EP0924081A2 - Réservoir d'encre - Google Patents

Réservoir d'encre Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0924081A2
EP0924081A2 EP98124023A EP98124023A EP0924081A2 EP 0924081 A2 EP0924081 A2 EP 0924081A2 EP 98124023 A EP98124023 A EP 98124023A EP 98124023 A EP98124023 A EP 98124023A EP 0924081 A2 EP0924081 A2 EP 0924081A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink
spring
ink container
holding space
flexible wall
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98124023A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0924081A3 (fr
Inventor
Eisaku c/o Data Corporation Muto
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.)
Oki Electric Industry Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Oki Data Corp
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
Application filed by Oki Data Corp filed Critical Oki Data Corp
Publication of EP0924081A2 publication Critical patent/EP0924081A2/fr
Publication of EP0924081A3 publication Critical patent/EP0924081A3/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • B41J2/17513—Inner structure
    • B41J2002/17516—Inner structure comprising a collapsible ink holder, e.g. a flexible bag

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ink container that is kept at a pressure lower than the atmosphere to hold ink.
  • ink containers for use in on-demand type ink jet printers various constructions have been proposed for maintaining the interior of the ink container at a negative pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure.
  • One such conventional ink container is of the construction that an ink absorbing material is accommodated in the ink container and the negative pressure of the ink absorbing material serves to hold ink therein.
  • this construction is not effective in utilizing a limited space of the container.
  • One of the most effective constructions appears to be one that the ink container is sealed against the atmosphere and a negative pressure in the container serves to hold ink in the container.
  • Constant negative pressure in the ink container is one of the important characteristics required of this type of ink container.
  • the negative pressure in the ink container varies in accordance with the remaining amount of ink and environmental conditions such as temperature and atmospheric pressure. Therefore, a variety of constructions for the negative-pressure type ink container have been proposed in order to maintain as constant a negative pressure as possible.
  • Japanese patent Preliminary Publication KOKAI No. 6-226993 discloses a liquid ink cartridge that includes an ink container with a pair of resilient side walls.
  • the ink container accommodates a metal spring therein, which urges the side walls from the inner side to the outside of the ink container.
  • the inside of the ink container is maintained at a negative pressure.
  • the resilient side walls deform inwardly to compress the spring as the ink is supplied to an external device, thereby gradually decreasing the volume of the ink container.
  • the construction does not allow air to enter the ink container from outside, thereby significantly reducing effects of the environmental changes such as temperature and atmospheric pressure on the negative pressure in the ink container.
  • the spring simply deforms resiliently.
  • the force of the spring acting on the side walls proportionally increases. If the negative pressure increases beyond a predetermined value, the ink is sucked inwardly too strongly, so that the ink cannot be ejected properly or not ejected at all.
  • An object of the invention is to provide an ink container whose ink-holding space is maintained at a substantially constant negative pressure until the ink contained in the ink-holding space has been exhausted.
  • An ink container (1, 51) has an ink-holding space (9a, 89) which holds ink (89) therein.
  • the pressure in the ink-holding space is held negative with respect to an atmospheric pressure.
  • the ink container includes a flexible wall (3, 55) and an urging member (5, 59, 76).
  • the flexible wall (3, 55) forms a part of the ink-holding space.
  • the urging member takes the form of, for example, a spring.
  • the urging member (5, 59, 76) is incorporated in the ink-holding space and urges the flexible wall (3, 55) outwardly of the ink-holding space.
  • the urging member (5, 59, 76) operates substantially in a plastic deformation region thereof.
  • Another ink container includes a frame (52, 84), a flexible wall (55), and an urging member (59, 77).
  • the frame (52, 84) defines an ink-holding space which holds ink (89) therein.
  • the pressure in the ink-holding space is held negative with respect to an atmospheric pressure.
  • the flexible wall (55) forms a part of the ink-holding space and one side thereof receives the atmospheric pressure.
  • the flexible wall (55) has a periphery (56) securely assembled to the frame to close the ink-holding space.
