CA2255019A1 - Ink jet print head modules with common ink supply - Google Patents
Ink jet print head modules with common ink supply Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2255019A1 CA2255019A1 CA002255019A CA2255019A CA2255019A1 CA 2255019 A1 CA2255019 A1 CA 2255019A1 CA 002255019 A CA002255019 A CA 002255019A CA 2255019 A CA2255019 A CA 2255019A CA 2255019 A1 CA2255019 A1 CA 2255019A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- compartment
- liquid
- orifices
- ink
- compartments
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17566—Ink level or ink residue control
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17506—Refilling of the cartridge
- B41J2/17509—Whilst mounted in the printer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17556—Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge
Abstract
A system for supplying ink to a composite printing head (12) has a first compartment (20A) in fluid flow communication with a first set of orifices (14, 12A), and a second compartment (20B) in fluid flow communication with a second set of orifices (14, 12B). The first and second compartments (20A, 20B) are configured to allow the egress of ink to maintain the level of ink therein at a desired fill height. A reservoir (24) is also provided for supplying ink to the first and second compartments (20A, 20B).
Description
CA 02255019 1998-ll-17 ~NK JET PRD!~T HEAD MODULES
WlTH COMMON INK SUPPLY
This invention relates generally to ink jet printers. More syecir~ ly~ the S iuvG~ n relates to a system for providing liquid ink at proper static ples~ule to a series of drop-on-demand ink jet print orifices.
As is known, ink jet printing systems utilize printing heads in which ink droplets are emitted through one or more orifices and onto a target surface. In impulse type drop-on-demand ptlntin~ the e~n~ n of ink through the orifice is controlled by creating pleS~ pulses within an ink ch~mhe.r in the printhP~ P.f~rrin~ to prior art FIG. 1, a typical p.i~,lh~ad 2 is provided with an array of orifices 3, which are individual~y controUed to emit ink droplets 4 t'hat form the desired image on the target surface as the surface moves relative to the printing head. The orifices are fed iok from i~ldividual çh~rnhers 5 within each print~--1 which co..~ .ieate with c input ports 6. Ink is supplied via capiUary action to each input port 6 from a l~lv~
7 through ink supply lines 9.
It is ill,polla,lt that the proper static PI~S~UIG~ typically a small negalivt; static p.~ , is acl~ie~ed at each ink jet orifice to avoid orifice drooL Static ples~lllt; within the prmth.o~ iS largely a function of the static fluid pr~s;~lG at the pr~nt~ l input port, since capiUary forces within a given printhea~l offset any app~ble v~Lion in pl~ule head among the orifices in that printht~ Thus, the static ples;,.lle at the input port inflllenses the ples~urG at the ink jet orifices which are in ;.. .IPdi~te plO~y to the input port. The optimal static PIGS~U1e is dete~ d by the physical pl~pell~S of the ink, such as viscosity and surface tension, wetability aod the substrate m~teri~l used WO 97/44194 PCT/GBg7/01405 to construct the orif1ces. Ordinarily, the optimal static pressure of the ink is negative one to three inches of water. As can be seen in FIG. 1, and as is known from hydraulic theory, the static pressure at the input port is a function of the dirr~rence in height (H) between the input port and the reservoir ink level. More particularly, the static p-essule S at each orifice is a function of the diLreience in height between each orifice and the reservoir ink leveL
In commercial ink jet printing applications, it is advantageous to provide a printing appOl~lus having a large printing area to permit im~ging of a large image on a target surface without mllltirl~ passes of the surface past the printing head. This may O be accomrli~hPd by providing a number of printh~ c vertically stacked or "stitched"
tog~thP.r. Vertically stnc~Pd printhead arr~ng~ , howc;ver, present special problems assochted with the control of static p les;,~e, and their co~ Jcidl advantages have heretofore been limited by illcr~ g costs or complexity relating to ink storage and delivery. It is not feasible to supply all printhP~ in a stacked ~rr~ng~mPnt from a CO--~l - -ol - lt;sel voi~ bec7~lse Ullirollll static pl~ ul'e cannot be achieved. As seen in FIG.
