JPH11263026A - Inkjet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a printer in which an ink tank is introduced and a waste ink bottle is detachably attachable, so that surrounding ink stains are reliably prevented. An overflow tank (62) for temporarily storing waste ink discharged from an overflow pipe (61) and a second discharge valve capable of discharging waste ink in the overflow tank (62) to a waste ink bottle (50) through a second discharge pipe (63). 64, the waste ink overflowed from the ink tank 22 can be temporarily held in the overflow tank 62 in front of the waste ink bottle 50,
The second discharge valve 64 is opened and the waste ink in the overflow tank 62 is removed from the waste ink bottle 62 on condition that the waste position of the waste ink bottle 50 is detected by the fixed position detecting means (54). A second discharging means 60 formed so as to be able to discharge to 50 is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print head capable of supplying ink to a nozzle head having a plurality of ink jet nozzles from an ink tank. The present invention relates to an ink jet printer capable of discharging to a removable waste ink bottle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A nozzle head for each color, on which an ink cassette is mounted, is reciprocated over the entire length (full width) in the row direction and printed during each forward movement to make one row (or 1 / N row).
Compared to a conventional (so-called serial type) inkjet printer that prints, prints one line (or 1 / N line), feeds the printing medium (plain paper, OHP paper, etc.) one line in the column direction, and repeats these. The present invention is directed to an ink-jet printer capable of greatly increasing printing speed, performing continuous printing operation over a large number of sheets, and significantly reducing the size compared to a known electrophotographic method (a so-called laser printer). Suggested by a person (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 8-296959)
Have been.

In other words, the proposed printer reciprocates the nozzles for each color integrally (or integrally, in which a plurality of nozzle head elements are arranged in the row direction) for the entire length in the row direction, for example, by the pitch between inkjet nozzles. Ink can be jetted (sprayed) from the inkjet nozzles for each color onto the printing medium that is rotating while being printed in the row direction, and printing can be performed in the column direction while utilizing the rotation of the drum during the forward movement of the pitch between the inkjet nozzles. .
That is, since the row-direction printing and the column-direction printing can proceed at the same time, the printing speed can be significantly increased.

Further, since the nozzle heads for each color and the ink tanks for the respective colors can be arranged at separate positions, the nozzle heads for each color can be made lighter and the reciprocating speed in the row direction can be greatly increased. Speeding up can be promoted. Further, since the capacity of the ink tank for each color can be greatly increased, a continuous printing operation of, for example, 500 or more sheets can be performed.

In order to perform continuous printing operation on such a large number of printing media, ink in a large (ie, small) ink cassette cannot be consumed due to the reciprocating movement in the row direction as in a conventional serial type ink jet printer. Doing so will result in a shortage of ink.

In view of this, the proposed printer is provided with an ink supply means so that printing can be performed while supplying ink from an ink tank to a nozzle head having a plurality of ink jet nozzles. The ink is supplied to the ink tank from a detachable ink bottle. Therefore, it is not necessary to frequently replace the conventional small ink cassette in the related art, and the continuous printing operation can be performed for a long time.

In addition, the waste ink discharged from the nozzle head during maintenance of the nozzle head is formed so as to be dischargeable to a detachable waste ink bottle at a fixed position by using the ink discharge means, thereby preventing surrounding ink contamination. In addition, the number of replacements of the waste ink bottle is reduced.

[0008]

When an ink tank capable of replenishing ink from a detachable ink bottle is introduced, the type and performance of the ink liquid leveling means in the ink tank or the trouble in mounting the ink bottle are inadequate. Further, when the ink is extracted from the nozzle head, the liquid level in the ink tank may rise rapidly. That is, there is a risk that the ink overflows and stains the surroundings.

Regarding the prevention of ink contamination of an ink jet printer, with respect to the above-described conventional small ink cassette reciprocating type serial printer, when the ink receiving means (waste ink bottle) is not at a fixed position, the ink is introduced from the ink introducing means (ink discharging means). Receiving means (waste ink bottle)
Proposal to prevent the introduction of ink into the side (for example,
-71268).

However, it is meaningful to introduce an ink tank capable of replenishing ink from the ink bottle even during the printing operation, and to introduce the ink jet printer into the above-mentioned proposed ink jet printer formed so that a large number of sheets can be continuously printed at a high speed. There is no. This is because there is no concept of overflow of the ink tank and it is impossible to deal with it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a widely applicable ink jet printer which can reliably prevent surrounding ink from being stained in a printer in which an overflowable ink tank is introduced and a waste ink bottle is detachable. It is in.