  • the flexible wall (55) is displaced inwardly of the ink-holding space as the ink (89) is supplied from the ink-holding space to an external device.
  • the urging member (59, 77) is incorporated in the ink-holding space and urges the flexible wall (55) outwardly of the ink-holding space.
  • the urging member (59, 77) is substantially in a plastic deformation region thereof.
  • Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an ink container according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ink container before the ink container is mounted to the ink jet head.
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ink container mounted to the ink jet head, after some of the ink has been used.
  • an ink container includes a tank cover 2, and an ink bag 3 accommodated in the ink tank cover 2, and a tank base 4.
  • the ink bag 3 includes ink bag elements 3a and 3b.
  • the ink bag elements 3a and 3b are made of a film on which aluminum is vapor-deposited, or of a multilayer film that contains aluminum.
  • the elements 3a and 3b are placed together in such a way that the ink bag elements 3a and 3b oppose each other to define a space therebetween having an opening at one end.
  • the elements 3a and 3b are, for example, heat-welded together at their three sides for liquid tight seal.
  • the ink bag 3 incorporates a spring 5 therein.
  • the spring 5, which will be described later in detail, abuts inner surfaces of the opposed side walls of the ink bag elements 3a and 3b to urge the side walls in directions as to increase the volume of the ink bag 3.
  • the opening of the ink bag 3 is connected to a tank base 4.
  • the tank base 4 has two opposed surfaces, one 4a of which forming an inner surface 4a of the ink bag when the ink bag 3 has been assembled to the tank base, and the other 4b of which being exposed to the environment. Walls 4c rise from the inner surface 4a over which the ink bag 3 fits. Walls 4d also rise from the inner surface 4a to support the spring 5 thereon.
  • the tank base 4 is formed with a through-hole 4e therein through which the interior of the ink bag 3 communicates with the environment, and a filter 6 (Fig. 2) placed on the inner surface 4a to close the through-hole 4e.
  • the tank base 4 has an ink-filling hole, not shown, through which ink is filled after assembly of the ink container.
  • the ink-filling hole is closed by a sealing cap. Then, a small amount of the ink is drawn through the through-hole 4e so that the spring 5 is deformed. Thereafter, the packing 8 is placed and is fixedly retained by the annular flange 4g. The ink bag 3 holds ink 9 therein and the ink 9 is supplied from the ink container 1 through the filter 6.
  • the tank base 4 is formed with a stepped portion 4f all around the tank base 4 so that a tank cover 2 fittingly engages the tank base 4.
  • the tank cover 2 is formed with a hole 2a therein through which air is introduced from the atmosphere as the ink is supplied from the ink container 1 to an external ink path 7.
  • the spring 5 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates the spring 5 when expanded into a sheet.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates the spring 5 when the sheet of Fig. 4 has been assembled into a three dimensional structure.
  • the ink bag 3 holds both the spring 5 and ink 9 therein.
  • the spring 5 is formed of, for example, a stainless steel or the like which is corrosion resistant and occupies a minimum space in the ink bag 3.
  • the spring 5 includes two pressure-receiving members 5a, links 5b, and folded portions 5c that connect the pressure-receiving members 5a and the links 5b together and progressively are deformed as the ink 9 is supplied to the external device.
  • the sheet shown in Fig. 4 is folded at portions 5c as shown in Fig. 5 and ends 5d are connected together at locations 5e by, for example, spot welding or laser welding.
  • the folded portions 5c include a plurality of small straps spaced apart by a predetermined distance and connect links 5b to their adjacent links 5b, and flat part 5a to links 5b.
  • the folded portions 5c have less rigidity than the pressure receiving members 5a and links 5b.
  • Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate the characteristics of the spring 5 according to the first embodiment.
  • Fig. 7 shows the relationship between the force F applied to the spring 5 and the deformation or compression ⁇ of the spring 5.
  • the spring 5 will be further described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.
  • the spring 5 of Fig. 6 exhibits a characteristic represented by straight line A and curve B as the force F applied to the spring 5 is increased.
  • Line A shows that the spring 5 is elastically deformed.
