JP2660063B2 - Ink jet head, ink jet unit, ink jet cartridge and ink jet device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inkjet head, an inkjet unit, an inkjet cartridge, and an inkjet apparatus.

[Background technology]

As shown in an exploded perspective view of FIG. 10, the ink jet recording head has an orifice plate 400a having an ink discharge (orifice) 41 and a groove having a groove 41b for forming an ink path communicating with each orifice. Attached top plate 1300a
And a heater board 100 having a heat generating portion 101 of an electrothermal converter as a heat energy generating element that is provided in an ink path and generates heat energy used for discharging ink.
Is provided. Reference numeral 1500a denotes an ink supply port to the ink path.

In general, the orifice plate mainly includes a discharge port surface formed of the same member in order to prevent a deviation in the discharge direction of the discharged ink droplet due to a difference in wettability between the heater board and the top plate. It is provided as one of the purposes.

By the way, an ink jet device having such an ink jet head is used for performing a suction recovery operation for sucking ink from an ejection port to eliminate a discharge defect and for preventing drying of the ink at the ejection port. And a cap for capping the discharge port.

In addition, when ink is continuously ejected, droplets reflected from the paper surface or mist-like ink in the air adhere to the surface of the orifice plate 400a, and excess ink may be accumulated, resulting in unstable ejection. In some cases, non-ejection may be caused. Therefore, ink adhered to the orifice plate is wiped off with a blade formed of rubber, a water-absorbing material, or the like.

However, it is usually difficult to secure a sealing area for capping only with an orifice plate.
For example, an orifice plate with a front seal for capping
This was addressed by increasing the sealing area for capping by attaching it around 400a.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, in such a configuration, a step occurs between the front seal and the orifice plate 400a, and when the residual ink on the orifice plate 400a is wiped off with a blade, an ink pool occurs at the step or the blade jumps over the orifice. In some cases, vibrations caused uneven wiping.

[Means for solving the problem]

The present invention that can solve the above-described problems has the following configuration.

"The ink path is formed by joining a base member and a top member provided with a recess for forming an ink path communicating with an ejection port for ejecting ink, with the recess inside. Is provided on a plate-shaped member integrally formed with the top member so as to extend in both the upper and lower directions from the end of the top member. The surface of the plate-shaped member on the side where the discharge port is provided is provided. An ink jet head having a stepped side cross-sectional shape with a gentle gradient. "The above-described structure includes a base member and a ceiling member provided with a concave portion for forming an ink path communicating with a discharge port for discharging ink. The ink path is formed by joining with the concave portion inside, and the discharge port is provided on a plate-shaped member integrally formed with the top member so as to extend in both vertical directions from the end of the top member. The plate-shaped member, An ink jet head comprising: an ink jet head having a stepped side cross-sectional shape with a gentle slope on a surface provided with an outlet; and an ink supply member for supplying ink to the ink path. The ink path is formed by joining a base member and a top member provided with a recess for forming an ink path communicating with an ejection port for ejecting ink with the recess inside. The discharge port is provided on a plate-like member integrally formed with the top member so as to extend in both the up and down directions from an end of the top member, and a side of the plate-like member on which the discharge port is provided. An ink jet unit having an ink jet head having a stepped side cross-sectional shape with a gentle gradient, an ink supply member for supplying ink to the ink path, and the ink supply unit And an ink tank for storing the ink supplied to the ink path. "" A recess for forming an ink path communicating with a substrate and a discharge port for discharging ink. " The ink path is formed by joining a top member provided with a top portion with the concave portion inside, and the discharge port is integrally formed with the top member so as to extend in both vertical directions from an end of the top member. An ink jet head having a stepped side cross-sectional shape with a gentle slope on the surface of the plate member on the side where the discharge ports are provided, and the ink path. An ink-jet unit having an ink supply member for supplying ink, and an ink tank for storing ink supplied to the ink path by the ink supply member , Ink jet device comprising an ink jet cartridge and a carriage for mounting said ink jet cartridge, that comprises a. According to these aspects of the present invention, it is possible to obtain an ink jet head which does not cause inconvenience in wiping and capping. That is, the residual ink on the orifice plate can be reliably and easily wiped (wiping), and the airtightness at the time of capping can be made sufficient.

Further, according to the present invention, since the surface of the plate-shaped member on the side where the discharge port is provided has a stepped side cross-sectional shape with a gentle gradient, there is no inconvenience in the capping, and of course, there is no inconvenience in the orifice plate. Residual ink can be more reliably and easily wiped off in a direction perpendicular to the orifice row and, in some cases, in a parallel direction. Thereby, the degree of freedom in mounting the head to the apparatus main body is also increased.

〔Example〕

FIGS. 2 to 6 show preferred ink jet units IJU, ink jet heads IJH, ink tanks IT, and ink jet cartridges I to which the present invention is applied or applied.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining each of a JC, an inkjet recording apparatus main body IJRA, and a carriage HC, and a relationship between each; Hereinafter, the configuration of each unit will be described with reference to these drawings.

