CN1287985C

CN1287985C - Liquid supply method, system, ink container, cartridge and replenishing container and head cartridge usable with system

Info

Publication number: CN1287985C
Application number: CN 98127126
Authority: CN
Inventors: 松本英久; 服部省三; 石永博之; 奥原宏文; 金田智之
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 1997-12-25
Filing date: 1998-12-25
Publication date: 2006-12-06
Anticipated expiration: 2018-12-25
Also published as: CN1223933A

Abstract

A liquid supply method includes a step of preparing a negative pressure producing material chamber, including a liquid supply portion for permitting supply of the liquid to an outside and an air vent for fluid communication with ambience, for accommodating a negative pressure producing member for retaining the liquid; a step of preparing a liquid containing chamber having a liquid containing portion for accommodating the liquid, the liquid containing portion forming a substantially sealed space except for fluid communication with the negative pressure producing material chamber; a first liquid supply step of permitting supply of the liquid to the outside by permitting movement of the liquid into the negative pressure producing material chamber from the liquid containing portion without introduction of the air into the liquid containing chamber with a negative pressure while permitting decrease of a volume of the liquid containing portion; a second liquid supply step, after the first liquid supply step, of permitting supply of the liquid to the outside by permitting movement of the liquid into the negative pressure producing material chamber from the liquid containing portion with introduction of the air into the liquid containing portion.

Description

Feed liquid method and system, liquid storage container, the ink-jet headstock and cartridge

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of feed liquid method and liquid-supplying system that utilizes negative pressure to extraneous feed flow.Exactly, the present invention relates to a kind of and the feed liquid method that utilizes the liquid jet recording apparatus coupling of on recording medium, printing to the record head of its feed flow.The invention still further relates to a kind of liquid-supplying system, a kind of changeable liquid storage box and a kind of can with the cartridge of such system's coupling.

Background technology

In the past, all knowing in the ink-jet recording apparatus field has a kind of feed liquid method that utilizes negative pressure to extraneous feed flow, and wherein for example print cartridge is used to allow by negative pressure to the ink gun ink supply, and print cartridge and record head (cartridge or assembly) are made one.Cartridge be divided into record head and print cartridge (storing up black portion) normally one with recording mechanism and to store up black portion be separately two types, two parts of the latter all can break away from tape deck and they are formed into one in use.

In such liquid-supplying system, the straightforward procedure that produces negative pressure is exactly to utilize the capillary force of porous material.This print cartridge is furnished with porous material such as sponge, and it is preferably in compression is got up by dress down and occupy the entire container inner space, and described print cartridge is provided with a passage and comes ink supply so that waltz through the air of air in print procedure.But this print cartridge has such problem, promptly because porous member is used to hold China ink, so that every volt voltage stores up black rate is low.The EP0580433 that transfers present assignee has proposed a kind of negative pressure that comprises and has generated the print cartridge of material accommodation box, ink storage chamber (holding ink container) and interconnecting part between the two, and wherein ink storage chamber is airtight and negative pressure generation material accommodation box communicates with the external world basically.EP0581531 has also proposed changeable print cartridge structure.

Such print cartridge is favourable, because it allows air to enter in the ink storage chamber and simultaneously China ink is entered negative pressure from ink storage chamber to generate material accommodation box (gas-liquid exchange process), thereby it is extraneous to utilize constant substantially negative pressure that China ink is supplied with in the gas/liquid exchange process.

The EP0738605 that has transferred present assignee has proposed a kind of liquid storage box that comprises the liquid storing part that a basic shell that becomes the prismatic bodily form, can be out of shape along with discharge opeing therefrom, liquid storing part has one and the same or analogous profile of enclosure shape, wherein on each prismatic side, the bight thickness of each side is less than its central portion thickness.In liquid storage box, liquid storing part is out of shape along with the discharge of liquid or shrinks (not having the gas-liquid exchange), thereby as utilizing negative pressure transportation liquid.This liquid storage box is favourable, because compare with storage China ink bladder commonly used, the print cartridge position is unrestricted.In addition, owing to directly hold China ink (not adopting porous material basically), so store up black rate height.

This print cartridge with negative pressure generation material accommodation box and ink storage chamber has a fixing spatial accommodation.Generate the material accommodation box in order from ink storage chamber, China ink to be entered negative pressure, adopted air to inject the gas-liquid exchanged form of ink storage chamber.Therefore, in the time of in China ink being outputed to negative pressure generation material accommodation box, injected the air of respective numbers, the result exists air and China ink simultaneously in ink storage chamber.Air may expand because of changes in environmental conditions (variations in temperature of whole day), and the result causes China ink to enter negative pressure from ink storage chamber and generates the material accommodation box.Therefore, consider, have in negative pressure generation material or negative pressure generation part, a cushion space is set by the black flow under expand actual maximum volume that determines and the various conditions that cause thus.In traditional gas-liquid exchange process, China ink enters from ink storage chamber that negative pressure generates the material accommodation box and air is injected with direct relation through interconnecting part.Therefore, when generating from negative pressure in a short time the material accommodation box when extraneous (jet head) discharges a large amount of China ink, China ink generates the material accommodation box from ink storage chamber input negative pressure in the gas-liquid exchange process, and this can not acutely consume the back at China ink and take place.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, main purpose of the present invention provides a kind of feed liquid method, a kind of liquid-supplying system, a kind of print cartridge and a kind of cartridge, its China and Mexico are saved in negative pressure and are generated in material accommodation box and the ink storage chamber (holding ink container), even when having considered various situation, still can reduce negative pressure and generate the required cushion space volume of material accommodation box, utilize in the process of the China ink in using ink storage chamber and stablize negative pressure ink supply and allow simultaneously acutely to expand by the air of gas-liquid exchange injection.

Another object of the present invention provide a kind of liquid-supplying system, a kind of can with the liquid storage box of this system's coupling, wherein ink storage chamber (liquid storage box) can be changed.

Another purpose of the present invention provides a kind of relevant device, as the cartridge relevant with feed liquid method and liquid-supplying system.The inventor has made a concrete analysis of an aeriferous print cartridge ink storage chamber, and described print cartridge comprises that negative pressure generates material accommodation box, ink storage chamber and connected entrance therebetween.From ink storage chamber China ink is imported negative pressure and generate the material accommodation box, this injection with air is relevant.

Though the expansion of air in ink storage chamber is inevitably, the inventor has considered the situation that allows air to expand in ink storage chamber.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a kind of feed liquid method, it comprises: form one and be used to hold the step that negative pressure that a negative pressure of holding liquid stay generates part generates the material accommodation box, this accommodation box comprises that a permission flows to extraneous supply opening and one with liquid and is used for passage with environmental communication; Form the step of a liquid storage cylinder, described liquid storage cylinder has the liquid storing part of a storaging liquid, and described liquid storing part has constituted one except generating the material accommodation box sealed space substantially that communicates with negative pressure; Generate the mode of material accommodation box with the first extraneous feed flow step of liquid supply by under the situation that does not have air injection liquid storage cylinder, utilizing negative pressure and allowing this liquid storing part volume to allow liquid flow into this negative pressure simultaneously with reducing from liquid storing part; The second feed flow step after the first feed flow step, it allows to generate the material accommodation box and supply liquid to the external world by making liquid flow into negative pressure from liquid storing part when air injects liquid storing part.

According to this method, liquid storing part is out of shape when generating part maintenance negative-pressure balancing with negative pressure.Therefore, though air in liquid storing part because of changes in environmental conditions expands, liquid storing part is still replied its shape when environmental catastrophe, thereby can alleviate the influence of environmental change.If environmental change is inviolent, then can when generating part maintenance balance, final and negative pressure alleviate the influence that air expands by negative pressure generation part and liquid storing part.Therefore, even when having considered various application conditions, still can reduce the cushion space voltage in the negative pressure generation material accommodation box.

In second kind of feed liquid method, air is injected into liquid storing part, thereby used up the liquid in the liquid storing part basically and do not stayed disabled China ink amount, when liquid storing part begins discharge opeing and the Negative Pressure Difference of discharge opeing between when finishing can be when having only liquid storing part to be used as a negative pressure to generate the material accommodation box Negative Pressure Difference.Compare with having the traditional type print cartridge that negative pressure generates material accommodation box, ink storage chamber and therebetween connected entrance, air expansion tolerance limit is bigger.Even consumed a large amount of China inks in a short time, realized successfully that also from liquid storing part liquid being imported negative pressure generates the material accommodation box, this is because liquid storing part is deformable.Therefore when black in the consumption liquid storing part, ink supply is stable.A kind of liquid-supplying system is provided according to another aspect of the present invention, and it has adopted: a fluidsupply container that comprises with the liquid storing part of fluid storage in a seal cavity; One fluidsupply container is detachable that install and can realize that the negative pressure of gas-liquid exchange generates the material accommodation box under air injects the situation of this liquid storing part relatively, wherein by an interconnecting part discharge liquid that links to each other with this liquid storing part, its improvements are that the liquid storing part of this fluidsupply container can produce negative pressure when distortion; When fluidsupply container is installed on this negative pressure generation material accommodation box, allows liquid to flow into this negative pressure and generate the material accommodation box from this liquid storing part.

According to this system, even generating the material accommodation box, negative pressure near the liquid storage box interconnecting part, do not contain liquid, also can make liquid from liquid storage box, flow into negative pressure generation part liquid storage box being installed to the capillary force that utilizes negative pressure to generate in the material accommodation box when negative pressure generates on the material accommodation box, thereby hold liquid status irrespectively with near interconnecting part negative pressure generates part, reliably by simply installing and using the liquid storage box liquid after the replacing.Therefore, can provide a kind of practical liquid-supplying system with stable feed flow performance.

Because the partially liq in the liquid storing part flows into negative pressure and generates the material accommodation box when connecting, institute so that liquid storing part deform.Therefore, can alleviate the influence of in liquid storing part, expanding and being produced because of changes in environmental conditions by air.The invention provides a kind of print cartridge, a kind of can with the cartridge of this feed liquid method and liquid-supplying system coupling.

Exactly, according to a further aspect of the invention, it provides a kind of liquid storage box, and it comprises: one have a permission with liquid supply with extraneous feed flow portion and one be used for the passage of environmental communication and be used to hold the negative pressure that a negative pressure of holding liquid stay generates material and generate the material accommodation box; One that have a receiving fluids and constitute one except generating the material accommodation box liquid storage cylinder of the liquid storing part of sealed space substantially that communicates with negative pressure; Wherein this liquid storing part produces a negative pressure simultaneously along with deforming from wherein discharging liquid.

Cartridge provided by the present invention comprises above-mentioned print cartridge, the record head by writing down to extraneous atomizing of liquids.In addition, the invention provides a kind of can with the changeable liquid storage box of liquid-supplying system coupling.

Exactly, the invention provides a kind of can be relative a negative pressure generate the detachable liquid storage box of installing of material accommodation box, described negative pressure generates the material accommodation box and is used to hold one and holds liquid stay and generate part and it with negative pressure and have one and liquid is supplied with extraneous feed flow portion and one be used for passage with environmental communication, described liquid storage box comprises: the liquid storing part of a receiving fluids, it formed one except with negative pressure generate the material accommodation box is communicated with sealed space substantially; Wherein, described liquid storing part is the blow-molded plastic that is formed by blow moulding, and described blow-molded plastic is deformable, during supplying liquid to outside the described blow-molded plastic, on the direction of the shrinkage that air is not incorporated into described blow-molded plastic, the minimizing of described liquid storing part opposing volume, and wherein, described blow-molded plastic resistance to deformation is to produce negative pressure; With, this negative pressure generates the sealing mechanism of material accommodation box sealing interconnecting part relatively.

In addition, the invention provides a kind of can be relative a negative pressure generate the detachable liquid storage box of installing of material accommodation box, described negative pressure generates the material accommodation box and is used to hold a negative pressure of holding liquid stay and generates part and it and have one and liquid is supplied with extraneous feed flow portion and one be used for passage with environmental communication, described liquid storage box comprises: the liquid storing part of a receiving fluids, it formed one except with negative pressure generate the material accommodation box is communicated with sealed space substantially; Wherein, described liquid storing part is the blow-molded plastic that is formed by blow moulding, and described blow-molded plastic is deformable, during supplying liquid to outside the described blow-molded plastic, on the direction of the shrinkage that air is not incorporated into described blow-molded plastic, the minimizing of described liquid storing part opposing volume, and wherein, described blow-molded plastic resistance to deformation is to produce negative pressure; A shell, its interior shape equal or are similar to liquid storing part profile and it to have an air and inject passage; This negative pressure generates the sealing mechanism of material accommodation box sealing interconnecting part relatively.

