JP2002192742A - Ink jet recorder and ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recorder and an ink cartridge in which problems incident to use of a pigment ink such as sedimentation of ink dye, can be eliminated. SOLUTION: A carriage 1 is arranged with a holder case 22 thus constituting a cartridge holder 21. A piezoelectric element 24 is fixed, as an exciting means, to the rear surface of a cover body 23 covering the upper opening of the cartridge holder 21 and covered with an elastic member 25. The elastic member 25 is joined to the upper surface of an ink cartridge 7 fitted in the cartridge holder 21 and a vibration generated from the piezoelectric element 24 is transmitted to the ink cartridge 7. Consequently, ink stored in the ink cartridge 7 can be imparted with vibration and stirred.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink cartridge suitable for using, for example, an ink in which an ink dye tends to settle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, an ink jet type recording apparatus of a serial printing type has a recording head which is mounted on a carriage and moves in the width direction of a recording sheet, and moves the recording sheet relative to a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the recording head. The recording head is ejected from the recording head based on the print data to perform recording on the recording paper.

In a recording apparatus of this type mainly used for home use, an ink cartridge for supplying ink to a recording head is formed on a carriage in order to downsize the apparatus and simplify the configuration. A configuration is adopted in which the cartridge holder is detachably attached to the mounted cartridge holder. On the other hand, in this type of recording apparatus provided for office use or business use, it is necessary to provide a large-capacity ink cartridge in order to cope with a large amount of printing. A configuration in which the cartridge holder is mounted on a cartridge holder arranged on the side is adopted. Then, ink is supplied from the cartridge holder on the main body side to the recording head mounted on the carriage via the ink supply tube.

[0004]

In recent years, with the diversification of printing, pigment-dispersed inks (hereinafter, referred to as inks) have been proposed.
Pigment ink). In the pigment ink, a pigment is used as a pigment, and the pigment is dispersed in an ink solvent. This pigment ink has excellent light fastness and water resistance of printed matter using it, but since the pigment itself is dispersed as particles in the ink solvent, when the pigment is left as it is, the pigment remains in the solvent. The problem of settling occurs.

For this reason, when the printing apparatus is idle for a relatively long period, the ink in the ink cartridge has a low pigment concentration on the upper side of the cartridge and the lower side of the cartridge due to the sedimentation of the pigment. In this case, density unevenness such as an increase in pigment density occurs. For this reason, for example, in a recording apparatus using an on-carriage type ink cartridge removably mounted on a carriage, an image of a darker color than usual is recorded at the beginning of printing,
Thereafter, there is a problem that the color of the image becomes lighter as the ink is consumed.

Further, in a recording apparatus using an off-carriage type ink cartridge in which the ink cartridge is detachably mounted on the main body side of the recording apparatus, an image of a color lighter than usual is recorded at the beginning of printing, and thereafter, However, there is a problem that the color of the image becomes darker with the consumption of ink. In an extreme case, the problem that the condensed pigment clogs the filter member reaching the recording head or enters a complicated ink flow path formed in the recording head and clogs the corresponding portion occurs, and the recording occurs. This leads to the problem of making it impossible to eject ink droplets from the head.

[0007] In particular, in the case of a resin-dispersed ink in which pigment particles are dispersed by adsorbing a resin on the pigment surface, if condensation occurs, the adsorbed layers of the pigment particles become entangled with each other, making it difficult to "rattle". The problem described above occurs, and the degree of occurrence of the above-mentioned trouble becomes remarkable. On the other hand, a surface-treated pigment ink has been proposed as another pigment ink dispersion form. In this surface-treated pigment ink, the pigment particles are subjected to a surface treatment using physical or chemical means to change the surface properties, thereby improving the dispersibility. However, in any case, after a relatively long pause of the printing apparatus, it is inevitable that density unevenness occurs in the ink.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. For example, a pigment ink is used, and the above-described method is based on the sedimentation effect of the pigment generated in the ink cartridge after a long pause period. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink cartridge which can prevent occurrence of various troubles.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention has an ink cartridge for supplying ink to a recording head, which can be detachably mounted on a cartridge holder. In the ink jet recording apparatus configured as described above, in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder, it vibrates in response to a drive signal, and vibrates the ink stored in the mounted ink cartridge to stir the ink. Exciting means by a vibrating element that can be arranged is arranged in the cartridge holder.

