JP2008173863A - Liquid jetting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid jetting apparatus decreasing the number of performing times of a cleaning operation for venting air bubbles in a liquid flow path and suppressing the consumption of a liquid by suppressing the ingression of air to become the air bubbles into a liquid introducing needle when replacing a liquid storing member. <P>SOLUTION: An ink introducing needle 21 in a printer is equipped with a needle-like projecting part 23 with a tapered part 48 whose diameter is gradually enlarged from a distal end to a proximal end side, and a straight part 51 straightly continuously formed from the tapered part 48. A channel part 54 is provided in the tapered part 48 of the needle-like projecting part 23 of the ink introducing needle 21 along the breaking direction X of a sealing film 46 of an ink cartridge and reaching an edge part of the tapered part 48. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus such as an ink jet recording apparatus, and in particular, introduces a liquid stored in a liquid storage member to a liquid ejecting head side through a liquid introducing needle, and supplies the liquid from a nozzle opening of the liquid ejecting head. The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus that discharges water.

  A typical example of a liquid ejecting apparatus that includes a liquid ejecting head capable of ejecting liquid and ejects various liquids from the ejecting head includes, for example, ink for recording paper or the like as an ejection target (recording medium) An image recording apparatus such as an ink jet printer that performs recording by discharging and landing droplets can be used. In recent years, it is applied not only to this image recording apparatus but also to various manufacturing apparatuses. For example, in a display manufacturing apparatus such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or an FED (surface emitting display), various liquid materials such as coloring materials and electrodes are used for pixel formation regions and electrode formation. A liquid ejecting apparatus is used for discharging to an area or the like.

  As this type of liquid ejecting apparatus, various types have been developed that use cartridge-type liquid storage members that can be easily put on the market and handled easily. For example, ink jet printers (hereinafter simply referred to as printers) that use ink cartridges that enclose liquid ink are widely used. In this configuration, the ink cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting portion, and the ink introduction needle (liquid introduction columnar body) is inserted into the ink cartridge, whereby the ink perforated on the tip (taper portion) side of the ink introduction needle. The ink in the ink cartridge is introduced into the recording head, which is a kind of liquid ejecting head, through the introduction hole (liquid introduction hole). Further, in general, in such an ink cartridge, in order to prevent leakage of ink to the outside and evaporation of the ink, the opening of a needle insertion port (ink outlet) provided on the bottom surface of the ink cartridge is thin enough to be ruptured. It is sealed with a resin film (sealing film) made of PP (polypropylene), etc., and when installed in a printer, the ink introduction needle breaks the sealing film and is inserted into the needle insertion opening. Yes.

  In the configuration using such an ink cartridge, it is ideal that the ink flow path (liquid flow path) from the ink introduction needle to the nozzle opening of the recording head is filled with ink. In some cases, bubbles may enter the ink flow path, and it is difficult to completely prevent this. This is because, when an unused ink cartridge is installed, the sealing film at the needle insertion port is broken by the tip of the ink introduction needle by pushing the ink introduction needle into the needle insertion port of the ink cartridge. At the time of breakage, the sealing film bends and temporarily comes into close contact with the tip side of the ink introduction needle, and air compressed between the sealing film and the ink introduction needle in this tight contact state enters the ink introduction needle from the ink introduction hole. It is because it enters and becomes a bubble. The bubbles that have entered the ink flow path gradually grow and become large, and when a part of the excessively grown bubbles moves to the pressure chamber side by the flow of ink, the bubbles absorb the pressure fluctuation during the ejection operation. There is a risk of inconveniences such as pressure loss due to this and insufficient supply of ink due to air bubbles blocking the flow path.

  For the purpose of preventing such problems due to bubbles, a plurality of ribs project from the inner peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion toward the center in the enlarged diameter portion formed at the proximal end of the ink introduction needle, A bubble chamber is defined by both ribs adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and the bubble flowing above the filter (upstream side) is moved into the bubble chamber by the downward flow of ink passing through the ink introduction needle, thereby increasing the contact area of the bubble with the filter. There has been proposed a configuration in which bubbles are discharged outside the recording head by improving the bubble discharge efficiency (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-069168 A

  However, the invention of Patent Document 1 does not prevent bubbles from entering the ink introduction needle, but processes the bubbles that have entered. For this reason, in order to discharge the bubbles in the ink introduction needle, it is necessary to frequently perform a cleaning operation that generates an ink flow having a flow rate several times that in the recording operation, and the ink is consumed wastefully. there were.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to suppress the entry of air that becomes bubbles into the liquid introducing columnar body when the liquid storage member is replaced. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of suppressing the consumption of liquid by reducing the number of times of execution of a cleaning operation for discharging bubbles therein.

  In an aspect of the present invention that solves the above-described object, a liquid storage member in which a liquid outlet is sealed by a sealing member that stores liquid therein and breaks along one direction is detachably mounted. The liquid storage member mounting portion and the sealing member of the mounted liquid storage member are broken, and the liquid in the liquid storage member is inserted from the liquid introduction hole in a state of being inserted into the outlet of the liquid storage member. A liquid introduction columnar body to be introduced into an internal liquid flow path; and a liquid ejection head capable of discharging the liquid introduced from the liquid introduction columnar body from a nozzle opening by the operation of a pressure generating means, The end face of the body facing the sealing member has a groove extending along a direction in which the sealing member breaks, and the groove reaches an edge of the end face. In the device.

  In this aspect, a groove portion extends along the breaking direction of the sealing member on the end surface of the liquid introduction columnar body facing the sealing member, and the groove portion reaches the edge of the end surface. Thus, when the liquid storage member is mounted on the liquid storage member mounting portion, the sealing member that seals the liquid outlet of the liquid storage member is bent to be in close contact with the end surface of the liquid introduction columnar body, Even if the air is compressed between the sealing member and the end surface, the air can flow out of the liquid introduction columnar body through the groove. Further, since the sealing member breaks along one direction, the sealing member is easy to break along the breaking direction. As a result, the opening produced by the breaking of the sealing member is the breaking direction. It will be in the state fractured more widely. On the other hand, the groove part is extended along the fracture | rupture direction of the sealing member. For this reason, when the liquid introduction columnar body comes into contact with the sealing member and breaks it, it becomes possible to secure a larger region where the opening of the groove portion faces the opening portion of the sealing member. Therefore, even if there is air between the liquid outlet of the liquid storage member and the sealing member that closes the liquid, the air flows into the groove portion, so that the air is prevented from entering the liquid introduction columnar body. be able to. For these reasons, it is possible to reduce the frequency of execution of the cleaning operation for discharging the air bubbles that have flowed into the liquid introduction columnar body to the outside. As a result, ink consumption associated with the cleaning operation can be reduced.

