JP2001328279A - Liquid container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid container in which ink is prevented from waving or bubbling in an ink cartridge, a piezoelectric device detects consumption of ink accurately even if ink is waved or bubbled, and consumption state of ink is detected even if the piezoelectric device is mounted on a wall above the ink liquid level. SOLUTION: The liquid container comprises a container for containing liquid having a top wall above the liquid level, a port for supplying liquid to the outside of the container, a liquid sensor for detecting the consumption state of liquid in the container, and a first barrier wall for partitioning the container into at least two liquid containing chambers conducting the liquid to each other. The at least two liquid containing chambers comprise a ventilation side liquid containing chamber communicating with the atmosphere, and a detection side liquid containing chamber provided with a liquid sensor on the top wall thereof.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid container having a liquid sensor for detecting a state of consumption of a liquid in the liquid container.
The present invention relates to a liquid container having a liquid sensor that detects a consumption state of a liquid in a liquid container that supplies a liquid to a recording head, and a partition that partitions the inside of the container.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet recording apparatus has a carriage equipped with an ink jet recording head having pressure generating means for pressurizing a pressure generating chamber and a nozzle opening for discharging the pressurized ink from the nozzle opening as ink droplets. The inkjet recording apparatus is configured to be able to continue printing while supplying ink in an ink tank to a recording head via a flow path. The ink tank is configured as a detachable cartridge so that the user can easily replace the ink tank when the ink is consumed.

Conventionally, as a method of managing ink consumption of an ink cartridge, a method of integrating the number of ink droplets ejected from a recording head and the amount of ink sucked by maintenance by software to manage ink consumption by calculation,
There is a method of managing the point in time when a predetermined amount of ink is actually consumed by attaching an electrode for liquid level detection to the ink cartridge.

[0004]

However, the method of integrating the number of ink droplets ejected and the amount of ink by software and managing the ink consumption in the calculation by software causes an error due to the printing form on the user side, etc. There is a problem that a large error occurs when the same cartridge is remounted. Also, depending on the use environment, for example, the room temperature is extremely high or low,
Another problem is that the pressure inside the ink cartridge and the viscosity of the ink change due to the elapsed time after opening the ink cartridge, etc., causing a non-negligible error between the calculated ink consumption and the actual consumption. there were.

On the other hand, in the method of managing the time when ink is consumed by the electrodes, the actual amount of ink can be detected, so that the remaining amount of ink can be managed with high reliability. However, since the detection of the liquid level of the ink depends on the conductivity of the ink, there are problems that the types of detectable ink are limited and the sealing structure of the electrodes is complicated. Also, as a material of the electrode,
Normally, a noble metal having high conductivity and high corrosion resistance is used, so that there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the ink cartridge is increased. Further, since it is necessary to mount the two electrodes at different locations of the ink cartridge, there is a problem that the number of manufacturing steps is increased and the manufacturing cost is increased as a result.

[0006] In addition, when the ink cartridge vibrates due to scanning during printing or the like and the ink undulates, bubbles may be generated. Therefore, even if the ink in the container is low, if the ink is erroneously attached to the wavy piezoelectric device, the ink is still not enough in the container where the piezoelectric device should detect the ink end. There is a risk that it will be erroneously detected that there is. In addition, when air bubbles adhere to the piezoelectric device, there is a risk of erroneously detecting that there is no ink even though the container is filled with ink.

Further, in order to detect the state of the ink end in the ink cartridge, there is a problem that the position where the piezoelectric device is provided in the ink cartridge is limited. For example, if the piezoelectric device is provided on a wall below the liquid level of the ink, the piezoelectric device can detect the ink end. On the other hand, if the piezoelectric device is provided on a wall above the liquid level of the ink, the piezoelectric device cannot detect the ink end.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid container which can accurately detect the remaining amount of liquid and does not require a complicated sealing structure.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent the liquid in the liquid container from waving or foaming.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a liquid container in which a piezoelectric device can accurately detect a liquid level and accurately detect a consumption amount of a liquid even when the liquid in the liquid container is wavy or foamed. And

Furthermore, the state when the liquid in the liquid container has been consumed can be detected, and even if the position where the piezoelectric device is disposed is a wall above the liquid surface of the liquid, the consumption of the liquid is prevented. It is an object to provide a liquid container capable of detecting a state.

This object is achieved by a combination of features described in the independent claims. The dependent claims define further advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the liquid container according to the present invention, there is provided a container for containing a liquid and having a top wall above a liquid level of the liquid; A liquid supply port that supplies the liquid to the outside of the container, a liquid sensor that detects a consumption state of the liquid in the container, and a first partition that partitions at least two liquid storage chambers so that the liquids communicate with each other in the container. . The at least two liquid storage chambers include a ventilation-side liquid storage chamber communicating with the atmosphere, and a detection-side liquid storage chamber having the liquid sensor disposed on a top wall.

The at least two liquid storage chambers may be set to have different capacities. The container has at least two opposing side walls, and the capacity of each of the at least two liquid storage chambers gradually changes from one side wall of the at least two side walls to the other side wall. It may be formed as follows. Preferably, the capacity of the detection-side liquid storage chamber is half or less than the capacity of the vent-side liquid storage chamber.

The container extends from the inner wall of the detection-side liquid storage chamber and partitions the detection-side liquid storage chamber into at least two detection-side liquid storage chambers so that the front liquids communicate with each other.
It has a partition. The liquid sensor may be provided on each top wall of the detection-side liquid storage chamber. At least two detection-side liquid storage chambers may have different capacities from each other.

[0016] The container has at least two side walls opposed to each other, and the capacity of each of the at least two detection-side liquid storage chambers increases from one side wall of the at least two side walls to the other side wall. , May change gradually. Preferably, no capillary force for holding the liquid acts on the detection-side liquid storage chamber. Alternatively, the capillary force of the liquid storage chamber on the detection side is smaller than the capillary force holding the liquid.

Preferably, a concave portion capable of accommodating gas is formed on the top wall of the liquid storage chamber on the detection side. The liquid sensor is
The container may have a cavity that opens inside the container and holds the liquid.

Preferably, the liquid sensor is a piezoelectric device having a vibrating portion that generates vibration. After the vibrating portion generates vibration, a back electromotive force is generated by residual vibration remaining in the vibrating portion. A liquid consumption state is detected based on the electromotive force. Preferably, the liquid container is mounted on an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording head for discharging ink droplets, and supplies the liquid in the container to the recording head.

The above summary of the present invention does not list all of the necessary features of the present invention, and sub-combinations of these feature groups can also constitute the present invention.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the present invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention and have the features described in the embodiments. Not all combinations are essential to the solution of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of an ink cartridge for a single color, for example, black ink, as an example of a liquid container to which the present invention is applied. The ink cartridge shown in FIG. 1 detects the resonance frequency by measuring the back electromotive force generated by the residual vibration remaining in the vibrating part, of the method described above, and detects the position of the liquid level in the liquid container and the liquid level. Based on the method of detecting the presence or absence. Actuator 1 as an embodiment of a liquid sensor for detecting liquid
06 is used. A container 1 containing the ink K and having a top wall 1030 above the liquid level of the ink K; an ink supply port 2 for supplying the ink K to the outside of the container 1; An actuator 106 for detecting a consumption state, and a first partition 193a for partitioning at least two ink storage chambers so that the ink K communicates with each other in the container 1 are provided. At least two ink storage chambers are provided as ventilation side ink storage chambers 123a communicating with the atmosphere.
And a detection-side ink storage chamber 123b in which the actuator 106 is disposed on the top wall 1030.

