ink distribution reservoir

Abstract

The present invention provides an ink dispensing reservoir comprising: a container section having an internal space for storing ink, an inlet for introducing ink into the internal space, and a plurality of supply ports for supplying the ink stored in the internal space to a plurality of printing units; a partition section for dividing the internal space into a plurality of partition sections; and a detection section for detecting that the ink level stored in the internal space is at an upper or lower limit. The partition section is installed between the inlet and a supply port located closest to the inlet. The partition section has a plate portion that prevents the flow of ink and air above the ink between adjacent partition sections, an ink opening portion for allowing ink to flow between adjacent partition sections, and an air opening portion for allowing air to flow between adjacent partition sections. The plate portion is located in a suitable area, the ink opening portion is located below the suitable area, and the air opening portion is located above the suitable area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ink dispensing reservoir for an inkjet printing apparatus, for temporarily storing ink introduced from the ink reservoir and supplying it directly to the printing unit. Background Technology

[0002] An inkjet printer has a printing unit, which is a device that performs printing by ejecting micro-droplets of ink from the printing unit onto the medium to be printed. Therefore, in an inkjet printer, ink is continuously supplied from an ink tank to the printing unit through an ink dispensing pool.

[0003] Here, the ink reservoir temporarily stores ink and supplies ink directly to the printing unit.

[0004] In inkjet printing devices, an ink distribution reservoir is provided, and by managing the amount of ink stored in the ink distribution reservoir, it is possible to prevent the printing unit from running out of ink.

[0005] However, in inkjet printers, there is a problem of so-called waves being generated in the ink stored in the ink dispenser when ink is introduced into the ink reservoir and when ink is supplied to the printing unit. For example, once waves propagating in the ink (hereinafter referred to as "liquid waves") are generated, pressure waves are applied to the supply port, which may cause unstable ink ejection.

[0006] In this regard, an inkjet recording device is known, which has a line recording head, a main ink reservoir, an ink supply path, and a distribution ink reservoir. The line recording head has multiple nozzles arranged side by side across the entire width of the recording medium. The main ink reservoir is disposed outside the line recording head for storing ink. The ink supply path connects the main ink reservoir to each nozzle and supplies the ink in the main ink reservoir to each nozzle. The distribution ink reservoir is disposed on the line recording head and sandwiched on the ink supply path. The space of the distribution ink reservoir within the ink reservoir has protrusions disposed between openings of adjacent downstream connecting portions (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents:

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-313384 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0011] In the ink dispensing tank described in Patent Document 1, although pressure waves applied to the supply port can be suppressed by using ribs to block waves in the liquid, if the ink dispensing tank contains, for example, air and ink, the waves generated on the ink surface (hereinafter also referred to as "surface waves") cannot be suppressed by the ribs as described above. It should be noted that when surface waves are generated on the ink surface, the liquid surface moves up and down, thus causing fluctuations in the water pressure applied to the supply port, which may result in unstable ink ejection. Furthermore, when detecting the ink surface, the detection unit may malfunction.

[0012] Furthermore, in the ink distribution pool, when there is insufficient liquid flow within it, the physical properties of the stored ink become uneven.

[0013] For example, ink introduced into the ink distribution pool is immediately supplied to the printing unit, while ink stagnates inside the ink distribution pool. If this happens repeatedly, it can easily lead to an imbalance in the physical properties of the ink inside the ink distribution pool.

[0014] In view of this, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a distributing ink pool that not only makes the physical properties of the ink inside the distributing ink pool more balanced, but also stabilizes the ink ejection by suppressing surface waves and waves in the liquid.

[0015] Solution for solving the problem

[0016] After conducting in-depth research to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors discovered that by installing a partition having a plate portion, an ink opening portion, and an air opening portion in the internal space between the inlet portion and the supply port portion located closest to the inlet portion, and by arranging the plate portion in an appropriate area, the above-mentioned problems can be solved, and thus the present invention was completed.

[0017] This invention relates to an ink dispensing reservoir for an inkjet printing apparatus. It temporarily stores ink imported from an ink reservoir and directly supplies the ink to the printing units when the ink level is in an appropriate region between an upper and lower limit. The ink dispensing reservoir comprises: a container section having an internal space for storing ink, an inlet section for introducing ink into the internal space, and multiple supply ports for supplying the ink stored in the internal space to multiple printing units respectively; a partition section for dividing the internal space into multiple partition sections; and a detection section for detecting the ink level. The ink level in the internal space is at the upper or lower limit. A separator is installed between the inlet and the supply port located closest to the inlet. The separator has a plate, an ink opening, and an air opening. The plate obstructs the flow of ink and air above the ink between adjacent sections. The ink opening allows ink to flow between adjacent sections, and the air opening allows air to flow between adjacent sections. The plate is located in an appropriate area, the ink opening is located below the appropriate area, and the air opening is located above the appropriate area.

[0018] Furthermore, the ratio of the surface area of ​​the ink dispensing pool opening to the surface area of ​​the portion of the ink stored in the partition that is immersed in the ink when the ink level is at the lower limit is preferably 50% or less.

[0019] Furthermore, the ink dispensing pool is preferably equipped with a plurality of the aforementioned partitions, at least one of which is installed between the inlet and the supply port located closest to the inlet, and the other partitions are installed between adjacent supply ports.

[0020] In addition, the preferred dividing section of the ink dispensing pool also has an auxiliary ink opening for allowing ink to flow between adjacent dividing sections. The ink opening is located in the middle or above the portion of the dividing section immersed in the ink when the liquid level of the stored ink is at the lower limit. The auxiliary ink opening is located below the ink opening.

