JP2000085138A - Ink cartridge, and ink jet recorder to be loaded with ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an ink cartridge which can be replaced without causing any contamination on a user and can be reused easily by arranging a porous material having fine continuous cells for blocking permeation of ink under natural conditions, e.g. normal temperature or normal pressure, on the ink channel at an ink supply section. SOLUTION: The ink cartridge 100 is arranged with a membrane member 12 for shutting off an ink channel 11 at an ink supply section 10. The membrane member 12 is composed of a porous material having fine continuous bubble-like cells for blocking permeation of ink under natural conditions, e.g. normal temperature or normal pressure. When the ink cartridge 100 is loaded to a recorder and a negative pressure generating means coupled with the nozzle side of a recording head is energized or a negative pressure is generated on the recording head side through print processing, ink IK prevails over surface tension of the membrane member 12 and permeates through the membrane member 12. Consequently, inadvertent leakage of ink IK can be prevented upon removal of the cartridge 100.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the technical field of an ink cartridge capable of supplying ink to printing means of an ink jet recording apparatus, and an ink jet recording apparatus capable of mounting the ink cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of ink cartridge, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-210869 (known example 1) discloses that an ink cartridge and a recording unit are detachably connected to each other so that a valve is opened to discharge ink. What can be supplied is described, and JP-A-5-4349 (known example 2) describes a configuration in which ink in an ink bag is prevented from leaking from a cap broken by a hollow needle. ing.

[0003]

The above-mentioned known examples 1 and 2
In some cases, the ink from the ink cartridge can be supplied to the ink jet recording apparatus without any trouble. However, there still remain points to be improved.

That is, in the above-mentioned known examples 1 and 2, the operator may be stained by the remaining ink when the ink cartridge is replaced. In particular, in the known example 2, the cap is broken. A large number of steps are required for the regenerating process at the time of re-use, so that an increase in cost is unavoidable.

A first problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge capable of supplying ink without damaging a means for sealing the ink in the ink cartridge.

A second problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge having a simple structure and capable of replacing an ink cartridge without causing an operator to become dirty.

A third problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge which can be easily recycled.

[0008]

Means for solving the problems Specific means for solving the above-mentioned problems are as follows.

(1) An ink cartridge which is loaded in an ink introduction section of an ink jet recording apparatus and can supply ink to the recording head, and which is provided at an ink flow path of the ink supply section of the ink cartridge at normal temperature and normal pressure. An ink cartridge made of a porous material having fine continuous cells capable of blocking the transmission of ink in a natural state, and arranged so as to form a gap with the ink introduction portion when loaded in a recording apparatus.

(2) The diameter of the cell is φ10 μm to φ15.
The ink cartridge according to the above (1), which is 0 μm.

(3) The ink cartridge according to (1) or (2), wherein the diaphragm member is made of a material that can elastically expand and contract.

(4) An ink jet recording apparatus in which an ink cartridge provided with a diaphragm member made of a porous material capable of blocking the transmission of ink in an ink lead-out portion is loaded and supplied with ink. An ink jet recording apparatus in which a presser for enlarging a hole of the diaphragm member by loading the recording medium is connected to a recording head.

(5) An ink cartridge loaded in an ink jet recording apparatus and capable of supplying ink to a recording head thereof, wherein a needle tube having an ink lead-out hole opened in an ink supply section of the ink cartridge and connected to an ink storage chamber. An ink cartridge having a seal member fixed around the outer periphery of the needle tube at the open end of the needle tube to prevent ink leakage.

According to the above-described means, not only can a simple ink cartridge having a structure in which ink does not leak in a natural state be obtained, but also ink can be smoothly mounted on an ink jet recording apparatus and supplied to a recording head. ,
In addition, it is possible to obtain an ink cartridge that does not leak out even when the ink cartridge is detached.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings will be described below.

(Embodiment 1) A feature of the ink cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is that a diaphragm member 12 capable of blocking an ink flow path 11 in an ink supply section 10 is provided. is there.

That is, a diaphragm member 12 made of a porous material is disposed transversely in the ink flow path 11 and
11A and a second flow path 11B communicating with the recording head 1100 of the ink jet recording apparatus (printer) 1000.

The diaphragm member 11 is made of a porous material having fine, continuous pore cells 12A having a diameter of about φ10 μm to φ150 μm. According to the cells 12A, they are in a natural state (normal temperature and normal pressure). In the case of (1), the diaphragm I
When the ink flow paths 11A and 11B at both ends of the ink IK are filled with ink, the surface tension stops acting, and the ink IK
Is to easily penetrate from 11A to 11B as shown by the arrow (a).