Vent side ink storage chamber 123 communicating with the atmosphere
In a, a vent 233 is provided in the top wall 1030. The vent 233 may use a check valve as in the embodiment of FIG. However, the vent 233 is not limited to the check valve of FIG. When the ink K is consumed and the inside of the container 1 becomes extremely negative pressure, air is introduced from the outside of the container 1 to the ventilation side ink storage chamber 123a through the vent hole 233, thereby preventing the inside of the container 1 from becoming negative pressure. Therefore, as the ink K is consumed, the ventilation holes 2 are provided in the ventilation side ink storage chamber 123a.
Air is introduced through 33, and the liquid level of the ink K drops. On the other hand, the space between the partition 193a and the top wall 1030 is liquid-tightly connected. Therefore, even when the ink K is consumed, the detection-side ink storage chamber 123b of the container 1 remains until the liquid level of the ink K reaches the lower end 193aa of the partition 193a.
Is filled with ink K. As the consumption of ink progresses, the liquid level of the ink K falls on the lower end 1 of the partition 193a.
93aa, the detection-side ink storage chamber 123
Gas invades b. As a result, the ink K remaining in the detection-side ink storage chamber 123b flows out toward the ink supply port 2, and the area around the actuator 106 is changed from the ink K to the atmosphere. Thereby, the actuator 10
No. 6 can detect that the ink cartridge is out of ink. Therefore, according to the present embodiment,
It is the lower end 193aa that determines the liquid level of the ink K that is the ink end. Further, the capacity of the detection-side ink storage chamber 123b is determined by the width between the side wall 1010 extending substantially perpendicular to the ink level and the partition 193a. Therefore, the amount of ink remaining in the container 1 when detecting the ink end can be set by the width between the side wall 1010 and the partition 193a and the height of the lower end 193aa in the direction perpendicular to the ink surface. .

The capacity of the detection-side ink storage chamber 123b is preferably half or less than the capacity of the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 123a. However, the detection-side ink storage chamber 1
No capillary force that holds the ink K acts on 23b.

Note that the actuator 106 may be used as a means for simply detecting vibration without vibration. The details of the structure of the ventilation hole are described in FIG.

The ink supply port 2 of the ink cartridge according to this embodiment is provided with a packing 4 and a valve 6. As shown in FIG. 3, the packing 4 is engaged with the ink supply needle 32 communicating with the recording head 31 in a liquid-tight manner. The valve body 6 is always in elastic contact with the packing 4 by the spring 5. When the ink supply needle 32 is inserted, the valve 6 is pushed by the ink supply needle 32 to open the ink flow path, and the ink in the container 1 is supplied to the ink supply port 2 and the ink supply needle 32.
Is supplied to the recording head 31 via the. On the upper wall of the container 1, a semiconductor storage means 7 for storing information on the ink in the ink cartridge is mounted.

When the partition 193a does not exist, the ink cartridge vibrates due to scanning during printing or the like, and when the ink is wavy, bubbles may be generated. Thereby, even when the ink in the container 1 is small, if the ink is erroneously attached to the waving actuator 106, the ink is still in the container 1 where the actuator 106 should detect the ink end. There is a risk that it will be erroneously detected that there is enough. Further, when air bubbles adhere to the actuator 106, there is a possibility that the ink may be erroneously detected as being empty even though the container 1 is filled with ink.

However, according to the embodiment of the liquid container of the present invention, even when the ink cartridge is vibrated by scanning during printing or the like, the partition wall prevents the ink from waving near the piezoelectric device. Preventing bubbles from forming by preventing the ink from waving near the piezoelectric device. Further, even if air bubbles are generated in the ventilation side ink storage chamber, the partition walls separate the ventilation side ink storage chamber and the detection side ink storage chamber in an airtight or liquid tight manner. Therefore,
The septum prevents bubbles from approaching and contacting the actuator 106.

The size, thickness, shape, flexibility and material of the partition are not limited. Therefore, the partition may be relatively large or small. Further, the partition wall may be relatively thick or thin. Further, the partition may be square or rectangular. Preferably, the shape, size, and thickness of the partition are changed according to the shape of the ink cartridge. Further, the partition wall may be formed from a steel material or a flexible material. For example, there are plastic, Teflon (registered trademark), nylon, polypropylene, PET, and the like. Preferably, the septum is a material that is impermeable to gases and liquids. Also, preferably,
The container and the partition are formed from the same material so that they can be integrally molded. Thereby, the manufacturing process of the ink cartridge is shortened.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge containing a plurality of types of ink, as viewed from the outside. FIG.
Is a perspective view from the side of the top wall 1038 above the liquid surface of the ink K in the wall of the container 8. Container 8
It is divided into three ink chambers 9, 10 and 11. Ink supply ports 12, 13 and 14 are formed in each ink chamber. The respective ink chambers 9, 10 and 11
Actuators 15, 16 and 17 are attached to the top wall 1038 of the printer 1 through a through-hole (not shown) provided in the container 8 so as to make contact with the ink contained in each ink chamber. Furthermore, each ink chamber 9,
Similar to the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, partitions (not shown) are provided inside 10 and 11. Partition walls provided in each of the ink chambers 9, 10 and 11 are:
Each of the ink chambers 9, 10 and 11 is separated into a ventilation side ink storage chamber and a detection side ink storage chamber (not shown).

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a main part of an ink jet recording apparatus suitable for the ink cartridge shown in FIGS. The carriage 30 that can reciprocate in the width direction of the recording paper has a sub-tank unit 33, and the recording head 31 is provided on the lower surface of the sub-tank unit 33. The ink supply needle 32 is provided on the ink cartridge mounting surface side of the sub tank unit 33. In FIG. 3, the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 1 or 2 is used. However, ink cartridges shown in other drawings may be used.

When the ink supply port 2 of the container 1 is inserted into the ink supply needle 32 of the sub-tank unit 33, the valve body 6 retreats against the spring 5, an ink flow path is formed, and the ink in the container 1 It flows into the chamber 34. At the stage where the ink is filled in the ink chamber 34, a negative pressure is applied to the nozzle openings of the recording head 31 to fill the recording head 31 with the ink, and then the recording operation is performed.

When ink is consumed in the recording head 31 by the recording operation, the pressure on the downstream side of the membrane valve 36 decreases, and the membrane valve 36 is opened. When the membrane valve 36 is opened, the ink in the ink chamber 34 flows into the recording head 31 via the ink supply path 35. As the ink flows into the recording head 31, the ink in the container 1
2, and flows into the sub-tank unit 33.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of another embodiment of an ink cartridge as an example of a liquid container to which the present invention is applied. In the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment, the top wall 1039 above the liquid surface of the ink K is inclined with respect to the liquid surface of the ink K. The actuator 106 is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the ink K via a through hole 1c provided in the top wall 1039. The partition 193c is a top wall 1
039 extending downward with respect to the ink level. Further, in this embodiment, the detection-side ink storage chamber 123b extends from the top wall 1039 in the detection-side ink storage chamber 123b.
It has a second partition 193d that partitions the inside into at least two detection-side ink storage chambers 1123a and 1123b so that ink communicates with each other. The two actuators 106a and 106b are connected to the detection-side ink storage chamber 1123.
a, 1123b are provided on the respective top walls 1039.

The capacity of the ventilation side ink storage chamber 123a near the ink supply port 2 is larger than the capacity of the detection side ink storage chamber 123b relatively far from the ink supply port 2. Further, of the detection-side ink storage chamber 123b, the capacity of the detection-side ink storage small chamber 1123a close to the ink supply port 2 is:
Detection-side ink storage chamber 1 relatively far from ink supply port 2
It is larger than the capacity of 123b. Therefore, first, the ink in the ventilation side ink storage chamber 123a is consumed. As the ink is consumed, the ink level in the ventilation side ink storage chamber 123a decreases. On the other hand, the partition wall 193 cc and the top wall 10
39 is air-tight or liquid-tight, the detection-side ink storage chamber 123b is filled with ink until the ink level reaches the lower end 193cc of the partition 193c. Next, when the liquid level of the ink in the ventilation side ink storage chamber 123a reaches the lower end 193cc of the partition 193c, the ink in the detection side ink storage chamber 1123a flows out, and the ink in the detection side ink storage chamber 1123a starts to be consumed. . As the ink is consumed, the ink level in the detection-side ink storage chamber 1123a decreases. On the other hand,
Since the partition wall 193dd and the top wall 1039 are air-tightly or liquid-tightly connected, the detection-side ink storage chamber 11 is kept until the ink level reaches the lower end 193dd of the partition wall 193d.
23b is filled with ink. Finally, when the ink level in the detection-side ink storage chamber 1123a reaches the lower end 193dd of the partition 193d, the detection-side ink storage chamber 1123a is closed.
As the ink of 3b flows out, the ink of the detection-side ink storage chamber 1123b starts to be consumed.