  Here, it is preferable that the groove portion extends from the end surface facing the sealing member to a side surface of the liquid introduction columnar body continuous with the end surface. According to this, since the groove portion extends continuously from the end surface to the side surface of the liquid introduction columnar body, the sealing member closely adheres over the entire end surface of the liquid introduction columnar body when the liquid storage member is mounted. Even in this case, the air between the sealing member and the end face of the liquid introduction columnar body can surely flow out to the outside through the groove extending to the side surface. Therefore, when the liquid storage member is mounted, it is possible to further suppress the air from entering the liquid introduction columnar body from the liquid introduction hole.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said liquid introduction columnar body is provided with the acicular protrusion part which has a taper part which diameter is gradually expanded toward the base end side from the front-end | tip. According to this, the tip of the liquid introduction columnar body is a needle-like protrusion having a tapered portion. For this reason, when the liquid storage member is mounted, the liquid introduction columnar body easily breaks the sealing member.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said liquid introduction columnar body is provided with the straight part formed linearly and continuously on the said needle-like projection part, and the said groove part is extended from the said taper part to the said straight part. According to this, since the groove portion is continuously extended from the taper portion to the straight portion, the sealing member extends over the entire outer surface of the taper portion of the needle-like protrusion when the liquid storage member is mounted. The air between the sealing member and the outer surface of the tapered portion of the needle-like projection can be reliably discharged outside through the groove extending to the straight portion. Therefore, when the liquid storage member is mounted, it is possible to further suppress the air from entering the liquid introduction columnar body from the liquid introduction hole.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the liquid introduction hole is formed in the groove portion. According to this, since the liquid introduction hole is formed in a state of opening in the groove portion, the liquid introduction hole does not directly contact the sealing member when the liquid storage member is attached. Therefore, the possibility that the air between the sealing member and the end surface of the liquid introduction columnar body or the outer surface of the tapered portion is pushed directly into the liquid introduction hole can be reduced, and this liquid introduction hole is perforated. The liquid can be discharged to the outside of the columnar body through the groove. For this reason, when the liquid storage member is mounted, it is possible to further suppress the air from entering the liquid introduction columnar body from the liquid introduction hole.

  Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid in which a liquid storage member in which the liquid outlet is sealed by a sealing member that stores the liquid therein and breaks along one direction is detachably mounted. The storage member mounting portion and the sealing member of the mounted liquid storage member are ruptured, and the liquid in the liquid storage member is inserted from the liquid introduction hole in a state of being inserted into the outflow port of the liquid storage member. A liquid introduction columnar body to be introduced into the liquid flow path, and a liquid ejection head capable of discharging the liquid introduced from the liquid introduction columnar body from a nozzle opening by the operation of a pressure generating means, and the liquid introduction columnar body The end surface facing the sealing member is provided with a needle-like protrusion that protrudes toward the sealing member, and the needle-like protrusion has a width in a direction in which the sealing member breaks in the direction. Than the width of the intersecting direction A narrow and longitudinal direction of the needle-like protrusion is a liquid-jet apparatus characterized in that intersects the direction in which the sealing member is broken.

  In such an aspect, the end surface of the liquid introduction columnar body is provided with a needle-like protrusion that breaks the sealing member. And this needle-like projection part is extended in the direction which cross | intersects the direction which a sealing member fractures | ruptures. When the liquid storage member is attached to the liquid storage member mounting portion, if the needle-like projection contacts the sealing member that seals the liquid outlet of the liquid storage member, the sealing member bends and the needle-like projection And an open space is formed between the shoulder portion of the liquid introduction columnar body and the sealing member. As a result, even when air is compressed between the sealing member and the needle-like projection at the time of such contact, the air can flow out to the outside of the liquid introduction columnar body through the open space. . Further, since the sealing member breaks along one direction, the sealing member is easy to break along the breaking direction. As a result, the opening produced by the breaking of the sealing member is the breaking direction. It will be in the state fractured more widely. On the other hand, the longitudinal direction of the needle-like protrusion intersects the breaking direction of the sealing member. For this reason, when the sealing member is ruptured by the needle-like protrusion of the liquid introduction columnar body, the center part of the opening part of the ruptured sealing member is closed by the needle-like protrusion, but the vicinity of the end of the opening part Then, an opening can be secured. Therefore, even if there is air between the liquid outlet of the liquid storage member and the sealing member that closes it, this air flows out of the liquid introduction columnar body through the opening portion, so the liquid introduction columnar shape The entry of air into the body can be suppressed. For these reasons, it is possible to reduce the frequency of execution of the cleaning operation for discharging the air bubbles that have flowed into the liquid introduction columnar body to the outside. As a result, ink consumption associated with the cleaning operation can be reduced.

  Here, it is preferable that the liquid introduction columnar body has a shoulder portion continuous to a proximal end side of the needle-like projection portion, and the liquid introduction hole is formed in the shoulder portion. Accordingly, when the liquid storage member is mounted, the liquid introduction hole does not directly contact the sealing member. Therefore, the possibility that the air between the sealing member and the outer surface of the shoulder portion of the liquid introduction columnar body is directly pushed into the liquid introduction hole can be reduced. For this reason, when the liquid storage member is mounted, it is possible to further suppress the air from entering the liquid introduction columnar body from the liquid introduction hole.

<Embodiment 1>
The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, various limitations are made as preferred specific examples of the present invention. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following description unless otherwise specified. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In this embodiment, an ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a printer) which is a typical liquid ejecting apparatus will be described as an example.

  1 is a perspective view of a printer represented by an ink jet recording apparatus, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the recording head, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the recording head, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the recording head, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the recording head.

  First, a schematic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus (a type of liquid ejecting apparatus, hereinafter referred to as a printer) equipped with a recording head will be described with reference to FIG. The illustrated printer 1 is a device that records an image or the like by ejecting ink droplets onto the surface of a recording medium (ejection target) 2 such as recording paper. The printer 1 includes a recording head 3, a carriage 4 to which the recording head 3 is attached, a carriage moving mechanism 5 that reciprocates the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction, and a recording medium 2 in the sub-scanning direction (in the main scanning direction). A paper feed mechanism 6 and the like for feeding in a direction orthogonal to each other are provided. Here, the ink is a kind of liquid in the present invention, and is stored in the ink cartridge 7 (a kind of liquid storage member). The ink cartridge 7 is detachably attached to the carriage 4 of the recording head 3.