The present invention is applicable to the cartridge that the ink mist recording field is used.

Exactly, the invention provides a kind of cartridge, it comprises: an inkjet recording head; One is held the negative pressure that a negative pressure of holding liquid stay generates part and generates the material accommodation box, and it comprises that a permission supplies with the feed flow portion of this record head and one with liquid and be used for passage with environmental communication; One that have a storaging liquid and constitute one except generating the material accommodation box liquid storage cylinder of the liquid storing part of sealed space substantially that communicates with negative pressure; Wherein liquid storing part produces a negative pressure simultaneously along with deforming from wherein discharging liquid; It is one that record head and negative pressure generate the material accommodation box.

Another kind of method is provided according to another aspect of the present invention.Exactly, it provides a kind of feed liquid method, it comprises: form one and be used to hold one and hold the step that negative pressure that liquid stay generates part with negative pressure generates the material accommodation box, this accommodation box comprises that a permission flows to extraneous supply opening and one with liquid and is used for passage with environmental communication; Form the step of a liquid storage cylinder, described liquid storage cylinder has the liquid storing part of a receiving fluids, and described liquid storing part has constituted one and communicated and sealed space substantially except generating the material accommodation box with negative pressure; Do not inject at air and utilize negative pressure under the situation of this liquid storage cylinder and allow this liquid storing part volume to make liquid flow into the step that this negative pressure generates the material accommodation box with reducing from this liquid storing part.

According to this method, can under the situation that does not have air injection liquid storing part, use the liquid of liquid storing part.Therefore, even removed restriction to the liquid storage cylinder volume, but environmental change also allows.

In this manual, negative pressure generates that material storage container and liquid storage box normally use under the situation that they can divide each other, negative pressure generate material accommodation box and liquid storage cylinder be they be separately or inseparable situation under use.

Near the zone of the first chamber passage that is not filled with liquid is meant that the negative pressure that is not filled with China ink generates the part part and the space (buffer part) that negative pressure generates part is not housed.

Description of drawings

When reaching the preferred embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and be described, these and other purpose, feature and advantage of the present invention will become clearer.Wherein:

Fig. 1 be one can with the schematic diagram of the print cartridge of the liquid-supplying system coupling of first embodiment of the invention, wherein (a) is its perspective view, (b) is its sectional view;

Fig. 2 is their schematic diagram when an ink storage chamber and negative pressure generate the material accommodation box and link to each other;

Fig. 3 is the schematic diagram that is illustrated in the first ink supply state in the print cartridge shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 4 is the schematic diagram that is illustrated in the second ink supply state (gas-liquid swap status) in the print cartridge shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 5 is the schematic diagram of situation of change in the ink-feeding container of expression when discharge opeing behind the second ink supply state shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 6 is illustrated in the view that concerns between venting amount in the print cartridge shown in Figure 1 and the negative hydrostatic pressure;

Fig. 7 (a) is the detail view of negative pressure curve shown in Figure 6, and Fig. 7 (b) shows the black quantitative change situation of discharging and injects the situation of change of the air capacity of the black portion of storage from store up black portion when the continuous blow-down air;

Fig. 8 is the detail view in A shown in Figure 7 district;

Fig. 9 is the detail view of the print cartridge work in A shown in Figure 7 district;

Figure 10 is the detail view in B shown in Figure 7 district;

Figure 11 is the detail view of the print cartridge work in B shown in Figure 7 district;

Figure 12 shows the operation of changing in the ink storage chamber process;

Figure 13 is the stable schematic diagram that holds liquid when environmental condition changes in print cartridge shown in Figure 1;

Figure 14 is the view of the venting amount when print cartridge internal pressure shown in Figure 1 reduces, the relation of the venting amount when wherein (a) shows ink storage chamber luv space volume before the step-down and step-down (b) shows the China ink amount of discharging and store up black portion volume (step-down state) over time when atmospheric pressure drops to P atmospheric pressure (0＜P＜1) in the container ambient pressure variations from store up black portion;

Figure 15 be can with the schematic diagram of the print cartridge of the liquid-supplying system coupling of second embodiment of the invention, wherein (a) is its perspective view, (b) is its sectional view;

Figure 16 be can with the schematic diagram of the print cartridge of the liquid-supplying system coupling of third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 be can with the schematic diagram of the improvement project of the print cartridge of liquid-supplying system coupling of the present invention;

Figure 18 is the schematic diagram that black portion is stored up in step-down;

Figure 19 be can with the schematic cross-section of the improvement example of the print cartridge of liquid-supplying system coupling of the present invention;

Figure 20 be can with the schematic cross-section of the improvement example of the print cartridge of liquid-supplying system coupling of the present invention;

Figure 21 be can with the schematic diagram of the ink-jet recording apparatus example of liquid-supplying system coupling of the present invention.

The specific embodiment

Embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings to describe the present invention.In the following description, China ink be considered to one can with the liquid example of feed liquid method of the present invention and liquid-supplying system coupling, but the present invention is not limited to China ink.For example, the present invention can be used for the working solution that is coated onto the ink mist recording field on the recording materials to be painted.

[first embodiment]

Fig. 1 be one can with the schematic diagram according to the print cartridge of the liquid-supplying system coupling of first embodiment of the invention, wherein (a) is its perspective view, (b) is its sectional view.

Print cartridge 1 comprises that negative pressure generates material accommodation box 10, an ink storage chamber 50, and ink storage chamber 50 can pass through a communicating pipe 14 (gas-liquid switching path) to be separated with negative pressure generation material accommodation box 10.Negative pressure generates material accommodation box 10 and has a shell 11, and described shell has an ink supply port 12 so that China ink (or treatment fluid etc.) is imported external device (ED) such as record head 60, thereby realizes record by spout 61 atomizing of liquids modes.Described negative pressure generate that material accommodation box 10 comprises also that a negative pressure that is made of the porous material that is mounted in it or porous member such as polyurethane foam generates that part or negative pressure generate that material 13, one and negative pressure generate that part contacts in case from second chamber communicating pipe 14 (gas-liquid switching path) of injection liquid.Shell 11 comprises that an air that is positioned at communicating pipe injects groove 17 so that promote gas-liquid exchange (following with described), and described shell comprises that also one makes negative pressure extraneous and that be mounted in it generate the passage 15 that part is communicated with.Also be provided with the buffer part 16 of an one-tenth near the rib shapes of the inner surface of outer cover projection the passage 15.In this embodiment, gas-liquid switching path 14 generates part 13 with negative pressure and contacts, and its end is injected groove 17 with air and communicated, thereby has successfully realized feed flow process (following with described).

On the other hand, ink storage chamber 50 comprises an outer casing member 51 (outer wall) that constitutes cavity, the storage China ink portion that is made of its inner surface and the same or analogous wall of outer casing member inner surface portion 54 (inwalls) 53, one communicate so that liquid is entered the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner 52 of negative pressure generation material accommodation box from liquid storing part 53 with the gas-liquid switching path 14 of negative pressure generation material accommodation box.In this embodiment, unshowned seal such as O-ring seals are arranged on the connecting portion place of 14 of discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner 52 and gas-liquid switching paths, have prevented that by this seal air from injecting and the ink leak phenomenon through connecting portion.If sealing property is contained in ink storage chamber with seal and/or negative pressure generates in the material accommodation box in order to improve, then seal is gratifying.Can generate the material accommodation box with ink storage chamber and negative pressure seal is set dividually.If desired, described seal can cooperate with their connecting portion.Inwall 54 is soft, stores up black portion 53 and can be out of shape along with the discharge that is loaded on the China ink in it.Inwall 54 has a weld part 56 (pinch off portion), and inwall is supported on the outer wall with outer wall at weld part with being connected.Outer wall is furnished with the connected entrance 55 that passes air between the inner and outer wall.

In Fig. 1 and follow-up cross-sectional view, hacures portion represents that the negative pressure of holding China ink generates the part zone.Cross-hauling portion represents to be contained in the space as storing up the China ink that black portion, air injection groove and gas-liquid switching path reach.The ink storage chamber of this embodiment is made of six planes, and these six planes have constituted the structure of a basic one-tenth rectangular parallelepiped protrusion part.A cylindrical discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner 52 is opened in the ink storage chamber with the curved surface form.The maximum side of area of rectangular parallelepiped protrusion part structure directly is not shown in Fig. 1.The thickness of internal face 53 (is called as the bight) after it in constituting the zone of spine thinner than each side central area of rectangular parallelepiped protrusion part shape, described bight comprises the small curvature radius fillet, thickness begins to successively decrease to the bight from each side central area, becomes convex structure in the black portion of storage.Direction is identical with the side deformation direction, thereby has promoted distortion, and this will be described following.

Each inwall bight is made of three sides, thereby the intensity in this inwall bight is higher than central area intensity.As extension is seen from the side, because bight thickness is less than central area thickness, so allow the side to move.The part that constitutes the inwall bight preferably has substantially the same thickness.Because Fig. 1 is grass relatively, so a space is arranged between ink storage chamber outer wall 51 and its inwall 52.If but inner and outer wall is separately, then described inside and outside wall can be contact with each other or each interval.

Negative pressure generates the material accommodation box relatively, and the print cartridge ink storage chamber can be removable structure.Referring to Fig. 2, each cavity state when ink storage chamber and negative pressure generate the material accommodation box and link to each other will be described below.Fig. 2 shows each chamber for example in print cartridge negative pressure generation material accommodation box shown in Figure 1 and the situation of change in the ink storage chamber connection procedure.Subscript 1 this figure of expression is the sectional view on the direction identical with Fig. 1 (b), and subscript 2 these figure of expression are A-A sectional views of liquid storage cylinder shown in Fig. 1 (b).

Fig. 2 (a1), 2 (a2) show the state that negative pressure before connecting generates material accommodation box and ink storage chamber.The discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner 52 of liquid storage cylinder 50 is furnished with a sealing mechanism 57 (as diaphragm seal) and is contained in the China ink that stores up in the black portion to prevent to discharge, thereby the storage China ink portion of liquid storage cylinder is sealed mutually to external world.The inwall 54 of the black portion of formation storage is so to form, and promptly it distributes and close outer wall bight, inwall bight along the inner surface configuration of shell 51 (outer wall).Whole state is called as " original state ".Store up the China ink that some can be equipped with in black portion, the China ink amount is slightly less than the maximum volume of the black portion of storage.When removing sealing mechanism, prevented from more reliably to change the leakage that causes by variations in temperature and/or pressure.From the viewpoint of changes in environmental conditions, in that to generate the air content of the storage China ink portion of material accommodation box before linking to each other preferably very low with negative pressure.For reducing the air content of the black portion of storage, can use disclosed liquid discharging method among the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application HEI-10-175311.

On the other hand, in Fig. 2 (a1), the negative pressure generation part that negative pressure generates the material accommodation box maintains black liquid in its part.In Fig. 2 (a1), the black interface that negative pressure generates in the part is under such state, and promptly described interface is lower than air and injects groove, and described air injects groove and communicates with the external world by negative pressure generation part.

