EP0872348B1 - Cartouche d'encre - Google Patents

Cartouche d'encre Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0872348B1
EP0872348B1 EP98111972A EP98111972A EP0872348B1 EP 0872348 B1 EP0872348 B1 EP 0872348B1 EP 98111972 A EP98111972 A EP 98111972A EP 98111972 A EP98111972 A EP 98111972A EP 0872348 B1 EP0872348 B1 EP 0872348B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink
cartridge
negative pressure
recording head
pressure generating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP98111972A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0872348A1 (fr
Inventor
Eiichiro Shimizu
Masami Ikeda
Naohito Asai
Tsutomu Abe
Toshio Kashino
Masahiko Higuma
Hitoshi Sugimoto
Hiroki Tajima
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP12261993A external-priority patent/JP3110916B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP20941593A external-priority patent/JPH0760981A/ja
Priority claimed from JP22368593A external-priority patent/JP3190495B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP9992794A external-priority patent/JP3145861B2/ja
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Publication of EP0872348A1 publication Critical patent/EP0872348A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0872348B1 publication Critical patent/EP0872348B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17556—Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17513—Inner structure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
    • B41J2/17523—Ink connection
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17526—Electrical contacts to the cartridge

Definitions

  • the ink cartridge of the present invention is usable with recording apparatus or communication apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine, or with a textile printing apparatus for printing image or the like on textile.
  • An ink jet recording apparatus is now widely used as a means for effect recording on a recording material such as paper, textile or the like in a printer, facsimile machine, a copying machine or the like.
  • ink is ejected from a recording head to a recording material faced thereto.
  • it is independently installed in a casing as an ink jet recording apparatus, and in another example it is built in, as an integral part, in various electronic machines such as a word processor, a personal computer or the like.
  • an ink accommodating portion used is such an ink jet recording apparatus, it is required that the amount of the ink corresponding to the amount of the ink ejected for the recording, can be properly supplied and that the ink does not leak through the ejection outlet when the recording operation is not carried out.
  • the ink accommodating portion is in the form of a cartridge which is exchangeable.
  • the ink accommodating portion is made integral with an ink jet head. When the situation that the ink in the ink container can not be ejected from the ink jet recording head, is reached, the ink accommodating portion is disposed of with the recording head. However, in the ink accommodating portion, some ink still remains.
  • the quantity of the non-usable remaining ink is determined by an ink retaining power of sponge (negative pressure generating material) occupying the entirety of the inside space of the ink accommodating portion, with the result that the quantity is relatively large.
  • the recording head has to be exchanged with the ink accommodating portion although the performance of the recording head itself is still enough for the operation. This results in cost increase and low cost-performance.
  • a proposal has been made that the recording head and ink cartridge are detachably mountable to permit exchange of the ink cartridge alone. In this case, it is further required that the mounting and demounting between the recording head and the ink cartridge can be smoothly carried out without ink leakage and that the ink can be assuredly supplied when they are coupled together.
  • JP-A-63 87242 discloses an ink accommodating portion integral with the recording head, provided in an ink jet unit having a plurality of ink ejection outlets wherein a foamed material is provided in the ink accommodating portion.
  • the ink is contained in a porous material such as polyurethane foamed material, and therefore, negative pressure is produced by the capillary force inherent to the porous material, and the ink is retained there, that is, the ink leakage from the ink absorbing material is prevented.
  • the porous material occupies substantially the entirety of the ink accommodating, portion, and therefore, the quantity of the ink capable of being retained thereby is limited, and in addition, the quantity of the ink non-usable remaining ink in the porous material is relatively large, and therefore, the use efficiency of the ink is low. Since the ink is filled in the porous material, it is difficult to detect the remaining quantity of the ink. Furthermore, there is an additional problem that it is difficult to maintain a substantially constant negative pressure in the ink container when the ink is being consumed.
  • JP-A-02 522 has proposed a solution to this problem. It discloses an ink jet recording cartridge in which a primary ink containing portion and a secondary ink containing portion and further the ink jet recording head are communicated with porous materials. In such a cartridge, the use efficiency is improved because the porous material is not contained in the main part of the ink containing portion but is provided only in the ink passage. In addition, by the provision of the secondary ink containing portion, the ink leakage from the primary ink containing portion attributable to the air expansion in the primary containing portion as a result of pressure reduction due to the temperature rise, can be suppressed. Therefore, the negative pressure during the recording operation of the recording head can be maintained substantially constant.
  • the porous material contains an amplitude of the ink with the result of insufficient negative pressure when the recording operation is not carried out. Then, there is a possibility that the ink leaks through the orifices of the ink jet recording head by small impact.
  • the ink jet recording head has been made integral with the ink containing portion beforehand, and therefore, it is not usable in an exchangeable ink cartridge in which the ink cartridge is detachably mounted to an ink jet recording head.
  • an ink jet recording head and an ink cartridge are detachably mountable to constitute an ink jet unit, and they are mounted on a carriage of a recording apparatus as one unit, a problem of ink leakage upon the exchange of the ink cartridge alone, is a problem.
  • the ink leakage is different from an ink cartridge disposed remote from the recording head. More particularly, there is a liability that the inside of the apparatus is contaminated, that the electric connection between the recording head and the recording apparatus may be deteriorated, that the recording material may be contaminated, or the like.
  • an ink supply tube When an ink supply tube is used for a recording head for fluid communication between the recording head and the ink cartridge, a large quantity of the ink is to be supplied for the purpose of increasing the recording speed of the ink jet recording apparatus, and therefore, a relatively large diameter ink supply tube is desired. Therefore, when an ink cartridge is exchanged, and the ink supply tube is inserted to be press-contacted to the ink absorbing material, the absorbing material is compressed by a tip end of the ink supply tube with the result that the ink retained therein seeps out. Then, the ink may be discharged to the outside of the ink cartridge with the result of contamination of the recording apparatus or the recording material.
  • the position of the recording head is strictly limited, and therefore, the deviation thereof due to external force or vibration has to be prevented.
  • the ink cartridge imparts the load only in a predetermined direction.
  • various direction limiting means have to be provided with the result of a complicated structure and/or a bulky structure.
  • a generic ink cartridge is known from EP-A-0 542 247.
  • This reference shows an ink cartridge being divided by a partition into a first ink chamber for containing ink and a second ink chamber containing a negative pressure producing material.
  • a receptor port is provided in a wall of the second ink chamber.
  • the different ink chambers are communicated through a communication opening.
  • the partition defines the communication opening.
  • An ink jet head includes an ink supply member being in contact with the negative pressure producing material through the receptor port.
  • a further ink cartridge is known from the EP-A-0 419 192 and comprises an ink supply member provided on the ink jet head for introducing ink from the ink cartridge through an ink supply passage thereof; a negative pressure generating material in the ink cartridge; and an opening for permitting contact between the negative pressure generating material and the ink supply member.
  • a further similar ink jet unit is known from the EP-A-0 378 240.
  • EP-A-0 581 531 which is prior art under Article 54(3) EPC shows an ink cartridge detachably mountable at an ink jet head having an ink supply member comprising: an ink cartridge for containing ink having a partition therein forming a first ink chamber for containing the ink and a second ink chamber containing a negative pressure producing material; a receptor port in a side of the second ink chamber, and a communication opening for fluid communication between the first ink chamber and the second ink chamber, wherein the partition extends from the communication opening, the ink supply member of the ink jet head contacting the negative pressure producing material through the receptor port for supplying ink from the ink cartridge to the ink jet head wherein the partition includes air introducing means for stably introducing air from the second ink chamber into the first ink chamber, a top end of the air introducing means being above a top of the communication opening.
  • an exchangeable ink jet unit is provided with which an ink container can be easily coupled with a recording head.
  • an ink jet unit in which an ink container applies only a limited load to the recording head when the ink container is coupled with the recording head.
  • an ink jet unit is provided with which performance of an ink jet unit can be maintained for a long term while the ink jet unit is kept loaded in the ink jet recording apparatus.
  • the ink leakage from an ink container can be effectively prevented irrespective of mode of use.
  • an ink cartridge, an ink jet unit and an ink jet apparatus capable of assuring satisfactory printing operation is provided.
  • the ink supply member is provided with a recess, which is located adjacent an end of the ink supply member so as to be located in the ink cartridge when the ink jet head and the ink cartridge are connected.
  • a press-contact member is between the gap and an ambience when the ink jet head and the ink cartridge are connected, the press-contact member being provided in either of the ink jet head or ink cartridge.
  • Figure 1 is a sectional view of a part of an ink jet recording head usable with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view, without a housing therefor, of an ink jet head unit comprising a plurality of the ink jet heads shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an ink jet head unit of Figure 2.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling between an ink jet head unit and an ink cartridge.
  • Figure 5 is a sectional view of an ink jet head constituted by coupling an ink cartridge with an ink jet head.
  • Figure 6 is a sectional view illustrating a coupling portion between the ink jet head unit and the ink cartridge.
  • Figure 7 is a sectional view of an ink cartridge containing a porous material.
  • Figures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are sectional views illustrating connection between an ink jet head and an ink cartridge, wherein they are not coupled in Figure 8A; they are being coupled in Figure 8B; they are being separated in Figure 8C; and they are recoupled in Figure 8D.
  • Figure 9 is a sectional view illustrating an example of coupling between an ink jet head and an ink cartridge.