  • Curve B implies that the spring 5 is in the plastic deformation region and therefore the spring will not regain its original shape after the force F has been removed.
  • the force F is substantially constant in the plastic deformation region irrespective of the deformation ⁇ . If the force F is gradually decreased at point B1 in the plastic deformation region, the deformation decreases along dot-dash line C. It is to be noted that the spring 5 does not regain its original shape even after the force F has been decreased to zero, leaving a plastic deformation D. In other words, line C shows that the spring 5 still retains some resiliency after the spring 5 has entered its plastic deformation region.
  • the force F decreases slightly as the deformation ⁇ increases in the vicinity of point B1 in the plastic deformation region. This occurs for the following reason.
  • the deformation is concentrated on the folded portions 5c.
  • the deformation of the folded portions 5c become larger as the deformation ⁇ increases so that angles between adjacent links 5b greatly varies (Fig. 6). Therefore, the forces act on the pressure-receiving members 5a, links 5b, and folded portions 5c in different ways from when the spring 5 is in the elastic deformation region.
  • the magnitudes of deformation ⁇ and the force F at which the spring 5 enters from the elastic deformation region into the plastic deformation region can be adjusted at will by selecting the material and thickness of the spring 5, and the length and width of the folded portions 5c.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates changes in the negative pressure of the ink container as the ink is supplied from the ink container to the external device.
  • the spring 5 in the ink bag 3 is not compressed yet. After some amount of the ink 9 has been supplied from the ink container 1 to the external device, the ink bag 3 contracts in such a direction as to compress the spring 5. It is assumed in the embodiment that the initial compression of the spring 5 is on line A of Fig. 7, somewhat before the boundary between the elastic deformation region and the plastic deformation region. It is also assumed that the negative pressure of the ink container 1 is initially at point M and moves along curve E of Fig. 8 within a normal ejection region.
  • the ink container 1 is coupled to the ink path 7 of the ink jet head and a printing is then performed.
  • the ink bag 3 contracts (Fig. 3) as the remaining amount of the ink 9 decreases, the inner wall surfaces of the ink bag 3 causing the two pressure-receiving members 5a of the spring 5 to move toward each other.
  • the biasing force of the spring 5 urges the inner wall of the ink bag 3 outwardly against the contraction force of the ink bag 3, thereby maintaining the negative pressure in the ink bag 3.
  • the spring 5 eventually enters the plastic deformation region, i.e., the spring shifts from curve A to curve B.
  • the biasing force of the spring 5 becomes smaller in the plastic deformation region than in the elastic deformation region.
  • the force F in the plastic deformation region decreases only at a slow rate regardless of the deformation ⁇ , so that the negative pressure changes slowly at a minimum rate as shown by curve E.
  • the spring 5 operates chiefly in its plastic deformation region during its useful lifetime.
  • the spring force of the spring 5 retards the change in negative pressure in the ink container 1, thereby suppressing the changes in the negative pressure of the ink container 1.
  • the width and length of the folded portion 5c and thickness of the material of the spring 5 can be carefully selected to adjust the rigidity of the spring 5, thereby achieving an optimum negative pressure of the ink container.
  • the spring 5 can be of any shape and material as long as the spring 5 has the aforementioned properties and is liquid tight.
  • Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an ink container 51 according to a second embodiment.
  • Fig. 10 is an illustrative diagram of a spring according to the second embodiment before it is folded into a three-dimensional structure.
  • Figs. 11A-11C are a top view, a side view, and a front view of the spring, respectively.
  • Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate the properties of the spring.
  • a frame 52 has a substantially rectangular cross-section and is a short cylinder in overall shape.
  • the frame 52 forms a side wall of an ink container 51.
  • the frame 52 has substantially rectangular openings at the opposed ends thereof, and is formed with a hole 53 therein that communicates with an ink outlet path 69.
  • the ink outlet path 69 is connected to an ink-receiving path of the ink jet printer when the ink container 51 is mounted to the ink jet printer.
  • One of the openings is closed by a flexible side wall 55 and the other is closed by a rigid wall 65.