Now, be contained in negative pressure and generate China ink amount in the part and depend on that negative pressure when ink storage chamber is changed generates the China ink amount (following with described) in the part, therefore difference slightly.As shown in the figure, be not evenly to store China ink inevitably.Do not require that air injects groove and the gas-liquid switching path is filled with liquid, they can be shown in Fig. 2 (a1) contains gas like that.Shown in Fig. 2 (b1), 2 (b2), ink storage chamber generates the material accommodation box with negative pressure and links to each other.At this moment, China ink flowing like that shown in Fig. 2 (b1) arrow is till negative pressure generates the material accommodation box and ink storage chamber is identical.Shown in Fig. 2 (c1), 2 (c2), when having set up poised state when negative at the pressure at ink supply port 12 places.This state is called as " bringing into use state ".Below will specifically describe the mobility status of China ink before reaching poised state.Shown in Fig. 2 (b1), when gas-liquid switching path 14 that negative pressure generates the material accommodation box was loaded in the storage China ink mouthful of ink storage chamber, sealing mechanism 57 was not sealed.Seal connecting portion by above-mentioned sealing mechanism this moment, thereby Mo Buhui spills by connecting portion or air directly injects ink storage chamber by connecting portion.Therefore, except gas-liquid switching path 14, store up black portion and be in airtight basically state.Then, the China ink that stores up in the black portion 53 flows in the gas-liquid switching path 14, generates between material accommodation box and the negative pressure generation part 13 in negative pressure and has set up the creeping path.When having set up the creeping path, shown in Fig. 2 (b1), to flow to motion that negative pressure generates part be to be started by the capillary force that negative pressure generates part to China ink from storing up black portion, and negative pressure generates the interface (liquid level) of part and improves by described capillary force.Inwall 54 attempts to leave along the direction of the black portion of storage 53 volume reducing the central portion of major opposing side (side of area maximum).Here, the effect of outer wall 51 is to suppress the motion of the bight of inwall 54, therefore, stores up the bounce (Fig. 2 (a1), 2 (a2)) that consumption the China ink power that causes and the original state that rebounds are back born by black portion, thereby has not produced negative pressure according to deformation extent with having sudden change.Space between inner and outer wall is in communication with the outside by atmosphere connection port 55, thereby air is injected between inwall 54 and the outer wall 51 according to the distortion situation.

Even air is present in the gas-liquid switching path 14 of Fig. 2 (a1), the China ink that stores up in the black portion also contacts with negative pressure generation part, has formed a creeping path thus.Therefore, store up black portion and be out of shape with the discharge of inking, air is easy to flow in the black portion 53 of storage as a result.

Inject the situation that air injects groove as for China ink, the capillary force that injects groove when air is during greater than the negative pressure that has the black portion of storage to produce, and in this embodiment, China ink is transfused to air and injects groove.After China ink began to flow, China ink was transfused to negative pressure and generates in the part, and then shown in Fig. 2 (c1), mould is full of and arrives the top ends that air injects groove soon, was closed with extraneous being communicated with thereby air injects groove.Then, ink storage chamber only generates the material accommodation box by negative pressure and receives and discharge China ink and air, thereby China ink further flows, and negative hydrostatic pressure and the negative hydrostatic pressure in the gas-liquid switching path of negative pressure generation material accommodation box of result in the gas-liquid switching path of ink storage chamber produced.

In the state shown in 2 (c1), the negative pressure of the negative pressure generation materials chamber when air injection groove is broken off with extraneous being communicated with is higher than the negative pressure of ink storage chamber, China ink further flows into negative pressure from ink storage chamber and generates the material accommodation box, till their negative pressure equated, staying the China ink amount that negative pressure that negative pressure generates the material accommodation box generates in the part had increased thus.

As mentioned above, China ink flows to negative pressure to generate the material accommodation box is not generate by negative pressure under the situation that part injects ink storage chamber at air to carry out from ink storage chamber when ink storage chamber and negative pressure generate the material accommodation box and communicate.Be chosen in the negative hydrostatic pressure that is in poised state in each chamber exactly, thereby according to the person's character of the liquid jet recording apparatus that is attached thereto that those skilled in the art will know that, Mo Buhui spills the record head of hydrojet recording mechanism (not shown) as linking to each other with ink supply port.China ink amount when equaling to inject groove upper limit level ground China ink is imported negative pressure and generated material pieces near air from storing up China ink amount lower limit that black portion flows out (following will describe the gas-liquid interface that negative pressure generates part), the upper limit is measured near injecting total China ink that negative pressure generates part.Flowing to China ink amount that negative pressure generates part according to China ink amount upper and lower limit has considered to be trapped in negative pressure and has generated black quantitative changeization in the part before connection.Thus, can generate part and on the basis of the negative pressure value α of poised state, correctly select the material and the thickness of the black portion of storage according to negative pressure.Because the China ink amount that is trapped in before connection in the negative pressure generation part is unsettled, may not be supplied to China ink so the part negative pressure generates part, even reached poised state shown in Fig. 2 (c1), 2 (c2).When temperature and/or pressure variation, such negative pressure generates the material part can be used as the buffering area that it is worked with buffer part, and this will be described afterwards.

On the contrary, if ink supply port pressure when reaching poised state certainly because of black quantitative changeization for just, then aspirate answer work by suction answer instrument, this will be described afterwards, and this suction answer instrument is arranged in the main part of liquid jet recording apparatus and it is used to discharge small volume of ink.

Setting up the creeping path in attended operation in the gas-liquid switching path can realize by applying mechanical impulse force when the attended operation.For example, as shown in figure 18, as pressurizeing to storing up black portion by extruding storage black portion shell.As another substitute mode, make the black portion of storage be in the lower negative pressure state and make the black portion of storage when connecting, inject groove thus to be in communication with the outside by air, change and utilize the mode of the black portion of storage distortion to impel the air in the gas-liquid switching path to flow into the black portion of storage by pressure.When using impulse force like this, the part air in the path may immerse in the black portion of storage, and this depends on the gas-liquid switching path and/or whether air is arranged in path before connection, allows but such air flows into the motion of the black portion of storage slightly.

Referring to Fig. 3-6, described for example when the record head that links to each other with print cartridge print cartridge state during consumable liquid under original state shown in Fig. 2 (c1), 2 (c2).Situation of change when Fig. 3-Fig. 5 shows ink storage chamber and negative pressure for example and generates the liquid of material accommodation box in consuming print cartridge.In Fig. 3 (a)-(c), Fig. 4 (a)-(c) and Fig. 5 (a)-(c), subscript 1 expression and identical cross section, Fig. 1 (b) plane; The A-A cross section that is in the chamber of subscript 2 presentation graphs 1 (b).Fig. 6 represents the venting amount of print cartridge shown in Figure 1 and the relation between the ink supply port negative pressure, and wherein abscissa is represented to be sent to extraneous venting amount from ink supply port, and ordinate is the negative pressure (negative hydrostatic pressure) of ink supply port.In Fig. 6, use negative pressure variation situation shown in the arrow presentation graphs 2-5.

In this embodiment, ink supply operation can be understood that three kinds of patterns, exactly be before gas-liquid swap operation shown in Figure 3 begins, in gas-liquid swap operation (mainly) process shown in Figure 4 with gas-liquid swap operation process shown in Figure 5 after.Specifically describe each process below with reference to accompanying drawing.

(1). before the gas-liquid exchange process

In Fig. 3 (a1), 3 (a2), print cartridge is installed on the record head.Under the state of bringing into use, negative hydrostatic pressure in the gas-liquid switching path of liquid storage cylinder and the negative hydrostatic pressure in the gas-liquid switching path of negative pressure generation material accommodation box equate.Belong to as shown in Figure 1 at ink storage chamber under the situation of interchangeable type, when being used at China ink shown in Fig. 2 (a1) that (following will the specific descriptions referring to Fig. 6) changes ink storage chamber behind the state, make the black portion of storage as described above slightly to internal strain.

When beginning China ink to be defeated by record head 60 by ink supply port 12, as Fig. 3 (b1), shown in 3 (b2), store up the China ink that China ink in the black portion and negative pressure generate in the part and all be consumed, make the storage China ink portion's negative hydrostatic pressure of increase and the negative pressure of increase generate part negative hydrostatic pressure maintenance balance.This is called as " the first ink supply state ".

Under this state, the negative pressure generation part liquid level that generates in the material accommodation box in negative pressure reduces along with the ink supply of ink supply port, and the central portion that stores up black portion is stably to internal strain.

In this embodiment, in the side near major opposing side (the maximum side of area), the part that does not have pinch off portion begins to be out of shape and earlier to break away from outer wall than the part that has pinch off portion 104, so that obtain the negative-pressure balancing between black portion of storage and the negative pressure generation part.Here, in fact the effect of pinch off portion 56 is exactly the part of opposed inner walls 54 restrained deformations.Therefore, the opposed major opposing side that stores up black portion side by side is out of shape with venting basically, thereby has obtained steady-state deformation.

The first ink supply state is proceeded, till air injects the black portion of storage by such shown in Fig. 3 (c2), 3 (c1) of gas-liquid switching path.The state of the venting amount of the relative ink supply port of negative hydrostatic pressure from the state variation of Fig. 3 (a1), 3 (a2) to Fig. 3 (c2), 3 (c1) is such, and promptly it is proportional with the venting amount basically, and shown in the A of Fig. 6 like that, negative pressure raises gradually.

Above general description embodiment, below will be described specifically.

(2). in the gas-liquid exchange process

When further venting, air injects the initial state of the black portion of storage shown in Fig. 3 (c1), (c2).This is called as " gas-liquid swap status " or " the second ink supply state ".Under this state, shown in Fig. 4 (a1), (a2) and Fig. 4 (b1), (b2), the liquid level that negative pressure generates part is constant (gas-liquid interface) in air injection groove top ends basically.Along with record head consumption China ink, air enters ink storage chamber from passage 15 through air injection groove 17 and gas-liquid switching path 14 according to ink consumption, and meanwhile, China ink generates part by the negative pressure that the gas-liquid switching path is transfused to negative pressure generation material accommodation box.On the other hand, store up black portion and keep negative-pressure balancing, when gas-liquid exchanges, keep shape thereby inject air along with venting and store up black portion by its distortion.

Therefore, negative hydrostatic pressure in the gas-liquid swap status relatively the variation of ink supply port venting amount can not resemble basically shown in the B of Fig. 6 (negative hydrostatic pressure is constant substantially) appears, therefore stably to the liquid jet recording apparatus ink supply.But Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram, and negative pressure is not strict constant in the gas-liquid exchange area.In print cartridge of the present invention, ink storage chamber itself can help to produce negative pressure by the distortion of storage China ink.When during venting, producing the time difference in storage black portion discharge opeing and air between the gas-liquid switching path injects usually continuously under the gas-liquid swap status, this will further describe following.The time difference may be the reason that causes negative pressure variation, but negative pressure variation is admissible in ink-jet recording apparatus.

When having a segment length the gas-liquid switching path resembles in this embodiment, gas-liquid exchange bubble is trapped in the gas-liquid switching path.When bubbles volume acquired a certain degree, bubble moved into the black portion of storage, and this depends on the kind of China ink.This liquid is the reason that causes negative pressure variation when bubble motion, but when liquid storage box was used in the ink-jet recording apparatus, this variation allowed.This is also referred to as " gas-liquid swap status ".

When bubble was attempted to be trapped in the gas-liquid switching path, the gas-liquid switching path may temporarily be blocked by bubble, even store up black liquid level being reduced to like that above the gas-liquid switching path top ends shown in Fig. 4 (c1), (c2) in the black portion.Under this state, for example bubble breaks, and stores up black portion and temporarily becomes and communicate with the external world, stores up black portion than being out of shape to original state more consumingly under the gas-liquid swap status shown in Fig. 4 (b1), (b2).But when bubble was blocked the gas-liquid switching path, China ink flowed into negative pressure and generates in the material accommodation box from store up black portion, rather than a new bubble is sent in the gas-liquid switching path, and this seems to resemble and has carried out the gas-liquid exchange.Therefore, if the negative pressure in the print cartridge basically in the range of negative pressure of Fig. 4 other parts, gas-liquid swap status then of the present invention comprises the state of Fig. 4 (c1), (c2).

Described the gas-liquid exchange process of print cartridge hereinbefore, but under the situation of deformable ink storage chamber of the present invention, gas-liquid exchange process portion is confined to this.

In traditional non-deformable ink storage chamber, when air injected ink storage chamber, China ink was transfused to negative pressure at once and generates in the part.When the ink storage chamber deformable, mould can be transfused to negative pressure and generate in the part and do not have air and inject ink storage chamber.On the contrary, China ink may not can be transfused to negative pressure generation part at once when air injects ink storage chamber along with the consumption China ink.This depends on that ink storage chamber distortion and negative pressure generate the negative-pressure balancing between the distortion of material accommodation box.Below also described, but it should be noted, the moment of gas-liquid exchange process may be different from the gas-liquid exchange moment of conventional ink cartridge, because injecting to store up between the black portion when gas-liquid exchange at the storage venting of black portion and air has the time difference, so owing to have the buffering effect and the time difference, even under the influence of extraneous factor such as rapid consumption China ink, changes in environmental conditions, vibration, also ink supply more stably.

