JP2004090414A - Liquid storing cartridge and ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid storing cartridge which can be used in common in different kinds of liquid jet heads while the supply performance for proper liquids to the liquid jet heads is secured in the liquid storing cartridge. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid storing cartridge has a liquid supply port formed to be connectable with the liquid jet head for jetting the liquid towards an object from jetting nozzles, one or a plurality of liquid storing chambers for storing the liquid, and a liquid channel from the liquid storing chambers to the liquid supply port. The liquid storing cartridge for supplying the liquid to the liquid jet head has a channel 10 for resistance adjustment as a channel resistance adjusting means set in the middle of the liquid channel. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid storage cartridge, and in particular, includes, for example, a recording head that performs recording by ejecting ink toward a recording medium, a color material ejection head used for manufacturing a color filter such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like. Equipped with a liquid ejecting head that can be used as an electrode material (conductive paste) ejecting head used for electrode formation such as FED (surface emitting display), a biological organic ejecting head used for biochip manufacturing, a sample ejecting head as a precision pipette, etc. The present invention relates to a liquid storage cartridge which is detachably mounted on a liquid ejecting apparatus and supplies liquid to the liquid ejecting head.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In an ink jet recording apparatus known as a typical example of a liquid ejecting apparatus, an ink cartridge system in which ink is stored in a detachable exchangeable cartridge is frequently used as an ink supply unit. The ink-jet recording apparatus of the ink cartridge type generally includes a recording head mounted on a carriage reciprocating in a main scanning direction and a recording medium feeder for intermittently feeding a recording medium such as printing paper by a set amount in a sub-scanning direction. The carriage is provided with a plurality of different color ink cartridges such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Then, while moving the recording head in the main scanning direction, the ink is pressurized at a predetermined pressure in a pressure generating chamber in the recording head as is well known, and based on the pressure, the ink is supplied from the nozzle opening on the nozzle forming surface to the recording medium. The recording is performed by ejecting ink droplets of a size controlled toward.
[0003]
An ink cartridge serving as an ink supply unit in an ink jet recording apparatus usually includes an ink supply port formed so as to be connectable to a recording head, one or more ink storage chambers for storing ink, and the ink supply chamber from the ink storage chamber. And an ink flow path to the mouth. In recent years, in order to perform high-precision printing, there has been a demand for adjusting the internal pressure and supplying an optimal amount of ink. I have. As a result, the pressure loss in the ink cartridge is inevitably large, and if the same ink cartridge is used for a print head having a different number of nozzles, the effect of the pressure loss in the ink cartridge is large in a print head having a large number of nozzles (for example, 360 nozzles). As a result, the amount of ejected ink tends to decrease, and a recording head having a small number of nozzles (for example, 60 nozzles) tends to increase the amount of ejected ink. Therefore, it is desirable to individually design ink cartridges having different flow path resistances so as to obtain appropriate pressure losses for print heads having different numbers of nozzles.
[0004]
However, if the ink cartridge is designed in accordance with the number of nozzles of the recording head, the cost will increase correspondingly, and the width of a model that can use one ink cartridge will be reduced. Currently, used ink cartridges are collected and recycled, but as the number of types of ink cartridges increases, the collection operation becomes more complicated and reuse becomes more difficult. Therefore, it is desirable to share the ink cartridges as much as possible from the viewpoint of effective use of resources.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in order for the ink jet recording apparatus to perform high-precision recording, a complicated flow path structure is required for the ink cartridge, but it is desired to use as many components as possible. A similar problem exists in a case where a reagent is supplied in a cartridge system in a liquid ejecting apparatus other than the ink jet recording apparatus, for example, in a sample ejecting head or the like as a precision pipette.
[0006]
Therefore, it is required to provide a liquid storage cartridge that can be commonly used for different types of liquid ejection heads while ensuring proper liquid supply performance to the liquid ejection head. I have. This is the subject of the present invention.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the invention of a liquid storage cartridge according to a first aspect includes a liquid supply port formed so as to be connectable to a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid from an ejection nozzle toward an object, A liquid storage cartridge that supplies one or more liquid storage chambers and a liquid flow path from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply port, and supplies liquid to the liquid ejecting head. A flow path resistance adjusting means is provided on the way.
The pressure loss in the liquid storage cartridge on the supply side affects the discharge speed and discharge amount of the liquid in the liquid ejecting head, but the pressure loss can be achieved without greatly changing the basic structure of the liquid storage cartridge by the flow path resistance adjusting means. The loss can be adjusted and optimized. Therefore, it is possible to easily set the pressure loss according to the liquid ejecting head to which the liquid containing cartridge is mounted, and it is possible to maintain good ejection characteristics.