[0012]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, ink is supplied from an ink tank to a nozzle head having a plurality of ink jet nozzles so that printing is possible, and waste ink discharged from the nozzle head is utilized using ink discharging means. In an ink jet printer formed to be able to discharge ink to a waste ink bottle which can be detached and fixed in a fixed position, the waste ink overflowing from the ink tank is formed to be able to be held in an overflow tank, and the waste ink bottle is mounted in a fixed position. An ink jet printer formed so that waste ink in an overflow tank can be discharged to the waste ink bottle on the condition that the waste ink is discharged.

In this invention, the waste ink overflowing from the ink tank is temporarily stored in the overflow tank, so that the surrounding ink can be prevented from being stained. Then, the waste ink in the overflow tank is discharged to the waste ink bottle, as in the case of the waste ink from the nozzle head, on condition that the waste ink bottle is mounted in a fixed position. Therefore, even in a printer in which an ink tank is introduced and a waste ink bottle is detachable, a process of discharging the overflowed waste ink is simple. That is, it is possible to surely prevent the surrounding ink from being stained, and the adaptability is wide.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, ink can be supplied from an ink tank to a nozzle head having a plurality of ink jet nozzles, and printing can be performed. An ink jet printer formed so as to be able to be discharged to a detachable waste ink bottle; A second discharge valve capable of discharging waste ink in the overflow tank to the waste ink bottle through a second discharge pipe, and temporarily discharging waste ink overflowing from the ink tank into the overflow tank in front of the waste ink bottle. Holdable and in place A second discharge valve is opened in a condition that the waste ink bottle is installed in a fixed position by the discharging means, and the waste ink in the overflow tank is formed to be dischargeable to the waste ink bottle. An ink jet printer provided with a second discharging means.

In this invention, the waste ink overflowing from the ink tank is temporarily stored in the overflow tank in front of the waste ink bottle through the overflow pipe, so that the surrounding ink can be prevented from being stained.

The waste ink in the overflow tank is discharged from the second tank on the condition that the waste ink bottle is set at the fixed position by the fixed position detecting means.
Is opened, and the waste ink is discharged to the waste ink bottle through the second discharge pipe, as in the case of waste ink from the nozzle head. If the waste ink bottle is not installed in the fixed position, it cannot be discharged.

Therefore, in addition to providing the same operation and effect as the case of the first aspect of the present invention, if the fixed position detecting means is appropriately set, even if the waste ink bottle is forgotten to be mounted or is incomplete, The overflowed waste ink can be more reliably prevented from flowing out, and handling is simple.

The invention according to a third aspect is an ink jet printer wherein the second discharge valve has a pump function capable of forcibly discharging waste ink in the overflow tank to the waste ink bottle. .

According to this invention, the second discharge valve having the pump function can forcibly discharge the waste ink in the overflow tank to the waste ink bottle through the second discharge pipe when in the open state. On the other hand, in the closed state, since the waste ink cannot be forcibly discharged and the second discharge pipe is closed, the natural flow of the waste ink can be prevented. Therefore,
In addition to providing the same operation and effect as the case of the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to quickly and reliably switch between discharge and prevention of waste ink.

Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the ink discharging means receives the waste ink discharged from the nozzle head, and supplies the waste ink in the receiving tank to the first discharge pipe and the first discharge pipe. First discharge means for discharging waste ink to the waste ink bottle through a discharge valve; and third discharge for discharging waste ink containing air in a receiving tank to the waste ink bottle through a third discharge pipe and a third discharge valve. Means, and wherein the first discharge valve is formed so as to be able to double as the second discharge valve.

In this invention, the waste ink discharged from the nozzle head is received by the receiving tank forming the first discharge means, and discharged to the waste ink bottle through the first discharge pipe with the first discharge valve opened. Is done. The first discharge valve also functions as a second discharge valve having a pump function of overflow discharge means.

In this way, it is possible to effectively use both during the stop of the printing operation and during the printing operation, so that the cost can be reduced and the layout congestion can be further reduced. The waste ink containing air in the receiving tank is discharged to the waste ink bottle through the third discharge pipe with the third discharge valve opened. That is, the mist ink from the nozzle head can be reliably discharged and can be collected in the waste ink bottle.