Therefore, the actuators 106a, 106
b, the ink consumption state can be detected step by step. Also, the ventilation side ink storage chamber 1 near the ink supply port 2
The detection-side ink storage chamber 1123a is relatively far from the ink supply port 2 from the detection-side ink storage chamber 1123a from 23a.
As the capacity decreases, the frequency with which the actuators 106a and 106b detect ink gradually increases. Therefore, it is possible to set so that the frequency of detection increases as the remaining amount of ink decreases.

Although the container in the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 4 has one second partition, in another embodiment, the container further partitions the inside of the detection-side ink storage chamber 123b into three or more detection-side ink storage small chambers. May be provided with a plurality of second partition walls. The plurality of second partitions partition the inside of the detection-side ink storage chamber 123b into two or more detection-side ink storage chambers. The capacity of each of the two or more detection-side ink storage chambers may be gradually changed from one of at least two opposing side walls of the container wall toward the other. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the capacities of the detection-side ink storage chambers are from the detection-side ink storage chambers relatively close to the ink supply port 2 to the detection-side ink storage chambers relatively far from the ink supply port 2. Gradually smaller. Accordingly, the actuator 106 can detect a state in which the ink K in the ink cartridge is gradually consumed. In addition, since the size of the ink chamber is gradually reduced from the detection-side ink storage chamber close to the ink supply port 2 to the detection-side ink storage chamber far from the ink supply port 2, the actuator 106 is similar to the night ink cartridge of the embodiment in FIG. However, the time interval for detecting a decrease in the amount of ink gradually decreases, and the frequency can be detected more frequently as approaching the ink end.

Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, among the plurality of actuators 106a and 106b, the actuator 10
6a is provided near the partition 193c. The actuator 106b is provided near the partition 193d. Accordingly, even if bubbles G enter or occur in the detection-side ink storage chamber 123b before the ink in the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 123a reaches the lower end 193c of the partition wall 193c,
The bubbles G accumulate at the upper boundary with respect to the ink liquid level among the boundary between the top wall 1039 and the partition 193c or the boundary between the top wall 1039 and the side wall. Therefore, the bubbles G do not adhere to the actuator 106.

FIG. 5 shows still another embodiment of the ink cartridge using the actuator 106. FIG.
The ink cartridge 220A of (A) has a first partition 222 provided so as to extend downward from the upper surface of the ink cartridge 220A. Since a predetermined gap is provided between the lower end of the first partition wall 222 and the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 220A, the ink can flow to the ink supply port 230 through the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 220A. Ink supply port 230 from first partition 222
On the side, a second partition 224 is formed so as to extend above the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 220A. Second
Since a predetermined gap is provided between the upper end of the partition 224 and the upper surface of the ink cartridge 220A, the ink
The ink can flow into the ink supply port 230 through the upper surface of the ink cartridge 220A.

The first partition wall 222 forms a ventilation side ink storage chamber 225a relatively close to the ventilation hole 233. On the other hand, a detection-side ink storage chamber is formed relatively far from the ventilation hole 233. By the second partition wall 224, the detection-side ink storage small chamber 225b and the detection-side ink storage small chamber 2
27 are formed. The capacity of the ventilation side ink storage chamber 225a is larger than the capacity of the detection side ink storage chamber 225b.
Between the first partition 222 and the second partition 224, a detection-side ink storage chamber 227 having a gap enough to cause a capillary phenomenon is formed. Therefore, the ink in the ventilation side ink storage chamber 225a is collected in the detection side ink storage chamber 227 by the capillary force of the detection side ink storage chamber 227. Further, since the first partition wall 222 is provided, it is possible to prevent gas and bubbles from entering the detection-side ink storage chamber 225b. Further, the water level of the ink in the detection-side ink storage small chamber 225b can be stably gradually lowered. As viewed from the ink supply port 230, the ventilation side ink storage chamber 225a
Is formed behind the detection-side ink storage chamber 225b, the ink in the detection-side ink storage chamber 225b is consumed after the ink in the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 225a is consumed. Further, by supplying ink from the ventilation side ink storage chamber 225a to the detection side ink storage chamber 225b by the detection side ink storage chamber 227, the actuator 106 is affected by the ink sway caused by the sway of the ink cartridge 220A. Absent. Therefore, the actuator 106 can reliably measure the remaining amount of ink. Further, since the detection-side ink storage chamber 227 holds the ink, it is possible to prevent the ink from flowing back from the detection-side ink storage chamber 225b to the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 225a.

The actuator 10 has a top wall 1013 on the ink supply port 230 side of the detection-side ink storage chamber 225b.
6 is mounted. The actuator 106 detects a state of ink consumption in the detection-side ink storage small chamber 225b. The actuator 106 is connected to the detection-side ink storage chamber 2
By attaching the ink cartridge to the ink cartridge 25b, it is possible to stably detect the remaining amount of ink at a point closer to the ink end.

The top wall 101 of the ink cartridge 220A
3 is provided with a vent hole 233. Also, the ventilation holes 23
3 is provided with a check valve 228. Check valve 228
Thus, when the ink cartridge 220A rolls, it is possible to prevent the ink from leaking to the outside of the ink cartridge 220A. Further, by installing the check valve 228 on the upper surface of the ink cartridge 220A, it is possible to prevent the evaporation of the ink from the air holes 233 of the ink cartridge 220A. Ink cartridge 220A
Ink inside the ink cartridge 220A is consumed.
When an extreme negative pressure is generated inside, the check valve 228 opens,
Air is sucked into the ink cartridge 220A, and then closed to urge discharge of the ink from the ink cartridge 220A.

FIGS. 5B and 5C show a detailed cross section of the check valve 228. The check valve 228 shown in FIG. 5B has a valve 232 having a blade 232a formed of rubber. Vent hole 233 with the outside of ink cartridge 220
However, the ink cartridge 220 faces the blade 232a.
Is provided. The air holes 233 are opened and closed by the blades 232a. The check valve 228 is connected to the ink cartridge 220.
When the ink inside the ink cartridge 220 decreases and a negative pressure is generated in the ink cartridge 220, the blade 232a
0 to open the inside of the ink cartridge 22
Take in 0. The check valve 228 in FIG. 5C has a valve 232 and a spring 235 formed of rubber. In the check valve 228, when a negative pressure is generated in the ink cartridge 220, the valve 232 presses the spring 235 to open, sucks external air into the ink cartridge 220, and then closes to close the ink from the ink cartridge 220. Encourage emission.

FIG. 6 shows an ink cartridge 180 as still another embodiment of the ink cartridge using the actuator 106. The ink cartridge 18 of FIG.
0A has a partition wall 212a that extends downward from a top wall 194c of the container 194 that is above the ink level. Due to the partition wall 212a, the inside of the container 194 is provided with the ventilation side ink storage chamber 213a and the detection side ink storage chamber 213.
b. Since the lower end 212aa of the partition wall 212a and the bottom wall 1a of the container 194 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, the ventilation side ink storage chamber 213a and the detection side ink storage chamber 213b communicate with each other. Detection side ink storage chamber 213
b, the actuator 1 is mounted on the top wall 194c of the container 194.
06 is attached. The capacity of the detection-side ink storage chamber 213b is smaller than the capacity of the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 213a. The capacity of the detection-side ink storage chamber 213b is preferably smaller than half the capacity of the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 213a.

The top wall 194 of the detection-side ink storage chamber 213b
In c, a buffer 214a is formed, which is a concave portion for catching bubbles entering the ink cartridge 180A. In FIG. 6, the buffer 214a is provided on the top wall 194 of the container 194.
It is formed as a concave portion extending upward from c. When bubbles enter the detection-side ink storage chamber 213b by mistake while the detection-side ink storage chamber 213b is filled with ink, the buffer 214a captures the bubbles. This prevents bubbles from adhering to the actuator 106. Therefore, the actuator 106 is
Erroneous detection that there is no ink despite the presence of ink is prevented. Further, the capacity of the detection-side ink storage chamber 213b is changed by changing the length of the partition 212a,
By changing the width between the partition 212a and the side wall 194b, the predetermined amount of ink remaining after detecting the ink end can be changed.

FIG. 7 shows still another embodiment of the ink cartridge 180. The ink cartridge 180 shown in FIG.
In B, the partition 212b is formed in an L shape. Partition 21
2b extends from the top wall 194c. The lower end 212bb of the partition 212b is the partition 212a in the embodiment of FIG.
Is longer than the lower end 212aa of the. Therefore, the gas in the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 213a is discharged from the detection-side ink storage chamber 21a.
3b is relatively difficult to penetrate. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the actuator 106 from erroneously detecting the ink end due to the attachment of bubbles to the actuator 106. Note that a gap is provided between the lower end 212bb and the bottom wall 1a of the container 194. No capillary force for holding ink is generated in the gap between the lower end 212bb and the bottom wall 1a.