  The carriage moving mechanism 5 includes a timing belt 8. The timing belt 8 is driven by a pulse motor 9 such as a DC motor. Therefore, when the pulse motor 9 is operated, the carriage 4 is guided by the guide rod 10 installed on the printer 1 and reciprocates in the main scanning direction (width direction of the recording medium 2).

  A capping mechanism 12 is disposed at a home position that is a non-recording area of the printer 1. The capping mechanism 12 has a tray-like cap member 12 ′ that can come into contact with the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 3. In the capping mechanism 12, the space in the cap member 12 'functions as a sealing void, and the nozzle opening 14 (see FIG. 5) of the recording head 3 faces the nozzle forming surface in the sealing void. It is configured to be in close contact. Further, a pump unit 13 is connected to the capping mechanism 12, and the inside of the sealed empty space can be made negative pressure by the operation of the pump unit 13. When the pump unit 13 is operated in close contact with the nozzle forming surface and the inside of the sealing empty portion (sealed space) is made negative pressure, the ink and bubbles in the recording head 3 are sucked from the nozzle openings 14 to cap the cap member. It is adapted to be discharged into the 12 'sealing space. That is, the capping mechanism 12 is configured to perform a cleaning operation for forcibly sucking and discharging ink and bubbles in the recording head 3 (in the ink flow path). In this cleaning operation, the pump unit 13 is operated in a state where the cap member 12 ′ is in close contact with the nozzle forming surface, and an ink flow having a flow rate several times that in a normal recording operation is generated in the ink flow path (ink introduction path 38). The air bubbles generated in the above-described enlarged diameter portion 52 are put on this ink flow, and are pressed against the upper surface (upstream side) of the filter 19 to move to the downstream side. The ink is discharged from the nozzle opening 14 to the outside of the recording head 3 through a series of ink flow paths.

  Next, the configuration of the recording head 3 will be described. The illustrated recording head 3 is generally composed of an introduction needle unit 15, a head case 16, a flow path unit 17, a vibrator unit 18, and the like.

  The introduction needle unit 15 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of cartridge mounting portions 15 ′ (a kind of liquid storage member mounting portion) are provided on the upper surface thereof. Each cartridge mounting portion 15 ′ has an ink introduction needle 21 (corresponding to a liquid introduction columnar body in the present invention) with a filter 19 for filtering ink in the ink flow path interposed therebetween, and the tip protrudes upward. Each is attached in the state of letting. In addition, an ink cartridge 7 storing various inks is mounted on these cartridge mounting portions 15 '. When the ink cartridge 7 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 15 ′, the ink introduction needle 21 is inserted into the ink cartridge 7. As a result, the ink storage space inside the ink cartridge 7 and the ink flow path inside the recording head 3 communicate with each other through the ink introduction hole 24 (see FIG. 9) drilled at the tip of the ink introduction needle 21. 7 is introduced into the recording head 3 through the ink introduction hole 24. Details of the ink cartridge 7 and the ink introduction needle 21 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a circuit board 25 is attached between the lower surface of the introduction needle unit 15 on the opposite side to the cartridge mounting portion 15 ′ and the upper surface of the head case 16. The circuit board 25 includes, for example, a circuit pattern for supplying a drive signal to the piezoelectric vibrator 26 (see FIG. 5), a connector for connection to the printer 1 main body side, and the like. The circuit board 25 is attached to the introduction needle unit 15 via a sheet member 27 that functions as a packing.

  The head case 16 is a hollow box-shaped member for housing the vibrator unit 18 having the piezoelectric vibrator 26. Inside the head case 16, an accommodation space 28 (see FIG. 5) that can accommodate the transducer unit 18 is formed. The vibrator unit 18 is housed in the housing space 28 and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the housing space 28 by bonding or the like. A flow path unit 17 is fixed to the front end surface of the head case 16 opposite to the mounting surface of the introduction needle unit 15 with an adhesive or the like. In the flow path unit 17, the nozzle plate 30 is disposed on one surface side of the flow path formation substrate 29 with the flow path formation substrate 29 interposed therebetween, and the vibration plate 31 is disposed on the other side opposite to the nozzle plate 30. It is manufactured by joining and integrating with an adhesive or the like in a state of being arranged and laminated on the surface side.

  The nozzle plate 30 is a member made of, for example, a thin plate made of stainless steel, and fine nozzle openings 14 are formed in a row at a pitch corresponding to the dot formation density of the printer 1 in the nozzle plate 30. The head cover 32 is made of, for example, a metal thin plate member, and is attached to the distal end portion of the head case 16 so as to surround the peripheral edge portion from the outside of the nozzle plate 30. The head cover 32 has a function of protecting the flow path unit 17 and the tip of the head case 16 and preventing the nozzle plate 30 from being charged.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the flow path forming substrate 29 joined to the nozzle plate 30 includes an empty portion that becomes the common ink chamber 33, a communication portion that becomes the ink supply port 34, and an empty portion that becomes the pressure chamber 35. A plurality of plate-like members formed in correspondence with the respective nozzle openings 14 in a state of being partitioned by. The flow path forming substrate 29 is produced, for example, by etching a silicon wafer. The pressure chamber 35 is formed as a long and narrow chamber in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the nozzle openings 14 are arranged (nozzle row direction). The common ink chamber 33 is connected to the ink introduction path 38 (the liquid flow path of the liquid flow path) via a head flow path 37 (a kind of liquid flow path) formed through the height direction of the head case 16. A chamber that communicates with the ink cartridge 7 and into which ink stored in the ink cartridge 7 is introduced. The ink introduced into the common ink chamber 33 is supplied to each pressure chamber 35 through the ink supply port 34.