[0021] In addition, the ink dispensing pool preferably also has an auxiliary dividing section, which is installed directly above the supply port. The auxiliary dividing section is composed of a base and a left small piece and a right small piece disposed on the left and right sides of the base. When viewed from above, it is U-shaped, and the supply port is located between the left small piece and the right small piece.

[0022] In addition, the ink dispensing pool preferably also has a heating unit, which is installed on the outer surface of the side of the container section for heating the ink stored in the internal space, and an auxiliary separator is installed on the inner surface of the side section, which is made of metal.

[0023] In addition, the ink dispensing tank preferably also includes a heating unit, which is installed on the outer surface of the side of the container section for heating the ink stored in the internal space. The heating unit is installed such that the upper end of the heating unit is positioned within a range of 10 mm upward and 20 mm downward from a position on the outer surface of the side section corresponding to the lower limit of the ink level.

[0024] Furthermore, the preferred ink dispensing unit has a solenoid valve, a supply pipe, and a print head. The solenoid valve is installed at the bottom of the container section in a manner corresponding to the supply port. The supply pipe is connected to the supply port through the solenoid valve, and the print head is installed at the lower end of the supply pipe.

[0025] In addition, the ink dispensing tank is preferably equipped with a pipe heater in the supply pipeline.

[0026] The effects of the invention

[0027] In the ink dispensing pool of the present invention, since a partition having an ink opening and an air opening is installed in the internal space between the inlet and the supply port located closest to the inlet, the liquid wave generated by the ink being introduced from the inlet is blocked by the plate of the partition, thus suppressing the pressure wave applied to the supply port.

[0028] It should be noted that, since the separator has an opening for ink, the flow of ink between the partitions is not completely blocked.

[0029] In the ink dispensing reservoir of the present invention, since the plate portion of the separator is located in an appropriate area, the liquid surface ripples generated based on the introduction of ink are also blocked by the plate portion of the separator. Therefore, fluctuations in water pressure caused by the vertical movement of the liquid surface can be suppressed. Furthermore, malfunctions of the detection unit can also be suppressed.

[0030] In summary, by distributing the ink reservoir, pressure fluctuations at the supply port can be suppressed, thus ensuring a sufficiently stable ink ejection.

[0031] In the ink dispensing tank of the present invention, by installing the partition, ink repeatedly collides with the plate and flows from the ink opening, thus generating sufficient turbulence within the partition. Furthermore, by ensuring that the ratio of the surface area of ​​the ink opening to the surface area of ​​the portion immersed in the ink when the ink level in the partition is at its lower limit is 50% or less, turbulence can be generated even more fully within the partition.

[0032] In addition, it can prevent ink introduced into the ink dispensing pool from being immediately supplied to the printing unit.

[0033] In summary, by allocating ink pools, the physical properties of the stored ink can be made more balanced.

[0034] In the ink dispensing pool of the present invention, by installing a partition between adjacent supply ports in addition to the partition installed between the inlet port and the supply port located closest to the inlet port, pressure fluctuations caused by surface waves or mid-liquid waves can be suppressed at each supply port.

[0035] In addition, it can reduce ink stagnation by promoting ink turbulence.

[0036] In the ink dispensing pool of the present invention, the dividing section further includes an opening for assisting ink mixing, with the ink opening positioned on the upper side and the auxiliary ink opening positioned on the lower side, thereby enabling the ink to be fully mixed in the vertical direction. This results in a more balanced physical property of the ink.

[0037] In addition, uneven distribution of ink concentration or temperature can easily create differences between the upper and lower parts of the ink solution.

[0038] In the ink dispensing pool of the present invention, by providing an auxiliary partition above the supply port in such a way that the supply port is located between the left and right small sections when viewed from above, pressure fluctuations caused by liquid waves at the supply port can be further suppressed.

[0039] In the ink dispensing tank of the present invention, a heating element is provided on the outer surface of the side portion of the container section, which can heat the ink to a constant temperature. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in ink temperature caused by environmental differences during inkjet printing.

[0040] In addition, the amount of ink ejected varies depending on the ink temperature, which may cause variations in print density during printing.

[0041] At this point, by making the sides a metal with excellent thermal conductivity, the efficiency of applying heat can be improved.

[0042] Furthermore, by installing the auxiliary separator on the inner surface of the side, it is possible to prevent preheated ink from being immediately supplied to the supply port, and by generating turbulence, the physical properties of the stored ink can be made more uniform.

[0043] In the ink dispensing pool of the present invention, by installing the heating element such that the upper end of the heating element is positioned within a range of 10 mm upward and 20 mm downward from a position on the outer surface of the side corresponding to the lower limit of the ink liquid level, it is possible to suppress the curing of ink adhering to the inner surface of the side of the ink dispensing pool.

[0044] It should be noted that the lower limit of the ink level is described later.

[0045] In the ink dispensing pool of the present invention, by equipping the printing unit with a solenoid valve, a supply pipe, and a printhead, inkjet printing can be performed quickly using a more uniform ink.

[0046] At this point, by installing a pipe heater in the supply pipe, it is possible to prevent the ink from being cooled as it flows through the supply pipe. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the ink dispensing pool in the inkjet printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 2(a) is a perspective side view showing the ink dispensing pool of the first embodiment;

[0049] Figure 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of the ink distribution pool shown in Figure 2(a) cut along line X1-X1;

[0050] Figure 2(c) is a cross-sectional view of the ink distribution pool shown in Figure 2(a) cut along line Y1-Y1;

[0051] Figure 3 A side view showing the partition of the ink dispensing pool in the first embodiment;

[0052] Figure 4(a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the liquid flow in the ink dispensing pool of the first embodiment;

[0053] Figure 4(b) is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of fluid flow without the partition installed;

[0054] Figure 5(a) is a perspective side view showing the ink dispensing pool of the second embodiment;

[0055] Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the ink distribution pool shown in Figure 5(a) cut along line X2-X2;

[0056] Figure 5(c) is a cross-sectional view of the ink distribution pool shown in Figure 5(a) cut along line Y2-Y2;

[0057] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the ink dispensing pool in the inkjet printing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0058] Figure 7(a) is a perspective side view showing the ink dispensing pool of the third embodiment;

[0059] Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the ink distribution pool shown in Figure 7(a) cut along line X3-X3;

[0060] Figure 7(c) is a cross-sectional view of the ink distribution pool shown in Figure 7(a) cut along line Y3-Y3. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements in the drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, unless specifically emphasized, positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. Moreover, the scale of the drawings is not limited to the scale illustrated.