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of an ink jet head unit using the structure of Figure 8 in another example.
  • Figure 11 is a sectional view illustrating coupling between an ink jet head and an ink cartridge, in a further example.
  • Figure 12 is a sectional view illustrating a coupling between an exchangeable ink cartridge and an ink jet recording head, in a further example.
  • Figure 13 is a sectional view illustrating a coupling between an exchangeable ink cartridge and an ink jet recording head in a further example.
  • Figure 14 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording head unit according to a further example.
  • Figure 15 is a partial sectional view of a recording apparatus in which an ink jet recording head unit of Figure 14 is mounted on a head carriage.
  • Figure 16 illustrates an ink jet printer using an ink jet cartridge according to an example.
  • Figures 17A and 17B are sectional views illustrating a permissible range of inclination when the ink cartridge is being used.
  • FIGS 18A, 18B and 18C illustrate changes during printing operations.
  • Figures 19A, 19B, 19C and 19D illustrate changes due to different ink levels in a first accommodating chamber.
  • Figure 20A is a longitudinal sectional view of a main body of an ink cartridge for an ink jet printing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 20B is a cross-sectional view thereof.
  • Figure 21 is a sectional view of a main body of an ink cartridge in which surface of rib is illustrated.
  • Figure 22 illustrates an optimum range of the ink level.
  • Figure 23 illustrates a desirable ink level according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 24 is a sectional view of an ink jet printing apparatus, in a further example.
  • Figure 25 is a sectional view of another example of an ink jet printing apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a major part of an ink jet head (recording head) usable with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the recording head comprises a substrate 100 (heater board) having thermal energy generating elements, and a substrate 1300 having grooves for constituting ink passages 8 and a liquid chamber 7 for containing recording liquid (ink) when coupled with the substrate 100.
  • the substrate (top plate with grooves) 1300 has an integral orifice plate 400 provided with ink ejection outlets (orifices) through which ink is ejected and which are in liquid communication with the ink passages 8, respectively.
  • the heater board 100 is bonded by a bonding material on the supporting substrate (supporting member) 300.
  • the top plate 1300 is temporarily bonded to the heater board 100 so that the thermal energy generating elements on the heater board 100 are contained in ink passages 8 constituted by the coupling therebetween.
  • the orifice plate 400 of the top plate is in the form of an apron at a front end of the supporting base plate 300.
  • the ink is supplied from an ink supply member 600 through an ink supply port 1500 formed in an upper portion of the top plate 1300.
  • the ink supply passage member 600 is provided with a projected road, which is inserted into a through hole formed in the supporting substrate 300, and then is cramped by heat so as to be fixed on the supporting substrate 300.
  • Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an example and are exploded perspective views of a recording head unit having a plurality of recording heads having the structure shown in Figure 1.
  • housing member for the unit has been omitted in Figure 2.
  • a unit frame 4000 comprises an outer plate 4001 in the form of a channel and three internal wall plates 4002 for defining a head retaining portion 4003 for accommodating the recording heads.
  • the recording head IJU of Figure 1 is accommodated in the head retaining portion 4003 with the ink ejection outlet directed downward.
  • reference surfaces of each of the recording heads are abutted to three directional reference surfaces of the head retaining portion, and thereafter, they are fixed by adhesive material or the like.
  • the positional relationship between the orifice and the reference surfaces is desirably highly precise.
  • TV camera or the like is used to correctly position them on a monitor, and then, they are bonded, without using the reference surfaces described above.
  • the recording head is fixed to the unit frame, and the recording head is exchanged as a unit, and therefore, the relative positional relationship among the four recording heads is maintained even after the exchanging operation.
  • the recording heads are accommodated in the unit frame, and are fixed therein, and therefore, a wide latitude in the design is permitted, as compared with the recording head ejecting different color inks.
  • a porous material 4005 capable of absorbing the ink is disposed between adjacent recording heads IJU adjacent to the sides having the orifices.
  • the porous material absorbs the ink from the blade, so that the deposition of the different color ink on the orifice side surface can be prevented.
  • a top housing 4506 and a side housing 4006 are fixed to the unit frame 4000.
  • a pair of pins 4504 (only one is shown) is inserted into holes 4011 formed in a top surface of the outer wall plate 4001 of the unit frame 4000, so that the top housing 4506 is correctly positioned.
  • Unshown projections of engaging plates 4505 formed at the opposite ends of the top housing are engaged with recesses 4010 formed in the outer wall plate with elasticity of the engaging plates 4505, so that they are fixed.
  • the fixing of the side housing 4006 to the unit frame 4000 is effected similarly, using a pair of engaging plate 4008 of the housing 4006 and recesses 4007 of the unit frame 4000.
  • the outer surface of the top housing 4506 is provided with a plurality of pads 4502 functioning as electric contact of the recording head IJU.
  • the respective pads 4502 are electrically connected with terminals 4501 extending to the backside of the top housing 4506.
  • the respective terminals 4501 are contacted with associated pads on the substrate of the recording head, when the housing 4506 is fixed to the unit frame.
  • the side housing 4006 is provided with a hole 4009 for permitting insertion of an ink supply pipe 2200 (joint portion) as an ink supply member of the recording head IJU. When they are connected, the ink supply pipe 2200 is projected through the hole 4009, so that the supply pipe is inserted into the ink cartridge to permit introduction of the ink into the recording head.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating coupling between an ink jet head unit and an ink cartridge shown in Figures 2 and 3.
  • Figure 5 is a sectional view an ink jet unit constituted by coupling the ink jet head unit and an ink cartridge.
  • each of ink containers 6000 containing respective color inks is connected with the associated one of the recording heads by insertion of the ink supply pipe 2200 of the recording head through the opening (not shown).
  • the ink containers 6000 can be removed independently from each other.
  • designated by a reference numeral 2201 is a head fixing wall for fixing a plurality of the ink jet recording heads.
  • the ink container may be replaceable when the ink container 6000 becomes empty. Since the replacement is possible for each of the ink containers, the quantity of the wasted ink materials can be avoided in the case of color ink jet recording.
  • the supply pipe 2200 of the recording head IJU is inserted such that a filter 7000 provided at the tip end thereof is press-contacted to an absorbing material 6003 in the ink container 6000.
  • the ink chamber 6006 is filled with ink 6009.
  • the ink is filled in a part of the absorbing material 6003 in a front chamber 6006 isolated by a partition wall 6005 of an ink chamber 6006.
  • the absorbing material 6003 has enough capillary to retain the ink, so that the ink is prevented from leaking through the opening 6002.
  • the ink 6009 in the ink chamber 6006 is supplied into the front chamber 6004 through a slit 6008.
  • the ink supply is permitted because an amount of the ink corresponding to the ink amount consumed by the ink supply to the recording head IJU is introduced into the ink container through an air vent 6013.
  • the ink container 6000 in the form of an exchangeable ink cartridge is slid rightwardly in Figure 5 relative to the ink jet recording head IJU fixed in the apparatus to such an extent that the ink supply pipe 2200 (joint portion) of the ink jet recording head IJU is inserted through the opening 6002 by a predetermined degree.
  • sufficient gap is provided between the internal wall 6002a of the opening 6002 of the cartridge 6000 and an external wall 2200a of the ink supply pipe 2200 of the ink jet recording head IJU.
  • the sufficient gap is desirably more than that provided by manufacturing tolerances between the supply pipes and the opening. Due to the sufficient gap therebetween, the contact between the outer wall of the joint portion of the recording head IJU and the periphery of the opening 6002, can be avoided.
  • the sufficient gap is as follows.
  • an ink supply pipe has a diameter of D, and a gap h and h' are formed at an upper portion and lower portion, respectively, between an external surface 2220a of the ink supply pipe and an internal wall of the ink cartridge opening, in a cross-section.
  • the same reference numerals as in Figure 5 are assigned to the corresponding elements.
  • the air is forced into the ink cartridge with the inserting action of the ink supply pipe, if there is no gap. This may result in an air rich area is formed adjacent the tip end of the ink supply pipe. If this occurs, the ink supply may become improper.
  • the gap is small, the ink is formed into a meniscus between the internal wall of the opening and the external wall of the ink supply pipe, if the ink exists adjacent the internal wall of the opening. Then, when the air thus introduced is going to discharge to the outside, it may push the ink forming the meniscus to the outside of the ink cartridge.
  • the gap desirably satisfies h + h' ⁇ 0.3 mm in consideration that the meniscus is easily formed if the gap is not more than 0.3 mm when usual ink is used. Further preferably, h + h' ⁇ 0.6 mm, since then the formation of the meniscus can be avoided with further certainty.
  • the ink leakage can be prevented when the diameter of the opening of the ink cartridge is larger than the outer diameter of the ink supply pipe at least by 0.3 mm, further preferably, at least by 0.6 mm.
  • the ink supply pipe 2200 of the ink jet recording head IJU is inserted to such an extent of sufficient press-contact relative to the negative pressure generating material, so that the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus is enabled.
  • a filter 700 is used to avoid foreign matter in the ink cartridge 6000, at an end of the ink supply pipe 2200.
  • the ink cartridge usable with the present invention may contain the porous material 6003 occupying substantially the entirety of the inside space of the ink cartridge.
  • the ink cartridge shown in Figure 5 is preferable.
  • the ink cartridge shown in Figure 5 When the ink jet recording apparatus is operated, the ink is ejected through the orifices 9 of the recording head IJU, so that sucking force is produced in the exchangeable ink cartridge.
  • the ink 6009 is introduced by the sucking force from the ink accommodating portion 6006 into the ink supply pipe 2200 through a gap 6008 formed between a rib end and a cartridge bottom 6011 and through the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 6004 (front chamber) and the negative pressure generating material 6003.
  • the ink is supplied to the ink jet recording head.
  • the pressure in the ink accommodating portion 6006 which is hermetically sealed except for the gap 6008, decreases with the result of pressure difference between the ink accommodating portion 6006 and the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 6004.
  • the pressure difference continues to increase. Since the negative pressure generating material 6003 is opened to the ambience by an air vent 6013 or a clearance formed between the ink supply member 2200 and an opening 6002, and therefore, the air is introduced into the ink accommodating portion 6006 through the negative pressure generating material 6003 and through the gap 6008 between the rib end and the cartridge bottom 6011. When this occurs, the pressure difference between the ink accommodating portion 6006 and the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 6004 is removed.