  The vibration plate 31 bonded to the other surface of the flow path forming substrate 29 opposite to the nozzle plate 30 is a double structure composite in which an elastic film is laminated on a metal support plate such as stainless steel. It is a board material. An island 40 for joining the tip of the free end of the piezoelectric vibrator 26 is formed in a portion corresponding to the pressure chamber 35 of the vibration plate 31, and this portion functions as a diaphragm portion. Further, the diaphragm 31 seals one opening surface of the empty portion that becomes the common ink chamber 33, and also functions as a compliance portion. Only the elastic film is used for the portion functioning as the compliance portion.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the vibrator unit 18 includes a piezoelectric vibrator group 41 as pressure generating means, a fixed plate 42 to which the piezoelectric vibrator group 41 is joined, and a circuit board on the piezoelectric vibrator group 41. 25, a flexible cable (not shown) for supplying a drive signal from 25, and the like. The piezoelectric vibrator group 41 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators 26 arranged in a comb shape. Each piezoelectric vibrator 26 has a fixed end joined to the fixed plate 42, and a free end protruding outside the front end surface of the fixed plate 42. That is, each piezoelectric vibrator 26 is mounted on the fixed plate 42 in a so-called cantilever state. The fixing plate 42 that supports each piezoelectric vibrator 26 is made of stainless steel having a thickness of about 1 mm, for example. In addition to the piezoelectric vibrator, an electrostatic actuator, a magnetostrictive element, a heating element, or the like can be used as the pressure generating means.

  In the recording head 3, when the piezoelectric vibrator 26 is expanded and contracted in the longitudinal direction of the element, the island 40 moves in a direction toward or away from the pressure chamber 35. As a result, the volume of the pressure chamber 35 changes, and the pressure in the ink in the pressure chamber 35 varies. An ink droplet (a kind of droplet) is ejected from the nozzle opening 14 by this pressure fluctuation.

  Next, the ink cartridge 7 will be described. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the ink cartridge, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the needle insertion port portion of the ink cartridge, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the valve body of the ink cartridge.

  The ink cartridge 7 functions as a kind of the liquid storage member of the present invention and is a member that stores ink supplied to the recording head 3. The printer 1 of the present embodiment can eject eight types of ink, specifically, eight colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, matte black, photo black, red, blue, and gloss optimizer (clear). The recording head 3 is mounted with a total of eight ink cartridges 7 storing each ink individually.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, the bottom surface of each ink cartridge 7 is provided with a needle insertion port 44 (ink outlet) into which the ink introduction needle 21 is inserted. An external opening 64 is formed on the side of the needle insertion port 44 facing the ink introduction needle 21, and an internal opening 66 is formed on the opposite side. Via the internal opening 66, the needle insertion port 44 communicates with an ink storage chamber (not shown) in which ink of the ink cartridge 7 is stored.

  The seal member 45 is press-fitted into the needle insertion port 44, and a through hole 68 capable of receiving the ink introduction needle 21 is formed at the center thereof. Further, a convex portion 70 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the seal member 45, and the convex portion 70 engages with a concave portion 72 formed on the side wall of the needle insertion port 44 so that the seal member 45 is in the needle insertion port 44. Fixed inside. The seal member 45 and the needle insertion port 44 are liquid-tightly coupled to each other by the convex portion 70 of the seal member 45 and the concave portion 72 formed in the needle insertion port 44, so that the ink is connected to the outer periphery of the seal member 45 and the needle insertion port. Leakage from between the side walls of 44 is prevented.

  The seal member 45 is made of a rubber material such as silicon rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene / propylene rubber, or nitrile rubber, or an elastic material such as an elastomer material. In addition, a smooth surface layer coated with silicone resin, fluorine resin, or the like as necessary is provided in a region where the ink introduction needle 21 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the seal member 45 in order to smoothly insert the ink introduction needle 21. Is formed.

  A first taper portion 74 and a second taper portion 76 that extend in a taper shape from the outer opening 64 toward the inner opening 66 in the inner peripheral portion of the seal member 45 and guide the ink introduction needle 21, and the ink introduction needle 21 and a cylindrical fitting portion 78 that is fitted to 21 are formed. Further, a flange portion 82 having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the ink introduction needle is formed on the inner opening 66 side of the seal member 45 to provide an ink flow path. The collar 82 is expanded by the insertion of the ink introduction needle 21 and is fitted in a liquid-tight manner around the ink introduction needle 21.

  An ink guide chamber 86 is formed between the seal member 45 fixed to the needle insertion port 44 and the internal opening 66, and the valve body 60 is accommodated therein. The ink guide chamber 86 has a cylindrical guide portion 88 that engages with a part of the valve body 60 and guides the valve body 60 so as to be movable substantially perpendicular to the seal member 45. A through hole is formed in the guide portion 88. The valve body 60 is constantly urged toward the seal member 45 by the compression spring 62 to selectively seal the ink flow path of the seal member 45.

  FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the valve body 60. The valve body 60 includes a valve body portion 90 that elastically contacts the surface of the seal member 45 on the ink storage chamber side, and when the valve body is accommodated in the ink guide chamber 86, the valve body portion 90 becomes the seal member 45 of the needle insertion port 44. And a guide member 92 that guides the guide member 92 so as to be movable substantially vertically. The valve body 90 urges the valve body 60 to elastically contact the seal member 45 and the flat sealing portion 94 that seals ink from the ink storage chamber when the valve body 90 elastically contacts the seal member 45. A spring holding portion 96 for holding the spring to be moved, and an ink flow path 98 for allowing ink from the ink storage chamber to pass when the valve body portion 90 is pressed by the ink introduction needle 21 of the recording apparatus and separated from the seal member 45. , Have. Here, the ink flow path 98 is formed by cutting off the sealing portion 94. The guide member 92 has a shaft 100 connected to the valve body 90 and a retaining portion 102 formed on the free end side of the shaft 100. The retaining portion 102 is sized to move within the guide portion 88 of the ink guiding chamber 86 and has a diameter larger than that of the through hole.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the retaining portion 102 of the valve body 60 engages with a guide portion 88 provided in the ink guide chamber 86 to guide the valve body portion 90 so as to be movable substantially vertically with respect to the seal member 45. .

  By the way, the so-called piezo-type recording head 3 mechanically expands the pressure generating chamber by a piezoelectric vibrator or the like to supply ink therein, and compresses the ink to discharge ink droplets. In such an ink cartridge used for the recording head 3, if bubbles are generated in the pressure generation chamber of the recording head 3, the ink cannot be sufficiently pressurized. Therefore, the bubbles are dissolved in the ink during ink production. Need to disappear.

  Therefore, in this case, ink is injected into the ink cartridge in a state where the ink storage chamber is depressurized to a maximum of minus 1 atmosphere (6033 kg / square meter) with respect to the atmospheric pressure in the manufacturing process. Therefore, the spring 62 is set to have a resilient pressure so that the valve body 60 can be kept in a state of being elastically contacted with the seal member 45 even in a state where the ink storage chamber is decompressed.