[0062] The ink dispensing pool of the present invention is used in an inkjet printing apparatus. No particular limitation is made to the inkjet printing apparatus described above; for example, inkjet printing apparatuses employing piezoelectric or thermal methods are preferred.

[0063] (First Embodiment)

[0064] First, the first embodiment of the ink dispensing pool of the present invention will be described.

[0065] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the ink dispensing pool in the inkjet printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment is connected to the printing unit 20, which is composed of multiple printing units, and is connected to the pressure control mechanism C1 for controlling the air pressure in the ink dispensing pool 100 and the control device C2 for controlling the amount of ink stored in the ink dispensing pool 100.

[0067] It should be noted that the pressure control mechanism C1 and control device C2 are described later.

[0068] In the ink dispensing tank 100, ink contained in the ink reservoir T is drawn by the pump P and introduced into the ink dispensing tank 100 through the inlet pipe T1. It should be noted that the ink reservoir T is the ink reservoir that serves as the ink supply source.

[0069] The ink introduced into the ink dispensing tank 100 is temporarily stored in the ink dispensing tank 100 and supplied directly from the ink dispensing tank 100 to the printing unit 20.

[0070] Then, the printing unit 20 ejects the supplied ink. As described above, inkjet printing is performed on the printing medium (not shown).

[0071] In addition, the ink stored in the dispensing ink tank 100 is recycled back to the ink tank T via the recycling pipe T2.

[0072] Here, the supply of ink from the ink dispensing pool 100 to the printing unit 20 is controlled by the pressure control mechanism C1, and as described above, the storage amount of ink in the ink dispensing pool 100 is controlled by the control device C2.

[0073] As described above, the ink reservoir 100 allows for the control of both the ink storage level and the ink supply level by temporarily storing ink. This prevents the printing unit 20 from running out of ink.

[0074] Figure 2(a) is a perspective side view showing the ink dispensing pool of the first embodiment, Figure 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of the ink dispensing pool shown in Figure 2(a) cut along the X1-X1 line, and Figure 2(c) is a cross-sectional view of the ink dispensing pool shown in Figure 2(a) cut along the Y1-Y1 line.

[0075] It should be noted that in Figures 2(a) to (c), the ink 2a stored in the image is shown. Based on this, in Figure 2(b), the description of the printing unit 20a and the inlet tube T1 is omitted.

[0076] As shown in Figures 2(a) to (c), the ink dispensing tank 100 includes: a container section 10 having an internal space 1, a partition section 30 for dividing the internal space 1 into multiple partition sections 30a, an auxiliary partition section 40 disposed directly above the supply port section 12, a detection section 60 for detecting whether the liquid level of the ink 2a is at the upper limit P1 or the lower limit P2, and a heating section 50 installed on the outer surface of the side of the container section 10.

[0077] It should be noted that, specifically, in the ink pool 100, the internal space 1 is divided into 7 partition sections 30a by 6 partition sections 30.

[0078] In the ink dispensing pool 100, when ink 2a is introduced into the container section 10, ink 2a is stored in each partition section 30a of the internal space 1 and heated by the heating section 50.

[0079] It should be noted that the internal space 1 mentioned above is not filled with ink 2a, and there is air 2b above the ink 2a.

[0080] Then, the heated ink 2a is supplied to the supply port 12.

[0081] Furthermore, by using the detection unit 60 to detect the position of the ink level 2a, the ink 2a inside the ink pool 100 is appropriately replenished and distributed as needed.

[0082] In the ink dispensing pool 100, the container part 10 is box-shaped (see Figure 2(b)). The box shape has a lower bottom 10a (bottom) that is rectangular when viewed from above, a side part 10b that stands on the four sides of the lower bottom 10a, and an upper bottom 10c that is provided at the upper end of the side part 10b.

[0083] In this specification, the direction of the long side of the bottom 10a will be referred to as the long side direction, and the direction of the short side will be referred to as the short side direction.

[0084] Then, the enclosed space surrounded by the lower bottom 10a, the side 10b and the upper bottom 10c is the aforementioned internal space 1.

[0085] Here, in the container part 10, the lower bottom 10a, the side part 10b, and the upper bottom 10c can be integrated as one piece, or they can be independent of each other but connected together. It should be noted that in the first embodiment, the container part 10 is formed in such a way that the lower bottom 10a, the three side parts 10b, and the upper bottom 10c are integrated as one piece (hereinafter also referred to as the "main body part"), and one side part 10b1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "cover part") is bolted to the container part 10 through a washer.

[0086] In the container section 10, an inlet port 11 for introducing ink 2a into the internal space 1, multiple supply ports 12 for supplying ink 2a stored in the internal space 1 to multiple printing units 20a respectively, and a recovery port 13 for recovering ink 2a stored in the internal space 1 are provided at the lower bottom 10a. It should be noted that the inlet tube T1 is connected to the inlet port 11, and the recovery tube T2 is connected to the recovery port 13.

[0087] In the ink dispensing pool 100, by setting the inlet 11 at the bottom 10a, it is possible to prevent bubbles from forming due to the impact of the falling ink when the ink 2a is introduced.