[0008]
In the liquid container cartridge according to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the flow path resistance adjusting means adjusts the flow path resistance in the liquid storage cartridge according to the number of the ejection nozzles. It is characterized by.
The flow path resistance in the liquid storage cartridge affects the pressure loss. Specifically, the pressure loss increases as the flow path resistance increases. The effect of the pressure loss on the supply side appears as a difference in ejection performance (ejection amount, ejection speed) when the same liquid storage cartridge is used for liquid ejection heads having different numbers of ejection nozzles. Therefore, when the number of ejection nozzles is large or small, by adjusting the flow path resistance of the liquid storage cartridge, the pressure loss of the liquid storage cartridge can be adjusted to an optimal state suitable for the liquid ejection head. it can.
[0009]
The invention of a liquid storage cartridge according to a third aspect is the liquid storage cartridge according to the second aspect, wherein a part of a wall forming the liquid flow path is formed by a detachable wall body, and the flow path resistance adjusting means includes: It is characterized by comprising the liquid flow path with the wall attached, or the liquid flow path with the wall removed and part of the wall missing.
According to this feature, the flow path resistance of the liquid storage cartridge is adjusted to an optimum state according to the ejection head by a simple configuration in which a part of the wall forming the liquid flow path can be attached or detached. .
[0010]
In a liquid container cartridge according to a fourth aspect, in the second aspect, the flow path resistance adjusting means is a detachably unitized flow path provided in a part of the liquid flow path. It is characterized by the following.
According to this feature, the flow path resistance of the liquid storage cartridge is adjusted to an optimal state according to the ejection head by a simple configuration in which a detachably unitized flow path is mounted.
[0011]
The invention of a liquid storage cartridge according to a fifth aspect is characterized in that, in the second aspect, the flow path resistance adjusting means is a fluid resistance member provided in a part of the liquid flow path.
According to this feature, with a simple configuration in which the fluid resistance member is mounted, the flow path resistance of the liquid storage cartridge is adjusted to an optimal state according to the ejection head.
[0012]
The invention of a liquid storage cartridge according to a sixth aspect is the liquid storage cartridge according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the liquid storage cartridge includes storage means connectable to a liquid ejecting apparatus, The flow path resistance information set by the resistance adjusting means is written in the storage means.
According to this feature, the flow path resistance of the liquid storage cartridge can be known from the flow path resistance information written in the storage unit. Therefore, it is possible to identify whether or not the liquid storage cartridge has a flow path resistance corresponding to the number of nozzles of the liquid ejection head or the like, and the ejection performance of the liquid ejection head using the liquid storage cartridge is optimized. Can be maintained.
[0013]
The invention of a liquid storage cartridge according to a seventh aspect provides a liquid supply port formed so as to be connectable to a liquid ejection head that ejects a liquid from an ejection nozzle toward an object, and one or more liquid storages that accommodate the liquid. And a liquid flow path from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply port, the liquid storage cartridge supplying the liquid to the liquid ejecting head, wherein the liquid storage cartridge forms the liquid flow path A part of the removable wall is manufactured by attaching or removing a part or all of the removable wall according to the number of the spray nozzles, from a common base that is configured to be removable. . Further, the invention of a liquid storage cartridge according to an eighth aspect provides a liquid supply port formed so as to be connectable to a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid from an ejection nozzle toward an object, and one or more liquid supply ports that accommodate the liquid. A liquid storage cartridge that includes a liquid storage chamber and a liquid flow path from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply port, and supplies liquid to the liquid ejecting head. It is characterized by being manufactured by attaching a unitized flow path to a part of the liquid flow path according to the number of the injection nozzles. Further, the invention of the liquid storage cartridge according to the ninth aspect is characterized in that a liquid supply port formed so as to be connectable to a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid from an ejection nozzle toward an object, A liquid storage cartridge that includes a liquid storage chamber and a liquid flow path from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply port, and supplies liquid to the liquid ejecting head. It is characterized by being manufactured by attaching a fluid resistance member to a part of the liquid flow path according to the number of the injection nozzles.
In the seventh to ninth aspects, cartridges having different fluid resistances are manufactured from a common base. Therefore, while optimizing the flow path resistance in accordance with the number of nozzles of the liquid jet head, it is possible to share the basic parts and to reduce the cost associated therewith, and it is easy to recycle.