FIG. 8 shows still another embodiment of the ink cartridge 180. The ink cartridge 180 shown in FIG.
In C, the partition wall 212c is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the ink surface. The partition wall 212c extends from the top wall 194c. Side wall 194b of ink cartridge 180C
The distance between the partition wall 212c and the partition wall 212c gradually narrows downward with respect to the ink level. Therefore, the gas in the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 213a is discharged from the detection-side ink storage chamber 2
13b is relatively difficult to penetrate. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the actuator 106 from erroneously detecting the ink end due to bubbles. In addition, a gap is provided between the lower end 212 cc and the bottom wall 1 a of the container 194. Lower end 212cc of partition wall 212c and side wall 19
No capillary force for holding the ink is generated in the gap with 4b.

FIG. 9 shows still another embodiment of the ink cartridge 180. The ink cartridge 180 shown in FIG.
In D, the first partition 212d extends downward from the top wall 194c with respect to the ink level. Further, the second partition 2
Reference numeral 12e extends from the first partition 212d to the side wall 194b substantially in parallel with the ink liquid level. The first partition wall 212 d divides the inside of the container 194 into the ventilation side ink storage chamber 213.
a and the ink storage chamber on the detection side. Also, the second partition 2
12e separates the detection-side ink storage chamber into a first detection-side ink storage chamber 213c and a second detection-side ink storage chamber 213d. A gap is provided between the bottom wall 1a of the ink cartridge 180D and the first partition 212d. The side wall 194b of the ink cartridge 180D and the second partition 2
A gap is provided between the end 12e and the one end 212dd. A recess is provided in a part of the top wall 194c, and a buffer 214a for receiving bubbles is provided.

One end of the second partition 212e extending from the partition 212d toward the side wall 194b extends to a position immediately below the buffer 214a for containing gas. Therefore,
First, the first partition 212d is connected to the first detection-side ink storage chamber 2.
13c is prevented from entering air bubbles. If the air bubble accidentally enters the first detection-side ink storage chamber 213c, the air bubble is removed by the second partition wall 212e.
4a is led to a position directly below, whereby the air bubbles
Received in buffer 214a. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the actuator 106 from erroneously detecting the ink end due to the bubble attached to the actuator 106 in the second detection-side ink storage chamber 213d.

FIG. 10 shows still another embodiment of the ink cartridge 180. Ink cartridge 1 of FIG.
80E includes a partition 212a similar to that of FIG. The partition wall 212a extends downward from the top wall 194c with respect to the ink level. The partition wall 212a divides the inside of the container 194 into the ventilation side ink storage chamber 213a and the detection side ink storage chamber 213b.
And separate it. A gap is provided between the bottom wall 1a of the ink cartridge 180E and the partition wall 212a. Further, a recess is provided in a part of the top wall 194c, and a buffer 214b for receiving bubbles is provided. Buffer 21
4b has a tapered surface 1 between the
040 is provided.

Therefore, first, the partition wall 212a prevents bubbles from entering the detection-side ink storage chamber 213b. When the air bubbles accidentally enter the detection-side ink storage chamber 213b, the air bubbles are directly received by the buffer 214b or guided to the buffer 214b along the tapered surface 1040. Therefore, the actuator 106
Air bubbles adhere to the actuator 106.
Can be further suppressed from detecting the ink end by mistake. The shape and size of the buffer can be any other shape or size.

FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment of the ink cartridge 180. Ink cartridge 1 of FIG.
In 80F, a projection 214f is provided on a part of the top wall 194c to protrude inside the container 194. The actuator 106 is provided at the bottom of the protrusion 214f. Partition wall 2
Reference numeral 12f extends downward from the top wall 194c with respect to the ink level. Buffers 214c are provided between the actuator 106 and the partition 212f and between the actuator 106 and the side wall 194b of the container 194, respectively. Accordingly, since the periphery of the actuator 106 is surrounded by the buffer 214c, air bubbles hardly adhere to the actuator.

FIG. 12 shows still another embodiment of the ink cartridge 180. Ink cartridge 1 of FIG.
In 80G, the partition wall 212g extends downward from the top wall 194c with respect to the ink level. The partition wall 212g separates the inside of the container 194 into a ventilation side ink storage chamber 213a and a detection side ink storage chamber 213b. Irregularities are provided on the top wall 194c, and two actuators 106 are provided at portions protruding inside the container. The recess in the top wall 194c acts as a buffer 214d for receiving bubbles.
By providing two actuators, more reliable detection can be performed.

FIG. 13 shows still another embodiment of the ink cartridge 180. Ink cartridge 1 of FIG.
80I has a plurality of partitions 212h, 212i, 212j and 212 extending downward from the top wall 194c of the container 194.
k. Note that the partition 212h is a first partition, and the partitions 212i, 212j, and 212k are second partitions.
Lower ends 212hh, 212ii, 212jj, and 212k of partition walls 212h, 212i, 212j, and 212k.
Since k and the bottom wall 1a of the container 194 are separated by a predetermined distance, the bottom of the container 194 is in communication. The ink cartridge 180I includes a plurality of partitions 212h, 212i,
It has a vent-side ink storage chamber 213a and a plurality of detection-side ink storage chambers 213h, 213i, 213j, and 213k partitioned by each of 212j and 212k. Vent-side ink storage chamber 213a and a plurality of detection-side ink storage chambers 213h, 213i, 213j, and 2
The bottoms of 13k communicate with each other. The actuators 106h, 1h are provided on the respective top walls 194c of the plurality of detection-side ink storage chambers 213h, 213i, 213j, and 213k.
06i, 106j and 106k are mounted. Each actuator 106h, 106i, 106j and 1
06k is the detection-side ink storage small chamber 213 of the container 194.
h, 213i, 213j, and 213k are disposed substantially at the centers of the respective top walls 194c. The capacity of the ink storage chamber is the same as that of the air supply side ink storage chamber 21 on the ink supply port 187 side.
3a is the largest. Further, as the distance from the ink supply port 187 increases, the capacity of the ink storage chamber gradually decreases. Therefore, the capacity of the detection-side ink storage chamber 213k far from the ink supply port 187 is the smallest among the ink storage chambers.

Since gas is introduced from the vent 233,
The ink is consumed from the ventilation side ink storage chamber 213a on the ink supply port 187 side to the detection side ink storage small chamber 213k. That is, while the ink in the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 213a closest to the ink supply port 187 is consumed and the water level of the ink in the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 213a falls, the other detection-side ink storage chambers are filled with ink. Have been. The liquid level of the ink in the ventilation side ink storage chamber 213a is equal to the partition wall 212h.
When the air reaches the lower end 212 hh, the air enters the detection-side ink storage chamber 213 h and the detection-side ink storage chamber 213 h
The ink inside starts to be consumed. At this point, the detection-side ink storage chambers 213i, 213j, and 213k are filled with ink. Furthermore, the ink level in the detection-side ink storage small chamber 213h is lower than the lower end 212 of the partition wall 212i.
When the air reaches ii, air is detected in the detection-side ink storage chamber 213i.
And the ink inside the detection-side ink storage chamber 213i starts to be consumed. As described above, the ventilation side ink storage chamber 21
Ink is consumed in order from 3a to the detection-side ink storage chamber 213k.

The actuators 106h, 106i, 10
6j and 106k are arranged on the top wall 194c for each detection-side ink storage chamber. Therefore, the actuators 106h, 106i, 106j and 106k
Can detect a decrease in the amount of ink in a stepwise manner. Further, the capacity of the ink storage chamber gradually decreases from the ventilation side ink storage chamber 213a near the ink supply port 187 to the detection side ink storage small chamber 213k. Accordingly, the actuators 106h, 106i, 106j and 106
The time interval at which k detects the decrease in the amount of ink gradually decreases, and the frequency can be detected more frequently as the ink approaches the ink end.

