JP2004136693A - Method for manufacturing ink container and ink tank - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink refill kit used for filling ink into an ink tank and a filling method using the kit. <P>SOLUTION: A hole is provided at a predetermined part of the ink tank using a pin-shaped fixture 49, and ink is filled from the hole using a device 48 for ink refill. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an ink container and an ink tank.

Conventionally, ink jet ink cartridges are integrated with an ink jet head, and when ink in the cartridge cannot be ejected, it is often discarded together with the head. Even if improvements are made, the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge in this state is governed by the ink holding capacity of the sponge, which is a negative pressure generator, which is stored almost entirely in the cartridge, and becomes relatively large. Had been lost.

イ ン ク Patent Document 1 below can be cited as an example of this type of ink container. That is, it is a cartridge of one ink jet recording head having a foam material disposed in an ink container and having a plurality of ink ejection orifices. In this ink container, a negative pressure is generated due to the capillary force of the foam and the ink is retained (the ink is prevented from leaking from the ink container) in order to store the ink in a porous medium such as a polyurethane foam as a foam material. However, since only one ink storage chamber needs foam to be filled almost entirely, the amount of ink to be filled is limited, and at the same time, the amount of ink to be loaded is almost completely required, so that the amount of ink to be filled is And the amount of ink remaining without being used in the foam increases, resulting in poor ink use efficiency.

に 対 し て To solve this problem, there is a gazette that discloses a cartridge adopting a configuration in which an ink cartridge holds substantially only ink. In other words, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-522 discloses an ink jet printer in which a small amount of a porous member is arranged between a primary ink storage unit located above and holding a large amount of ink alone and an ink jet recording head located below. An ink cartridge integrated with a recording head is disclosed. According to the present invention, the use efficiency of the ink can be improved by disposing the porous member only in the ink flow path without being built in the ink storage section. In addition, by providing a secondary ink storage portion as a space capable of holding ink on the side of the porous member, primary ink storage due to expansion of air in the primary ink storage portion due to temperature rise (pressure drop). It is stated that the ink flowing out of the printing section is stored, and the negative pressure on the print head during printing can be maintained substantially constant.

However, in the invention of this publication, during non-printing, the porous member is impregnated with ink from the primary ink storage unit which is located above and holds only a large amount of ink, so that the ink is too much. In addition, almost no negative pressure is generated in the porous member itself. Therefore, there is a problem that the ink leaks from the orifice of the ink jet recording head due to a slight impact, which is not suitable for practical use. In addition, adopting a replaceable ink cartridge type in which an ink container is mounted on an ink recording head in this configuration has a problem in that the state of the porous member causes an ink leak and cannot be put to practical use.

On the other hand, there is also known an ink cartridge having a spring structure for enclosing ink in a bag and keeping the negative pressure of the bag constant, but it is not only expensive but also the spring structure is increased. It has been difficult to achieve mass production while maintaining the performance of the above.

In any case, as the ink cartridge for ink jet (non-contact recording print type), an inexpensive ink cartridge having a reasonable technical level has not been provided in the field of ink jet printing.
JP-A-63-63242

The present inventors have found that as an ink container suitable for the technical field of ink jet printing, at the time of recording, it is possible to satisfactorily supply ink corresponding to the amount of ink ejected from the recording head, and at the time of non-recording The two-sidedness that there was no inconvenience such as ink leakage from the discharge port was examined. As a result, as a basic configuration, a first storage chamber that accommodates the negative pressure generating member and has an air communication portion for obtaining communication with the atmosphere and communicates with the first storage chamber, but is substantially sealed. Thus, the configuration having the second storage chamber for directly storing the ink to be supplied to the first storage chamber is an important premise for the characteristics of the ink jet.

On the other hand, the present inventors decided to reconsider the technical peculiarity of the inkjet printing field by examining a contact recording technique different from the technical field of the present invention. Generally, a recording instrument pen that performs recording by contacting a recording medium supplies ink to a recording core that has both ink absorption and retention properties, and thus the recording core itself is exposed to the atmosphere. On the premise of this, an ink impregnated body which is supersaturated with ink is required in a region directly in contact with the recording core. That is, the contact recording technology is fundamentally different from the technical content of the inkjet field.

As a result of the investigation, we found JP-A-57-16385. This publication discloses a pen for a recording instrument on the premise that a recording core (porous ink-absorbent core) that performs recording by contacting a recording medium is used. Ink overflow.

This publication discloses a first liquid absorbing material that contacts a lower recording core and a second liquid absorbing material that absorbs a little ink to the upper air communication port side but hardly contains ink as compared with the first liquid absorbing material. In this invention, a central chamber having a recording core protruding downward and a sealed ink storage chamber for supplying ink to both sides of the chamber are essential components. According to this configuration, the air in the sealed ink storage chamber expands due to an increase in the ambient temperature, the ink in the sealed ink storage chamber reaches the first liquid absorbing material, and the ink that cannot be held by the first liquid absorbing material can be retained. Is absorbed by the second liquid absorbing material, thereby preventing the ink from overflowing from the recording core and falling. Further, in this publication, when one of the two sealed ink storage chambers becomes air only, a groove having a constant width is formed to allow the expansion of the air to escape to the atmosphere communication port side. It is also disclosed that the partition wall is provided from the lowermost end to the uppermost end of a side surface different from the partition wall from the chamber.

The present inventors have focused on applying only this tank configuration to an ink jet head of non-contact recording with few technical similarities, and due to changes in environmental conditions, ink overflow from the air communication port. A new phenomenon was confirmed. In addition, the first liquid-absorbing material, which is an ink-impregnated material that is supersaturated with ink, in the area directly in contact with the recording core does not need to generate a negative pressure, and thus has a commonality with ink-jet technology. It was confirmed that it could not be seen. This new phenomenon has not been recognized in the field of recording instrument pens, and there was no technical suggestion from this field to stabilize the negative pressure.

溝 Also, it was confirmed that the groove having a constant width described in the above publication has a function of promoting the discharge of ink together with air, so that the overflow of ink from the air communication port is further promoted. Further, the ink consumption from the ink storage chambers on both sides is not equivalent.If the ink in one ink storage chamber runs out first, ink jet recording cannot be performed even though a large amount of ink remains in the other ink storage chamber. I have. This is a result of wasting the ink in the ink storage chamber, which is fundamentally contrary to the purpose of the inkjet technology. This was because a large amount of air entered the first liquid absorbing material, and as a result, ink could not be supplied.

The applicant of the present invention has previously filed an epoch-making inkjet cartridge that has solved such a background problem. The first storage chamber accommodates the negative pressure generating member and has an atmosphere communication portion for obtaining communication with the atmosphere. The first storage chamber communicates with the first storage chamber, but the first storage chamber is substantially closed. This is an invention in which a cartridge having a second storage chamber for directly storing ink to be supplied to the chamber is provided with a configuration that can function effectively for inkjet use. According to this configuration, the exchangeable ink cartridge and the ink-jet that can cope with high-speed recording are provided because the tank structure can maintain the negative pressure substantially substantially constant during most of the period from the initial use to the end of use of the ink cartridge. A head and a printer can also be provided.

On the other hand, it is generally desired that the ink cartridge be re-injected after being used from the viewpoint of reducing running costs and saving resources.

As a result of studying the re-injection of the ink in the above-described ink jet cartridge, the present inventors have found a preferable form of ink injection by a technique unique to the ink jet cartridge.

The present invention, which could not be expected from the conventional technical point of view, is capable of refilling the used ink cartridge with ink while maintaining the function of the above ink cartridge by analyzing the result. The present invention has been recognized for the first time as being capable of providing the following condition.

A main object of the present invention is to provide a means for refilling a cartridge having a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber, which is new as the inkjet ink cartridge in view of the background art, so that the characteristics thereof can be further stabilized. To provide.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gas-liquid interface between the outside air which is a gas in the negative pressure generating member and the ink, which is formed when the ink in the ink chamber of the new ink cartridge is supplied to the negative pressure generating member. It is an object of the present invention to provide a replaceable ink cartridge which can further stabilize the smooth and stable interface of the ink cartridge, and in which the negative pressure therebetween can be substantially substantially constant, and an ink jet head using the same.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method of forming a negative pressure generating member in which ink in an ink chamber of an ink cartridge is supplied to a negative pressure generating member even after refilling with ink, the outside air and the ink. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of refilling ink and an ink jet cartridge, which can further stabilize the smooth and stable interface of the gas-liquid interface of the above, and can preferably make the negative pressure therebetween substantially constant.

Here, there is known an ink jet cartridge which is based on the premise that a negative pressure generating member that is not in an ink oversaturation state is used, such as a negative pressure generating member applied to the ink jet cartridge of the present invention. There is no known configuration in which ink storage chambers in a closed state are adjacent to each other. Therefore, first, a part of the features of the cartridge configuration to which the filling ink of the present invention is applied will be described below.

An ink refill kit of the present invention is an ink refill kit for refilling ink into an ink container capable of storing ink to be supplied to an ink jet head, wherein an opening is formed in the ink container. And an ink refill container for refilling ink from an opening formed by the jig.

In addition, the ink filling method of the present invention is characterized in that the ink absorber is housed, and the first housing chamber having the atmosphere communication section and the ink supply section is substantially communicated with the first storage chamber only through the communication section. In a filling method for refilling ink into an ink container having a second storage chamber for directly storing ink to be supplied to the first storage chamber in a sealed state, the second method includes the steps of: (2) a step of forming an opening in the storage chamber with a jig having a pin shape or a drill blade shape, and a step of filling ink from the formed opening with an ink refill container provided with ink for refilling; It is characterized by having.

Regardless of the storage state or use state, as a technical viewpoint to wipe out the conventional technical level, the above-described premise configuration is such that the area near the air communication portion of the negative pressure generating member is an area that does not hold ink. In addition, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent the ink in the ink cartridge from leaking from the air communication portion with respect to a change in environmental conditions. In particular, when the seal member seals the air communication portion, the seal member has an effect of preventing the seal member from peeling off. In addition, in the use state, this region has an effect that the air can be efficiently supplied into the cartridge in a required amount, and a change in the negative pressure in the ink jet cartridge is suppressed. It is preferable that the area near the air communication portion is free from ink at all because the permeation speed of the ink itself can be further reduced, but it may be an area where the ink is removed after the ink is wetted in advance. .

Further, according to the present invention, the negative pressure generator is compressed (or can be compressed) by an ink supply opening or a supply pipe on a side opposed to the partition wall forming the minute communication portion with respect to the above premise. By providing a configuration in which the area is present, a substantial ink supply path in which the ink in the second storage chamber is stable in the negative pressure generating body can be ensured. The opening for use is positioned above the microcommunication portion. The "supply pipe" in the present invention includes not only an insertion pipe unique to ink jet but also a valve structure and a connecting member attached to a cartridge and compressing and deforming a negative pressure generator. The effect of this arrangement relation is that the ink movement direction can be substantially constant, all the ink in the second storage chamber can be consumed, and even after this consumption, the air in the second storage chamber is prevented from being under reduced pressure. Interposed so that the atmosphere moves from the partition wall side to the opposing opening side, and as a result, the ink inside the negative pressure generator can be consumed, and the remaining ink can be reduced.

In particular, with respect to the above premise, the region not compressed by the supply tube of the negative pressure generator, the region compressed by the supply tube of the negative pressure generator from the partition wall forming the microcommunication portion toward the side facing this wall. By providing the areas to be compressed in this order, the above-described one-way ink supply path can be formed in the area that is not compressed, and the same effect can be obtained. Further, the remaining ink amount can be further reduced by the ink securing capacity of the compressed area.

