JP2724004B2 - Storage container for inkjet head - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a packaging member for an ink jet recording head (hereinafter, also referred to as a “storage container” or a “storage package”). The present invention relates to an enclosed packaging member.

Further, the present invention relates to a storage container for an ink jet head integrated with an ink tank detachable from an ink jet recording apparatus.

[Related Art] In recent years, ink jet recording apparatuses have become widespread as output apparatuses such as office computers, personal computers, and word processors.

An ink jet recording apparatus records on a recording medium by ejecting and flying an ink liquid in an ink path of a recording head by pressure generated by a piezoelectric element or the like, and has low noise, low cost, and high density recording. It is possible and has advantages such as excellent color compatibility.

Incidentally, there is a recording head exchange type as one type of the ink jet recording apparatus. Since the recording head has a certain durable use time, the reliability of the ink jet recording apparatus is ensured by replacing the head which has reached the use time with a new head.

As described above, an ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink tank for storing ink as a recording material therein and an ink jet head element having a function of discharging ink (hereinafter, also referred to as an “ink jet head unit” or an “ink discharge section”). There is known an ink jet head using an integrated ink jet head (hereinafter, also referred to as an “ink jet head cartridge”). In such an ink jet head, there is a method of replacing the ink jet head itself together with the ink tank when the ink in the ink tank is consumed by printing and the ink is exhausted, or when the ejection state is deteriorated for some reason and it is not improved. Has been taken. Therefore, separately from the printer main body, an ink tank integrated type ink jet head detachable from the printer is packaged and sold as a single unit.

Conventionally, such an ink tank integrated type ink jet head is transported and stored by, as shown in FIG. 18, storing an ink tank integrated type ink jet head 21 in a housing 20, and then sealing the lid 22 by heat welding. , 19th
As shown in the figure, there is an ink jet head 21 which is housed in a housing 20 with a tape 23 or the like affixed to an ejection surface where an ink ejection port 24 is arranged, and hermetically seals a lid 22 by heat welding. By making such a storage container,
This prevents thickening of the ink due to evaporation of the ink solvent and adhesion of dust to the discharge port.

Separately from this, in the recording head exchange type, conventionally, when the head is first attached to the recording device or when the head is replaced, a new head is attached to the recording device, the power is turned on, and printing is checked. When the ejection is defective, a series of operations for recovering from the ejection failure are performed. Also,
When a new head is attached to the recording device at the time of the first installation at the time of starting the use of the recording device or at the time of replacing the head, the new head is stored for a long time until then. In many cases, a recovery operation for ejection failure was required.

A recovery mechanism is provided separately in the printing apparatus or at a home position of the carriage or the like in order to recover an ejection failure. FIG. 20 shows an example of this, and the recovery mechanism 61 is provided at the home position of the carriage 62.
When the carriage 62 comes to the home position, the cap 63 of the recovery mechanism 61 covers the discharge port surface of the recording head 64 mounted on the carriage 62, and operates the suction pump 65 to discharge the recording head 64 from the discharge port. The ink liquid is sucked and discharged. Reference numeral 66 denotes a platen, 67 denotes a recording sheet, and 68 denotes a guide for the carriage 62.

As described above, when the ink-jet head causes printing failure, there is a printer provided with a mechanism for improving the printing state by causing ink to flow out of the ink-jet head by suction or pressurization on the printer body side, that is, a so-called recovery mechanism. .

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the case of the above-described conventional storage container, when the inkjet head is taken out of a new storage container and is to be used, the ejection of the inkjet head is performed while the inkjet head is stored in the storage container. In some cases, the stable ejection state of the ink from the ejection port is not maintained due to the increase in the viscosity of the ink at the ejection port due to evaporation of the ink solvent from the exit, etc., and the printing state when the printer is installed is good. Is not necessarily guaranteed. In addition, prints that have been stored for a longer period of time have a higher frequency of printing defects when the printer is mounted.

In other words, in the above conventional example, once the package lid is removed, the airtightness with the external environment is lost, and when the printer is not used for a long time, the ink tank integrated recording head is returned to the package again and stored. However, since the hermeticity cannot be ensured, there is a problem in that thickening of the ink due to evaporation of the ink solvent and adhesion of dust to the discharge port portion may cause defective printing when the printer is mounted. In addition, there is a problem that the discharge port may be fixed from the initial state when the lid of the package is poorly welded, when there is a hole or a crack in the lid or the housing, or when the lid is stored unused for a long period of time. .

