ITTO950734A1 - INK POWERED PRINTER AND INK FEED TANK. - Google Patents

Abstract

An ink tank cartridge is provided for an inkjet type recording apparatus. The ink tank cartridge comprises a plurality of first chambers and a plurality of second chambers adjacent to and associated with a first chamber, each pair of first and second chambers being formed as an integral unit. The ink tank cartridge also has a partition wall arranged in the cartridge which separates each second chamber from a first associated chamber, the two chambers communicating through a communication hole positioned near the bottom of the partition wall arranged between the associated chambers. The communication hole extends only for a portion of the partition wall width. Finally, a plurality of ink supply passages, each extending through a wall of a respective first chamber of the plurality of first chambers, feed ink outside the ink cartridge from each respective porous organ of the plurality of porous organs. (Figure 2 )

Description

DESCRIPTION of the industrial invention entitled: 'Ink fed printer and ink supply tank ",

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers in general to an ink-fed printer which is fed with ink from an ink supply tank and more particularly to an ink supply tank which allows the continuous supply of ink to the printer head avoiding effects. negative resulting from temperature, atmospheric variations or vibrations. The present invention allows a greater volume of ink in the ink supply tank and allows a greater percentage of the ink in the tank to be transferred to the printer head. Further, the present invention includes a transparent sided reservoir whereby the user is able to easily determine the remaining amount of ink, and also by means of damping unwanted movement of the ink within the ink supply reservoir.

The present invention also relates to an ink cartridge for an inkjet printer in which an inkjet recording head and an ink cartridge are mounted on a movable carriage, and in particular an inkjet cartridge. which, as a result of running out of ink in the old cartridge, is replaced with a new ink cartridge.

A prior art inkjet printer in which an ink containing unit and an inkjet recording head are mounted on a carriage is disclosed in European Patent Publication No. 581.531. In the described printer, in order to prevent printing interruptions due to changes in the ink level or air bubbles due to the movement of the ink cartridge, which is caused by the movement of the carriage, the ink container is divided into two regions. A first region of the container adjacent the recording head houses ink impregnated in a porous member, and a second region contains liquid ink without a porous member. This structure allows the ink to be led to the registration head through the porous member so that problems generated by the movement of the ink in the cartridge are to some extent avoided.

The porous member is maintained in fluid communication with the recording head by a protruding member which is inserted through a hole formed in the side portion of the container. However, this structure cannot be applied to a recording head where air bubbles must be prevented from entering a pressure chamber, such as that of an inkjet printer where a piezoelectric vibrator is used as an actuator for ejection of the ink.

Consequently, an ink jet printer is derived which solves the above mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general terms, in accordance with the present invention an ink-fed printer is provided. Ink is fed to a printer head through an ink supply system, including an ink reservoir having an ink supply passage and a pair of side walls. An ink absorbing member is contained therein adjacent the ink supply passage which occupies less than the total volume of the ink reservoir. The walls of the ink supply tank can be transparent so that the user can more easily determine the amount of ink remaining in the ink supply tank.

An ink receiving and transferring member terminating in an ink passage can extend into the ink tank, in which case the ink absorbing member rests against and is locally compressed by the ink receiving and transmitting member. The ink receiving and transmitting member has a capillary ink path that communicates with the printer head and is fed with ink from the ink absorbing member.

More specifically, an ink cartridge is formed by a chamber for the ink that stores ink and a chamber for the sponge to receive a porous organ to absorb ink. A septum separates the ink chamber from the sponge chamber and has a hole inside it so that the sponge chamber is in fluid communication with the ink chamber. The ink cartridge is also formed with an ink supply passage. A funnel-shaped connecting member is disposed within the supply passage and supplies ink to a recording head by generating a pressure difference across the porous member. The union member is disposed facing upward in the ink supply passage. The connecting member is elastic.

When an ink supply needle of the registration head is inserted into the ink supply passage, the terminal of the needle elastically contacts the connecting member. Since the connecting member has an upwardly diverging funnel shape, the connecting member is easily deformed so as to follow the ink supply needle. Furthermore, the connecting member is made to adhere closely in contact with the needle thanks to its elasticity. Therefore, a relative misalignment between the ink supply needle and the ink supply passage can be accommodated so that the ink supply passage is securely sealed.

Correspondingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved ink cartridge for an ink jet printer.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer fed with high quality and highly reliable ink, having a simple construction and which is adapted to supply a stable and adequate quantity of ink from an ink tank to a printer head, and which is less subject to the influence of environmental changes such as temperature or atmospheric changes.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cartridge for an ink jet printer which can be mounted with minimal effort and with a large tolerance in relation to misalignment of the ink supply needle, which can cooperate with a printing head. adjustment to obtain a sufficient hermetic seal, creating a dead space as small as possible.

It also constitutes a further purpose of the invention to prevent air bubbles from entering the recording head by maintaining a negative pressure in the chamber containing the porous element.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the following description in conjunction with the annexed drawings in which preferred forms of the present invention are shown by way of illustrative example and not in a limiting way.

The invention consequently comprises the various steps and the correlation of one or more of such steps with respect to each other, and the apparatus which incorporates construction features, combinations of elements and arrangements of parts which are adopted to carry out those steps. , all as exemplified in the following detailed description, and the scope of protection of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a full understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description considered in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view showing an ink supply system of an ink jet type recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a multiple color ink jet printer made in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment rotated by 90 ° with respect to the view of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the ink cartridge of Figures 2 and 3 with the lid removed;

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a single color ink cartridge made in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 (a) is a top plan view of the lid of Figure 2;

Figure 6 (b) is a top plan view showing the lid with a gasket attached thereto;

Figure 7 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a connecting member with an ink supply needle inserted therein in accordance with the invention;

Figure 7 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member prior to insertion;

Figure 8 is a diagram showing the correlation of ink consumption, pressure level, and amount of ink remaining in an ink chamber;

Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge showing the boundary between the ink and sponge chambers in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge showing the boundary between the ink and sponge chambers in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the boundary between the ink and sponge chambers of an ink cartridge made in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along the line 33-33 of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the boundary between the ink and sponge chambers of an ink cartridge made in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along the line 35-35 of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an ink cartridge made in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an ink cartridge made in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer made in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the invention; And

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the ninth embodiment of the invention rotated by 90 ° with respect to Figure 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED FORMS OF IMPLEMENTATION

A printer head according to the present invention can be used in a four-color graphic print recorder or in a color image printer and has four-color ink systems and ink jets corresponding to the four ink colors respectively. The four-color graphic print recorder uses black, red, green and blue ink, and moves the head or a sheet of printing paper or both and then ejects the ink as in a conventional inkjet printhead, corresponding to the color desired against the printing sheet at a predetermined position thereon to form an ink dot. Desired characters and figures can thus be registered by repeating the aforementioned cycle. The present invention is applicable to inkjet printers of all types, including print heads using heat provided by heated resistors or the like or moving piezoelectric transducers or the like to project a droplet of ink from a chamber following the application of a print signal. The ink supply tanks according to the invention can continuously supply ink to these chambers through capillary paths.

In a color imaging printer that uses four-color inks, i.e. black, ditch, green, and blue, a sheet of printing paper is scanned by a printer head in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the printing paper to form a line of dots in one scan stroke, and the print paper is fed lengthwise by line steps to record images. In seven-color printers, inks of four colors are used, i.e. black, yellow, magenta and light blue, and the colors red, green and blue are formed on a sheet of printing paper by overlaying inks of two of the three desired colors other than black, so as to record color images of seven colors.

The present invention is mainly directed to the printer head, and in particular to the ink tanks, and a detailed description of the construction of the printer as a whole will be provided as a single example only.

Figure 1 is a schematic view showing an ink supply system of an ink jet type recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A print head unit 1 of the ink jet type is connected to an ink tank 3 through a connection member 2. The ink is fed from the ink tank 3 to the print head unit 1 through a needle cable 2a and an ink supply passage 2b of the connecting member 2, so that the print head unit emits ink droplets in accordance with print signals.

The apparatus shown in Figure 1 also includes a plug member 4 arranged at a non-printing area, which plug member is brought into contact against the nozzle plate of the printing head unit 1 by means of a drive mechanism (not shown) to prevent the nozzle openings from drying out. The cap member 4 is connected by means of a tube 8 to a suction pump 5 which is operated by a control device 6 to suck ink from the print head unit 1 through the cap member 4. The apparatus shown in figure 1 it is also provided with an effluent tank 7 connected to an outlet passage of the suction pump 5 through a pipe 9.

The registration head can have any structure such as those described in the European patent publications n. 581.531; 609.863; 584,823 and so on.

The ink cartridge is configured to mount with little effort and to absorb a large amount of misalignment. Reference will be made first to Figures 2 and 3 which show an ink cartridge made in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. A main container 501 is divided into three compartments 504, 505 and 506 by septa 502 and 503, as shown in Figure 3. Each of the three compartments 504, 505 and 506 is divided by a central partition wall 510 into sponge chambers 511, 511 'or 511 "which house a respective porous member 520, 520' or 520", and in ink chambers 512, 512 'or 512 "which are suitable for containing liquid ink. The sponge chambers 511, 511 ', 511 "are sized to receive a respective porous member 520, 520', 520".

The volume of each of the porous members 520, 520 'and 520 "is chosen to be greater than the capacity of each of the respective sponge chambers 511, 511' or 511", so as to be compressed while it is held in the respective chamber for the sponge in a preferred embodiment. The ratio between the capacities of each sponge chamber 511, 511 'or 511 "and each ink chamber 512, 512' or 512" is chosen such that each sponge chamber 511, 511 'or 511 " it is sized so as to contain 20 to 30% more of the ink of the respective chamber for the 512, 512 'or 512 "ink.

When three-color inks are contained within a single cartridge as in Figures 2-4, it can be difficult to see if different amounts of ink remain in the chambers, which can be caused by unbalanced consumption of the different colored inks. When the ink of one color runs out, and the user decides to discard the cartridge, the user does not need to worry unnecessarily about any remaining ink leaking from the other colors. When a cartridge according to the invention is thrown away, the ink is prevented from flowing out of the cartridge since the ink of each color is absorbed by each respective porous organ, thus protecting the environment from any ink loss.

Ink supply passages 513, 513 'and 513 "(not shown), the chamber 511 being representative of each chamber 511, 511' and 511", are formed in the main container 501 within a respective sponge chamber 511, 511 ', 511 ". Each ink supply passage 513, 513' and 513" is adapted to engage with a respective ink supply needle (not shown) of the registration head which is inserted at the lower end of each of the chambers for the sponge 511, 511 'and 511 ".

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the upper end of the main container 501 is sealed by a lid 516. Two ink fill ports 514 and 515 are formed in positions of the lid 516 corresponding to the sponge chamber 511. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), each chamber 511, 511 'and 511 "includes corresponding ink fill ports 514 and 515, 514' and 515 ', and 514" and 515 ". Projections 516a and 516b, FIG. 2, are formed integrally with the inner surface of the lid 516 and are positioned in the chamber for the sponge 511, so as to surround the fill ports 515 and 514, respectively. The porous element 520 is compressed by the projections 516a and 516b against the bottom wall of the sponge chamber 511 in which the ink supply passage 513 is formed. Protrusions 516a 'and 516b', and 516a "and 516b" are similarly formed in the inner wall of the lid 516, and are positioned in the chambers ere for the sponge SU 'and 511 ", which contain the ink supply passages 513 and 513", respectively, as shown in Figure 3.

A protrusion 516a which is opposite the ink supply passage 513 is formed with its lower end located at a lower position than the lower end of the protrusion 516b, whereby the portion of the porous member 520 located in the vicinity of the ink supply passage 513 is compressed to the maximum extent.