Therefore, a more preferable premise invention of the present invention can satisfy the above-mentioned three constitutions. However, it is needless to say that the above-mentioned constitution alone or a combination of any two constitutions can provide excellent effects. I can understand.

On the other hand, the ink-jet cartridge of the present invention is configured to touch the operator's fingers, but inconvenience is unlikely to occur.However, when a strong pressure is applied or the like, the storage chamber for storing only the ink has a large size. It is easy to deform, though Therefore, as a configuration for solving the problem caused by the external pressure, it is preferable to provide a partition plate having a larger gap than the partition wall constituting the minute communication portion in the ink-only storage chamber. Further, from the viewpoint of deformation, when these cartridges are formed of resin, the thickness of the wall of the chamber for storing only ink is 0.8 mm or more, and the wall of the chamber for storing a sponge or the like as a negative pressure generating member. Is preferably not less than 1.3 mm. Further, it has been found that it is more preferable that the thickness of the wall is in a range of 1.2 times or more and 3 times or less of the thickness of the wall.

As an ink jet printer of the present invention, the ink is automatically or instructively discharged from the inside of the cartridge by suction or discharge by suction means via a head in accordance with the mounting of the cartridge of the present invention. This means that the ink state in the negative pressure generator can be corrected before printing, so that the above-described function inherent in the cartridge can be used without being affected by the state of leaving the cartridge.

The height of the minute communication portion up to the partition wall in the above premise configuration is larger than the average hole diameter of the negative pressure generating member (preferably, the average hole diameter near the minute communication portion) (not less than 0.1 mm in practical use) and not more than 5 mm. Is suitable. If more stability is expected, 3 mm or less is preferable. Further, the ratio of the capacity of the storage chamber of the negative pressure generating member to the capacity of the storage chamber of only the ink is within a range of 1: 1 or more and 1: 3 or less as a practically optimum range.

Next, the phenomenon of ink leakage observed in the above prerequisite components is observed when the cartridge is initially filled or refilled, and the cause is caused by the fact that there is no problem with ink in the ink storage chamber. When it reaches the storage chamber for storing the pressure generating member, it travels between the negative pressure generating member and the inner wall of the cartridge rather than is temporarily held inside the negative pressure generating member, and communicates with the atmosphere, the ink supply port, and the like. Has a greater tendency to break through the opening or sealed area. Therefore, the present invention examines the ink conditions for the prerequisite constitution. When the ink surface tension exceeds 55 dyn / cm (25 ° C.), the tendency is remarkable, but when the ink surface tension is 55 dyn / cm or less, this tendency is critical. No problem was observed, and particularly when the density was 50 dyn / cm or less, extremely stable characteristics were exhibited without being affected by the environment.

On the other hand, when the pressure is 55 dyn / cm or less, stable progression is ensured in the negative pressure generating member, and a gas-liquid interface between the gas air and the liquid ink is formed in the negative pressure generating member. Particularly in the case of the configuration, an effect of making the interface stable over a long period of time was recognized. In a cartridge having a gas-liquid exchange promoting structure extending from the microcommunication portion to the position facing the negative pressure generating member in the first storage chamber, the cartridge functions synergistically with the configuration to form a linear interface. Is preferable because it can be formed in a stable state.

Conversely, if the ink surface tension for the prerequisite constitution is lower than 20 dyn / cm (25 ° C.), no ink leakage occurs under normal use, but in the case where a shock is applied, an ink leakage phenomenon is observed. / Cm or more, even if there is such an impact, it has been found that ink leakage is prevented by the synergistic effect of the advantages of the prerequisite configuration and the ink characteristics. In particular, at 25 dyn / cm or more and 50 dyn / cm or less, the above-mentioned effects, that is, extremely stable characteristics were exhibited without being affected by the environment.

効果 The effects and features of the other inventions of the present invention can be understood from the following examples.

As can be understood from the above description, the present invention maintains the advantages of the novel ink cartridge by refilling the ink from the second storage chamber and sealing the ink refill opening with a separate member. In addition, it is possible to reuse the ink cartridges that should otherwise be discarded, and it is possible to reduce running costs and save resources.

In particular, in the present invention, by providing more specific ink refilling means, anyone can easily regenerate the ink cartridge.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 to 6 show the ink cartridge used in the present invention in addition to the prerequisite configuration. In addition, the ink supply to the surface of the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion facing the partition wall 5 formed with the minute communication portion 8 and the bottom surface of the cartridge. Is an embodiment of a configuration provided with an opening for use.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the ink cartridge cut away, and FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ink cartridge body 1 used in the present invention has an opening 2 for connecting to an ink jet recording head at a position displaced toward the gap 8 as a minute communication part. A negative pressure generating member accommodating portion 4 accommodating the negative pressure generating member 3 and an ink accommodating portion 6 adjoining the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion via a partition wall 5 and accommodating only ink communicated with the ink cartridge bottom portion 11; Consists of

With this configuration, the atmosphere is supplied from the opening 2, but what is important is that the ink in the ink storage unit 6 is supplied only through the communication unit 8 to the ink cartridge, unlike the configuration of the air communication unit. That is, it is surely supplied to the opening 2 side along the bottom 11. With the supply of the ink, the atmosphere replaces the ink in the ink storage unit 6 and is replenished.

Here, a description will be given of a state in which the negative pressure generating member in the region that can be compressed and deformed by the supply pipe near the opening of the negative pressure generating member housing portion 4 is compressed and deformed by the supply pipe. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the joint member 7 serving as a supply pipe for supplying ink to the ink jet recording head is inserted into the replaceable ink cartridge used in the present invention, and is brought into pressure contact with the negative pressure generating member so that the ink jet recording apparatus can be operated. It is a schematic cross-sectional view when it became. In some cases, a filter is installed at the end of the joint member to remove dust in the ink cartridge.

す る と When the ink jet recording apparatus is operated, ink is ejected from the orifice of the ink jet recording head, and an ink suction force is generated in the replaceable ink cartridge. The ink 9 flows from the ink container 6 through the gap 8 between the end of the partition wall and the ink cartridge bottom 11 by the suction force to the negative pressure generating member housing 4 through the negative pressure generating member 3 and into the joint member 7. And supplied to the ink jet recording head. As a result, the pressure inside the ink container 6 that is closed except for the gap 8 is reduced, and a pressure difference is generated between the ink container 6 and the negative pressure generating member container 4. When the recording is continued, the pressure difference continues to rise, but since the negative pressure generating member is opened to the atmosphere by the gap 12 between the joint member and the joint opening, air passes through the negative pressure generating member. The ink enters the ink container 4 through the gap 8 between the end 8 of the partition wall and the bottom 11 of the ink cartridge. At this time, the pressure difference between the ink containing section 6 and the negative pressure generating member containing section 4 is eliminated. This operation is repeated during ink jet recording, and a certain negative pressure is obtained in the ink cartridge. In addition, since almost all of the ink in the ink storage unit can be used except for the ink that adheres to the wall surface in the ink storage unit, the ink use efficiency is improved.

At the time of non-recording, the capillary force of the negative pressure generating member itself (or the meniscus force at the interface between the ink and the negative pressure generating member) is generated. In particular, when the ink of the ink in the ink container starts to be consumed, the negative pressure is generated. Since the ink holding state in the generating member housing is substantially constant and the gas collected in the ink housing is in a substantially negative pressure state, the pressure balance in the cartridge is extremely stable, and the ink from the ink jet recording head is Is suppressed from leaking.

Therefore, if the selection of the negative pressure generating member according to the ink jet recording head to be jointed and the ratio design of the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion and the ink accommodating portion are made, the configuration shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, inks of respective colors (for example, four colors of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan) are individually applied in order to make the replaceable ink cartridge of the present invention compatible with a color inkjet recording apparatus. Can be used by being housed in a replaceable ink cartridge. For example, as shown in FIG. 19A, individual ink cartridges may be integrated into a single unit to form a replaceable ink cartridge, or as shown in FIG. 19B, a replaceable ink cartridge for frequently used black ink. A replaceable ink cartridge may be provided in which the replaceable color ink cartridge is separated from the cartridge. These combinations are arbitrary according to the ink jet device.

In the replaceable ink cartridge of the present invention, in order to control the negative pressure in the ink jet recording head, not only the selection, shape and size of the negative pressure generating member 3 but also the shape and size of the partition wall end 8 and the partition wall end are required. 8, the shape and size of the gap 8 between the ink cartridge bottom 11, the volume ratio of the negative pressure generating member housing portion 4 and the ink housing portion 6, the insertion amount, shape, size, and filter 12 of the joint member 7 into the exchangeable ink cartridge It is more preferable to optimize the shape, size, roughness of the surface, surface tension of the ink and the like according to the conditions to be used.

負 A conventionally known member can be used as the negative pressure generating member as long as it has a capability of holding the ink even by its own weight and slight vibration of the liquid (ink). For example, a flocculent body in which fibers are woven into a mesh or a porous body having a communication hole can be used. A sponge such as a polyurethane foam which can easily adjust the ink holding power and the negative pressure generation is preferable. In particular, a foam is preferable because it can be adjusted to a desired porosity during foam production. If the foam density is further adjusted by heat compression treatment, decomposition products due to heating are generated, which may change the physical properties of the ink and adversely affect the recording quality. Become. In addition, in order to manufacture an exchangeable ink cartridge compatible with various ink jet recording apparatuses, a foam having a corresponding porous density is required, but a specific number of cells not subjected to thermal compression (the number of holes per inch) It is preferable to cut a foam material having a desired size into a desired size and compressively insert it into the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion to adjust the porosity and the capillary force.

In the above example, a structure is provided in which a gap is provided between the joint member 7 and the joint opening 2 to take in the atmosphere from the outside of the ink cartridge. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and the structure of the joint member and the joint opening portion is not limited. The shape may be any. When the negative pressure generating member is a porous member such as a sponge, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the insertion of the joint member prevents the porous member from escaping from the bottom of the ink cartridge, and In order to maintain and secure the pressure contact surface between the filter portion and the negative pressure generating member, it is preferable that the end of the joint member 7 has an arbitrary angle (taper) with respect to the joint member insertion direction. If the insertion amount of the joint member is too large, the tapered portion at the tip may cause a crack in the negative pressure generating member, so that the surface structure may be as shown in FIG. 3C.

It is also conceivable to provide irregularities for introducing air into the outer wall of the joint member in order to provide an air intake. However, as shown in FIG. 5, the shape of the opening 2 may be a desired one such as a groove (FIG. 5A). 5 (b) is a rectangle, and FIG. 5 (c) is a triangle. The shape of the opening 2 is preferably such that a gap is provided so as not to seal the joint member and the opening, or the opening 2 is located near the outer periphery of the joint member at the lower portion (on the bottom side of the ink cartridge) and at the upper portion of the opening. Shape.

交換 Thus, the replaceable ink cartridge used in the present invention can serve as a joint opening and a part that takes in air, and can have a simpler configuration. The amount of insertion of the joint member 7 into the exchangeable ink cartridge does not cause ink leakage at the time of insertion in consideration of the shape of the joint member, the negative pressure generating member, the shape of the ink cartridge, and the like. It is preferable to set the compression area of the negative pressure generating member so as not to cause the above.