Therefore, even when a new ink jet head is mounted on a printer, a troublesome operation of operating a recovery mechanism provided in the printer body may be required. Further, in this case, a recovery mechanism must be provided on the printer main body side, resulting in an increase in cost and an increase in the size of the printer main body. Further, if a recovery mechanism is provided on the printer main body side, a configuration for processing waste ink generated after the recovery operation, specifically, when the waste ink is processed by the printer main body, it is used during the printer warranty period. A large waste ink reservoir (ink absorber) is required assuming the total amount of waste ink generated from the ink jet head, and therefore, there is a problem that the printer body is contaminated and the cost is increased.

In other words, it is relatively complicated to perform an ejection failure recovery operation on a new printhead by a recovery mechanism to stabilize the discharge, and to provide a recovery mechanism in the printing apparatus, the space for the recovery mechanism must be increased. There was a problem that it had to be provided inside.

In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to make it possible to achieve stable ejection of a new inkjet head without performing a complicated recovery operation by a recovery mechanism provided in a recording apparatus,
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a packaging member having an ink jet head ejection stabilization mechanism that can provide an effect that a recovery mechanism need not always be provided in a recording apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly reusable, highly sealable ejection port of an ink jet head with an ink tank.
An object of the present invention is to provide a package for storing an inkjet head.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention relates to a storage container for an ink jet head for storing an ink jet head, the recovery container for recovering ink discharge failure from the discharge port of the ink jet head in the storage container. A storage container for an inkjet head, wherein a member is provided.

[Operation] In the present invention, in the case where a member for recovering ejection failure is provided in the storage container, the operation for recovering the ejection failure of the inkjet head is performed by the member for recovery, so that the recovery mechanism is always provided without providing another recovery mechanism. The ink jet head can be used in a good discharge state.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

 One embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the storage container of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a recovery operation, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the storage container with a lid removed.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a storage container, which contains an ink jet head 4.

The ink jet head 4 is a cartridge type in which a discharge unit and an ink tank are integrated. Ink tank
4B is filled with a porous body 4E impregnated with the ink liquid, and the ink tank 4B communicates with the discharge port 4A through the filter 4C and the communication pipe 4F. In addition, the ink tank 4B is provided with a vent hole 4D at the upper part. As shown in FIG. 3, the ink jet head 4 is provided with an electrode section 7 on the left side of the discharge port 4A for connecting to a flexible cable of the recording apparatus main body.

The storage container 1 is composed of a case 2 and a lid 3 made of a material such as plastic or aluminum foil, and both are adhered to each other by means such as heat sealing. At least the lid 3 can be bent by pressing. On the lower surface of the lid 3, an elastic member 5 is fixed by means of a double-sided tape or the like so as to face the position of the ventilation hole 4D. The elastic member 5 is composed of a dish-shaped seal portion 5A and two symmetrical positions inside the seal portion 5A or a rib 5B.
The lower end of 5B protrudes from the lower end of seal portion 5A. A discharge port blade 6A and an electrode blade 6B having flexibility are provided on the upper side of the inside of the left side surface of the case 2 so as to face the position of the discharge port 4A and the electrode section 7 (see FIG. 3).

 Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

When a user purchases a new inkjet head 4, the inkjet head 4 is contained in the storage container 1 as shown in FIG. The user presses the vicinity of the center of the upper surface of the lid 3 with a finger or the like as shown in FIG.

Then, the lid 3 bends, and the rib 5B and the sealing portion 5A of the elastic member 5 abut on the upper surface of the ink jet head 4 to cause elastic deformation. When the seal portion 5A surrounds the air hole 4D in a sealed state and undergoes elastic deformation, there is no air outlet in the seal portion 5A, and this air enters the ink tank 4B through the air hole 4D. I do. Then the ink tank
Since the pressure in 4B increases, the ink liquid in the ink tank 4B reaches the discharge port 4A through the filter 4C and the communication port 4F, and the solidified ink attached to the discharge port 4A and the like is discharged to the outside. The air existing in the ink path is also discharged to the outside together with the ink liquid. As a result, the ejection is recovered.

Next, when the pressing of the upper surface of the lid 3 is stopped, the elastic member 5 is immediately separated from the upper surface of the inkjet head 4 by the elastic restoring force of the rib 5B, so that the lower end surface of the seal portion 5A is immediately separated from the upper surface of the inkjet head 4, The reduced pressure state of the ink tank 4B is immediately eliminated, and backflow of the ink liquid that has reached the communication pipe 4F and the discharge port 4A to the ink tank 4B is prevented.