  • the capillary force provided by the negative pressure generating material functions to prevent leakage of the ink from the ink jet recording head.
  • the negative pressure generating material and the volume ratio between the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion and the ink accommodating portion can be determined to accomplish proper printing operation.
  • the ink leakage through the opening can be effectively prevented.
  • the exchangeable ink cartridges of this example are usable to contain different color inks (black, yellow, magenta and cyan, for example). These cartridges may be formed into a unit to constitute a single exchangeable ink cartridge. Alternatively, the cartridge for the black ink which is most frequently used, may be made separable from the other part having the other color cartridges. Proper combinations can be selected for the types of ink jet recording apparatuses.
  • proper selection or determination is made as to material selection, configuration, dimension of the negative pressure generating material 6003, configuration and dimension of the rib end, configuration and dimension of the gap 6008 formed between the rib end and the cartridge bottom 6011, volume ratio between the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 6004 and the ink accommodating portion 6006, degree of insertion, configuration and dimension of the insertion of the ink supply pipe 2200 into the ink cartridge, configuration, dimension and mesh of the filter 700, and surface tension of the ink.
  • the negative pressure generating material a known material is usable, provided that the material exhibits proper ink retaining power against the weight of the liquid (ink) and small vibration.
  • a known material is usable, provided that the material exhibits proper ink retaining power against the weight of the liquid (ink) and small vibration.
  • felt like material of fibers, or porous material having continuous pores is usable.
  • Polyurethane foamed material, melamine foamed material or another sponge is preferable because the ink retaining power and the vacuum generation is easily controllable.
  • a proper density of pores can be adjusted during the foaming.
  • the density of pores is further adjusted by heat-compression treatment of the foamed material, decomposition products occur with the possible result of adverse influence to the printing quality because of changing the ink property. Therefore, in this case cleaning is required.
  • the materials have corresponding densities of pores, are produced.
  • a foamed material (not heat-compressed) having a determined porosity (number of pores per 1 inch) is cut into selected dimensions, and the density of pores and the capillary force are adjusted by pressed into the negative pressure generating portion, so that they are controlled by the degree of the compression, although the density of the pores is constant.
  • the structure and the configurations are not limited to those described above.
  • the end of the ink supply pipe 2200 is preferably tapered with respect to the inserting direction of the ink supply pipe, in order to suppress the removal of the porous material from the bottom of the ink cartridge and in order to maintain and assure the press-contact between the filter and the negative pressure generating material.
  • the degree of insertion of the ink supply pipe 2200 into the cartridge 6000 is determined in consideration of the configuration of the ink supply pipe and the configurations of the ink cartridge 6000 and the negative pressure generating material 6003, so as to avoid the ink leakage upon the inserting action and so as to avoid the ink disconnection during the recording operation.
  • the degree of insertion of the ink supply pipe 2200 into the ink cartridge 6000 is preferably determined in consideration of the following.
  • the user since the ink cartridge is a replaceable type, the user necessarily manipulate the ink cartridge in the initial mounting or after the initial mounting. Particularly, the user may mount of demount it without specific purposes. If this is done, ink disconnection or the ink leakage occurs.
  • Figure 6 illustrates the situation in which the mounting and demounting are repeated.
  • the ink supply pipe 2200 is not tapered.
  • Shown in Figure 8A is the situation before the supply pipe 2200 of the recording head is immediately before inserted into the opening 6002 of the cartridge 6000.
  • the supply pipe has a diameter D.
  • the ink cartridge has been mounted on a carriage (not shown); the supply pipe 2200 is press-contacted to the negative pressure generating material 6003; it is inserted by a distance L from the internal wall of the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion; and the jointing action is completed.
  • the degree of insertion L is not enough, the compression ratio of the negative pressure generating material 6003 is not enough, so that the air is introduced into the negative pressure generating material through the opening 6002.
  • the introduced air reaches to the end portion of the supply pipe 2200 with the result of the air is carried over to the recording head, or the filter is clogged. If this occurs, the ink disconnection may occur.
  • the degree of insertion is not less than one half the diameter d of the opening at the contact portion, where d is a maximum inner diameter of the supply pipe 2200. This has been empirically confirmed.
  • L ⁇ d/2 is desirable from the standpoint of concentrating the ink to the neighborhood of the ink supply pipe 2200 by the compression of the negative pressure generating material.
  • the configuration of the negative pressure generating material abruptly restores to the original configuration upon removal of the supply pipe 2200.
  • the ink in the negative pressure generating material is unable to move at such a high speed so that the air is introduced through the opening 6002. Then, an air rich portion occurs as indicated by V0. Even if the supply pipe is reinserted, the air rich portion V0 remains adjacent the end of the supply pipe 2200.
  • V0 (4/3) ⁇ L(D/2) 2 where L is insertion and D is an outer diameter of the supply pipe.
  • the pump sucking quantity is preferably not less than (1/3) ⁇ LD 2 .
  • the degree of insertion L of the supply pipe desirably satisfies: 3V/D 2 ⁇ ⁇ L ⁇ d/2 where V is a sucking quantity of the recovery pump, D is an outer diameter of the supply pipe, and d is an inner diameter thereof.
  • the upper limit of the degree L of insertion is determined on the basis of the volume of the air rich region and the sucking quantity V.
  • Figure 9 shows another example.
  • the ink container 6000 contains an ink absorbing material 6003 as the negative pressure generating material.
  • the ink is retained in the pores of the absorbing material 6003 which is a porous sponge having an elasticity.
  • the ink is absorbed and retained by the capillary property of the porous material.
  • the ink jet recording head unit IJU is provided with an ink supply pipe 2200 for supplying the ink to the recording head from the absorbing material 6003.
  • the filter is effective to small foreign matters in the ink and to prevent introduction of small bubbles into the ink supply passage 2205.
  • a joint seal 2204 of an elastic material may be provided for the purpose of suppressing evaporation of the ink.
  • an ink sump 2208 may be provided below the ink supply pipe 2200 to prevent contamination of the other part of the ink jet recording apparatus when the ink leaks from the ink container 6000.
  • the ink supply pipe 2200 has a neck 2210 which is within the ink container 6000 when properly inserted.
  • the neck 2210 is formed so as to retain the ink seeped out of the absorbing material when the ink supply pipe 2200 is press-contacted to the absorbing material 6003, so as to accommodate the ink as much as possible.
  • the neck or recess is preferably as large as possible downwardly as shown in Figure 9 because the seeped ink at the upper portion of the ink supply pipe 2200 sooner or later lowers by the gravity.
  • Figure 10 shows an example of a recording head unit to provide the cross-sectional configuration shown in Figure 9.
  • the same reference numerals as in Figure 8 are assigned to the corresponding elements.
  • the end portion of the ink supply pipe 2200 is conical, but the end portion configuration is not limited to the conical.
  • Figure 11 is a sectional view of an ink jet head unit IJU according to another example.
  • the same reference numerals as in Figure 8 are assigned to the corresponding elements, and the description thereof are omitted for simplicity.
  • the end of the ink supply pipe 2200 that is, the filter 7000, is inclined relative to the direction of insertion a.
  • the recording ink (seeped out of the absorbing material compressed by the tip end of the ink supply pipe upon the insertion of the ink supply pipe into a new ink container) is received by the recess 2210 formed at a part of the inserted portion of the ink supply pipe, and therefore, the leakage of the ink container can be prevented, and therefore, the ink does not contaminate the outside.
  • the leaked ink is received by the ink sump even if a small amount of ink leaks from the ink container, and therefore, the contamination is further assuredly prevented.
  • a configuration and dimension of the gap 6008 between the rib end and the ink cartridge bottom 6011 shown in Figure 5, can be determined properly by one skilled in the art. If it is too narrow, the meniscus force relative to the ink is too strong with the result that although the ink leakage through the opening 6002 can be prevented, the proper ink supply to the front chamber 6004 requires larger power, and therefore, ink disconnection may occur during use. If it is too wide, an opposite phenomenon may occur. These facts are to be considered in the determination.
  • the gap 6008 is desirably determined in consideration of the position of the opening 6002.
  • the configuration of the rib may be any if the positional relation with the opening 6002 is properly considered by skilled in the art.
  • the interface between the rib end and the negative pressure generating material will be considered.
  • the density of the material is low so that the flow of the ink and that of the air is relatively quick. This is preferable for a high speed recording mode or a color recording mode.
  • the density of the material is relatively high. In this case, the flow of the ink or that of the air is relatively impeded, but the ink leakage can be suppressed more against ambient condition change. Therefore, it is determined in consideration of the types of the ink jet recording apparatus and the ambient condition under which the apparatus is used.
  • the volume ratio between the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 6004 and the ink accommodating portion 6006, is determined in consideration of the types of the ink jet recording apparatus or the ambient condition. Also, relation with the used negative pressure generating material is also considered.
  • the configuration, dimension and mesh of the filter 700 are determined depending on the types of the ink jet recording apparatus. From the standpoint of avoiding clogging of the nozzle of the recording head by properly preventing introduction of foreign matter from the ink cartridge, the mesh of the filter is preferably smaller than the diameter of the orifice.
  • the surface tension is preferably not less than 30 dyne/cm at 25 °C, further preferably not less than 45 dyne/cm; the viscosity thereof is 1 - 20 cps, further preferably 1 - 15 cps.
  • the quantity of the ink to be filled in the ink cartridge may be properly determined by one skilled in the art. From the standpoint of providing the negative pressure immediately after the ink cartridge is opened, the ink may be filled to the volume limit of the ink containing portion. However, the quantity of the ink in the negative pressure generating material preferably does not exceed the ink retaining limit thereof.
  • the ink retaining limit is a limit of ink quantity which can be retained by the negative pressure generating material itself.