Projecting portions 522, 522 'and 522 "(collectively" 522 "), which cooperate with the lid 516 to compress the porous members 520, 520' and 520" respectively, are formed on the bottom of each of the sponge chambers 511, 511 'and 511 ". Recesses 523, 523 * and 523" (collectively "523"), which define spaces having a fixed opening area, are formed at the upper end of the respective projecting portions 522. Through holes 524, 524 'and 524 "(collectively" 524 ") are arranged within the respective projecting portions 522. One end of each through hole 524 is in fluid communication with the spaces defined by the recesses 523 and the other end is in communication with a respective fitting (collectively "530"), which will be described below. Filters 525, 525 'and 525 "(not shown) (collectively" 525 ") are attached to the upper end of the recesses 523 respectively.

Connecting members 530, of which only the one indicated at 530 is illustrated, are arranged at the lower end of the ink supply passages 513, 513 'and 513 ", respectively, and are formed from an elastic material such as rubber. The connecting members 530 are configured as a funnel-shaped connection diverging upwards. The lower ends of tubular portions 531 are thicker than the other portions. The respective upper peripheral edges 533 of the conical portions 532 of the respective connecting members 530 they are in contact with stepped portions 513a of the respective ink supply passages 513, 513 'and 513 ". Each connecting member 530 is formed with projections 535 received from a groove portion 527 within the inner wall of the. ink supply passage 513. The border areas between the tubular portions 531 and the conical portions 532 are configured as thin connecting portions 534.

In this embodiment, the connecting members 530 are fixed by means of tubular portions 531 to respective ink supply passages 513. Furthermore, the upward movement of the upper peripheral edges 533 is prevented by the respective stepped portions 513a. Therefore, even when the respective ink supply needle is inserted or withdrawn, the connecting members 530 are adequately fixed to the ink supply passages 513. Since the conical portions 532 serve to obtain the hermetic seal between the connecting member of the respective ink supply passage 513 and the ink supply needle via the respective thin connecting portions 534, the conical portions can be displaced to some extent without causing deformation. Consequently, the sealing between each connecting member and the respective ink supply needle can be maintained at the same time allowing a relative misalignment between the ink supply needle and the respective ink supply passage.

Communication holes 519, 519 'and 519 "are formed in a central partition wall 510, which separates the sponge chambers 511, 511' and 511" from the ink chambers 512, 512 'and 512 ", respectively. Slots 519a, 519a 'and 519a ", which extend for a predetermined height, are formed so as to be in communication with the communication holes 519, 519' and 519", respectively, for gas-liquid replacement. pair of sponge and ink chambers 511 and 512, 511 'and 512', and 511 "and 512", porous members 520, 520 'and 520 "are housed in the sponge chambers 511, 511' and 511 "respectively, so that each porous member is held against the respective communication hole 519, 519 'or 519". Ribs 51Θ, 518 'and 518 "are formed on a back wall 501a of the container 501 within a respective chamber for the ink 512, 512' and 512". An individual communication hole is formed between each respective pair of chambers 511, 512, and extends along only a portion of the length of the septum 510 formed therein.

In a second embodiment of the invention, an ink cartridge is used for an ink of a single color. A 5100 cartridge for a single color, or black ink, can be made smaller than those for multi-color inks, but the 5112 ink chamber for black ink will have a greater capacity than each of the corresponding chambers for a colored ink. In accordance with the second additional embodiment of the invention, a black ink cartridge is shown in Figure 5 and has a partition wall 5117 formed within a container 5100 so as to extend between a central partition wall 5110 which separates a chamber for the sponge 5111 from an ink chamber 5112 and a side wall 5100a of the main container 5100, thus dividing the ink chamber 5112 into two cells 5112a and 5112b. This structure prevents the 5100 container from being deformed by a negative pressure produced during the ink filling process that will be described below, or by an external pressure during use, thus preventing any ink leaks. Cells 5112a and 5112b are maintained in fluid communication with the sponge chamber 5111 through a communication hole 5119 in central partition 5110 which extends along only a portion of the length of partition 5110. In addition, a communication hole may be formed in the lower portion of the partition wall 5117.

On the inner face of the wall 5100a, which can be easily seen when the cartridge is mounted on a carriage, a plurality of ribs 5118 are formed which extend vertically along the inner face 5100a. These ribs allow the ink to flow down the 5100a wall more easily, and the user can easily check the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge by observing the ink level.

We will now refer to figures 6 (a) and 6 (b) which show the lid 516 made in accordance with the first additional embodiment of the invention. Ink filling holes 514, 514 'and 514 ", and 515, 515' and 515" are formed in the lid regions 516 corresponding to the position of porous members 520, 520 'and 520 "within the container 501. Communication lights with air 541, 541 * and 541 "are connected to ink fill holes 514, 514 * and 514" through grooves 540, 540 * and 540 ", respectively.

When a gasket 542 to cover the ink fill holes 514, 514 'and 514 ", 515, 515' and 515", and the air vent ports 541, 541 'and 541 "is attached to the top of the cover 516, Figure 6 (b), after the sponge chambers 511, 511 'and 511 "have been filled, the grooves 540, 540' and 540" form capillary tubes with the gasket 542. A tongue piece 545 of the gasket 542, which protrudes from cover 516, is formed with a neck portion 543 disposed in gasket 542 at a central point in the path of the air vent ports 541, 541 'and 541 ". When the tab piece 541 is stripped from the cover 516, the tab piece 545 is easily separated from the gasket 542. This in turn frees the air vent ports 541, but not other portions of the back of the gasket 542.

In a preferred embodiment, the gasket 542 is formed with paths such as characters and illustrations printed on its main portion 544 which permanently seals the grooves 540, 540 'and 540 ". Paths, colors, or other prints other than those printed on the portion 544 of the gasket 542 may be disposed on the tab piece 545 which is connected to the main portion 544 of the gasket 542 through the neck portion 543.