If the pressing and the stop of the pressing are performed several times, a more reliable recovery operation can be performed.

When the recovery operation is completed, the lid 3 is peeled off as shown in FIG. Then, the inkjet head 4 is taken out of the case 2. At that time, the discharge port blade 6A and the electrode blade 6B
Rubs the discharge port 4A and the electrode section 7, respectively, so that the discharge port
The ink adhering to the 4A surface and the electrode portion 7 is wiped off.
Thus, it is possible to prevent abnormal discharge due to ink attached to the surface of the discharge port 4A and the conductive state of the electrode unit 7.

After taking out the inkjet head 4, the inkjet head 4 is mounted on a recording apparatus, and printing or image formation can be performed immediately.

In the present embodiment, the recovery operation is performed by pressing the lid 3, so that the ejection failure of the inkjet head 4 can be extremely easily recovered when the storage container 1 is opened. Therefore, when using an ink jet head that is less likely to cause ejection failure during a printing operation or the like,
There is no need to provide a separate recovery mechanism in the recording apparatus main body. The elastic member 5 fixed to the lid 3 may be stored, and in the event of a discharge failure during recording or the like, the discharge failure may be recovered using the elastic member 5.

Further, in this embodiment, since the blades 6A and 6B are provided in the case 2, when the inkjet head 4 is taken out from the case 2, the ink ejected from the ejection port 4A by the recovery operation is naturally wiped off, and the prepared cloth or the like is used. The labor of wiping or the like can be omitted. In this embodiment, the blade
Although 6A and 6B are provided separately, they may be integrated.

 Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

 FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, a pressing portion 9A is provided on a protection member 9 fitted to a step 2A provided at the upper end of the case 2 (in this embodiment, the protection member 9 is perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 4). ).

The protection member 9 is provided between the lid 3 and the inkjet head 4, and when an impact force such as vibration drop occurs, the inkjet head 4 hits the protection member 9 and the protection member 9.
Acts as a cushioning material, so that the ink jet head 4 is attached to the lid 3 made of a thin sheet of aluminum foil or the like.
The purpose of this is to prevent the power from being transmitted directly.

The protection member 9 is made of a plastic thin plate or the like.
A pressing portion 9A having a concave shape is formed at the center. An elastic packing member 10 is adhered around the concave portion with an adhesive or the like. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the protection member 9 as viewed from the packing member 10 side.

When the ink jet head 4 is used, the vicinity of the center of the lid 3 is pressed with a finger or the like as in the previous embodiment. Then, the lid 3 and the protection member 9 are bent, and the packing member 10 is
Surrounding the periphery of 4D, when further pressing, the air in the concave portion is pressurized due to the deformation of the packing member 10 and the volume change of the concave portion due to the elastic deformation of the pressing portion 9A, and enters the ink tank 4B from the ventilation hole 4D, and the ink tank Send the 4B ink liquid to the discharge port 4A. When the pressing of the lid 3 is stopped, the protection member 9 immediately returns to its original flat state due to the elastic restoring force of the protection member 9, and the backflow of the ink liquid can be prevented as in the previous embodiment. An elastic member similar to the rib 5B in the previous embodiment may be provided on the pressing portion 9A, and the packing 10 may be separated from the upper surface of the inkjet head 4 by the elastic return force of the rib 5B.

Reference numeral 8 denotes an ink absorber made of a porous material or the like, which absorbs the ink liquid discharged from the discharge port 4A. Therefore, when the ink jet head 4 is taken out by removing the lid 3, the ink liquid does not adhere to the surface of the discharge port 4A, and there is no need to wipe the surface of the discharge port 4A using a cloth or the like.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another form of the protection member 9. In this example, a groove 11 is formed around the pressing portion 9A, and the packing member 10 is press-fitted into the groove 11.

In the above two embodiments, both the elastic member 5 and the pressing portion 9A are provided on the side of the lid 3 or the protective member 9, but these are fixed to the upper surface of the ink jet head 4, and these elastic members 5 or An air hole is provided on the upper surface of the pressing portion 9A, and the elastic member 5 or the pressing portion 9A is pressed in a state where these air holes are closed by pressing from the lid 3 or the protection member 9 side, and the elastic member 5 or The pressurized air in the pressing portion 9A may be sent to the ink tank 4B through a ventilation hole 4D provided in the ink tank 4B.