As can be seen from the perspective view of FIG. 3, the ink cartridge IJC in this example has a large ink storage ratio, and is slightly higher than the front surface of the ink tank IT. The portion has a protruding shape. The ink cartridge IJC is fixedly supported by positioning means and electrical contacts of a cartridge HC (FIG. 5) mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus main body IJRA, and is attached to and detached from the cartridge HC. It is a possible disposable type. FIGS. 2 to 6 show configurations to which a number of new technologies achieved in the stage of establishment of the present invention are applied. I will do it.

(I) Description of the configuration of the ink jet unit IJU The ink jet unit IJU is a bubble jet type unit that performs recording using an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy for causing film boiling to occur in ink according to an electric signal. It is.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a structure in which a plurality of electrothermal transducers (discharge heaters) arranged on a Si substrate and electric wires such as Al for supplying power thereto are formed by a film forming technique. It is a heater board. Reference numeral 200 denotes a wiring board for the heater board 100, a wiring corresponding to the wiring of the heater board 100 (for example, connected by wire bonding), and a pad 201 located at an end of the wiring and receiving an electric signal from the main unit. have.

1300 is a grooved top plate provided with a partition for dividing a plurality of ink flow paths, a common liquid chamber for storing ink for supplying ink to each ink flow path, and the like.
And an orifice plate 400 having a plurality of ejection ports corresponding to each ink flow path. Polysulfone is preferred as these integral molding materials, but other molding resin materials may be used.

Reference numeral 300 denotes a support made of, for example, metal which supports the back surface of the wiring board 200 in a plane, and serves as a bottom plate of the ink jet unit.
Reference numeral 500 denotes an M-shaped pressing spring, which presses the common liquid chamber at the center of the M-shape with light pressure and concentrates a part of the liquid path, preferably in the vicinity of the discharge port, with a linear pressure at the front drooping part 501. Press. By pressing the heater board 100 and the top plate 1300 with the foot portions of the holding springs passing through the holes 3121 of the support body 300 and engaging with the back surface side of the support body 300, the two are engaged with each other in a state where they are sandwiched. The heater board 100 and the top plate 1300 are pressed and fixed by the concentrated biasing force of the spring 500 and the front drooping portion 501. Further, the support 300 is provided with two positioning protrusions 1012 of the ink tank IT and positioning and heat fusion holding protrusions 1800, 1801.
In addition to the positioning holes 312, 1900, and 2000, the positioning protrusions 25 for the carriage HC of the apparatus main body IJRA are provided.
00,2600 on the back side. In addition, the support 300 is provided with an ink supply pipe 22 for supplying ink from the ink tank.
It also has a hole 320 that allows 00 (described below) to penetrate. The attachment of the wiring board 200 to the support 300 is performed by sticking with an adhesive or the like. The recesses 2400, 2400 of the support 300 are provided in the vicinity of the positioning projections 2500, 2600, respectively. In the assembled ink cartridge IJC (FIG. 3), three peripheral sides are parallel grooves. It is located at an extension point of the head tip region formed by a plurality of 3000, 3001 so that unnecessary substances such as dust and ink do not reach the projections 2500, 2600. This parallel groove 3000 is formed. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the lid member 800 forms the outer wall of the ink cartridge IJC and forms a space for accommodating the ink jet unit IJU with the ink tank. Further, the ink supply member 600 in which the parallel groove 3001 is formed forms an ink conduit 1600 continuous with the above-described ink supply tube 2200 as a cantilever with the supply tube 2200 side fixed, and the ink supply tube 2200 is fixed to the fixed side of the ink conduit. Supply pipe
A sealing pin 602 for ensuring a capillary phenomenon with 2200 is inserted. Reference numeral 601 denotes a packing for sealing the ink tank IT and the supply pipe 2200, and 700 denotes a filter provided at the tank side end of the supply pipe.

Since the ink supply member 600 is molded, it is not only inexpensive, has high positional accuracy, and does not eliminate the deterioration in manufacturing accuracy, but also cantilever the conduit 1600 during mass production by the cantilever conduit 1600. Ink port 1500
Can be stabilized. In this example, a more complete communication state can be reliably obtained only by pouring the sealing adhesive from the ink supply member side under the pressure contact state. The fixing of the ink supply member 600 to the support 300 is performed by fixing the ink supply member 60 to the holes 1901 and 1902 of the support 300.
This can be easily performed by making a back side pin (not shown) of No. 0 penetrate and project through the holes 1901 and 1902 of the support body 300 and heat-fusing a portion of the support body 300 protruding to the back side. The slightly protruding area of the heat-sealed rear part is the ink tank IT
Since the ink jet unit IJU is housed in a recess (not shown) on the side wall surface of the ink jet unit IJU, the positioning surface of the unit IJU can be accurately obtained.

(Ii) Ink tank IT configuration description The ink tank is sealed after inserting the cartridge body 1000, the ink absorber 900, and the ink absorber 900 from the side of the cartridge body 1000 opposite to the unit IJU mounting surface. And a lid member 1100 for stopping.

Reference numeral 900 denotes an absorber for impregnating the ink, which is arranged in the cartridge body 1000. 1200 is the above parts 100
A supply port for supplying ink to a unit IJU consisting of ~ 600, and by injecting ink from the supply port 1200 in a step before the unit is arranged in the portion 1010 of the cartridge body 1000, the absorber 900 It is also an inlet for impregnating the ink.