In contrast to the above embodiment, providing a communication hole with the atmosphere separately from the joint opening on the side of the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion allows the negative pressure generating member region not holding the ink of the present invention to be connected to the atmosphere communication portion. It is also effective to adopt a configuration provided in the vicinity, and it is a suitable means for improving reliability against environmental changes in the inkjet recording apparatus described later.

The shape and size of the gap 8 between the end of the partition wall and the bottom of the ink cartridge are also arbitrary. If it is too narrow, the meniscus force with the ink becomes strong and ink leakage from the joint opening can be suppressed. It takes a great deal of force to supply the ink to the generating member accommodating portion, and the ink may run out during use. If the width is too large, the opposite phenomenon may occur. Therefore, the height of the minute communication portion to the partition wall is larger than the average hole diameter of the negative pressure generating member (preferably, the average hole diameter near the minute communication portion). (Practically 0.1 mm or more) and 5 mm or less are suitable. If more stability is expected, 3 mm or less is preferable. FIG. 7 shows an example of the shape of the gap 8. FIG. 7 (a) is used in the previous embodiment and is the most stable configuration for the present invention, provided at a constant height and over the entire width of the cartridge. FIGS. 7B and 7C show a case where the communicating portion is formed only in a part of the entire width of the cartridge and meanders. This configuration is effective when the total volume of the cartridge is large, but is usually used low in a printer. FIG. 7 (d) has a plurality of tunnel-like communicating portions, the ink can easily move to the inner surface side of the cartridge, and the gas introduction for gas-ink exchange can be centralized. FIGS. 7E and 7F show a configuration in which a concave portion is formed in the partition wall on the ink storage chamber side in the vertical direction in addition to the configuration of FIG. 7A. Therefore, the gas reaching the lower end of the partition wall is relatively effectively introduced into the ink storage chamber in the concave portion, and the gas collection efficiency can be improved.

It is more preferable that the gap 8 be determined in consideration of the position of the joint opening. 10 (a) and 10 (b), (a) shows that the end of the partition wall is lower than the lower end of the joint opening, and the ink held in the negative pressure generating member is at the lower end of the joint opening. Since it is lower, it has an effect of suppressing ink leakage, which is preferable. On the other hand, in (b), the end of the partition wall is higher than the lower end of the joint opening, and the ink held in the negative pressure generating member is higher than the lower end of the joint opening. The effect is small and not preferable. Therefore, designing the size of the gap 8 such that the position of the end of the partition wall is the same as or lower than the lower end of the joint opening has an advantage that the effect of the present invention can be further stabilized. Although it depends on the shape and dimensions of the replacement ink cartridge, it can be put to practical use by selecting the height of the gap 8 from the height range of 0.1 mm or more and 20 mm or less in the maximum range, and more preferably 0.5 to 5 mm. It is about. Further, the shape of the end of the partition wall may be any shape as long as the position with respect to the above-described joint opening is taken into consideration. However, for example, the description will be omitted, but FIGS. ).

境界 Furthermore, various structural relationships can be considered also at the boundary between the end of the partition wall 5 and the negative pressure generating member 3. This is shown in FIG. 9 (a) to 9 (d) show that the negative pressure generating member is not compressed by the end of the partition wall and the density of the negative pressure generating member is not locally increased. Is relatively quick, which is preferable for high-speed recording and color recording. On the other hand, FIGS. 9 (e) and 9 (f) show that although the negative pressure generating member 3 is compressed by the end of the partition wall and the density of the member is increased, the flow of ink and the flow of air are slightly reduced. Obstacles such as ink leakage can be suppressed against environmental fluctuations. Therefore, these selections may be designed in consideration of the type of the inkjet recording apparatus and the environmental conditions to be used.

(4) The volume ratio between the negative pressure generating member housing section 4 and the ink housing section 6 needs to be determined in consideration of the type of the ink jet recording apparatus, environmental conditions used, and the like. Also, the relationship with the negative pressure generating member used is important. In order to improve the use efficiency of the ink, it is preferable to increase the volume of the ink storage portion. In this case, a negative pressure generating member having a high negative pressure generating force (a high compression ratio in the case of a sponge) is used. It becomes effective. Therefore, if it is noted that the negative pressure generating force of the negative pressure generating member is increased with an increase in the volume ratio of the ink storage section, the volume of the storage chamber of the negative pressure generating member and the volume of the storage chamber of only ink can be reduced. The ratio can be in a range of 1: 1 or more and 1: 3 or less as a practically optimum range.

The shape, size, and coarseness of the filter 11 can be arbitrarily set depending on the type of the ink jet recording apparatus. It is preferable to have a small eye roughness.

The initial ink filling amount in the replaceable ink cartridge used in the present invention is arbitrary up to the internal volume of the ink cartridge. However, in order to maintain the negative pressure immediately after opening the replaceable ink cartridge, the ink storage unit has a limited volume. The negative pressure generating member may preferably be filled with ink up to the limit of the ink holding force of the negative pressure generating member. Here, the ink holding force refers to the ability of the member when the negative pressure generating member is impregnated with ink to be able to hold ink alone.

In an ink cartridge having a closed ink storage unit, when an external environment changes (temperature rise or pressure decrease) in a state where the ink storage unit is loaded in the ink jet recording apparatus, the air expansion of the ink storage unit causes the ink expansion. The ink remaining in the ink container is pushed out of the ink cartridge, and there is a possibility that ink leakage may occur. However, in the replaceable ink cartridge used in the present invention, the air expansion volume (including a small amount of ink expansion) of the closed ink container according to the worst-case environmental condition is predicted, and the ink corresponding to it is estimated. It is preferable that the negative pressure generating member housing portion has the amount of ink movement from the housing portion in advance. At this time, providing an air communication hole other than the joint opening on the side of the negative pressure generating member housing portion, as shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, generates a negative pressure from the ink chamber due to expansion of the air in the ink chamber. This is very effective because the ink moved into the member can be guided to the atmosphere communication side. The installation position of the atmosphere communication hole is not particularly specified if it is located above the joint opening on the side of the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion, but the flow of ink in the negative pressure generating member when the environment changes is separated from the joint opening. For this reason, it is preferable to be located far from the joint opening. Further, the number, shape, size, and the like of the air communication holes can be arbitrarily set in consideration of the evaporation of the ink.

物流 When the ink cartridge alone is distributed, it is preferable that the joint opening and / or the air communication hole be sealed with a sealant or the like to prepare for evaporation of the ink and air expansion in the ink cartridge. As a sealing material, a composite barrier material in which a single layer barrier and several layers of plastic film, which are called a barrier material in the field of packaging, and a composite of these and a reinforcing material such as paper, cloth, or aluminum foil, etc., are used. It is preferred to use. More preferably, a material similar to the material of the ink cartridge body is used as the adhesive layer of the barrier material, and the hermeticity is increased by welding with heat or the like.

In addition, in order to suppress the evaporation of ink from the ink cartridge or the inflow of air from the outside atmosphere, it is effective to adopt a packaging form in which the air inside the packaging material is degassed after the ink cartridge is inserted and then sealed. It is a target. As the packaging material, it is preferable to select from a barrier material as in the case of the sealing material in consideration of the gas permeability and the liquid permeability.

に よ っ て By selecting the above-mentioned packaging form, the distribution of the ink cartridge alone becomes very reliable without ink leakage or the like.

本体 The ink cartridge body material may be any material conventionally used for molded articles, but it is necessary to select a material which does not affect ink jet ink or a member which is treated so as not to affect the ink. It is also necessary to consider the productivity of the ink cartridge. For example, the ink cartridge body shown in FIGS. 1 and 11 is divided into an ink cartridge bottom portion 11 and an upper portion thereof, each of which is integrally molded with a resin material, and a negative pressure generating member is inserted. And the upper part thereof are welded to manufacture the ink cartridge body. If a transparent or translucent resin material is selected, the ink in the ink container can be visually recognized from the outside of the ink cartridge, so that the time to replace the ink cartridge can be visually determined. Further, it is preferable to provide a convex portion as shown in the figure in order to facilitate welding of the sealing material or the like. Further, it is also preferable in terms of design to subject the outer surface of the ink cartridge body to processing such as embossing.

加 圧 Either a pressurizing method or a depressurizing method can be used for the initial filling of the ink. It is preferable to provide the ink filling port 21 in any one of the tank bodies for filling the ink, since the other ink cartridge openings are not contaminated. The ink filling port 21 after ink filling is preferably plugged with a plastic or metal material.

Various modifications can be made to the structure and shape of the replaceable ink cartridge without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As described above, the replaceable ink cartridge used in the present invention maintains a high reliability even in the case of independent distribution, and has a simple structure and a high ink use efficiency that can detect the remaining amount of ink. It becomes.

In addition, a replaceable ink cartridge that maintains an appropriate negative pressure during recording and non-recording from the beginning of use to the end of use to support high-speed printing and that does not leak ink even under the use environment conditions of the inkjet printing apparatus. Become.

Furthermore, the replaceable ink cartridge has good handleability, does not leak ink even when it is attached to or detached from the inkjet recording apparatus, and does not malfunction when mounted on the inkjet recording apparatus.

イ ン ク ジ ェ ッ ト The above-described ink-jet cartridge filled with the filling ink used in the present invention or filled therein has the advantages of the above-described structures. The present invention further enhances these advantages, expands the permissible range of conditions under which the effect can be exerted, and provides a new phenomenon of ink leakage (which is seen when the cartridge is initially charged or refilled, When the ink having no problem in the ink storage chamber reaches the storage chamber for storing the negative pressure generating member, the ink between the negative pressure generating member and the inner wall of the cartridge is lower than that temporarily held inside the negative pressure generating member. To prevent the air leaking from the opening such as the air communication port or the ink supply port or the sealed area, which is considered to be caused by a large tendency to leak, or to prevent an impact). The filling ink initially or refilled in the ink jet cartridge and the filled ink have a surface tension of 20 dyn / cm to 55 dyn / cm. Preferred. This not only solves this new ink leakage phenomenon, but also improves the smoothness of the gas-liquid interface and minimizes the degree of overall fluctuation in the configuration described above. It is possible to further stabilize by such actions as to be performed.

FIG. 11 shows a method of manufacturing an ink tank as a cartridge used in the present invention. The cartridge main body includes a partition plate 61 to be described later and a wall portion that forms two storage chamber recesses via the partition wall 5 (see FIG. 11). (Cross-sectional oblique line: obliquely downward left), shows a configuration in which the absorber 3 as a negative pressure generating member is inserted into the concave portion on the side of the opening 2 and then integrated with the bottom member 11 as the lid member. I have. FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway schematic view showing a state where the recording head HD is mounted on the ink tank 1. The ink tank is configured by covering the container divided into two rooms by the partition wall 5 with a flat bottom member 11 constituting the bottom of the ink tank. In this way, the same minute communication path 8 as the tip of the partition wall 5 of the container can be formed with the simple configuration of the lid. In addition, the atmosphere communication part 10 is located on the upper surface on the same surface as the surface on which the opening 2 is provided.

On the other hand, the head has a joint 7 serving as a supply pipe inserted into the opening of the ink tank for attachment. The joint 7 has an oblique structure in which the upper part in the drawing is forward from the lower part. Further, the ink flow path inside the joint has a horn structure that opens upward. With such a structure, ink from the absorber can be favorably introduced to the head side.

The ink jet recording apparatus includes a heating element 72 as a means for generating thermal energy as energy used for discharging ink from the discharge port 71 of the nozzle 73, and causes a change in the state of the ink by the thermal energy. In the recording apparatus having the recording head HD of the system, the recording density can be increased and the definition can be further improved, especially for color recording, by the effect of stabilizing the ink supply.