For example, in a further preferred embodiment, the main portion 544 of the gasket 542 has a blue background, black characters and other illustrations printed thereon. The background color of the tab piece 545 is a yellow or red color which contrasts with the background color of the main portion 544. Lettering and illustrations are printed in the background with colors that are mainly black or blue. In this way, the main portion 544 and the tab-like piece 545 are distinct from each other in terms of colors and representations. Consequently, it is possible to draw the user's attention to the need to remove the tongue piece 545.

Each of the ink supply passages 513, 513 'and 513 "is sealed by a film 546 (Figure 2), and ink fill needles are tightly inserted within the ink fill holes 514, 514' and 514 "and 515, 515 'and 515", respectively. The first of the filling holes 514, 514' and 514 "is connected to evacuation means, and the second of the filling holes 515, 515 'and 515" is closed.

The evacuation means reduce the pressure in each of the sponge chambers 511, 511 'and 511 "and in each of the ink chambers 512, 512' and 512". When the pressure is reduced to a predetermined value, the evacuation operation is stopped and the first filling hole is closed. Then, the second fill hole is placed in fluid communication with an ink filled measuring tube. The ink contained in the measuring tube is drawn into the evacuated container and is then absorbed by the respective porous members 520, 520 'and 520 "and then flows into the ink chamber 512, 512' or 512" through the communication holes 519 , 519 'or 519 "respectively.

After the specified amount of ink flows into the appropriate ink chamber, the gasket 542 is attached to the outer surface of the lid 516 so that the ink fill holes 514, 514 'and 514 "and 515, 515' and 515" , the grooves 540, 540 'and 540 ", and the communication ports 541, 541' and 541" are sealed under reduced pressure. The gasket 542 therefore maintains the reduced pressure conditions of the sponge chambers 511, 511 'and 511 "and of the ink chambers 512, 512' and 512".

Prior to use of the cartridge, the tab 545 or gasket 542 is then peeled off so that the tab 545 breaks at the neck portion 543 and separates from the main portion 544. Thus, the fill holes 514, 514 'and 514 "are placed in fluid communication with the air vent ports 541, 541' and 541" through the grooves 540, 540 * and 540 ". In addition, the sponge chambers 511 , 511 'and 511 "are placed in fluid communication with the air vent ports 541, 541' and 541" and therefore with the ambient air, through the grooves 540, 540 * and 540 ". Then, while preventing ink evaporation, the ink cartridge is ventilated.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), in which an ink supply passage 513 of the ink cartridge is positioned to be aligned with an ink supply needle 550 of the registration head. . Then the ink cartridge is pushed towards the registration head as a result of inserting the ink cartridge. A conical portion 551 of the ink supply needle 550 passes through a film seal 546 and engages the hole of the connecting member 530 in the manner shown in Figure 7 (a). Since the connector 530 diverges upwardly, the connector 530 allows the ink supply needle 550 to pass through it while the connector 530 is elastically deformed by the conical portion 541 of the supply needle ink 550.

When the cartridge is used, the ink supply needle 550 passes through the union member 530. The elasticity of the connecting portion 534 of the union member 530 allows the conical portion 532 to engage the supply needle ink supply needle 550 of the registration head and the center of fitting 530 are somewhat misaligned, the ink supply passage 530 and the ink supply needle 550 are hermetically sealed.

To feed ink into the registration head after the ink cartridge has been mounted, or to restore the ink ejection characteristics, negative pressure is applied to the registration head and through the ink supply needle 550 into ink in the cartridge flows through the ink supply needle 550 and into the registration head. Due to the pressure difference, this high negative pressure applied to the cartridge causes the upward deformation of the conical portion 532 of the fitting member 530, which hermetically seals and isolates the cartridge from the ambient air, as illustrated in Figure 7 ( a) into the ink cartridge. Therefore, the pressure difference helps to ensure that the conical portion 532 of the connecting member 530 is pressed elastically against the ink supply needle 550, and therefore contributes to the hermetic sealing of the ink cartridge.

Even though the ink supply needle 550 is not fully positioned through the coupler 530, the spring force in the conical portion 532 of the coupler 530 allows the conical portion 532 to remain in contact with the ink supply 550 as long as the conical portion 551 of the ink supply needle 550 remains in contact with the conical portion 532, in the manner shown in Figure 7 (b). Consequently, it is possible to guarantee the watertight seal of the connecting member 530 and of the ink supply needle 550 even if the needle is not correctly inserted.

Since the end of the ink supply needle 550 is sealed upon contact with the union member 530, the dead space in the cartridge can be made very small, and any air bubbles that can be produced the plunger effect following the insertion of the cartridge on the recording head are prevented from entering the cartridge.

When negative pressure is applied from the nozzle openings of the registration head, the ink absorbed by the porous member 520 flows into the registration head through the through hole 524 and through the holes 552 of the ink supply needle 550. When a predetermined amount of ink is consumed by the porous member 520 and the ink level in the porous member 520 is reduced, the pressure of the ink chamber 512 exceeds the holding force of the porous member 520 in the vicinity of the communication hole 519, so that air bubbles enter the ink chamber 512 through the communication hole 519. As a result, the pressure in an ink chamber 512 is increased and thus the ink flows into a sponge chamber 511.

The ink flowing into the sponge chamber 511 is absorbed by the porous member 520 and causes the ink level in the sponge chamber 511 to rise. At the instant the ink holding force of the porous member 520 in the vicinity of the communication hole 519 is in equilibrium with the pressure of the ink chamber 512, the flow of ink from the ink chamber 512 to the sponge chamber 511 is stopped.