(3). behind the gas-liquid swap status

When further when the ink supply port venting, store up black liquid level in the black portion and become and be lower than air and inject the groove top, be communicated with the gas-liquid switching path fully thereby store up black portion becoming like that shown in Fig. 5 (a1), (a2).At this moment, storing up black portion is out of shape to original state more consumingly because of communicating with the external world to compare under the gas-liquid swap status.But even interior pressure becomes atmospheric pressure, structure is not replied fully yet, and it is in the state of a slightly deformed.In this embodiment, the gas-liquid switching path has major diameter.Therefore, negative pressure generates part and has absorbed the China ink of staying on a small quantity in the black portion of storage, and the liquid level that the result causes negative pressure to produce in the part raises, thereby negative pressure temporarily reduces.Subsequently, the gas-liquid switching path is sealed by the China ink that negative pressure generates in the material, similarly consumes China ink with above-mentioned gas-liquid exchange process.

When the liquid level in the negative pressure generation part was reduced to air injection groove top slightly, ink storage chamber pressure became atmospheric pressure at once, but this is an effect example in embodiments of the present invention.Below will be described in further detail.

When exhausting the black portion of storage black basically, such shown in Fig. 5 (c1), (c2) consumes stays negative pressure and generates China ink in the material accommodation box.Usually when print cartridge was placed on the ink container holder, the vibration the when China ink in the ink storage chamber scans because of ink container holder was generated part by negative pressure and absorbs fully.But ink storage chamber preferably is installed obliquely, and so, ink supply port is in a position that the relative gravity direction is lower.In the state of negative pressure behind the gas-liquid exchange process relatively the variation of ink supply port venting amount be such, i.e. such shown in the C district of Fig. 6, negative pressure and venting amount increase pro rata.After reaching this state, even pull down ink storage chamber, China ink also is not easy to spill through gas-liquid switching path 14 or discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner 52.Therefore, pull down ink storage chamber and such shown in Fig. 2 (a1), (a2) and form a new ink storage chamber.Even surpass state shown in Fig. 5 (c1), (c2) and cause near the negative pressure of gas-liquid switching path to generate part when not holding China ink when further consuming China ink, near the gas-liquid switching path (ink supply path) negative pressure generates part may be filled with China ink really, and this is because the cause that the black portion of storage has been out of shape with venting when above-mentioned exchange process has been set up the creeping path.

The print cartridge feed flow process of this embodiment (Fig. 1) has been described hereinbefore.

Therefore, in the example of the black process of consumption, when ink storage chamber and negative pressure generated the material accommodation box and communicate, China ink flowed always, till negative pressure generation material accommodation box pressure and ink storage chamber pressure become when the same, thereby had set up the initial application state.When beginning to carry out the consumption China ink of liquid jet recording apparatus subsequently, generate part consumption China ink through storing up black portion and negative pressure simultaneously.At this moment, the negative hydrostatic pressure between of rising is a balance.Subsequently, the gas-liquid swap status occurred under the situation of venting substantially unchangeably, and negative pressure generates the gas-liquid interface of part and remains unchanged because of air injects the black portion of storage in negative pressure.Consume the China ink of staying in the negative pressure generation material accommodation box at last.

Therefore, have one through storing up black portion consumption China ink and do not have air to inject the ink storage chamber stage simultaneously, thereby the restriction to the liquid storage box volume is only limited to air injects the black portion of storage when connecting situation in feed flow process (the first ink supply state).As a result, can cancel the restriction of ink storage chamber volume and can not influence adaptation changes in environmental conditions.

In structure of the present invention, the gas-liquid exchange process is to carry out in the moment different with the gas-liquid exchange of prior art, so except normal condition, also can ink supply under other state.

According to the present invention, can exhaust the China ink in the ink storage chamber basically.In addition, when changing print cartridge, the gas-liquid switching path can contain air, can irrespectively change ink storage chamber in the China ink amount that negative pressure generates in the part with stream.Therefore, provide for simple replacement of ink storage chamber with can need not the surplus detection agency.

As shown in Figure 6, for negative pressure and venting amount (A) are increased pro rata and it constant basically subsequently (B) and increase pro rata by negative pressure and venting amount (C), air preferably occurs and inject phenomenon, promptly before the opposed parallel side contact of the black portion of storage, state changes to B from A.This be since relatively the negative pressure variation of ink storage chamber venting amount than before the maximum contacts side surfaces of opposed area be different after contacting.

As for first embodiment, on inspection the ink supply performance of print cartridge.Its aperture is about 60/ inch negative pressure and generates part and be placed the negative pressure that its inside dimension is about 48mm * 46mm * 10mm and generate in the material accommodation box, and the gas-liquid switching path becomes its internal diameter to be about the hollow tubular of 7mm.Negative pressure generates the material accommodation box and links to each other with an ink storage chamber with shockproof polystyrene (HIPS) resin outer wall and high density polyethylene (HDPE) resin inwall, the maximum ga(u)ge that the maximum ga(u)ge of described outer wall is about 1mm and described inwall is about 150um, and described ink storage chamber volume is about 30cm ³Generate the ink supply port sucking-off China ink of material accommodation box by negative pressure.Verified, with black to similar negative pressure performance consumption shown in Figure 6.(B of Fig. 6) interior negative hydrostatic pressure is about 110mmAq. during stablizing ink supply.The negative hydrostatic pressure of venting amount changes as shown in Figure 7 relatively.Thickness by changing the black portion of storage inwall and material thereof and/or generate the capillary force that part produces by negative pressure, we have found the following fact.

Fig. 7 shows the example of the negative pressure curve of a Fig. 6, and (1) among the figure, (2), (3) are corresponding to (1), (2), (3) of said process.Fig. 8 shows the details in the A district of Fig. 7 for example.Fig. 9 shows print cartridge process in the A shown in Figure 7 district according to the order of (a)-(c).Figure 10 shows the B district of Fig. 7 for example.Figure 11 shows print cartridge process in the B shown in Figure 7 district according to the order of (a)-(c).In Fig. 9-11, subscript 1 expression is along the sectional view of the line identical with Fig. 1 (b), and subscript 2 expressions are along the sectional view of the A-A line of the liquid storage cylinder of Fig. 1 (b).In order to be beneficial to understanding, the distortion of ink storage chamber etc. are more or less by exaggerative.

(1). the zone in (1) (1)

Disclosed this zone (before the gas-liquid exchange process) by following three kinds of modes.These modes be within the scope of the present invention and they be to generate the material, thickness etc. of the capillary force of part and ink storage chamber portion and balance decision by negative pressure.

" first mode in the zone (1) of Fig. 7 "

When this mode appears at ink storage chamber rather than negative pressure usually and generates part and be in negative pressure control leading position.Exactly, when the thickness of ink storage chamber portion is big or when the inwall rigidity of ink storage chamber portion is higher, such mode will appear.

From the original state venting time, generate venting the part from negative pressure.This is because the resistance ratios ink storage chamber venting resistance of negative pressure generation part venting is little.Formerly generate the part after the venting from negative pressure, when from the ink storage chamber venting, venting from each chamber under the situation that keeps balance between each chamber, inwall is to internal strain.

" second mode of the zone of Fig. 7 (1) "

When this mode can appear at negative pressure and generates part rather than ink storage chamber and be in negative pressure control leading position, this situation with first mode was different.Exactly, when the ink storage chamber inwall hangs down than thin or inwall rigidity, this situation can appear.

In the venting process of original state, venting from ink storage chamber earlier.This is because the resistance ratios ink storage chamber venting resistance of negative pressure generation part venting is big.Subsequently, under the situation that keeps each chamber balance, produce venting part and the ink storage chamber from negative pressure.

" Third Way of the zone of Fig. 7 (1) "

When this mode can appear at negative pressure and generates part and ink storage chamber and similarly be in negative pressure control leading position.In this case, in the venting process of original state, under the situation that keeps each chamber balance, generate venting part and the ink storage chamber from negative pressure.Owing to keep balance, so following the gas-liquid swap status of describing has been begun.

(2). the zone of Fig. 7 (2)

Gas-liquid exchange process district below will be described.This zone is divided into two modes, and in order to specifically describe, amplification shows the negative pressure curve in the zone (2) of Fig. 7.

" first modes of the zone of Fig. 7 (2) "

When this mode appears at ink storage chamber rather than negative pressure usually and part is shown is in negative pressure control leading position.Exactly, when the thickness of ink storage chamber portion is big or when the inwall rigidity of ink storage chamber portion is higher, such mode will appear.

In gas-liquid exchange process zone, air generates the material accommodation box through negative pressure and enters ink storage chamber (Fig. 8 a district).This is with the balance negative pressure.Because China ink injects ink storage chamber, thus the ink storage chamber inwall shown in Fig. 9 a like that slightly to internal strain.Because the injection of air, China ink are transfused to negative pressure through ink storage chamber and generate the material accommodation box, thereby the liquid level that negative pressure generates in the material accommodation box rises slightly.(Fig. 9 a-〉b)

Because the further venting of record head, so generate venting the part from negative pressure earlier in this embodiment.Therefore, negative pressure generates liquid level such reduction the as shown in the figure in the material accommodation box.(Fig. 8 b district) (Fig. 9 b)

Behind this state, under keeping the situation of balance therebetween, generate venting part and the ink storage chamber from negative pressure simultaneously.Therefore, the liquid level that negative pressure generates in the part further reduces, and the ink storage chamber inwall is to internal strain (the regional c of Fig. 8) (Fig. 9 c).

After this state continuance carried out, air injected groove through air and injects ink storage chamber, and the zone of Fig. 7 has occurred.

" second mode in the zone (2) of Fig. 7 "

As mentioned above, air in gas-liquid exchange process zone through negative pressure generate the material accommodation box enter ink storage chamber (Figure 10 regional a).Because China ink injects ink storage chamber, so the like that slightly outwards distortion of ink storage chamber inwall shown in Figure 11 a.Because the injection of air, China ink are transfused to negative pressure from ink storage chamber and generate the material accommodation box, thereby the liquid level that negative pressure generates in the material accommodation box raises slightly.(Figure 10 a-〉b)

Because the further venting of record head, thus in this mode mainly through the ink storage chamber venting.In this case, the little and negative pressure of negative pressure variation increases progressively because of the rigidity and the thickness of ink storage chamber.Because venting is contract between the ink storage chamber inwall so (the regional b of Figure 10).In this zone, generate venting the part from negative pressure hardly, so the liquid level of negative pressure generation part is almost constant.

In regional b, when further venting, under keeping the situation of balance therebetween, generate venting (the regional c of Figure 10) part and the ink storage chamber from negative pressure simultaneously.In this zone, as mentioned above, the liquid level that negative pressure generates part has reduced, and the ink storage chamber inwall is to internal strain (the regional c of Figure 10) (Figure 11 c).After this state continuance carried out, air injected groove through air and injects ink storage chamber, thereby the state of Figure 10 a has occurred.

(3). the zone of Fig. 7 (3)

Describing the zone (3) of the Fig. 7 behind the gas-liquid exchange process zone the most afterwards, is after most of China inks in the ink storage chamber are discharged from, only to generate venting the part from negative pressure after the gas-liquid exchange finishes.This zone is divided into following dual mode.

" first modes of the zone of Fig. 7 (3) "

In this example, will describe ink storage chamber pressure and behind the gas-liquid exchange area, become atmospheric situation basically.

After the gas-liquid exchange finishes, discharge the China ink in the ink storage chamber hardly.In the state after the gas-liquid exchange finishes, generate the communication passage between material accommodation box and the ink storage chamber or in negative pressure generation part, formed a meniscus in passage, negative pressure usually.But when the liquid level of negative pressure generation part was reduced to air injection groove top ends top, meniscus broke because of reasons such as ink container holder vibrations.Therefore, ink storage chamber is communicated with the external world through passage.So ink storage chamber pressure becomes atmospheric pressure basically.So the ink storage chamber inwall that contracts in can be because of the elastic recovery of itself.But it can not be returned to original state usually fully, and this is because the material yield phenomenon in most of the cases occurred when inwall is reduced to a certain degree in because of the ink storage chamber venting.So even pressure has wherein become atmospheric pressure, ink storage chamber does not restore fully yet.