1, printh.o~c disposed above the lesel voiu fluid level r~ iP~e negaliv~ static plesbure~
while those ~licposed below the lese.voil e~p~ re positive static pç~;,ure. Moreover, while it is feasible to provide each printh~ with a separate, level-controlled l~,Se. VOil as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cost of such an arrangement is prohibitive. Additionally, the :0 space limh~tions and tight spacing belweell printhP~ make it physically illll)li3CLiCd to install reservoirs and level-control devices in this confi~;ulalion.
Prior art d~llibulion systems are not readily adaptable to stacked printh~
arrangements because of the complexity and costs associated with m~nllf~ctl~r ng and m~inte~nre There is thus desired an ink jet fluid d~l~ibulion system which may be .. .. ~ . .. .
CA 022~S019 1998-11-17 P/60952.WOP/VJ
c~silv and inexpcnsively constructed and which pr()~ i~cs pr(~per and dependable c()l1trol of Lhe s~atic pressure of ink delivered to each printhcad in a s~ckcd arrangemcnt.
According to the invention there is pro~ided a system for supplying liquid to a composite printing head having at least two verticaily disposed sets of orifices, comprising: a liquid compartment for each of said sets of orifices for communicating liquid thereto, each said compartment being configured to maintain the level of liquid therein at a desired fill height and to permit excess liquid to spill from said compartment over an edge thereof, said compartments being positioned relative to each other to cause liquid to spill from a compartment to the next lower compartment; and a reservoir for receiving liquid spillage from the lowest one of the compartments and supplying liquid to the uppermost one of the compartments.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, several printheads each has a set oforifices for printing or m~rking a substrate. Each printhead is supplied from one of the compartments of a multi-compartment reservoir via a separate feed line. The compartmPnt~li7ed ink reservoirs utilize a weir system which m~int~in.~ a predetermined optimum static pressure within each compartment. The feed pressure to each printhead is controlled by the relative height of the fluid column at each compartment with respect to the height of an inlet port which is immediately proximate to the set of orif1ces. The height of the fluid may be controlled by the height of the weir associated with that compartment or the fluid level in such weir.
The present invention provides significant advantages over other ink jet fluid distribution systems. Because the weir system automatically maintains a desired level of ink in the individual compartments, there is no need for individual level detectors for A~N~ED SHEET
CA 02255019 1998-ll-17 each compartment, thereby reducing parts and costs.
The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-FIG. 1 is an illustration of prior art printhe~(ls and ink distribution system as S described above;
FIG. 2 illustrates the problems associated with independent level controls for astacked printhpa~ arr~ngPmPnt FIG. 3 is an illustration of a p~Llled embodiment of the i~lvt;nlion; and FIG. 4 is an illustration of a vacuum çh~mbpr feature of the present illvt;~lion.
O RPfi~tTing to FIG. 3, the fluid system embodying the present invention CG~ ~S
a C(~ OSile printing head 12 in~ tng a plurality of ink embodying jet ptinthPar~s 12A-12D. Composite printing head 12 can be ~ n~y and ~l~lged to print an image on a target surface (not shown) which moves relative thereto. ~ ely, the printing head 12 can be movable relative to the target surface, or both the printing head 12 and S the target surface can be movable relative to each other.
Although schPm~tir~lly illustrated as four spaced apart printh~(ls 12A-12D, the composite printing head 12 preferably has three or four distinct internal printhP~s or manifolds that are integrally ~tt ~hPd to provide an even d~llibulion of ink as it is ejected out of the printh~ It will be app,kciated that any number of printh~ c can O be used to create the desired width of the area to be printed.