The diagram in Figure 8 illustrates this process. In the figure, the letter F indicates the pressure level in the porous member 520 of the sponge chamber 511, and the letter G indicates the ink level in the ink chamber 512. When a predetermined amount of ink wl which was initially contained in the porous member 520 is consumed so that the ink level in the porous member 520 is reduced to a predetermined value at which the pressure in the ink chamber 512 exceeds the ink holding force of the porous member 520 in the vicinity of the communication hole 519, the ink gradually flows in a stepped pattern from the ink chamber 512 to the sponge chamber 511. This process takes place until the equilibrium between the pressure of the ink chamber 512 and the force ink retention of the porous member 520 in the vicinity of the communication hole 519 is re-established. As a result, although the ink level in the ink chamber 512 is gradually reduced, the ink level in the porous member 520 can be maintained at a substantially constant level so that the ink is fed to the registration head by a difference of constant pressure at a constant speed.

After a predetermined amount of ink w2 is consumed by the registration head, there is no more ink left in the ink chamber 512, but the amount of ink contained in the porous member 520 will be at a level equal to the level of when l The ink was intermittently fed to the sponge chamber 511 from the ink chamber 512. Thus, printing can continue using the amount of ink absorbed in the porous member 520, although there is no more ink available in the chamber for printing. ink 512 to restore the ink supply to the porous element 520. After a predetermined amount of ink w3 has been consumed during printing, the ink supply to the porous member 520 will be exhausted, and the ink cartridge will not will no longer be able to allow printing.

During the entire printing operation from when all the ink contained in the ink chamber 512 has been absorbed into the porous member 520 until the ink runs out, a constant amount of ink is fed to the registration head. Running out of ink from the 512 ink chamber indicates that the ink cartridge is out of ink. If a new cartridge is inserted at this point, a constant supply of ink to the registration head can be ensured without interruption.

As described above, the internal space of the ink cartridge according to the invention must be kept at a negative pressure during the printing process. In addition to achieving the hermetic seal described above between the ink supply passage and the ink supply needle, the transfer of ink from the ink chamber 512 to the sponge chamber 511 must be carried out in a manner adequate to ensure a constant flow of ink to the registration head. In the following, the structure for controlling the supply of ink from the ink chamber 512 to the sponge chamber 511 will be described.

We will now refer to Figure 9 which represents the border area between the sponge chamber 511 and the ink chamber 512 in a third additional embodiment of the invention. The same reference numerals are used to indicate similar structures, the primary difference between this embodiment and the first additional embodiment being a stepped portion formed in the hole 519.

A stepped portion 560 is formed in the communication hole 519. A portion 563 of the base of the ink chamber 512 is higher than that of the sponge chamber 511, the stepped portion 560 being the dividing point. A groove 561 connecting the sponge and ink chambers is formed in the lower portion of the stepped portion 560.

The porous member 520 is in contact with the communication hole 519 and is received by the stepped portion 560 so that the portion of the porous member 520 in the vicinity of the communication hole 519 is compressed, whereby the required pressure difference between the ink chamber 512 and the sponge chamber 511 through the communication hole 519 can be obtained. When the ink level of the ink chamber 512 is reduced to a low level, the groove 561 allows the ink from the ink chamber 512 to be collected and then absorbed by the porous member 520 in the sponge chamber 511 Consequently, all of the ink in the ink chamber 512 can be fed to the registration head for printing without wasting ink.

Reference will now be made to figure 10, which represents an ink cartridge made in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention. Again, the same references are used to indicate similar parts, the essential difference between this embodiment and the first additional embodiment being the bottom at different levels of the respective chambers.

The bottom face 564 of the ink chamber 512 is higher than the bottom face 567 of the sponge chamber 511, thus forming a stepped portion 562. The stepped portion 562 receives the lower portion of the porous member 520 so that the portion of the porous member 520 in the vicinity of the communication hole 519 is compressed. If necessary, a slope 563 which is directed from the ink chamber 512 to the sponge chamber 511 can be formed to aid ink supply. Since the tilt 563 allows the ink in the ink chamber 512 to flow more easily to the sponge chamber 511, regardless of the tilt of the carriage, the ink from the ink chamber 512 can be fed constantly to the recording head.

Reference will now be made to figures 11 and 12 which represent an ink jet cartridge made in accordance with a fifth additional embodiment of the invention. Similar parts are indicated by the same numerical references, the main difference between this embodiment and the first additional embodiment consisting in the formation of a through hole. This embodiment is similar to that shown in Figures 4 and 5.

A groove 519a (Figures 4 and 5) is formed in the face of the center partition 510 which separates the sponge chamber 511 from the ink chamber 512. The groove 519a is formed in the face of the partition 510 on the side of the sponge chamber 511 and is in communication with the upper portion of the communication hole 519 of the central partition 510 within the respective chambers 511, 512. In order to allow air to pass from the ink chamber 512 to the sponge chamber 511 and to keeping these chambers in fluid communication with each other, a through hole 519b is formed in the lower end of the groove 519a. Thus, the upper portion of the porous member 520 which exhibits a relatively low capillary force is maintained in fluid communication with the communication hole 519 through the space formed by the thin groove 519a.

Thus, the ink can be gradually replaced with air so that the ink in the ink chamber 512 flows steadily into the sponge chamber 511, thereby preventing too much or too little ink from being fed.

Reference will now be made to figures 13 and 14 which represent an ink cartridge made in accordance with a sixth additional embodiment of the invention. The same numerical references are used to indicate similar elements, the main difference being the use of a projection in the chamber for the sponge 511.

A horseshoe-shaped projection 565 is formed on the bottom of the sponge chamber 511 in the manner shown in Figure 14. The projection 565 ensures a space in the vicinity of the communication hole 519 so that the ink from the ink chamber 512 can easily flow into the sponge chamber 511.