That is, when the ink cartridge 100 is loaded in the recording apparatus and the negative pressure generating means connected to the nozzle side of the recording head 1100 is energized, or the recording head side becomes negative pressure by the printing process, the diaphragm member 12 The ink IK penetrates the diaphragm member 12 by overcoming the surface tension at the step S1, and the ink enters the flow path 11B.

That is, the ink IK for the printer 1000
Is composed of color inks such as magenta, cyan, and yellow in addition to black ink, and is an aqueous solution in which a dye, glycerin, ethylene glycol, and other raw materials are dissolved in water.
S to about 20.0 mPa · S, the capillary force in the cell 12A is predominant in view of its surface tension, and the ink IK is applied to the diaphragm member 12 unless an extra forcing force is applied. There is no danger of infiltration and transmission.

The size of the cell 12A must be set in accordance with the relationship between the viscosity of the ink IK and the negative pressure to be generated. However, when the size of the cell 12A exceeds about φ300 μm, the ink IK may leak even at normal pressure. Yes, about φ1.0
In the case of μm or less, the ink IK permeates the diaphragm member 12 due to the flow path resistance during printing, and the pressure loss increases. Desirably, the diameter is 10 μm to 150 μm.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, the ink cartridge 100 is simply inserted into the loading section 130 of the printer 1000.
0, the ink flow path 11 of the ink IK is blocked by the diaphragm member 12 and the recording head 1100
Is not supplied to the printer 1000, and there is no possibility that the ink IK may be inadvertently leaked even when the ink IK is detached from the printer 1000.

The operator operates operating means (not shown) so that the recording head 1100 side is, for example, -100 m.
When the pressure is slightly reduced to about mH ₂ O or less and becomes a negative pressure state, the pressure in the second flow path portion 11B is reduced, and the ink IK passes through the cell 12A of the diaphragm member 12 in the direction of arrow (a). Then, from the first flow path portion 11A to the second flow path portion 1
1B, is supplied to the recording head 1100, and can be subjected to a printing process.

When the ink cartridge 100 is loaded, the gap between the diaphragm member 12 and the ink introduction portion changes depending on the dimensional accuracy and the loading accuracy of the parts. In some cases, the diaphragm member 12 made of a porous material is damaged by the ink introduction portion. The gap c between the diaphragm means 12 and the ink introduction part
By setting, damage can be prevented.

Further, since the ink is not drawn out of the cartridge unless the printing means or the negative pressure generating means is depressed, even if the cartridge type is noticed incorrectly and the cartridge once inserted is removed again, the ink remains in the diaphragm member. 1
Since the cartridge 2 is not transparent, there is no problem in reusing the cartridge.

(Embodiment 2) The characteristic point of the ink cartridge 100a shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 is that, at the time of supplying the ink IK, the diaphragm member 12a is extended and the cell 12Aa is partially The point is that the ink IK can be transmitted by being enlarged.

That is, a porous member having cells 12Aa similar to the diaphragm member 12 in the first embodiment in a downstream region of the ink flow path 11a of the ink supply section 10a of the ink cartridge 100a, and elastically expands and contracts. A diaphragm member 12a made of a material having possible characteristics is provided.

A printer 1400a into which the ink cartridge 100a is loaded is provided with a pressing element 1400a which enters the ink supply section 10a when the ink cartridge 100a is loaded into the loading section 1300a.

Note that the other components common to the first embodiment are indicated by adding (a) to the reference numerals.

Therefore, the ink cartridge 100a
When the printer 1a is loaded into the loading section 1300a of the printer 1000a, the presser 1400a enters the ink flow path 11a of the ink supply section 10a as shown in FIG. It will be deformed into an insertion form.

As is clear from FIG. 6 showing this state in an enlarged manner, in the extended diaphragm member 12a, in the area (X), the cell 12Aa is in a state of being crushed by the pressing element 1400a. , (Y), the cell 12Aa is expanded and the capillary force is greatly reduced, and the ink IK in the ink storage chamber 20a is reduced.
Represents a cell 1 in the ink flow path 11a from the first flow path portion 11Aa.
The light can pass through 2Aa and be transferred to the second flow path portion 11Ba and be supplied to the recording head 1100a without any trouble (arrow (b)).

When the ink cartridge 100a is removed from the loading portion 1300a, the pressing member 1400a is retracted, the diaphragm member 12a elastically returns immediately as shown in FIG. 4, the cell 12Aa is also reduced, and the ink IK is reduced. Leakage can be safely prevented.

