌め込んで超音波融着によって一体化することにより、共通流路構成部材２７２内に気体室２８０が設けられている。 In addition, a plurality (three in FIG. 11) of common flow path constituting members 272 are provided with independent gas chambers 280, respectively. The upper part of the common flow path component member 272 is notched, and another member having an elastic film 282 bonded to the lower surface is fitted into the notched portion of the common flow path component member 272 as shown in FIG. The gas chamber 280 is provided in the common flow path component 272 by being integrated by ultrasonic fusion.
　また、気体室２８０の上部には、共通流路構成部材２７２の連結方向と直交する方向に、それぞれ連通路２８４が連結されている。図１１に示すように、それぞれの連通路２８４は共通のエアタンク２８６に連結されており、エアタンク２８６には、エアタンク２８６と大気とを連通する連通路２８８が連結されている。なお、連通路２８８には、連通路２８８を開閉制御する開閉バルブ２９０が設けられている。 Further, communication passages 284 are connected to the upper part of the gas chamber 280 in the direction orthogonal to the connection direction of the common flow path component 272, respectively. As shown in FIG. 11, each communication passage 284 is connected to a common air tank 286, and a communication passage 288 that connects the air tank 286 and the atmosphere is connected to the air tank 286. The communication passage 288 is provided with an opening / closing valve 290 that controls opening / closing of the communication passage 288.
　また、共通流路構成部材２７２の気体室２８０に対向する下面には、個別流路２９２が３つずつ並列して接続されている。さらに、図１３（Ａ）及び（Ｂ）に示すように、最下流に配置される共通流路構成部材２７２の下流側端部には、気泡抜き流路２９４が連結されている。 Further, three individual flow paths 292 are connected in parallel to the lower surface of the common flow path component 272 facing the gas chamber 280. Further, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, a bubble vent channel 294 is connected to the downstream end portion of the common channel constituent member 272 arranged on the most downstream side.
（インク供給システムによるインク供給手順）
　本実施形態の共通流路２７４において、印字時及び加圧メンテナンス時には、共通流路２７４内のインク圧力及び弾性膜２８２の位置を、第１実施形態と同様に調整した後、個別流路２９２に光硬化型インクを供給する。 (Ink supply procedure by ink supply system)
In the common flow path 274 of the present embodiment, at the time of printing and pressure maintenance, the ink pressure in the common flow path 274 and the position of the elastic film 282 are adjusted in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and then the individual flow path 292 is set. Supply photocurable ink.
　一方、気泡排出時には、まず、第１実施形態と同様に、図１３（Ａ）に示すように、気体室２８０の気体の圧力を調整して弾性膜２８２を引き下げた状態で保持し、光硬化型インクを共通流路２７４へ供給して共通流路２７４内の気泡を気泡抜き流路１３０へ排出する。このとき、一部の気泡は、個別流路２９２側（下方向）に膨らんだ弾性膜２８２同士の間、すなわち共通流路構成部材２７２の連結部分に溜まる。 On the other hand, at the time of discharging bubbles, first, as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13A, the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber 280 is adjusted and the elastic film 282 is held in a lowered state, and photocuring is performed. The mold ink is supplied to the common channel 274 and the bubbles in the common channel 274 are discharged to the bubble removal channel 130. At this time, some of the bubbles accumulate between the elastic films 282 swelled toward the individual flow path 292 (downward), that is, at the connection portion of the common flow path constituting member 272.
　その後、図１１に示す開閉バルブ２９０を開け、気体室２８０の気体の圧力を調整して弾性膜２８２を押し上げてから開閉バルブ２９０を閉じることにより、図１３（Ｂ）に示すように、弾性膜２８２を押し上げた状態で保持する。そうすることにより、弾性膜２８２同士の間に溜まって互いに結合し、成長していた一部の気泡を、気泡抜き流路１３０へ排出する。以上の手順を、必要に応じて周期的に複数回繰り返すことにより、共通流路２７４内の気泡を気泡抜き流路１３０へと排出する。 Thereafter, the on-off valve 290 shown in FIG. 11 is opened, the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber 280 is adjusted to push up the elastic membrane 282, and then the on-off valve 290 is closed, as shown in FIG. Hold 282 in a pushed-up state. By doing so, some of the bubbles that have accumulated between the elastic films 282 and joined together are discharged to the bubble vent channel 130. The above procedure is periodically repeated a plurality of times as necessary to discharge the bubbles in the common channel 274 to the bubble vent channel 130.