Preferably, each printhP~ 12A-12D has a set of ejection nozzles or orif1ces 14 which are supplied fluid by a common ch~mher or manifold 16 within each printhP~(~
12A-D. The set of orifices may number twelve as illustrated, or more or less in number, it being within the skill of one knowledgeable in the art to choose the number of orifices and the pattem of those orifices. The manifolds 16 are supplied fluid through associated inlet ports 18 and feed lines 19 attached to the printhr~ds 12A-D. Although it is desirable to have a separate printhead for each set of orifices, a single printhead could have two or more sets of orifices with associated inlet ports. Also, while the sets of S olifices are depi(~ted to comprise a single row, there may be mnltir)lP rows of orifices in a set, or other configurations, as those skilled in the art would understand.
To supply ink to the printhPa~ls 12A-12D through the feed lines 19, each p~ hP~'l 12A-12D is provided with associated colu~ ellls 20A-20D which r~
a constant fiuid level of ink therein using weirs 22A-22D. Each weir 22 inclnrlP.s an 0 opening, drain or other egress for pe~.";~ .g the flow of ink from one colupa.lluenL to the next lower COu~ llle-lt, or m the case of the lowe.luost coln~Lluc.~ 20D, back to a re~ ~oii 24. A pump 26 provides a low-volume flow of ink from lesel ~Oil 24 to the uppermost coll~p~L~uellt 20A via return line 27. A level ~et~ction device 28 is also provided to ensure an adequate ink reserve is fed to lesel ~u~ 24 from a main storage S container (not shown). To ensure that an adequate amount of ink is supplied to the COlupd~ C;I1IS~ means are provided to control the fiow of fluid in the return line 27. For e~mrl~7 a valve or other control device can be lltili7pd~ or the pump can be configured to pump ink at a desired constant flow rate through the supply line.
As will be understood, the ink level in each coru~ luellt 20 may be ~n~
0 constant and ther~le the static plessure at the inlet of each printhP.~, which is determined by the height (H) of the feed line above the ink level in its associated ~ compartment, is the same for each printhe~(l The printhead 12, and preferably the entire set of orifices for each printhead 12, are disposed above the ink level in the associated co~ men~ 20 tO provide a negative ples~ure in feed lines 19, which .. ...
CA 02255019 1998-ll-17 WO 97/44194 PC~/GB97/01405 combines with the capillary forces therein to yield the proper pressure at the inlet port 18 which is in immediate proximity to the orifices 14.
To lower gas vapor pressure and reduce dissolved air in the ink, a degassing device is provided, such as a membrane over the reservoir or a partial vacuum above the S ink in each container. Alternatively, all of the containers 20A-20B can be placed in a single vacuum chamber 30 as sho.wn in FIG. 4. As illustrated, the containers 20 are starlrP-d within the ch~mher 30 and have a single port 32 for creating a low negative ".,ssuie to reduce dissolved air in the ink. As shown, the col.l~le.~ 20 can also be st~Pd so that the flow out of adjacent containers is in opposite directions, thereby O allowing the co~ r~s to approach vertical ~lig"".~.. l to conserve space. A control means 34 is provided to ensure that an adequate amount of liquid is supplied to the conl~ s 20A-20D from the Icselvuil 24.
Also, an adj~ k~l .,.Pcl-~-;s.,. can be provided to adjust the heights of the 1~' ;"ll,r~r~c 12A-12D, and the~Çole the sets of orifices 14, relative to the level of the ink in the COl~lll-s;ll~S 20A-D. This type of n~ stmP.nt mP~ ;.c~n is known in the art and could be configured for a~lj..sl~..r.,.l of the printing head 12 as a unit. The a~jusl...r~l h~ could also be configured to indepçn~P.ntly adjust the height of the print~~~ds 12A- 12B, provided they are not integrally joined together.