As described above, the replaceable ink cartridge used in the present invention maintains a high reliability even in the case of independent distribution, and has a simple structure and a high ink use efficiency that can detect the remaining amount of ink. Become.

In addition, a replaceable ink cartridge that maintains an appropriate negative pressure during printing and non-printing from the beginning of use to the end of use to support high-speed printing and that does not leak ink even under the use environment conditions of the inkjet printing apparatus. Become.

Furthermore, the replaceable ink cartridge has good handleability, does not leak ink even when it is attached to or detached from the ink jet recording apparatus, and has no mounting error operation to the ink jet recording apparatus.

Additionally, a method of manufacturing the ink cartridge will be described. It has a negative pressure generating member storage chamber containing the above-described absorber and a communication section 8 as a minute communication section, but has an ink storage chamber having a substantially closed structure in which ink is discharged for the first time by exchanging gas and liquid. Are integrally molded, ink is filled from the opening 21 of the lid member 11 on the ink storage chamber side. Thus, when the ink is filled in the ink storage chamber, the negative pressure generating member 4 itself is also supplied with the ink from the minute communication portion, and the ink is supplied to a considerable range.

Here, the negative pressure generating member in the vicinity of the atmosphere communication portion is provided as a region where ink is not supplied and ink is not retained. Thereafter, the opening 21 is sealed with the ball 22 and the opening 2 and the atmosphere communication portion 10 are sealed with the same sealing member S (may be different).

FIG. 12 shows the pre-use ink jet cartridge in this state. In this figure, it is assumed that ink is filled in the ink storage chamber 6.

FIG. 12 shows the ink-jet cartridge 1 in a sealed state and a schematic view of a printer using the same. In the ink jet cartridge 1, a negative pressure generator region 3A located near the atmosphere communication portion 10 is provided at an upper corner of the cartridge as a region not holding ink. The negative pressure generator region 3B located below the region 3A is a compressible region that is compressed and deformed by inserting an ink supply pipe (not shown). Negative pressure generators other than these areas 3A and 3B hold the filled ink without any other external influence. Of course, the region 3B is a region facing the ink supply tube mounting opening 2 provided on the same surface below the atmosphere communication portion 10. In addition, the opening 2 is located above the minute communication portion 8 and has all of the above-described features of the present invention.

The cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 12 can be used by removing the seal member S described above. However, since the area 3A does not hold ink, even if there is a vibration or pressure change at the time of removing the seal, the ink can be used. Does not leak.

In the present embodiment, regardless of the storage state or use state of the ink cartridge, as a technical point of view to clear the conventional technical level, the area near the air communication portion of the negative pressure generating member is set as an area not holding ink. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the ink in the ink cartridge from leaking from the air communication portion with respect to the fluctuation of the environmental condition. In particular, when the seal member seals the air communication portion, the seal member has an effect of preventing the seal member from peeling off. In addition, in the use state, this region has an effect that the air can be efficiently supplied into the cartridge in a required amount, and a change in the negative pressure in the ink jet cartridge is suppressed. It is preferable that the area near the air communication portion is free from ink at all because the permeation speed of the ink itself can be further reduced, but it may be an area where the ink is removed after the ink is wetted in advance. .

Further, in the present embodiment, a compression (or compressible) region of the negative pressure generator by the ink supply opening or the supply pipe exists on the side facing the partition wall forming the minute communication portion. With this configuration, it is possible to secure a substantial ink supply path in which the ink in the second storage chamber is stable in the negative pressure generating body, and to stabilize the ink supply path, the ink supply opening is formed on the lower surface of the ink cartridge by the micro communication section. Above. The effect of this arrangement relation is that the ink movement direction can be substantially constant, all the ink in the second storage chamber can be consumed, and after this consumption, the air in the second storage chamber moves to the opposite opening side. By intervening, as a result, the ink inside the negative pressure generator can be consumed, and the remaining ink can be reduced.

In particular, the area not compressed by the supply pipe of the negative pressure generator and the area compressed by the supply pipe of the negative pressure generator are arranged in this order from the partition wall forming the microcommunication portion toward the side facing this wall. With such a configuration, the above-described one-way ink supply path can be formed in the non-compressed area, and the same effect can be obtained. Further, the remaining ink amount can be further reduced by the ink securing capacity of the compressed area.

The ink jet printer according to the present embodiment has a head recovery means for automatically or manually discharging ink from the inside of the cartridge by suction or discharge by suction means through a head in response to the mounting of the cartridge 1. Has HR. As a result, the ink state in the negative pressure generator can be corrected before printing, so that the original function of the cartridge can be used without being affected by the state of leaving the cartridge.

In FIG. 12, the tank 1 mounted on the inkjet head HB held by the scanning carriage CR is the same as the cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 12 except for the sealing tape described above. In the tank 1 mounted on the carriage, the ink supply pipe of the head passes through the opening 2 to compress and deform the compressible area 3B of the negative pressure generating member 3. In this example, the negative pressure generating member 3 is deformed toward the minute communication portion 8. At this time, the attachment signal LP is input to the printer control means CC by the tank attachment / detachment detection means (not shown because it is substituted by a known mechanical or electrical detection means). In response to this, before the start of recording, the head recovery means HR operates to discharge the ink in the tank 1 and improve the state of the ink in the tank.

FIG. 13 (A) shows a case in which the inner surface of the ink storage chamber of the ink jet cartridge of FIG. 12 is changed to have a space shape 22 which is upwardly convex by the capacity thereof. The inner surface 20 is a curved surface that rises as the distance from the minute communication port 8 increases. The structure of the inner surface 20 supplies minute residual droplets due to the surface tension of the ink to the negative pressure generating member 3 side, and the portion 21 protruding upward serves as a holding portion for the operator, thereby preventing deformation of the tank caused during operation. I do. FIG. 13B shows an oblique arrangement of a partition wall 51 for making the equivalent capacity tank large in the ink storage chamber and making the negative pressure generation unit 3 storage chamber side small.

FIG. 13C shows an example in which the lid member 11 forming the gap 8 with respect to the partition wall 5 shown in the above-described manufacturing method is inserted between the side plates 101 and 100 of the cartridge body and fixed. SE indicates an end of the lid member 11. In the case of FIG. 13C, if the adhesion and fixing vary, the distance SP of the gap 8 is not fixed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13D, it is also preferable to position the spacers 110 that are in contact with the end SE of the partition wall on both sides. The spacer 110 is preferably provided on the lid member 11. Further, the convex portion 30 located within the distance SP of the gap 8 may be provided on the lid member so as to enhance the recovery of air into the ink storage unit.

FIGS. 14 (A) and 14 (B) each show a possible state inclination range of the printing or ink supply state of the embodiment of the ink cartridge used in the present invention, and 40 in the figure indicates a horizontal plane. A more preferable state for the present invention is that the microcommunication portion is located on the lower side, and ideally, it is preferable to be parallel to the horizontal surface 40 on the lower surface of the cartridge. However, in practice, in the case of a two-chamber configuration as in this example, there is no inconvenience in use up to an angle θ of 0 ≦ θ ≦ 15 degrees as shown in FIGS. When it is mounted on the scanning type carriage and moved, the range of 0 ≦ θ ≦ 5 degrees is preferable.

The negative pressure generating member according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of member configurations. However, when an interface between the members (an interface between members) occurs, the movement of the atmosphere occurs there, and inconvenience may easily occur. Therefore, more preferably, the negative pressure generating member is preferably a single porous body.

イ ン ク Also, the ink storage chamber can be substantially included as a chamber for storing ink as long as the ink storage chamber relatively contains a larger amount of ink than the negative pressure generating member storage chamber.

Here, the partition plate 61 in the ink storage chamber, which is also disclosed in the previous embodiment, will be described, and the outer wall surface of the cartridge will be deformed by the load when the user grips the hand and the environmental conditions during distribution, An embodiment will be described in which ink leaks from an orifice of an ink jet recording head, or ink leaks from an air communication port provided in a part of the cartridge to make the pressure in the cartridge equal to that of the atmosphere.

The following examples were made in order to solve the technical problems in the above-described various ink tank tank configurations, and an external force during handling or transportation, and ink leakage due to environmental changes such as temperature and pressure did not occur, Moreover, it is an ink cartridge for ink jet recording with high ink use efficiency.

15A is a perspective sectional view of one embodiment of an ink cartridge used in the present invention, omitting a side wall surface, FIG. 5B is a transverse sectional view of the embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view for explaining distortion of the side wall when a load is applied to the side wall of the embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the ink cartridge main body 1 has an opening 2 for connecting to an ink jet recording head, and an atmosphere communication section 10 provided above the opening 2 for taking in the atmosphere. A negative pressure generating member accommodating portion 4 accommodating a negative pressure generating member 3 for absorbing and holding recording ink, and an ink accommodating portion 6 adjacent to the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion 4 via a rib 5 and accommodating ink. Has become. The ink container 6 and the negative pressure generating member container 4 communicate with each other through a gap 8 provided between the rib 5 and the bottom surface. The side wall is connected to both sides except for the above.

FIG. 16A shows that the joint member 7 for supplying ink to the ink jet recording head is inserted into the opening 2 of the ink cartridge main body 1 of the embodiment and pressed against the negative pressure generating member 3 so that the ink jet recording apparatus can be operated. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the light emitting device is turned off. In addition, a filter may be provided at an end opening of the joint member 7 in order to remove dust in the ink cartridge.

す る と When the ink jet recording apparatus is operated, ink is ejected from the orifice of the ink jet recording head, and an ink suction force is generated in the ink tank. Due to the suction force, the ink 9 passes from the ink container 6 through the gap 8 between the end of the rib 5 and the bottom 11 of the ink cartridge to the negative pressure generating member housing 4 and through the negative pressure generating member 3 to the joint member 7. And supplied to the ink jet recording head. As a result, the pressure inside the ink container 6 that is closed except for the gap 8 is reduced, and a pressure difference is generated between the ink container 6 and the negative pressure generating member container 4. When the recording is continued, the pressure difference continues to rise, but since the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion 4 is open to the atmosphere through the air communication hole 10, the air is released from the negative pressure generating member as shown in FIG. 3, the ink enters the ink container 6 through the gap 8 between the rib 5 and the bottom 11 of the ink cartridge. At this point, the pressure difference between the ink containing section 6 and the negative pressure generating member containing section 4 is eliminated. This operation is repeated during ink jet recording, and a certain negative pressure is obtained in the ink cartridge. Further, almost all of the ink in the ink containing section 6 can be used except for the ink adhering to the wall surface in the ink containing section 6, so that the ink use efficiency is improved (FIG. 16C).

(4) At the time of non-recording, the capillary force of the negative pressure generating member 3 itself (or the meniscus force at the interface between the ink and the negative pressure generating member) is exerted to suppress the leakage of the ink from the ink jet recording head.

Based on the above function, the selection of the negative pressure generating member 3 according to the ink jet recording head to be jointed and the volume ratio of the negative pressure generating member accommodating section 4 and the ink accommodating section 6 show another embodiment in a sectional view of FIG. As described above, a configuration in which the ink storage unit 6 includes the plurality of partition plates 61 may be employed.

Hereinafter, a configuration effective as a measure for improving the strength of the side wall will be described.

It is important for the ink cartridge to have a structure that withstands the external force at the time of hand linking and changes in the environment during distribution, and that increases the efficiency of ink use.

In the embodiment, the side walls 12a, 12b, and 12c of the negative pressure generating member housing section 4 and the ink housing section 6 are configured to have the same amount of displacement with respect to an external force.