  • the ink cartridge it is preferable in the ink cartridge that volume of expansion of the air (including expansion of the ink although it is small) of the sealed ink accommodating portion upon a worst ambient condition change and that the displacement of the ink from the ink containing portion is allotted to the negative pressure generating material.
  • the absorbing material in the accommodating portion is to be such that it is uniformly compressed without gap between the internal wall surface of the container or that the absorbing material is not creased or burred. If this is not sufficient, the possibility of the ink leakage will be increased.
  • the position of the air vent is properly determined by one skilled in the art, if it is above the opening of the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion. From the standpoint of separating the flow of the ink in the negative pressure generating material upon ambient condition change from the opening, it is preferably remote from the opening.
  • the number, configuration and size of the air vent or air vents are properly determined by one skilled in the art in consideration of evaporation of the ink. From the standpoint of the evaporation of the ink, the smaller is better.
  • a sealing member During transportation of the ink cartridge itself, it is preferable that the opening and/or the air vent are sealed by a sealing member to avoid ink evaporation or air expansion in the ink cartridge.
  • a sealing member a barrier (so-called in the field of package) is used as a single layer and a multi-layer or with taper or cloth. Additionally, aluminum foil is also used. It is also preferable that the same or similar material of the body of the ink cartridge is used. as a bonding layer for the barrier, and heat is used for the bonding to improve the hermetical sealing property.
  • the package material is selected from the barrier as in the case of the sealing material in consideration of the transmissibility for the liquid or gas.
  • the material of the body of the ink cartridge may be a known one. However, the material is so selected that it does not adversely affect the ink, or the cartridge is treated with a material not influential to the ink. It is also desirable that the productivity of the ink cartridge is considered.
  • a bottom part 6011 of the main body of the ink cartridge and an upper part are separably molded from resin material. After placing the negative pressure generating member, the bottom part 6011 and the top part are fused together to constitute an ink cartridge body. If the resin material is transparent or semitransparent, the ink in the ink containing portion can be observed, and therefore, the operator can predict when the ink cartridge is to be replaced.
  • the container is provided with a projection. The other surface of the ink cartridge may be wrinkled.
  • pressurizing or suction method are usable for the filling of the ink. Provision of an ink filling opening in the main body of the container is preferable since then the other openings are not contaminated during the ink filling operation.
  • the ink filling port may be plugged with plastic or metal plug.
  • the other structure and the configuration of the replaceable ink cartridge may be modified.
  • the ink jet recording head is fixed at an adjusted position in the apparatus for recording characters and images, and therefore, any external force which may influence the position of the recording head is desirably avoided. This is particularly so when a plurality of ink jet recording heads are fixed as in a color image forming apparatus.
  • the external force by abutment of the ink cartridge main body to the ink supply tube 2200 as the joint portion of the recording head upon the mounting or replacement of the ink cartridge can be avoided. Namely, the force other than that required for urging the negative pressure generating member in the cartridge can be avoided.
  • a recording head unit comprising a plurality of ink jet recording heads is usable for color image formation.
  • strict accuracy are required for the respective head positions. If even one of the heads is deviated, the quality of the color image is remarkably deteriorated. Therefore, upon the use of the replaceable ink cartridge of this invention for such an ink jet recording head unit, the force exerted to the recording head should be minimized during the mounting or demounting operation or during the use of the apparatus.
  • the ink cartridge When the ink cartridge is kept loaded in the recording apparatus for a long period of time, there is a liability that the ink is evaporated through the gap between the jointing portion of the recording head and the opening of the ink cartridge.
  • the evaporation of the ink can be sufficiently suppressed by the easy press-contact connection.
  • Figures 12 and 13 are sectional views of major portions of interconnection structure between the replaceable ink cartridge 6000 and an ink jet recording head.
  • a simple press-contact member 2202 is used in a part of an outer peripheral surface 2202a of the ink supply pipe of a cylindrical shape of an ink jet recording head IJU.
  • the press-contact member 2202 is projected radially outwardly from the ink supply pipe 2200.
  • One side thereof is provided with a plate portion 2202a contactable with a head fixing wall 2201 of the recording head IJU, and a rib 2202b having a triangular cross-section projecting in a direction of a length of the ink supply pipe 2200 at the other side of the plate portion 2202a.
  • Both of then are made of a material having a lower hardness than the material constituting the ink cartridge 6000 and the recording head IJU.
  • the rib 2202b is abutted to a neighborhood of the opening 6002 of the outer wall of the ink cartridge 6000.
  • the external force upon the mounting of the ink cartridge 6000 is only the force urging the negative pressure generating member 6003.
  • the force imparted to the recording head during the cartridge mounting operation is the force required to press the negative pressure generating material 6003 and the force of contact.
  • the press contact member 2202 may be contacted to the outer wall of the ink cartridge with a small force. Even if there is small local gap therebetween, the ink evaporation can be suppressed, and therefore, there is no problem. In addition, even if the air is introduced into the cartridge, the performance of the ink cartridge is not deteriorated, as will be described hereinafter.
  • Figure 12A the interconnection between the ink cartridge and the ink jet recording head, is established in the manner shown in Figure 12A.
  • Figures 12B - 12D are modifications of Figure 12A structure.
  • the rib 2202b of the simple press-contact member 2202 has a circular cross-section, generally it is in the form of a ring.
  • the simple contact member 2202 itself has a circular cross-section, generally in the form of a doughnut.
  • Figure 12D the simple press-contact member 2202 itself has a triangular cross-section (generally conical).
  • simple press-contact member 2202 having an L cross-section is disposed to the outer periphery of the ink supply pipe 2200.
  • the simple press-contact member 2202 is constiLuted by a plate portion 2202a projecting radially outwardly from the ink supply pipe 2202 and a cylindrical portion 2202c extending rearwardly from the plate portion 2202a and fixed to the outer surface of the ink supply pipe at the internal periphery.
  • the press-contact member may be provided in the ink cartridge 6000 not in the ink jet recording head IJU.
  • a simple press-contact member having the similar structure as the simple press-contact member 2202 shown in Figure 12A may be fixed on the outer wall of the ink cartridge. The top of the projection is abutted to the fixing wall of the ink jet recording head IJU.
  • the press-contact member shown in Figure 12B may be fixed on the inner edge of the opening 6002.
  • a wall 6002b is made of a material softer than the ink cartridge 6000 and the recording head IJU and is disposed at an outer edge of the opening 6002, and a simple press-contact member 2202 comprises a disk extending radially outwardly from the ink supply pipe 2200 at the outer periphery of the ink supply pipe 2200 and a cylindrical portion extending frontwardly along the length of the ink supply pipe 2200 from the outermost edge of the disk.
  • the front edge of the cylindrical portion of the press-contact member 2202 is abutted to the outside of the wall 6002b around the opening 6002 of the cartridge 6000 upon the mounting of the cartridge-
  • the wall 6002b is such that the wall of the cartridge 6000 adjacent the opening 6002 as a small thickness except for the peripheral edge of the opening 6002, and that a member similar to that show in Figure 13A is used.
  • Figure 13C unlike Figure 13B example, only the edge portion of the opening 6002 has a small thickness.
  • an edge portion of the prcss-contact member 2202 in the form of a disk extending radially outwardly from the outer periphery of the ink supply pipe 2200 is engaged.
  • a cut-away portion is formed in the central portion of the inside surface 6002a of the opening 6002 among the constituent walls of the cartridge 6000.
  • a part of the press-contact member 2202 provided on the outer periphery of the ink supply pipe 2200 is engaged.
  • the simple press-contact member 2202 of this example comprises a cylindrical portion fixed to the outer periphery of the ink supply pipe 2200 and a disk extending radially outwardly from the outer central portion of the cylindrical portion, so that the outer edge portion of the disk is engaged to the cut-away portion.
  • the material constituting the simple press-contact member as a separate member and the peripheral portion of the opening it may be the same material as the ink cartridge 6000 and the recording head IJU. However, in order to reduce the force exerted to the recording head upon the press-contact, the material may preferably have small hardness than the material constituting the ink cartridge 6000 and the recording head IJU.
  • the material constituting the separate simple press-contact member may preferably exhibit low gas transmissivity to suppress the ink evaporation.
  • a separate simple press-contact member when used in the joint portion between the cartridge 6000 and the recording head IJU, it may be mounted to the ink cartridge 6000 or to the recording head unit IJU before the interconnection therebetween.
  • the configuration and dimension may be properly determined by one skilled in the art in consideration of the configuration and dimension of the ink cartridge 6000 and/or the recording head IJU.
  • a separate simple press-contact member is mounted to the ink supply pipe 2200 of the recording head IJU, it is not necessary to fix it, but movable structure is desirable.
  • the structure shown in Figure 5 is one of the suitable ink container usable with this example because there is provided a gap between the opening 6002 and the supply pipe 2200. By doing so, no such a force as is influential to the positional precision of the recording head, is not applied to the insertion of the ink container. This advantageous effect is not deteriorated even if the simple press-contact member as shown in Figures 12A - 12E or Figure 13A - 13D are used, or ink absorbing material as shown in Figures 9 and 11 are used. In addition, the problem of the ink evaporation or ink leakage can be reduced.
  • FIG 14 there is shown an outer appearance of a preferable ink jet head unit, in a perspective view, according to a further example of the present invention.
  • the press contact member 2202 of the ink jet recording head unit IJU is integral with a base portion of four ink supply pipes 2200 arranged in one line on one side wall of the unit IJU.
  • Each of the ink supply pipe 2200 is in the form of a horn having a reduced diameter at the base side as compared with the free end side.
  • a sealing material 2203 for connecting the ink container 6000 and the unit IJU with the opening 6002 being sealed, when an ink supply pipe 2200 (joint portion) is inserted into the opening 6002 of the ink container 6000 of a replaceable type.
  • a recess 2204 and a projection 2205 for the correct positioning for the interconnection.
  • a positioning recess is formed to position by abutment to a positioning projection HC1 of the head carriage HC. This is not shown in Figure 14, but is shown in Figure 15.