In this example, the portions that can supply ink are the air communication port and this supply port, but the rib 2300 in the main body 1000 and the lid member for performing good ink supply from the ink absorber.
Since the air presence region in the tank formed by the partial ribs 2500 and 2400 of 1100 is continuously formed from the atmosphere communication port 1401 side and formed over the corner area farthest from the ink supply port 1200, It is important that ink is supplied to the absorber relatively well and uniformly from the supply port 1200 side. This method is extremely effective in practice. The rib 1000 has four ribs parallel to the carriage moving direction on the rear surface of the main body 1000 of the ink tank to prevent the absorber from sticking to the rear surface.
Also, the partial ribs 2400, 2500 are similarly provided on the inner surface of the lid member 1100 which is on the extension corresponding to the rib 1000, but unlike the rib 1000, they are in a divided state and the presence of air The space is larger than the former. In addition, partial rib
2500 and 2400 are distributed on a surface that is less than half of the total area of the cover member 1000. With these ribs, the ink in the corner portion farthest from the tank supply port 1200 of the ink absorber could be more stably guided to the supply port 1200 side by capillary force. Reference numeral 1401 denotes an atmosphere communication port provided in the lid member for communicating the inside of the cartridge with the atmosphere. Reference numeral 1400 denotes a liquid-repellent material disposed inside the air communication port 1401, thereby preventing ink from leaking from the air communication port 1400.

The above-described arrangement of the ribs is particularly effective because the ink storage space of the above-described ink tank IT has a rectangular shape and has long sides on the side surfaces, but has a long side in the moving direction of the carriage. Case or cube, cover member 11
By providing a rib on the whole of 00, the ink absorber
Ink supply from 900 can be stabilized. A rectangular parallelepiped shape is suitable for storing ink in a limited space as much as possible, but in order to use this stored ink for recording without waste, as described above, It is important to provide a rib capable of performing the above-mentioned operation in the two surface regions which are close to each other. Further, the inner ribs of the ink tank IT in this embodiment are arranged with a substantially uniform distribution in the thickness direction of the rectangular parallelepiped ink absorber. This configuration is important because it can make the atmospheric pressure distribution uniform and almost eliminate the remaining amount of ink with respect to the ink consumption of the entire absorber. Further, if the technical idea on the arrangement of the ribs is described in detail, the position where the ink supply port 1200 of the ink tank is projected on the upper surface of the rectangular parallelepiped is centered.
When an arc having a long side as a radius is drawn, the rib is arranged on a surface outside the arc so that an atmospheric pressure state is given to the absorber located outside the arc at an early stage. It is important to: In this case, the atmosphere communication port of the tank is not limited to this example as long as the atmosphere can be introduced into the rib arrangement area.

In addition, in this embodiment, the ink jet cartridge
Flattening the rear surface of the IJC head minimizes the space required when assembled into the device, and minimizes the size of the device by adopting a configuration that maximizes the ink capacity. Not only that, it has an excellent configuration that can reduce the frequency of cartridge replacement. Then, using the rear part of the space for integrating the ink jet unit IJU, there is an air communication port 14 there.
A projecting portion for 01 is formed, and the inside of the projecting portion is hollowed out to form an atmospheric pressure supply space 1402 for the entire thickness of the absorber 900 described above. With such a configuration, an excellent cartridge not seen in the past can be provided. Note that the atmospheric pressure supply space 1402 is a space much larger than the conventional one, and since the air communication port 1401 is located above, even if the ink comes off the absorber due to some abnormality, this atmospheric pressure supply space 1402 does not need to be large. The air pressure supply space 1402 can temporarily hold the ink and can reliably collect the ink in the absorber, so that an excellent cartridge without waste can be provided.

The structure of the mounting surface of the unit IJU of the ink tank IT is shown in FIG. Orifice plate
Through the approximate center of the projection port 400, when L ₁ and a straight line parallel to the mounting reference plane of the surface of the bottom or carriage of the tank IT, the two engaging in the hole 312 of the support 300 positioned protrusion 1012 are on the straight line L _1. The height of the protrusion 1012 is slightly lower than the thickness of the support 300, and the support 300 is positioned. This is on the extension of the straight line L ₁ in the drawing is located pawl 2100 engagement surface 4002 of the 90 ° angle of the positioning hook 4001 of the carriage is engaged, the acting force of the positioning relative to the carriage is the straight line L ₁ And is configured to operate in a plane region parallel to the reference plane. As will be described later with reference to FIG.
These relationships are effective because the positioning accuracy of only the ink tank is equivalent to the positioning accuracy of the head ejection port.