For example, the cartridge material is usually a plastic mold, but as shown in FIGS. 15B and 17, the thickness of the side wall surface 12a of the negative pressure generating member housing portion 4 is changed to the side wall surfaces 12b and 12c of the ink housing portion 6. The partition plate (rib) 61 is disposed between the inner surfaces of both side walls, leaving a gap at a lower portion, at a position where the volume of the ink containing portion 6 is equally divided, and the same thickness per unit area. The amount of deformation Δt6 of the wall surface with respect to a large load is reduced, and the changes of the side wall surfaces 12b and 12c on both sides of 61 are made equal. In addition, by making the deformation amount Δt4 of the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion 4 substantially equal, the object of preventing ink leakage due to deformation on the wall surface is achieved.

In the ink cartridge of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15B and 17, the material is polypropylene (PP), and the outer diameter is 48 m / m in length × 35 m in height × 11 m / m in thickness; At approximately the center of m, the heat of the side wall surface 12a of the negative pressure generating member housing portion 4 is 1.5 mm, the heat of the side wall surfaces 12b and 12c of the ink housing portion 6 is 1 mm, and the rib 61 of the ink housing portion 6 is moved from each wall surface. By arranging it at a position of about 10 mm, it was possible to obtain a structure in which a margin twice or more of a load (about 2 kg) during handling was secured. At the same time, sufficient strength can be obtained even with respect to changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature during distribution.

In the embodiment of the ink cartridge used in the present invention, the number of the ribs 61 of the ink containing section 6 is one in view of the size of the tank, but is not limited to one. This can be dealt with by changing the number of ribs, the position, and the thickness of the wall surface, such as providing two ribs 61 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the relationship between the wall thickness of the negative pressure generating member housing portion 4, the thickness of each wall surface investigated for determining the wall thickness of the ink housing portion 6, and ink leakage in the handling and distribution environment. It is.

Increasing the thickness of each wall increases the strength against ink leakage, but in order to satisfy the objective of miniaturization and high ink use efficiency, make the wall as thin as possible, and increase the internal volume by that much. From the data shown in FIG. 20, the thickness of the side wall surface of the negative pressure generating member housing portion 4 was 1.5 mm, and the side wall thickness of the ink housing portion 6 was 1.0 mm.

According to the size of the ink cartridge, the above dimensions can be determined with reference to FIG. 20, and the thickness of the outer wall of the negative pressure generating member housing portion 4 is within a range of 1.2 to 3 times the outer wall thickness of the ink housing portion 6. It is preferred to be composed of

FIG. 33 shows that the replacement ink tank and the recording head are sufficiently coupled to each other and then the replacement ink tank is urged so that the carriage and the recording head can be reliably positioned with a simple configuration. The ones that can be easily exchanged because the tank and the tank are easily connected outside the main body and then mounted on the carriage are described. Also, since the electrical connection between the carriage (printing apparatus mounting body) and the printhead is made simultaneously, the operability when replacing the printhead and the replacement ink tank is good, but the electrical connection is made by a separate connector. It is also possible to use a connection method or the like to increase the degree of freedom in configuration for more reliably positioning the recording head and coupling with the replacement ink tank.

Here, the arrangement and operation of the recording head in the ink jet recording apparatus in FIG. 33 will be described. In FIG. 33, the recording medium P is guided in the horizontal direction using the plantain roller 5000, and is pressed against the plantain 5000 by the paper pressing plate 5002 in the carriage moving direction. The carriage HC is fitted with a carriage moving pin in its spiral groove 5004 and supported and engaged by a lead screw 5005 which operates as a driving source by rotating itself and a slider 5003 arranged in parallel with the lead screw, and the plan is performed. It reciprocates back and forth along the recording surface of the recording medium P guided on the ten rollers 5000. The lead screw 5005 is rotationally driven and controlled in conjunction with forward and reverse rotation of a drive motor via a drive transmission gear.

(4) The image recording signal is sent to the recording head in a timely manner with respect to the movement of the carriage on which the recording head is mounted, and performs recording by discharging ink droplets at predetermined positions.

(3) The ink tank and the ink used in the present invention are particularly effective in the vertical printing posture as shown in FIG. In the vertical printing orientation, the recording medium P is configured to be scanned so that the recording medium P faces the lower surface of the recording head 2010, and the recording medium P is fed and printed in substantially the same plane without being wound around the platen roller 5000. -It is possible to print on a thick and highly rigid recording medium such as a postcard or an OHP sheet because the paper can be discharged. In the vertical printing orientation, the replacement ink tank 2001 is disposed above the ejection portion of the recording head 2010 facing the recording medium P, so that the ink head pressure of the ejection portion is supported while supporting the ink head pressure for that amount. Needs to be maintained at a slight positive pressure, and preferably a slight negative pressure, to stabilize the meniscus of the ink at the ejection portion.

The recording apparatus shown in FIG. 33 is applicable to each of the embodiments described below.

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink jet ink cartridge body of another embodiment used in the present invention, FIG. 22 is a transverse sectional view thereof, and FIG. 23 is a sectional view showing the surface of a rib.

In the ink jet ink cartridge main body 1001, an air introduction groove 1031 and a negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber 1032 are formed in a part of a rib 1005 which is a partition wall between the ink storing portion 1006 and the negative pressure generating member storing portion 1004. .

The air introduction groove 1031 is formed on the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion 1004 side from the middle portion of the rib 1005 to the end of the rib 1005, that is, the gap 1008 between the rib 1005 and the ink cartridge bottom 1011. A negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber 1032 having a hollow shape is formed between the rib 1005 and the negative pressure generating member 1003 in contact with the vicinity of the air introduction groove 1031.

Since the negative pressure generating member 1003 is in contact with the inner surface of the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion 1004, even if the negative pressure generating member 1003 is inserted unevenly, as shown in FIGS. The contact (compression) force of the pressure generating member 1003 is partially reduced. Therefore, when the ink starts to be consumed from the head, the ink impregnated in the negative pressure generating member 1003 is consumed and reaches the negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber 1032. If the ink continues to be consumed thereafter, the air tends to break the ink meniscus from the portion where the contact force of the negative pressure generating member 1003 is reduced by the negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber 1032, and the air is quickly introduced into the air introduction groove 1031. Is introduced to make it easier to control the negative pressure.

In this embodiment, it is particularly desirable to use an elastic porous body as the negative pressure generating member 1003.

(4) During non-recording, the capillary force of the negative pressure generating member 1003 itself (or the meniscus force at the surface of the ink-negative pressure generating member at the sea surface) is exerted to suppress the ink from leaking from the ink jet recording head.

FIGS. 29 to 31 show an example of an ink cartridge without a negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber as a comparative example.

The ink cartridge of the comparative example shown in the drawing operates without any problem in an ideal state based on the above-described operation principle. Needless to say, the operation is more stable than when there is no air introduction groove.

However, more stable control is required in order to realize more industrially stable operation or when using a resin porous body having a communication hole as a negative pressure generating member.

As shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 32, the negative pressure generating member 1003 comes into contact with the rib 1005 and cuts into the air introduction groove 1031. As a result, the pressure contact force (compression force) of the negative pressure generating member 1003 is not reduced in the contact portion A, and the air breaks the ink meniscus in that portion and becomes hard to enter the air introduction groove 1031. As a result, even if the ink continues to be consumed, gas-liquid exchange is not performed, the effect of the air introduction groove 1031 cannot be exerted, and there is a concern that the ink in the ink absorbing portion 1006 is not used and the operation becomes impossible.

異 な り Unlike the comparative example, the embodiment is configured to exhibit excellent effects as described above.

FIG. 24 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing two different cross-sectional shapes of the rib 1005 provided in another embodiment, and FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional shape of the rib.

As shown, the shapes of the air introduction groove 1031 and the negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber 1032 are different from those of the above-described embodiment.

That is, the stepped portion of the rib 1005 which comes into contact with the negative pressure generating member 1003 is chamfered so that the effect of pressure contact and compression relaxation can be more exerted.

空 気 Air is taken into the ink impregnated in the negative pressure generating member 1003 in the vicinity of the rib 1005 on the side of the negative pressure generating member storage portion 1004 on which the chamfering R is applied. Then, the taken air moves to the ink storage unit 1006. With the movement of the air, the ink in the ink storage unit 1006 is supplied to the negative pressure generating member storage unit 1004. A region where air is taken into the ink impregnated in the negative pressure generating member 1003 is a gas-liquid exchange region.

In order to perform the above-described gas-liquid exchange more smoothly, it is preferable to reduce the contact force of the negative pressure generation member 1003 with respect to the negative pressure generation member housing portion 1004 from the upper side of the gas-liquid exchange area to the lower side of the gas-liquid exchange area. This is because air can smoothly move from the gas phase to the ink phase in the capillary of the negative pressure generating member 1003 whose contact force is reduced.

The effect can also be exerted by a configuration in which a partial negative pressure generating member adjustment chamber 1032 is formed at the center of the rib 1005 (the end of the air introduction groove) as shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, for example.

In order to have the same function as the negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber 1032 of the embodiment, it is possible to change the shape of the negative pressure generating member 1003 to cope with it. It may be a dimension.

As described above, according to the present invention, the ink in the ink storage unit and the atmosphere can be gas-liquid exchanged stably and promptly at the time of ink supply, and as a result, the internal pressure in the ink supply unit is stabilized. And high-speed printing is possible with good ejection stability of the recording head.

Further, it has become possible to provide an ink tank that does not cause ink leakage even when the pressure inside the ink tank changes due to changes in the external environment.

Another ink tank 2001 of the present embodiment has an inner surface partitioned into two ink chambers (a, b) and communicated at the bottom, and an ink absorber 2002 having an adjusted capillary force is provided in the ink chamber a of the ink supply unit with a substantially gap. It is a combined ink chamber system with an absorber combined with an air communication section 2003 without packing.

FIG. 34 illustrates the function of the compression absorber as a buffer absorber. The ink in the ink chamber b2006 is expanded from the state shown in FIG. 10 due to the expansion of the air in the ink chamber b2006 due to a decrease in atmospheric pressure or an increase in temperature. This shows a state where the ink has flowed out toward the ink chamber a2004. In this embodiment, the ink that has flowed into the ink chamber a2004 is held by the compression absorber 2003. With respect to the relationship between the ink absorption amount of the compression absorber and the ink chamber, from the viewpoint of preventing the above-described ink leakage at the time of pressure reduction or temperature change, the amount of ink flowing out from the ink chamber b2006 under the worst condition, The maximum ink absorption amount of the ink chamber a2004 is determined in consideration of the amount of ink held in the ink chamber a2004 when the ink is supplied from the chamber b2006, and the ink chamber a has at least a volume enough to accommodate the compression absorber. I can do it.