When the ventilation hole 4D is on the side surface of the case 2 or the like,
An elastic member 5 or the like is provided on the side surface of the case 2 and the like.
You may send to.

 Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a packaging member including an ink jet head for explaining the present embodiment.

In this embodiment, a pedestal having a predetermined height on the bottom surface of the case 2
14 are provided, and the inkjet head 4 is
The protective member 16 having a rib 15 provided on the lower side of the lid 3 is placed on the upper side of the cover 3 from above and abuts on the lower side.
It is fixed in the storage container 1. A dish-shaped elastic member 12 having a bellows portion 12B is attached to the bottom surface of the case 2 so as to face the discharge port 4A. The elastic member 12 extends to a height indicated by a dotted line in FIG. At the center of the elastic member 12, a contact member 12A for closing the discharge port 4A is fixed.
The contact member 12A is designed to be slightly higher than the height of the cradle 14 in a natural state (not shown).

In the present embodiment, in order to enclose the inkjet head 4 in the storage container 1, first, the bellows portion 12B of the elastic member 12 is contracted to a height of the pedestal 14 by a predetermined means. 14, and closes the discharge port 4 </ b> A with the close contact member 12 </ b> A.
To form a closed space 13, and furthermore, the ink jet head 4 is contacted by a protective member 16 having a rib 15 from above the ink jet head 4 so as not to move upward, and the lid 3 is covered and adhered to the case 2. . After the ink jet head 4 is placed on the cradle 14, the force which has contracted the elastic member 2 is removed by a predetermined means so that the elastic return force of the elastic member 12 acts on the ink jet head 4. Keep it.

 Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

When the inkjet head 4 is used, the lid 3 is peeled off from the case 2. Then, the elastic member 12 is extended by the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 12 to the portion indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 7, and at the same time, the ink jet head 4 is lifted upward. On the other hand, since the bellows portion is not provided on the contact member 12A and the amount of expansion is small, the bellows portion 12B is extended and
A is opened, and the volume of the gap 13 further increases, so that the gap 13
, A negative pressure is generated, and the liquid in the ink tank is discharged outward through the discharge port 4A. Thereby, the ink jet head 4
Is recovered from the ejection failure.

This embodiment has an advantage that the ejection failure is automatically recovered when the storage container 1 is opened.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the storage container of the ink jet head of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view.

This embodiment is a sealing member that seals a discharge port provided on a discharge front surface 31A of an ink jet head 31, which is an ink tank integrated recording head, on one of inner surfaces of a housing 32 serving as a storage container body. An elastic member for providing an elastic cap 33, and for urging the inkjet head 31 to press the ejection front surface 31A against the elastic cap 33 in the vicinity of an inner surface facing the inner surface provided with the elastic cap 33; Is mounted. In addition, an ink jet head is provided on the inner surface of the housing 32.
Guides 34 for supporting the respective side surfaces of the ink jet head 31 are provided on two surfaces corresponding to the side surfaces of the ink jet head 31, respectively.

The housing 32 is formed of an aluminum thin plate or a resin having low gas permeability, and is sealed by welding a lid 35 on an upper surface in a state where the inkjet head 31 is housed. The lid 35 is made of a thin aluminum plate or a material obtained by evaporating aluminum on a nylon or polyester film, and is welded to the housing 32 to keep the inside of the housing 32 airtight.

The aforementioned elastic cap 33 is formed of butyl rubber having low gas permeability,
The portion corresponding to 31A has a cap-like shape having a concave portion that can cover all the ejection ports provided on the ejection front surface 31A.

The ink jet head 31 before use is stored in the housing 32 as shown in FIG. 9, and is stored in a state where the lid 35 is closed and sealed.

In this state, the ink jet head 31 is urged in the direction indicated by the arrow A by the spring 36 and in the direction indicated by the arrow B by the elastic cap 33.
3 is pressed. At this time, the concave portion of the elastic cap 33 is
A closed space 33A is formed by this, and the discharge port provided on the discharge front face 31A is shut off from the external environment, and a state in which drying of the discharge port and entry of foreign matter such as dust are completely prevented. ing. Further, when transporting the inkjet head 31 in a state of being housed in the housing 32 in this way,
Both side surfaces of the inkjet head 31 are supported by two guides 34, and furthermore, elastic caps 33 are provided in the front-rear direction.
And the spring 36 urges the ejection front face 31A against the elastic cap 33, so that the airtightness of the ejection port is not impaired against vibration and inclination, and further, the inkjet head 31 is damaged. Not even.