  The inner opening 66 formed on the ink storage chamber side of the needle insertion port 44 has a larger area than the ink guide chamber 86 in which the valve body 60 is accommodated. Therefore, the flow resistance is reduced, and a sufficient amount of liquid ink can be supplied to the ink introduction needle 21. A filter 104 is provided between the internal opening 66 and the ink storage chamber. Therefore, even if dust or the like is mixed in the ink in the ink storage chamber, it is removed by the filter 104 and is not supplied to the recording head 3. Furthermore, since the filter 104 is substantially the same size as the internal opening 66, it has the advantage that the flow resistance is reduced and clogging is less likely to occur.

  A sealing film 46 which is a kind of a sealing member is bonded and sealed to the external opening 64. The sealing film 46 is a seal for preventing leakage and evaporation of ink stored in the ink cartridge 7 when the ink cartridge 7 is not used. For example, the sealing film 46 can be broken thin (for example, PP having a thickness of about 39 μm). A resin film such as (polypropylene) is preferably used, and is broken by the ink introduction needle 21 when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted, as will be described later. Since the sealing film 46 is formed by being rolled in the rolling direction Y (see FIG. 9A), the direction perpendicular to the rolling direction Y (hereinafter referred to as the “breaking direction X”) is referred to during the mounting (see FIG. 9). It is easy to break along (a))). That is, the shape of the rupture portion when the sealing film 46 is ruptured is not a circular shape but a shape that is longer in the rupture direction X than in the rolling direction Y. In addition, this sealing film 46 is not limited to what was formed by rolling, The direction in which it is easy to tear should just be prescribed | regulated. For example, a sealing film that is half-cut in one direction may be used.

  Next, the ink introduction needle 21 will be described. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining the configuration of the ink introduction needle. FIG. 9A is a plan view of the needle insertion port of the ink cartridge, FIG. 9B is a plan view of the ink introduction needle, and FIG. It is sectional drawing. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the ink introduction needle 21 which is an example of the liquid introduction columnar body inserted into the ink cartridge 7 has an ink introduction path 38 (a kind of liquid flow path) inside. A hollow needle formed, a needle-like protrusion 23 having a tapered portion 48 that gradually increases in diameter from the distal end toward the proximal end side, and a cylindrical shape formed linearly and continuously on the needle-like protrusion 23 Of the straight portion 51 and a skirt-shaped enlarged diameter portion 52 formed in a state where the diameter gradually increases from the lower end of the straight portion 51 toward the downstream side thereof. An ink introduction hole 24 (a kind of liquid introduction hole in the present invention) that communicates between the external space and the ink introduction path 38 is formed. The ink introduction needle 21 is attached to the introduction needle unit 15 by, for example, ultrasonic welding in a state where the lower end opening of the enlarged diameter portion 52 faces the filter 19 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Thereby, the ink introduction path 38 of the ink introduction needle 21 and the head flow path 37 on the head case 16 side communicate with each other in a liquid-tight state, and the area of the lower end opening of the enlarged diameter portion 52 is disposed immediately below the filter 19. It is the area of the effective filtration surface. The ink introduction path 38 and the head flow path 37 function as a liquid flow path in the present invention.

  The straight portion 51 is a hollow cylindrical member inserted into the ink cartridge 7, and the conical needle-like protrusion 23 formed at the tip portion of the straight portion 51 removes the sealing film 46 when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted. It is configured to be easily broken and inserted into the needle insertion port 44. Two grooves 54 extending from the position deviating from the needle-like projection 23, specifically, the position slightly lowered along the inclination from the tip of the needle-like projection 23 to the edge of the tapered portion 48 are extended. Has been. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, the longitudinal direction of each of the groove portions 54 is along the breaking direction X of the sealing film 46 of the ink cartridge 7. In each of these groove portions 54, the ink introduction hole 24 is formed in a state of opening over the entire width of the groove portion 54.

  Next, the mounting of the ink cartridge 7 to the cartridge mounting portion 15 'will be described. 10 and 11 are a sectional view and an arrow view for explaining the mounting of the ink cartridge to the ink introduction needle (cartridge mounting portion).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ink introduction needle 21 is erected upward in the cartridge mounting portion 15 ′ in the present embodiment. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 15 ′, as shown in FIG. 10A, the ink cartridge 7 is placed above the cartridge mounting portion 15 ′ with the needle insertion port 44 facing downward. Push down from the bottom. By this pushing, the sealing film 46 of the needle insertion port 44 is bent and comes into close contact with the outer surface on the tip side of the ink introduction needle 21, that is, the outer surface of the tapered portion 48 of the needle-like protrusion 23. FIG. 10B is an AA arrow view of FIG. As shown in the drawing, the longitudinal direction of each groove portion 54 of the ink introduction needle 21 coincides with the breaking direction X of the sealing film 46. When the ink cartridge 7 is pushed down to the ink introduction needle 21 side to some extent from this state, the ink introduction needle 21 ruptures the sealing film 46 at the needle-like protrusion 23 as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10D, the sealing film 46 is ruptured along the rupture direction X by the needle-like protrusions 23. A part of each groove 54 faces the opening 46b from the opening (hereinafter referred to as "opening 46b") of the ruptured portion (hereinafter referred to as "rupture 46a") of the sealing film 46. It is out. Then, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the ink cartridge 7 is further pushed into the cartridge mounting portion 15 ′, and the breaking portion 46a opens wider in the breaking direction X than in the rolling direction Y. A larger portion of the groove 54 faces the opening 46b.

  Here, at the tip of the ink introduction needle 21 of the present embodiment, as described above, each groove 54 extends from the vicinity of the tip of the needle-like protrusion 23 to the edge of the taper portion 48. Even when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted, even if the sealing film 46 of the needle insertion port 44 bends and comes into close contact with the outer surface of the tapered portion 48 of the needle-like protrusion 23 of the ink introduction needle 21, FIG. As indicated by the arrows in a), the air compressed between the sealing film 46 and the outer surface of the tapered portion 48 does not enter the ink introduction needle 21 via the ink introduction hole 24, and each groove portion. The sealing film 46 can be allowed to flow out from the outside where the sealing film 46 is not in close contact through 54, specifically from the boundary side between the tapered portion 48 and the straight portion 51. Further, as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 10C and 11A, even if the air in the needle insertion port 44 of the ink cartridge 7 increases in pressure due to the curvature of the sealing film 46, this increased pressure air Is also discharged to the outside through the groove 54. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10D and 11B, when the sealing film 46 is broken by the needle-like protrusion 23, the breaking portion 46 a of the sealing film 46 is long in the breaking direction X. Is in a state of being broken wider than the length in the rolling direction Y. On the other hand, since the longitudinal direction of each groove portion 54 coincides with the breaking direction X, it is possible to ensure a large portion where each groove portion 54 communicates with the inside of the needle insertion port 44 through the opening 46b of the breaking portion 46a. It has become. Thereby, the air in the needle insertion port 44 of the ink cartridge 7 can easily flow into each groove portion 54, and the entry of air into the ink introduction needle 21 can be more reliably suppressed.