  • Figure 15 is a partial sectional view of a major portion of a recording apparatus having a head carriage HC on which the ink jet recording head unit IJU shown in Figure 14 is mounted.
  • the ink container 6000 is mounted to the unit IJU positioned and fixed by abutment between the projection HC1 of the head carriage HC and the positioning recess, and is carried on the head carriage HC.
  • the structure of the portion of the head carriage HC on which the ink container 6000 is carried, will be described in detail. It comprises a mounting portion HC2 which is generally flat, and a projected portion HC3 projected upwardly adjacent an end of the head carriage HC, in the Figure. At an upper portion of the projection HC3, a slope HC4 lowering toward the light is formed.
  • the projection HC3 is effective to urge the wall opposite from that having an opening 6002 of the ink container 6000, which will be described hereinafter, for the purpose of firmly connecting the ink container 6000 to the unit IJU.
  • the step is not necessary.
  • a sealing member 2202 (press contact member of Figure 15) is interposed between the ink container and the ink jet head. It is preferable that the deformable sealing member 2202 is deformed to assure the prevention of the leakage of the liquid to the outside.
  • the material preferably exhibits slight gas transmissivity when the pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure. This is because the inside pressure of the container increases as a result of the ambient condition change, the tendency of the pressurized ink concentrating to the air vent is eased by the gas transmissivity, by which the motion of the ink to the ink supply pipe is promoted.
  • the ink supply opening or the compressed or compressible region of the negative pressure generating material By the supply pipe) adjacent a side faced to a partition wall constituting a fine communicating portion, substantially stabilized ink supply path is assuredly constituted in the vacuum generating material in a second accommodating chamber.
  • the ink supply opening is located above the fine communicating portion with respect to a bottom surface of the ink cartridge, by which the above-described gas transmissivity of the sealing member 2202 functions as a normal gas penetration preventing member, and therefore, the gas-liquid interchange in the hermetical sealed structure of a second accommodation chamber is further stabilized.
  • the gas transmissivity of the sealing member 2202 may be a complete gas-sealing property.
  • the supply pipe also includes a valve structure or another connecting member of a cartridge effective to compress the negative pressure generating material.
  • the ink surface tension exceeds 55 dyne/cm (25 °C)
  • the ink change due to the ambience dependency of the ink or the internal structure is remarkable, but if it is not more than 55 dyne/cm, this problem is significantly avoided.
  • it is not more than 50 dyne/cm very stabilized properties is exhibited without being influenced by the ambience
  • the ink assuredly moves in the negative pressure generating material.
  • the interface can be stabilized for a long period of time.
  • a linear interface can be stably formed, and therefore, it is preferable.
  • the surface tension of the ink is lower than 20 dyne/cm (25 °C)
  • the ink does not leak in the normal use, but if some impact is applied, the ink leakage occurs.
  • the surface tension is not less than 20 dyne/cm, the ink leakage can be prevented even in the case of the impact.
  • the surface tension is not less than 25 dyne/cm and not more than 50 dyne/cm, the very stabilized condition is maintained without being influenced by the ambience.
  • Figure 16 shows an ink jet cartridge before use.
  • an ink is contained in the ink accommodating chamber 6.
  • Figure illustrates a hermetically sealed ink jet cartridge 21, and a printer usable therewith.
  • the cartridge 1 is provided with a negative pressure generating zone 23A adjacent the air vent 20 as a non-ink-retaining zone at a top corner of the cartridge.
  • the negative pressure generating zone 23B below the zone 23A is a compressible zone which can be compressed by insertion of an unshown ink supply pipe.
  • the portion of the negative pressure generating material other than the zones 23A and 23B retain the ink and is free of external influence.
  • the zone 23B is faced to an opening 22 for permitting connection with the ink supply tube, the opening 22 being formed in the same side and below the air vent 20.
  • the opening 22 is located above the fine communicating portion 28, and the above-described structural features are used.
  • the cartridge 21 of Figure 16 becomes usable if the above-described sealing member S is removed. However, since the zone 23A does not retain the ink, the ink does not leak out even if vibration or pressure change occurs in the unsealing operation.
  • This example employs a non-ink retaining zone adjacent the air vent in the negative pressure generating material irrespective of the state of keeping or state of use of the ink cartridge.
  • the ink is prevented from leaking out of the ink cartridge through the air vent against ambient condition change.
  • the sealing member seals the air vent
  • the sealing member is prevented from peeled off.
  • the sealing member seals the air vent
  • the sealing member is prevented from unintended removal.
  • this region is effective to efficiently supply the amount of air corresponding to the necessity, and in addition is effective to suppress the negative pressure change in the ink jet cartridge. If the zone adjacent the air vent is completely free of wet with the ink, it is preferable from the standpoint of reducing the ink seeping speed, but it is first wetted with the ink, and thereafter, the ink is removed from the zone.
  • the ink supply opening or the compression or compressible zone is located at a side opposite from the partition wall constituting the fine communicating portion, and therefore, the ink supply path can be stably assured in the negative pressure generating material in the second accommodating chamber.
  • This can be further assured by locating the ink supply opening above the fine communicating portion with respect to the bottom surface of the ink cartridge.
  • This positional feature is effective to make a substantial ink moving direction constant, so that all of the ink in the second accommodating chamber can be used up. After it is used up, the air in the second accommodating chamber moves toward the opening, and as a result, the ink in the negative pressure generating material can be used up, thus reducing an amount of non-usable remaining ink.
  • the above-described one directional ink supply path can be formed in the non-compressed zone, and in addition, by the ink retaining power in the compressed zone, the non-usable ink is further reduced.
  • the ink jet printer of this example is provided with head recovery means HR for recovering the recording head by sucking or ejection using sucking means the ink through the recording head from the cartridge, automatically or manually.
  • head recovery means HR for recovering the recording head by sucking or ejection using sucking means the ink through the recording head from the cartridge, automatically or manually.
  • the container 21 mounted to the ink jet head HB carried on a scanning type carriage CR corresponds to the above-described cartridge 1 but without the sealing tape.
  • the ink supply pipe of the head compresses and deforms the compressible zone 23B of the negative pressure generating material 23 through the opening 22.
  • the negative pressure generating material 23 is deformed toward the fine communication portion.
  • mount detecting means (mechanical or electrical, not shown) transmits the cartridge mount signal LP to printer control means CC.
  • the recovery means HR is operated before start of the recording operation, thus discharging the ink in the container 21 to improve the state of the ink in the container.
  • Figures 17A and 17B illustrate an inclinable range in the printing operation or in the ink supplying operation.
  • Designated by a reference numeral 40 is a horizontal plane. It is preferable for the present invention that the fine communicating portion is located at a lower position. Ideally, it is parallel at a bottom surface of the cartridge with the horizontal plane 40. Practically, however, in the case of the two chamber structure, the angle formed between the horizontal plane and the cartridge bottom surface ⁇ may be 0 ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ 15 degrees without practical problem. When it is moved by the scanning type carriage, 0 ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ 5 degrees is preferable. Even if the inclination of the cartridge occurs due to an unexpected factor, the provision of the gap between the ink supply pipe 2200 and the opening 6002 of the ink cartridge permits easy joint without excessive load to the recording head, and therefore, the ink supply performance is assured.
  • a plurality of negative pressure generating material is usable. However, the air can move in the interface therebetween, and therefore, it is preferably a single porous material.
  • the ink containing chamber contains a larger quantity of the ink than the negative pressure generating material accommodating chamber, it can be included as an ink containing chamber, in effect.
  • ink joint member 27 as the ink supply pipe is inserted into the opening 22 of the main body 21 of the ink cartridge to be press-contacted to the negative pressure generating material 23. It is a sectional view in the operable state. It is preferable that a filter is provided at an end of the joint member 27 to remove the foreign material in the ink cartridge.
  • the ink is moved to the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 24 from the ink containing portion 26 through a gap between an end of the rib 25 and a bottom 11 of the ink cartridge, and is supplied to the ink jet recording head through the negative pressure generating material 23 and the joint member 27.
  • the pressure in the ink accommodating portion 26 which is sealed except for the gap 28 reduces with the result of pressure difference between the ink accommodating portion 26 and the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 24. With the continuous of the recording operation, the pressure difference continues to increase.
  • Figures 19A - 19D illustrate an interrelation between an ink level and an ink leakage from the ink jet cartridge in an example where the air vent is located at an optimum position.
  • the air vent 1013 When the upper limit of the ink level exceeds the optimum zone H, as shown in Figure 19A, the ink leaks out through the air vent 1013, as shown in Figure 19B, when the ambient pressure decreases or temperature increases. Irrespective of the position of the air vent 1013 in the first accommodating chamber 1004 as the vacuum generating material accommodating portion, the ink leaks when the ink level exceeds the optimum zone H.
  • the air vent 1013 of this embodiment is most remote position from the communicating portion 1008, so that the safety margin is increased.
  • the ink level in the cartridge itself before the connection with the joint member is preferably higher than the top end of the ink supply opening, and not higher than the position 5 mm higher than the top end is preferable, since then the above-described inconveniences can be avoided.
  • the lower limit is further 1 mm higher position. In this case, the ink leakage does not occur, and the separate provision of the air vent works well.
  • the investigations have been made as to the ink level after the joint with the ink jet head, including the ink level not satisfying the optimum zone for the cartridge itself.
  • the optimum zone H is a region above the top end of the joint member 1007 inserted through the ink supply opening, and below a position 5 mm higher than the top end, further preferably, it is higher than a position 1 mm higher than the top end of the joint member and below a position 5 mm higher than the top end.
  • liquid level adjustment for the independent cartridge and for the jointed case one or more of the following methods are usable to adjust the ink level.
  • Figure 20A is a longitudinal sectional view of the main body of the ink jet cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 20B is a sectional view thereof, and