Also, fixing holes 1900,
The protrusions 1800 and 1801 of the ink tank corresponding to 2000 are longer than the protrusions 1012 described above, and are used for fixing the support 300 to the side surface by heat-fusing the portion protruding through the support 300. It is. When a straight line passing through the projection 1800 is perpendicular to the line L ₁ of the above L _3, a straight line passing through the projection 1801 and L _2, a straight line
Since on L ₃ is substantially the center of the supply opening 1200 is located, and the effect of stabilizing the state of bonding between the supply pipe 2200 and a mouth 1200 of the supply unit, a load of even by dropping or impact to these coupling state This is a preferable configuration because it is possible to reduce the amount of light. Also, the straight lines L ₂ and L
₃ does not match, and there are protrusions 1800 and 1801 around the protrusion 1012 on the discharge port side of the head IJH.
This has the effect of reinforcing the positioning with respect to the tank.
Incidentally, the curve indicated by L ₄ represents a outer wall position when mounting of the ink supply member 600. Since the projections 1800 and 1801 are along the curve L _4, which give the position accuracy and sufficient strength against the weight of the distal configuration of the head IJH. Reference numeral 2700 denotes a tip of the ink tank IT, which is inserted into a hole of the front plate 4000 of the carriage and provided for an abnormal time when the displacement of the ink tank becomes extremely bad. Reference numeral 2101 denotes a retainer for the carriage, which is provided for a bar (not shown) of the carriage HC.The cartridge IJC enters below the bar at a position where the cartridge IJC is pivotally mounted as described later, and is unnecessarily detached from the positioning position. This is a protection member for maintaining the mounted state even when a force acts in the upward direction.

After the ink tank IT is mounted with the unit IJU, the lid 8
By covering with the 00, the unit IJU is surrounded except for the lower opening, but as the inkjet cartridge IJC, the lower opening for mounting on the carriage HC is close to the carriage HC, so it is substantially A four-sided surrounding space is formed. Therefore, the head IJH in this enclosed space
Although the heat generated from this is effective as a heat retaining space in this space, the temperature rises slightly for long-term continuous use. For this reason, in this example, a slit 1700 with a width smaller than this space is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge IJC to help the heat dissipation of the support, and the temperature distribution of the entire unit IJU is uniform while preventing the temperature rise. Was made independent of the environment.

When assembled as an ink cartridge IJC, the ink is supplied from the inside of the cartridge to the supply port 1200 and the support.
After being supplied into the supply tank 600 through the hole 320 provided in the 300 and the introduction port provided on the inside and back side of the supply tank 600, and passing through the inside thereof, an appropriate supply pipe and
It flows into the common liquid chamber via the ink inlet 1500 of 0. A packing made of, for example, silicon rubber or butyl rubber is provided at the connection portion for ink communication described above, whereby sealing is performed to secure an ink supply path.

In this example, the top plate 1300 is made of a resin such as polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene oxide, or polypropylene having excellent ink resistance,
Together with the orifice plate part 400, they are integrally molded in a mold.

As described above, the integrally molded component is an ink supply member 600,
Top plate and orifice plate integrated, ink tank body 1000
As a result, not only the assembling accuracy becomes high, but also it is extremely effective in improving the quality of mass production. Also, since the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the conventional case, excellent desired characteristics can be surely exhibited.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the ink supply member 600 has the upper surface 603 of the slit 17 of the ink tank IT in the assembled shape.
3, a slit S is formed as shown in FIG.
Head side end 401 of the thin plate member to which the lower lid 800 is bonded
Slit similar to slit S above (not shown)
Is formed. The slits between the ink tank IT and the ink supply member 600 substantially perform the function of further promoting the heat radiation of the slit 1700, and
Even if there is unnecessary pressure applied to IT, it is supplied directly to
In other words, it prevents the effect on the inkjet unit IJT.

In any case, the above-described configuration of the present embodiment is a configuration that has not existed in the past, and each has an effective effect alone, and also has an organic configuration due to the complex requirements of each component. ing.

(Iii) Attaching explanation of ink cartridge IJC to carriage HC In FIG. 5, reference numeral 5000 denotes a platen roller, which guides the recording medium P upward from below the sheet. The carriage HC moves along the platen roller 3000. The front plate 4000 (2 mm in thickness) located on the front side of the ink cartridge IJC and the pad of the wiring board 200 of the cartridge IJC are provided on the front platen side of the carriage. Pad 2011 corresponding to 201
Sheet having a flexible pad 4005 and a rubber pad sheet 4007 for generating an elastic force for pressing the pad against each pad 2011 from the back side thereof.
4003 and a positioning hook 4001 for fixing the ink cartridge IJC to the recording position. The front plate 4000 has two positioning projections 4010 corresponding to the positioning projections 2500 and 2600 of the cartridge support 300, respectively.
Receive a vertical force towards. For this reason, the reinforcing rib has a plurality of ribs (not shown) on the platen roller side of the front plate that are oriented in the direction of the vertical force. The ribs are slightly (approximately than the front position L ₅ of Katoritsuji IJC when mounted
(Approximately 0.1 mm) A head protection projection protruding toward the platen roller is also formed. Support plate for electrical connection 4003
Has a plurality of reinforcing ribs 4004 not in the direction of the ribs but in the vertical direction, and the proportion of protrusion from the platen side toward the hook 4001 side is reduced. This also serves the function of tilting the position when the cartridge is mounted as shown in the figure. In addition, the support plate 4003 stabilizes the electrical contact state, so that the two positioning projecting surfaces 4010 act on the cartridge in the opposite direction to the acting direction on the cartridge. The protruding surface 40
10, two pad contact areas are formed between them, and the amount of deformation of the boss of the boss rubber sheet 4007 corresponding to the pad 2011 is uniquely defined. When these positioning surfaces are fixed at positions where the cartridge IJC can record, they come into contact with the surface of the wiring board 300. In this example, since the are distributed so as to be symmetrical with respect to the line L ₁ which further the pads 201 of the wiring board 300 described above,
Pads by equalizing the amount of deformation of each button on rubber sheet 4007
The contact pressure of 2011 and 201 is more stabilized. Pad of this example
The distribution of 201 is upper, lower two rows and vertical two rows.