When the ink jet head 31 is removed from the storage container and used, first, the lid 35 is peeled off from the housing 32, and the ink jet head 31 is slid in a direction opposite to the spring 36 (the direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 9). Release capping of cap 33 and remove. Then, the inkjet head 31 is used by attaching it to a recording apparatus main body (not shown).

When the used ink jet head 31 is stored again in the storage container, the ink jet head 31 is pushed in the direction opposite to the spring 36 in the same manner as in the case of the above-described removal, and the ejection port of the ink jet head 31 is elastically moved. The cap 33 is set in a capping state. By this capping, even when the lid 35 is peeled off from the housing 32, the airtightness of the discharge port is secured, and the ink jet head is
31 long-term storage is possible.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing this embodiment, and the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

This embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that a sealing member is replaced with a cap-shaped elastic cap,
That is, the elastic plate-shaped sealing member 37 is used.

In this case, since the sealing member 37 is in close contact with the ejection front surface 31A of the inkjet head 31, the ejection port provided on the ejection front surface 31A is stored in a sealed state. According to this embodiment, processing of the sealing member is facilitated, which leads to cost reduction. In this embodiment, the sealing member 37 is in close contact with the discharge front surface 31A. However, since the sealing member 37 is made of an elastic body as described above,
There is no scratch on A or the discharge port.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

This embodiment is different from the embodiment shown in FIG.
A moisturizing absorber containing ink in the recess of the elastic cap 33
38 is stored.

According to the present embodiment, since the moisturizing absorber 38 containing ink is present in the sealed space 33A formed by the elastic cap 33 and the ejection front surface 31A of the inkjet head 31, the sealed space 33
The inside of A is maintained at an appropriate humidity, the drying of the discharge port portion is prevented, and the ink jet head 31 can be stored for a long period of time in a good discharge port state.

In the present embodiment, the ink is held in the moisturizing absorber 38. However, the present invention is not limited to the ink, and other solvents having a more moisturizing effect may be used. In addition, the moisturizing absorber 38 is
The water holding amount may be further increased by connecting the ink chamber 33 or another provided ink chamber to the ink chamber using the capillary force of the moisturizing absorber 38.

In each of the above embodiments, as a means for pressing the ejection front surface of the ink jet head against the sealing member, an elastic member is provided, but instead, a filling material having elasticity is separately prepared, The filling may be packed between the housing and the rear surface of the inkjet head.

Next, this embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the case of this embodiment, the ink jet head 41 integrally provided with the ink tank 41D is housed in the housing 42, the ejection port 41B of the ink jet head 41 is capped by the elastic cap 43, and the ejection port 41A is in a sealed state. (FIG. 12 (a)). On the inner surface of the housing 42, there is a guide groove 44 for guiding a projection 41C provided on the side surface of the ink jet head 41. By moving the ink jet head 41 along the guide groove 44, the capping of the ink jet head 41 and the ink Outflow and capping release can be performed. The lid 45 is welded and sealed to the housing 42 to increase airtightness with the external environment and prevent thickening of ink and entry of dust. FIG. 3 shows a state where the welding of the lid 45 is partially removed.

The housing 42 is made of a thin aluminum plate or a resin having low gas permeability. The elastic cap 43 is used when the ink jet head 41 is attached or detached.
A material which does not affect the discharge port 41B of 41 and has low gas permeability can be used. A spongy ink absorber 46 is housed in the elastic cap 43. The size of the ink absorber 46 is determined by assuming the total amount of waste ink emitted from one inkjet head 41. Reference numeral 47 denotes an elastically deformable spring material provided on the opposing surface of the elastic cap 43, which presses the ink jet head 41 in the direction of the elastic cap 43 to enhance the airtightness of the surface of the ink jet head 41 where the ejection port 41A is provided. .

In the present embodiment, the outflow of ink from the ejection port 41A is performed by an absorption operation by capping. In other words, the lid 45 of the storage container supplied in a sealed state is peeled off, and suction is performed by the operation of taking out the ink jet head 41. The elastic cap is moved by moving the ink jet head 41 along the guide groove 44.
When a negative pressure is generated in the nozzle 43 and the negative pressure exceeds the meniscus holding force of the ink at the discharge port, the ink is sucked from the discharge port 41A of the ink jet head 41, and the ink or the discharge liquid that has been thickened due to long-term storage or the like. The dust and the like attached to the outlet 41A can be removed by suction together with the ink (FIG. 12 (b)).