Conversely, when the atmospheric pressure rises, the difference between the air that is originally reduced in pressure by the ink head pressure above the ink chamber b2006 and the increased atmospheric pressure becomes too large, so that the ink or the atmosphere is drawn into the ink chamber b2006 and However, in such a case, the meniscus of the compressed ink absorber 2003 near the lower end of the ink chamber wall 2005 is broken and air is mainly discharged, as in the case of supplying ink from the ink chamber b2006. Since the ink is introduced into the chamber b2006 and the pressure is balanced, the internal pressure of the ink in the ink supply unit hardly changes, and there is almost no influence on the recording characteristics. In the above example, when the atmospheric pressure returns to the original level, the ink flows out of the ink chamber b2006 into the ink chamber a2004 by the amount of the air introduced into the ink chamber b2006. Since the gas-liquid interface rises temporarily and rises, the internal pressure temporarily becomes slightly positive from the stable period of the ink internal pressure as in the initial stage of use. No problem. The above problem occurs, for example, when a recording apparatus that has been used under reduced pressure at high altitude is moved to and used at low altitude at standard atmospheric pressure, and even in that case, only air is introduced into the ink chamber b2006. In addition, when the ink is moved to a high altitude again and used, the ink internal pressure of the ink supply unit slightly increases only slightly.Furthermore, it is unlikely that the ink will be used in a state significantly higher than the standard atmospheric pressure. This is not a major problem in practical use.

In addition, the ink in the ink chamber a2004 is securely held by the compressed ink absorber 2003 in the ink chamber a2004 from the initial stage of use of the ink tank to immediately before replacement, and the ink chamber b2006 is closed so that the opening (air atmosphere) is closed. There is no leakage of ink from the communication part and the ink supply part), and the handleability is excellent.

Next, the necessary conditions for the structure of the compressed ink absorber and the ink chamber in the ink chamber type compartmentalized ink chamber system of the ink cartridge used in the present invention will be described in detail.

First, regarding the configuration of the ink chamber, the relationship between the ink absorption capacity of the compressed ink absorber 2003 and the volume of the ink chamber is determined from the viewpoint of preventing the ink from leaking at the time of pressure reduction or temperature change described above. The maximum ink absorption capacity of the ink chamber a2004 is determined in consideration of the amount of ink leakage under the worst condition from the ink chamber and the amount of ink held in the ink chamber a2004 when ink is supplied from the ink chamber b2006. In consideration of the ink absorption rate, it is sufficient that the ink chamber a2004 has at least a volume for accommodating the compressed ink absorber 2003 corresponding to the ink absorption rate.

Next, the size of the communicating portion between the ink chambers formed at the lower end portion of the ink chamber wall 2005 is at least as large as the ink in the ink chamber b2006 whose upper part is closed cannot form a meniscus at the communicating portion. This is the first condition, and furthermore, the characteristics such as the viscosity of the ink are taken into consideration in accordance with the maximum ink supply speed from the ink supply unit (the ink supply speed at the time of suction by the recording apparatus main body or at the time of solid printing). What is necessary is just to have an opening enough to perform a gas-liquid exchange. However, as described above, when the ink upper surface of the remaining ink in the ink chamber b2006 becomes lower than the lower end of the ink chamber wall 2005, the ink internal pressure of the ink supply unit temporarily changes in the positive direction. What is necessary is just to set so that the influence on the ink discharge characteristics of the recording head is reduced.

As described in the description of the operation of the ink tank, in the present ink-combined divided ink chamber system, the compressed ink absorber 2003 near the ink chamber wall holds the ink internal pressure of the ink supply unit. In order to maintain a desired internal pressure during ink supply, it is necessary to adjust the capillary force of the compressed ink absorber 2003 near the lower end of the ink chamber wall 2005. That is, the compression force or the initial pore size may be set so that the capillary force of the compressed ink absorber 2003 near the lower end of the ink chamber wall 2005 can generate the necessary ink internal pressure during recording. For example, the internal pressure of the ink required in the ink supply unit may be minus h (mmaq), and the compressed ink absorber 2003 near the lower end of the ink chamber wall 2005 may have a capillary force capable of pulling up the ink hmm. If the structure of the ink body 2003 is simplified, the density of the ink is ρ, the surface tension of the ink is γ, the contact angle between the ink absorber and the ink is θ, and the gravitational acceleration is g. The hole radius P1 is
P1 = 2γ cos θ / ρgh
Is fine.

While the ink is supplied from the ink chamber b2006, if the gas-liquid interface of the ink in the ink chamber a2004 becomes lower than the upper end of the ink supply section, the atmosphere is supplied to the recording head side. The gas-liquid interface near the supply unit must be maintained at least at a position higher than the upper end of the ink supply unit. That is, the compressed ink absorber 2003 at the upper part of the ink supply part has a gas-liquid interface setting position (imm) higher than the upper end of the ink supply part from the lower surface of the ink tank in addition to hmm corresponding to the ink internal pressure required at the ink supply part. , That is, a capillary force that pulls up the ink to a height of (h + i) mm. It is considered that the configuration of the compressed ink absorber is simplified in the same manner as described above.
P2 = 2γ cos θ / ρg (h + i)
Is fine. In the above equation, the height (imm) of the gas-liquid interface immediately above the ink supply unit may be a position higher than the upper end of the ink supply unit, and the compressed ink absorber 2003 further inside the ink chamber a2004 faces the ink chamber wall. Whether the ink pulling force (capillary force) is gradually reduced (for the same absorber, the pore portion radius P3 is gradually increased) so that the gas-liquid interface is gradually set (FIG. 35). The capillary force of the compressed ink absorber 2003 may be reduced only in the vicinity of the ink chamber wall 2005 (FIG. 36), and the capillary force at the lower end of the ink chamber wall 2005 (P1 if the same absorber) may be connected.

When the stable ink supply from the ink chamber b2006 is performed, the capillary force of the compressed ink absorber 2003 in the portion below the gas-liquid interface in the compressed ink absorber 2003 causes the ink tank to impact or tilt, or The capillary force may be adjusted as long as no special external force such as a rapid temperature change is applied. However, even after all of the external force and the ink in the ink chamber b2006 are consumed, the remaining ink in the ink chamber a2004 is supplied. In order to perform the ink supply, the capillary force (pore radius P4) is set to gradually increase toward the ink supply unit from the capillary force (pore radius P1) at the lower end of the ink chamber wall 2005. The capillary force of the portion may be maximized (pore portion radius P5) (FIG. 37). That is, the adjustment of the capillary force should be at least (lower end of the ink chamber wall) <(immediately above the ink supply section).
And more preferably,
(Lower end of ink chamber wall) <(lower middle of ink chamber) <(upper middle of ink chamber)
<(Directly above the ink supply unit) <(ink supply unit)
Is fine.

Further, considering simplified using the same compressed ink absorber 2003, the radius of the pore portion is at least
P1> P2
And more preferably,
P1> (P3, P4)> (P2, P5)
Is fine. The relationship between P3 and P4, and the relationship between P2 and P5 may be P3> P4 or P2> P5, or P3 = P4 and P2 = P5 according to the distribution setting of the compression ratio.

FIGS. 35 to 37 show preferred compression ratio distributions in the present embodiment as an example for realizing the above relationship by adjusting the compression ratio with the same compressed ink absorber 2003. FIG. A351, A361, and A371 indicate gas-liquid interfaces, and arrows A352, A362, and A372 indicate how the compression ratio of the compressed ink absorber changes from a smaller one to a larger one.

As Comparative Example 3, when the capillary force of the compressed ink absorber 2003 on the ink supply unit side is not stronger than that near the ink chamber wall, the lower end of the ink chamber wall 2005 is consumed in a state where the ink is consumed to some extent from the ink chamber a2004. A gas-liquid interface A381 is formed in the vicinity, and the communicating portion between the ink chamber a2004 and the ink chamber b2006 is located on the gas phase side. In this case, the ink in the ink chamber b2006 cannot be supplied, and the air A382 introduced from the air communication unit 2013 is directly supplied from the ink supply unit to the recording head, and the ink tank becomes unusable at that time.

Next, the present inventors have studied the physical properties required for the ink preferably used for the ink tanks of the above embodiments.

Preferable ink It is desirable that the interface A351 in the negative pressure generating member is stable against vibration of the ink tank, and that the gas-liquid interface exhibits stable behavior against environmental changes.

(4) Ink used in the ink tank of the present invention will be described below.

基本 The basic structure of the ink is at least composed of water, a colorant, and a water-soluble organic solvent.

望 ま し い As the water-soluble organic solvent, those having high compatibility with water, low volatility, low viscosity and high safety to the human body are desirable, but are not limited to a very small amount. Specific examples are described below. Amides such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide, ketones such as acetone, ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane, polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethylene glycol, Alkylene glycols such as 1,2,6-hexanetriol, thiodiglycol, hexylene glycol and diethylene glycol; lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether and triethylene glycol monomethyl ether; ethanol , Monohydric alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol, etc., glycerin, N-methyl-2-pyrroli , 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, triethanolamine, sulfolane, dimethyl sulfoxide, cyclohexanol, etc. are used. The content of the water-soluble organic solvent is not particularly limited, 80% by weight is a preferred range. The colorant used in the present invention may be a dye or a pigment. As the dye, a water-soluble acid dye, direct dye, basic dye, reactive dye and the like are preferably used. The content of the dye is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 0.1% by weight to 20% by weight based on the total amount of the ink.

It is desirable to further include a surfactant as a surface tension adjusting agent. Examples of the surfactant include anionic surfactants such as fatty acid salts, higher alcohol sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, higher alcohol phosphates, and cationic surfactants such as aliphatic amine salts and quaternary ammonium salts. Higher alcohol ethylene oxide adduct, alkylphenol ethylene oxide adduct, aliphatic ethylene oxide adduct, polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester ethylene oxide adduct, higher alkylamine ethylene oxide adduct, fatty acid amide ethylene oxide adduct, polypropylene glycol ethylene oxide adduct Surfactants, nonionic surfactants such as fatty acid esters of polyhydric alcohols and fatty acid amides of alkanolamines, and amino acid type and betaine type amphoteric surfactants.

More preferably, an ethylene oxide adduct of acetylene glycol is used.

Furthermore, the number of moles of the ethylene oxide adduct is particularly preferably in the range of 4 to 20.

The amount of the surfactant is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 10% by weight. It goes without saying that the means for controlling the surface tension can be performed with the above-mentioned water-soluble organic solvent.

Other additives such as a viscosity adjuster, a pH adjuster, a preservative, and an antioxidant may be added as necessary.

１〜 The viscosity of the ink is preferably 1 to 20 cp. The surface tension of the ink must be between 20 dyne / cm and 55 dyne / cm, more preferably between 25 dyne / cm and 50 dyne / cm. When the surface tension of the ink is in this range, the phenomenon that the meniscus in the head orifice is broken and the ink overflows from the head orifice during non-printing does not occur.

The amount of ink to be filled in the ink cartridge is arbitrary up to the internal volume of the ink cartridge, but may be filled up to the volume limit in the ink container in order to maintain a negative pressure immediately after opening the ink cartridge. Preferably, the amount of ink filling the negative pressure generating member is set to be equal to or less than the limit of the ink holding force of the negative pressure generating member. Incidentally, the ink holding force in the present invention refers to the ability to hold ink in a unit of a member when the negative pressure generating member is impregnated with ink.

Next, the sample of this example and the comparative sample will be described.

(4) The dye was mixed with a mixture of water and a water-soluble organic solvent while stirring, and after stirring for 4 hours, a predetermined amount of a surfactant was added, and the mixture was filtered through a filter to remove dust.

Thereafter, each ink was filled in the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 11 and recording was performed using the apparatus shown in FIG.

処方 The formulas, physical properties and recording results of each ink are shown below.

Next, the surface tension of a typical water-soluble organic solvent at 20 to 30 ° C is shown.

Ethanol (22 dyne / cm), isopropanol (22 dyne / cm), cyclohexanol (34 dyne / cm), glycerin (63 dyne / cm), diethylene glycol (49 dyne / cm), diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (35 dyne / cm), triethylene glycol (35 dyne / cm) / Cm), 2-pyrrolidone (47 dyne / cm), N-methylpyrrolidone (41 dyne / cm)
A desired surface tension is obtained by mixing these solvents and water.