The hook 4001 has a long hole that engages with the fixed shaft 4009, and after rotating counterclockwise from the position shown in the drawing using the moving space of the long hole, moves leftward along the platen roller 5000. By moving, the inkjet cartridge IJC is positioned with respect to the carriage HC. Although the hook 4001 can be moved in any manner, a configuration in which the hook 4001 can be moved by a lever or the like is preferable. In any case, when the hook 4001 rotates, the cartridge IJC moves to the platen roller side while the positioning projections 2500 and 2600 move to positions where the positioning protrusions 2500 and 2600 can contact the positioning surface 4010 of the front plate, and the hook 4001 moves to the left. The 90 ° hook surface 4002 is brought into close contact with the 90 ° surface of the cartridge IJC claw 2100 while rotating the cartridge IJC in the horizontal plane around the contact area between the positioning surfaces 2500 and 4010 and finally the pads 201 and 20.
Contact of 11 comrades begins. And hook 4001 is in the predetermined position,
That is, when held at the fixed position, the pads 201 and 2011 have a complete contact state, the positioning surfaces 2500 and 4010 have a complete contact, the 90-degree surface 4002 and the 90-degree surface of the claw have two contact surfaces, and 30
0 and the surface contact with the positioning surface 4006 are simultaneously formed, and the holding of the cartridge IJC with respect to the carriage is completed.

(Iv) Schematic description of apparatus main body FIG. 6 shows an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
In the outline view of IJRA, the carriage HC that engages with the spiral groove 5004 of the lead screw 5005 that rotates via the driving force transmission gears 50111 and 5009 in conjunction with the forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor 5013
Has a pin (not shown) and is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. Reference numeral 5002 denotes a paper pressing plate, which presses the paper against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote home position detecting means for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 5006 in this region by photocouplers and switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 denotes a member for supporting a cap member 5022 for capping the front surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 5015 denotes suction means for sucking the inside of the cap, and recovering the suction of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. 50
Numeral 17 denotes a cleaning blade, and numeral 5019 denotes a member which enables the blade to move in the front-rear direction. These members are supported by a main body support plate 5018. It goes without saying that the blade is not limited to this form, and a well-known cleaning blade can be applied to this embodiment. Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for recovery of suction, which moves with the movement of the cam 5020 that engages with the carriage, and controls the movement of the drive force from the drive motor by a known transmission means such as clutch switching. Is done.

These capping, cleaning and suction recovery
When the carriage comes to the home position side area, the lead screw 5005 is configured to perform desired processing at the corresponding position by the action of the lead screw 5005. Any of the examples can be applied. Each of the configurations described above is an excellent invention when viewed alone or in combination, and shows preferred configuration examples for the present invention.

In order to describe in detail the present invention which is technically related to the above-mentioned FIGS. 2 to 6, the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(Example 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an integral molded member of an orifice plate (plate-like member) 400 and a grooved top plate (top member with concave portion) 1300 shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of FIG. 41 is an orifice opened using an excimer laser on an orifice plate with a thickness of 200 μm, 15
Reference numeral 00 denotes an ink receiving port for supplying ink to an ink path formed by joining the top plate with groove 1300 and the heater board 100. Reference numeral 91 denotes a heat generating portion (heater) of an electrothermal converter as a heat energy generating element for generating heat energy used for discharging ink, and 92 denotes a heat generating portion 91.
For inputting an electric pulse to the device. The inside of the ink path is filled with ink supplied from the ink receiving port 1500.

In this state, when a pulse signal corresponding to the input data is input to each heater 91, the ink on the heater foams, and the ink is discharged from the orifice 41 as droplets by using this energy. The droplet lands on the paper about 0.5 to 1.0 mm away from the orifice 41, and recording according to the input information is realized.

Here, in the present embodiment, the grooved top plate 1300 and the orifice plate 400 arranged so as to extend in both vertical directions from the end of the top plate are integrally molded, and the orifice plate 4
The orifice was opened using a laser or the like in a state where the thickness of the thickest part of the main body was 200 μm and the strength was secured.

Further, in consideration of the strength of the orifice plate and the reliability of cleaning at the time of wiping, the three surfaces of the orifice plate on the side where the discharge port is provided have a stepped side sectional shape with a gentle slope. It consisted of a plane.

