JP2000343724A - Ink jet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] Replenishment is not possible with a simple configuration. A first storage section of a carriage is provided with a second storage section for replenishing ink, and a liquid supply path and a gas flow path are provided between the second storage section and the first storage section. Are provided with a liquid supply pipe 12 and a gas flow pipe 13.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus, and more particularly to an ink jet recording apparatus for supplying ink to a first storage portion of a carriage from outside.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, as an ink jet recording apparatus used as an image forming apparatus (image recording apparatus) such as a printer, a facsimile, a copying machine, a plotter, etc., a nozzle hole for discharging ink droplets and a discharge chamber in which the nozzle hole communicates. A recording head, which is an ink jet head having a pressure chamber, a pressurized liquid chamber, a liquid chamber, an ink flow path, and the like, and energy generating means for generating energy for pressurizing the ink in the discharge chamber, is mounted on a carriage. , The carriage is moved in the main scanning direction, a recording medium (medium on which ink droplets adhere) is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, and ink droplets are ejected from the recording head to print an image on the recording medium. Types are known.

In such a serial type ink jet recording apparatus, ink must be supplied to a recording head mounted on a carriage, and generally, an ink cartridge (or ink tank) for supplying ink together with the recording head to the carriage. ).

Although the configuration using the ink cartridge is the simplest, there are problems in increasing the speed, accuracy, efficiency and size of the recording apparatus. That is, since the ink cartridge must be replaced with a new one every time it becomes empty, especially when the frequency of use is high, the number of times of replacement of the cartridge increases and the work becomes complicated, and the ink cartridge must be stored as a spare. Since the number of ink cartridges is increased and the number of waste cartridge containers is increased, running costs and environmental problems are increased.

On the other hand, in order to avoid such a problem,
Increasing the capacity of the ink cartridge increases the weight of the entire carriage, making it difficult to drive the carriage at high speed (high-speed printing), resulting in an increase in the size of the apparatus, and an increase in the output of the carriage drive motor, resulting in cost and noise. A major problem arises in terms of vibration, vibration and the like. Further, since the weight fluctuation of the carriage also increases, the operation characteristics of the carriage change during printing, and it becomes difficult to secure stable printing accuracy.

In order to solve the problem of the ink cartridge system, the ink cartridge is not mounted on the carriage, but the ink cartridge is arranged on the main body of the recording apparatus, and the coupling tube and the small-capacity sub-tank mounted on the carriage are used. There has been proposed a tube suction method for supplying ink by using a tube.

This tube suction method can solve all of the above-mentioned problems in that no ink cartridge is mounted on the carriage, but on the other hand, when high-speed printing is performed, the carriage speed and the like increase. Problems such as the durability of the tube and its joint, the incorporation of air bubbles at the joint, and the fluctuation of the ink supply pressure occur.

Therefore, a main tank is provided on the main body side of the recording apparatus, a small-capacity sub-tank is mounted on the carriage, and a stand supply for replenishing ink from the main tank to the sub-tank when the carriage comes to a predetermined position. A scheme has been proposed.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-138899 discloses an ink supply nozzle which connects a main stand and a sub tank so as to be able to move forward and backward, a solenoid which moves this ink supply nozzle forward and backward, and a carriage which comes to a predetermined position. When the solenoid is excited, the ink supply nozzle is moved to the carriage side to supply the ink until the ink full state is detected.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-276600, an ink supply container is provided at an ink replenishing station, and the ink supply container and a sub tank (cartridge) are provided.
And a fluid connector for connecting the ink supply device and the ink supply container is provided so as to be movable up and down, and the fluid connection device is moved down at an ink replenishment station so as to be connected to the cartridge to replenish the ink from the ink supply container to the cartridge. .

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-240020 discloses an ink tank for storing an ink for replenishment, an ink replenishing means for communicating the ink tank with a sub-tank (ink chamber). Is disclosed in which the ink replenishing nozzle is moved downward to connect to the ink chamber to replenish the ink from the ink tank to the ink chamber.

[0012]

As described above, the main tank is provided on the main body of the recording apparatus, and a small-capacity sub-tank is mounted on the carriage, and the main tank is provided only when the carriage comes to a predetermined position. In the case of the stand supply system for supplying ink from the tank to the sub-tank, the carriage operates freely during the printing operation, so that the problem that occurs in the tube suction system does not occur.