  • the frame 52 has a tongue 54 on its one outer surface.
  • the tongue 54 serves to fix the ink container 51 when the ink container 51 is attached to the ink jet printer.
  • the frame 52 is formed with a stepped portion 57 in the edge portion of one of the openings, the stepped portion 57 extending all around the opening.
  • the flexible side wall 55 is a substantially rectangular in shape and has a periphery 56, which extends all around the flexible side wall 55 and is configured to the stepped portion of the frame 51.
  • the side wall 55 is fixed at its periphery 56 to the stepped portion 57 by, for example, welding, thereby sealing the frame 52.
  • the side wall 55 is of three-layer construction of polypropylene, deposited aluminum, and PET.
  • the flat part 55a of the side wall 55 is of substantially the same shape as the opening of the frame 52 and somewhat smaller than the opening. Thus, the flat part 55a moves into the frame 52 as the ink is supplied to outside through the hole 53, so that the flat part 55a substantially closes the entire cross-section of the frame 52.
  • the frame 52 is formed with a cutout 58 which opens to the atmosphere upon assembly of the entire ink container 1 (Fig. 16).
  • the cross-sectional view of the side wall 55 of Fig. 9 is best shown in Figs. 16-18.
  • a spring 59 is assembled in the frame 52 and sandwiched between the flexible side wall 55 and the rigid wall 65.
  • the spring 59 is positioned so that it urges the flexible side wall 55 outwardly.
  • the spring 59 includes a flat part 60, two dog-legged part 63a-63b and 63c-63d, folded portions 64 that connect the flat part 60, dog-legged parts 63a-63d, and feet 62 together.
  • the spring 59 shown in Fig. 10 is folded into a three-dimensional structure shown in Fig. 11.
  • the folded portions 64 has the smallest rigidity.
  • the folded portions 64 may be formed in a narrow shape or may be made thinner than the other parts to achieve the smallest rigidity.
  • the spring 59 is fixed to the rigid wall 65 with posts 66 extending through the holes 61 in the feet 62.
  • the rigid wall 65 is formed with positioning ribs 67 thereon by which the rigid wall 65 is positioned with respect to the opening of the frame 52.
  • the rigid wall 65 seals against the frame 52 so that the assembled structure is liquid tight.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates the spring 59 when the force F is applied with the feet 62 fixed.
  • Fig. 13 illustrates the relationship between the force F and deformation ⁇ .
  • the force F exerted on the spring 59 shown in Fig. 12 varies along curves E, G, and J.
  • the curve G indicates that the spring 59 is in its plastic deformation region where the spring 59 will not regain to its original shape even if the force F is reduced to zero.
  • the force F is substantially constant irrespective of the deformation ⁇ .
  • the deformation ⁇ decreases along line H.
  • line H shows that the spring 5 has not completely lost its resiliency after it has entered the plastic deformation region.
  • the folded portions 64 are first deformed since the folded portions 64 have less rigidity than any other parts of the spring 5.
  • the folded portions 64 have a narrow elastic deformation region.
  • the force F increases as the deformation ⁇ increases (Fig. 13, point 0 to point G1).
  • the folded portions 64 enter the plastic deformation region (Fig. 13, points G1-G2-G3-G4).
  • the folded portions 64 are crushed completely with the result that the force F rapidly increases (Fig. 13, point G4-J1).
  • a cover 68 is mounted to the ink container 51 to protect the side wall 55 from the environment.
  • the cover 68 is welded to the stepped portion 57 of the frame 52.
  • an inner space 90 defined between the cover 68 and the side wall 55 communicates with the atmosphere through the cutout 58 so that the air enters the space 90 in accordance with the movement of the side wall 55 toward the rigid wall 65.
  • FIGs. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of the ink outlet path 69 according to the second embodiment.
  • the ink outlet path 69 includes a filter 70, a packing 71, and a cap 72.
  • the cap 72 is fixedly mounted to the frame 52 by, for example, welding in order to hold the filter 70 and packing 71 in position.