As a material of the integrally molded member of the grooved top plate 1300 and the orifice plate 400, a thermoplastic resin, for example, polyether ether ketone, polyimide, polysulfone, or the like is preferably used in consideration of material cost and ink resistance. Can be In this embodiment, polysulfone having a small thermal deformation even at a high temperature was used.

When a suction recovery operation was performed using such an ink jet head, it was found that since the discharge port surface was almost smooth, the airtightness was excellent and sufficient suction could be performed. Also,
Also in the ink wiping (wiping) operation, the wiping direction (the direction perpendicular to the row of ejection openings) was almost smooth, so that the blade fluttering and the accumulation of ink in specific portions did not occur, and sufficient residual ink could be removed. Further, the orifice plate 400 was not wrinkled or damaged due to insufficient strength.

Furthermore, since the surface of the orifice plate on the side where the discharge port is provided has a stepped side cross-sectional shape with a gentle slope, the reliability of cleaning at the time of wiping is further improved.

Next, a method of forming a groove or an orifice in the ink path will be described with reference to FIG.

The groove of the ink path can be formed by molding a resin using a mold in which a fine groove having a pattern opposite to that of the groove is formed by a method such as cutting.

After removing the orifice from the mold, the orifice plate is irradiated with ultraviolet laser from the inside of the orifice plate 400, that is, from the groove side of the ink path, to the position where the orifice is to be formed. Was formed.

In the present embodiment, molding was performed in such a manner that the width of the groove of the ink path was 40 μm, the width of the non-groove portion was 23.5 μm, and the height (depth) of the groove of the ink path was 50 μm. FIG. 8 is a sectional view. In this embodiment, the number of grooves was 90 and the number of orifices formed by excimer laser was 74. At this time, the thickness a of the orifice plate portion 400 in FIG.
Varied in the range of, and in accordance with going downward by giving the angle the thickness of the orifice plate surface forming the orifice, so the wall thickness increases, 0-20 ° and the angle as theta ₁ Range.

Further, the distance b from the surface to be joined to the heater board 100 is downward.
And the dimension c of the end face of the orifice connecting the point and the end face of the orifice plate by a straight line is changed by 0.1 to 0.3, and the dimension d from the surface to be joined to the heater board 100 is d.
Varied from 1.5 to 3.0. Also, the upper dimension e of the orifice
More of the surface was the angle theta _2, respectively from 0.08 to 1.0, -
Changed 5-10 °. Tables 1 were formed with respective top plates subjected to the above dimensional changes of a, b, c, d, e and θ ₁ , θ ₂ .

Ori until No.1~6 Huys plate angle theta ₁ to 10 ° about the thickness, theta ₂ to 6 °, the dimension b, c, d, respectively e 0,
Fix to 1,0.2,2.2,0.12 and orifice plate thickness a
It was changed from 0.01 to 0.06. Further, Nanba7～11 the angle theta ₂ of the orifice plate was 6 °, the dimensions a, b, c, d, e were each fixed to 0.02,0.1,0.2,2.2,0.12, the angle theta ₁ 0 to Two
It was changed to 0 ゜. Further No.12~17 is the angle theta ₁ 10 °,
theta ₂ to 6 °, the dimensions a, c, d, e respectively 0.02,0.2,2.2.0.12
And the dimension b was changed to 0.02 to 1.0. No.18
To 21 is the angle theta ₁ 10 °, theta ₂ to 5 °, the dimensions a, b, d, securing the e respectively 0.02,0.1,2.2,0.12, the dimension c 0.1 to 0.3
Was changed to. Next, for Nos. 22 to 25, the angle θ ₁ was changed to 10 ° and θ ₂
Are fixed to 5mm, and the dimensions a, b, c, e are set to 0.02, 0.1, 0.2, 0.12 respectively.
And the d dimension was changed from 1.0 to 3.0. Next, No.2
For 6 to 30, angles θ ₁ and θ ₂ are 10 ° and 6 °, respectively, and dimensions a, b,
c and d are 0.02, 0.1, 0.2 and 2.2, respectively, and dimension e is 0.08 to
Changed to 1.0. In addition, the No.31~34 in the angle θ ₁
10 °, the dimensions a, b, c, d, and the angle theta ₂ is changed -5 ° to 10 ° to e as 0.02,0.1,0.2,2.2,0.12.

The above-described various top plates were assembled and evaluated until they were completed as an inkjet head using the various top plates.

Next, the evaluation results of each of the inkjet heads just described will be described. The evaluation items are three items: moldability, difficulty in forming an orifice, and characteristics of a balloon that removes ink adhered to an orifice plate during printing.

About the formability, the dimension a is too thin or the angle θ
If the size is too small or the dimension b is too small, the flow of the resin during molding may be insufficient and the expected shape may not be obtained.

In this embodiment, the orifice was formed by using an excimer laser. However, if the dimension until the laser was applied and the laser penetrated, that is, the dimension a was too thick, the laser power was limited. Demerits such as a failure to obtain a size or a dirty orifice shape are conceivable.

It is considered that the ink cannot be completely removed depending on the shape.

First, No. 1 which changed the dimension a of the orifice plate
The results of evaluation of Nos. 1 to 6 are as follows. No. 1 having an a dimension of 0.01 has no molding resin. The formation of the orifice was difficult even if various laser conditions were devised. Also,
Regarding the balloon, the face shape of the orifice plate was the same, and there was no problem.