[0088] Furthermore, by placing the supply port 12 at the bottom 10a, the ink 2a can be rapidly supplied to the printing unit 20a using gravity.

[0089] Furthermore, by placing the recycling port 13 at the bottom 10a, the ink 2a can be quickly recycled using gravity.

[0090] In the container section 10, a plurality of supply ports 12 are provided at equal intervals on the lower bottom 10a.

[0091] Then, the inlet 11 and the return outlet 13 are respectively provided on both ends of the lower bottom 10a in a manner that does not obstruct this. That is, the inlet 11, the plurality of supply outlets 12, and the return outlet 13 are arranged in series along the long side of the lower bottom 10a in the order described above (see Figure 2(c)).

[0092] Furthermore, inside the ink dispensing reservoir 100, ink 2a introduced from the inlet 11 is supplied to a plurality of supply ports 12, or is recovered from the recovery port 13. That is, inside the ink dispensing reservoir 100, ink 2a forms a liquid flow from one end of the ink dispensing reservoir 100 to the other end.

[0093] In the ink dispensing pool 100, a heating element 50 is installed on the outer surface of the cover 10b1 (one side 10b1) of the container 10 (see Figure 2(b)).

[0094] At this time, it is preferable that the cover 10b1 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, iron, or copper. This allows for efficient heat transfer from the heating unit 50 to the ink 2a stored in the internal space 1. It should be noted that it is more preferable that the material of the cover 10b1 is a material whose physical properties change appropriately or less due to the influence of the ink 2a in the ink dispensing body.

[0095] Furthermore, while not particularly limiting, it is preferable that the material of the main body is lower than that of the cover 10b1. In this case, it is possible to suppress the heat conduction of the ink 2a to the outside of the ink dispensing pool 100.

[0096] Specifically, although not particularly limited, the material of the main body can be glass, rubber, resin, etc., among which resin is preferred due to its low price and excellent durability.

[0097] Examples of the aforementioned resins include vinyl chloride resin, polycarbonate resin, polyacetal resin, fluoropolymer resin, acrylic resin, and polyamide resin. It should be noted that, more preferably, the material of the main body is a material whose physical properties change appropriately or less due to the influence of the ink 2a within the ink dispenser main body.

[0098] Therefore, by using the aforementioned material for the cover 10b1 and the main body of the ink dispensing pool 100, the efficiency of heat conduction to the ink 2a can be further improved.

[0099] The heating section 50 can be a rubber heater, a belt heater, or the like.

[0100] In the ink dispensing pool 100, the ink 2a stored in the internal space 1 is heated to a constant temperature by the heating unit 50, which can suppress the situation where the temperature of the ink 2a is different due to environmental differences during inkjet printing.

[0101] Furthermore, the ink dispensing tank 100 includes an ink temperature detection mechanism such as a thermocouple, a temperature-sensing resistance element, and a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the ink 2a, and a control device (not shown) that issues an operating command to the heating unit 50 based on the temperature detected by the ink temperature detection mechanism. It should be noted that in the ink dispensing tank 100 of the first embodiment, a thermocouple 52 is used as the ink temperature detection mechanism. Therefore, by controlling the temperature of the ink 2a inside the ink dispensing tank 100 to a set temperature, the temperature of the ink 2a inside the ink dispensing tank 100 can be kept as constant as possible.

[0102] Here, it is preferable to install the heating element 50 such that the upper end 50a is positioned within a range of 10mm upward and 20mm downward from a position on the outer surface of the cover 10b1 corresponding to the lower limit P2 of the ink level of the ink 2a. In this case, the ink 2a inside the ink dispensing pool 100 can be sufficiently heated, and the curing of the ink 2a adhering to the inner surface of the cover 10b1 of the ink dispensing pool 100 can be suppressed.

[0103] It should be noted that the lower limit P2 of the liquid level of ink 2a is described later.

[0104] In the ink dispensing pool 100, the partition 30 divides the internal space 1 along the long side direction through a vertical face, forming multiple partition sections 30a.

[0105] At this time, the partitions 30 are respectively installed between the inlet 11 and the supply port 12 located closest to the inlet 11, between adjacent supply ports 12, and between the return port 13 and the supply port 12 located closest to the return port 13. That is, each partition 30a has one of the inlet 11, a plurality of supply ports 12, and a return port 13.

[0106] It should be noted that these partitions 30 have the same structure.

[0107] Furthermore, the partition 30 restricts the flow of ink 2a and air 2b between the partitions 30a. Therefore, in the ink dispensing tank 100, by installing the partition 30 between the inlet 11 and the supply port 12 located closest to the inlet 11, the liquid wave generated by the ink 2a being introduced from the inlet 11 is blocked by the partition 30 (plate 31), and the pressure wave applied to the supply port 12 can be suppressed.

[0108] Furthermore, by also installing the separator 30 between adjacent supply ports 12 and between the recovery port 13 and the supply port 12 located closest to the recovery port 13, it is even more effective to suppress pressure fluctuations caused by liquid waves in each supply port 12.

[0109] As described above, ink ejection at printing unit 20a can be stabilized.

[0110] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the partition of the ink dispensing pool in the first embodiment.

[0111] like Figure 3As shown, the partition 30 has: a plate portion 31 that obstructs the flow of ink 2a and air 2b above ink 2a between adjacent partition portions 30a; an ink opening portion 32a1 and an auxiliary ink opening portion 32a2 for allowing ink 2a to flow only between adjacent partition portions 30a; and an air opening portion 32b for allowing air 2b to flow only between adjacent partition portions 30a.