As described above, the sponge chamber 511 and the ink chamber 512 are separated from each other by the single central partition 510. In a seventh and eighth additional embodiments of an ink cartridge mono-color, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 respectively, an ink chamber 571 can be formed to surround two or three sides of a sponge chamber 570, and a communication hole 573 can be formed in at least one of the walls 572 separating the sponge chamber 570 from the ink chamber 571. An outlet port 574 is positioned within the sponge chamber 570. An ink cartridge with this design can store an amount of ink that it is relatively large compared to the volume of the entire ink cartridge. Furthermore, thanks to the position of the chambers, the user can easily see if replacement of the ink cartridge is required due to the ink running out.

Reference will now be made to figures 17 and 18 in which a cartridge for an ink jet printer is provided, made in accordance with a ninth additional embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the first additional embodiment, the main difference being the use of a snap ring 5300 which is held in contact with the peripheral face of an ink supply needle of the recording head upon the inserting the ink supply needle into the ink supply cartridge. However, this inkjet printer has other problems which are solved by the first additional embodiment. A high frictional force can be produced when the cartridge is mounted on the carriage and when the ink supply needle is inserted into the cartridge. This results in additional stress on the registration head and carriage. Further, the ring 5300 is supported at its periphery by the cartridge body 5302. If there is a misalignment between the cartridge and the ink supply needle of the registration head following the insertion of the ink supply needle into the ink supply cartridge, it is very difficult to fit the cartridge. Furthermore, when a tri-color ink cartridge in which 5304, 5306 and 5308 reservoirs for tri-color inks are integrated in one piece as shown in Figure 18, it is extremely difficult to mount such a cartridge on the registration head if the cartridge or any of the ink supply needles are misaligned.

It will therefore appear from the foregoing that the objects defined above, among those made evident by the preceding description, are effectively achieved and, since certain modifications can be made in the realization of the aforesaid construction and of the procedure defined above without departing from the spirit and the Within the scope of the invention, it is understood that all the material contained in the preceding description and represented in the attached drawings will be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It will also be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described herein, and all definitions of the scope of the invention which, in terms of language, can be said to fall therein.

Claims (63)