[0014]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the liquid storage cartridge according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is an ink cartridge containing an ink composition containing a colorant as the liquid. Features.
According to this feature, in the ink cartridge, the same operation and effect as any of the first to ninth aspects can be obtained, so that the flow path resistance of the ink cartridge can be reduced in relation to the liquid ejecting head (recording head). It is possible to optimize the recording, and it is possible to perform recording with high accuracy.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the appearance of an ink cartridge 101 according to an embodiment of the liquid jet storage cartridge of the present invention, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of the same. This ink cartridge 101 is used for an ink jet recording apparatus as a liquid ejecting apparatus. The ink cartridge 101 mainly includes a flat rectangular bottomed box-shaped container body 102 having one surface opened, and a lid 103 sealing the opening. The ink supply port 104 is formed so as to be deviated to one end in the longitudinal direction of the tip side in the insertion direction, that is, the bottom surface in this embodiment.
[0016]
Engaging members 105 and 106 are formed integrally with the container body 102 at the upper portions of the front and rear walls when the ink cartridge 101 is inserted and removed. The locking member 105 biased toward the ink supply port side is formed such that a tip end side in the insertion direction, in this embodiment, a slightly upper portion from a lower end is a rotation fulcrum, and an upper portion can be opened outward. The other opposing locking member 106 is formed to cooperate with the locking member 105 to assist in gripping the ink cartridge 101. These locking members 105 and 106 are configured to have a width corresponding to the width of an insertion port provided in the carriage 200 such that the side surfaces thereof serve as guide members that regulate the position in the width direction.
[0017]
Further, below the locking member 105 on the side of the ink supply port, two rows of electrodes 107a are formed vertically on the front surface of the substrate, and the storage means includes a semiconductor storage element connected to the electrodes 107a on the back surface of the substrate. 107 is provided, and a valve housing chamber 108 is formed below the other locking member 106.
[0018]
A slit portion 109 is formed near the ink supply port 104 and in the central region of the container, extending in the insertion and removal direction of the ink cartridge 101 and opening at least on the front end side. The slit portion 109 regulates the opening surface of the ink supply port 104 to be orthogonal to the ink supply needle 202 at least before the tip of the ink supply port 104 reaches the ink supply needle 202 (FIG. 14) of the carriage 200. It is configured to be as long and as wide as possible.
[0019]
FIGS. 5 and 6 show an embodiment of a flow path formed in the container main body 102 constituting the ink cartridge 101. The container main body 102 is vertically divided by a wall 110 extending in a substantially horizontal direction. ing. In the container body 102, a first ink storage chamber 111, a second ink storage chamber 116, a third ink storage chamber 117, and a fourth ink storage chamber 123 which are rooms for storing ink in the ink cartridge 101 are formed. .
[0020]
The first ink storage chamber 111 is provided in a lower region. Further, the upper portion is defined by a frame portion 114 which is continuous with the wall 110 so as to form an atmosphere communication passage 113 with a certain gap from the wall 112 of the container body 102 with the wall 110 as a bottom surface. The frame portion 114 is divided by a vertical wall 115 having a communication port 115a formed at the bottom. One region forms the second ink storage chamber 116, and the other region forms the third ink storage room 117. .
[0021]
In the area of the first ink storage chamber 111 below the second ink storage chamber 116, a suction channel 118 that connects the bottom surface of the second ink storage chamber 116 and the bottom surface 102a of the container body 102 is formed. In this embodiment, the suction channel 118 is formed by forming a concave portion 118c (FIG. 7) on the surface of the container main body 102 and sealing the concave portion 118c with an air-shielding film 157.
[0022]
A wall 119 having communication ports 119a and 119b is formed below the suction channel 118, and one opening 120 for injecting ink from the outside into the container body 102 is provided at a position facing one end of the suction channel 118. However, another opening 121 communicating with the first ink storage chamber 111 is formed in line with this.
[0023]
The third ink chamber 117 is defined by walls 122, 124, 126 with a certain gap from the upper surface 114 a of the frame 114, and the fourth ink chamber 123 is defined by walls 110, 124, 126, 127. . In addition, a flow path communicating with the back surface of the differential pressure valve housing chamber 133 (FIG. 7) is defined by the wall 124.