[0112] In the partition 30, the plate portion 31 is located in the appropriate region PA (described later) and is plate-shaped, protruding upwards and downwards from the appropriate region PA. Therefore, the flow of air 2b and ink 2a within the appropriate region PA between the partition portions 30a is blocked by the plate portion 31. Accordingly, in the ink dispensing pool 100, the liquid surface waves generated when ink 2a is introduced into the interior of the ink dispensing pool 100 are blocked by the plate portion 31, thus suppressing the impact of water pressure fluctuations caused by the up-and-down movement of the liquid surface on each supply port 12.

[0113] In addition, it can also suppress the malfunction of the detection unit 60 described later.

[0114] Therefore, by distributing the ink pool 100, the ink ejection at the printing unit 20a can be more stable.

[0115] In the separator 30, the ink opening 32a1 is not located in the appropriate region PA, but rather below the lower limit P2. Specifically, it is located in the middle of the vertical direction of the portion of the stored ink 2a immersed in the ink 2a when the liquid level of the stored ink 2a is at the lower limit P2, or above that middle portion. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the introduced ink 2a from being immediately supplied from the supply port 12.

[0116] Furthermore, the auxiliary ink opening 32a2 is located lower than the ink opening 32a1.

[0117] In the ink dispensing pool 100, by providing an ink opening 32a1 on the upper side and an auxiliary ink opening 32a2 on the lower side, the ink 2a is mixed both above and below, thus reducing ink stagnation.

[0118] Furthermore, since the auxiliary ink opening 32a2 is provided in contact with the bottom surface of the internal space 1, the ink 2a and cleaning fluid in each section 30a of the ink dispensing pool 100 can be discharged from a single recovery port 13 through the auxiliary ink opening 32a2 when cleaning or performing other tasks in each section 30a of the ink dispensing pool 100. Therefore, it has the advantage of making cleaning and other tasks easier.

[0119] Here, it is preferable that the ratio of the surface area of ​​the ink opening 32a1 to the surface area of ​​the portion of the stored ink 2a immersed in the ink 2a when the liquid surface is at the lower limit P2 is 50% or less, more preferably 25% or less. In this case, more sufficient turbulence can be generated within the partition 30a.

[0120] Figure 4(a) is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of liquid flow in the ink dispensing pool of the first embodiment, and Figure 4(b) is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of liquid flow when the separator is not installed.

[0121] As shown in Figure 4(a), in the ink dispensing pool 100, by installing the partition 30, ink 2a will repeatedly collide with the plate 31 and flow from the ink opening 32a1 and the auxiliary ink opening 32a2, thus generating sufficient turbulence in the partition 30a.

[0122] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4(b), without the partition 30, the ink 2a at the top and end is prone to stagnate at the plate portion 31 because it will not collide with the plate portion 31.

[0123] As described above, the ink distribution pool 100 can make the physical properties of the stored ink 2a, such as particle size, particle diameter, concentration, and temperature, more uniform.

[0124] Back Figure 3 In the partition 30, the air opening 32b is not located in the appropriate area PA, but is located above the appropriate area PA.

[0125] Therefore, the pressure control of the pressure control mechanism C1 can be applied to the entire partition section 30a simultaneously through the air opening 32b.

[0126] Here, as long as ink 2a can flow, the shape of the ink opening 32a1 and the auxiliary ink opening 32a2 is not particularly limited. As long as air 2b can flow, the shape of the air opening 32b is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the above shape can be either a notch or a hole.

[0127] It should be noted that in the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment, the ink opening 32a1, the auxiliary ink opening 32a2, and the air opening 32b are made by cutting the plate portion 31 into a rectangular shape in side view.

[0128] Returning to Figures 2(a) to (c), in the ink dispensing pool 100, an auxiliary partition 40 is provided directly above the inlet 11, the multiple supply 12 and the return 13.

[0129] Therefore, it is even more effective in suppressing pressure fluctuations caused by liquid waves from being transmitted to the supply port 12.

[0130] It should be noted that these auxiliary partitions 40 have the same structure.

[0131] The auxiliary partition 40 is U-shaped when viewed from above, and is composed of a base 41 and a left small piece 42a and a right small piece 42b disposed on the left and right sides of the base 41 (see Figure 2(c)).

[0132] Furthermore, the auxiliary partition 40 is arranged such that, when viewed from above, the supply port 12 is located between the left small section 42a and the right small section 42b.

[0133] At this time, in the auxiliary partition 40, the base 41 is installed on the inner surface of the cover 10b1 (one side 10b1). Accordingly, by suppressing the ink 2a that has been heated by the heating part 50, it is immediately supplied to the supply port 12 and the recovery port 13, and turbulence is generated, thereby making the physical properties of the stored ink 2a more uniform.

[0134] Preferably, the auxiliary partition 40 is made of the same metal as the cover 10b1, such as stainless steel, iron, or copper. This allows for efficient heat transfer from the heating element 50 to the ink 2a stored in the internal space 1.

[0135] It should be noted that the material of the cover 10b1 can be the same as or different from the material of the auxiliary partition 40.

[0136] It should be noted that, more preferably, the material of the auxiliary separator 40 is a material whose physical properties change appropriately due to the influence of the ink 2a in the ink dispensing body.

[0137] In the ink dispensing pool 100, the detection unit 60 detects whether the liquid level of the ink 2a stored in the internal space 1 is at the upper limit P1 or the lower limit P2.

[0138] Here, the upper limit P1 refers to the position of the ink level when the ink 2a stored in the ink dispensing pool 100 is at its maximum during printing, and the lower limit P2 refers to the position of the ink level when the ink 2a stored in the ink dispensing pool 100 is at its minimum during printing.

[0139] Furthermore, the appropriate region PA refers to the area between the upper limit P1 and the lower limit P2 of the ink 2a. That is, the ink 2a surface is within the appropriate region PA during printing.

[0140] It should be noted that the positions of the upper limit P1 and the lower limit P2 can be set arbitrarily.