  • Figure 21 is a sectional view illustrating the surface of the rib.
  • the ink cartridge main body 1001 is provided with an air introducing groove 1031 and a negative pressure generating material adjusting chamber 1032 in a rib 1005 which functions as a partition between the ink accommodating portion 1006 and the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 1004.
  • the air introducing groove 1031 extends from a central portion of the rib 1005 to an end thereof, that is, the gap 1008 between the bottom of the ink cartridge 1011, adjacent the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 1004.
  • a negative pressure generating material adjusting chamber 1032 is formed as a concavity.
  • the contact pressure (compression) to the negative pressure generating material 1003 is partly eased even if the negative pressure generating material 1003 is non-uniformly inserted, as shown in Figure 22. For this reason, when the ink starts to be consumed through the recording head, the ink contained in the material 1003 is consumed to reach the material adjusting chamber 1032. When the consumption of the ink is continued, the air can easily break the ink meniscus at the portion where the contact pressure is eased, so that the air is smoothly introduced into the air introducing groove 1031, and therefore, the negative pressure can be easily controlled.
  • the structure including the rib, the adjusting chamber or another structure having the equivalent function, are called an air-liquid exchange promoting structure.
  • the ink level optimum zone can be provided by adjusting the level of the top of the air-liquid exchange promoting structure disposed on the first accommodating chamber side wall above the communicating portion between the first accommodating chamber and the second accommodating chamber.
  • the direction of the compression and the compression ratio of the negative pressure generating material may be changed, as described hereinbefore.
  • the adjustment of the top of the air-liquid exchange promoting structure is effective from the standpoint of certainty and reproducibility.
  • Figure 22 shows an embodiment provided with an air-liquid exchange promoting structure.
  • a recess is formed at a bottom end adjacent the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 1004 of the partition 1005, and air introducing groove 1031 is formed extended upwardly from the communicating portion 1008.
  • the air introducing groove 1031 is effective to promote the supply of the ink to the ink accommodating portion 1006 when a negative pressure is produced in the ink accommodating portion 1006 by the ink in the ink accommodating portion 1006 is guided in the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 1004 through the communicating portion 1008. Therefore, the portion above the top of the air introducing groove 1031 is filled with an air supplied through the air communicating portion 1013. In other words, depending on the location of the top of the air introducing groove 1031 which is the air-liquid exchange promoting structure, the ink level in the accommodating chamber 1004 can be adjusted.
  • Figure 22 shows an optimum height of the top of the air-liquid exchange promoting mechanism of this embodiment.
  • the top of the mechanism is at a position not less than 5 mm higher than the top of the ink supply opening. This is because the top limit of the ink level, as described hereinbefore, is 5 mm above the top end of the end of the joint member 1007 (ink supply port) inserted into the opening 2.
  • the top limit of the ink level is 5 mm higher than the top of the ink supply port
  • the lower limit of the ink level is the top end of the effective diameter D2 of a filter 1012 provided in the ink supply opening, further preferably, the top end of the outer diameter D1 of the filter 1012, further preferably the top end of outer diameter D0 of the ink supply port. Therefore, the most preferable range of the optimum zone of the ink level is limited by a position 5 mm higher than the top end from the top end of the ink supply opening.
  • the height of the top is 16.5 mm from the bottom of the inside of the cartridge, by which the optimum ink level zone can be accomplished.
  • the liquid level is raised toward the air vent position. Therefore, when the air layer having replaced and contained in the second chamber or the air layer in the negative pressure generating material are expanded due to the temperature or pressure change in the ambient condition, the ink may tends to leak through the air vent. On the other hand, if the position is lower than 16.5 mm, the ink level lowers, and therefore, an air layer is formed around the supply pipe inserted. During the recording operation or during the sucking recovery operation, the air may be introduced into the recording head with the result of tendency of the output image disturbance.
  • the optimum zone of the ink level is not proper only for the cartridge of this embodiment. However, it is usable with an ink jet recording head integrally having an ink container and an ink ejecting portion, the ink container having a first and second chambers as shown in Figure 23.
  • the structure of the ink jet head shown in Figure 23 is such that the ink supply opening 1002A is in the bottom side of a first accommodating chamber, that is, a negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 1004A, and through the opening 1002A, a joint 1007A of the ink ejecting portion is inserted.
  • an air introducing groove 1031A air-liquid exchange promoting mechanism
  • a stop rib 1016 is provided at an upper position of the negative pressure generating material accommodating portion 1004A.
  • a portion without the negative pressure generating material 1003 is formed at an upper portion of the accommodating portion 1014A.
  • the air vent 1013A is in communication with the material absent zone.
  • Adjacent the bottom communicating portion 1018 of the ink accommodating portion 1016A a projection 1017 is formed, which functions to prevent introduction of ink or dew liquid into the accommodating portion 1014 through the communicating portion 1008, when the cartridge is turned upside-down.
  • the level of the top of the air introducing groove 1031A of the air-liquid exchange promoting region is preferably higher than 5 mm higher position above the ink supply port plane.
  • the optimum ink level of the cartridge is lower than a position 5 mm higher than the plane of the ink supplying opening at an end of the joint 1007A.
  • the upper limit of the optimum ink level is the level of the top of the air introducing groove 1031A which is the air-liquid exchange promoting region, and preferably, it is a position 5 mm higher than the plane of the ink supply port.
  • the lower limit is a position 1 mm higher than the plane of the ink supply opening, further preferably, it is a position 2 mm higher than the ink supplying plane. Therefore, the preferable range of the ink level is between 2 mm higher than the top end of the ink supply port and a position 5 mm higher than that.
  • an ink jet cartridge which provides stabilized ink supply with proper negative pressure, can be provided.
  • the ink in the ink accommodating portion and the ambient air can be smoothly and stably exchanged during the ink supply.
  • the internal pressure in the ink supply portion can be stably controlled.
  • a high speed printing is possible with high stability of ejection of the recording head.
  • the ink leakage does not occur.
  • the preferable ink provides an ink interface in the negative pressure generating material against vibration of the ink container.
  • the air-liquid interface is stabilized against ambient condition change.
  • the surface tension of the ink is preferably 20 dyne/cm - 55 dyne/cm, further preferably, 25 dyne/cm - 50 dyne/cm. When the ink surface tension is in this range, the ink does not leak when the printing operation is not carried out, as a result of break of the meniscus at the orifice.
  • the desired surface tension can be provided by mixing water with water soluble organic solvent such as ethanol (22 dyne/cm), isopropanol (22 dyne/cm), cyclohexanol (34 dyne/cm), glycerin (63 dyne/cm), diethylene glycol (49 dyne/cm), diethylene glycol monomethylether (35 dyne/cm), polyethylene glycol (35 dyne/cm), 2-pyrrolidone (47 dyne/cm), N-methylpyrrolidone (41 dyne/cm), the surface tension being the values at 20 - 30 °C.
  • water soluble organic solvent such as ethanol (22 dyne/cm), isopropanol (22 dyne/cm), cyclohexanol (34 dyne/cm), glycerin (63 dyne/c
  • Figure 24 is a perspective view of an outer appearance of an ink jet recording apparatus capable of carrying a recording head unit described in the foregoing.
  • a driving motor 5013 forward or backward rotation of a driving motor 5013 is transmitted to a lead screw 5004 by way of drive transmission gears 5011 and 5009 to rotate it.
  • the carriage HC has a pin (not shown) engaged with a helical groove 5005 of the lead screw 5004.
  • the carriage HC is reciprocated in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus.
  • Designated by a reference numeral 5002 is a cap for capping the front side of the recording head in the recording head unit, and is used for suction recovery of the recording head through the cap by an unshown sucking means.
  • the cap 5002 is capable of capping the ejection side surface of each of the recording heads by driving force transmitted by way of gear 5008 or the like.
  • a cleaning blade 5017 is movable to and fro and is supported on a supporting frame 5018 of the main assembly. The blade is not limited to this type, but another known blade is usable.
  • the capping, cleaning, sucking recovery operations are possible when the carriage takes a home position, by the lead screw 5005. However, they can be carried out at another proper timing.
  • Connection pads 4502 of the recording head unit mounted on the carriage HC are connected with connection pads 5031 by rotation of a connecting plate 5030 of the carriage HC about a predetermined axis, by which the electrical connection therebetween is established. Without using connector or the like, and therefore, the recording head does not receive unnecessary force.
  • FIG 25 another example of an ink jet printing apparatus usable with the ink jet cartridge according to this invention is usable.
  • an automatic sheet feeder 5100 for supporting a stack of sheets S, and for feeding them one-by-one.
  • a feeder 5200 functions to supply the recording sheet S singled out of the automatic feeder 5100 to a recording position, and also to feed the recording sheet to the discharge portion 5300.
  • a recording head 5401 functions to eject yellow, magenta, cyan and black inks for the purpose of color recording, in this embodiment.
  • a carriage 5402 for carrying the recording head 5401 is guided by a guiding shaft 5403 for guiding the carriage 5402 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the sheet in the Figure by an unshown timing belt.
  • a carriage driver functions to scanningly move the carriage 5402 carrying recording heads 5401 and ink containers 5405 for supplying the ink thereto.
  • a controller 5500 is disposed for controlling the entirety of the recording apparatus on the basis of record data or information supplied from an unshown host computer or the like.
  • the recording heads 5401 and the ink containers 5405 constitute an ink jet head unit of the invention, and they are detachably mountable.
  • the recording head most suitably uses a film boiling bubble creation system to eject the ink.
  • the ink cartridge can be mounted or demounted without any adverse influence to the mounting portion of the ink jet head.
  • the ink cartridge can be mounted without exerting unnecessary external force to the ink jet head.
  • the replaceable type ink cartridge is easy to handle, and upon the mounting to the ink jet recording head, there occurs no ink leakage, and therefore, erroneous operation can be avoided.
  • the bonding and sealing of a press-contact member of the joint portion of the recording means to the external wall is effective to prevent ink leakage even when the internal pressure of the container increases by a worst ambient condition change, thus tending to discharge the ink. Therefore, a highly reliable ink jet recording head can be provided.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)
  • Particle Formation And Scattering Control In Inkjet Printers (AREA)