Next, a method for controlling the surface tension of the ink using a surfactant will be described.

For example, in the case of sorbitan monolaurate, 28 dyne / cm can be obtained by adding 1% to water, and in the case of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, 35 dyne / cm can be obtained by adding 1% to water. With acetylenol EH (EO adduct of acetylene glycol), 28 dyne / cm can be obtained by adding 1% or more. Further, when a low surface tension is required, a fluorine surfactant such as Surflon S-145 (perfluoroalkyl EO adduct manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.) can obtain 17 dyne / cm at 0.1% with respect to water. However, since the surface tension is slightly changed by other additives, it is appropriately adjusted.

Further, as described above, it is considered that the design of the ink buffer should be performed in consideration of the maximum amount of leaked ink. However, the effect of the ink buffer largely depends on not only its capacity but also the surface tension at the interface of the ink. Was obtained as a result of intensive studies.

イ ン ク Among inks for ink jet recording apparatuses, those to which a surfactant is added have been proposed. This type of ink is very fast fixing to plain paper such as copy paper and bond paper. In color recording, even if ink recording areas of different colors are adjacent to each other, improper mixing of colors (border bleed or bleed) And has the feature of uniform coloring (less color unevenness). One composition example is shown below.

When this type of ink is used, as shown in FIG. 34, the ink in the ink chamber b2006 is pushed out toward the ink chamber a2004 due to the expansion of the air in the ink chamber b2006 due to a decrease in atmospheric pressure or an increase in temperature. Sometimes, the ink was not absorbed by the absorber 2003 of the ink chamber a2004 and leaked out of the ink cartridge.

As described above, when the ink is supplied from the ink chamber b2006, the gas-liquid interface of the ink in the ink chamber a2004 is caused by the water head pressure from the ejection portion of the recording head, the pressure reduction in the ink chamber b2006, and the absorption of the compressed ink. The capillary force of the body is maintained at a height that is balanced. Assuming that the average ink height at the gas-liquid interface of the ink chamber a2004 at this time is H, if there is an outflow of ink from the ink chamber b2006 due to a decrease in atmospheric pressure or an increase in temperature, the ink in the ink chamber a2004 will be charged. The height of the ink at the liquid interface must be higher by h and can be absorbed and held.

In an example of the present embodiment, the total height of the ink chamber was 3 cm, and the volumes of the ink chambers a2004 and b2006 were 6 cc. In the initial state of the ink chamber b2006, the ink chamber a2004 was filled with ink, and the ink chamber a2004 contained a compression absorber 2003 (polyurethane foam), and was initially filled with 4 cc of ink (total ink amount 10 cc). . The porosity of the absorber is 95% or more. Assuming that all the voids of the absorber are filled with ink, the ink chamber a2004 can be filled with nearly 6 cc of ink. First, in this ink tank, the ink from the ink chamber a2004 starts to be consumed, and after a while, the ink in the ink chamber b2006 starts to be consumed. The reduced pressure in the ink chamber b2006 and the capillary force of the compressed ink absorber are maintained at a balanced height. Since the height of the gas-liquid interface at this time was about 1.5 cm on average, the ink amount in the ink chamber a2004 was about 3 cc if almost all the voids of the absorber were filled with ink. it is conceivable that. Here, when the maximum pressure reduction condition of the atmospheric pressure is 0.7 atm, 1.8 cc, which is about 30% of the volume of the ink chamber b2006, may flow out. Therefore, about 3 cc + 1.8 cc (ink (Liquid level height: about 2.4 cm). When the maximum pressure reduction condition is 0.5 atm, 3 cc, which is about 50% of the volume of the ink chamber b2006, may flow out. Therefore, about 3 cc + 3 cc (the ink liquid level is about 3 cm) in the ink chamber a2004. ) It must be able to absorb and retain. That is, it is necessary that the ink chamber a2004 can fill at least the volume of the absorber itself, the amount of ink originally in the ink chamber a, and the amount of ink flowing out of the ink chamber b2006. Therefore, the inner volume of the ink chamber a2004 greatly changes depending on the estimation of the amount of ink flowing out from the ink chamber b2006.

The ink holding height H of the porous absorber is generally considered to be expressed by a capillary force formula. The surface tension of the ink is γ, the contact tube between the ink and the ink absorber is θ, the density of the ink is ρ, Assuming that the weight acceleration is g and the average pore radius of the ink absorber is r,
H = 2γ cos θ / ρgr
It becomes.

Accordingly, in order to increase the ink holding height H so that more ink can be absorbed and held, the surface tension of the ink must be increased or the contact angle θ between the ink and the ink absorber must be reduced (cos It is considered that θ should be increased).

Decreasing the contact angle θ between the ink and the ink absorber means that the ink is very easy to leak into the absorber, and a surfactant is generally used as a penetrant.

In the case of the ink of working composition a, the surface tension was as small as about 30 dyn / cm due to the addition of the surfactant, but it is considered that the leakage between the absorber and the ink was improved and the permeability was extremely improved. . Thus, it can be said that there is an effect of improving the leak property of the ink rather than the surface tension.

Examples of the penetrant include anionic surfactants such as aerosol OT type, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, and sodium lauryl sulfate; ethylene alcohol adducts of higher alcohols represented by the following general formula [1]; An ethylene oxide adduct of an alkyl phenol, an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer represented by the following general formula [3], and an ethylene oxide adduct of an acetylene glycol represented by the following general formula [4] Nonionic surfactants such as are excellent.

However, the above-mentioned anionic surfactants have high foaming power and are inconvenient to handle, and image characteristics such as bleeding, boundary uniformity, color uniformity and feathering are more nonionic than anionic surfactants. Since the surfactant was better, a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula was used in this example.

Here, n is preferably 6 to 14 in the general formulas [1] and [2], and R is preferably one having 5 to 26 carbon atoms. In the general formulas [3] and [4], it is desirable that m + n is 6 to 14.

Among the ethylene oxide-type nonionic surfactants listed above, the ethylene oxide adduct of acetylene glycol has a very good balance in terms of absorption to the ink absorber, image characteristics on the recording medium, and ejection characteristics from the recording head. Good and preferred. Furthermore, hydrophilicity and permeability of this compound are controlled by the number m + n of ethylene oxide to be added. When m + n is less than 6, the permeability is good, but the water solubility is poor and the solubility in ink is not good. Conversely, if the number of added ethylene oxides is too large, the hydrophilicity becomes too large and the osmotic power becomes small. If m + n is greater than 14, the permeability is reduced, and the increased amount of addition is not effective, but rather adversely affects the ejection characteristics. Thus, the compound preferably has an ethylene oxide addition number of between 6 and 14.

は The addition amount of these nonionic surfactants is preferably 0.1 to 20% by weight. If the content is less than 0.1%, the image characteristics and the permeability are not sufficient. If the content is more than 20%, no further effect is obtained, and the cost and the reliability as ink are rather disadvantageous.

One or more of these nonionic surfactants may be used in combination.

In addition, the ink component is generally a dye as a recording agent, a low-volatile organic solvent such as a polyhydric alcohol for the purpose of preventing clogging, and a foaming stability and a fixing property on a recording medium. Organic solvents such as alcohols are added as needed.

Examples of the water-soluble organic solvent that forms the ink of the embodiment include polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol; ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1.2.6-hexane. Alkylene glycols having an alkylene group containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms such as triol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol; glycerin; ethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl (or ethyl) ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether, etc. Lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols: methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol , Sec-butyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, benzene alcohol, cyclohexanol and the like; amides such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide; ketone or ketone alcohols such as acetone and diacetone alcohol; tetrahydrofuran; Ethers such as dioxane; and nitrogen-containing cyclic compounds such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrroliton and 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone. These water-soluble organic solvents can be contained in an amount that does not deteriorate image characteristics and ejection reliability. It is preferably a polyhydric alcohol or an alkyl ether of a polyhydric alcohol, and the content thereof is preferably from 1 to 30% by weight.

At this time, it is preferable that the pure amount in the ink used in the present embodiment is between 50 and 90%.

染料 The dyes used in this embodiment include direct dyes, acid dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, disperse dyes and vat dyes. The content of these dyes is determined depending on the type of the liquid medium component, the characteristics required for the ink, the ejection amount of the recording head, and the like. It is in the range of 15% by weight, preferably 1 to 7% by weight.

吐出 It was found that the addition of thiodiglycol or urea (or a derivative thereof) to the ink significantly improved the ejection characteristics and the effect of preventing clogging (fixation). It is considered that these additions improve the solubility of the dye in the ink. The content of thiodiglycol or urea (or a derivative thereof) is preferably 1 to 30% by weight, and can be added as needed.

The main components of the ink of the present embodiment are as described above, but in addition, viscosity modifiers such as polyvinyl alcohol, celluloses, and water-soluble resins; pH modifiers such as diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and buffer; Agents and the like can be added as needed as long as the object of the present invention is not hindered.

In addition, in order to prepare an ink used for an ink jet recording apparatus of the type that charges the ink, a specific resistance adjuster such as an inorganic salt such as lithium chloride, ammonium chloride, and sodium chloride is added.

The present invention brings about an excellent effect particularly in an ink jet type recording head recording apparatus in which a flying liquid is formed by utilizing thermal energy and recording is performed among ink jet recording apparatuses.

With respect to the typical configuration and principle, it is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to the sheet or the channel holding the liquid (ink). By applying at least one drive signal to the electrothermal transducer that corresponds to the recorded information and giving a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling, the thermal energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and the recording is performed. This is effective because film boiling occurs on the heat-acting surface of the head, and as a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal one-to-one can be formed. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are immediately and appropriately performed, and therefore, the ejection of the liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable.

駆 動 As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,324 of the invention relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (the linear liquid flow path or the right-angle liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, the heat acting section No. 4,558,333 and US Pat. No. 4,459,600, which disclose a configuration in which is disposed in a bending region.

In addition, JP-A-59-123670 which discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal transducer for a plurality of electrothermal transducers, and an aperture for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy. A configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to a discharge unit, may be employed.

Further, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, the length is satisfied by a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above specification. Either the configuration or the configuration as one recording head integrally formed may be used.

In addition, a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be electrically connected to the device main body and supplied with ink from the device main body by being attached to the device main body, or ink that is integrated with the recording head itself A cartridge type recording head provided with a tank may be used.

(4) It is preferable to add recovery means for the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specific examples include capping means for the print head, pressurizing or suction means, preheating means using an electrothermal converter or a heating element different from this, or a combination thereof, and ejection different from printing. Is also effective for performing stable printing.

Further, the printing mode of the printing apparatus is not limited to a printing mode of only a mainstream color such as black, and may be a printing head integrally configured or a combination of a plurality of printing heads. The device may be provided with at least one of the full colors.

In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid.However, an ink that solidifies at room temperature or below and softens at room temperature, or is a liquid, or in the above-described inkjet method, Generally, the temperature of the ink itself is controlled within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. Anything should do.

In addition, positively prevent temperature rise due to thermal energy by using it as energy for changing the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or use ink that solidifies in a standing state to prevent evaporation of the ink. In any case, the ink is liquefied by the application of the thermal energy according to the recording signal, and the thermal energy such as the one that is ejected as a liquid ink and the one that already starts to solidify when reaching the recording medium. The use of inks that liquefy for the first time is also applicable to the present invention. In such a case, as described in JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-71260, the ink is held in a liquid state or a solid state in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet. It is good also as a form which opposes an electrothermal transducer. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, as a form of the recording device according to the present invention, in addition to those provided integrally or separately as an image output terminal of an information processing device such as a word processor or a computer as described above, a copying device combined with a reader or the like, Further, it may take the form of a facsimile machine having a transmission / reception function.