Then, the angle theta ₂ to 6 °, respectively dimensions a, b, c, d, e s 0.02 and.
Fixed to 1,0.2,2.2,0.12, the angle theta ₁ 0 °, 5 °, 10 °, 15
DEG, although the NO.7 for changing the 20 ° is a test No.11, which is the range a size 0.02 in b dimensions 0.1 theta ₁ as 0 ° No.
The head No. 7 could not be evaluated because the resin did not flow. In addition, in the head of No. 11 where θ was set to 20 °, a part of the ink was not removed. Good results were obtained for all the heads of Nos. 8 to 10 with θ of 5 °, 10 °, and 15 °.

Next, theta ₁ and 10 °, theta ₂ to 6 °, a, c, d, and e dimensions respectively
0.02, 0.2, 2.2, 0.12. Dimension b for Nos. 12 to 17
The head of No. 12 having a value of 0.02 was difficult to mold because the resin did not flow. Also, the head of No. 17 was good in both molding and orifice formation, but the desired characteristics could not be obtained even if the blowing conditions were variously modified. Heads Nos. 13 to 16 all obtained good results.

Then the dimensions a, b, c, d, husband e s 0.02,0.1,2.2,0.12, the theta ₁
10 °, theta ₂ was 6 °, but the evaluation result of No.18~No.21 of varying dimensions c and 0.1,0.15,0.2,0.3, the head of the No.18 to the dimension c was 0.1 Resin Did not flow in and molding was difficult. Other heads of No. 19 to No. 21 obtained good results in molding, orifice formation, and blowing.

Next, for No. 22 to No. 26, the dimensions a, b, c, e were 0.02, 0.
And 2,2.2,0.12, the angle theta ₁ 10 °, the angle theta ₂ to 6 °, but the dimension d was 1.0,1.5,2.0,2.5,3.0 as the dimension d is 1.0
In No.22, it was difficult to align the head with the cap. Further, No. 26 having a dimension d of 3.0 could not be molded because the resin did not flow. All other Nos. 23 to 25 had good results.

Next, for No. 27 to No. 30, the dimensions a, b, c, d were set to 0.02, 0.1,
The dimension e was changed to 0.08, 0.12, 0.5, 1.0 with 0.2, 2.2 and angles θ ₁ , θ ₂ of 10 °, 6 °, respectively.
Was 0.08, the ink was too close to the orifice, and the attached ink affected the ejection. When the dimension e of No. 30 was 1.0, the ink could not be wiped off. Nos. 28 to 29 were good.

Next, the heads of Nos. 31 to 34 set the dimensions a, b, c, d, and e to 0.02, respectively.
0.1, 0.2, 2.2, 0.12, angle θ ₁ is 10 °, angle θ
No. ₂ was −5 °, 0 °, 5 °, and 10 °, but the −5 ° head of No. 31 and the 10 ° head of No. 34 could not be wiped with ink. The heads of Nos. 32 and 33 were good.

In summary, in order to mold the orifice plate and obtain the desired orifice by laser, the dimension a is 0.02
Above, the angle theta ₁ is 5 ° or more, the dimension b, c, d, e, respectively 0.0
It is extremely preferably at least 5, at least 0.15, at most 2.5, and at least 0.12. In order to obtain the characteristics of butterbur, the angle θ ₁
15 ° or less, the angle theta ₂ is 0 ° or more 6 ° or less, the dimension b, d, e
Is very preferably 1.0 or less, 1.0 or more, and 1.0 or less, respectively.

In summary, it is particularly preferable to satisfy the condition of 0.02 ≦ a ≦ 0.05 5 ° ≦ θ ₁ ≦ 15 ° 0.05 ≦ b ≦ 0.8 0.15 ≦ c 1.5 ≦ d ≦ 2.5 0.12 ≦ e ≦ 0.5 0 ≦ θ ₂ ≦ 6 An ink jet head exhibiting excellent printing was obtained.

Even if wiping is performed in the vertical direction (perpendicular to the ejection port array) as shown in FIG. 9 on the ink jet head satisfying this condition, the horizontal direction (with respect to the ejection port row) as shown in FIG. Even when wiping in the (parallel direction) was performed, good wiping could be performed. In this drawing, reference numeral 5017 denotes a plate-like blade.

Note that the present invention is particularly applicable to a recording head and a recording apparatus of a bubble jet method among ink jet recording methods,
It has excellent effects.

Regarding the representative 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 liquid path holding the liquid (ink). By applying at least one drive signal to the electrothermal transducer for a rapid temperature rise corresponding to recording information and exceeding nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and the heat of the recording head is increased. This is effective because the film can be boiled on the working surface, and as a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) can be formed in one-to-one correspondence with the drive signal. The liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble to form at least one droplet.
When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,434,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the invention relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As a configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination configuration (a linear liquid flow path or a right-angled liquid flow path) of a discharge port, a liquid path, and an electrothermal converter as disclosed in each of the above-mentioned specifications, a heat acting section A configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600, which disclose a configuration in which the is bent, is also included in the present invention. In addition, JP-A-59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters.
The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 138461/1984, which discloses a configuration in which an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy corresponds to a discharge portion.