Similarly, a moving ...Pçh~ ... can be provided to adjust the heights of the O CUI~Llllt;llLS 20A-20D, and thus the height of the ink in each com~ lent, relative to the heights of the printhP~s 12A-12D and their associated sets of orifices 14. If the collll~Llllents 20 are joined together as a staggered unit, the moving mPçh~nicm can be configured to adjust the height of the entire ~ccemhly. Alternatively, the moving nnech~nicm can be configured to indepPn~lPntly adjust the height of the col,~ ellLs 20. This individual adju~tmPnl can be provided by a moving mechanism such as thedevice disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/728,866, filed October 10, 1996.
It will be appreciated that more than one return line can be used to individually feed each container rather than supplying the top container 20A. Also, various other S devices can be utilized to control the drainage of ink from each container, such as valves, siphonc, or the like.
While the invention is depicted in schem~ti-~ form, it is within the skill of those in the art to enclose the wiers in individual cartridges or as part of a single e~ne~tPd container, thereby obtaining a compact ink system for an ink jet printer. It is wit~in the O scope of the present invention to monitor the flow of ink supplied by the pump and the flow to each printhead so that each weir is m~int~inPd full to assure proper static ,s~e at the mnltirlirity of printhPa~s Thus, an ink jet fluid disllibuLion system is provided which may he easily and in~xl]el.s;v~ly constructed and which provides proper and depPn~1~hle control of the static pl~s~ule of ink delivered to each printhead in a stacked arr~ne.om~nt
WlTH COMMON INK SUPPLY
This invention relates generally to ink jet printers. More syecir~ ly~ the S iuvG~ n relates to a system for providing liquid ink at proper static ples~ule to a series of drop-on-demand ink jet print orifices.
As is known, ink jet printing systems utilize printing heads in which ink droplets are emitted through one or more orifices and onto a target surface. In impulse type drop-on-demand ptlntin~ the e~n~ n of ink through the orifice is controlled by creating pleS~ pulses within an ink ch~mhe.r in the printhP~ P.f~rrin~ to prior art FIG. 1, a typical p.i~,lh~ad 2 is provided with an array of orifices 3, which are individual~y controUed to emit ink droplets 4 t'hat form the desired image on the target surface as the surface moves relative to the printing head. The orifices are fed iok from i~ldividual çh~rnhers 5 within each print~--1 which co..~ .ieate with c input ports 6. Ink is supplied via capiUary action to each input port 6 from a l~lv~
7 through ink supply lines 9.
It is ill,polla,lt that the proper static PI~S~UIG~ typically a small negalivt; static p.~ , is acl~ie~ed at each ink jet orifice to avoid orifice drooL Static ples~lllt; within the prmth.o~ iS largely a function of the static fluid pr~s;~lG at the pr~nt~ l input port, since capiUary forces within a given printhea~l offset any app~ble v~Lion in pl~ule head among the orifices in that printht~ Thus, the static ples;,.lle at the input port inflllenses the ples~urG at the ink jet orifices which are in ;.. .IPdi~te plO~y to the input port. The optimal static PIGS~U1e is dete~ d by the physical pl~pell~S of the ink, such as viscosity and surface tension, wetability aod the substrate m~teri~l used WO 97/44194 PCT/GBg7/01405 to construct the orif1ces. Ordinarily, the optimal static pressure of the ink is negative one to three inches of water. As can be seen in FIG. 1, and as is known from hydraulic theory, the static pressure at the input port is a function of the dirr~rence in height (H) between the input port and the reservoir ink level. More particularly, the static p-essule S at each orifice is a function of the diLreience in height between each orifice and the reservoir ink leveL
In commercial ink jet printing applications, it is advantageous to provide a printing appOl~lus having a large printing area to permit im~ging of a large image on a target surface without mllltirl~ passes of the surface past the printing head. This may O be accomrli~hPd by providing a number of printh~ c vertically stacked or "stitched"
tog~thP.r. Vertically stnc~Pd printhead arr~ng~ , howc;ver, present special problems assochted with the control of static p les;,~e, and their co~ Jcidl advantages have heretofore been limited by illcr~ g costs or complexity relating to ink storage and delivery. It is not feasible to supply all printhP~ in a stacked ~rr~ng~mPnt from a CO--~l - -ol - lt;sel voi~ bec7~lse Ullirollll static pl~ ul'e cannot be achieved. As seen in FIG.