CLAIMS 1. Ink tank cartridge for an inkjet type recording apparatus, comprising: a first bedroom; a second chamber for communicating with said first chamber through a passage formed within said cartridge between said first and second chambers; - an ink supply passage extending through a wall of said second chamber for supplying ink to the exterior of the cartridge; And a funnel-shaped coupling member provided within said ink supply passage, said coupling member being formed with an opening therethrough having a wide end and a narrow end and being sized to receive a supply needle of ink jet recording apparatus and for resiliently contrasting against an outer periphery of said ink supply needle, said connecting member being adapted to prevent ink flow through said ink supply passage other than through said ink supply needle when said needle is positioned in said ink supply passage, said narrow end of said aperture being disposed opposite said second chamber. 2. The ink reservoir cartridge of claim 1, wherein said ink supply passage includes a passage therethrough defined by an inner wall, said connecting member including a support portion supported by said inner wall of said inner wall. ink supply, coupled in correspondence with an area thereof close to said second chamber to the wide end of said connecting member. The ink reservoir cartridge of claim 2, wherein said passage through said ink supply passage includes a stepped region between a region of minor cross-sectional area closest to the second chamber and a region of cross-sectional area greater and contrasting against said stepped region. 4. An ink reservoir cartridge according to claim 3, wherein said region of greater cross-sectional area of said passage includes a lateral groove, said support portion including a projection for receiving in said groove. 5. Ink reservoir cartridge according to claim 4, wherein said support portion has a substantially tubular shape. 6. An ink reservoir cartridge according to claim 1, including a porous member in said second chamber for transferring ink to said ink supply passage, said first chamber being sized to contain ink to be transferred to said porous member in said second chamber. 7. Ink tank cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said first and second chambers form an integrated unit. An ink tank cartridge according to claim 7, wherein said ink tank cartridge comprises a plurality of said integrated units forming a single integrated tank, each unit containing a respective different type of ink. 9. An ink reservoir cartridge according to claim 6, said ink supply passage including a protruding protruding portion in said second chamber and formed with an inlet opening to said ink supply passage, and said protruding portion engaging against and locally compressing a portion of said porous member in the region of the inlet opening to said ink supply passage. 10. An ink reservoir cartridge according to claim 7, said ink supply passage including a protruding protruding portion in said second chamber and formed with an inlet opening to said ink supply passage, and said protruding portion engaging against and locally compressing a portion of said porous member in the region of the inlet opening to said ink supply passage. 11. An ink reservoir cartridge according to claim 6, further comprising a projection for pressing said porous member against said ink supply passage, said protrusion being formed on an internal portion of said second chamber essentially opposite to said ink supply passage . 12. The ink reservoir cartridge of claim 10 further including a projection for pressing said porous member against said ink supply passage, said protrusion being formed on an internal portion of said sponge chamber essentially opposite said supply passage of ink. 13. Ink reservoir cartridge according to claim 6, wherein said porous member has a volume prior to insertion into said second chamber greater than the volume of said second chamber. 14. An ink reservoir cartridge according to claim 10, wherein said porous member has a volume prior to insertion into said second chamber greater than the volume of said sponge chamber. 15. An ink reservoir cartridge according to claim 12, wherein said porous member has a volume prior to insertion into said second chamber greater than the volume of said sponge chamber. 16. The ink reservoir cartridge of claim 9, further comprising a recess portion formed on said protruding portion and defining the inlet opening to said ink supply passage, said ink supply passage including a passage for the ink extending from said recess portion opposite said porous member, said recess portion having a greater cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of said ink passage adjacent to said recess portion of said protruding portion, and a filter disposed in said recess portion between said porous member and said passage for the ink. 17. An ink reservoir cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising at least one partition wall disposed within said first chamber to define a plurality of sub-chambers within said first chamber. 18. An ink reservoir cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a rib disposed within said first chamber, said rib being vertically elongated and positioned on an inner face of said first chamber. 19. An ink reservoir cartridge according to claim 1, said ink supply passage including an outlet port spaced from said second chamber and further including a sealing member separate from said connecting member, positioned to seal said supply passage of ink around said outlet opening and designed to be penetrated by said ink supply needle when said ink reservoir cartridge is mounted on said ink supply needle. 20. The ink reservoir cartridge of claim 1 wherein said cartridge is constructed to be removably mounted on said recording apparatus so that an ink supply needle of said apparatus is received in said ink supply passage . 21. Inkjet type recording apparatus for outputting ink onto a recording medium, comprising: - a registration head for ejecting ink; an ink supply needle coupled to said registration head and having at least one through hole for allowing ink to pass therethrough; and an ink tank cartridge which is removably mountable on said ink supply needle of said inkjet type recording apparatus, the ink tank cartridge comprising: a first bedroom; a second chamber for communicating with said first chamber through a passage formed within said cartridge between said first and second chambers; an ink supply passage extending through a wall of said second chamber for supplying ink to the exterior of the cartridge; And a funnel-shaped connector provided within said ink supply passage, said connector being formed with an opening therethrough having a wide end and a narrow end and being sized to receive said ink supply needle ink of said ink jet recording apparatus and for resiliently contrasting against an outer periphery of said ink supply needle, said connecting member being adapted to prevent ink flow through said ink supply passage other than through said needle ink supply when said needle is positioned in said ink supply passage, said narrow end of said aperture being disposed opposite said second chamber. 22. Inkjet type recording apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said ink supply passage includes a passage therethrough defined by an inner wall, said connecting member including a support portion supported by said inner wall of said ink supply passage, coupled in correspondence with an area thereof close to said second chamber to the wide end of said connecting member. 23. Inkjet type recording apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said passage through said ink supply passage includes a stepped region between a region of minor cross-sectional area closest to the second chamber and a region of increased cross-sectional area and contrasting against said step region. The inkjet type recording apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said region of major cross-sectional area of said passage includes a lateral groove, said support portion including a projection for receiving in said groove. 25. Ink jet type recording apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said support portion has a substantially tubular shape. 26. Ink jet type recording apparatus according to claim 21 including a porous member in said second chamber for transferring ink to said ink supply passage, said first chamber being sized to contain ink to be transferred to said porous member in said second chamber. 27. Ink jet type recording apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said first and second chambers form an integrated unit. 28. Inkjet type recording apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said ink tank cartridge comprises a plurality of said integrated units formed as a single integrated reservoir, each unit containing a respective different type of ink. 29. Inkjet type recording apparatus according to claim 26, said ink supply passage including a protruding protruding portion in said second chamber and formed with an inlet opening to said ink supply passage, and said protruding portion engaging against and locally compressing a portion of said porous member in the region of the inlet opening to said ink supply passage. 30. Inkjet type recording apparatus according to claim 27, said ink supply passage including a protruding portion in said second chamber and formed with an inlet opening to said ink supply passage, and said protruding portion engaging against and locally compressing a portion of said porous member in the region of the inlet opening to said ink supply passage. 31. Ink jet type recording apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising a projection for pressing said porous member against said ink supply passage, said protrusion being formed on an internal portion of said second chamber essentially opposite said passage supply of ink. 32. Ink jet type recording apparatus according to claim 30 further including a protrusion for pressing said porous member against said ink supply passage, said protrusion being formed on an internal portion of said sponge chamber essentially opposite to said ink supply passage. 33. Ink jet type recording apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said porous member has a volume prior to insertion into said second chamber greater than the volume of said second chamber. 34. Ink jet type recording apparatus according to claim 30, wherein said porous member has a volume prior to insertion into said second chamber greater than the volume of said sponge chamber. 35. Ink jet type recording apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said porous member has a volume prior to insertion into said second chamber greater than the volume of said sponge chamber. 