FIG. 14 shows details of an actuator 106 which is an embodiment of the piezoelectric device. The actuator referred to here is used in a method of detecting at least a change in acoustic impedance and detecting a consumption state of the liquid in the liquid container. In particular, it is used in a method of detecting a resonance frequency by residual vibration to detect at least a change in acoustic impedance to detect a consumption state of a liquid in a liquid container. FIG. 14A is an enlarged plan view of the actuator 106. FIG. 14 (B) shows the state of B of the actuator 106.
3B shows a cross section. FIG. 14C shows the state of the actuator 10.
6 shows a CC section.

The actuator 106 includes a substrate 178 having a circular opening 161 at substantially the center, a vibration plate 176 provided on one surface (hereinafter referred to as a surface) of the substrate 178 so as to cover the opening 161, A piezoelectric layer 160 disposed on the side of the surface of the plate 176; and upper and lower electrodes 164 and 166 sandwiching the piezoelectric layer 160 from both sides.
And upper electrode terminal 1 electrically coupled to upper electrode 164
68, a lower electrode terminal 170 electrically coupled to the lower electrode 166, an upper electrode 164 and an upper electrode terminal 168.
Auxiliary electrode 17 disposed between the electrodes and electrically coupling the two.
And 2. Each of the piezoelectric layer 160, the upper electrode 164, and the lower electrode 166 has a circular portion as a main part. Piezoelectric layer 160, upper electrode 164 and lower electrode 1
Each circular portion of 66 forms a piezoelectric element.

The vibration plate 176 is formed on the surface of the substrate 178 so as to cover the opening 161. Cavity 162
Is the portion of the diaphragm 176 facing the opening 161 and the substrate 17
8 is formed by the opening 161 on the surface. Substrate 17
The surface opposite to the piezoelectric element 8 (hereinafter referred to as the back surface) faces the liquid container side, and the cavity 162 is configured to be in contact with the liquid. The vibration plate 176 is attached to the substrate 178 in a liquid-tight manner so that even if the liquid enters the cavity 162, the liquid does not leak to the surface side of the substrate 178.

The lower electrode 166 is located on the surface of the diaphragm 176, that is, on the surface opposite to the liquid container.
It is attached so that the center of the circular portion which is the main part of 66 and the center of the opening 161 substantially coincide with each other. The area of the circular portion of the lower electrode 166 is set to be smaller than the area of the opening 161. On the other hand, the lower electrode 1
The piezoelectric layer 160 is formed on the surface side of the substrate 66 such that the center of the circular portion substantially coincides with the center of the opening 161. The area of the circular portion of the piezoelectric layer 160 is
, And larger than the area of the circular portion of the lower electrode 166.

On the other hand, on the front surface side of the piezoelectric layer 160, an upper electrode 164 is provided at the center of the circular portion which is the main portion thereof and the opening 1
61 are formed so as to substantially coincide with the center. The area of the circular portion of the upper electrode 164 is smaller than the area of the opening 161 and the circular portion of the piezoelectric layer 160, and the lower electrode 1
The area is set to be larger than the area of the circular portion 66.

Therefore, the main part of the piezoelectric layer 160 is sandwiched by the main part of the upper electrode 164 and the main part of the lower electrode 166 from the front side and the back side, respectively. The deformation driving can be performed effectively. The circular portions that are the main parts of the piezoelectric layer 160, the upper electrode 164, and the lower electrode 166 form the piezoelectric element of the actuator 106. As described above, the piezoelectric element is in contact with the vibration plate 176. Of the circular portion of the upper electrode 164, the circular portion of the piezoelectric layer 160, the circular portion of the lower electrode 166, and the opening 161, the opening 161 has the largest area. With this structure, the vibrating region of the vibration plate 176 that is actually vibrating has a smaller area than the opening 161 in the circular portion of the upper electrode 164, the circular portion of the piezoelectric layer 160, and the circular portion of the lower electrode 166. It becomes easier to vibrate. Further, of the circular portion of the lower electrode 166 and the circular portion of the upper electrode 164 electrically connected to the piezoelectric layer 160, the circular portion of the lower electrode 166 is smaller. Therefore, the circular portion of the lower terminal 166 determines a portion of the piezoelectric layer 160 where the piezoelectric effect occurs.

The upper electrode terminal 168 is formed on the surface of the diaphragm 176 so as to be electrically connected to the upper electrode 164 via the auxiliary electrode 172. On the other hand, the lower electrode terminal 17
0 is formed on the surface side of diaphragm 176 so as to be electrically connected to lower electrode 166. Since the upper electrode 164 is formed on the surface side of the piezoelectric layer 160, the upper electrode terminal 16
8, it is necessary to have a step equal to the sum of the thickness of the piezoelectric layer 160 and the thickness of the lower electrode 166. It is difficult to form this step only with the upper electrode 164, and even if possible, the connection between the upper electrode 164 and the upper electrode terminal 168 is weakened, and there is a risk of disconnection. Therefore, the upper electrode 164 and the upper electrode terminal 16 are formed by using the auxiliary electrode 172 as an auxiliary member.
8 is connected. By doing so, both the piezoelectric layer 160 and the upper electrode 164 have a structure supported by the auxiliary electrode 172, so that a desired mechanical strength can be obtained, and the connection between the upper electrode 164 and the upper electrode terminal 168 is ensured. It becomes possible to.

Note that the piezoelectric element and the vibrating region of the vibrating plate 176 facing the piezoelectric element correspond to the actuator 106.
Is a vibrating part that actually vibrates. Further, the members included in the actuator 106 are preferably integrally formed by firing each other. By forming the actuator 106 integrally, handling of the actuator 106 becomes easy. Further, the vibration characteristics are improved by increasing the strength of the substrate 178. That is, by increasing the strength of the substrate 178, only the vibrating portion of the actuator 106 vibrates, and portions of the actuator 106 other than the vibrating portion do not vibrate. Also, in order to prevent portions other than the vibrating portion of the actuator 106 from vibrating, it is possible to increase the strength of the substrate 178 while making the piezoelectric element of the actuator 106 thinner and smaller and the diaphragm 176 thinner.

As a material for the piezoelectric layer 160, it is preferable to use lead zirconate titanate (PZT), lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT), or a lead-free piezoelectric film not using lead. Alternatively, it is preferable to use alumina. It is preferable that the same material as the substrate 178 be used for the diaphragm 176. For the upper electrode 164, the lower electrode 166, the upper electrode terminal 168, and the lower electrode terminal 170, a conductive material such as a metal such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, aluminum, or nickel can be used.

The actuator 106 configured as described above can be applied to a container for storing a liquid. For example, it can be mounted on an ink cartridge or ink tank used for an ink jet recording apparatus, or a container containing a cleaning liquid for cleaning a recording head.

The piezoelectric device (actuator) uses the vibration phenomenon to determine the state of the liquid in the liquid container (the presence or absence of the liquid in the liquid container, the amount of the liquid, the liquid level of the liquid, the type of the liquid,
(Including the composition of the liquid). There are several methods for detecting the state of the liquid in the liquid container using a specific vibration phenomenon. For example, the elastic wave generating means generates an elastic wave to the inside of the liquid container and receives a reflected wave reflected by the liquid surface or an opposing wall to detect a medium in the liquid container and a change in its state. There is a way. Alternatively, there is a method of detecting a change in acoustic impedance from the vibration characteristics of a vibrating object. As a method of utilizing the change in acoustic impedance, a vibrating portion of a piezoelectric device or an actuator having a piezoelectric element is vibrated, and then, a back electromotive force generated by residual vibration remaining in the vibrating portion is measured, thereby obtaining a resonance frequency or a reverse frequency. A method of detecting the change in acoustic impedance by detecting the amplitude of the electromotive force waveform, or measuring the impedance characteristic or admittance characteristic of the liquid by using a measuring instrument, for example, an impedance analyzer such as a transmission circuit, and measuring the change in the current value or voltage value or There is a method of measuring a change in current value or voltage value with frequency when vibration is applied to a liquid. In this embodiment, the actuator 106
May be used to detect the state of the liquid in the liquid container by any of the methods described above.