1, printh.o~c disposed above the lesel voiu fluid level r~ iP~e negaliv~ static plesbure~
while those ~licposed below the lese.voil e~p~ re positive static pç~;,ure. Moreover, while it is feasible to provide each printh~ with a separate, level-controlled l~,Se. VOil as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cost of such an arrangement is prohibitive. Additionally, the :0 space limh~tions and tight spacing belweell printhP~ make it physically illll)li3CLiCd to install reservoirs and level-control devices in this confi~;ulalion.
Prior art d~llibulion systems are not readily adaptable to stacked printh~
arrangements because of the complexity and costs associated with m~nllf~ctl~r ng and m~inte~nre There is thus desired an ink jet fluid d~l~ibulion system which may be .. .. ~ . .. .
CA 022~S019 1998-11-17 P/60952.WOP/VJ
c~silv and inexpcnsively constructed and which pr()~ i~cs pr(~per and dependable c()l1trol of Lhe s~atic pressure of ink delivered to each printhcad in a s~ckcd arrangemcnt.
According to the invention there is pro~ided a system for supplying liquid to a composite printing head having at least two verticaily disposed sets of orifices, comprising: a liquid compartment for each of said sets of orifices for communicating liquid thereto, each said compartment being configured to maintain the level of liquid therein at a desired fill height and to permit excess liquid to spill from said compartment over an edge thereof, said compartments being positioned relative to each other to cause liquid to spill from a compartment to the next lower compartment; and a reservoir for receiving liquid spillage from the lowest one of the compartments and supplying liquid to the uppermost one of the compartments.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, several printheads each has a set oforifices for printing or m~rking a substrate. Each printhead is supplied from one of the compartments of a multi-compartment reservoir via a separate feed line. The compartmPnt~li7ed ink reservoirs utilize a weir system which m~int~in.~ a predetermined optimum static pressure within each compartment. The feed pressure to each printhead is controlled by the relative height of the fluid column at each compartment with respect to the height of an inlet port which is immediately proximate to the set of orif1ces. The height of the fluid may be controlled by the height of the weir associated with that compartment or the fluid level in such weir.
The present invention provides significant advantages over other ink jet fluid distribution systems. Because the weir system automatically maintains a desired level of ink in the individual compartments, there is no need for individual level detectors for A~N~ED SHEET
CA 02255019 1998-ll-17 each compartment, thereby reducing parts and costs.
The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-FIG. 1 is an illustration of prior art printhe~(ls and ink distribution system as S described above;
FIG. 2 illustrates the problems associated with independent level controls for astacked printhpa~ arr~ngPmPnt FIG. 3 is an illustration of a p~Llled embodiment of the i~lvt;nlion; and FIG. 4 is an illustration of a vacuum çh~mbpr feature of the present illvt;~lion.
O RPfi~tTing to FIG. 3, the fluid system embodying the present invention CG~ ~S
a C(~ OSile printing head 12 in~ tng a plurality of ink embodying jet ptinthPar~s 12A-12D. Composite printing head 12 can be ~ n~y and ~l~lged to print an image on a target surface (not shown) which moves relative thereto. ~ ely, the printing head 12 can be movable relative to the target surface, or both the printing head 12 and S the target surface can be movable relative to each other.
Although schPm~tir~lly illustrated as four spaced apart printh~(ls 12A-12D, the composite printing head 12 preferably has three or four distinct internal printhP~s or manifolds that are integrally ~tt ~hPd to provide an even d~llibulion of ink as it is ejected out of the printh~ It will be app,kciated that any number of printh~ c can O be used to create the desired width of the area to be printed.