However, when the stand supply method is adopted, air bubbles are mixed in the connecting portion between the main tank and the sub tank, an appropriate amount of ink is supplied, the physical properties of the ink are changed when the operation is not performed, and the ink supply port (supply port) needs to be closed. There is a concern about clogging and the like. Further, in the devices disclosed in JP-A-8-276600 and JP-A-9-240020 described above,
Since the replenishment of the ink is performed from above the carriage, there is a problem that the size of the entire printing apparatus increases in the height direction.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to reduce the size of a stand-supply system.

[0015]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a second storage section for supplying ink to a first storage section mounted on a carriage. The unit has a configuration in which means for forming a liquid supply passage and a gas flow passage between the first storage unit and the first storage unit are provided.

Here, the means for forming the liquid supply path is the first.
Means for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the storage section can be provided. Alternatively, a means for detecting the remaining amount of ink may be provided in the first storage section, and a member for transmitting a detection signal of the remaining amount of ink may be provided for the means for forming the liquid supply path or the gas flow path.

Further, it is preferable to provide a sealing means through which a means for forming a liquid supply path can be inserted and which can be restored to a sealed state after being pulled out, through the liquid supply port of the first storage section. This sealing means includes silicone, rubber, absorbent cotton,
It is preferable to use at least one of the hygroscopic paper. Similarly, it is preferable to provide a sealing means through which a means for forming a gas flow path can be inserted and which can be restored to a sealed state after being pulled out, in the gas flow path opening of the first storage section. It is preferable to use silicone or rubber for this sealing means.

Further, a protection member for accommodating and protecting the means for forming the liquid supply path is provided, and this protection member can be inserted with the means for forming the liquid supply path and can be restored to a sealed state. The means for forming the liquid supply path is provided in the protective member without being connected to the first reservoir, and is configured to pierce and expose the tip sealing means in the state of being connected to the first reservoir. Is preferred. It is preferable to use silicone or rubber for this tip sealing means.

Similarly, a protection member for accommodating and protecting the means for forming the gas flow path is provided, and the protection member can be inserted into the means for forming the gas flow path and can be restored to a sealed state. The stopping means is provided, and the means for forming the gas flow path is the first means.
It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the distal end sealing means is pierced and exposed while being connected to the first storage section while being stored in the protection member without being connected to the storage section. It is preferable to use silicone or rubber for this tip sealing means.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of a mechanism section of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a state in which a carriage and an ink supply device are entangled, FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of a liquid supply pipe, and FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a pipe section and its operation, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a gas flow pipe section and its operation, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a connection process between a liquid supply pipe and a supply port of a first storage section.

The mechanism of the ink jet recording apparatus is as follows.
A main support guide rod 3 and a not-shown sub-support guide rod are horizontally laid between the side plates 1 and 2 on both sides in a substantially horizontal positional relationship,
The carriage 5 is slidably supported in the main scanning direction by the main support guide rod 3 and the sub support guide rod. The carriage 5 has a recording head 6 which is an ink jet head for ejecting ink droplets at a lower portion, and a first storage portion 7 for storing ink to be supplied to the recording head 6 at an upper portion.

The carriage 5 is a drive pulley (drive timing pulley) rotated by a main scanning motor (not shown).
The carriage 5 is moved in the main scanning direction by controlling the driving of a main scanning motor by connecting to a timing belt stretched between the motor and a driven pulley (idler pulley).

A conveying roller (not shown) for feeding the sheet (recording medium) 8 in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction is provided. To be communicated to.

At one end of the main scanning movement range of the carriage 5, an ink supply device 10 for supplying ink to the first storage section 7 of the carriage 5 is provided. The ink supply device 10 includes a second storage unit 11 that is held by a fixed unit such as a frame member (not shown) and stores the ink to be supplied to the first storage unit 7.

The second storage section 11 includes a liquid supply pipe 12 as a means for forming a liquid supply path between the first storage section 7 and a gas flow pipe 13 as a means for forming a gas flow path. Provided. Here, the positional relationship between the liquid supply pipe 12 and the gas flow pipe 13 is such that the liquid supply pipe 12 is located on the lower side and the gas flow pipe 13 is located on the upper side.