Like this, after ink storage chamber pressure became atmospheric pressure and inwall recovery, the liquid level that negative pressure generates in the part had reduced because of negative pressure generates the part venting.Therefore, negative pressure increases basically pro rata.

" second modes of the zone of Fig. 7 (3) "

In this mode, even the liquid level that negative pressure generates in the part is reduced to the release of air injection groove top ends, ink storage chamber still keeps negative pressure state.As mentioned above, ink storage chamber inside is hedged off from the outer world by the meniscus that air injects groove, circulation passage and/or negative pressure generation part.The liquid level that consumption China ink under the situation that keeps this state, negative pressure generate in the part continues to descend as may occurring.Therefore, when making the ink storage chamber inwall, generate venting the part from negative pressure to internal strain.

But meniscus may vibrate because of ink container holder, changes in environmental conditions etc. is former thereby break in the black process of consumption.If this occurs, the ink storage chamber inwall restores basically.As mentioned above, in the gas-liquid exchange process of structure of the present invention, the pressure in the gas-liquid exchange changes (amplitude γ and during) than the conventional ink cartridge system height that adopts the gas-liquid exchange.

Its reason is, shown in the zone (1) of Fig. 7 like that, the ink storage chamber inwall contracts in because of venting before the gas-liquid exchange.Therefore, the ink storage chamber inwall is always because of the elastic force biased outward.Therefore, in the gas-liquid exchange, restore the pressure reduction that generates between part and the ink storage chamber portion in order to alleviate, the air capacity of injecting ink storage chamber may be higher than predeterminated level in many cases.Therefore, the China ink amount that enters the negative pressure generation material accommodation box from ink storage chamber can be than higher.In the indeformable legacy system of its print cartridge (ink storage chamber), when air capacity was scheduled in injection, China ink was discharged into negative pressure at once and generates the material accommodation box.

For example in consecutive image formula print procedure, eject a large amount of China inks.Therewith correspondingly, from print cartridge, discharge China ink sharp.Even under these circumstances, according to the present invention, ink supply can not interrupted yet, and this is because a large amount of ventings in the gas-liquid exchange.In the present invention, venting when contracting in the ink storage chamber is compared as the vibration that causes because of ink container holder motion or changes in environmental conditions with extraneous factor, and buffering effect clearly.

Referring to Fig. 7 (b), will further describe the black process of consumption from an angle.

In the example of Fig. 7 (b), abscissa is represented the time, and ordinate is represented the venting amount of Chu Mo portion and injected the air capacity of the black portion of storage.The ink supply amount of ink gun is changeless at this.

Solid line (1) is the venting amount of the black portion of storage, and dotted line is an air capacity of injecting the black portion of storage.

Between t=0 and t=1, the gas-liquid exchange does not begin (Fig. 7 (a)) as yet.In this zone, generate part and the black portion of storage to the record head ink supply and keep between the two balance simultaneously from negative pressure.The venting mode as mentioned above.

During between t=t1 and t=t2 corresponding to the gas-liquid exchange area (B district) of Fig. 7 (a).In this zone, the gas-liquid exchange appears on the basis of negative-pressure balancing as described above.Shown in the solid line of Fig. 7 (b) like that, inject the situation of the black portion of storage from storing up black portion venting (end difference of solid line (2)) according to air.At this moment, the China ink amount that the air capacity of the black portion of storage do not occur equaling injecting is discharged from the phenomenon of the black portion of storage at once, but has discharged the China ink amount that equals the final total amount of air in the scheduled period after one section air injects.As from seeing the figure, compare with the process of its indeformable conventional ink cartridge of storage China ink portion, there is a time difference.In the gas-liquid exchange area, carry out said process repeatedly.Sometime, store up air capacity in the black portion and China ink amount wherein and be reversed.After t=t2, stroke enters zone (C district) i.e. zone exchange rear region, shown in Fig. 7 (a).In this zone, store up black portion pressure and become atmospheric pressure (still,, not reaching atmospheric pressure state as described above) basically according to ambient conditions.The thin-walled that stores up black portion is at elastic force rejuvenate beginning state next time.But under so-called " surrender effect ", it does not restore fully.Therefore, the final air capacity Vc that injects the black portion of storage is lower than initial volume (Vc＜V).In this zone, store up black depleted in the black portion.Referring to Figure 12, below will be described in the situation when changing ink storage chamber portion in each black zone of consumption.

(a). (Figure 12 is a) to change print cartridge before the gas-liquid exchange

Before the exchange of beginning gas-liquid, when the consumption China ink, generate the balance that keep-ups pressure between part and the ink storage chamber in negative pressure.The black liquid level that negative pressure generates in the part is higher than air injection groove top.When under this state, changing ink storage chamber, the ink storage chamber negative pressure in the starting stage in addition the low pressure that arrived be positive degree in some cases.Therefore, if a new ink storage chamber is installed, then from ink storage chamber China ink is imported negative pressure and generate part, the liquid level that the result causes negative pressure to generate in the material accommodation box raises, and when reaching balance between the two, liquid level stops to rise.In the case, negative pressure generates the top of part as a buffering area, thereby even liquid level raises, China ink does not spill by passage.Because ink storage chamber is installed, thus negative pressure in addition as may occurring, be reduced on the occasion of degree, but the initial answer after installing by container is operated and has been produced suitable negative pressure.Subsequently, by the venting of above-mentioned consumption China ink mode.

In liquid-supplying system of the present invention, between black portion of storage and negative pressure generation material accommodation box, formed a creeping passage if generate the capillary force of material accommodation box by negative pressure, even then negative pressure generates part and is not filled with China ink near the gas-liquid switching path of negative pressure generation material accommodation box, the China ink in the black portion of storage is flowed in the negative pressure generation part.Therefore when container is installed, no matter near the negative pressure interconnecting part generates the black what state of holding in the part, can use the China ink in the ink storage chamber reliably.

(b). in the gas-liquid exchange process, change print cartridge (Figure 12 b)

In the gas-liquid exchange process, the liquid level that negative pressure generates part is stabilized in air injection groove top ends place usually and makes the ink storage chamber inner wall deformation.

When removing ink storage chamber and replace with new ink storage chamber under this state, China ink is transfused to negative pressure and generates in the part from ink storage chamber, and the liquid level that the result causes negative pressure to generate in the part rises.Exactly, liquid level is elevated to air injection groove top.Therefore, the ink storage chamber inwall is to internal strain and make container be in the lower negative pressure state.

When venting behind liquid level stabilizing, according to the venting of consumption black mode ((1)-1～(1)-3).When reaching predetermined negative pressure, the gas-liquid exchange appears.

(c). the replacing ink cartridge (Figure 12 c) after the gas-liquid exchange

After gas-liquid exchange end, the liquid level of negative pressure generation part is lower than air and injects the groove top, and ink storage chamber pressure is in substantially at inwall and is atmospheric pressure under the original state, is negative under the situation that its pressure keeps being out of shape at inwall perhaps.When changing ink storage chamber under this state, the China ink in the ink storage chamber is transfused to negative pressure and generates in the part, and therefore the liquid level that negative pressure generates part raises.Usually it can surpass air injection groove top, but has reached balance when liquid level is lower than the top.Because venting, the ink storage chamber inwall becomes negative value basically to internal strain and its pressure.

When liquid level was elevated to air injection groove top, stroke entered gas-liquid exchange process zone after above-mentioned consumption China ink process.When the situation that is lower than air injection groove top at liquid level was issued to balance, the gas-liquid exchange process will begin in a minute.

As mentioned above, even when changing ink storage chamber in any consumption China ink process (a)-(c), also can provide stable negative pressure, thereby the ink supply process is feasible reliably.

According to print cartridge of the present invention, can regulate little Negative Pressure Difference by storing up black portion, in addition, contain air resembling in the second ink supply state even store up black portion, it also can differently be adapted to environmental change with conventional method.Referring to Figure 13,14, below will the principle of the stable liquid storage when environmental condition changes with the print cartridge of Fig. 1 relevantly be described.Figure 13 shows and is positioned at negative pressure that air injects the groove top and generates part as the pooling feature of the function of buffering absorbing material and Chu Mo portion and show print cartridge and raise because of environment temperature or atmospheric pressure reduces the variation that begins from state shown in Fig. 4 (a1), (a2) (gas-liquid swap status) when expanding at the air of ink storage chamber.In this figure, subscript 1 expression is along the sectional view on the plane similar to Fig. 1 (b), and subscript 2 expressions are along the sectional view of the A-A line of liquid storage cylinder shown in Fig. 1 (b).When atmospheric pressure descended (or environment temperature rising), the air in the ink storage chamber expanded.Shown in Figure 13 (b1), (13b2), the wall (1) and the liquid level (2) that constitute the black portion of storage are squeezed, and increase thereby store up black portion volume, and the part China ink enters negative pressure through the gas-liquid switching path and generates the material accommodation box from store up black portion.Because storage black portion volume increases, generate China ink amount (this causes negative pressure to generate such raise of liquid level shown in Figure 13 (c1) (3) of part) in the part and be significantly less than China ink amount when to store up black portion be non-deformable so flow into negative pressure.When pressure sharply changed, the China ink amount that flows out by the gas-liquid switching path has alleviated stored up the negative pressure in the black portion and has increased the black portion of storage volume.So in the starting stage that changes, be in leading position by alleviating contract in the black portion of storage wall resistance that produces and the resistance that enters negative pressure generation part.

Inject the answer resistance of flow resistance, thereby when air expands, store up such increase of black portion volume shown in Figure 13 (a1), (a2) greater than the black portion of storage.The degree increases because of air expands when volume is higher than volume and increases and go up in limited time, China ink as Figure 13 (b1), (b2) shown in like that from store up black portion through gas-liquid switching path inflow negative pressure generation material accommodation box.So the wall that stores up black portion is with the buffer part of doing changes in environmental conditions, thereby China ink generates in the part in negative pressure and slowly flows, and therefore the negative pressure performance at the ink supply port place is stable.

In this embodiment, the China ink that enters in the negative pressure generation material accommodation box is stayed in the negative pressure generation part.In this case, shown in Figure 13 (c1), (c2) like that, the China ink amount that negative pressure generates in the material accommodation box increases, the result causes gas-liquid interface to raise.Therefore, and use original state similarly, China ink press with stationary phase between in pressure compare and temporarily become slightly to just, still the influence to the jet performance of liquid jet recording apparatus such as record head is actually enough little.During the level before atmospheric pressure is returned to step-down (1 standard atmospheric pressure) or when temperature retrieval when the initial temperature, from store up black portion, discharges and holds because of environmental change and stay negative pressure and generate China ink in the part and return and store up in the black portion, the volume that stores up black portion has also recovered.

Referring to Figure 14 (a) and (b), the pressure that below will describe when the variable pressure situation after initial procedure is issued to stable state shown in Figure 13 (d1), (d2) changes the back process.

The characteristics of this situation are to stay the variation that negative pressure generates the black interface in the part, so that the variation of the China ink amount of discharging from store up black portion and keep balance because of storing up the negative pressure variation that the volume-variation of black portion own causes relatively.Generate the blotting amount of part and the relation of ink storage chamber of the present invention China ink amount as for negative pressure, from preventing that China ink from spilling through the gas-liquid switching path when step-down and the variations in temperature, maximum blotting amount that negative pressure generates part is to consider that the situation of holding the China ink amount that ink storage chamber venting amount under the worst case and the negative pressure in ink storage chamber ink supply process generate the material accommodation box makes decision, and the negative pressure of decision generates the part volume and is installed in negative pressure and generates in the material accommodation box thus.

Figure 14 (a) shows representative as the abscissa of the ink storage chamber initial space volume (volume of air) of the black portion of storage when not being out of shape * and the ordinate y of the venting amount (dotted line) of representative when pressure is reduced to P atmospheric pressure (0＜P＜1).