[0141] The detection unit 60 only needs to be able to detect at least one of the upper limit P1 and the lower limit P2.

[0142] For example, if the upper limit P1 is being detected, the following series of operations can be repeated: start printing from the state where the liquid level of ink 2a is at the upper limit P1, and after a certain period of time, import ink 2a until the liquid level of ink 2a reaches the upper limit P1.

[0143] In addition, if the lower limit P2 is detected, the following series of operations can be repeated: print before the ink level of ink 2a reaches the lower limit P2, and after the ink level of ink 2a reaches the lower limit P2, introduce a certain amount of ink 2a.

[0144] It should be noted that in the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment, the detection unit 60 detects the lower limit P2 of the latter.

[0145] Here, as long as the upper limit P1 or the lower limit P2 can be detected, the detection unit 60 is not subject to any special limitations, and the detection unit 60 adopts a floating switch.

[0146] As described above, the float switch can detect that the ink level of ink 2a is at the lower limit P2. Furthermore, as a safety measure in case of an error in the introduction or recycling of ink 2a, the float switch can detect an upper safety point designed to prevent the ink dispensing tank 100 from becoming completely full and a lower safety point designed to prevent the ink dispensing tank 100 from becoming completely depleted.

[0147] The control device C2 is a device for controlling the amount of ink 2a stored in the internal space 1.

[0148] The control unit C2 is a typical computer that has at least a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic processing unit, a storage unit, an image processing unit, and input / output units (keyboard, monitor).

[0149] After receiving a detection signal from the detection unit 60 indicating that the ink level of ink 2a is at the lower limit P2, the control device C2 issues a command to introduce a certain amount of ink 2a into the ink dispensing tank 100. Accordingly, the pump P is driven, and ink 2a inside the ink tank T is introduced from the inlet 11 into the ink dispensing tank 100 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0150] The pressure control mechanism C1 is used to control the supply of ink 2a from the ink dispensing pool 100 to the printing unit 20a by controlling the pressure of the air 2b stored in the internal space 1.

[0151] The pressure control mechanism C1 includes: a pressure regulating device for pressurizing or depressurizing the air 2b in the internal space 1; an open valve for making the pressure of the air 2b in the internal space 1 atmospheric pressure; and a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of the internal space 1.

[0152] In the pressure control mechanism C1, the pressure of the air 2b in the internal space 1 is measured by a pressure gauge, and correspondingly, the pressure can be increased or decreased by a pressure regulating device.

[0153] Accordingly, for example, in order to prevent excessive supply and leakage of ink 2a due to gravity during printing and when storing the printhead 23, the pressure of air 2b can be reduced to form a negative pressure, and the pressure of air 2b can be increased to form a positive pressure during purification in order to solve ink ejection problems by forcibly expelling ink 2a from the printhead 23.

[0154] It should be noted that when changing from negative pressure to positive pressure, or from positive pressure to negative pressure, it is preferable to temporarily reach atmospheric pressure by passing through an air filter midway.

[0155] It should be noted that the preferred pressure regulating device is a compressor, vacuum pump, pipeline pump, diaphragm pump, etc.

[0156] The printing unit 20 is mounted on the lower surface of the ink dispensing tank 100.

[0157] The printing unit 20 is composed of multiple printing units 20a.

[0158] Then, the printing unit 20a consists of a solenoid valve 21 installed at the bottom (lower bottom 10a) of the container section 10 in a manner corresponding to the supply port 12 of the ink dispensing tank 100, a supply pipe 22 communicating with the supply port 12 through the solenoid valve 21, and a print head 23 installed at the lower end of the supply pipe 22. Accordingly, inkjet printing can be reliably performed using a more uniform ink 2a.

[0159] It should be noted that the printhead 23 can be configured as a serial recording head or a line recording head. Specifically, the printhead 23 in the printing unit 20a of the ink dispensing reservoir 100 in the first embodiment uses a line recording head.

[0160] Furthermore, in the printing unit 20a, a pipe heater 51 is installed in the supply pipe 22. This prevents the ink 2a from being cooled as it flows through the supply pipe 22.

[0161] (Second Implementation)

[0162] The second embodiment of the ink dispensing pool of the present invention will now be described.

[0163] Because the function of the ink distribution pool in the second embodiment in the inkjet printing device is similar to... Figure 1 The ink dispensing pool 100 shown in the first embodiment is the same, so the description is omitted.

[0164] Figure 5(a) is a perspective side view showing the ink dispensing pool of the second embodiment, Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the ink dispensing pool shown in Figure 5(a) cut along the X2-X2 line, and Figure 5(c) is a cross-sectional view of the ink dispensing pool shown in Figure 5(a) cut along the Y2-Y2 line.

[0165] It should be noted that the ink 2as stored in the perspective is shown in Figures 5(a) to (c).

[0166] Based on this, in Figure 5(b), the description of the printing unit 20as and the inlet tube T1 is omitted.

[0167] As shown in Figures 5(a) to (c), the ink dispensing pool 101 includes: a container section 10s having an internal space 1s, a partition section 30s for dividing the internal space 1s into multiple partition sections 30as, and a detection section 60s for detecting whether the liquid level of the ink 2as is at the upper limit P1 or the lower limit P2 (see Figure 5(a) to 6(c)). Figure 3 ).

[0168] That is, the ink dispensing pool 101 of the second embodiment differs from the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment in that the internal space 1s is divided into 13 partitions 30as by 12 partitions 30s.

[0169] Furthermore, based on this, the ink dispensing pool 101 of the second embodiment differs from the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment in that it does not have an auxiliary dividing section 40 and a heating section 50.

[0170] It should be noted that the structure other than these differences is the same as the ink dispensing pool 100 in the first embodiment, so detailed description is omitted.