The actuator 106 shown in FIG.
Is mounted at a predetermined location of the liquid container such that the cavity 162 contacts the liquid contained in the liquid container.
When the liquid is sufficiently stored in the liquid container, the inside and outside of the cavity 162 are filled with the liquid. On the other hand, when the liquid in the liquid container is consumed and the liquid level falls below the mounting position of the actuator, no liquid exists in the cavity 162, or liquid remains only in the cavity 162 and gas exists outside the cavity 162. State. The actuator 106 detects at least a difference in acoustic impedance resulting from the change in the state, and accordingly, the state in which the liquid is sufficiently contained in the liquid container, or the state in which the liquid has been consumed for a certain amount or more. Can be detected. further,
The actuator 106 can also detect the type of liquid in the liquid container.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a structure in which the actuator 106 is integrally formed as a module body 100. The module 100 has an actuator 106 formed integrally with the mounting structure 102, and is mounted at a predetermined position of a container of the ink cartridge. Module body 100
Is configured to detect a consumption state of the liquid in the container 1 by detecting at least a change in acoustic impedance in the ink liquid. The module 100 of the present embodiment has a liquid container mounting portion 101 for mounting the actuator 106 to the container 1. The liquid container mounting portion 101 has a structure in which a cylindrical portion 116 containing an actuator 106 oscillated by a drive signal is mounted on a base 112 having a substantially rectangular plane. Lead wire 104
Are provided so as to be electrically connected to the electrode terminals of the actuator 106. A mounting structure 102 facilitates mounting the actuator 106 to the ink cartridge. Further, when the module body 100 is mounted on the ink cartridge, the actuator 106 of the module body 100 is configured so as not to contact from the outside, so that the actuator 106 can be protected from external contact. In addition, the tip side edge of the cylindrical portion 116 is rounded, so that it can be easily fitted when the cylindrical portion 116 is mounted in a hole formed in the ink cartridge.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the module body. Module body 400 of the present embodiment
In the figure, a piezoelectric device mounting portion 405 is formed on a liquid container mounting portion 401. The liquid container mounting portion 401 has a columnar column portion 403 formed on a square base 402 having a substantially rounded plane. Further, the piezoelectric device mounting portion 405 includes a plate-shaped element 406 standing on the cylindrical portion 403 and a concave portion 41.
3 inclusive. The recess 41 provided on the side surface of the plate element 406
An actuator 106 is disposed at 3. Note that the tip of the plate-shaped element 406 is chamfered at a predetermined angle so that it can be easily fitted into a hole formed in the ink cartridge.

FIG. 17A is a sectional view of the ink container when the module 700B is mounted on the container 1. FIG. In this embodiment, the module 700B is used as one of the mounting structures.
Use The module 700B is mounted on the container 1 such that the liquid container mounting portion 360 projects into the container 1. A through hole 370 is formed in the mounting plate 350, and the through hole 370 and the vibrating portion of the actuator 106 face. Further, a hole 382 is formed in the bottom wall of the module 700B, and a piezoelectric device mounting portion 363 is formed. The actuator 106 is disposed so as to close one of the holes 382. Therefore, the ink comes into contact with the vibration plate 176 via the hole 382 of the piezoelectric device mounting portion 363 and the through hole 370 of the mounting plate 350. The hole 382 of the piezoelectric device mounting portion 363 and the through hole 370 of the mounting plate 350 together form an ink reservoir. The piezoelectric device mounting portion 363 and the actuator 106 are attached to the mounting plate 35.
0 and fixed by a film member. The connecting portion between the liquid container mounting portion 360 and the container 1 has a sealing structure 3
72 are provided. The sealing structure 372 may be formed of a plastic material such as a synthetic resin, or may be formed of an O-ring. Although the module 700B in FIG. 17A and the container 1 are separate bodies, the piezoelectric device mounting portion of the module 700B may be configured as a part of the container 1 as shown in FIG.

The module 700B shown in FIG.
There is no need to embed the lead wires shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 in the module body. Therefore, the molding process is simplified. Further, the module 700B can be replaced, and the module 700B can be recycled.

When the ink cartridge shakes, the ink adheres to the upper surface or side surface of the container 1, and the ink dripping from the upper surface or side surface of the container 1
, The actuator 106 may malfunction. However, since the liquid container mounting portion 360 of the module 700B protrudes into the container 1, the actuator 106 does not malfunction due to ink dripping from the upper surface or the side surface of the container 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17A, only the vibration plate 176 and a part of the mounting plate 350 are mounted on the container 1 so as to come into contact with the ink in the container 1. FIG.
In the embodiment of (A), it is not necessary to embed the lead wire electrodes shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 into the module body. Therefore, the molding process is simplified. Further, the actuator 106 can be replaced, and recycling can be performed.

FIG. 17B is a sectional view of an ink container as an embodiment when the actuator 106 is mounted on the container 1. In the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 17B, the protection member 361 is attached to the container 1 separately from the actuator 106. Therefore, although the protection member 361 and the actuator 106 are not integrated as a module, the protection member 361 can protect the actuator 106 from being touched by a user's hand. A hole 380 provided on the front surface of the actuator 106 is provided on a side wall of the container 1.
The actuator 106 includes a piezoelectric layer 160, an upper electrode 16
4. Lower electrode 166, diaphragm 176 and mounting plate 3
50. A diaphragm 176 is provided on the upper surface of the mounting plate 350.
Are formed, and a lower electrode 166 is formed on the upper surface of the diaphragm 176. The piezoelectric layer 160 is formed on the upper surface of the lower electrode 166.
Is formed, and an upper electrode 164 is formed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric layer 160. Therefore, the main part of the piezoelectric layer 160 is:
The main portion of the upper electrode 164 and the main portion of the lower electrode 166 are formed so as to be sandwiched from above and below. The circular portions that are the main portions of the piezoelectric layer 160, the upper electrode 164, and the lower electrode 166 form a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is formed on the vibration plate 176. The vibration area of the piezoelectric element and the vibration plate 176 is a vibration part where the actuator actually vibrates. The mounting plate 350 has a through hole 370
Is provided. Further, a hole 380 is formed in the side wall of the container 1. Therefore, the ink is supplied to the holes 3 of the container 1.
The diaphragm 176 is brought into contact with the diaphragm 176 through the through hole 370 of the mounting plate 350. The hole 380 of the container 1 and the through hole 370 of the mounting plate 350 together form an ink reservoir. In the embodiment of FIG. 17B, since the actuator 106 is protected by the protection member 361, the actuator 106 can be protected from contact with the outside.

Note that, instead of the mounting plate 350 in the embodiment of FIGS. 17A and 17B, the substrate 17 of FIG.
8 may be used.

FIG. 17C shows an embodiment having a mold structure 600 including the actuator 106. In this embodiment, the mold structure 60 is used as one of the mounting structures.
Use 0. The mold structure 600 has the actuator 106 and the mold section 364. The actuator 106 and the mold part 364 are integrally formed.
The mold section 364 is formed of a plastic material such as a silicone resin. The mold part 364 has a lead wire 362 inside. Mold part 364 is formed to have two legs extending from actuator 106. The ends of the two legs of the mold portion 364 are formed in a hemispherical shape in order to fix the mold portion 364 and the container 1 in a liquid-tight manner. The mold part 364 is mounted on the container 1 so that the actuator 106 projects into the container 1, and the vibrating part of the actuator 106 contacts the ink in the container 1. The upper electrode 164, the piezoelectric layer 160, and the lower electrode 166 of the actuator 106 are protected from the ink by the mold portion 364.

The mold structure 600 shown in FIG.
Sealing structure 37 between mold part 364 and container 1
Since the ink 2 is not necessary, the ink hardly leaks from the container 1. Since the mold structure 600 does not protrude from the outside of the container 1, the actuator 106 can be protected from contact with the outside. When the ink cartridge shakes, the ink adheres to the upper surface or the side surface of the container 1,
When the ink dripping from the upper surface or the side surface of the container 1 comes into contact with the actuator 106, the actuator 106 may malfunction. Mold structure 6
In the case of 00, the actuator 106 does not malfunction due to ink dripping from the upper surface or the side surface of the container 1 because the mold portion 364 protrudes into the container 1.

FIG. 18 shows still another embodiment of the ink cartridge 180. 18A is a sectional view of the ink cartridge 180J, FIG. 18B is an enlarged sectional view of the top wall 194c of the ink cartridge 180J shown in FIG. 18A, and FIG. FIG. The ink cartridge 180J has a circuit board 610 on which the semiconductor storage means 7 and the actuator 106 are the same.
Is formed on. As shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the semiconductor storage means 7 is formed above the circuit board 610, and the actuator 106 is formed below the semiconductor storage means 7 on the same circuit board 610.