As from seeing the curve, that's about the size of it represents venting amount δ V, and the pressure when wherein P is step-down (0＜P＜1), a are the initial air amount ratios (0≤a≤1) in the ink storage chamber, and VB is the black portion of a storage volume.

(1) when 0≤a＜P

When surplus is low, the ink storage chamber air capacity height that expands because of step-down, thus discharge a large amount of China inks.Therefore, venting amount δ V and initial air amount are proportional:

δV＝((1-P)/P)×a?×VB………(1)

(2) when P≤a≤1

The venting amount can not be higher than the China ink amount in the ink storage chamber, and this depends on initial ink reservoir volume:

δV＝(1-a)×VB………(2)

Therefore, the prediction of ink storage chamber venting amount under the worst case is such, and when atmospheric maximum reducing condition was 0.7 atmospheric pressure, the highest venting of ink storage chamber measured present ink storage chamber China ink amount VB when staying in the ink storage chamber.If the black liquid that is lower than ink storage chamber wall bottom has been absorbed by the compressed absorbent material that negative pressure generates in the material accommodation box, then stay total China ink amount m in the bottom (Vb 30%) and be considered to spill.But in the present invention, storing up black portion expands according to air and is out of shape, thereby the storage China ink portion volume of the storage China ink portion volume after expanding before greater than distortion, negative pressure generate and have held black level change so that be out of shape the negative pressure variation maintenance balance that causes because of storing up black portion relatively in the material accommodation box.Under stable state, keep generating the negative-pressure balancing (the ink supply port negative pressure in negative pressure generation material accommodation box is Q) of part by the China ink that stores up the discharge of black portion with the negative pressure of wherein negative pressure reduction.When step-down is that the black portion of storage volume before P (0＜P＜1), a are that initial air amount ratio (0≤a≤1), VB are expansions shown in Figure 13 (a1), (a2) in the ink storage chamber shown in Figure 13 (a1), (a2), V are that storage China ink portion's volume of original state (or inboard wall outer surface is close to outer wall inner surface state) and VQ are the storage China ink portion volume (r-=V/VB (r＞1) in the stable state, r '=VQ/VB (1＜r '≤r)) time, venting amount δ V approximates:

(1) when 0≤a＜P * r '

In this case, storing up black portion expands and venting.Since the black venting amount δ V of portion of storage be in the storage China ink portion under the poised state air variable quantity with store up the poor of black portion swell increment, so

δV＝((1-P)/P)×a×VB-(r’-1)×VB……(3)

Therefore, the swell increment of a black portion of storage that venting amount is little.Store up black portion swell increment (r '-1) * VB and generated the negative pressure that part produces by negative pressure relevant, the negative pressure that negative pressure generates part is with to store up black portion venting amount relevant.Below this relation will be described for example.To consider that pressure changes the storage China ink portion venting amount under preceding and the stable state.In Figure 13 (d1), (d2), suppose that it is the capillary force production part with even capillary force producing component (not having local inhomogeneities) that negative pressure generates part, wherein each capillary force producing component becomes to have the tubular of bottom surface area S, and the state before the changes in environmental conditions shown in Figure 13 (a1), (a2) of the liquid level under stable state shown in Figure 13 (d1), (d2) the δ h that raise.

δV＝S×δh………(4)

At this moment, negative pressure and the pressure that produces at negative pressure generation part ink supply port place has changed δ Q before the normal pressure direction changes.

δQ＝δh………(5)

On the other hand, the storage China ink portion Negative Pressure Difference that pressure changes between preceding and the stable state equals δ Q, and this is to keep negative-pressure balancing because generate part with negative pressure.Relation between Negative Pressure Difference and the volume change is by the black portion of storage structures shape, but they are proportional before the maximum side of opposed area sticks together usually.Proportionality coefficient is k (k＞0).

δQ＝k×(VQ-VB)

＝k×(r’-1)×VB……(6)

According to formula (4)-(6)

δV＝S×k×(r’-1)×VB………(7)

According to formula (3)-(7)

δV＝((S×k)/(1+S×k))×((1-P)/P)×a×VB

＝(1/(1+b))×((1-P)/P)×a×VB……(8)

When the opposite side of the area maximum of the black portion of storage sticks together before pressure changes, store up black portion volume and the negative pressure that generated between relation whether recline according to them and different.Therefore, ink storage chamber initial space volume before the step-down and the root that concerns between the venting amount are represented the right and wrong linearity as formula, but it has a flex point.The cross section that generates part when negative pressure will be considered each factor according to the height situation and not simultaneously or when the density unevenness of capillary force producing component is spared.In formula (3), when V＜0, V=0.In other words, Mo Buhui flows by gas-liquid switching path (interconnecting part) under this state, the black portion of storage cubical expansion phenomenon only occurred.

(4) when P * r '≤a≤1

The venting amount can not be greater than the China ink amount in the ink storage chamber, and this depends on initial ink reservoir volume:

δV＝(1-a)×VB………(9)

Figure 14 (a) shows abscissa x that represents the preceding ink storage chamber initial space volume (volume of air) of step-down and the ordinate y (solid line (2)) that represents the venting amount when air pressure drops to P atmospheric pressure (0＜P＜1).Under these conditions, shown in the solid line of Figure 14 (a), the venting measurer has a slope with 1/ (1+b) (0＜b=1/ (S * k)) slight inclination.

As from seeing the dotted line (1) of Figure 14 (a) and the solid line (2),, can make the ink storage chamber venting amount predicted value under the worst case smaller when the black portion of storage during not in response to the air dilatancy.This phenomenon is applicable to when the print cartridge variations in temperature.Therefore, about 50 degree even temperature raises, the venting amount is also less in the step-down process.

As mentioned above, according to print cartridge of the present invention, not only can generate the material accommodation box but also can regulate air expansion because of changes in environmental conditions in ink storage chamber up to the ink storage chamber that the black portion of storage periphery is substantially equal to the cushioning effect that week produces in the shell by negative pressure by having by increase the volume of ink storage chamber own always.So the storage China ink ability of ink storage chamber can obviously improve when allowing changes in environmental conditions.

Figure 14 (b) has schematically illustrated when print cartridge environment storage China ink portion's volume and Chu Mo portion venting amount of (step-down state) when standard atmospheric pressure (t=0) changes to P atmospheric pressure (0＜P＜1), so wherein the volume of air in the stage is VA1.In Figure 14 (b), abscissa is represented the time (t), and ordinate is storage black portion volume and a Chu Mo portion venting amount, and wherein storage China ink portion venting quantitative change situation is in time represented by solid line (1), and store up black portion volume over time situation represent by solid line (2).In Figure 14 (b), in Figure 13 (a)-(d), illustrated respectively corresponding to the print cartridge state of t=ta, t=tb, t=tc, t=td.

Show that as Figure 14 (b) when environmental catastrophe, finally reaching before negative pressure generates the stable state that keeps negative-pressure balancing between material accommodation box and ink storage chamber, ink storage chamber can be regulated air and expand.Therefore, the venting moment (generating the material accommodation box to negative pressure from ink storage chamber) can be answered the environmental condition sudden change and be postponed.

Therefore, according to ink feeding system of the present invention, even under various application conditions, all improved the adaptability that the air that injects by the air pressure exchange is expanded, ink supply negative regulation ground when utilizing ink storage chamber is realized.According to ink feeding system of the present invention, can store up black portion material and negative pressure generation part material and more freely determine negative pressure to generate the volume ratio of material accommodation box and ink storage chamber by correct selection, even practicably described ratio is chosen to be 1: 2 at least.When the buffering effect of ink storage chamber when being important, store up black portion and in regime of elastic deformation, increase from the deflection of initial user mode the air pressure swap status.

In order to obtain effectively to store up black portion buffer part effect, be preferably in the black portion of storage distortion hour, promptly after connection but before the air pressure swap status, act on when storing up in the black portion function when air capacity in the black portion of storage, store up the little air in the black portion.

First embodiment has been described hereinbefore.Below another embodiment will be described.In following embodiment and the foregoing description, various parts can make up.

[second embodiment]

Figure 15 is according to the schematic diagram of the print cartridge of second embodiment, and liquid-supplying system of the present invention can be owing to this print cartridge, and wherein (a) is perspective view, (b) is sectional view.In this embodiment, communicating pipe 114 (air pressure switching path) stretches out vertically upward from the side that generates material accommodation box 110 opposites in negative pressure.Generate communicating pipe replacing generating part with negative pressure on the side and being provided with a topping up portion 118 contiguously of material accommodation box in negative pressure, the shell that negative pressure generates material accommodation box 110 is provided with the guide 111A of a guiding ink storage chamber 150.The horizontal side of ink storage chamber 150 is provided with lug boss 150B separately.Thereby guide 111A is furnished with recess 111B.In others, the print cartridge structural similarity of the structure of this embodiment and first embodiment.Negative pressure generates material accommodation box 110 and holds negative pressure generate part 113 and it and be furnished with an ink supply port 112, passage 115, a buffer part 116 and an air and inject groove 117 in shell 111.Ink storage chamber 150 has one by the storage China ink portion 153 of its outer surface corresponding to the inwall formation of shape in the shell (outer wall) 151.It has passage 155, pinch off portion 156 and a discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner 152 of being sealed as film by sealing mechanism 157.Discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner 152 is furnished with an O shape circle as seal, and when negative pressure generation material accommodation box linked to each other with ink storage chamber, interconnecting part was sealed by described seal.

Owing to be provided with from one with negative pressure and generate the communicating pipe that stretch out opposed side, material accommodation box bottom surface, thus can be simply on a direction that generates the material accommodation box perpendicular to negative pressure relatively negative pressure generate the material accommodation box and load and unload ink storage chamber.At this moment, the location of ink storage chamber discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner and negative pressure generation material accommodation box between communicating pipe can be realized by a guide 111A simply.Therefore, when opening encapsulation mechanism 157, communicating pipe is not subjected to additional force, therefore allows reliable the connection.Print cartridge is to realize that with the cooperation that is arranged on the recess 111B among the guide 111A sealing of interconnecting part guarantees by O-ring seals by the lug boss 150B that is arranged in the ink storage chamber.When removing ink storage chamber, used an otch 111C who is arranged in the guide.

In this embodiment, topping up portion has been blocked because of using L shaped communicating pipe.As for topping up portion, its volume is preferably as far as possible little, and this is because can reduce the air capacity that flows in the ink storage chamber thus when connecting.Use large-scale topping up portion if desired, be equipped with a liquid detection agency (be provided with in the topping up portion as two electrodes, measure this two interelectrode resistance differences) then can for topping up portion.

[the 3rd embodiment]

Figure 16 (a) is the schematic diagram of the print cartridge of third embodiment of the invention, this print cartridge can with liquid-supplying system coupling of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a monolithic devices cartridge 300 is to generate material accommodation box 410,510,610 by the hydrojet portion 301 that can spray different liquids (being the China ink of yellow (Y), magenta (M) and cyan (C) in this embodiment) and the negative pressure of carrying liquid, wherein can distinguish the relative record headstock 300 ink storage chamber 450,550,650 removably is installed.

In this embodiment, in order to guarantee that ink storage chamber and relevant negative pressure generate the material accommodation box and link to each other, cartridge 300 is furnished with the seat portion 302 of a cover part storage print cartridge outer surface.Ink storage chamber is furnished with the tightening latch 459,559,659 of band claw.Guide is provided with

mating holes

303a, 303b, the 303c corresponding to claw.Therefore, kept connection status reliably.Each liquid storage box 450,550,650 has essentially identical structure, by the same numeral (not shown) being set to prevent the mistake dress, has guaranteed correct installation.The structure of record headstock can be according to the different colours that prevents mistake dress and difference.In this case, make the volume difference with can considering the color frequency of utilization.As the improvement project of this embodiment, shown in Figure 16 (b) like that, hydrojet is partly turned up the soil and is made negative pressure generation material accommodation box 410,510,610 relatively.In this case, may in ink storage chamber, only provide a black (Bk).Because monolithic devices structure in this embodiment, so can prevent container mistake dress.

Improve in the example at this embodiment and its, except the three primary colors China ink, can hold other liquid.The combination of liquid storage box and number (as, having only black (Bk) container is single container, and the three primary colors container has constituted a whole container) and also can be different.