（本実施形態の作用及び効果）
　本実施形態では、複数の共通流路構成部材２７２が直列に連結されることにより、共通流路２７４が構成されている。このため、接続されるヘッドモジュール数が異なる装置にも対応可能となっている。 (Operation and effect of this embodiment)
In this embodiment, the common flow path 274 is comprised by connecting the some common flow path structural member 272 in series. For this reason, it can respond also to the apparatus from which the number of head modules connected differs.
　また、各共通流路構成部材２７２にそれぞれ気体室２８０が設けられ、各気体室２８０に連結された連通路２８４が、それぞれ共通流路構成部材２７２の連結方向と直交する方向に設けられている。このため、各気体室２８０の内部の気体の圧力を均一に調整することが容易となる。 Each common flow path component 272 is provided with a gas chamber 280, and a communication path 284 connected to each gas chamber 280 is provided in a direction orthogonal to the connection direction of the common flow path component 272. . For this reason, it becomes easy to adjust the pressure of the gas inside each gas chamber 280 uniformly.
　さらに、気泡排出時において、気体室２８０の気体の圧力を周期的に変化させることにより、弾性膜２８２を上下させて共通流路２７４内の気泡を気泡抜き流路１３０へと排出する。 Further, at the time of discharging the bubbles, by periodically changing the gas pressure in the gas chamber 280, the elastic film 282 is moved up and down to discharge the bubbles in the common channel 274 to the bubble removal channel 130.
　弾性膜２８２を引き下げることによって光硬化型インクの流速を速めて気泡の排出を促す手順と、弾性膜２８２を押し上げることによって弾性膜２８２同士の間に溜まった気泡を移動させる手順とを繰り返すことにより、気泡の排出を促し、効率的に気泡を排出することができる。 By repeating the procedure of increasing the flow rate of the photocurable ink by pulling down the elastic film 282 to prompt the discharge of bubbles and the procedure of moving the bubbles accumulated between the elastic films 282 by pushing up the elastic film 282 , Facilitates the discharge of bubbles, and can efficiently discharge bubbles.
（その他の実施形態）
　なお、本発明について実施形態の一例を説明したが、本発明はかかる実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の範囲内にて他の種々の実施形態が可能である。 (Other embodiments)
In addition, although an example of embodiment was demonstrated about this invention, this invention is not limited to this embodiment, Other various embodiment is possible within the scope of the present invention.
　例えば、図１４（Ａ）に示すように、共通流路２９６の上部の内壁に厚肉部２９８を設け、弾性膜３００によって仕切られた気体室２９６Ｂの幅をインク流路２９６Ａの幅より狭くしてもよい。 For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, a thick part 298 is provided on the inner wall of the upper part of the common flow path 296, and the width of the gas chamber 296B partitioned by the elastic film 300 is made narrower than the width of the ink flow path 296A. May be.
　そうすることにより、気泡排出時において弾性膜３００が図１４（Ａ）の二点鎖線によって示す位置において保持された際に、第１実施形態の共通流路１２４における気泡排出時に比べて、弾性膜３００と共通流路２９６の内壁との間に気泡が溜まり難い。このため、インク流路２９６Ａ内において、光硬化型インクを淀みなく流通させることができ、効率的に気泡を排出することができる。 By doing so, when the elastic film 300 is held at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 14A when the bubbles are discharged, the elastic film is compared with when the bubbles are discharged in the common flow path 124 of the first embodiment. It is difficult for air bubbles to accumulate between 300 and the inner wall of the common flow path 296. For this reason, the photocurable ink can be distributed without stagnation in the ink flow path 296A, and the bubbles can be efficiently discharged.
　また、図１４（Ｂ）に示すように、弾性膜３０４の共通流路３０２内における取付け位置を、第１実施形態の弾性膜１２６の取付け位置より上部とし、上方向に膨らんだ状態で配置してもよい。 Further, as shown in FIG. 14B, the mounting position of the elastic film 304 in the common flow path 302 is located above the mounting position of the elastic film 126 of the first embodiment, and the elastic film 304 is swelled upward. May be.