  • the packing 71 is in the shape of a hollow circular cylinder with a portion 71a in the shape of a frustum of a right circular cone that tapers inwardly of the cylinder.
  • the portion 71a engages an inlet pipe 74a of an ink path 74 in a sealing relation when ink is supplied into the ink path 74.
  • a sealing film 73 is fixedly mounted to the end of the cap 72 by, for example, welding, thereby providing a sealed environment for the ink until ready to use.
  • the user peels off the sealing film 73 and the ink container 51 is coupled to an ink path 74 of the ink jet head.
  • Figs. 16-19 are cross-sectional views of the ink container 51, illustrating the operation of the ink container 51. The remaining ink decreases in the order of Figs. 16, 17, and 18.
  • Fig. 19 illustrates changes in the negative pressure of the ink container 51 as the ink is supplied into the ink path 74.
  • Fig. 19 the negative pressure necessary for the ink to be supplied from the ink container 51 lies from point G1 to point G5.
  • the ink 89 can be normally supplied from the ink container 51 when the negative pressure is between point G1 and point G4.
  • Fig. 8 represents the characteristic after the pressure in the ink container 1 has reached a useable negative pressure while Fig. 19 shows the characteristic before and after the pressure in the ink container has reached a useable negative pressure.
  • the spring 59 is assembled to the rigid wall 65 with no initial compressive load at all. Then, the cover 68 is fixedly assembled to the frame 52 so that the flat portion 60 of the spring 59 urges the side wall 55 outwardly. At this time, the characteristic of the spring 59 is between point G1 and point G2 where the spring 59 is in the plastic deformation region.
  • the ink container 51 may be designed such that the spring 59 is initially between point 0 and point G1 where the spring 59 is in the elastic deformation region.
  • the ink 89 is introduced into the ink-holding section 89a of the container 51 through an inlet, not shown, formed in a part of the frame 52 till there is no air in the ink holding section. When the ink holding section has just been filled with the ink 89, the pressure of the ink holding section ink 89 is the same as the atmospheric pressure (point 0 of Fig. 13).
  • the ink-draining jig using an ink-draining jig, a certain amount of the ink 89 is drained from the ink container 51 to develop a negative pressure, thereby ensuring that the ink 89 is held in the ink-holding section 89a (Fig. 16, point G2 of Fig. 13).
  • the ink-draining jig is removed, the ink in the ink outlet path 69 is sucked into the ink container 51 to the filter 70 shown in Fig. 14 due to the negative pressure, so that the surface tension of the filter 70 and the negative pressure in the ink-holding section 89a are balanced.
  • the sealing film 73 is attached to seal the ink container 51.
  • the cover 68 may be welded to the frame 52 after the negative pressure has been developed.
  • the user Prior to using the ink in the ink container 51, the user peels off the sealing film 73 and then connects the ink container 51 to the ink path 74 as shown in Fig. 15. Then, the ink 89 is sucked from the ink container 51 through the ink path 74.
  • the force F of the spring 59 changes along the curve G in the plastic deformation region shown Fig. 13 through points G2, G3, and G4, and the negative pressure in the ink container 51 changes along the curve shown in Fig. 19 through points G2, G3, and G4.
  • the side wall 55 is compressed away from the cover 68 as the ink 89 decreases, causing the spring 59 to be compressed toward the rigid wall 65.
  • the ink container 51 As the spring 59 is further compressed, the folded portions 64 are further plastically deformed. Finally, the spring 59 is completely collapsed as shown in Fig. 18, so that the force F exerted on the spring 59 rapidly increases along line J from point G4 to point J1 as shown in Fig. 13. As a result, the negative pressure characteristic of the ink container 51 changes from point G4 to point J1 of Fig. 19 beyond the range of demanded pressure, failing to supply ink any further. Thus, the ink container 51 reaches the end of its life and there is little or no ink 89 left in the ink container 51.
  • the spring 59 plastically deforms to be permanently crushed, and therefore even if the ink container 51 is again filled with the ink 89, the negative pressure will not be developed again.