Therefore, in addition to providing the same operation and effect as the case of the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to more reliably prevent ink contamination, and to reduce the cost and simplify the structure.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 is an ink jet printer wherein the overflow tank is disposed at a position lower than the position of the waste ink bottle.

In this invention, the waste ink in the overflow tank can be forcibly discharged to the waste ink bottle by the second discharge valve having a pump function. Therefore, the overflow tank is placed below the position of the waste ink bottle. Position. This also increases the height difference between the ink tank disposed at the upper position and the overflow tank disposed at the lower position.

Therefore, in addition to providing the same functions and effects as the inventions of the third and fourth aspects, the overflow from the ink tank to the overflow tank can be more smoothly and stabilized, and the overflow tank and the like can be provided. Can greatly increase the degree of freedom of layout, and further downsizing and cost reduction can be achieved.

Furthermore, the invention of claim 6 is the third invention.
Wherein the discharge valve has a pump function capable of forcibly discharging waste ink containing air in the receiving tank to the waste ink bottle.

According to this invention, the vapor-like waste ink containing air in the receiving tank is forcibly discharged to the waste ink bottle by the third discharge valve having a pump function. If it is subsequently closed, the backflow of waste ink containing air discharged to the waste ink bottle can be completely prevented.

Therefore, in addition to providing the same functions and effects as in the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the vapor (fog) waste ink containing air can be more reliably discharged. Perfection of dirt prevention.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet printer includes an overflow pipe 61 for discharging the waste ink overflowed from the ink tank 22.
And an overflow tank 62 for temporarily storing waste ink discharged from the overflow pipe 61 and a waste ink in the overflow tank 62 to the waste ink bottle 50 for a second time.
Discharge valve 64 capable of discharging through discharge pipe 63 of
The waste ink overflowed from the ink tank 22 can be temporarily stored in the overflow tank 62 in front of the waste ink bottle 50, and the waste ink bottle 50 is attached to the fixed position by the fixed position detecting means (54). The second discharge valve 64 is opened under the condition that the
A second discharging means 60 is formed so that the waste ink in the inside can be discharged to the waste ink bottle 50, and is formed so as to reliably prevent the surrounding ink stain.

First, the ink jet printer, the ink supply means 20, and the ink discharge means 40, which are prerequisites for understanding the second discharge means 60, will be described.

In FIG. 1, the ink jet printer is provided with an ink tank 22 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned prior proposal.
Is supplied to a nozzle head 10 (ink chamber 11) having a plurality of ink jet nozzles 12 and is formed so as to be capable of printing on a medium (paper or the like) while spraying ink from the selected ink jet nozzle 12.

In this embodiment, the nozzle head 10 is
For four colors (cyan, yellow, magenta, and black), for example, A4 paper can be color-printed at a high speed of 20 PPM. Note that the present invention is also applied to the case of one color (for example, black). FIG. 1 shows one color.

Next, the ink supply means 20 includes an ink tank 22, an ink supply pipe 24, an ink supply valve 25 and the like, and supplies ink from the ink tank 22 to the nozzle head 10 (ink chamber 11). The ink tank 22 is replenished with ink from the ink bottle 21 so that the ink level can be adjusted to be constant. 23 is an air intake.

The ink return means 30 includes an ink return pipe 31
And the ink return valve 32, and can return the ink from the ink chamber 11 to the ink tank 22. That is, it is used alone when ink is circulated in cooperation with the ink supply means 20 or when ink is drained from the ink chamber 11.

The ink supply means 20 and the ink return means 30 are formed in an integral structure, that is, a module 1 in which four colors are incorporated in a main body 1B detachable from an ink jet printer. That is, since a plurality (4) of ink colors (cyan, yellow, magenta, and black) are integrated, it is more effective for simplifying the structure of the printer.

When the module 1 (main body 1B) is mounted on a printer (nozzle head 10), the ink supply pipe 2
4 and one end of the ink return pipe 31 are formed to be able to communicate with the ink chamber 11 via an automatic opening / closing cap structure (not shown).

That is, since one end of the ink supply pipe 24 and one end of the ink return pipe 31 can be connected to the nozzle head 10 by the mounting operation of the main body 1B to the ink jet printer and can be separated by the detaching operation, the replacement can be performed more quickly and accurately. It is easy to handle and handle.