[0024]
A partition wall 126 having a communication port 126a with the wall 110 is formed below the wall 124. An ink channel 128 is formed between the frame 114 and a partition wall 127 having a communication port 127a at the bottom. Further, in the area of the fourth ink storage chamber 123, a meandering resistance adjusting flow path 10 (described later) is formed immediately before being connected to the communication port 127a. The upper part of the ink flow path 128 communicates with the front side of the ink cartridge 101 via a through hole 129 serving as a filter chamber. A filter 155 (FIG. 3) made of a porous material is inserted into the through hole 129. Note that reference numeral 102c in the figure indicates a concave portion that accommodates the storage unit 107.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 6, the through hole 129 is separated by a wall 130 formed continuously with the wall 127 and communicates with the upper end of the ink flow path 128 by a concave portion 129a. Through FIG. 7, it is communicated with the wall 134 on the back surface of the differential pressure valve housing 133 and the concave portion 124 a at the top of the flow path defined by the wall 124.
[0026]
The lower part of the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 133 and the ink supply port 104 are connected by a flow path including a concave portion 135 formed on the surface of the container main body 102 and an air-shielding film 157 (FIG. 8) covering the concave portion 135. I have.
[0027]
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, on the surface of the container body 102, a narrow groove 136 meandering so as to increase the flow path resistance as much as possible, a wide groove 137 around the narrow groove 136, A rectangular recess 138 is formed in a region facing the chamber 116. A frame portion 139 and a rib 140 are formed in the rectangular concave portion 138 at a position one step further down, and a gas permeable film (not shown) having ink repellency and gas permeability is stretched over these to define an air vent chamber. Is formed. A through hole 141 is formed in the bottom surface of the concave portion 138, and communicates with an elongated region 143 (FIG. 5) defined by the wall 142 of the second ink storage chamber 116. The narrow groove 136 communicates with the recess 138 in a region closer to the surface than the air-permeable film. The other end of the region 143 communicates with the valve storage chamber 108 via a communication groove 145.
[0028]
A window 108a is formed in the lower end of the valve storage chamber 108 on the ink cartridge 101 insertion side, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. An identification block 170 (FIGS. 3 and 4) into which the identification piece and the valve operating rod can enter is mounted.
[0029]
FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional structure in the vicinity of the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 133. The differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 133 is formed of a spring 150 and an elastically deformable material such as an elastomer. Is housed. The membrane valve 152 includes an annular thick portion 152a around the periphery thereof, and a frame portion 154 formed integrally with the thick portion 152a. The membrane valve 152 is fixed to the container body 102 via the frame portion 154. 150 is supported at one end by the spring receiving portion 152b of the membrane valve 152 and at the other end by the spring receiving portion 153a of the lid 153 fitted in the opening of the storage chamber 133.
[0030]
Note that reference numerals 156 and 157 denote an air-shielding film attached to the surface of the container body 102 and the opening side, and the film 156 is a wall 110, a frame 114, walls 115, 122, 124, 126, 127, 130, and 142 by welding or the like. Further, the film 157 is attached so as to cover the narrow groove 136 formed on the surface of the container body 102 and the differential pressure valve housing chamber 133.
[0031]
With this configuration, the ink that has passed through the ink circulation port 134a is blocked by the membrane valve 152. When the pressure of the ink supply port 104 decreases in this state, the membrane valve 152 moves away from the valve seat 134b against the urging force of the spring 150, so that the ink passes through the through-hole 151 and flows through the recess 135. It flows into the ink supply port 104 via the path. When the ink pressure at the ink supply port 104 rises to a predetermined value, the membrane valve 152 loses the urging force of the spring 150 and resiliently contacts the valve seat portion 134b, thereby interrupting the ink flow. By repeating such an operation, ink can be discharged to the ink supply port 104 while maintaining a constant negative pressure.
[0032]
FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional structure of the valve housing chamber 108 for communicating with the atmosphere. A through hole 160 is formed in a wall that divides the valve housing chamber 108, and is formed of an elastic member such as rubber. The pressing member 161 is movably inserted around its periphery while being supported by the container body 102. At the leading end of the pressing member 161 on the entry side, a lower end is fixed by a projection 163, and a central portion is supported by an elastic member 162 such as a plate spring regulated by the projection 164, and is constantly urged to the through hole 160. 165 are arranged. The identification block 170 is mounted on the other surface of the pressing member 161 so as to be positioned.
[0033]
FIGS. 10 to 13 are enlarged views showing the internal structure of the ink cartridge 101. FIG. In the present embodiment, immediately before the communication port 127a, which is the outlet of the fourth ink storage chamber 123, the wall 110, the walls 31 to 34, and the walls 21 to 27 are defined as flow path resistance adjusting means. The flow path for resistance adjustment 10 is provided. In FIGS. 11 to 13, white arrows indicate the flow of ink.