According to this embodiment, as compared with the first embodiment, by expanding the cells 12Aa at the time of loading, the flow path resistance during printing is reduced, which is suitable for a large-capacity, high-speed printing apparatus. On the other hand, the cell 12Aa can be set small in the non-loaded state in anticipation of expansion at the time of loading, so that the ink holding force of the diaphragm member can be increased against vibration and shock.

(Embodiment 3) A characteristic of the ink cartridge 100b shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is that the ink supply unit 10b supplies the ink IK drawn out from the ink storage chamber 20b.
A needle tube 16b capable of supplying the recording head 1100b of the printer 1000b is provided vertically, and the open end thereof is sealed with a sealing film 30.
This is the point closed by b.

That is, the guide cylinder 15 of the ink supply section 10b
b is an ink outlet 1 which is connected to the ink storage chamber 20b.
The needle tube 16b having the 6Ab opened is vertically provided, and the sealing film 30b for sealing the needle tube 16b is attached to the guide tube 15b.
Is attached to the lower surface of the panel so as to be breakable.

The film 30b is welded and fixed at the end 15b, and is brought into close contact with the open end of the needle tube 16b by its tension.

The ink outlet hole 16Ab of the needle tube 16b has a circular cross section and a diameter of about φ0.2 mm to φ0.2 mm.
It is desirable that the fine holes have a diameter of about 1.0 mm.

A recording head 1100b is provided on the printer 1000b side where the ink cartridge 100b is loaded.
Receiving section 1500b for supplying ink IK to the printer
The needle tube 16b is made to be able to enter into the ink cylinder 1501b of the ink receiving portion 1500b, and a sealing material which is in contact with the lower end of the needle tube 16b to prevent leakage of the ink IK. 1502b to ink cylinder 1
It is fixed so as to be in close contact with the bottom of 501b and the periphery of the needle tube 16b, so that the ink IK can be led out according to printing.

Since other points are the same as those of the first embodiment, the reference numerals are indicated by (b).

Therefore, the ink cartridge 100b
As shown in FIG. 8, the ink IK is loaded into the printer 1000b so as to penetrate the sealing film 30b by the ink cylinder 1501b and penetrate into the guide cylinder 15b, and the pressure is reduced by the printing process. The ink is discharged from the 16Ab and supplied to the recording head 1100b (in the direction of the arrow (c)). During this time, the leakage of the ink IK is safely prevented by the sealing material 1500b.

[0041]

The specific effects of the present invention described above are as follows.

[0042] There is no possibility that the operator is soiled by the remaining ink.
5).

The ink cartridge can be easily attached and detached (claim 4).

Recycling is simple (claims 1, 3 and 5).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a main part of the ink cartridge of FIG. 1 and an ink jet recording apparatus loaded with the ink cartridge.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of the ink cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a drawing of the second embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a drawing of the second embodiment in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a drawing of the second embodiment in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a drawing of the third embodiment in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a drawing of the third embodiment in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a drawing of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

100 (a, b) Ink cartridge 10 (a, b) Ink supply unit 12A (a) Cell 12 12 (a) Diaphragm member 16c Needle tube 16Ac Ink lead-out hole 1000 (a, b) Ink jet recording device (printer) 1100 (a) , B) Recording head 1400a Presser 1501c Ink cylinder 1502c Sealing material

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An ink cartridge which is loaded into an ink introduction section of an ink jet recording apparatus and is capable of supplying ink to a recording head thereof, wherein natural pressure such as normal temperature and normal pressure is provided on an ink flow path of an ink supply section of the ink cartridge. An ink cartridge, which is made of a porous material having fine continuous cells capable of blocking ink permeation in a state, and which is arranged so as to form a gap with the ink introduction portion when loaded in a recording apparatus. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the cell is φ10 μm to φ150.
The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the ink cartridge is μm. 3. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm member is made of a material that can elastically expand and contract. 4. An ink jet recording apparatus in which an ink cartridge provided with a diaphragm member made of a porous material capable of blocking the transmission of ink in an ink lead-out section is loaded and supplied with ink. An ink jet recording apparatus in which a presser for expanding a hole of the diaphragm member when loaded is connected to a recording head. 5. An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising:
An ink cartridge capable of supplying ink to the recording head, wherein a needle tube having an ink lead-out hole communicated with an ink storage chamber is provided in an ink supply unit of the ink cartridge, and the outside of the needle tube is provided at an open end of the needle tube. An ink cartridge that prevents leakage of ink by contacting a sealing material fixed around it.