A modified O-ring 614 is mounted on the side wall 194b so as to surround the periphery of the actuator 106. A plurality of caulking portions 616 for joining the circuit board 610 to the container 194 are formed on the side wall 194b. The circuit board 610 is joined to the container 194 by the caulking portion 616, and the deformed O-ring 614 is pressed against the container 194, so that the vibration region of the actuator 106 can come into contact with the ink, and the outside and inside of the ink cartridge can be connected. Keep liquid tight.

A terminal 612 is formed in the semiconductor storage means 7 and in the vicinity of the semiconductor storage means 7. The terminal 612 exchanges signals between the semiconductor storage means 7 and the outside such as an ink jet storage device. The semiconductor storage means 7 may be constituted by a rewritable semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM. Since the semiconductor storage means 7 and the actuator 106 are formed on the same circuit board 610, only one mounting step is required when mounting the actuator 106 and the semiconductor storage means 7 on the ink cartridge 180C. Further, the working process at the time of manufacturing and recycling the ink cartridge 180C is simplified. Further, since the number of parts is reduced, the ink cartridge 180
The manufacturing cost of C can be reduced. Also, the partition 212J is
It extends downward from the top wall 194c with respect to the ink level. The partition wall 212J prevents the ink from waving or foaming. Thereby, the actuator 106
Prevent accidental operation.

The actuator 106 detects the state of consumption of the ink in the container 194. The semiconductor storage means 7 stores information on ink such as the remaining amount of ink detected by the actuator 106. That is, the semiconductor storage means 7 stores information on characteristic parameters such as characteristics of the ink and the ink cartridge used for detection. When the ink in the container 194 is full,
That is, the resonance frequency when the ink is filled in the container 194 or when the ink in the container 194 is at the end, that is, when the ink in the container 194 is consumed, is stored as one of the characteristic parameters. The resonance frequency of the full or end state of the ink in the container 194 may be stored when the container is first attached to the inkjet recording apparatus. Also, the resonant frequency of the full or end state of the ink in the container 194 may be stored during manufacture of the container 194. The resonance frequency when the ink in the container 194 is full or end is stored in advance in the semiconductor storage means 7, and the data of the resonance frequency is read out on the ink jet recording apparatus side, so that the variation in detecting the remaining ink amount can be corrected. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect that the remaining amount of ink has decreased to the reference value.

FIG. 19 shows still another embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention. Ink cartridge 1 of FIG.
80K has a plurality of partitions 212m, 212n, 212p and 212 extending downward from the top wall 194c of the container 194.
q. Note that the partition 212m is a first partition, and the partitions 212n, 212p, and 212q are second partitions.
212mm, 212nn, 212pp, and 212q at the lower ends of the partition walls 212m, 212n, 212p, and 212q.
Since q and the bottom wall 1a of the container 194 are separated by a predetermined distance, the bottom of the container 194 is in communication. The partition walls 212m, 212n, 212p, and 212q are longer in order from the side closer to the vent hole 233. Therefore,
Bottom 212mm, 212nn, 212pp and 212
The distance between qq and the bottom wall 1a of the container 194 is
m, 212n, 212p, and 212q.

Further, the ink cartridge 180K is
A plurality of partition walls 212m, 212n, 212p and 212
q, the ventilation side ink storage chamber 2 partitioned by each of q
13a and a plurality of detection-side ink storage chambers 213m,
13n, 213p and 213q. Vent-side ink storage chamber 213a and a plurality of detection-side ink storage chambers 213
The bottoms of m, 213n, 213p and 213q communicate with each other. A plurality of detection-side ink storage chambers 213m, 213
n, 213p, and 213q, the actuators 106m, 106n, 106p, and 10
6q is attached. Each actuator 106m, 1
06n, 106p, and 106q are the detection-side ink storage chambers 213m, 213n, 213p, and 21 of the container 194.
3q is located approximately at the center of each top wall 194c.

When the ink is consumed, a gas is introduced from the air holes 233. Therefore, the ink is consumed from the ventilation side ink storage chamber 213a near the ventilation hole 233 to the detection side ink storage small chamber 213q. Therefore, first, while the ink in the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 213a closest to the ventilation hole 233 is consumed and the water level of the ink in the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 213a is lowered, the ink is stored in the other detection-side ink storage chambers. be satisfied. When the liquid level of the ink in the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 213a reaches the lower end 212mm of the partition wall 212m, air enters the detection-side ink storage chamber 213m, and the ink in the detection-side ink storage chamber 213m starts to be consumed. At this point, the detection-side ink storage chambers 213n, 213p, and 213q are filled with ink. further,
When the ink level in the detection-side ink storage chamber 213m reaches the lower end 212nn of the partition wall 212n, air enters the detection-side ink storage chamber 213n, and the ink in the detection-side ink storage chamber 213n starts to be consumed. Therefore, the detection side ink storage chamber 213 is moved from the ventilation side ink storage chamber 213a.
The ink is consumed in order to q.

Lower ends 212 mm, 212 nn, 21 of partition walls
2pp and 212qq in order of their lower end and bottom wall 1
a gradually decreases, so that the ventilation-side ink storage chamber 213a and the detection-side ink storage small chambers 213m, 213m
Ink is consumed in the order of 3n, 213p, and 213q, and the gas is more effectively prevented from erroneously entering in the same order. For example, the detection-side ink storage chamber 213
m and 213n are accidentally invaded by gas, and the actuator 1
06m, 106n, even if it is erroneously detected that there is no ink, the partition wall 21m longer than the partition wall 212m, 212n.
2p and 212q are the detection-side ink storage chambers 213p and 213p.
Since gas is prevented from entering 13q, the actuators 106p and 106q do not erroneously detect that there is no ink. Therefore, in this embodiment, the actuator 106q detects that there is no ink at the end,
In addition, the actuator 106q can detect the ink end most reliably.

Further, the partition walls 212m, 212n, 212
Since p and 212q prevent the ink from waving, bubbles are prevented from forming in the container 194.

The partition walls 212m and 21m in FIG.
The distance between 2n, 212p and 212q and the distance between partition 212q and side wall 194b of container 1 may be equal. In such a case, the partition walls 212m, 21
By adjusting the lengths of 2n, 212p and 212q, each detection-side ink storage chamber 213m, 213n,
The volume of 213p, 213q can be adjusted.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of the actuator 106 shown in FIG.
1 shows an embodiment of a part around a head part of an ink cartridge and an ink jet recording apparatus using the same. In this embodiment, the ink cartridge 180A shown in FIG. 6 is used. However, any of the ink cartridges of FIGS. 7 to 13 may be used. further,
Other forms of ink cartridges can be used. The plurality of ink cartridges 180A are mounted on an ink jet recording apparatus having a plurality of ink introduction portions 182 and holders 184 corresponding to the respective ink cartridges 180A. The plurality of ink cartridges 180A store inks of different types, for example, colors. An actuator 106 as a means for detecting at least acoustic impedance is mounted on the top wall of each of the plurality of ink cartridges 180A. The actuator 106 and the partition 212a are provided on the top wall of each of the plurality of ink cartridges 180A. By attaching the actuator 106 to the ink cartridge 180A, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 180A is detected. The partition wall 212a prevents the ink from waving and foaming.

FIG. 21 shows details around the head of the ink jet recording apparatus. In this embodiment, the ink cartridge 180A shown in FIG. 6 is used. However, any one of the ink cartridges 180B to 180I shown in FIGS. 7 to 13 may be used. In addition, other forms of ink cartridges can be used. The ink jet recording apparatus has an ink introduction unit 182, a holder 184, a head plate 186, and a nozzle plate 188. A plurality of nozzles 190 for ejecting ink are formed on the nozzle plate 188. The ink introduction section 182 is connected to the air supply port 1
81 and an ink inlet 183. Air supply port 18
1 supplies air to the ink cartridge 180A. The ink inlet 183 introduces ink from the ink cartridge 180A. The ink cartridge 180A has an air inlet 185 and an ink supply port 187. The air inlet 185 introduces air from the air supply port 181 of the ink inlet 182. The ink supply port 187 is connected to the ink introduction unit 1
The ink is supplied to the 82 ink inlet 183. When the ink cartridge 180A introduces air from the ink introduction section 182, the supply of ink from the ink cartridge 180A to the ink introduction section 182 is promoted. The holder 184 communicates the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 180A via the ink introduction unit 182 to the head plate 186. Ink cartridge 180
A is supplied to the head through the ink introduction unit 182,
The ink is discharged from the nozzle onto the recording medium. Thereby, the ink jet recording apparatus prints on the recording medium.