  • the spring 59 is of the construction where the spring 59 is in the plastic deformation region when the ink is normally supplied into the ink path 74.
  • the construction is capable of suppressing changes in the negative pressure in the ink container 51 as the remaining ink decreases, so that changes in the negative pressure are minimized till the ink has nearly been exhausted.
  • the negative pressure can easily be set to a desired value by selecting the shape of the spring 59, thereby improving ink-utilizing efficiency of the ink container 51.
  • the ink container 51 cannot be refilled, preventing the user from using ink that is not accepted to the ink container. This prevents troubles of the printhead resulting from the use of non-accepted ink.
  • the ink container 51 according to the second embodiment is easy to assemble compared to the ink container 1 according to the first embodiment.
  • the spring 59 has been in the plastic deformation region before the ink container 51 starts to supply ink.
  • the ink container 51 may be designed so that the spring 59 is still in the elastic deformation region as long as the negative pressure is such that the ink 89 may be held in the container 51.
  • Fig. 20 illustrates a part of an ink container according to a third embodiment.
  • Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the ink container according to the third embodiment.
  • the side wall 55 of the second embodiment is formed from a flat sheet material, which is folded into a three dimensional structure.
  • the side wall 55 is fixedly connected at its periphery to the stepped portion 57 of the frame 52 by, for example, welding.
  • the corners of the side wall 55 are wrinkled as shown in Fig. 20.
  • These wrinkles 75 become more stiff than the other parts of the side wall 55, resisting against the deformation of the side wall 55 when the flat part 55a of the side wall 55 is displaced into the ink container 51 as shown in Figs. 16-18.
  • the inner wall 88 of the frame 52 and the flat portion 60 of the spring 59 may be spaced apart by a larger distance, but the ink holding capacity of the ink container will be decreased.
  • the third embodiment solves the drawback of the second embodiment.
  • the corner radius R1 of the inner wall 88 and the corner radius R2 of the flat portion 60 are related by Equation (1) as follows: R2 ⁇ R1
  • the side wall 55 is made of a very soft, flexible material so that the side wall 55 is configured to the shape of the flat part 60 of the spring 59.
  • the side wall 55 that covers the corners of the flat part 60 of the spring 59 is gradually curved, alleviating the adverse effect of the wrinkles 75 on the deformation of the side wall 55.
  • Equation (1) provides a sufficient space in which the areas of the side wall 55 near the wrinkles 75 can be smoothly deformed, so that the somewhat rigid wrinkles 75 will not significantly affect the change in negative pressure.
  • Equation (1) alleviates the adverse effect of the wrinkles 75 on changes in negative pressure without substantially spacing the edges 60a of the flat part 60 of the spring 59 apart from the edges 52a of the frame 52.
  • the corners of the flat part 60 may be chamfered, a combination of obtuse angles, or a combination of an arcuate shape and obtuse angles.
  • Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of an ink container according to a fourth embodiment.
  • Fig. 23A illustrates a spring as it is stamped from a sheet material.
  • Fig. 23B is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the lines 23B-23B of Fig. 23A.
  • Figs. 24A-24C are a top view, a side view, and a front view of the spring.
  • the ink container 51 according to the second embodiment is of the construction where the interior of the ink container 51 is maintained negative in pressure. Therefore the side wall 55 is pressed at all times against entire the flat part 60 including the peripheral edge portion of the flat part 60 and the edge portions of the folded portions 64. Therefore, the side wall 55 may be broken due to vibration and long term storage.
  • a spring 76 is shaped as shown in Figs. 22-24.
  • the flat part 77 is continuous with connectors 81 via a plurality of first folded portions 78.
  • the flat part 77 has a cutout 78a on both sides of each of the first folded portions 78, so that the first folded portions 78 are behind the outer edge of the flat part 77 of the spring 76 as shown in Fig. 23.
  • the flat part 77 has a roll over 79 formed all around the periphery by, for example, drawing except the folded portions 78 and cutouts 78a.
  • the roll over 79 is rolled downward away from the flat part 77 so that when the ink container has been assembled, the outer edge of the roll over 79 will not be in contact with the flat part 55a of the side wall 55.