36. Ink jet type recording apparatus according to claim 29 further comprising a recess portion formed on said protruding portion and defining the inlet opening to said ink supply passage, said ink supply passage including an ink passage extending from said recess portion opposite said porous member, said recess portion having a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of said ink passage adjacent said portion a recess of said protruding portion, and a filter arranged in said recess portion between said porous member and said passage for the ink. 37. Ink jet type recording apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising at least one partition wall disposed within said first chamber to define a plurality of sub-chambers within said first chamber. 38. Ink jet type recording apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a rib disposed within said first chamber, said rib being vertically elongated and positioned on an inner face of said first chamber. 39. Inkjet type recording apparatus according to claim 21, said ink supply passage including an outlet port spaced from said second chamber and further including a sealing member separate from said union member positioned to seal said second chamber. ink supply passage around said outlet opening and made to be penetrated by said ink supply needle when said ink reservoir cartridge is mounted on said ink supply needle. 40. A system for mounting an ink tank cartridge onto an ink supply needle of an inkjet type recording apparatus, the ink tank cartridge comprising: a first bedroom; - a second chamber for communicating with said first chamber through a passage formed within said cartridge between said first and second chambers; - an ink supply passage extending through a wall of said second chamber for supplying ink to the exterior of the cartridge; And a funnel-shaped connector provided within said ink supply passage, said connector being formed with an opening therethrough having a wide end and a narrow end and being sized to receive said ink supply needle ink of said ink jet recording apparatus and for resiliently contrasting against an outer periphery of said ink supply needle, said connecting member being adapted to prevent ink flow through said ink supply passage other than through said needle when said needle is positioned in said ink supply passage, said narrow end of said opening being disposed on the opposite side to said second chamber. 41. The system of claim 40 wherein said ink supply passage includes a passage therethrough defined by an internal wall, said connecting member including a support portion supported by said internal wall of said ink supply passage, coupled in correspondence with an area thereof close to said second chamber to the wide end of said connecting member. 42. A system according to claim 41, wherein said passage through said ink supply passage includes a stepped region between a region of smaller cross-sectional area closest to the second chamber and a region of larger cross-sectional area contrasting against said step region. 43. The system of claim 42 wherein said region of major cross-sectional area of said passage includes a lateral groove, said support portion including a projection for receiving in said groove. 44. System according to claim 43, wherein said support portion has a substantially tubular shape. 45. A system according to claim 40 including a porous member in said second chamber for transferring ink to said ink supply passage, said first chamber being sized to contain ink to be transferred to said porous member in said second chamber. A system according to claim 40, wherein said first and second chambers form an integrated structure. A system according to claim 46, wherein said ink reservoir cartridge comprises a plurality of said integrated units forming a single integrated reservoir, each unit containing a respective different type of ink. 48. A system according to claim 45, said ink supply passage including a protruding protruding portion in said second chamber and formed with an inlet opening to said ink supply passage, and said protrusion portion engaging against and locally compressing a portion of said porous member in the region of the inlet opening to said ink supply passage. 49. A system according to claim 46, said ink supply passage including a protruding protruding portion in said second chamber and formed with an inlet opening to said ink supply passage, and said protrusion portion engaging against and locally compressing a portion of said porous member in the region of the inlet opening to said ink supply passage. 50. A system according to claim 45, further comprising a projection for pressing said porous member against said ink supply passage, said protrusion being formed on an internal portion of said second chamber essentially opposite to said ink supply passage. 51. A system according to claim 49, further comprising a projection for pressing said porous member against said ink supply passage, said protrusion being formed on an internal portion of said sponge chamber essentially opposite said ink supply passage. 52. System according to claim 45, wherein said porous member has a volume before insertion in said second chamber greater than the volume of said second chamber. 53. A system according to claim 49, wherein said porous member has a volume prior to insertion in said second chamber which is greater than the volume of said chamber for the sponge. 54. A system according to claim 51, wherein said porous member has a volume prior to insertion in said second chamber which is greater than the volume of said chamber for the sponge. 55. A system according to claim 48, further comprising a recess portion formed on said protruding portion and defining the inlet opening to said ink supply passage, said ink supply passage including an ink passage extending from said recess portion opposite said porous member, said recess portion having a cross-sectional area greater than a cross-sectional area of said ink passage adjacent to said recess portion of said protruding portion, and a filter disposed in said recess portion between said porous member and said passage for the ink. 56. A system according to claim 40, further comprising at least one partition wall disposed within said first chamber to define a plurality of sub-chambers within said first chamber. ' 57. A system according to claim 40, further comprising a rib disposed within said first chamber, said rib being vertically elongated and positioned on an inner face of said first chamber. 58. A system according to claim 40, said ink supply passage including an outlet port spaced from said second chamber and further including a sealing member separate from said coupling member positioned to seal said ink supply passage in the surrounding area. of said outlet port and designed to be penetrated by said ink supply needle when said ink reservoir cartridge is mounted on said ink supply needle. 59. A method of removably mounting an ink tank cartridge for an inkjet type recording apparatus on an ink supply needle of said inkjet type recording apparatus, the method comprising the steps of : storing ink in a first chamber; storing a porous member impregnated with ink in a second chamber, said second chamber communicating with said first chamber through a passage connecting said chambers; extending an ink supply passage from a wall of said second chamber into said ink reservoir cartridge to supply ink to the inkjet recording apparatus; inserting said ink supply needle of the inkjet type recording apparatus into a funnel-shaped connector provided within said ink supply passage, said connector being formed with an opening therethrough having a wide end and a narrow end and being sized to receive said ink supply needle, said narrow end of said opening being disposed opposite to said second chamber; And contacting said connecting member against an outer periphery of said ink supply needle of the inkjet type recording wall to prevent the flow of ink through said ink supply passage other than through said ink supply needle when said needle is positioned in said ink supply passage. 60. Ink tank cartridge for an inkjet type recording apparatus, comprising: an enclosure formed with a chamber inside it; an ink supply passage extending through a wall of said envelope, said ink supply passage having a first opening directed towards said chamber of said envelope and a second opening directed opposite from said wall of said envelope; And a funnel-shaped coupling member provided within said ink supply passage, said coupling member being formed with an opening therethrough having a wide end and a narrow end and being sized to receive a supply needle of ink jet type recording apparatus and for resiliently contrasting against an outer periphery of said ink supply needle / said connecting member being adapted to prevent ink flow through said ink supply passage other than through said ink supply needle when said needle is positioned in said ink supply passage, said narrow end of said opening being disposed on the opposite side to said chamber. 61- Ink tank cartridge according to claim 60, further comprising a sealing member separate from said connecting member positioned to seal said ink supply passage before said ink tank cartridge is mounted on said ink supply needle said sealing member being penetrated by said ink supply needle when said ink reservoir cartridge is mounted on said ink supply needle. 62. Inkjet type recording apparatus for outputting ink onto a recording medium, comprising: a registration head for ejecting ink; an ink supply needle coupled to said registration head and having at least one through hole; And an ink tank cartridge that is removably mounted on the ink supply needle, called ink tank cartridge comprising: an enclosure formed with a chamber inside it; an ink supply passage extending through a wall of said envelope, said ink supply passage having a first opening directed towards said chamber of said envelope and a second opening directed opposite from said wall of said envelope; And a funnel-shaped coupling member provided within said ink supply passage, said coupling member being formed with an opening therethrough having a wide end and a narrow end and being sized to receive a supply needle of ink of a recording apparatus of the ink jet type and for resiliently contrasting against an outer periphery of said ink supply needle, said connecting member being adapted to prevent the flow of ink through said ink supply passage except through said ink supply needle when said needle is positioned in said ink supply passage, said narrow end of said opening being disposed on the opposite side to said chamber. 63. Inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 62 further comprising a sealing member separate from said connecting member positioned to seal said ink supply passage before said ink reservoir cartridge is mounted on said supply needle. of ink, said sealing member being penetrated by said ink supply needle when said ink reservoir cartridge is mounted on said ink supply needle. All substantially as described and illustrated and for the specified purposes.