The ink supply pipe 24 and the ink return pipe 31 are formed of highly elastic tubes, and the ink supply valve 25 and the ink return valve 32 open and close the respective pipes (24, 31). It is formed from a tube type pump having a valve function capable of selecting one of the states.

For example, the rotary roller has a plurality of pressing rollers, and each of the pressing rollers presses the tube (24, 25) to close the tube, and presses the tube (24, 25) to rotate the tube while pressing, whereby the ink can be sent out in the open state. . Therefore, each switching can be quickly performed, ink supply and ink return can be accurately performed, and piping for module production is simple,
It is also effective for cost reduction.

Further, since the supply pump (25) and the return pump (32) have the same structure (same specifications),
Which pump is the feed pump (25) and the return pump (3
Any of 2) may be used. Therefore, the main body 1B
It is possible to speed up the work of arranging and mounting the components and to assemble them easily.

Thus, when the module 1 (main body 1B) is mounted on the printer (nozzle head 10), the ink supply pipe 24 and the ink return pipe 31
It is connected to the corresponding position on the (11) side. When the ink bottle 21 is mounted on the ink tank 22, the ink tank 22 can be filled with ink.

An ink circulation operation is performed in which the supply pump (25) is started to supply the ink to the nozzle head 10 while, for example, heating the ink, and the return pump (32) is started to return the ink from the nozzle head 10 to the ink tank 22. Then, warm-up of the ink can be performed.

Further, if the return pump (32) is stopped and the supply pump (25) is started to supply the ink continuously or intermittently, the printing operation and the maintenance of the nozzle head 10 (air bleeding, etc.) can be performed.

As described above, each tank, piping, etc.
Since the structure of the module 1 is integrated into the ink jet printer, the size and the structure of the ink jet printer can be reduced and the structure can be simplified. Compared to the case of a layout in which individual arrangements and piping are provided, it is easier to find the cause and continuous operation can be performed by replacing the module.

Further, the ink supply means 20 is provided in the main body 1B.
And an impact purging mechanism 27 for cleaning the nozzle head 10 (ink jet nozzle 12) including the ink cleaning filter 26 and the front and rear valves 28 and 29, which is interposed in the middle of the ink supply pipe 24. I have. Therefore, it is effective for further miniaturization of the entire printer.

The maintenance of the filter 26 is performed smoothly and promptly, or an air bleeding means 70 for bleeding air from the filter 26 after the maintenance is incorporated in the main body 1B. The air release means 70 includes an air release pipe 71 and an air release valve 72 shown in FIG.
The ink discharged from the filter 26 when the air in the inside is removed is formed so as to be recoverable in the ink tank 22.

That is, when the air vent valve 72 is opened with the front valve 28 closed, the air in the filter 26 is released to the ink tank 22 through the air vent pipe 70, so that the filter performance can be stabilized. It is possible to prevent the ink mixed in the air from scattering to the surroundings and to collect and utilize the ink. If necessary, it is possible to select so that air is removed while ink is forcibly supplied by the supply pump (25).

In FIG. 1, an ink discharging means 40 receives ink discharged from the ink jet nozzle 12 by an ink receiver 41, and discharges waste ink temporarily stored in a receiving tank 42 which is communicated with the ink receiver 41 through a communication pipe 43. This is a means for discharging to the waste ink bottle 50 side, and is basically a first discharging means (first discharging pipe 44, first discharging valve 45).
Is formed from. The ink is discharged through a total discharge pipe 49 to a waste ink bottle 50 that can be attached and detached at a fixed position.

Here, the waste ink overflowing from the ink tank 22 is formed in the overflow tank 62 so as to be temporarily held, and the waste ink bottle 50
The waste ink in the overflow tank 62 is formed to be able to be discharged to the waste ink bottle 50 in the same manner as the waste ink in the ink receiver 42 on the condition that the waste ink is mounted in a fixed position.

That is, an overflow pipe 61 for guiding the waste ink overflowing from the ink tank 22, an overflow tank 62 for temporarily storing the waste ink, and a second discharge means (a second discharge pipe 63, a second discharge pipe 63). The discharge valve 64) is provided so that the waste ink temporarily stored in the overflow tank 62 can also be discharged to the waste ink bottle 50 through the total discharge pipe 49.