In the above description, the case where the actuator 106 is mounted on the ink cartridge or the carriage in the ink cartridge separate from the carriage mounted on the carriage has been described. However, the actuator is integrated with the carriage and mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus together with the carriage. The actuator 106 may be mounted on the ink tank to be used. Furthermore, through a tube or the like separate from the carriage,
The actuator 106 may be mounted on an off-carriage type ink tank that supplies ink to the carriage.
Furthermore, the actuator of the present invention may be mounted on an ink cartridge in which the recording head and the container are integrally exchangeable. Further, as an embodiment of the liquid container, a cleaning liquid cartridge may be used instead of the ink cartridge. In such a case, the term “ink cartridge” in this specification is to be read as “washing liquid cartridge”.

As described above, the present invention has been described using the embodiments. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. It should be noted that such modified or improved embodiments may be included in the technical scope of the present invention.
It is clear from the description of the claims.

[0092]

The liquid container according to the present invention can accurately detect the remaining amount of liquid and does not require a complicated sealing structure for keeping the container liquid-tight.

The liquid container according to the present invention prevents the liquid in the liquid container from waving or foaming.

In the liquid container according to the present invention, even when the liquid in the liquid container undulates or foams, the piezoelectric device can accurately detect the liquid level and accurately detect the consumption of the liquid container. .

The liquid container according to the present invention can detect the presence / absence of liquid in the liquid container, and can be provided even if the position where the piezoelectric device is provided is a wall above the liquid level of the liquid. The state of liquid consumption can be detected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an ink cartridge for a single color, for example, a black ink.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an ink cartridge that stores a plurality of types of ink.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus suitable for the ink cartridge shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 shows actuators 106, 15, 16, and 17
It is a figure showing the manufacturing method of.

FIG. 5 is a view showing another embodiment of the actuator 106 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view showing another embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view showing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view showing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view showing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing another embodiment of the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a view showing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a cross section of an embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention.

14 is a diagram showing details of an actuator 106. FIG.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a module body.

FIG. 16 is a view showing another embodiment of the module body.

FIG. 17 is a view showing still another embodiment of the module body.

FIG. 18 is a view showing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge 180.

FIG. 19 is a view showing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

20 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an ink cartridge and an ink jet recording apparatus using the actuator 106 shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating details of an inkjet recording apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Container 1a ... Bottom wall 1c, 40a ... Through-hole 2 ... Ink supply port 4 ... Packing 5 ... Spring 6 ... Valve 7 ... Semiconductor storage means 8 ... Containers 9, 10, 11 ... Room 12, 13, 14 ... Ink supply port 20 ... Fixed substrate 30 ... Carriage 31 ... Recording head 32 ... Ink supply needle 33 ・..Sub-tank unit 34 ... Ink chamber 35 ... Ink supply path 36 ... Membrane valve 38 ... Valve 100, 400, 700 ... Module 102 ... Mounting structure 104,362 ... · Lead wire 106 ··· Actuator 110 · · · Plate 112 · · · Base 116 · · · Column portion 123, 124, 213, 225 · · · Ink storage chamber 123a · Vent-side ink storage chamber 123b ···・ Inspection Side ink storage chamber 160 Piezoelectric layer 162 Cavity 164 Upper electrode 166 Lower electrode 168 Upper electrode terminal 170 Lower electrode terminal 172 Auxiliary electrode 174・ Piezoelectric element 176 ・ ・ ・ Vibrating plate 178 ・ ・ ・ Substrate 180 ・ ・ ・ Ink cartridge 181 ・ ・ ・ Air supply port 182 ・ ・ ・ Ink introduction section 183 ・ ・ ・ Ink introduction port 184 ・ ・ ・ Valve section 185 ・ ・Air inlet port 186 Head plate 187 Ink supply port 188 Nozzle plate 189 Switching valve 190 Nozzle 193, 212, 222, 224 Partition wall 194 Container 194a ・ ・ ・ Bottom surface 194b ・ ・ ・ Side wall 194c ・ ・ ・ Top wall 213 ・ ・ ・ Accommodation room 214 ・ ・ ・ Buffer 220 ・ ・ ・ Ink cartridge 2 28 ... check valve 230 ... ink supply port 232 ... valve 232a ... blade 233 ... vent hole 235 ... spring 350 ... mounting plate 360 ... base part 364 ・··· Mold part 370 ··· through hole 372 ··· sealing structure 402 ··· mounting structure 403 ··· base 413 ··· recess 600 ··· mounting structure 610 ··· substrate 612 ··· Terminal 1031: Top wall 1123a, 1123b: Detection-side ink storage chamber K: Ink

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H01L 41/08 CF term (Reference) 2C056 EA29 EB20 EB29 EB51 FA10 KB05 KB11 KC01 KC09 KC13 KC15 KC30 KD06 2F014 AA01 AB01 AB02 AB03 CB01 3E062 AA06 AB01 AC02 BA07 BB06 BB09 EA02 EB08 EC01 EC04 KA04 KB03 KB09 KB15 KC02

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A container for containing a liquid and having a top wall above a liquid level of the liquid, a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid to the outside of the container, and a consumption state of the liquid in the container. And a first partition for partitioning at least two liquid storage chambers so that liquids communicate with each other in the container, wherein the at least two liquid storage chambers include a vent side liquid storage communicating with the atmosphere. A liquid, comprising: a chamber; and a detection-side liquid storage chamber in which the liquid sensor is disposed above, and a communication port for communicating the at least two liquid storage chambers with each other is formed below the partition. container. 2. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein a liquid supply port for supplying a liquid to the outside is formed so as to communicate with the ventilation side liquid storage chamber. 3. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein a liquid supply port for supplying a liquid to the outside is formed so as to communicate with the liquid storage chamber on the detection side. 4. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the capacities of the at least two liquid storage chambers are different from each other. 5. The container has at least two side walls facing each other, and a capacity of each of the at least two liquid storage chambers is changed from one side wall of the at least two side walls to the other side wall. As you go,
5. The liquid container according to claim 4, wherein the liquid container changes gradually. 6. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the capacity of the detection-side liquid storage chamber is half or less than the capacity of the ventilation-side liquid storage chamber. 7. A second partition extending from an inner wall of the detection-side liquid storage chamber and partitioning the detection-side liquid storage chamber into at least two detection-side liquid storage small chambers so that liquids communicate with each other. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein 8. The liquid container according to claim 7, wherein a communication port for communicating the small liquid storage chamber is formed below the second partition. 9. The liquid container according to claim 7, wherein a communication port for communicating the small liquid storage chamber is formed above the second partition. 10. The second partition extends from the top wall,
The liquid container according to claim 7, wherein the liquid sensors are provided in the detection-side liquid storage chambers, respectively. 11. The at least two detection-side liquid storage chambers have different capacities from each other.
The liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 10. 12. The container has at least two side walls facing each other, and the capacity of each of the at least two detection-side liquid storage chambers is one of the at least two side walls and one of the at least two side walls. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the temperature gradually changes toward the side wall.
A liquid container according to claim 1. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a capillary force for holding the liquid does not act on the detection-side liquid storage chamber.
A liquid container according to claim 1. 14. The liquid container according to claim 7, wherein a capillary force for holding the liquid does not act on the detection-side liquid storage chamber. 15. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion capable of storing gas is formed in the top wall of the detection-side liquid storage chamber. 16. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid sensor has a cavity that opens inside the container and holds a liquid. 17. The liquid sensor according to claim 1, wherein the liquid sensor is a piezoelectric device having a vibrating portion that generates vibration, and detects a consumption state of the liquid based on a back electromotive force generated by residual vibration remaining in the vibrating portion. The liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein 18. The liquid according to claim 1, wherein the liquid sensor detects at least an acoustic impedance of the liquid, and detects a consumption state of the liquid based on the acoustic impedance. container. 19. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container is mounted on an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording head for discharging ink droplets, and supplies the liquid in the container to the recording head. The liquid container according to any one of the above.