Preferably, each printhP~ 12A-12D has a set of ejection nozzles or orif1ces 14 which are supplied fluid by a common ch~mher or manifold 16 within each printhP~(~
12A-D. The set of orifices may number twelve as illustrated, or more or less in number, it being within the skill of one knowledgeable in the art to choose the number of orifices and the pattem of those orifices. The manifolds 16 are supplied fluid through associated inlet ports 18 and feed lines 19 attached to the printhr~ds 12A-D. Although it is desirable to have a separate printhead for each set of orifices, a single printhead could have two or more sets of orifices with associated inlet ports. Also, while the sets of S olifices are depi(~ted to comprise a single row, there may be mnltir)lP rows of orifices in a set, or other configurations, as those skilled in the art would understand.
To supply ink to the printhPa~ls 12A-12D through the feed lines 19, each p~ hP~'l 12A-12D is provided with associated colu~ ellls 20A-20D which r~
a constant fiuid level of ink therein using weirs 22A-22D. Each weir 22 inclnrlP.s an 0 opening, drain or other egress for pe~.";~ .g the flow of ink from one colupa.lluenL to the next lower COu~ llle-lt, or m the case of the lowe.luost coln~Lluc.~ 20D, back to a re~ ~oii 24. A pump 26 provides a low-volume flow of ink from lesel ~Oil 24 to the uppermost coll~p~L~uellt 20A via return line 27. A level ~et~ction device 28 is also provided to ensure an adequate ink reserve is fed to lesel ~u~ 24 from a main storage S container (not shown). To ensure that an adequate amount of ink is supplied to the COlupd~ C;I1IS~ means are provided to control the fiow of fluid in the return line 27. For e~mrl~7 a valve or other control device can be lltili7pd~ or the pump can be configured to pump ink at a desired constant flow rate through the supply line.
As will be understood, the ink level in each coru~ luellt 20 may be ~n~
0 constant and ther~le the static plessure at the inlet of each printhP.~, which is determined by the height (H) of the feed line above the ink level in its associated ~ compartment, is the same for each printhe~(l The printhead 12, and preferably the entire set of orifices for each printhead 12, are disposed above the ink level in the associated co~ men~ 20 tO provide a negative ples~ure in feed lines 19, which .. ...
CA 02255019 1998-ll-17 WO 97/44194 PC~/GB97/01405 combines with the capillary forces therein to yield the proper pressure at the inlet port 18 which is in immediate proximity to the orifices 14.
To lower gas vapor pressure and reduce dissolved air in the ink, a degassing device is provided, such as a membrane over the reservoir or a partial vacuum above the S ink in each container. Alternatively, all of the containers 20A-20B can be placed in a single vacuum chamber 30 as sho.wn in FIG. 4. As illustrated, the containers 20 are starlrP-d within the ch~mher 30 and have a single port 32 for creating a low negative ".,ssuie to reduce dissolved air in the ink. As shown, the col.l~le.~ 20 can also be st~Pd so that the flow out of adjacent containers is in opposite directions, thereby O allowing the co~ r~s to approach vertical ~lig"".~.. l to conserve space. A control means 34 is provided to ensure that an adequate amount of liquid is supplied to the conl~ s 20A-20D from the Icselvuil 24.
Also, an adj~ k~l .,.Pcl-~-;s.,. can be provided to adjust the heights of the 1~' ;"ll,r~r~c 12A-12D, and the~Çole the sets of orifices 14, relative to the level of the ink in the COl~lll-s;ll~S 20A-D. This type of n~ stmP.nt mP~ ;.c~n is known in the art and could be configured for a~lj..sl~..r.,.l of the printing head 12 as a unit. The a~jusl...r~l h~ could also be configured to indepçn~P.ntly adjust the height of the print~~~ds 12A- 12B, provided they are not integrally joined together.