[0171] In the ink dispensing pool 101, similar to the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment, by installing partitions 30as between the inlet port 11s and the supply port 12s located closest to the inlet port 11s, between adjacent supply ports 12s, and between the return port 13s and the supply port 12s located closest to the return port 13s, and by arranging plate portions 31 in appropriate areas PA, not only can the physical properties of the ink 2as inside the ink dispensing pool 101 be made more uniform, but the ink ejection can also be stabilized by suppressing surface waves and mid-liquid waves (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0172] (Third Implementation)

[0173] The third embodiment of the ink dispensing pool of the present invention will now be described.

[0174] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the ink dispensing pool in the inkjet printing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0175] like Figure 6 As shown, the ink dispensing tank 102 of the third embodiment is connected to the printing unit 20t, and is also connected to a pressure control mechanism C1 for controlling the air pressure in the ink dispensing tank 102 and a control device C2 for controlling the amount of ink stored in the ink dispensing tank 102.

[0176] In the ink dispensing tank 102, ink contained in the ink tank T is drawn by the pump P and introduced into the ink dispensing tank 102 through the inlet pipe T1.

[0177] The ink introduced into the ink dispensing pool 102 is temporarily stored in the ink dispensing pool 102 and is supplied directly from the ink dispensing pool 102 to the printing unit 20t.

[0178] Then, the printing unit 20t ejects the supplied ink. In this way, inkjet printing is performed on the printing medium (not shown).

[0179] It should be noted that the inkjet printing device at this time does not have a recovery tube T2. That is, the ink dispensing tank 102 does not have a recovery port. Therefore, the ink stored in the ink dispensing tank 102 is only supplied to the printing unit 20t and is not recovered.

[0180] Figure 7(a) is a perspective side view showing the ink dispensing pool of the third embodiment, Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the ink dispensing pool shown in Figure 7(a) cut along line X3-X3, and Figure 7(c) is a cross-sectional view of the ink dispensing pool shown in Figure 7(a) cut along line Y3-Y3.

[0181] It should be noted that the ink 2at stored in the perspective is shown in Figures 7(a) to (c).

[0182] Based on this, in Figure 7(b), the description of the printing unit 20at and the inlet tube T1 is omitted.

[0183] As shown in Figures 7(a) to (c), the ink dispensing pool 102 includes: a container section 10t having an internal space 1t, a partition section 30t for dividing the internal space 1t into multiple partition sections 30at, and a detection section 60t for detecting whether the ink level 2at is at the upper limit P1 or the lower limit P2 (see Figure 7(a) to 7(c)). Figure 3 ).

[0184] That is, the ink dispensing pool 102 of the third embodiment differs from the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment in that the internal space 1t is divided into two partitions 30at by a partition 30t.

[0185] Furthermore, based on this, the ink dispensing pool 102 of the third embodiment differs from the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment in that it does not have a recovery port 13 in the container section 10t, and does not have an auxiliary partition section 40 and a heating section 50.

[0186] It should be noted that, since the structure other than these differences is the same as the ink dispensing pool 100 in the first embodiment, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0187] In the container section 10t, an inlet 11t for introducing ink 2at into the internal space 1t and a plurality of supply ports 12t for supplying the ink 2at stored in the internal space 1t to a plurality of printing units 20at are provided at the lower bottom 10at.

[0188] It should be noted that the inlet tube T1 is connected to the inlet port 11t.

[0189] Furthermore, in the container section 10t, a plurality of supply ports 12t are provided at the lower bottom 10at at equal intervals from each other.

[0190] Then, the inlet 11t is provided on one end of the lower bottom 10at in a manner that does not obstruct it. That is, the inlet 11t and the plurality of supply outlets 12t are arranged in series along the long side of the lower bottom 10at in this order (see Figure 7(c)).

[0191] In the ink dispensing pool 102, similar to the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment, by installing the partition 30t in the internal space 1t between the inlet 11t and the supply port 12t located closest to the inlet 11t, and by arranging the plate 31 in an appropriate area PA, not only can the physical properties of the ink 2at inside the ink dispensing pool 102 be made more uniform, but the ink ejection can also be stabilized by suppressing surface waves and mid-liquid waves (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0192] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0193] In the ink dispensing tank 100 of the first embodiment, ink contained in the ink tank T is directly introduced, or it can be introduced from the ink tank T through a filter, heating device, degassing device, etc.

[0194] In the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment, the container part 10 is box-shaped. The box shape has a lower bottom 10a that is rectangular when viewed from above, a side part 10b that stands on the four sides of the lower bottom 10a, and an upper bottom 10c that is provided at the upper end of the side part 10b. However, it is not limited to this. As long as a partition can be installed in the internal space, it can also be hexagonal prism, elliptical prism, etc.

[0195] In the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment, an inlet 11 and a return 13 are provided at the lower bottom 10a, but it is not limited to this.

[0196] For example, it can also be placed on the side that is immersed in the stored ink.

[0197] In the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment, a plurality of supply ports 12 are provided at equal intervals to each other on the lower bottom 10a, and the inlet port 11 and the recycle port 13 are respectively provided on both ends of the lower bottom 10a in a manner that does not obstruct them, but this is not necessary.

[0198] In addition, the inlet 11, multiple supply inlets 12, and recycle inlet 13 are arranged in series along the long side of the lower bottom 10a in this order, but this is not mandatory.

[0199] For example, the inlet can be located either on the side as described above or between the arranged supply ports. Furthermore, the supply ports can be arranged in parallel rather than in series.

[0200] In the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment, the plurality of partitions 30 installed in the internal space 1 have the same structure, but this is not necessary. For example, they may include air openings and ink openings with different positions and sizes.