[0034]
The resistance adjusting flow path 10 is configured as a meandering thin flow path as shown in FIG. Here, the wall bodies 31 to 34 are formed in a state of being independently separated from each other. The walls 31 to 34 are erected on the innermost wall of the fourth ink storage chamber 123 (the wall of the container body 102 as a base). Similarly, the wall bodies 21 to 27 are also formed independently of each other, and are erected on the innermost wall of the fourth ink chamber 123 (the wall of the container body 102 as a base). I have. The walls 21, 23, 25, and 27 are provided so as to be connected to the wall 110 at substantially right angles, and the walls 22, 24, and 26 are connected at substantially right angles to the straight walls 31 to 34. Is provided.
[0035]
A film 156 (not shown) is adhered to the ends of the wall bodies 21 to 27 and the wall bodies 31 to 34, so that the resistance adjustment flow path 10 communicates from the entrance on the fourth ink storage chamber 123 side. One ink flow path having no escape route to the opening 127a is formed. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the resistance adjusting flow path 10 is formed the longest, and the flow path resistance is also increased. That is, in FIG. 11, the flow path resistance from the fourth ink storage chamber 123 to the communication port 127a is set to be larger by the resistance adjustment flow path 10.
[0036]
When the flow path resistance of the ink cartridge 101 is set to be small, the length of the resistance adjustment flow path 10 may be shortened. The shortening of the resistance adjusting flow path 10 can be easily realized by removing some or all of the walls 21 to 27 and / or the walls 31 to 34 as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0037]
FIG. 12 shows an example of the flow path 10 for resistance adjustment in a state where a part of the wall is missing. Here, the wall bodies 32 and 34 are removed, and ink flows from the fourth ink storage chamber 123 to the resistance adjustment flow channel 10 at a plurality of locations. Thereby, the length of the resistance adjusting flow path 10 is substantially shortened, and the flow path resistance can be reduced as compared with the state of FIG. As described above, the removed walls 32 and 34 are formed in a structure that can be independently attached or detached to each other and also to the adjacent walls 31, 34 and the like. Specifically, the wall body 32 and the like are plate-shaped members and have a structure fitted between adjacent wall bodies, and can be easily attached / detached by sliding in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIGS. It is configured to be able to. Other examples of the structure that can be attached or detached include a rib having a structure in which a root portion of a wall body can be easily cut or bent, or a structure that pivots around one end or the center like a door as a door. Forming. Note that “removing” the wall body 32 or the like includes, in addition to physically removing the wall body 32, removing the function of partitioning the resistance adjusting flow path 10 by bending or rotating. 32 may be bent from the base toward the fourth ink storage chamber 123 side.
[0038]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the resistance adjustment flow channel 10 in a state where a part of the wall is missing at a different place from FIG. In this example, the state where the wall 23 and the wall 25 are removed is shown, but which wall is removed can be determined according to the flow path resistance. As described above, when a part of the wall forming the resistance adjustment channel 10 is thinned, the ink inflow portion into the resistance adjustment channel 10 does not change, but the substantial distance of the resistance adjustment channel 10 is reduced. It becomes shorter and the flow path resistance becomes smaller. The wall 23 and the like can be removed by the same method as the wall 32 and the like.
[0039]
In the above, the mode in which a part of the wall is cut to reduce the flow path resistance has been described based on the resistance adjustment flow path 10 shown in FIG. 11, but the resistance adjustment flow state in the state shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. By setting the road 10 as a basic setting and attaching the wall body 32, the wall body 23, and the like, the flow path resistance can be set to be increased.
[0040]
The carriage 200 on which the ink cartridge 101 of the present invention is mounted is provided with a recording head 201 on the bottom surface and an ink supply needle 202 communicating with the recording head 201 as shown in FIG. An ink cartridge pressing member, in this embodiment, a leaf spring 203 is provided in a region distant from the region where the ink supply needle 202 is provided, and a convex piece 204 for positioning is provided between the ink cartridge and the ink supply needle 202. It is formed so as to extend in the insertion / removal direction of 101. An electrode 206 is arranged on the side wall 205 on the side of the ink supply needle 202, and a concave portion 207 that engages with the projection 105 a of the locking member 105 is formed above the electrode 206.