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 can be reduced by a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above specification. Either a configuration that satisfies the above or a configuration as a single recording head that is integrally formed may be used, but the present invention can more effectively exert the above-described effects.

In addition, a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be electrically connected to the device main body or supplied with ink from the device main body by being attached to the device main body, or provided integrally with the recording head freely The present invention is also effective when a cartridge type recording head is used.

It is preferable to add recovery means for the printhead, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like, which are provided as components of the printing apparatus of the present invention, since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. To be more specific, a capping unit, a cleaning unit, a pressure or suction unit, a preheating unit using an electrothermal converter, another heating element, or a combination thereof, for the recording head. Performing a preliminary ejection mode in which ejection is performed separately from printing is also effective for performing stable printing.

Further, the printing mode of the printing apparatus is not limited to the printing mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but may be a printing head integrally formed or a combination of a plurality of printing heads. The present invention is extremely effective for an apparatus having at least one of the full colors.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described in detail above, by integrally molding the grooved top plate and orifice plate, the sealing performance at the time of capping is improved, so that sufficient suction can be performed, and also at the time of wiping, There is no residue and the reliability is improved. In addition, the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts.

In addition, since the surface of the plate-shaped member on the side where the discharge port is provided has a stepped side cross-sectional shape with a gentle slope, it is possible to ensure cleanliness during wiping without attaching special parts inside and outside the cap. In addition to further improving the performance, the effect of preventing the meniscus of the ink at the discharge port at the time of capping is also improved, so that the ink discharge failure and various problems derived therefrom can be better solved with a simple configuration. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an ink jet head according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3 are an exploded perspective view and an assembled perspective view of the ink cartridge of FIG. 1, respectively. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ink tank of the ink jet cartridge shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the side where the ink jet unit is mounted. FIG. 5 is a top view showing a place where the ink cartridge of FIG. 1 is mounted on the carriage. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a main part of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the ink cartridge of FIG. 1 is attached. FIG. 7 is a schematic enlarged side view showing a main part of the ink jet head of FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing a state in which vertical wiping is performed on the inkjet head. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing a state in which lateral wiping is performed on the inkjet head. FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a conventional ink jet head. 41: Orifice 91: Heater 100: Heater board 300: Support 400: Orifice plate 900: Ink absorber 1300: Top plate with groove 1500: Ink receptacle

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Riki Abe 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Nakagome 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inside (72) Inventor Teruo Arashima 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Sugitani 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. ( 72) Inventor Norifumi Hattori 3- 30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masami Ikeda 3- 30-2 Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Invention Person Asao Saito 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Kazuaki Masuda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Akio Saito 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Tsuyoshi Orikasa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. The ink path is formed by joining a base member and a top member provided with a concave portion for forming an ink path communicating with a discharge port for discharging ink with the concave portion inside. The discharge port is provided on a plate-shaped member integrally formed with the top member so as to extend in both vertical directions from an end of the top member, and the discharge port of the plate-shaped member is provided. An ink jet head characterized in that the side surface has a stepped side cross-sectional shape with a gentle gradient. 2. The ink jet head according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the discharge ports are provided at positions of the plate member corresponding to ends of the top member. 3. An electrothermal converter is provided on a portion of the substrate corresponding to the ink path as a thermal energy generating means for generating thermal energy used for discharging ink from the discharge port. The ink jet head according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The ink path is formed by joining a base member and a top member provided with a concave part for forming an ink path communicating with a discharge port for discharging ink with the concave part inside. The discharge port is provided on a plate-shaped member integrally formed with the top member so as to extend in both vertical directions from an end portion of the top member, and the discharge port of the plate-shaped member is provided. An ink-jet unit comprising: an ink-jet head having a stepped side cross-sectional shape with a gentle gradient on a side surface; and an ink supply member for supplying ink to the ink path. 5. The ink path is formed by joining a base member and a top member provided with a concave portion for forming an ink path communicating with a discharge port for discharging ink with the concave portion inside. The discharge port is provided on a plate-shaped member integrally formed with the top member so as to extend in both vertical directions from an end portion of the top member, and the discharge port of the plate-shaped member is provided. An ink jet head having an ink jet head having a stepped side cross-sectional shape with a gentle slope, an ink supply member for supplying ink to the ink path, and a supply to the ink path by the ink supply member And an ink tank for storing the ink to be used. 6. The ink path is formed by joining a base member and a ceiling member provided with a concave portion for forming an ink path communicating with a discharge port for discharging ink with the concave portion inside. The discharge port is provided on a plate-shaped member integrally formed with the top member so as to extend in both vertical directions from an end portion of the top member, and the discharge port of the plate-shaped member is provided. An ink jet head having an ink jet head having a stepped side cross-sectional shape with a gentle slope, an ink supply member for supplying ink to the ink path, and a supply to the ink path by the ink supply member And an ink tank for storing the ink to be used, and a carriage for mounting the ink jet cartridge. Inkjet device.