  • the spring 76 further includes holes 80, connectors 81, second folded portions 82, and feet 83, which are of the same construction as those of the second embodiment and the description thereof are omitted.
  • the rest of the construction of the ink container 51 is the same as that of the second embodiment.
  • FIGs. 25-27 are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of the ink container according to the fourth embodiment.
  • the roll over 79 prevents the side wall 55 from pressing the sharp edge of the flat part 77 of the spring 76.
  • the edges of the first folded portions 78 are located behind the roll over 79 so that the side wall 55 is not pressed against the edges of the first folded portions 78.
  • Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view of an ink container according to a fifth embodiment.
  • Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the ink outlet path of the ink container 51.
  • the side wall 55 is urged inwardly toward the rigid wall 65 as the ink 89 is supplied into the ink path 74. Then, the side wall 55 may close the hole 53, blocking normal ink flow through the hole 53.
  • the inner wall 88 of the frame 84 is provided with ribs 86 which surround a hole 85 and extend in a direction in which the side wall 55 is displaced into the frame 84.
  • the ribs 86 prevent the side wall 55 from completely closing the hole 85, providing ink paths even if the side wall 55 is displaced over the hole 85.
  • the shape of the spring 76 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment.
  • the frame 84 has corners with a radius R1 and the flat part 77 of the spring 76 has corners with a radius R2, given by Equation (1), i.e., R2 ⁇ R1.
  • R2 ⁇ R1 the radius of the spring 76
  • the side wall 55 is compressed as the ink is supplied into the ink path 74.
  • the side wall 55 then passes over the hole 85.
  • the ribs 86 keep the side wall 55 away from the hole 85 ensuring paths for the ink 89 to flow into the hole 85.
  • the ink 89 continues to be smoothly supplied to the ink jet head until the ink 89 is completely exhausted.
  • the inner wall 88 of the frame 84 may be formed with a plurality of grooves extending in a direction in which the side wall 55 is compressed.
  • a plurality of projections may be provided around the hole 85 to keep the side wall 55 a predetermined distance away from the hole 85, thereby ensuring the path for the ink 89 to flow into the hole 85.
  • the present invention has been described with reference to an ink container for use in ink jet printers, the invention may be applicable to any liquid containers which hold a liquid therein and supplies the liquid in accordance with the suction operation from outside.

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  • Ink Jet (AREA)
EP98124023A 1997-12-22 1998-12-17 Réservoir d'encre Withdrawn EP0924081A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP35282297 1997-12-22
JP35282297 1997-12-22
JP6895098A JPH11240171A (ja) 1997-12-22 1998-03-18 インク貯蔵容器
JP6895098 1998-03-18

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0924081A2 true EP0924081A2 (fr) 1999-06-23
EP0924081A3 EP0924081A3 (fr) 1999-10-13

Family

ID=26410134

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98124023A Withdrawn EP0924081A3 (fr) 1997-12-22 1998-12-17 Réservoir d'encre

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0924081A3 (fr)
JP (1) JPH11240171A (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1449664A2 (fr) * 2003-02-19 2004-08-25 Seiko Epson Corporation Stockage de liquide et appareil d'éjection de liquide
US6830324B2 (en) * 2001-12-27 2004-12-14 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Liquid storing container, ink jet cartridge, and ink jet printing apparatus
US7481113B2 (en) 2005-07-27 2009-01-27 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Semiconductor sensor with projection for preventing proof mass from sticking to cover plate