The liquid supply pipe 12 has a tip portion formed in a conical shape, and covers a liquid supply nozzle 14 through which a liquid (ink) passes with a hard body. It communicates with the bottom via a liquid supply valve 15.

The outer peripheral surface of the liquid supply pipe 12 is
As shown in (1), liquid detecting elements 16a and 16b which are liquid and detect and change the resistance value are additionally provided. In this example, two systems of elements are used, and a liquid detecting member 17a including an upper liquid detecting element 16a and a liquid detecting member 17b including a lower liquid detecting element 16b are provided. The presence or absence of liquid at the position can be detected. These liquid detecting members 17a, 17b
These detection signals are taken out through a liquid remaining amount detection signal line (lead wire) 18 and sent to the control unit.

Further, on the outer periphery of the liquid supply pipe 12, FIG.
As shown in (1), a protection case 20 is provided as a protection member for storing and protecting the liquid supply pipe 12. This protective case 2
Numeral 0 is a member which can be elastically expanded and contracted, and is urged by a spring 21 disposed between the liquid supply pipe 12 and the expanded state (the state in which the liquid supply pipe 12 is housed). A tip sealing member which is a tip sealing means through which the liquid supply pipe 12 can be inserted, and which can be restored to a sealed state when the liquid supply pipe 12 returns to the housed state. 22 are provided.

The tip sealing member 22 is connected to the liquid supply pipe 12
Are completely in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the liquid supply pipe 12 in a state where the liquid supply pipe 12 is inserted (penetrated), and the opposing surfaces torn by the liquid supply pipe 12 are in close contact with each other when the liquid supply pipe 12 is not inserted. And has a function of sealing, and has a cross-shaped cut 22a formed at the center.
Examples of the tip sealing member 22 in which the cross sections that have been pierced even after being pierced in this way are in close contact with each other include moisture-absorbing cotton, moisture-absorbing molecular material, rubber, silicone, and the like.
Preferably, a hygroscopic polymer or rubber is used, more preferably silicone.

On the other hand, the gas passage pipe 13 has a tip portion formed in a conical shape and covers a nozzle 25 through which gas can pass with a hard body. Communicates with the department.

As shown in FIG. 5, a protective case 26 is provided on the outer periphery of the gas passage tube 13 as a protection member for housing and protecting the gas passage tube 13. The protective case 26 is made of an elastically expandable and contractable member, and is urged by a spring 27 provided between the protective case 26 and the gas flow path tube 13 to extend (a state in which the gas flow path tube 13 is housed). The distal end portion of the protective case 26 is a distal end sealing means through which the gas flow pipe 13 can be inserted and which can be restored to a sealed state when the gas flow pipe 13 returns to the housed state. A stop member 28 is provided.

The tip sealing member 28 is connected to the gas flow pipe 13
Are completely in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the gas passage tube 13 when the gas passage tube 13 is inserted (penetrated), and are opposed to each other torn by the gas passage tube 13 when the gas passage tube 13 is no longer inserted. Have a function of sealing and sealing each other, and have a cross-shaped cut 22a formed at the center.
Examples of the tip sealing member 28 in which the cross sections pierced even after being pierced in this manner are hygroscopic cotton, hygroscopic molecular material, rubber, silicone, etc.
Preferably, a hygroscopic polymer or rubber is used, more preferably silicone.

The second storage section 11 of the ink supply device 10
The supply (replenishment) of ink (liquid) from the first storage unit 7 of the carriage 5 to the first storage unit 7 is performed by using a pump (not shown),
It can be performed by a method in which the storage unit 11 is positioned higher than the first storage unit 7 and a head difference is used.

On the other hand, the first storage section 7 of the carriage 5
A liquid supply port sealing member 31 and a gas channel port sealing member 32 which are sealing means for forming a liquid supply port and a gas channel port through which the liquid supply pipe 12 and the gas channel pipe 13 can be inserted are provided.

The liquid supply port sealing member 31 is connected to the liquid supply pipe 1.
2 can be penetrated and penetrated (penetrated), and when the liquid supply pipe 12 is inserted, it comes into complete contact with the outer peripheral surface of the liquid supply pipe 12, and when the gas supply pipe 12 is pulled out, the liquid supply pipe 12 The surfaces facing each other, which are torn apart from each other, have a function of sealing and sealing each other, and have a cross-shaped cut at the center similarly to the above-mentioned distal end sealing member 22. As the liquid supply port sealing member 31 in which the cross sections pierced even after being pierced in this way, the liquid supply port sealing member 31 can include a hygroscopic cotton, a hygroscopic molecular material, rubber, silicone, and the like. A hygroscopic polymer material and rubber, more preferably silicone are used.