In this case, in one preferred embodiment, the excitation means is provided at a position opposed to the ink cartridge side in an openable and closable lid for holding the ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder in the cartridge holder. Placed in In another preferred embodiment, the excitation means is arranged at a position facing at least a lower bottom surface of the ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder.

In any of the above-described embodiments, the excitation means is covered by an elastic member, and the elastic member is joined to an ink cartridge mounted in a cartridge holder, so that the vibration generated by the excitation means is controlled by the ink. Desirably, it is configured to be transmitted to a cartridge. In addition, a piezo element can be suitably used as the excitation unit.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus having the above-described structure, the excitation means represented by the piezo element is disposed in the cartridge holder of the recording apparatus, and transmits vibration to the ink cartridge mounted in the cartridge holder. Works. Thus, the ink stored in the cartridge is effectively stirred by receiving the vibration. Therefore, even if the recording apparatus is operated after the elapse of a long rest period, the occurrence of uneven printing density due to the sedimentation effect of the pigment generated in the ink cartridge and the occurrence of ink droplet ejection failure due to the condensation of the pigment, etc. It can be prevented effectively.

On the other hand, an ink cartridge according to the present invention, which has been made to achieve the above-mentioned object, is an ink cartridge which is detachably mounted and supplies ink to a recording head loaded in a recording apparatus. The ink cartridge may vibrate in response to a drive signal supplied from the recording apparatus in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder, and may vibrate the ink stored in the mounted ink cartridge to stir the ink. In this configuration, an excitation unit using a vibrating element that can perform the above-described operation is arranged.

In this case, in a preferred embodiment, the excitation means is arranged at the lower bottom of the ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder. In another preferred embodiment, when the ink cartridge is mounted on a cartridge holder, an ink outlet to the recording device is formed at the bottom in the direction of gravity, and is annular so as to surround the ink outlet. The excitation means formed in the above is arranged.

In still another preferred embodiment, the ink cartridge includes an ink pack formed of a flexible material in which ink is sealed, and an ink supply section formed at one end of the ink pack. In addition, the ink supply unit is attached to a part of an outer case surrounding the ink pack, and the excitation unit is arranged between the ink pack and the outer case.

In still another preferred embodiment, the ink cartridge has an ink pack formed of a flexible material in which ink is sealed, and an ink supply section formed at one end of the ink pack. In addition, the ink supply unit is attached to a part of an outer case surrounding the ink pack, and a plurality of excitation units are formed between the ink pack and the outer case. The ink pack is arranged so as to be spaced from the one end to the other end of the ink pack.

In any of the above embodiments, a piezo element can be suitably used as the excitation means.

According to the ink cartridge having the above-described configuration, the excitation means represented by the piezo element is arranged in the ink cartridge, and receives a drive signal supplied from the recording apparatus in a state of being mounted on the cartridge holder of the recording apparatus. Act to vibrate. Accordingly, the ink similarly stored in the cartridge is effectively stirred by receiving the vibration. Therefore, even if the recording apparatus is operated after the elapse of a long rest period, the occurrence of uneven printing density due to the sedimentation effect of the pigment generated in the ink cartridge and the occurrence of ink droplet ejection failure due to the condensation of the pigment, etc. It can be prevented effectively.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink cartridge according to the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a basic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a carriage. The carriage 1 is configured to be reciprocated in the axial direction of a platen 5 while being guided by a guide member 4 via a timing belt 3 driven by a carriage motor 2. A recording head, which will be described later, is mounted on a surface (lower side surface) of the carriage 1 facing the recording paper 6, and a cartridge holder is formed above the recording head, and a black ink cartridge 7 for supplying ink to the recording head is provided. , And a color ink cartridge 8 are detachably mounted.

In the drawing, reference numeral 9 denotes capping means arranged in a non-printing area (home position). The capping means 9 rises when the recording head moves right above, and the nozzle forming surface of the recording head. Is configured to be able to be sealed. A suction pump (tube pump) 10 as a negative pressure generating means for applying a negative pressure to the internal space of the capping means 9 is disposed below the capping means 9.