When the second discharge valve 64 is closed, the waste ink cannot be forcibly discharged to the waste ink bottle 50 side, and the second discharge pipe 63 is closed. Can be. In addition, as will be described later in detail, since the second discharge valve 64 is formed of a tube-type pump similar to that of the supply pump (25), it is possible to quickly and reliably switch between discharge and prevention of waste ink.

Thus, the first discharging means (4
5) is operated to discharge the waste ink in the first waste ink tank (42) to the waste ink bottle 50. In addition, the second discharge means (64) is operated, and the second waste ink tank (6
The waste ink in 2) is discharged to the waste ink bottle 50. That is, since each waste ink can be collected in the closed waste ink bottle 50, ink contamination can be completely prevented and the waste ink bottle 50 can be replaced even during the printing operation.

The ink discharging means 40 has a third pump function for forcibly discharging vapor-like waste ink containing air in the receiving tank 42 to the waste ink bottle 50.
Discharge means (third discharge pipe 47, third discharge valve 4
8) is provided. Therefore, vapor-like (fog-like)
Since the ink can be prevented from being scattered around, the ink stain can be more reliably prevented.

The connecting pipe 43, the first discharge pipe 44, the second discharge pipe 63, the third discharge pipe 47, and the total discharge pipe 49.
Are formed of a tube rich in elasticity, and are provided with a first discharge valve (first discharge pump) 45, a second discharge valve (second discharge pump) 64, and a third discharge valve (third discharge pump). The pump (48) is connected to each of the pipes (44, 63, 4).
7) is formed of a tube type pump similar to the pumps 25 and 32 having a valve function capable of selecting either the open state or the closed state.

Thus, the overflow tank 62 is
As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, it can be disposed at a position lower than the position of the waste ink bottle 50. This is because the waste ink can be forcibly discharged to the upper waste ink bottle 50 by the pump function.

Therefore, the height difference between the ink tank 22 provided at the upper position and the overflow tank 62 provided at the lower position can be increased, so that the overflow from the ink tank 22 can be made smoother and more stable. it can. In addition, the degree of freedom in layout with respect to the vertical relationship between the receiving tank 42, the overflow tank 62, and the waste ink bottle 50 can be greatly increased, and further downsizing and cost reduction can be achieved.

Further, the first discharge valve 45 and the second discharge valve 64 allow the waste ink in the receiving tank 42 and the waste ink in the overflow tank 62 to pass through the waste ink bottle 50.
One discharge valve (discharge pump) that can forcibly discharge water to
It is formed to also serve as the [discharge pump 45]. Therefore, effective use can be made both during the printing operation stop and during the printing operation, so that the cost can be reduced and the layout congestion can be further alleviated.

Here, the receiving tank 42, the overflow tank 62, the waste ink bottle 50, the receiving tank 4
A first discharging means (44, 45) for discharging the waste ink in the waste ink bottle 2 to the waste ink bottle 50;
The second discharging means (63, 64 = 45) for discharging the waste ink in the waste ink bottle to the waste ink bottle 50 is integrated with the main body 2B detachable from the ink jet printer as in the case of the ink supply processing module 1 described above. It is formed into a module 2 structure which is incorporated in a practical manner.

Therefore, each tank, piping, etc.
The structure of the module 2 is integrated into the printer, so that the cost and the size are low, the size of the ink jet printer can be reduced and the structure can be simplified. Compared to the case of a layout in which the components are arranged and arranged in a flexible manner, it is easier to find the cause and continuous operation can be performed by replacing the module. That is, the structure is simple and easy to assemble, and the cause of the abnormality or the like and the recovery including the replacement of parts can be quickly, easily and accurately performed, and the size and cost of the entire printer can be reduced.

The waste ink bottle 50 is detachably formed at a predetermined position of the main body 2B (or a waste ink bottle case in the main body 2B... Not shown), and the waste ink bottle 50 is mounted at a predetermined position of the main body 1B. A fixed position detecting means (bottle sensor 54) capable of detecting whether or not the waste ink bottle 50 is located at a predetermined position of the main body 1B using a detection signal.
Is not mounted, the pumps 45 (= 64) and 48 forming the respective ink discharging means are formed so as to be forcibly prevented from being opened.

This waste ink bottle 50 is shown in FIG.
It can be attached to the main body 2B (the waste ink bottle case in the main body 2B) by pushing in the direction of arrow A, and can be removed by pulling out in the direction of arrow B. Therefore, even if the user forgets to attach the waste ink bottle 50, it is possible to reliably prevent the surroundings from being stained with ink.