The gas flow path port sealing member 32 is a gas flow pipe 1
3, the gas flow pipe 13 can be penetrated (penetrated). When the gas flow pipe 13 is inserted, the gas flow pipe 13 is completely in contact with the outer peripheral surface. The opposing surfaces torn by the flow tube 13 have a function of sealing and sealing each other, and have a cross-shaped cut at the center similarly to the tip sealing member 28 described above. Examples of the gas passage opening sealing member 32 whose cross sections pierced even after being pierced in this way include moisture-absorbing cotton, moisture-absorbing molecular material, rubber, silicone, and the like, preferably, A hygroscopic polymer material and rubber, more preferably silicone are used.

Next, an ink replenishment operation in the ink jet recording apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described. First, in order to supply ink to the first storage section 7 of the carriage 5, the carriage 5 is moved from the state shown in FIG. 1 to the right standby position (to the side plate 2).

Here, the protection case 20 of the liquid supply pipe 12 of the ink supply device 10 is moved to the second position by a lever (not shown).
The liquid supply pipe 12 acts so as to compress and contract toward the storage part 11 side, and as shown in FIG.
2 (through) and exposed to the outside. Similarly,
A lever (not shown) acts to press and shrink the protective case 26 of the gas passage tube 13 of the ink supply device 10 toward the second storage section 11, whereby the gas passage tube 13 is moved as shown in FIG. Penetrates (penetrates) the tip sealing member 28 and is exposed to the outside.

Then, by further movement of the carriage 5, as shown in FIG.
Penetrates (penetrates) the liquid supply port sealing member 31 of the first storage portion 7, and similarly, the gas flow path tube 13 breaks through the gas flow path sealing member 32 of the first storage portion 7. Faces (through) the first reservoir 7. In addition, FIG.
2 illustrates a process of penetrating the front end sealing member 22 and the liquid supply port sealing member 31.

Here, the liquid supply valve 15 of the second storage 11
Is opened, the liquid (ink) in the second storage unit 11 is supplied to the first storage unit 7 through the liquid supply nozzle 14 of the liquid supply pipe 12 by a pump (not shown) or a head difference.
Will be replenished within. At this time, the air in the first storage unit 7 is sent upward in the second storage unit 11 through the nozzle 25 of the gas flow pipe 13. In this case, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the liquid supply pipe 12 by the liquid supply port sealing member 31 and the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the gas flow pipe 13 by the gas flow path sealing member 32 are securely sealed. Therefore, ink leakage (liquid leakage) does not occur.

As described above, the ink is supplied into the first storage section 7 and the liquid level rises, so that the ink is supplied to the liquid detecting elements 17b, 17a of the liquid detecting members 17b, 17a provided on the outer peripheral surface of the liquid supply pipe 12. Since the contact is made with the liquid supply member 16a, the ink supply operation is stopped based on the detection signals from the liquid detection members 17b and 17a. In this way, the remaining amount of liquid can be easily detected without providing a special liquid detecting means on the first storage section 7 side.

Thereafter, when the ink supply to the first storage section 7 is completed, the liquid supply pipe 12 and the gas flow path pipe 13 of the ink supply device 10 are moved by moving the carriage 5 away from the side plate 2. It is pulled out from the liquid supply port sealing member 31 and the gas flow path port sealing member 32 of the 1 storage section 7. At this time, the surfaces of the liquid supply port sealing member 31 and the gas flow path port sealing member 32, which are torn apart by the liquid supply pipe 12 and the gas flow path pipe 13 as described above, are brought into close contact with each other and restored to the sealed state. Therefore, the liquid does not leak to the outside from the liquid supply port sealing member 31 and the gas flow path port sealing member 32 of the first storage section 7.

When the first storage section 7 of the carriage 5 separates, the distal end sealing member 22 of the liquid supply pipe 12 of the ink supply device 10 returns due to the reaction force of the spring 21, and the liquid supply pipe 12 is moved to the protective case 20. Similarly, the tip sealing member 26 of the gas flow path pipe 13 is returned by the reaction force of the spring 27, and the gas flow path pipe 13 is stored and protected in the protection case 26.