  As described above, since the entry of air into the ink introduction needle 21 is suppressed, the frequency of execution of the cleaning operation for discharging the bubbles that have flowed into the ink introduction needle 21 (ink flow path) to the outside. Can be reduced as compared with the prior art. As a result, ink consumption associated with the cleaning operation can be reduced.

  Even when the ink cartridge 7 that has been used once is mounted again, the sealing film 46 with the torn needle insertion port 44 abuts or slides on the taper 48 so that the sealing film 46 and the taper It is conceivable that the air is compressed between the sealing film 46 and the outer surface of the taper portion 48 as described above. It is possible to prevent the ink from entering the ink introduction needle 21 through the ink introduction hole 24. As described above, when the groove portion 54 is provided on the outer surface of the tapered portion 48 of the needle-like protrusion 23 of the ink introduction needle 21, the ink introduction needle can be used when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted regardless of whether the ink cartridge 7 is used or not. It is possible to prevent bubbles from entering 21.

  Further, as described above, if the bubble can be prevented from entering the ink introduction needle 21 when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted, the pressure deficit during the ejection operation due to the bubble flowing into the ink flow path. In addition, not only can the occurrence of problems such as insufficient ink supply be reduced, but some air will be dissolved in the ink that has been degassed in advance, so there is almost no need to perform cleaning operations only to discharge bubbles. There are no obstacles.

  In addition, since the ink introduction hole 24 of this embodiment is formed in each groove portion 54, the ink introduction hole 24 does not directly contact the sealing film 46 when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted, the possibility that the air between the sealing film 46 and the outer surface of the tapered portion 48 is pushed directly into the ink introduction hole 24 can be reduced. 24 can flow out to the outside through the groove portion 54 having the holes 24 formed therein. For this reason, this air can be further suppressed from entering the ink introduction needle 21 from the ink introduction hole 24.

  Finally, as shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D, when the ink cartridge 7 is pushed down to the base of the ink introduction needle 21, the ink introduction needle 21 breaks the sealing film 46 and the needle-like protrusions. The tapered portion 48 of the portion 23 and a part of the straight portion 51 are inserted into the ink cartridge 7 (installed state of the ink cartridge 7), and the straight portion 51 is fitted to the fitting portion 78 of the seal member 45. At the same time, after the needle-like protrusion 23 has penetrated the flange 82 of the seal member 45, the valve body 60 is pushed open. As a result, the ink storage chamber of the ink cartridge 7 and the ink introduction path 38 (ink flow path) communicate with each other through the ink introduction hole 24, and ink is introduced into the pressure chamber 35 side of the recording head 3.

  By the way, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made based on the description of the scope of claims.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which each groove portion 54 of the ink introduction needle 21 extends from the vicinity of the tip of the needle-like protrusion 23 to the edge of the taper portion 48 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 12, each groove portion 54 </ b> A may be continuously extended to the middle of the outer peripheral surface of the straight portion 51.

  With this configuration, when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted, as shown in FIG. 13, the sealing film 46 of the needle insertion port 44 has the entire outer surface of the tapered portion 48 of the ink introduction needle 21A and the straight portion 51. Even if there is a close contact with the upper portion of the outer peripheral surface, the air between the sealing film 46 and the outer surface of the tapered portion 48 is surely passed through each groove portion 54 </ b> A extending to the outer peripheral surface of the straight portion 51. Can flow out to the outside. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted, the air between the sealing film 46 and the outer surface of the tapered portion 48 can be further reliably suppressed from entering the ink introduction needle 21A from the ink introduction hole 24. .

  Note that each groove portion 54A on the outer peripheral surface of the straight portion 51 of the present embodiment is formed on the tip (taper portion 48) side of the region where the seal member 45 contacts the straight portion 51 when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted. This is because if these groove portions 54 extend to the region, the inside of the needle insertion port 44 cannot be liquid-tight when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted, and ink leakage occurs.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the two groove parts 54 were provided in total along the fracture | rupture direction X of the sealing film 46, it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, a total of four groove portions 54 are arranged at equal intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the taper portion 48 and are radially centered around the tip of the needle-like protrusion 23. May be arranged. This is because it is sufficient that at least one groove 54 is provided at the tip of the ink introduction needles 21 and 21A so that the longitudinal direction thereof is along the fracture direction X. By providing each groove portion 54 in this manner, air between the sealing film 46 and the outer surface of the tapered portion 48 is further reliably prevented from entering the ink introduction needles 21 and 21A from the ink introduction holes 24. be able to.

  Further, although the configuration in which the ink introduction hole 24 is formed in the groove portion 54 is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the ink introduction hole 24 is formed on the outer surface of the tapered portion 48 that is out of the groove portion 54 is adopted. You can also. For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, the ink introduction hole 24 may be formed between the groove portions 54. Further, the needle-like protrusion 23 and the groove 54 are not limited to the configurations exemplified in the above-described embodiments, and the grooves 54 communicate with each other at the tip of the ink introduction needle 21 as shown in FIG. It may be formed. Further, by combining these, as shown in FIG. 3C, each groove portion 54 is formed to communicate with the tip of the ink introduction needle 21, and the ink introduction hole 24 is formed between these groove portions 54. You may drill. In short, according to the present invention, when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted, the compressed air between the sealing film 46 and the taper portion 48 flows out of the ink introduction needle 21 through the groove portion 54 without entering the ink introduction hole 24. If the groove portions 54 extend along the breaking direction X of the sealing film 46 of the ink cartridge 7, the arrangement of the groove portions 54 and the ink introduction holes 24 can be set as appropriate. . Further, the number of the groove portions 54 and the ink introduction holes 24 can be set as appropriate.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the ink introduction needles 21 and 21A having tapered tips are described as the liquid introduction columnar bodies, but the present invention is not limited to such shapes. The liquid introduction columnar body may have any shape as long as it can break the sealing film 46 of the ink cartridge 7 and be inserted through the needle insertion port 44 to introduce the ink in the ink cartridge 7 into the ink introduction path 38. Therefore, for example, a protrusion that protrudes toward the needle insertion port 44 of the ink cartridge 7 may be provided. 15A is a plan view of the needle insertion port of the ink cartridge, FIG. 15B is a plan view of the ink introduction needle, FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. ) Is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY of FIG. Hereinafter, the same parts as those of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  As shown in the drawing, a needle-like protrusion 23B that protrudes toward the needle insertion port 44 of the ink cartridge 7 is formed at the tip of the ink introduction needle 21B. More specifically, the needle-like protrusion 23B is formed in the direction of breakage X of the sealing film 46 of the ink cartridge 7 (left and right in FIGS. 15B and 15C) as shown in FIG. While it has an inclined surface that inclines so as to rise from the shoulder 21a continuous to the proximal end side of the needle-like protrusion 23B of the introduction needle 21 toward the center, the rolling direction Y (see FIG. (b) in the up-down direction and in the same figure (d) in the left-right direction), as shown in FIG. 15 (d), it has an inclined surface that inclines so as to rise from the end of the ink introduction needle 21 toward the center. Yes. That is, the needle-like protrusion 23B has a shape in which the width in the breaking direction X is narrower than the width in the rolling direction Y, and the longitudinal direction thereof is orthogonal to the breaking direction X.