[0201] In the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment, the dividing part 30 has a plate part 31, an ink opening part 32a1 and an auxiliary ink opening part 32a2, and an air opening part 32b, but the auxiliary ink opening part 32a2 is not necessary.

[0202] Furthermore, in the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment, the auxiliary ink opening 32a2 is provided in such a way that it contacts the bottom surface of the internal space 1, but it may also be provided at a position a certain distance away from the bottom surface.

[0203] In addition, the separator 30 may have openings other than the ink opening 32a1, the auxiliary ink opening 32a2, and the air opening 32b.

[0204] In the ink dispensing pool 100 of the first embodiment, the printing unit 20a is composed of a solenoid valve 21, a supply pipe 22, and a print head 23, but it is not limited to this structure as long as inkjet printing can be performed.

[0205] In addition, a pipe heater 51 is installed in the supply pipe 22, but it is not necessary.

[0206] [Industry Applicability]

[0207] The ink dispensing reservoir of the present invention is used in an inkjet printing apparatus. Specifically, in an inkjet printing apparatus, it is used to temporarily store ink introduced from the ink reservoir and supply it directly to the printing unit.

[0208] According to the present invention, the ink distribution pool can not only make the physical properties of the ink inside the ink distribution pool more balanced, but also stabilize the ink ejection by suppressing surface waves and waves in the liquid.

[0209] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0210] 1, 1s, 1t: Internal space

[0211] 10, 10s, 10t: Container section

[0212] 100, 101, 102: Distribute ink pools

[0213] 10a, 10at: Bottom

[0214] 10b: Side

[0215] 10b1: Side (cover) of one side

[0216] 10c: Top bottom

[0217] 11, 11s, 11t: Inlet port

[0218] 12, 12s, 12t: Supply port

[0219] 13, 13s: Recycling port

[0220] 20, 20t: Printing Department

[0221] 20a, 20as, 20at: Printing units

[0222] 21: Solenoid valve

[0223] 22: Supply pipeline

[0224] 23: Print head

[0225] 2a, 2as, 2at: Ink

[0226] 2b: Air

[0227] 30, 30s, 30t: Separator

[0228] 30a, 30as, 30at: Partitioning

[0229] 31: Board section

[0230] 32a1: Ink opening

[0231] 32a2: Opening for auxiliary ink

[0232] 32b: Air opening

[0233] 40: Auxiliary partition

[0234] 41: Base

[0235] 42a: Left small part

[0236] 42b: Right small part

[0237] 50: Heating section

[0238] 51: Pipe heater

[0239] 52: Thermocouple

[0240] 60, 60s, 60t: Testing Department

[0241] C1: Pressure control mechanism

[0242] C2: Control device

[0243] P: Pump

[0244] P1: upper limit

[0245] P2: Lower limit

[0246] PA: Appropriate area

[0247] T: Inkwell

[0248] T1: Inlet tube

[0249] T2: Recycling tube.

Claims

1. An ink dispensing reservoir for an inkjet printing apparatus, for temporarily storing ink introduced from the ink reservoir and directly supplying the ink to the printing unit when the ink level is in an appropriate region between an upper and lower limit, characterized in that, have: The container has an internal space for storing the ink, and is provided with an inlet and a plurality of supply ports. The inlet is used to introduce the ink into the internal space, and the plurality of supply ports are used to supply the ink stored in the internal space to a plurality of the printing units respectively. A partition, used to divide the internal space into multiple partitions; as well as A detection unit is used to detect whether the level of the ink stored in the internal space is at the upper or lower limit. The separator is installed between the inlet and the supply port, which is located closest to the inlet. The partition has a plate portion, an ink opening portion, and an air opening portion. The plate portion obstructs the flow of ink and air above the ink between adjacent partition portions. The ink opening portion allows the ink to flow between adjacent partition portions, and the air opening portion allows the air to flow between adjacent partition portions. The plate portion is located in the appropriate area. The ink opening is located below the appropriate area. The air opening is located above the appropriate area. The partition also has an auxiliary ink opening for allowing ink to flow between adjacent partitions. The ink opening is located at the middle of the portion of the partition that is immersed in the ink when the liquid level of the stored ink is at the lower limit, or above the middle portion. The auxiliary ink opening is located below the ink opening.

2. The ink dispensing pool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the surface area of ​​the opening for ink to the surface area of ​​the portion immersed in the ink when the surface of the ink stored in the partition is at the lower limit is 50% or less.

3. The ink dispensing pool according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple of the aforementioned partitions are installed. At least one of the partitions is installed between the inlet and the supply port located closest to the inlet. The other partitions are installed between adjacent supply ports.

4. The ink dispensing pool according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has an auxiliary partition, which is installed directly above the supply port. It consists of a base and two small left and right sections located on the left and right sides of the base, and is U-shaped when viewed from above. When viewed from above, the supply port is located between the left small piece and the right small piece.

5. The ink dispensing pool according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a heating element, which is mounted on the outer surface of the side of the container portion for heating the ink stored in the internal space. The auxiliary partition is installed on the inner surface of the side portion. The side is made of metal.

6. The ink dispensing pool according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a heating element, which is mounted on the outer surface of the side of the container portion for heating the ink stored in the internal space. The heating element is installed such that the upper end of the heating element is positioned within a range of 10 mm upward and 20 mm downward from a position on the outer surface of the side portion corresponding to the lower limit of the ink level.

7. The ink dispensing pool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The printing unit has a solenoid valve, a supply pipe, and a print head. The solenoid valve is installed at the bottom of the container in a manner corresponding to the supply port. The supply pipe is connected to the supply port through the solenoid valve, and the print head is installed at the lower end of the supply pipe.

8. The ink dispensing pool according to claim 7, characterized in that, A pipe heater is installed in the supply pipeline.

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