The capping means 9 functions as a lid for preventing the nozzle openings of the recording head from drying during the idle period of the recording apparatus, and also applies a driving signal unrelated to printing to the recording head to apply ink droplets. Functioning as an ink receiver at the time of a flushing operation for causing the ink to be ejected idly, and by applying a negative pressure from the suction pump 10 to the recording head,
It also functions as a cleaning means for sucking and discharging ink from each nozzle opening of the recording head.

A wiping member 11 made of an elastic plate such as rubber is disposed adjacent to the printing area side of the capping means 9 so as to be movable in a horizontal direction.
If necessary, the recording head is moved to the moving path, and for example, the nozzle forming surface of the recording head after the ink is sucked by the capping unit 9 can be wiped.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the structure of a cartridge holder arranged on the carriage 1 and an ink cartridge loaded in the cartridge holder. The cartridge holder 21 is provided with a holder case 22 having an opening that is open at the top and having an opening through which an ink cartridge can be attached and detached. The holder case 22 is disposed in the carriage 1.

A lid 23 is provided at one end of the carriage 1 to open and close the upper opening of the holder case 22 via a hinge mechanism 1a. This lid 23
Of the carriage 1 is formed in a U-shape, and a hook portion 23 engaged with an engaging portion 1b formed on the front end side of the carriage 1 is formed.
a is formed, and the lid 23 is configured to be able to maintain the closed state of the cartridge holder by the engagement of the two. As a result, the ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder 21 can be held.

FIG. 2 shows a state where the black ink cartridge 7 is mounted. The color ink cartridge 8 includes, for example, yellow, magenta,
Although it differs from the black ink cartridge 7 in that independent ink storage chambers that can store the respective cyan inks are provided in parallel, the respective configurations described later are substantially the same.

The back surface of the lid 23, that is,
At a position facing the ink cartridge 7 mounted on the cartridge holder 21, a piezo element 24 as an excitation unit is attached. The piezo element 24 is covered with an elastic member 25. This elastic member 25
When the lid 23 is closed, it is slightly deformed by being joined to the upper surface of the ink cartridge 7 mounted on the cartridge holder 21, and acts to push down the cartridge 7 toward the lower bottom of the holder 21.

As is well known, ink is stored in the cartridge 7, and an ink supply port 7a is formed at the back of the lower bottom. On the other hand, the holder case 22
A hollow ink supply needle 26 communicating with the recording head is disposed in an upright state at the lower bottom of the cartridge, and is disposed in the ink supply port 7a formed at the lower bottom of the cartridge when the cartridge 7 is mounted. The ink supply needle 26 is relatively joined via an annular packing member (not shown).

Thus, the ink in the cartridge 7 can be led out via the ink supply needle 26. Then, ink is supplied from the ink supply needle 26 to the recording head 13 arranged at the lower bottom of the carriage 1,
Ink droplets are ejected based on print data applied to the recording head 13.

In the recording apparatus having the above-described structure, an exciting means represented by a piezo element 24 is arranged at a position facing the ink cartridge side in the openable and closable lid 23 disposed in the cartridge holder. When the is closed, the vibration generated by the piezo element 24 can be given to the ink cartridge via the elastic member 25 joined to the upper surface of the cartridge 7. Thus, by appropriately supplying a drive signal to the piezo element 24, vibration can be applied to the attached ink cartridge.

Therefore, the ink stored in the ink cartridge 7 can be agitated by applying vibration to the ink. For example, when an ink cartridge using pigment ink is used, it is based on the sedimentation effect of the pigment generated in the ink cartridge. It is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of printing density unevenness and the occurrence of ink droplet ejection failure due to condensation of pigment.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a first piezo element 24a and a second piezo element 24b as excitation means are arranged on the lower bottom portion of the holder case 22 in which the ink cartridge 7 is mounted and on the side wall portion orthogonal thereto. ing. Then, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the respective piezo elements 24a and 24b are covered with elastic members 25a and 25b.

According to this configuration, the ink cartridge 7
When the ink cartridge 7 is mounted on the cartridge holder, the lower bottom portion and the side wall portion of the ink cartridge 7
The elastic members are brought into contact with each other so as to slightly deform the respective elastic members. And each piezo element 24
By appropriately providing a drive signal to each of the ink cartridges a and 24b, vibrations can be applied to the mounted ink cartridge in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively.