[0041]
When mounted on the carriage 200, the surface of the ink cartridge 101 on which the storage unit 107 is provided is restricted in the insertion / removal direction by the protrusion 105 a of the locking member 105. Since it is pressed against the electrode 206, the contact is reliably maintained regardless of the vibration during printing.
[0042]
On the other hand, when the ink cartridge 101 is detached from the carriage 200 by replacement or the like, when the locking member 105 is pressed against the container main body 102, the locking member 105 rotates slightly above the lower end as a rotation fulcrum. The protrusion 105a of the stop member 105 separates from the recess 207. When the ink cartridge 101 is pulled out in this state, the ink cartridge 101 is guided by the guide piece 204 by the urging force of the leaf spring 203, moves parallel to the ink supply needle 202, and applies a bending force or the like to the ink supply needle 104. It can be removed without the need.
[0043]
FIG. 15 shows a state where the ink cartridge 101 is mounted on the carriage 200. Here, one ink cartridge 101 having a large ink capacity and three ink cartridges 101 having a small ink capacity are mounted. As described above, the storage means 107 is provided in the ink cartridge 101, and is configured so that the information recorded in the storage device 107 can be read from the ink jet type recording device main body side while being mounted on the carriage 200. ing. That is, the storage unit 107 stores, for example, the color of the ink cartridge 101, whether or not it is attached or detached, the amount of ink used (the remaining amount of ink), printer identification information, flow path resistance information, and the like as management data. Here, the flow path resistance information is a numerical value of the flow path resistance of the ink cartridge 101 set by the flow path resistance adjusting means, and is stored as information divided into, for example, five steps in the order of the flow path resistance. Is done. By recording this flow path resistance information in the storage means 107, information on the number of nozzles of the recording head 201 of the ink jet recording apparatus main body at the stage when the ink cartridge 101 is mounted (the five steps corresponding to the number of nozzles). ) Are collated. In this manner, it is determined whether or not the ink cartridge 101 mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus has the optimum flow path resistance, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 101 from being erroneously mounted or alerting the user. Or become possible.
[0044]
FIGS. 16 to 18 are enlarged views showing the internal structure of an ink cartridge 101a according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the following embodiment, since the configuration other than the flow path resistance adjusting means is the same as that of the ink cartridge 101 (FIGS. 1 to 15) of the first embodiment, the description of the same configuration will be omitted, and the difference will be omitted. I will focus on the points.
In the present embodiment, immediately before the communication port 127a, which is the outlet of the fourth ink storage chamber 123, the resistance adjusting flow path 11 defined by the wall 127 and the wall body 40 is provided as flow path resistance adjusting means. ing.
[0045]
The flow path 11 for resistance adjustment is configured as a thin flow path that linearly extends toward the communication port 127a along the wall 127 as shown in FIG. By adhering a film 156 (not shown) to the end of the wall body 40, the resistance adjusting flow path 11 is provided in a region near the outlet of the fourth ink storage chamber 123 from the inlet to the communication port 127a. One ink flow path is formed.
[0046]
As can be seen from FIG. 17, plate-shaped pieces 41 to 43 are formed on the wall 40 at predetermined intervals. More specifically, plate-shaped pieces 41, 42, and 43 are formed by providing rectangular cuts in a wall body 40 formed integrally with the container body 102 using a material such as a thin synthetic resin. 17 and 18, the depth of the flow path 11 for resistance adjustment (in other words, the height of the wall body 40 and the like) is drawn smaller than the actual one for convenience of explanation.
[0047]
The plate-like pieces 41 to 43 have a structure that can be easily bent at a position slightly apart from the base of the wall body 40 (the connection portion with the wall of the container body 102) (for example, the wall thickness of the bent portion is small). Etc.). In a state in which the plate-like pieces 41, 42, and 43 stand up and the resistance adjusting flow path 11 is formed as a part of the wall body 40 (FIG. 17), the ink in the fourth ink storage chamber 123 flows through the resistance adjusting flow path. A relatively long flow path is formed from the entrance at the end of the path 11 to the communication port 127a. That is, FIG. 17 shows a state in which the resistance adjustment flow path 11 is formed to be the longest. The flow path resistance from the fourth ink storage chamber 123 to the communication port 127 a is equal to the resistance adjustment flow path 11. Is only set to be large.