Similarly, a moving ...Pçh~ ... can be provided to adjust the heights of the O CUI~Llllt;llLS 20A-20D, and thus the height of the ink in each com~ lent, relative to the heights of the printhP~s 12A-12D and their associated sets of orifices 14. If the collll~Llllents 20 are joined together as a staggered unit, the moving mPçh~nicm can be configured to adjust the height of the entire ~ccemhly. Alternatively, the moving nnech~nicm can be configured to indepPn~lPntly adjust the height of the col,~ ellLs 20. This individual adju~tmPnl can be provided by a moving mechanism such as thedevice disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/728,866, filed October 10, 1996.
It will be appreciated that more than one return line can be used to individually feed each container rather than supplying the top container 20A. Also, various other S devices can be utilized to control the drainage of ink from each container, such as valves, siphonc, or the like.
While the invention is depicted in schem~ti-~ form, it is within the skill of those in the art to enclose the wiers in individual cartridges or as part of a single e~ne~tPd container, thereby obtaining a compact ink system for an ink jet printer. It is wit~in the O scope of the present invention to monitor the flow of ink supplied by the pump and the flow to each printhead so that each weir is m~int~inPd full to assure proper static ,s~e at the mnltirlirity of printhPa~s Thus, an ink jet fluid disllibuLion system is provided which may he easily and in~xl]el.s;v~ly constructed and which provides proper and depPn~1~hle control of the static pl~s~ule of ink delivered to each printhead in a stacked arr~ne.om~nt
Claims (14)
1. A system for supplying liquid to a composite printing head having at least two vertically disposed sets of orifices (14), comprising: a liquid compartment (20A-D) for each of said sets of orifices (14) for communicating liquid thereto, each said compartment being configured to maintain the level of liquid therein at a desired fill height and to permit excess liquid to spill from said compartment over an edge thereof, said compartments (20A-D) being positioned relative to each other to cause liquid to spill from a compartment to the next lower compartment; and a reservoir (24) for receiving liquid spillage from the lowest one of the compartments and supplying liquid to the uppermost one of the compartments.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the desired fill height of each compartment (20A-D) is at a lower elevation than an inlet port (18) to its respective set of orifices (14) to define a static height difference creating a negative pressure acting on the liquid in the inlet port (18).
3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the desired fill height of each compartment (20A-D) is lower than a lowermost orifice of its respective set of orifices (14) thereby maintaining a desired negative pressure to each orifice in the set of orifices.
4. A system as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the static height difference defined in respect of each compartment (20A-D) is substantially the same so that the negative pressure acting on the liquid in the inlet port (18) to each set of orifices (14) is approximately the same.
5. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a single supply line (27) for supplying liquid from the reservoir (24) to the uppermost compartment (20A).
6. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each compartment (20A-D) is configured with an outlet opening (22A-D) adapted to allow liquid to drain therefrom to maintain said desired fill height and to direct the liquid into the next lower compartment, or, in the case of the lowest compartment, into the reservoir (24).
7. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow of liquid out of a compartment is directed in an opposite direction to the flow of liquid out of the next lower compartment, thereby allowing a generally vertical stacking arrangement of the compartments (20A-D) and reservoir (24).
8. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising control means configured to ensure that an adequate amount of liquid is supplied to the compartments (20A - 20D) from the reservoir (24).
9. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a pump (26) for delivering the liquid from the reservoir (24) to the uppermost compartment (20A).
10. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each compartment (20A-D) is configured to hold substantially the same volume of liquid.
11. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a device for creating a partial vacuum above the liquid in each compartment to lower the gas vapour pressure in the compartment.
12. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the compartments (20A-D) to further control the elevation of liquid therein.
13. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each said set of orifices (14) is formed in a respective component printhead of the composite printing head.
14. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each said compartment (20A-D) includes a weir (22A-D) to maintain the level of liquid therein at said desired fill height and to permit said excess liquid to spill from said compartment over an edge thereof.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US1810996P | 1996-05-22 | 1996-05-22 | |
US60/018,109 | 1997-05-12 | ||
US08/854,487 US6196668B1 (en) | 1997-05-12 | 1997-05-12 | Ink jet print head modules with common ink supply |
US08/854,487 | 1997-05-12 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2255019A1 true CA2255019A1 (en) | 1997-11-27 |
Family
ID=26690746
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002255019A Abandoned CA2255019A1 (en) | 1996-05-22 | 1997-05-22 | Ink jet print head modules with common ink supply |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0902743B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE208278T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2909697A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2255019A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69708086T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997044194A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP3437491B2 (en) * | 1998-06-30 | 2003-08-18 | キヤノン株式会社 | INK INJECTION METHOD, INK INJECTION DEVICE USING THE SAME, AND INK JET RECORDING APPARATUS COMPRISING THE SAME |
DE69932395T2 (en) * | 1998-12-14 | 2007-07-19 | Eastman Kodak Co. | Fluid system for multiple printheads |
GB9924029D0 (en) * | 1999-10-11 | 1999-12-15 | Unilever Plc | An ink supply system |
US6371607B2 (en) | 2000-06-29 | 2002-04-16 | Agfa-Gevaert | Ink jet printer and an ink supply system therefore |
WO2002036347A2 (en) | 2000-10-31 | 2002-05-10 | Zipher Limited | Printing apparatus |
GB2402908B (en) * | 2003-06-16 | 2006-07-12 | Inca Digital Printers Ltd | Inkjet device and method |
US8851642B2 (en) | 2012-05-03 | 2014-10-07 | Delphax Technologies Inc. | Ink delivery system for inkjet printheads |
GB2521126A (en) | 2013-12-05 | 2015-06-17 | Tonejet Ltd | Apparatus for controlling ink pressure |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS55142668A (en) * | 1979-04-24 | 1980-11-07 | Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd | Liquid drop injection type recording machine |
US4340896A (en) * | 1980-12-22 | 1982-07-20 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Impulse ink jet ink delivery apparatus |
JPS5857969A (en) * | 1981-10-02 | 1983-04-06 | Canon Inc | Recorder |
US4413267A (en) * | 1981-12-18 | 1983-11-01 | Centronics Data Computer Corp. | Ink supply system for ink jet printing apparatus |
JPS59222361A (en) * | 1983-05-31 | 1984-12-14 | Canon Inc | Recording apparatus |
JPS6048360A (en) * | 1983-08-26 | 1985-03-16 | Canon Inc | Ink jet printer |
JPH01297259A (en) * | 1988-05-25 | 1989-11-30 | Victor Co Of Japan Ltd | Ink jet printer |
US5485187A (en) * | 1991-10-02 | 1996-01-16 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink-jet recording apparatus having improved recovery device |
-
1997
- 1997-05-22 DE DE69708086T patent/DE69708086T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1997-05-22 CA CA002255019A patent/CA2255019A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-05-22 AT AT97923236T patent/ATE208278T1/en active
- 1997-05-22 EP EP97923236A patent/EP0902743B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-05-22 AU AU29096/97A patent/AU2909697A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-05-22 WO PCT/GB1997/001405 patent/WO1997044194A1/en active IP Right Grant
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0902743B1 (en) | 2001-11-07 |
WO1997044194A1 (en) | 1997-11-27 |
AU2909697A (en) | 1997-12-09 |
ATE208278T1 (en) | 2001-11-15 |
EP0902743A1 (en) | 1999-03-24 |
DE69708086T2 (en) | 2002-06-20 |
JP3909443B2 (en) | 2007-04-25 |
JP2000510780A (en) | 2000-08-22 |
DE69708086D1 (en) | 2001-12-13 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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EEER | Examination request | ||
FZDE | Discontinued |