  Next, the mounting of the ink cartridge 7 to the cartridge mounting portion 15 'will be described. 16 (a), 16 (c), 17 (a) and 17 (c) are cross-sectional views for explaining the mounting of the ink cartridge to the ink introduction needle (cartridge mounting portion), and FIGS. FIGS. 17B and 17D are views taken along line AA corresponding to these cross-sectional views.

  When the ink cartridge 7 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 15 ′, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the ink cartridge 7 is placed in the cartridge mounting portion 15 ′ with the needle insertion port 44 facing downward. Push from above to below. At this time, the longitudinal direction of the needle-like protrusion 23 </ b> B of the ink introduction needle 21 </ b> B is orthogonal to the breaking direction X of the sealing film 46. By this pushing, the sealing film 46 of the needle insertion port 44 is bent and comes into close contact with the tip surface of the needle-like protrusion 23B. On the other hand, the sealing film 46 is not in close contact with the shoulder portion 21a and the straight portion 51 of the ink introduction needle 21B, and therefore, between the shoulder portion 21a of the ink introduction needle 21B and the sealing film 46. An open space 110 is formed.

  When the ink cartridge 7 is pushed down to the ink introduction needle 21 side to some extent from this state, the ink introduction needle 21B ruptures the sealing film 46 at the needle-like protrusion 23B as shown in FIGS. 16 (c) to (d). . At this time, the sealing film 46 is ruptured along the breaking direction X by the needle-like protrusions 23B, and the opening is wide in the breaking direction X and narrow in the rolling direction Y. Then, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, when the ink cartridge 7 is further pushed into the cartridge mounting portion 15 ′, the breaking portion 46 a opens wider in the breaking direction X.

  Finally, as shown in FIGS. 17C and 17D, when the ink cartridge 7 is pushed down to the base of the ink introduction needle 21B, the ink introduction needle 21B breaks the sealing film 46 and the needle-like protrusions. The portion 23B and a part of the straight portion 51 are inserted into the ink cartridge 7 (installed state of the ink cartridge 7), the straight portion 51 is fitted into the fitting portion 78 of the seal member 45, and the needle After the protrusion 23B penetrates the flange 82 of the seal member 45, the valve body 60 is pushed open. As a result, the inside of the ink cartridge 7 communicates with the ink introduction path 38 (ink flow path) through the ink introduction hole 24, and ink is introduced into the pressure chamber 35 side of the recording head 3.

  Here, when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted, even if the sealing film 46 of the needle insertion port 44 bends and comes into close contact with the tip end surface of the needle-like protrusion 23B of the ink introduction needle 21B, the sealing film 46 and the shoulder portion 21a of the ink introduction needle 21B, an open space 110 is formed. Therefore, as shown by an arrow in FIG. 16A, the sealing film 46 and the outer surface of the shoulder portion 21a The compressed air does not enter the ink introduction needle 21 through the ink introduction hole 24, and the outside where the sealing film 46 is not in close contact, specifically, the peripheral edge portion and the straight portion of the shoulder portion 21a. It can flow out from the boundary side with 51 to the outside.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 16D and 17B, during the breaking of the sealing film 46 by the needle-like protrusion 23B, the breaking portion 46a of the sealing film 46 has a length in the breaking direction X. Is in a state of being broken wider than the length in the rolling direction Y. In contrast, since the longitudinal direction of the needle-like protrusion 23B is orthogonal to the breaking direction X, an opening 46b is secured in the vicinity of the end of the breaking portion 46a in the breaking direction X, and the needle insertion port of the ink cartridge 7 is secured. 44 communicates with the open space 110 between the shoulder 21a of the ink introduction needle 21B and the sealing film 46 through the opening 46b. As a result, as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 16C and 17A, the opening 46b and the open space 110 become a flow path for discharging the air inside the needle insertion port 44 to the outside. Particularly in the present embodiment, since the longitudinal direction of the needle-like protrusion 23B is orthogonal to the breaking direction X, the opening area of the opening 46b can be secured most widely when the sealing film 46 is broken, The air inside the needle insertion port 44 can be discharged most efficiently.

  For this reason, even if the pressure of the air in the needle insertion port 44 of the ink cartridge 7 increases due to the curvature of the sealing film 46, the pressurized air is also discharged to the outside through the opening 46 b and the open space 110. . Therefore, when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted, it is possible to suppress the entry of air that becomes bubbles into the ink introduction needle 21B. In addition, it is possible to reduce the frequency of execution of the cleaning operation for discharging bubbles that have flowed into the ink introduction needle 21B (ink flow path) to the outside as compared with the conventional case. As a result, ink consumption associated with the cleaning operation can be reduced.

<Other embodiments>
Further, in the liquid introduction columnar body according to the present invention, the tip of the ink introduction needles 21, 21 </ b> A, 21 </ b> B is a needle-like protrusion 23 or a needle-like protrusion 23 </ b> B as in the above embodiments. However, the shape is not limited to such a shape. For example, the ink introduction needle may be formed in a planar shape whose tip is in surface contact with the sealing film. The flat portion at the tip of the ink introduction needle is provided with a groove extending along the breaking direction of the sealing film, and this groove reaches the edge of the flat portion. When the ink introduction needle having such a configuration is attached to the ink cartridge, even if the sealing film is in close contact with the flat portion, the air compressed between the sealing film and the flat portion is passed through the ink introduction hole. The ink can flow out through the groove without entering the ink introduction needle. Moreover, this groove part may be continuously extended from the plane part to the straight part. As a result, even if the sealing film adheres over the entire flat portion of the ink introduction needle and the upper portion of the outer peripheral surface of the straight portion, the air between the sealing film and the flat portion can be The liquid can be reliably discharged to the outside through the groove extending to the surface.