Therefore, also in the above-described configuration, the ink stored in the ink cartridge can be agitated by vibrating the ink, similarly to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. For example, when an ink cartridge using pigment ink is used. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of uneven printing density due to the sedimentation effect of the pigment generated in the ink cartridge and the occurrence of an ink droplet ejection failure due to the condensation of the pigment.

Next, FIG. 4 shows an example in which the present invention is applied to an ink cartridge. The ink cartridge shown in FIG. 4 is of an on-carriage type similar to the cartridge shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the ink cartridge 7, when mounted on a cartridge holder, it vibrates in response to a drive signal supplied from the recording apparatus side, and can vibrate the ink stored therein to agitate the ink. Piezo element 24 as
Is arranged.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the piezo element 24 is disposed at the lower bottom of the ink cartridge 7, particularly at a position close to the ink supply port 7a. A pair of electrodes 28 project from the lower bottom surface of the piezo element 24. The electrodes 28 are arranged so as to penetrate the lower bottom of the ink cartridge 7 and be exposed to the outside. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted on the cartridge holder, the power supply electrode is arranged on the cartridge holder side so as to be in contact with the pair of electrodes 28, thereby driving the piezoelectric element 24 arranged in the ink cartridge. A signal can be provided.

According to the ink cartridge having this configuration, the ink stored in the ink cartridge is
Vibration can be directly given by the piezo element 24 to stir. By disposing the piezo element 24 at the lower bottom in the ink cartridge 7 as in the embodiment, it is possible to effectively eliminate the sedimentation effect of the pigment. In particular, the piezo element 24 is connected to the ink supply port 7a. By arranging the ink cartridges at close positions, it is possible to effectively impart an agitating action to the ink drawn out from the ink cartridge toward the recording head.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention. This figure 5
Is an on-carriage type as in the configuration shown in FIG. In this embodiment, an annular piezo element 24 is used as the excitation means. The annular piezo element 24 is connected to the ink outlet 7.
It is arranged so as to surround a. That is, the ink in the ink cartridge is sent toward the ink outlet 7a through the central opening of the annular piezo element 24.

A pair of electrodes 28 to be supplied with power from the cartridge holder side are arranged at the same positions as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and a power supply is provided between the pair of electrodes 28 and the piezoelectric element 24. They are connected by electric wires 29.
According to the ink cartridge having this configuration, the pigment component of the ink that is about to settle near the ink supply port 7a of the ink cartridge can be effectively agitated, and the occurrence of unevenness in the concentration of the ink led out toward the recording head can be prevented. Can be suppressed.

Next, a third embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention shown in FIG. 6 is directed to an off-carriage type ink cartridge. The off-carriage type ink cartridge is mounted on an ink cartridge (not shown) arranged on the main body side of the recording apparatus, and ink is supplied to a recording head mounted on the carriage via an ink supply tube. An ink cartridge 31 of this embodiment includes an ink pack 32 generally formed of a flexible material in which ink is sealed.
The ink supply unit 33 is formed at one end of the ink pack, and the ink supply unit 33 is attached to a part of an outer case 34 surrounding the ink pack.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which one side surface of the outer case 34 is broken, and the piezo element 24 as the excitation means is arranged between the ink pack 32 and the outer case 34. In this embodiment, the piezo element 24 is attached to a substantially central portion of the inner surface of the outer case 34. The electrode 28 that receives the drive signal for the piezo element 24 is
Are disposed on the end surface of the outer case 33 to which the outer case 33 is attached. Further, a drive signal is supplied to the piezo element 24 from the electrode 28 via a feeder line 29 disposed along the inner side surface of the outer case 34.

According to the ink cartridge of this configuration, when the ink supply unit 33 is mounted on the cartridge holder disposed on the main body side of the recording apparatus, the ink supply unit 33 passes through the ink supply needle (not shown) disposed on the cartridge holder side. Ink is derived. At the same time, the electrode 28 disposed on the end face of the case 34 to which the ink supply unit 33 is attached comes into contact with the power supply electrode on the holder side to receive a drive signal from the recording apparatus.

Therefore, by appropriately applying a drive signal to the piezo element 24 via the electrode 28, the piezo element 24 can apply vibration to the center of the ink pack 32. Accordingly, the pigment component of the ink to be settled in the ink pack 32 can be agitated, and the occurrence of uneven density of the ink led out toward the recording head can be effectively suppressed.