Below other embodiment will be described.Following examples can be used for above-mentioned each embodiment.

[ink storage chamber structure]

Also will be described in the ink storage chamber structure in the various embodiments described above.

When negative pressure relatively generates part and removably ink storage chamber is installed, generate material in ink storage chamber and negative pressure and lay interconnecting part place between the chamber and be provided with a sealing mechanism and before connection, from store up black portion, spill and prevent that to prevent China ink liquid and/or air from spilling by interconnecting part when connecting.In this embodiment, seal film forming shape, but it also can globulate.Perhaps, can provide the air pressure switching path by a hollow needle, and sealing mechanism is a rubber stopper.

The ink storage chamber of the various embodiments described above is made by direct blow moulding.The shell that can be separated from each other (outer wall) is to become prismatic molding to form substantially by cylindrical base evenly being blown into one with the black portion of storage (inwall).Replace in the structure at one, can in flexible housings, be provided with metal spring etc., thereby produce negative pressure according to the venting situation.

But, can form its outer surface structure storage China ink portion similar or identical simply by adopting blow molding method with the inner surface of outer cover shape, in addition, the vacuum magnitude that is generated can be selected by the thickness and the material that change the inwall that constitutes the black portion of storage simply.Owing to the thermoplastic resin material is used as outer wall, so can reclaim ink storage chamber.Owing to adopt blow molding method, can make print cartridge shown in Figure 17 simply according to the monolithic devices container of in the 3rd embodiment, having described.Figure 17 is the perspective view that the print cartridge of many ink storage chambers is arranged, and wherein (b) is the sectional view along the A-A line of Figure 17 (a).Print cartridge 750 has a plurality of storage China ink 753a of portion, 753b, 753c that hold black usefulness, can link to each other by ink supply port 752a, 752b, the 752c of sealing mechanism 757a, 757b, 757c sealing.In print cartridge shown in Figure 17 750, it is different storing up black portion size.Because difference is arranged, can differently design the black ability of storage according to the liquid frequency of utilization.The structure of outer wall and inwall below will be described.

In the various embodiments described above, ink storage chamber forms by blow moulding, and therefore, the thickness in bight, side is less than the thickness of side central portion.Similarly, the outer wall thickness in bight, side is less than the thickness of side central portion.

As a result, inwall has obtained the profile identical with shape in the outer wall.Inboard wall outer surface distributes along outer wall thickness and extends, and therefore, it is protruding in the storage China ink portion that is made of inwall.The inwall inner surface has above-mentioned thickness distribution, and therefore, it is further protruding in the black portion of storage.These structures have caused above-mentioned effect in the area maximum region, therefore, convex is desirable at place, the maximum side of area at least, and the internal face convexity can be no more than 2mm.The inboard wall outer surface convexity can be no more than 1mm.In the small size side, convex can be in the certain measuring errors scope.So convex has determined the side advantageous version.

Below outer wall construction will be described.Above-mentioned outer wall has the function of restriction inwall in the bight distortion.For this reason, it can be resisted inner wall deformation ground and keeps its shape and it to cover the outside, bight going up (bight encirclement part).Can the plastic resin material, metal or ground paper cover inwall or outer wall.Outer wall can cover whole surface or the bight has a surface texture that is connected with each other by the metallic rod or the structure of knotting.

When under removable ink storage chamber situation, changing ink storage chamber, if interrupting black flowing because of certain reason near the air pressure switching path of negative pressure generation part and between near the ink supply port, then can force the China ink in the ink storage chamber to flow into negative pressure generation material accommodation box by the mode of temporarily pushing the outer wall of elastically deformable with hand, as shown in figure 18, ink supply continuously thus.The extruding answering method can be realized rather than implement with hand automatically.Pressurizing unit can be arranged in the tape deck.When the part inwall exposes, can push inwall and expose portion.

In this embodiment, store up black portion and become prismatic, but shape is not limit.All produce negative pressure if whether it can be out of shape with venting distortion and it, then it can be an Any shape.

Even repeat to store up the distortion and the answer of black portion, preferably also can keep storing up the man-to-man relation between the negative pressure at distortion of black portion and discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner place.This can be by making the black portion of storage realize in the enterolithic mode of regime of elastic deformation.

In this embodiment, even the pressure at discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner place becomes zero behind the air pressure exchange process, still make the black portion of storage slightly deformed.So, be stiff even store up the crushed element of black portion, as long as other parts are strains.

When the negative pressure variation rate that causes because of venting is suddenlyd change (for example, being caused by the variant part that abuts against each other),, preferably finish the above-mentioned first ink supply state and the above-mentioned second ink supply state of beginning before sudden change even still flexible after variation.If inner and outer wall can divide, then the liquid storage box material therefor can be any material, and inwall and/or outer wall can be the sandwich constructions of different materials.When only ink storage chamber being used as a reservoir vessel, the elasticity higher material can be used to inwall.Therefore, the situation when having only ink storage chamber to be used as negative pressure to generate the material accommodation box is compared, and can use thicker inwall or high rigid material so that refill ink storage chamber so that the venting record, so the material range of choice strengthens.The increase of inner wall thickness is effective to reducing the ink storage chamber gas permeability.The reduction of gas permeability is favourable, because can or preserve and prevented the ink leak of expansion and/or ink storage chamber when not using ink storage chamber in transportation.Considered the influence to dress China ink within it, preferred inner-wall material for example is polyvinyl resin material, polyacrylic resin material etc.In the above-described embodiments, inner and outer wall has single layer structure, but inwall and/or outer wall can be sandwich constructions.Especially in the present invention, situation when having only ink storage chamber to be used as negative pressure to generate the material accommodation box is compared, can adopt thicker inwall or high rigid material to carry out ink mist recording so that refill ink storage chamber, enlarge the material range of choice thus, the combination and the number of inner-wall material are more.

[negative pressure generates material accommodation box structure]

The negative pressure that also will be described among each embodiment generates material accommodation box structure.

Being contained in negative pressure generates negative pressure in the material accommodation box to generate part can be porous member or as polyurethane foamed material, ribbon-like fibre material, thermoplastic fibres material etc.Air pressure switching path (interconnecting part) has been described as tubular, if but the air pressure exchange is not interrupted in the air pressure swap status, and then it can be an Any shape.

In each embodiment, air injects Slot shaping on inner surface of outer cover, but it can be invisible as shown in Figure 19.Figure 19 is the sectional view of the container of first embodiment of the invention, can be removed in other embodiments but air injects groove.In this embodiment, liquid level is maintained in the air pressure exchange process on the lower position usually.In this case, when in the also a large amount of venting of above-mentioned continous way print procedure, the height of tendentiousness wall when being provided with air injection groove that interrupts appears.But when ink storage chamber when being deformable, the venting amount height in the air pressure exchange, thereby it is lower the tendentiousness of interrupting to occur.Inject groove with the exchange of promotion air pressure owing to be provided with air, thus the air pressure interface can be formed simply, thus further stablized ink supply.In other words, stablized as the feed flow process of record head to extraneous.In all cases, as under the first feed flow state and under the second feed flow state, make negative pressure generate part by consideration and further stablize gas-liquid interface with the mode that the black portion of storage links to each other.

In above-mentioned each example, the space (buffer part) that negative pressure generation part is not housed is arranged near the top, replaces this space but can be used in the negative pressure generation part that does not contain liquid under the normal condition.Generate part by the negative pressure that does not contain liquid is set in cushion space, the China ink that flows to negative pressure generation material accommodation box because of changes in environmental conditions has been detained.

[print cartridge]

In the various embodiments described above, ink storage chamber is described as negative pressure relatively and generates the structure that the material accommodation box is removably installed, but as shown in figure 20, and these two chambeies are one always.Be molded as by different injection mouldings (as, form negative pressure with injection moulding and generate the material accommodation box, form ink storage chamber with blow moulding) behind the described chamber again under the situation with their welding or bonding (being integral), the most handy seal such as O shape are enclosed 58 and are sealed interconnecting part similar to the aforementioned embodimently, thereby have prevented that the interconnecting part that China ink links to each other from these two chambeies from spilling.

The feed flow process of the print cartridge shown in Figure 20 under initial user mode was in the above-mentioned stage of bringing into use after state finishes.Can in other feed flow process stage, utilize the advantageous effects of the foregoing description.

[feed flow process and ink feeding system]

Also feed flow process and ink feeding system will be described.As for the print cartridge in the various embodiments described above (ink feeding system) ink supply process, stroke generates the disjunct original state of material accommodation box from ink storage chamber and negative pressure, then is to bring into use state, the first ink supply state and the second ink supply state.They are examples of the feed flow process of liquid-supplying system of the present invention, for example generate the structure of material accommodation box and/or discharge opeing condition and following process may occur according to ink storage chamber and negative pressure.

Improve in the example first, in not having the ink feeding system that the air pressure swap status is the second ink supply state, exist one not have air to inject the black portion of storage ground from storing up the process of black portion venting, therefore, as for restriction, only consider when connecting, to inject the air of the black portion of storage to the liquid storage box volume.So, even releasing also can be regulated changes in environmental conditions to the restriction of ink storage chamber volume.This is favourable.But, when having considered to store up the service efficiency of black portion, under the situation after the air pressure swap status appears at the first ink supply state, can resemble in the various embodiments described above use China ink in the black portion of storage more like a cork.

Improve example as for second, the negative pressure before connecting generates material accommodation box liquid level and is higher than gas-liquid interface as appearing at shown in Fig. 2 (a1), (a2) like that in the state.In this case, when the flow direction of the China ink shown in Fig. 2 (b1), (b2) was brought into use state, China ink generated in the material accommodation box because of the unidirectional inflow negative pressure of capillary force.

Improve in the example the 3rd, consume black speed as high under state shown in Fig. 3 (b1), (b2).In this case, their negative pressure is balance always not, at first consumes negative pressure and generates China ink in the material accommodation box, and till the Negative Pressure Difference that reaches them, when Negative Pressure Difference becomes when being higher than predeterminated level, China ink flows into negative pressure and generates the material accommodation box from ink storage chamber.Such improvement example is in the spirit and details of ink supply process of the present invention.

[liquid jet recording apparatus]

Below will describe ink-jet recording apparatus, its utilizes according to an embodiment of the invention print cartridge as shown in Figure 1 to carry out ink mist recording.Figure 21 is according to an embodiment of the invention and the schematic diagram of the ink-jet recording apparatus of print cartridge is housed.In Figure 21, record head mechanism (not shown) and print cartridge 100 are removably mounted on the main body of ink-jet recording apparatus by the detent mechanism of cartridge 4520 and connecting plate 5300 (not shown) that can rotate around the axis.The rotating of drive motors 5130 is transmitted

gear

5110,5090 by driving force and is delivered to leading screw 5040 so that leading screw is rotated.Cartridge 4520 has a pin (not shown) that cooperates with the thread groove 5050 of leading screw 5040.In such structure, make the vertical reciprocating motion of cartridge 4520 along device.

Lid that covers each record head leading flank of record head mechanism of 5020 expressions, a unshowned aspirating mechanism utilizes this lid and by the hole in the lid record head is aspirated recovery.By by the driving force removable cover 5020 of gear 5080 transmission such as grade so that cover the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner of each record head.Be adjacent to be provided with one with lid 5020 and be beneficial to the doctor blade of supporting with moving both vertically.Shown in doctor blade is not limited to this, but can adopt any known doctor blade.

When cartridge 4520 was shifted to home position under each state, lid, cleaning and suction were restored by leading screw 5050 and are started.Can adopt any other device for this reason.When print cartridge of the present invention is contained on the reciprocating motion cartridge, its advantage is described below.

The ink storage chamber of print cartridge of the present invention is deformable, and therefore, the China ink that is caused by cartridge scanning flows and can regulate by the distortion of storing up black portion.Change in order to prevent the scanning of the negative pressure relative record headstock, storing up the part in black portion bight does not preferably separate with inner surface of outer cover, even perhaps they separate, the part in this bight is also close with this inner surface.Under the situation of the black portion of storage as the opposite side that has the area maximum in this embodiment, when the maximum side of area was substantially perpendicular to scanning moving direction ground and is installed in container on the cartridge, the mobile effect of slowing down of China ink was especially obvious.