Claims (4)

  1. Cartouche d'encre (21 ; 1001 ; 6000) destinée à contenir de l'encre, pouvant être montée de façon amovible sur une tête à jet d'encre (IJU ; 5401) ayant un élément (27 1007 ; 1007A ; 2200) d'alimentation en encre, la cartouche d'encre comportant :
    une séparation (25 ; 1005 ; 6005) à l'intérieur formant une première chambre à encre (26 ; 1006 ; 1006A ; 6006) pour contenir l'encre et une seconde chambre à encre (24 ; 1004 ; 1004A ; 6004) contenant un matériau (23 ; 1003 ; 6003) produisant une pression négative, un accès récepteur (22 ; 1002 ; 1002A ; 6002) dans une face de la deuxième chambre à encre (24 ; 1004 ; 1004A ; 6004), et une ouverture de communication (28 ; 1008 ; 6008) pour une communication de fluide entre la première chambre à encre (26 ; 1006 ; 1006A ; 6006) et la seconde chambre à encre (24 ; 1004 ; 1004A ; 6004),
       dans laquelle ladite séparation (25 ; 1005 ; 6005) s'étend depuis l'ouverture de communication (28 ; 1008 ; 6008), ledit élément (27 ; 1007 ; 1007A ; 2200) d'alimentation en encre de ladite tête à jet d'encre étant en contact avec ledit matériau (23 ; 1003 ; 6003) produisant une pression négative à travers ledit accès récepteur (22 ; 1002 ; 1002A ; 6002) pour alimenter en encre ladite tête à jet d'encre (IJU ; 5401) à partir de ladite cartouche d'encre (21 ; 1001 ; 6000),
       caractérisée en ce que
       ladite séparation (25 ; 1005 ; 6005) comprend un moyen d'introduction d'air (1031 ; 1031A) destiné à introduire de manière stable de l'air depuis la seconde chambre d'encre (24 ; 1004 ; 1004A ; 6004) dans la première chambre à encre (26 ; 1006 ; 1006A ; 6006), une extrémité supérieure dudit moyen (1031 ; 1031A) d'introduction d'air étant au-dessus du sommet de l'ouverture de communication (28 ; 1008 ; 6008), dans laquelle ledit moyen (1031 ; 1031A) d'introduction d'air est construit de manière que le niveau d'encre dans ledit matériau (23 ; 1003 ; 6003) de production de pression négative ne soit pas à plus de 5 mm au-dessus du niveau supérieur dudit accès récepteur (22 ; 1002 ; 1002A ; 6002) pendant que ladite tête à jet d'encre (IJU ; 5401) est alimentée en encre.
  2. Cartouche à encre selon la revendication 1,
       caractérisée en ce que
       ledit accès récepteur (22 ; 1002 ; 1002A ; 6002) est situé dans un côté de ladite seconde chambre à encre (24 ; 1004 ; 1004A ; 6004) opposé à ladite séparation (25 ; 1005 ; 6005).
  3. Cartouche d'encre selon la revendication 1,
       caractérisée en ce que
       ledit accès récepteur (1002A) est situé dans un côté de fond de ladite seconde chambre à encre (1004) lors de l'utilisation.
  4. Cartouche d'encre selon les revendications 1 à 3,
       caractérisée en ce que
       le niveau de l'encre est d'au moins 2 mm au-dessus dudit niveau supérieur dudit accès récepteur (22 ; 1002 ; 1002A ; 6002) pendant que ladite tête à jet d'encre (IJU ; 5401) est alimentée en encre.
EP98111972A 1993-05-21 1994-05-24 Cartouche d'encre Expired - Lifetime EP0872348B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (19)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP12016093 1993-05-21
JP120160/93 1993-05-21
JP12016093 1993-05-21
JP12261993 1993-05-25
JP122619/93 1993-05-25
JP12261993A JP3110916B2 (ja) 1993-05-25 1993-05-25 インクジェット記録装置
JP209415/93 1993-08-24
JP20941593A JPH0760981A (ja) 1993-08-24 1993-08-24 インクジェット記録装置
JP20941593 1993-08-24
JP22368593 1993-09-08
JP22368593A JP3190495B2 (ja) 1993-09-08 1993-09-08 インクジェット用カートリッジならびにこれを用いたインクジェットヘッドおよびインクジェットプリント装置
JP223685/93 1993-09-08
JP245513/93 1993-09-30
JP24551393 1993-09-30
JP24551393 1993-09-30
JP99927/94 1994-05-13
JP9992794 1994-05-13
JP9992794A JP3145861B2 (ja) 1993-05-21 1994-05-13 インクカートリッジおよび該インクカートリッジを有するインクジェットユニット、該インクジェットユニットを有するインクジェット装置
EP94107959A EP0625424B1 (fr) 1993-05-21 1994-05-24 Unité à jet d'encre