Thus, the second storage section for supplying ink to the first storage section mounted on the carriage is provided, and a liquid supply path and a gas flow path are formed between the second storage section and the first storage section. Since the means for performing the above-mentioned steps is provided, a compact ink supply device can be formed, ink can be supplied in a sealed state, and intrusion of dust and the like and drying of the ink can be prevented.

The means for forming the liquid supply path and the means for forming the gas flow path on the second storage part side can be inserted into the liquid supply port and the gas flow path port of the first storage part. Since the sealing means capable of restoring the sealed state is provided, it is possible to prevent the liquid (ink) from leaking from the first storage section with a simple configuration, and it is possible to perform a plurality of replenishing operations.

The means for forming the liquid supply path on the second storage section side and the means for forming the gas flow path are stored and protected in the protection means, and the means for forming these liquid supply paths and the gas flow path are provided. Since the forming means is insertable and the tip sealing means which can be restored to the sealed state after being pulled out is provided, liquid (ink) leakage and drying of the liquid when ink supply is not performed.
Intrusion of foreign matter such as dust can be prevented with a simple configuration, and replenishment operations can be performed a plurality of times.

Next, another configuration relating to the detection of the remaining amount of ink will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating the configuration of the carriage on the first storage side, FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating the liquid supply pipe on the second storage side, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a liquid remaining amount detection circuit.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of liquid detecting elements 50a to 50d for detecting liquid (remaining ink amount) are arranged in the first storage section 7 of the carriage 5, The liquid detection signal transmitting means 52 composed of a conducting wire or the like connected to the elements 50a to 50d is drawn out to the outside through the liquid supply port sealing member 31.

On the other hand, the liquid supply pipe 12 on the second storage section 11 side
The contactors 53a to 5d are located at positions where they can contact the liquid detection signal transmitting means 52 of the liquid detection elements 50a to 50d when they are inserted into the liquid supply port sealing member 31.
3d are provided, and these contactors 53a to 53d are connected to liquid detection signal transmitting means 54a to 54d made of a conductive wire or the like and are drawn out to the outside.

The liquid detection signal transmitting means 54a
The liquid remaining amount detection circuit connecting the liquid detection signal transmitting means 54a to 54d includes a pull-up resistor R for pulling up the liquid detection signal transmitting means 54a to 54d to the power supply voltage, and a liquid detection element 50 as shown in FIG.
(Collectively 50a to 50d) includes an integrated circuit 55 that outputs "H" when the resistance value is reduced by detecting the liquid. The "H" output of the integrated circuit 55 is input to a control unit (not shown) as a liquid detection signal to determine whether or not an ink supply operation is necessary.

With this configuration, when the liquid supply pipe 12 is inserted through the liquid supply port sealing member 31 of the first storage section 7 to perform the ink supply operation, each liquid detection element 50
a to 50d liquid detection signal transmitting means 52 and contactor 53
(Collectively 53a to 53d) are electrically connected to each other to form a liquid remaining amount detection circuit, and the remaining amount of ink in the first storage section 7 is detected.

As described above, the first storage section is provided with the liquid detection means, and the means for forming the liquid supply path on the second storage section side is provided with means for transmitting a detection signal connected to the liquid detection means at the time of liquid supply operation. Therefore, there is no need to provide a special connector, and the configuration is simplified.

[0053]

As described above, according to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the second storage section for supplying ink to the first storage section mounted on the carriage is provided, and the second storage section has the second storage section. Since the means for forming the liquid supply path and the gas flow path is provided between the first storage section and the storage section, the configuration of the ink supply apparatus becomes compact, the ink can be supplied in a sealed state, and entry of dust and the like and ink Can be prevented from drying.

Here, the first means for forming the liquid supply path is
Providing the means for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid in the storage unit simplifies the configuration of the remaining amount detection. Alternatively, a means for detecting the remaining amount of liquid may be provided in the first storage unit, and a member for transmitting a detection signal of the remaining amount of liquid may be provided in the means for forming the liquid supply path or the gas flow path, and a special connector may be used. The transmission of the detection signal can be performed without the need.