　そうすることにより、気泡排出時において弾性膜３０４が図１４（Ｂ）の二点鎖線で示す位置において保持された際に、第１実施形態の共通流路１２４における気泡排出時に比べて、弾性膜３０４と共通流路３０２の内壁との間に気泡が溜まり難い。このため、インク流路３０２Ａ内において、光硬化型インクを淀みなく流通させることができ、効率的に気泡を排出することができる。 By doing so, when the elastic membrane 304 is held at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 14B when the bubbles are discharged, the elastic membrane is compared with when the bubbles are discharged in the common flow path 124 of the first embodiment. Air bubbles hardly accumulate between 304 and the inner wall of the common flow path 302. For this reason, the photocurable ink can be distributed without stagnation in the ink flow path 302A, and bubbles can be efficiently discharged.
　さらに、上記第１実施形態～第４実施形態は、適宜組み合わせることができる。例えば、第３実施形態、第４実施形態において、第２実施形態のように、気体ポンプによって気体室１６２Ｂ、１６４Ｂ、２８０の内部の気体の圧力を制御してもよい。 Furthermore, the first to fourth embodiments can be appropriately combined. For example, in the third and fourth embodiments, as in the second embodiment, the pressure of the gas inside the gas chambers 162B, 164B, and 280 may be controlled by a gas pump.
１００、１５０、１６０ インク供給システム
１０２ インクタンク
１０４ インクポンプ（液体圧力制御手段）
１２４Ｂ、１６２Ｂ、１６４Ｂ、２８０、２９６Ｂ 気体室
１２４、２７４、２９６、３０２ 共通流路
１２６、２５２、２５４、２８２、３００、３０４ 弾性膜（弾性部材）
１３０、２９４ 気泡抜き流路
１３４、２９２ 個別流路
１３８ ヘッドモジュール
１４０、２５６、２５８、２８６ エアタンク
１４２、１４４、２６０、２６４、２８４、２８８ 連通路
１４６、２６８、２９０ 開閉バルブ（開閉制御手段）
１５２ 気体ポンプ（気体圧力制御手段）
１６２ 共通供給流路
１６４ 共通回収流路
１６６ インク循環流路（液体循環流路）
２０６ 供給ポンプ（液体圧力制御手段）
２２４ 回収ポンプ（液体圧力制御手段）
２７２ 共通流路構成部材 100, 150, 160 Ink supply system 102 Ink tank 104 Ink pump (liquid pressure control means)
124B, 162B, 164B, 280, 296B Gas chamber 124, 274, 296, 302 Common channel 126, 252, 254, 282, 300, 304 Elastic membrane (elastic member)
130, 294 Air bubble removal channel 134, 292 Individual channel 138 Head module 140, 256, 258, 286 Air tank 142, 144, 260, 264, 284, 288 Communication channel 146, 268, 290 Open / close valve (open / close control means)
152 Gas pump (gas pressure control means)
162 Common supply channel 164 Common recovery channel 166 Ink circulation channel (liquid circulation channel)
206 Supply pump (liquid pressure control means)
224 Recovery pump (liquid pressure control means)
272 Common flow path component

Claims (14)

  1. 　複数のヘッドモジュールにそれぞれ連通する複数の個別流路が並列に接続され、前記ヘッドモジュールに前記個別流路を介して液体を供給する、又は前記ヘッドモジュールから前記個別流路を介して液体を回収する共通流路と、
    　前記共通流路内を弾性部材によって仕切ることにより、前記共通流路に平行かつ前記個別流路に対向する位置に設けられた気体室と、
    　を備える液体供給システム。     A plurality of individual flow paths respectively communicating with a plurality of head modules are connected in parallel, and liquid is supplied to the head module via the individual flow paths, or liquid is recovered from the head module via the individual flow paths. A common flow path,
    A gas chamber provided in a position parallel to the common flow path and facing the individual flow path by partitioning the common flow path with an elastic member;
    A liquid supply system comprising:
  2. 　前記気体室の内部の気体を保持及び排出する気体保持手段を有する、請求項１に記載の液体供給システム。 The liquid supply system according to claim 1, further comprising gas holding means for holding and discharging the gas inside the gas chamber.
  3. 　前記気体保持手段は、前記気体室と大気とを連通する連通路と、前記連通路を開閉制御する開閉制御手段と、を備える、請求項２に記載の液体供給システム。 3. The liquid supply system according to claim 2, wherein the gas holding means includes a communication path that communicates the gas chamber with the atmosphere, and an opening / closing control means that controls the opening and closing of the communication path.