[0048]
Reducing the flow path resistance of the ink cartridge 101a can be easily realized by bending the plate-shaped pieces 41, 42, 43 of the wall body 40. FIG. 18 shows an example of the resistance adjustment flow channel 11 in a state where a part of the wall is missing. Here, the plate-shaped pieces 41, 42, and 43 are tilted toward the fourth ink storage chamber 123, so that the resistance adjustment flow from the fourth ink storage chamber 123 through the three open portions 41a, 42a, and 43a. The ink was allowed to flow into the road 11. Thereby, the length of the resistance adjusting flow path 11 is substantially shortened, and the flow path resistance can be set smaller than that in FIG.
[0049]
FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 show the resistance adjustment flow channel 12 according to another embodiment of the ink cartridge 101a. The resistance adjusting channel 12 is a channel formed by a detachable channel unit 50. As shown in FIG. 19, the flow channel unit 50 has a meandering flow channel formed by a wall body 51 integrally formed on a plate-shaped body 52. As shown in FIG. 20, the flow channel unit 50 is used by being inserted into an ink flow channel having a narrow frontage and a deep depth. For example, in FIG. 19 and FIG. When the flow path unit 50 is mounted, the meandering resistance control flow path 12 is defined by the wall on one side of the ink flow path 128, the wall body 51, and the plate-shaped body 52.
[0050]
By mounting the flow path unit 50, the flow path resistance in the ink flow path 128 can be significantly increased. Therefore, for example, when the number of nozzles of the recording head 201 is small, and when it is desired to set the flow path resistance of the ink cartridge 101a high, the flow path unit 50 can be used.
[0051]
As described above, each of the resistance adjustment channels 10 to 12 is provided on the channel from the vicinity of the outlet of the fourth ink storage chamber 123 of the ink cartridges 101 and 101 a to the ink supply port 104. This is because controlling the flow path resistance on the flow path on the outlet side (ink supply port 104 side) of the fourth ink storage chamber 123 is the most efficient in adjusting the pressure loss of the ink cartridge. by. Next, an example in which the flow path resistance adjusting means is provided at a further downstream position, more specifically, at a position closer to the ink supply port 104 than the differential pressure valve (FIG. 8) will be described.
[0052]
FIGS. 21 to 23 are enlarged views showing the structure on the front side of the container body 102 of the ink cartridge 101b according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a resistance adjusting flow path 13 as flow path resistance adjusting means is formed in a concave portion 135 connecting the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 133 and the ink supply port 104.
[0053]
The resistance adjusting channel 13 is a channel formed by the detachable channel unit 60. As shown in FIG. 22, the passage unit 60 has a meandering passage groove formed by a wall 61 integrally formed on a plate-like body. As shown in FIG. 23, the flow channel unit 60 is inserted into a slightly shallow recess 135. The height of the wall 61 in the flow path unit 60 is formed so as not to be equal to the walls on both sides of the recess 135, and an air-shielding film 157 (not shown) is adhered to the end of the wall 61, The resistance adjusting flow path 13 forms one ink flow path without a passage in the recess 135 between the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 133 and the ink supply port 104.
[0054]
By mounting the flow channel unit 60, the flow channel resistance in the recess 135 can be significantly increased. Accordingly, for example, when the number of nozzles of the print head 201 is small, and when it is desired to set the flow path resistance of the ink cartridge 101b high, the flow path unit 60 can be used.
[0055]
FIGS. 24 and 25 show still another example of the flow path resistance adjusting means. In this aspect, the flow path resistance adjusting means is constituted by the fluid resistance member 70 mounted in the flow path. Also in the present embodiment, the resistance adjusting flow path 14 as flow path resistance adjusting means is formed in the concave portion 135 connecting the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 133 and the ink supply port 104.
[0056]
Specifically, the detachable fluid resistance member 70 is mounted in the recess 135. The fluid resistance member 70 is formed of, for example, a porous material such as urethane foam, and is used by being inserted into the recess 135 as shown in FIG. The open surface of the recess 135 is sealed by an air-tight film 157 (not shown), so that the fluid resistance member 70 is substantially in the recess 135 between the differential pressure valve housing chamber 133 and the ink supply port 104. It acts to narrow the flow path, and it is possible to greatly increase the flow path resistance in the concave portion 135. Therefore, for example, when the number of nozzles of the recording head 201 is small and the flow path resistance of the ink cartridge 101b is to be set high, the fluid resistance member 70 can be used.
[0057]
As described above, the present invention has been described with respect to various embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be applied to other embodiments within the scope of the invention described in the claims. It is.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an embodiment of an ink cartridge.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the back side of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ink cartridge of FIG.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view seen from the back side of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an opening surface of the ink cartridge container main body.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of the bottom surface of the ink cartridge container main body.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the structure of the surface of the ink cartridge container main body.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing a cross-sectional structure of a negative pressure generating means accommodating chamber.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing a cross-sectional structure of a valve accommodating chamber for communicating with the atmosphere.