  Further, even in the ink introduction needle having such a flat portion, a groove portion extending in a direction crossing the breaking direction X of the sealing film is further provided in the same manner as the tip of the ink introduction needle shown in FIG. (It corresponds to Fig.14 (a)), and the some groove part may be connected in the center vicinity of a plane part (equivalent to FIG.14 (b), (c)). Further, the ink introduction hole may be formed in the flat portion instead of the groove portion (corresponding to FIGS. 14A and 14C), as in the case of the ink introduction needle shown in FIG. You may provide in the groove part provided in the surface or the straight part.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the on-carriage type in which the ink cartridge 7 is mounted on the carriage 4 as in the above-described embodiments, and the ink cartridge 7 is a cartridge holder (a kind of liquid storage member mounting portion) on the housing side of the printer 1. And an off-carriage type that supplies ink to the recording head 3 through an ink supply tube. That is, the configuration in each of the above-described embodiments can be applied to the ink introduction needle attached to the cartridge holder of the off-carriage type.

  The above has been described by taking the printer 1 as a kind of liquid ejecting apparatus as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to other liquid ejecting apparatuses having a liquid introduction needle. For example, a display manufacturing apparatus that manufactures color filters such as liquid crystal displays, an electrode manufacturing apparatus that forms electrodes such as organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays and FEDs (field emission displays), and chips that manufacture biochips (biochemical elements) The present invention can also be applied to a manufacturing apparatus and a micropipette that supplies an accurate amount of a very small amount of sample solution.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a printer. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a recording head. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a recording head. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a recording head. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a recording head. FIG. It is a perspective view explaining the structure of an ink cartridge. It is sectional drawing of the needle insertion port part of an ink cartridge. It is a perspective view of the valve body of an ink cartridge. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a needle insertion port and an ink introduction needle, and a cross-sectional view of the ink introduction needle. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view and an arrow view when the ink cartridge is attached to the ink introduction needle. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view and an arrow view when the ink cartridge is attached to the ink introduction needle. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a needle insertion port and an ink introduction needle, and a cross-sectional view of the ink introduction needle. It is sectional drawing of the ink introduction needle | hook which shows that air flows out outside. It is a top view of an ink introduction needle. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a needle insertion port and an ink introduction needle, and a cross-sectional view of the ink introduction needle. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view and an arrow view when the ink cartridge is attached to the ink introduction needle. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view and an arrow view when the ink cartridge is attached to the ink introduction needle.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer, 2 ... Recording medium, 3 ... Recording head, 4 ... Carriage, 5 ... Carriage moving mechanism, 6 ... Paper feed mechanism, 7 ... Ink cartridge, 8 ... Timing belt, 9 ... Pulse motor, 10 ... Guide rod, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Capping mechanism, 12 '... Cap member, 13 ... Pump unit, 14 ... Nozzle opening, 15 ... Introduction needle unit, 15' ... Cartridge mounting part, 16 ... Head case, 17 ... Flow path unit, 18 ... Vibrator unit , 19 ... Filter, 21, 21A, 21B ... Ink introduction needle, 23, 23B ... Needle-like projection, 24 ... Ink introduction hole, 25 ... Circuit board, 26 ... Piezoelectric vibrator, 27 ... Sheet member, 28 ... Empty accommodation Part 29, flow path forming substrate 30, nozzle plate 31, vibration plate 32, head cover 33, common ink chamber 34, ink supply port 35 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Pressure chamber, 37 ... Head flow path, 38 ... Ink introduction path, 40 ... Island part, 41 ... Piezoelectric vibrator group, 42 ... Fixed plate, 44 ... Needle insertion port, 45 ... Seal member, 46 ... Sealing film, 48 ... Tapered portion, 51 ... Straight portion, 52 ... Expanded diameter portion, 54, 54A ... Groove portion, 60 ... Valve element, 110 ... Open space, X ... Breaking direction

Claims (7)

A liquid storage member mounting portion in which a liquid storage member in which the liquid outlet is sealed by a sealing member that stores the liquid therein and breaks along one direction is detachably mounted;
The sealing member of the mounted liquid storage member is broken, and the liquid in the liquid storage member is inserted from the liquid introduction hole into the internal liquid flow path while being inserted into the outlet of the liquid storage member. A liquid introduction columnar body to be introduced;
A liquid ejection head capable of ejecting the liquid introduced from the liquid introduction columnar body from the nozzle opening by the operation of the pressure generating means;
On the end face of the liquid introduction columnar body facing the sealing member, a groove is extended along the direction in which the sealing member is broken.
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the groove portion reaches an edge portion of the end face. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the groove extends from the end surface facing the sealing member to a side surface of the liquid introduction columnar body continuous to the end surface. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid introduction columnar body includes a needle-like protrusion having a tapered portion that gradually increases in diameter from the distal end toward the proximal end. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3,
The liquid introduction columnar body includes a straight portion formed linearly and continuously with the needle-like protrusion,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the groove portion extends from the tapered portion to the straight portion. In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the liquid introduction hole is formed in the groove portion. A liquid storage member mounting portion in which a liquid storage member in which the liquid outlet is sealed by a sealing member that stores liquid therein and breaks along one direction is detachably mounted;
The sealing member of the mounted liquid storage member is broken, and the liquid in the liquid storage member is inserted into the liquid flow path from the liquid introduction hole into the internal liquid flow path while being inserted into the outflow port of the liquid storage member. A liquid introduction columnar body to be introduced;
A liquid ejection head capable of ejecting the liquid introduced from the liquid introduction columnar body from the nozzle opening by the operation of the pressure generating means;
An end surface facing the sealing member of the liquid introduction columnar body is provided with a needle-like protrusion that protrudes toward the sealing member,
The acicular protrusion has a width in a direction in which the sealing member breaks narrower than a width in a direction intersecting the direction, and the longitudinal direction of the acicular protrusion has a break in the sealing member A liquid ejecting apparatus characterized by intersecting with a direction to perform. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 6,
The liquid introduction columnar body has a shoulder portion continuous to the proximal end side of the needle-like protrusion,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid introduction hole is formed in the shoulder.