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94107959A Division EP0625424B1 (fr) 1993-05-21 1994-05-24 Unité à jet d'encre

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0872348A1 EP0872348A1 (fr) 1998-10-21
EP0872348B1 true EP0872348B1 (fr) 2002-04-17

Family

ID=27552087

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98111972A Expired - Lifetime EP0872348B1 (fr) 1993-05-21 1994-05-24 Cartouche d'encre
EP94107959A Expired - Lifetime EP0625424B1 (fr) 1993-05-21 1994-05-24 Unité à jet d'encre

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94107959A Expired - Lifetime EP0625424B1 (fr) 1993-05-21 1994-05-24 Unité à jet d'encre

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (2) EP0872348B1 (fr)
AT (2) ATE187930T1 (fr)
DE (2) DE69430452T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2175558T3 (fr)

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JP3513979B2 (ja) * 1994-09-16 2004-03-31 セイコーエプソン株式会社 インクジェットプリンタ用インクカートリッジ
US6276785B1 (en) 1983-10-13 2001-08-21 Seiko Epson Corporation Ink-supplied printer head and ink container
US6145974A (en) * 1983-10-13 2000-11-14 Seiko Epson Corporation Ink-supplied printer head and ink container
US6474798B1 (en) 1984-10-11 2002-11-05 Seiko Epson Corporation Ink supplied printer head and ink container
US6332675B1 (en) 1992-07-24 2001-12-25 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Ink container, ink and ink jet recording apparatus using ink container
US6467890B1 (en) 1993-06-29 2002-10-22 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Partitioned ink tank
US6206513B1 (en) 1993-06-29 2001-03-27 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Ink tank unit, an ink jet cartridge having said ink tank unit and an ink jet apparatus having said ink jet cartridge
DE69431634T2 (de) * 1993-06-29 2003-04-03 Canon Kk Behälter für Flüssigkeit, Tintenstrahlkassette mit diesem Behälter für Flüssigkeit und Tintenstrahlapparat mit dieser Tintenstrahlkassette
JPH08132636A (ja) * 1994-09-16 1996-05-28 Seiko Epson Corp インクジェットプリンタ用インクカートリッジ、及びカートリッジへのインクの充填方法
US6238042B1 (en) 1994-09-16 2001-05-29 Seiko Epson Corporation Ink cartridge for ink jet printer and method of charging ink into said cartridge
US5793396A (en) * 1994-12-12 1998-08-11 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Ink-supply connecting member and ink ejection system
JP3347559B2 (ja) 1994-12-28 2002-11-20 キヤノン株式会社 インクタンク及びインクジェットカートリッジならびにインクジェット記録装置
JP3746870B2 (ja) 1997-03-07 2006-02-15 セイコーエプソン株式会社 インクジェット式記録装置用インクカートリッジ
JP2001001544A (ja) * 1999-06-24 2001-01-09 Canon Inc 液体供給方法、液体供給容器、負圧発生部材収納容器及び液体収納容器
US6935730B2 (en) 2000-04-03 2005-08-30 Unicorn Image Products Co. Ltd. Of Zhuhai One-way valve, valve unit assembly, and ink cartridge using the same
AU2002213759A1 (en) * 2000-07-31 2002-03-22 Unicorn Image Products Co. Ltd, Of Zhuhai An ink cartridge with a seal member provided at the ink outlet port
CN114261210A (zh) * 2021-11-12 2022-04-01 田志广 一种云打印机用墨盒自动吸墨装置

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CA2100977C (fr) * 1992-07-24 2000-02-08 Noribumi Koitabashi Reservoir a encre, encre et appareil d'enregistrement a jet d'encre utilisant ce reservoir
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69430452T2 (de) 2002-10-31
DE69422217T2 (de) 2000-06-08
EP0625424A2 (fr) 1994-11-23
DE69422217D1 (de) 2000-01-27
ATE187930T1 (de) 2000-01-15
EP0625424B1 (fr) 1999-12-22
DE69430452D1 (de) 2002-05-23
ATE216319T1 (de) 2002-05-15
ES2175558T3 (es) 2002-11-16
EP0625424A3 (fr) 1995-04-26
EP0872348A1 (fr) 1998-10-21

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