  4. 　前記気体室の内部の気体の圧力を制御する制御手段を備える、請求項１～３のいずれか１項に記載の液体供給システム。 The liquid supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising control means for controlling the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber.
  5. 　前記制御手段は、前記気体室の内部の気体の圧力を直接制御する気体圧力制御手段である、請求項４に記載の液体供給システム。 The liquid supply system according to claim 4, wherein the control means is a gas pressure control means for directly controlling the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber.
  6. 　前記制御手段は、前記共通流路内の液体の圧力を制御することにより前記気体室の内部の気体の圧力を制御する液体圧力制御手段である、請求項４に記載の液体供給システム。 The liquid supply system according to claim 4, wherein the control means is a liquid pressure control means for controlling the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber by controlling the pressure of the liquid in the common flow path.
  7. 　前記ヘッドモジュールの噴射口から液体を噴射させる通常噴射時と、前記ヘッドモジュール内の液体を前記通常噴射時に比べ加圧して、前記ヘッドモジュールの噴射口から液体を排出させる加圧メンテナンス時とで、前記気体室の気体の圧力を変化させる、請求項１～６のいずれか１項に記載の液体供給システム。 At the time of normal ejection for ejecting liquid from the ejection port of the head module, and at the time of pressure maintenance for pressurizing the liquid in the head module as compared with the time of the normal ejection and discharging the liquid from the ejection port of the head module, The liquid supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber is changed.
  8. 　前記ヘッドモジュールの噴射口から液体を噴射させる通常噴射時と、前記共通流路内の下流側に設けられた気泡抜き流路から気泡を排出させる気泡排出時とで、前記気体室の気体の圧力を変化させる、請求項１～７のいずれか１項に記載の液体供給システム。 The pressure of the gas in the gas chamber at the time of normal injection for ejecting liquid from the ejection port of the head module and at the time of bubble discharge for discharging bubbles from the bubble vent channel provided on the downstream side in the common channel The liquid supply system according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein:
  9. 　前記気泡排出時には、前記気体室の気体の圧力を周期的に変化させる、請求項８に記載の液体供給システム。 The liquid supply system according to claim 8, wherein the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber is periodically changed when the bubbles are discharged.
  10. 　前記共通流路は、前記ヘッドモジュールに液体を供給する共通供給流路と、前記ヘッドモジュールから液体を回収する共通回収流路と、を備え、
    　前記共通供給流路と前記共通回収流路によって液体循環流路が形成されている、請求項１～９のいずれか１項に記載の液体供給システム。     The common flow path includes a common supply flow path for supplying liquid to the head module, and a common recovery flow path for recovering liquid from the head module,
    The liquid supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a liquid circulation channel is formed by the common supply channel and the common recovery channel.
  11. 　前記ヘッドモジュールの噴射口から液体を噴射させる通常噴射時において、前記共通供給流路の前記気体室の内部の気体の圧力は、前記共通回収流路の前記気体室の内部の気体の圧力に比べて高くされる、請求項１０に記載の液体供給システム。 During normal ejection in which liquid is ejected from the ejection port of the head module, the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber of the common supply channel is compared with the pressure of the gas inside the gas chamber of the common recovery channel. The liquid supply system of claim 10, wherein the liquid supply system is raised.
  12. 　前記気体室と連通し、気体を保持する気体タンクが設けられ、
    　前記共通供給流路の前記気体タンクの容量は、前記共通回収流路の前記気体タンクの容量に比べて大きい、請求項１１に記載の液体供給システム。     A gas tank that communicates with the gas chamber and holds gas;
    The liquid supply system according to claim 11, wherein a capacity of the gas tank of the common supply flow path is larger than a capacity of the gas tank of the common recovery flow path.
  13. 　前記共通流路は、前記気体室がそれぞれ設けられた複数の共通流路構成部材が直列に連結されることにより構成されている、請求項１～１２のいずれか１項に記載の液体供給システム。 The liquid supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the common flow path is configured by connecting a plurality of common flow path components each having the gas chamber connected in series. .
  14. 　前記気体室と大気とを連通する連通路が設けられ、
    　前記連通路は、前記共通流路構成部材の連結方向と直交する方向にそれぞれ設けられている、請求項１３に記載の液体供給システム。     A communication passage communicating the gas chamber and the atmosphere is provided,
    The liquid supply system according to claim 13, wherein the communication path is provided in a direction orthogonal to a connection direction of the common flow path constituent members.
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