Further, similarly to the case of the ink supply processing module 1, this waste ink discharge processing module 2 also has a first waste ink tank (cyan, yellow, magenta and black) for a plurality of (4) ink colors. 42), second
Waste ink tank (62), waste ink bottle 50, first
Since the discharge means and the second discharge means are integrated, the pipe congestion can be further prevented, and the structure of the color printer can be simplified and the size and cost can be further reduced.

These first, second and third discharging means are controlled in a related manner by a control device including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and the like (not shown).

That is, when the bottle sensor (fixed position detection means) 54 detects and confirms that the waste ink bottle 50 is mounted at a predetermined position (YES in ST10 of FIG. 2), the first discharge valve ( The pump 45 and the second discharge valve (pump) 64 (= 45) are permitted to be opened (ST11).

In this state, when the level sensor (not shown) in the receiving tank 42 detects that the waste ink level has risen (YES in ST12),
The first discharge valve (pump) 45 is opened (rotated). Therefore, the waste ink in the receiving tank 42 can be forcibly discharged to the waste ink bottle 50 side (ST13).

In this embodiment, since the second discharge valve (pump) 64 and the first discharge valve (pump) 45 are the same pump which can also be used, the waste ink in the overflow tank 62 is also discharged at the same time. It can be discharged to the ink bottle 50 side (ST13).

When the rise of the waste ink level is detected by the level sensor (not shown) in the overflow tank 62 (YES in ST14), the waste ink level is detected by the level sensor (not shown) in the receiving tank 42. Is not detected (ST12
NO), the second discharge valve (pump) 64 is opened (rotated), and the waste ink in the overflow tank 62 can be forcibly discharged to the waste ink bottle 50 side (ST1).
5).

In this case, the first discharge valve (pump) 4
5 is also released (rotated), and the waste ink in the receiving tank 42 is forcibly discharged to the waste ink bottle 50 side (ST15).

Further, in this embodiment, the third discharge valve (pump) 48 is connected to the first discharge valve (pump) 4.
5, so that the receiving tank 4
The waste ink containing the air in 2 is also forcibly discharged to the waste ink bottle 50 side (ST13, ST15).

When both the waste ink levels in the receiving tank 42 and the overflow tank 62 have not risen (NO in ST12, NO in ST14), and when the waste ink bottle 50 is not mounted at a predetermined position (S
T10 NO) includes any discharge valve (pump) 4
5, 48, 64 (= 45) are also closed (ST1).
6). Therefore, the waste ink does not flow out to the surroundings.

[0072]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the waste ink in the overflow tank can be retained on the condition that the waste ink overflowing from the ink tank can be retained in the overflow tank and the waste ink bottle is mounted at a fixed position. Since the ink jet printer is formed so as to be able to be discharged to the waste ink bottle, the discharge processing of the overflowed waste ink is simple even in a printer in which an ink tank is introduced and the waste ink bottle is detachable. That is, it is possible to surely prevent the surrounding ink from being stained, and the adaptability is wide.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the waste ink overflowing from the ink tank can be temporarily held in the overflow tank in front of the waste ink bottle, and the waste ink bottle can be fixed at the fixed position by the fixed position detecting means. 2. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein the second discharge valve is opened to discharge waste ink from the overflow tank to a waste ink bottle on condition that it is detected that the ink cartridge is mounted on the ink jet printer. In addition to achieving the same effect as in the case of (1), if the fixed position detecting means is set appropriately, even if the waste ink bottle is forgotten to be installed or incomplete, the overflow waste ink is more reliably prevented from flowing out. Possible and easy to handle.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the second discharge valve has a pump function capable of forcibly discharging waste ink in the overflow tank to the waste ink bottle, the second discharge valve is opened. In some cases, the waste ink in the overflow tank can be forcibly discharged to the waste ink bottle through the second discharge pipe, and in a closed state, the second discharge pipe can be closed to prevent natural flow of the waste ink.
Therefore, in addition to providing the same effects as in the case of the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to quickly and reliably switch between discharge and prevention of waste ink.