FIG. 10 is a view showing the internal structure of an ink cartridge.
FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a flow path for resistance adjustment.
FIG. 12 is a view showing a state where a part of a wall of a flow path is removed.
FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a state where a part of a wall of a flow path is removed.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a carriage.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the carriage with the ink cartridge mounted.
FIG. 16 is a view showing the internal structure of another example of the ink cartridge.
FIG. 17 is a drawing showing an example of a flow path for resistance adjustment.
FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a state where a part of a wall of a flow path is bent.
FIG. 19 is a drawing provided for explanation of a unitized resistance adjustment channel.
FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a state in which a unitized resistance adjustment flow channel is mounted.
FIG. 21 is a drawing showing the surface structure of another example of an ink cartridge.
FIG. 22 is a diagram provided for explanation of a unitized resistance adjustment channel.
FIG. 23 is a drawing showing a state in which a unitized resistance adjustment flow channel is mounted.
FIG. 24 is a drawing provided for explanation of a fluid resistance member.
FIG. 25 is a drawing showing a state in which a fluid resistance member is mounted.
[Explanation of symbols]
11, 12, 13, 14 resistance adjustment channels, 21 to 27 walls,
31-34 wall, 40 wall, 41, 42, 43 plate-shaped piece,
50, 60 channel units,
101, 101a, 101b ink cartridges,
102 container body, 103 lid, 104 ink supply port,
105, 106 locking member, 105a projection, 107 storage means,
108 valve accommodation chamber, 109 slit section, 170 identification block,
200 carriage, 201 recording head, 202 ink supply needle,
203 leaf spring, 206 electrode

Claims (10)

A liquid supply port formed so as to be connectable to a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid from an ejection nozzle toward an object,
One or more liquid storage chambers for storing liquid,
A liquid flow path from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply port,
A liquid storage cartridge for supplying liquid to the liquid ejecting head, comprising:
A liquid storage cartridge, wherein a flow path resistance adjusting means is provided in the middle of the liquid flow path. 2. The liquid storage cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the flow path resistance adjusting means adjusts the flow path resistance in the liquid storage cartridge according to the number of the ejection nozzles. In claim 2, a part of the wall forming the liquid flow path is constituted by an attachable or removable wall body,
The flow path resistance adjusting means is constituted by the liquid flow path in a state where the wall is attached, or the liquid flow path in a state where the wall is removed and a part of the wall is missing. A liquid storage cartridge, characterized in that: 3. The liquid storage cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the flow path resistance adjusting means is a detachably unitized flow path provided in a part of the liquid flow path. 3. The liquid storage cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the flow path resistance adjusting means is a fluid resistance member provided in a part of the liquid flow path. The liquid storage cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a storage unit connectable to a liquid ejecting apparatus.
A liquid storage cartridge, wherein flow path resistance information set by the flow path resistance adjusting means is written in the storage means. A liquid supply port formed so as to be connectable to a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid from an ejection nozzle toward an object,
One or more liquid storage chambers for storing liquid,
A liquid flow path from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply port,
A liquid storage cartridge for supplying liquid to the liquid ejecting head, comprising:
The liquid storage cartridge may be configured such that a part or all of the detachable wall is attached or removed from a common base in which a part of the wall forming the liquid flow path is detachably configured according to the number of the ejection nozzles. A liquid containing cartridge manufactured by removing the cartridge. A liquid supply port formed so as to be connectable to a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid from an ejection nozzle toward an object,
One or more liquid storage chambers for storing liquid,
A liquid flow path from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply port,
A liquid storage cartridge for supplying liquid to the liquid ejecting head, comprising:
The liquid storage cartridge is manufactured by attaching a unitized flow path to a part of the liquid flow path according to the number of the ejection nozzles from a common base. cartridge. A liquid supply port formed so as to be connectable to a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid from an ejection nozzle toward an object,
One or more liquid storage chambers for storing liquid,
A liquid flow path from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply port,
A liquid storage cartridge for supplying liquid to the liquid ejecting head, comprising:
The liquid storage cartridge is manufactured by attaching a fluid resistance member to a part of the liquid flow path according to the number of the ejection nozzles from a common base. The liquid storage cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the liquid storage cartridge is an ink cartridge that stores an ink composition containing a colorant as the liquid.

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