As (ink storage chamber structure) as described in the epimere, tape deck can be furnished with the extruding return mechanism 4510 by ink storage chamber outer wall extruding inwall.In this case, can be provided with liquid to level measuring arrangement 5060 be used to survey record head ejection failure and ejection failure sniffer (not shown) and control device (not shown), measurement mechanism 5060 comprises lighting means and receiving mechanism, whether light through ink storage chamber and taken in to survey China ink by receiving mechanism and to put in place thus, thereby for example utilizes following order to make China ink stop to flow to from the proximity that negative pressure generates the air pressure switching path of part the proximity of wiping mouth.

Changing under the situation of ink storage chamber, utilize cover 5020 normal suction recuperation after, check the record head injection situation of changing the back ink storage chamber that adopts.If detect ejection failure, then adopt extruding return mechanism 4510 to push and reply operation, replied normal condition thus.When liquid puts that sniffer detects in this process that liquid is present in the print cartridge in place and ejection failure detection during to the ejection failure of the record head of band print cartridge, aspirate recovery operation normally.Even if behind the suction recovery operation, still can't spray, then can implement to adopt the extruding of extruding return mechanism 4510 to reply operation.Under any circumstance, cover corresponding to the record head tegmentum of the print cartridge of the recovery operation that is squeezed, thereby prevented that China ink from unconsciously spilling by record head.Liquid is not limited to above-mentioned optical element to level measuring arrangement, and it also can be the measurement mechanism enumeration formula or other type or their assembly.As mentioned above, liquid storing part keeps generating part with recovery and is out of shape evenly, therefore, even the air in the liquid storing part expands because of changes in environmental conditions, liquid storing part also returns to original size and volume, is violent if change, and has then alleviated the influence of environmental change, if environmental change is inviolent, then expansion effects finally has been eliminated under the situation at maintenance and recovery generation part evenly by recovery generation part and liquid storing part.Therefore, the cushion space size in the desired negative pressure generation part can reduce under various applicable cases.

In the second feed flow process, air injects liquid storing part, the remaining not disabled China ink amount thereby the liquid in the liquid storing part is used up basically, when liquid storing part begins discharge opeing and the Negative Pressure Difference when receiving discharge opeing can be when only liquid storing part being generated the material accommodation box as negative pressure Negative Pressure Difference.Compare with having the traditional type print cartridge that negative pressure generates material accommodation box, ink storage chamber and therebetween connected entrance, the space that allows air to expand is bigger.Even a large amount of in a short time with China ink, it also is smoothly that liquid storing part is imported liquid in the negative pressure generation material accommodation box, and this is because liquid storing part is deformable.Therefore, during black in consuming liquid storing part, ink supply is stable.According to this system, even generating the material accommodation box, negative pressure near the interconnecting part of liquid storage box, do not contain liquid, liquid also can utilize negative pressure to generate the capillary force in the material accommodation box and flow into negative pressure when negative pressure generates on the material accommodation box from liquid storage box and generate in the part in that liquid storage box is installed to, thereby regardless of near the liquid status that holds of the generation of the negative pressure connecting portion part, can be by the simple liquid of installing in the liquid storage box that reliably uses after replacing.So, a kind of practical liquid-supplying system of stablizing the feed flow performance that has can be provided.

According to the present invention, there is not air to inject the black portion of storage ground from storing up black portion output China ink, a kind of have high storage black ability, high service efficiency and strong ink feeding system and the print cartridge of anti-environmental change can be provided.Therefore, can reduce container dimensional and reduce management cost.

Although described the present invention referring to said structure, the invention is not restricted to above-mentioned details, the application is intended to cover improvement or the modification that those can fall into claim scope or improvement project purpose.

Claims

1. feed liquid method, it comprises the steps: to form one and is used to hold the negative pressure that a negative pressure of holding liquid stay generates part and generates the material accommodation box, and this negative pressure generates material accommodation box and comprises that a permission flows to extraneous feed flow portion and one with liquid and is used for the passage that communicates with environment liquid; Form a liquid storage cylinder, described liquid storage cylinder has the liquid storing part of a receiving fluids, and described liquid storing part constitutes one except generating the material accommodation box fluid communication and sealed space with negative pressure; Under the situation that does not have air injection liquid storage cylinder, utilize negative pressure to allow liquid flow into this negative pressure and generate material accommodation box and liquid is supplied with the first extraneous feed flow step, allow this liquid storing part volume to reduce simultaneously from liquid storing part; The second feed flow step after the first feed flow step, it allows to generate the material accommodation box and supply liquid to the external world by making liquid flow into negative pressure from liquid storing part when air injects liquid storing part.

2. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, when this liquid storing part during in the regime of elastic deformation internal strain, implements the second feed flow step.

3. liquid-supplying system, it has adopted: one comprises the fluidsupply container with the liquid storing part of fluid storage in a seal cavity; Relative this fluidsupply container is detachable that install and can be implemented in the negative pressure that air wherein injects the gas-liquid exchange of this liquid storing part and generate the material accommodation box, wherein by an interconnecting part discharge liquid that links to each other with this liquid storing part, it is characterized in that the liquid storing part of this fluidsupply container can produce negative pressure when distortion; When fluidsupply container is installed on this negative pressure generation material accommodation box, allows liquid to flow into this negative pressure and generate the material accommodation box from this liquid storing part.

4. system as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, at an end of interconnecting part a liquid-storing part is set.

5. system as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, this negative pressure generates the material accommodation box and is furnished with the guide that this liquid storage cylinder of guiding is installed.

6. system as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, it also comprise one except this interconnecting part gas-tight seal live the seal of this liquid storing part.

7. liquid storage container, it comprises: a negative pressure generates the material accommodation box, and it is used to hold a negative pressure of holding liquid stay and generates part, and this accommodation box comprises that a permission supplies with extraneous feed flow portion and one with liquid and be used for the passage that communicates with environment liquid; A liquid storage cylinder, this liquid storage cylinder has the liquid storing part of a receiving fluids, and this liquid storing part also constitutes a sealed space except generating the material accommodation box fluid communication with negative pressure; Described liquid storing part produces a negative pressure simultaneously along with deforming from wherein discharging liquid.

8. container as claimed in claim 7, it is characterized in that, in order to make air introduce this liquid storage cylinder, this negative pressure generates material accommodation box is furnished with one and stretches to the air injection channel that generates the fluid communication channel between the part in this wall portion and this negative pressure from wall portion that interconnecting part stretches upwards and one from a part in the position above the wall portion.

9. container as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, it comprises that also one is not filled with liquid and part generate the passage of material accommodation box near this negative pressure.

10. ink-jet headstock, it comprises: one sprays to extraneous record head with liquid; The negative pressure that negative pressure of being used to hold hold liquid stay generates part generates the material accommodation box, and this accommodation box comprises that a permission supplies with the feed flow portion of this record head and one with liquid and be used for the passage that communicates with environment liquid; A liquid storage cylinder, it have a receiving fluids and except generating the liquid storing part of a seal cavity of the formation of material accommodation box fluid communication with negative pressure; This liquid storing part produces a negative pressure simultaneously along with deforming from wherein discharging liquid.

11. a relative negative pressure generates the detachable liquid storage container of installing of material accommodation box, described negative pressure generates the material accommodation box and is used to hold a negative pressure of holding liquid stay and generates part and have one and liquid is supplied with extraneous feed flow portion and one be used for the passage that communicates with environment liquid, and described liquid storage container comprises:

The liquid storing part of a receiving fluids, it has formed a sealed space except generating material accommodation box fluid with negative pressure being communicated with;

Wherein, described liquid storing part is the blow-molded plastic that is formed by blow moulding, and described blow-molded plastic is deformable, during supplying liquid to outside the described blow-molded plastic, on the direction of the shrinkage that air is not incorporated into described blow-molded plastic, the minimizing of described liquid storing part opposing volume, and wherein, described blow-molded plastic resistance to deformation is to produce negative pressure; With

This negative pressure generates the sealing mechanism of material accommodation box sealing interconnecting part relatively.

12. container as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, this liquid storing part elastically deformable.

13. container as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, this liquid storing part is furnished with a seal so that produce a space of removing this interconnecting part external seal.

14. a relative negative pressure generates the detachable liquid storage container of installing of material accommodation box, described negative pressure generates the material accommodation box and is used to hold a negative pressure of holding liquid stay and generates part and have one and liquid is supplied with extraneous feed flow portion and one be used for the passage that communicates with environment liquid, and described liquid storage container comprises:

Wherein, described liquid storing part is the blow-molded plastic that is formed by blow moulding, and described blow-molded plastic is deformable, during supplying liquid to outside the described blow-molded plastic, on the direction of the shrinkage that air is not incorporated into described blow-molded plastic, the minimizing of described liquid storing part opposing volume, and wherein, described blow-molded plastic resistance to deformation is to produce negative pressure;

A shell, its interior shape equal or are similar to the profile of this liquid storing part and it to have an air and inject and use passage;

15. container as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, this liquid storing part is furnished with a seal so that produce a space except this interconnecting part external seal.

16. container as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, it is polygon prismatic that this liquid storing part becomes, and the bight thickness of each wall portion that constitutes prismatic side is less than the wall thickness of central portion.

17. container as claimed in claim 16 is characterized in that, one is not that the prismatic side of area maximum is furnished with a pinch off portion, the wall portion that constitutes liquid storing part herein be one and clamped by this shell.

18. container as claimed in claim 16, it is characterized in that, this liquid storing part comprises the opposite side with maximum surface area, in the side of area maximum because of before discharge opeing contacts with each other from this liquid storing part, by being injected negative pressure generation material accommodation box through interconnecting part, air begins the gas-liquid exchange, to carry out discharge opeing.

19. a plurality of relatively negative pressure generate the detachable liquid storage container of installing of material accommodation box, wherein each negative pressure generates material accommodation box and is used to hold a negative pressure of holding liquid stay and generates part and have one and liquid is supplied with extraneous feed flow portion and one be used for the passage that communicates with environment liquid, described liquid storage container comprises: the liquid storing part of a plurality of receiving fluids, and each in them has formed a sealed space except generating material accommodation box fluid with negative pressure respectively being communicated with; One covers these a plurality of liquid storing parts and shell that be furnished with an air injection usefulness passage; This negative pressure generates the sealing mechanism of material accommodation box sealing interconnecting part relatively.

20. container as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, this liquid storing part is furnished with a seal so that produce a space except this interconnecting part external seal.

21. a cartridge, it comprises: a hydrojet record head; One is used to hold the negative pressure that a negative pressure of holding liquid stay generates part and generates the material accommodation box, and it comprises that a permission supplies with the feed flow portion of this record head and one with liquid and be used for the passage that communicates with environment liquid; A liquid storage cylinder, this liquid storage cylinder has the liquid storing part of a receiving fluids, and this liquid storing part constitutes a sealed space except generating the material accommodation box fluid communication with negative pressure; Wherein this liquid storing part produces a negative pressure simultaneously along with deforming from wherein discharging liquid, and it is one that this record head and this negative pressure generate the material accommodation box.

22. cartridge as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that, this negative pressure generates the material accommodation box this liquid storage cylinder removably is installed relatively.

23. cartridge as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that, it also has a guide that is used to guide this liquid storage cylinder.

24. cartridge as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that, this liquid storing part is furnished with a seal so that produce a space except this interconnecting part external seal.

25. cartridge as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that, this cartridge has the record head that a plurality of such negative pressure generate the material accommodation box and have respective numbers.

26. feed liquid method, it comprises step: form the negative pressure that the negative pressure that is used to hold hold liquid stay generates part and generate the material accommodation box, this accommodation box comprises that a permission flows to extraneous feed flow portion and one with liquid and is used for the passage that communicates with environment liquid; Form a liquid storage cylinder, described liquid storage cylinder has the liquid storing part of a receiving fluids, and described liquid storing part has constituted a sealed space except generating the material accommodation box fluid communication with negative pressure; Do not inject at air and utilize negative pressure to make liquid flow into negative pressure under the situation of this liquid storage cylinder to generate the material accommodation box, allow this liquid storing part volume to reduce simultaneously from this liquid storing part.