Further, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the first discharging means for discharging the waste ink in the receiving tank to the waste ink bottle by the ink discharging means, and the waste ink containing air in the receiving tank to the waste ink bottle. And a third discharge means for discharging to a bottle, and the first discharge valve is formed so as to be able to serve also as the second discharge valve, so that it can be effectively used both during printing operation stoppage and during printing operation. In addition, the cost can be reduced and the congestion of the layout can be further reduced. Also,
Waste ink containing air in the receiving tank, that is, mist ink from the nozzle head, can be reliably discharged and collected in the waste ink bottle. Therefore, in addition to providing the same effects as the case of the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to more reliably prevent ink contamination, and to reduce costs and simplify the structure.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the overflow tank is disposed at a position lower than the position of the waste ink bottle, the same effect as in the third and fourth aspects of the invention is provided. In addition to being able to play, the overflow from the ink tank to the overflow tank can be smoother and more stable,
The degree of freedom of the layout of the overflow tank and the like can be greatly expanded, and the size and cost can be further reduced.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 6, since the third discharge valve has a pump function capable of forcibly discharging waste ink containing air in the receiving tank to the waste ink bottle, In addition to providing the same effects as the inventions of the fourth and fifth aspects, in addition to being able to more reliably discharge vapor (fog) waste ink containing air, perfection of prevention of ink contamination is achieved. I can do it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall system diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 ink supply processing module 1B main body 2 waste ink discharge processing module 2B main body 10 nozzle head 11 ink chamber 12 ink jet nozzle 20 ink supply means 21 ink bottle 22 ink tank 30 ink return means 31 ink return pipe 40 ink discharge means 41 ink receiver 42 Receiving tank 43 Communication pipe 44 First discharge pipe (first discharge means) 45 First discharge valve (first discharge means) 47 Third discharge pipe (third discharge means) 48 Third discharge valve (Third discharge means) 49 Total discharge pipe 50 Waste ink bottle 54 Bottle sensor (fixed position detection means) 60 Overflow discharge means 61 Overflow pipe 62 Overflow tank 63 Second discharge pipe (second discharge means) 64 Second Discharge valve (second discharge means) 70 Air vent

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A waste ink bottle capable of supplying ink from an ink tank to a nozzle head having a plurality of ink jet nozzles, capable of printing, and capable of attaching and detaching waste ink discharged from the nozzle head to a fixed position using ink discharge means. In the ink jet printer formed so as to be able to be discharged to, the waste ink overflowing from the ink tank is formed so as to be able to be held in the overflow tank, and the inside of the overflow tank is provided on condition that the waste ink bottle is mounted in a fixed position. An ink jet printer formed so that waste ink can be discharged into the waste ink bottle. 2. A waste ink bottle capable of supplying ink from an ink tank to a nozzle head having a plurality of ink jet nozzles and capable of printing, and capable of attaching and detaching waste ink discharged from the nozzle head to a fixed position using an ink discharge means. An overflow printer for discharging waste ink overflowed from the ink tank, an overflow tank for temporarily holding waste ink discharged from the overflow pipe, and a waste ink in the overflow tank. A second discharge valve capable of discharging the waste ink through the second discharge pipe to the waste ink bottle, the waste ink overflowing from the ink tank being temporarily retained in an overflow tank in front of the waste ink bottle, By the position detection means A second discharge valve formed to be able to discharge waste ink in the overflow tank to the waste ink bottle by opening the second discharge valve on condition that it is detected that the ink bottle is mounted in a fixed position. Ink-jet printer with. 3. The ink jet printer according to claim 2, wherein the second discharge valve has a pump function capable of forcibly discharging waste ink in the overflow tank to the waste ink bottle. 4. The waste ink bottle, wherein the ink discharge means receives waste ink discharged from the nozzle head, and discharges the waste ink in the receive tank through a first discharge pipe and a first discharge valve to the waste ink bottle. A first discharging unit for discharging waste ink containing air in the receiving tank to a third discharging unit;
And a third discharge means for discharging the waste ink bottle to the waste ink bottle through a discharge pipe and a third discharge valve, and the first discharge valve is formed so as to be able to serve also as the second discharge valve. The ink-jet printer as described. 5. The ink jet printer according to claim 3, wherein the overflow tank is disposed at a position lower than a position of the waste ink bottle. 6. The pump according to claim 4, wherein the third discharge valve has a pump function capable of forcibly discharging waste ink containing air in the receiving tank to the waste ink bottle. Inkjet printer.