US7618133B2 (en) 2005-09-02 2009-11-17 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Ink tank and recording apparatus
CN102036828A (zh) * 2008-05-22 2011-04-27 录象射流技术公司 用于喷墨墨盒的墨水容纳系统和墨水水平检测系统
US9346280B2 (en) 2013-10-22 2016-05-24 Seiko Epson Corporation Liquid storing container

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6959984B2 (en) * 2001-08-14 2005-11-01 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Liquid container and inkjet cartridge
KR100429797B1 (ko) * 2001-11-05 2004-05-03 삼성전자주식회사 잉크젯 프린터용 잉크 카트리지
KR100433529B1 (ko) 2001-12-04 2004-05-31 삼성전자주식회사 압력조절모듈을 구비한 잉크 카트리지
KR100440968B1 (ko) * 2002-02-22 2004-07-21 삼성전자주식회사 잉크젯 프린터용 잉크 카트리지
KR100445117B1 (ko) * 2002-03-20 2004-08-21 삼성전자주식회사 잉크 카트리지의 압력조절장치 및 이를 구비하는 인쇄기용잉크 카트리지
EP1654121B1 (fr) 2003-06-25 2012-03-07 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Contenant pour liquide, dispositif d'alimentation en liquide et dispositif d'imagerie
JP4478927B2 (ja) * 2004-03-10 2010-06-09 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体容器
JP5565029B2 (ja) 2010-03-29 2014-08-06 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体容器および液体消費装置
JP6011005B2 (ja) 2012-04-26 2016-10-19 株式会社リコー 画像形成装置
US9889670B1 (en) * 2016-12-09 2018-02-13 Funai Electric Co., Ltd. Fluidic dispensing device

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JPH06226993A (ja) 1992-12-23 1994-08-16 Hewlett Packard Co <Hp> インクカートリッジのインク貯蔵容器

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US5754207A (en) * 1992-08-12 1998-05-19 Hewlett-Packard Company Volume indicating ink reservoir cartridge system
US5448818A (en) * 1992-08-12 1995-09-12 Hewlett-Packard Company Method of assembly of a collapsible ink reservoir structure
CA2093971A1 (fr) * 1992-08-12 1994-02-13 Tofigh Khodapanah Regulateur de la pression d'encre dans une imprimante thermique a jet d'encre
US5737001A (en) * 1996-07-02 1998-04-07 Hewlett-Packard Company Pressure regulating apparatus for ink delivered to an ink-jet print head
EP1279512B1 (fr) * 1997-08-20 2005-10-12 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Réservoir d'encre pour imprimante à jet d'encre

Patent Citations (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06226993A (ja) 1992-12-23 1994-08-16 Hewlett Packard Co <Hp> インクカートリッジのインク貯蔵容器

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6830324B2 (en) * 2001-12-27 2004-12-14 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Liquid storing container, ink jet cartridge, and ink jet printing apparatus
EP1449664A2 (fr) * 2003-02-19 2004-08-25 Seiko Epson Corporation Stockage de liquide et appareil d'éjection de liquide
EP1449664A3 (fr) * 2003-02-19 2005-05-11 Seiko Epson Corporation Stockage de liquide et appareil d'éjection de liquide
US7472804B2 (en) 2003-02-19 2009-01-06 Seiko Epson Corporation Liquid storage unit and liquid ejecting apparatus
US7748819B2 (en) 2003-02-19 2010-07-06 Seiko Epson Corporation Liquid storage unit and liquid ejecting apparatus
EP2289701A1 (fr) * 2003-02-19 2011-03-02 Seiko Epson Corporation Unité de stockage de liquides et procédé pour la fabrication d'une unité de stockage de liquides
US8083101B2 (en) 2003-02-19 2011-12-27 Seiko Epson Corporation Liquid storage unit and liquid ejecting apparatus
US7481113B2 (en) 2005-07-27 2009-01-27 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Semiconductor sensor with projection for preventing proof mass from sticking to cover plate
US7618133B2 (en) 2005-09-02 2009-11-17 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Ink tank and recording apparatus
CN102036828A (zh) * 2008-05-22 2011-04-27 录象射流技术公司 用于喷墨墨盒的墨水容纳系统和墨水水平检测系统
CN102036828B (zh) * 2008-05-22 2014-10-29 录象射流技术公司 一种喷墨墨盒
US9346280B2 (en) 2013-10-22 2016-05-24 Seiko Epson Corporation Liquid storing container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0924081A3 (fr) 1999-10-13
JPH11240171A (ja) 1999-09-07

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