イ ン ク ジ ェ ッ ト The inkjet cartridge used in the present invention described above has the advantages of each configuration due to the configuration described above.

According to the present invention, in order to maintain these advantages and reduce the running cost and save resources of the ink cartridge, ink refilling is performed from the second storage chamber, and the ink refilling port is sealed with a sealing member. An ink refill ink jet cartridge characterized by the following. This will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 38 shows an embodiment of the ink cartridge used in the present invention, and shows a state where the ink in the second storage chamber is consumed. An ink refilling port 21 is opened by a conventionally known means in a part of the second storage chamber of the ink cartridge in which the ink in the second storage chamber has been consumed. It is not impossible to fill the ink from the first storage chamber without opening the ink refill port in the second storage chamber. However, in the ink cartridge used in the present invention, the ink is supplied to the minute communication portion due to its configuration. When the meniscus is formed, the second storage chamber has a hermetic structure, so that even if there is a space in the second storage chamber, the ink cannot be re-injected any further, and the first storage chamber is closed. Ink leaks from the opening. Therefore, in the present invention, it is important to install the re-ink filling port 21 in the second storage chamber. The ink refilling may be performed at any time. However, in consideration of the function of the ink cartridge after the ink refilling, it is preferable to perform the ink refilling while the ink remains in the second storage chamber. . This is due to the configuration of the ink cartridge used in the present invention. Also, in consideration of the efficiency of ink refilling and leakage of ink remaining in the second storage chamber, it is more preferable immediately before the ink in the second storage chamber is exhausted.

FIG. 39 is a sectional view showing a state where the ink refilling port is opened. The installation portion of the ink refill port may be any position as long as it is the second storage portion. However, considering the ease of ink injection and ink leakage from the ink refill port at the time of reuse, 31a and 31a in FIG. It is preferable to be at the upper part of the ink cartridge as in 31b. There is no particular limitation on the shape or number. FIG. 40 shows a state in which the ink 9 is refilled by taking an example in which one ink refilling port is opened at 31a in FIG. The refilling of the ink can be performed by any means (for example, the ink is drawn into a device such as a syringe, and the ink is injected from the ink refilling port). Thereafter, the ink refilling port opened in the second storage chamber is sealed with a sealing member 41 as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 so that the second storage chamber has a substantially sealed structure. This completes the ink refilling of the present invention, but another feature of the present invention appears when the ink cartridge is reused. That is, as described above, in the ink cartridge used in the present invention, the second storage chamber maintains a certain negative pressure state (depressurized state) during use, and another member of the sealed ink refilling port is more firmly fixed. In order to prevent the opening from being attracted to the ink cartridge.

The sealing member of the ink refilling port can be plugged with a conventionally known material such as metal, plastic, or rubber having elasticity. It is preferable to provide a plug integral with the ink cartridge as shown in FIG. 44, since it is possible to save the user from refilling the ink. Further, in order to further exert the above-described effects, it is preferable that the polymer member has tackiness (for example, a conventionally known adhesive, adhesive, sealing agent, or the like).

Further, in order to realize the above-described function and enable the ink cartridge to be reused, the sealing member is a sheet member having an adhesive (for example, an adhesive tape, a seal tape, etc.) as shown in FIG. 43A. Is more preferred.

Further, the ink refilling port is sealed as shown in FIG. 43b to develop the above-described operation, enable the ink cartridge to be reused, and reinforce the airtightness of the second storage chamber. It is preferable that the sealing be performed on a surface other than the surface where the filling port exists. It goes without saying that the sealing is not limited to the illustrated form, and any form does not depart from the present invention.

As described above, the opening of the ink refilling port can be implemented by a conventionally known means, but a simpler means is exemplified. FIG. 2 shows an ink refilling container 48 having an accordion structure having an ink injection nozzle filled with the ink 9 and a jig 49 for forming an ink refilling port. The ink refill port is formed in the second storage chamber as shown in FIG. It is formed as shown in FIGS. 47a and 47b using a jig (pin shape, drill blade shape, etc.). FIG. 47a illustrates an example in which an opening larger than the outer diameter of the ink injection nozzle is formed, and FIG. 47b illustrates an example in which two openings that are equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ink injection nozzle are formed. . In any case, when refilling the ink, the ink is preferably charged into the second storage chamber.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of an ink container of an embodiment used in the present invention in a cutaway manner. It is a schematic cross section of FIG. (A), (b), (c) is an explanatory view of a connection example of an ink cartridge and a supply pipe used in the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a comparative example for explaining more preferable conditions of the ink cartridge used in the present invention. (A), (b), (c) is an explanatory view of an ink supply unit. (A), (b), (c) is an explanatory view for explaining the positional relationship between the ink supply unit and the minute communication unit. (A)-(f) is an explanatory view of a configuration of a minute communication portion. (A)-(h) is a figure explanatory drawing of the micro communication part side end part of a partition wall. (A)-(f) is an explanatory view of an absorber end state near a partition wall. (A)-(d) is a state explanatory view inside an absorber with respect to an environmental change. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing an ink cartridge used in the present invention and an inkjet head. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of an ink jet cartridge used in the present invention and an ink jet printer using the same. FIGS. 4A to 4D are diagrams illustrating a modified example of a main part of an ink cartridge used in the present invention. FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views illustrating a tiltable range of a use state of an ink cartridge used in the present invention. (A), (B) is an explanatory view of the shape of an optimal embodiment of the ink cartridge used in the present invention. 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams sequentially showing changes in the recording state of the ink cartridge used in the present invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a pressure state on an outer wall of an ink cartridge used in the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the ink cartridge used in the present invention. (A), (B) is a perspective view showing a color tank configuration of the ink cartridge used in the present invention. 5 is a graph showing a correlation between a wall thickness of an ink cartridge used in the present invention and ink leakage due to external pressure deformation. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of the ink cartridge used in the present invention. FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ink cartridge body of FIG. 21. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge body showing the rib surface of FIG. 21. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge body showing another rib surface. It is an expanded cross-sectional view which shows the cross-sectional shape of another rib. FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view of a replaceable ink cartridge main body according to another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a replaceable ink cartridge body according to another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge body showing another rib surface. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge body of a comparative example. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge body of a comparative example. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge body showing a rib surface of a comparative example. It is an expanded cross-sectional view which shows the cross-sectional shape of the rib of a comparative example. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a vertical printing posture. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a leak ink buffer function of a compressed ink absorber in an ink chamber a. 9 shows an example of a compression ratio distribution of another compressed ink absorber. 36 shows a different example of the compression ratio distribution of the compressed ink absorber of FIG. 36 shows a different example of the compression distribution of the compressed ink absorber of FIG. 35. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view after the use of the ink cartridge used in the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of an opening of a second storage chamber of an ink cartridge used in the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining refilling of the ink cartridge of the present invention with ink. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining sealing of an unsealing portion after refilling ink in the ink cartridge of the present invention. FIG. 42 is a schematic perspective view of FIG. 41. (A), (b) is a schematic sectional view for demonstrating sealing of the opening part after refilling of the ink of this invention. (A), (b) is a schematic sectional view for demonstrating sealing of the opening part after refilling of the ink of this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the ink refilling method of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an opening of an ink refilling port of the present invention. (A), (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the ink refilling port of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

2 Ink supply port 3,1003 Negative pressure generating member 4,1004 First storage chamber (negative pressure generating member storage section)
10a Atmosphere communication hole 21 Ink refill port 22 Plug 1005 Rib 1006 Second storage chamber (ink storage section)
1008 Gap 1013 Atmosphere communication part

Claims (12)

A first storage chamber in which an ink absorber is stored and which has an air communication section and an ink supply section, and directly communicates with the first storage chamber via the communication section to supply ink to the first storage chamber. An ink container having a second storage chamber forming a space for storing the ink container,
An ink refill port for supplying ink from the outside to the second storage chamber is opened, and after refilling ink with an ink refill device provided with ink for refill from the ink refill port, It is configured by sealing the ink refilling port with a sealing member,
The ink absorber in the first storage chamber includes an ink holding area holding ink including an area facing the communication section and the ink supply section, and an ink holding area between the ink holding area and the atmosphere communication section. An ink container that does not hold ink. 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the ink refilling opening means newly forming an opening in the second storage chamber. 3. 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the ink refilling port removes a removable sealing member attached to a pre-existing opening. 4. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is any one of a metal, a plastic, a rubber having elasticity, and a sheet body. 5. A first storage chamber in which an ink absorber is stored and which has an air communication section and an ink supply section, and directly communicates with the first storage chamber via the communication section to supply ink to the first storage chamber. Preparing an ink container having a second storage chamber forming a space for storing the ink container;
Opening an ink refilling port for supplying ink from outside to the second storage chamber;
A step of refilling the ink with an ink refilling device provided with the ink for refilling from the ink refilling port,
Sealing the ink refilling port with a sealing member after the step of refilling the ink, and bringing the second storage chamber into a sealed state with respect to the outside;
It is configured with
The ink absorber in the first storage chamber includes an ink holding area holding an ink including an area facing the communication section and the ink supply section, and an ink holding area and an air communication section. A method for manufacturing an ink tank, wherein there is an area that does not hold ink between them. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the step of opening the ink refill opening is a step of forming a new opening in the second storage chamber. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the step of opening the ink refill port is a step of removing a removable sealing member attached to the ink refill port that is present beforehand. Manufacturing method of ink tank. 8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the sealing member is any one of metal, plastic, rubber having elasticity, and a sheet. A first storage chamber in which an ink absorber is stored and which has an air communication section and an ink supply section, and directly communicates with the first storage chamber via the communication section to supply ink to the first storage chamber. An ink container having a second storage chamber forming a space for storing the ink container,
Two openings for supplying ink from outside to the second storage chamber are opened, and the opening is refilled with ink using the opening, and then the opening is sealed with a sealing member. It is configured by sealing with
The ink absorber in the first storage chamber includes an ink holding area holding ink including an area facing the communication section and the ink supply section, and an ink holding area between the ink holding area and the atmosphere communication section. An ink container that does not hold ink. A first storage chamber in which an ink absorber is stored and which has an air communication section and an ink supply section, and directly communicates with the first storage chamber via the communication section to supply ink to the first storage chamber. Preparing an ink container having a second storage chamber forming a space for storing the ink container;
Opening two openings used to supply ink from outside to the second storage chamber;
Refilling the second storage chamber with ink using the opening;
Sealing the opening with a sealing member after the step of refilling the ink, and sealing the second storage chamber to the outside;
It is configured with
The ink absorber in the first storage chamber includes an ink holding area holding an ink including an area facing the communication section and the ink supply section, and an ink holding area and an air communication section. A method for manufacturing an ink tank, wherein there is an area that does not hold ink between them. A first storage chamber in which an ink absorber is stored and which has an air communication section and an ink supply section, and directly communicates with the first storage chamber via the communication section to supply ink to the first storage chamber. An ink container having a second storage chamber forming a space for storing the ink container,
An ink container, wherein the second storage chamber has two openings used to supply ink from outside. The ink container according to claim 11, wherein the opening is sealed with a sealing member after the second storage chamber is filled with ink by using the opening.

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