Further, by providing a means for forming a liquid supply path into the liquid supply port of the first storage section and providing a sealing means capable of restoring to a sealed state after being pulled out, it is simple. With a simple configuration, a sealed state can be ensured, and leakage of liquid and entry of dust can be prevented. Similarly, a simple configuration is provided by providing a sealing means that can insert a means for forming a gas flow path into the gas flow path port of the first storage unit and that can be restored to a sealed state after being pulled out. Thus, a sealed state can be secured, and leakage of liquid and intrusion of dust can be prevented.

Further, a protection member for storing and protecting the means for forming the liquid supply path is provided, and this protection member can be inserted into the means for forming the liquid supply path and can be restored to the sealed state at the tip end. The means for forming the liquid supply path is provided in the protective member without being connected to the first reservoir, and is configured to pierce and expose the tip sealing means in the state of being connected to the first reservoir. Thus, the hermetically sealed state can be ensured with a simple configuration, and it is possible to prevent drying of the liquid and intrusion of dust and the like on the second storage section side.

Similarly, a protective member for accommodating and protecting the means for forming the gas flow path is provided, and the protection member can be inserted into the means for forming the gas flow path and can be restored to a sealed state. The stopping means is provided, and the means for forming the gas flow path is the first means.
By being configured to be housed in the protection member in a state not connected to the storage section and to pierce and expose the tip sealing means in a state connected to the first storage section, a sealed state can be secured with a simple configuration, It is possible to prevent the drying of the liquid and the invasion of dust and the like on the second storage section side.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a mechanism of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view of a state where the carriage and the ink supply device are entangled.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid supply pipe of the ink supply device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the liquid supply pipe section and its operation.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the gas flow pipe section and its operation.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a connection process between the liquid supply pipe and a supply port of a first storage unit.

FIG. 7 illustrates a first example of a carriage according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Explanatory drawing explaining the configuration of the storage unit side

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a liquid supply pipe on the second storage section side.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a liquid detection circuit.

[Explanation of symbols]

5 carriage, 6 recording head, 7 first storage unit, 1
0: ink supply device, 11: second storage unit, 12: liquid supply tube, 13: gas flow tube, 14: liquid supply nozzle, 15
... Liquid supply valve, 17a, 17b ... Liquid detection member, 2
0, 26: Protective case, 21, 27: Spring, 23, 28
... Tip sealing member, 31. Liquid supply port sealing member, 32. Gas channel opening sealing member, 50a to 50d.
3a to 53d ... contacts.

Claims (11)

[Claims] An ink jet recording apparatus having a recording head for ejecting ink droplets and a first reservoir for supplying ink to the recording head mounted on a carriage, a second reservoir for supplying ink to the first reservoir. An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a second storage unit; and a means for forming a liquid supply path and a gas flow path between the second storage unit and the first storage unit. 2. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for forming said liquid supply path includes said first liquid supply path.
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: means for detecting the remaining amount of ink in a storage unit. 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the first storage unit, and means for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the means for forming the liquid supply path or the gas flow path. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a member for transmitting a detection signal. 4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a means for forming the liquid supply path can be inserted into a liquid supply port of the first storage section.
In addition, an ink jet recording apparatus is provided with a sealing means capable of restoring a sealed state after being pulled out. 5. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one of silicone, rubber, absorbent cotton, and absorbent paper is used for said sealing means. 6. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for forming the gas flow path can be inserted into the gas flow path opening of the first storage section and pulled out. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a sealing means capable of restoring a sealing state thereafter. 7. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said sealing means is made of silicone or rubber. 8. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a protection member for storing and protecting a unit for forming the liquid supply path, and forming the liquid supply path on the protection member. A tip sealing means capable of penetrating the means and restoring to a sealed state is provided, and the means for forming the liquid supply path is housed in the protection member in a state not connected to the first storage section, An ink jet recording apparatus characterized in that the front end sealing means is pierced and exposed while being connected to a first storage section. 9. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said tip sealing means uses silicone or rubber. 10. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a protection member for storing and protecting the means for forming the gas flow path, wherein the gas flow path is formed in the protection member. Means can be inserted, and
A state in which a tip sealing means that can be restored to a sealed state is provided, and the means for forming the gas flow path is housed in the protection member without being connected to the first storage section, and is connected to the first storage section. An ink jet recording apparatus which breaks through and exposes said tip sealing means. 11. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said tip sealing means uses silicone or rubber.