Next, FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention, which is also directed to an off-carriage type ink cartridge. This ink cartridge 31
In the above, between the ink pack 32 and the outer case 34, a plurality of excitation means 24
Are arranged at an interval from one end to the other end of the ink pack to which is attached.

In this embodiment, a pair of upper and lower piezoelectric elements 24 are disposed at one end of the ink pack to which the ink supply section 33 is attached, and a pair of upper and lower B elements are disposed at the center. A piezo element 24 shown as a pair of Cs is disposed on the other end portion side. Then, by selectively supplying a drive signal to the electrode 28 disposed on the end face of the outer case 34 to which the ink supply unit 33 is attached, each piezo element 24 of A, B, and C is independently driven. It is configured to be able to.

According to this configuration, for example, a mode for driving all of the sets A, B, and C, a mode for driving each of the sets A and B according to the remaining amount of ink in the ink pack,
A mode in which only the pair of A and A is driven can be selected.

Although the recording apparatus and the ink cartridge according to the present invention described above are effective in solving the problems in the case of using pigment-dispersed ink, the ink dyes other than pigments are effective. It is needless to say that the same operation and effect can be obtained even when ink is used, in which the ink pigment is likely to settle.

[0047]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the ink jet recording apparatus and the ink cartridge of the present invention, the ink jet recording apparatus vibrates in response to the drive signal, and vibrates the ink stored in the ink cartridge to agitate the ink. Since the excitation means capable of causing the ink pigment is disposed, it is possible to effectively solve the problem that occurs when using ink in which the ink pigment is likely to settle.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a basic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of a recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of the ink cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of an ink cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of an ink cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of an ink cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Carriage 2 Carriage motor 6 Recording paper 7 Black ink cartridge 7a Ink supply port 8 Color ink cartridge 13 Recording head 21 Cartridge holder 22 Holder case 23 Cover 24, 24a, 24b Exciting means (piezo element) 25, 25a, 25b Elastic member 26 Ink supply needle 28 Electrode 29 Power supply line 31 Ink cartridge 32 Ink pack 33 Ink supply port 34 Outer case

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An ink jet recording apparatus configured so that an ink cartridge for supplying ink to a recording head can be removably mounted on a cartridge holder, wherein the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a vibration element that vibrates in response to a drive signal and vibrates and stirs ink stored in an attached ink cartridge. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the excitation means is arranged at a position facing the ink cartridge side in an openable and closable lid for holding the ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder in the cartridge holder. Ink jet recording device. 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said excitation means is arranged at a position facing at least a lower bottom surface of the ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder. 4. The excitation means is covered by an elastic member, and the elastic member is joined to an ink cartridge mounted in a cartridge holder, so that vibration generated by the excitation means is transmitted to the ink cartridge. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: 5. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said excitation means is constituted by a piezo element. 6. An ink cartridge which is detachably mounted and supplies ink to a recording head mounted on a recording apparatus, wherein the ink cartridge is mounted in a cartridge holder in the ink cartridge. An ink cartridge provided with an excitation unit including a vibrating element that vibrates in response to a drive signal supplied from the printer and vibrates and stirs the ink stored in the mounted ink cartridge. 7. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein said excitation means is arranged at a lower bottom portion of the ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder. 8. The excitation means, wherein the ink cartridge is mounted on a cartridge holder, an ink outlet to the recording apparatus is formed at the bottom in the direction of gravity, and an exciting means is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the ink outlet. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the ink cartridge is arranged. 9. The ink cartridge includes: an ink pack formed of a flexible material in which ink is sealed;
An ink supply unit is formed at one end of the ink pack, and the ink supply unit is attached to a part of an outer case surrounding the ink pack. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, which is arranged between the ink cartridges. 10. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the ink pack is formed of a flexible material in which ink is sealed, and an ink supply unit is formed at one end of the ink pack, and an outer case surrounding the ink pack is provided. The ink supply unit is attached to a part of the ink pack, and a plurality of excitation units are provided between the one end and the other end of the ink pack in which the ink supply unit is formed, between the ink pack and the outer case. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the ink cartridges are arranged at intervals between the ink cartridges. 11. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein said excitation means is constituted by a piezo element.