At this time, the spilled ink 48 is immediately absorbed by the ink absorber 46.
To prevent the hands from being stained during the removal operation (FIG. 12 (C)).

In the present embodiment, the discharge portion 41B to the elastic cap 43
The surface provided with the ejection port 41A when the ink is inserted and the ink absorber 46
Is pressurized, but the elastic cap
Since 43 is made of an elastic material, the cap deforms during insertion and recovers its shape after insertion. What happens. Further, the elastic cap 43 is in close contact with the discharge port 41B of the inkjet head 41, and when the elastic cap 43 is pulled out, a slight elongation occurs in the elastic cap 43, and a negative pressure is generated due to an increase in the distance. Seem.

In the present invention, a pressurizing unit of the ink tank 41D may be used as the ink outflow unit. In this case, the first
As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the surface of the ink jet head 41 on which the discharge port 41A is provided is pressed against an elastic member 49 as a cap by an elastically deformable spring material 47, and the elastic member 49 is compressed. The airtightness is ensured by the depression. Also in this storage container, when the operation of moving the protrusion 41C of the inkjet head 41 along the guide groove 44 is performed in the same manner as described above, the ejection port 41B is separated from the elastic member 49 at the position behind the ink tank 41D. The ink bag (not shown) in the ink tank 41D is pressurized by the protrusion 50 provided on the ink tank 41D, and the ink is discharged from the discharge port 41A. The discharged ink 48 is supplied to an ink absorber 46 provided at the lower part of the storage container.
(FIG. 13 (b)). As a pressurizing means, as shown in FIG. 14, a cap-like member 51 is provided behind the ink tank 41D, the ink jet head 41 is moved, and a communication hole (not shown) of the ink tank 41D is moved by the member 51. The ink in the ink tank 41D may be pressurized via the.

By the above-described operation, the recovery operation is performed at the same time as when the inkjet head is taken out of the storage container without using the recovery mechanism provided in the conventional printer device body.
A good printing state is always obtained in the ink jet head.

Further, by performing a series of recovery operations of inserting and removing the ink jet head in which ejection failure has occurred during printing with respect to the storage container of the present invention, it is possible to return to a good printing state.

Further, conventionally, in the case of a storage container simply intended for transportation and storage in a distribution process, the storage container was discarded at the same time as opening, but in the storage container of the present invention, the ink jet head can be re-stored, and the printer can be lengthened. If the inkjet head is not used for a period, the inkjet head is returned to the storage container, and the ink ejection portion of the inkjet head is sealed, so that the inkjet head can be stored a plurality of times for a long period of time.

Here, a case where a storage container is manufactured with a configuration as shown in FIG. 12 will be described. 2m thickness for housing 42
Using a molded product made of m resin (when molding, guide 44 and spring material 47 are molded at the same time), butyl rubber is used as elastic cap 43, cap pressure is 1 mm, and sponge ink absorber is used inside the cap. The embedded 46 was fixed to the housing 42 by patching.

Then, the inkjet head 41 in the housing 32 was mounted, and the lid 45 was bonded by heat welding.

The ink-jet head 41 stored in the storage container does not increase the viscosity of the ink even during long-term storage, and furthermore, the operation of taking out from the storage container causes ink to flow out, and the taken-out ink-jet head 41 is in a state where it can be sufficiently used when the printer is mounted. Had become.

In addition, the inkjet head 41 having the printing failure was inserted into the housing 42, capped, and the operation of taking out the inkjet head 41 again was performed, whereby the recovery operation of the inkjet head 41 was performed, and the printing failure was eliminated.

Next, a case where a storage container having the configuration shown in FIG. 13 is manufactured will be described.

The housing 42 was a molded product made of resin, and butyl rubber was used as an elastic member. In the present embodiment, the amount of ink discharged by the take-out operation was about 0.1 ml, and the taken-out inkjet head 41 was in a state where it could be sufficiently used when the printer was mounted.

Further, the inkjet head 41 in which the printing failure occurred was inserted into the housing 42, capped, and then the inkjet head 41 was taken out again. Thus, the recovery operation of the inkjet head 41 was performed, and the failure was eliminated.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the storage container of the present embodiment, the elastic cap 52 is connected to the lid 45 by a wire 53, and a fixing member 42A for fixing the ink jet 41 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 42. In this example, a synthetic fiber was used as the wire 53.

In the case of this storage container, the inkjet head before use
As shown in FIG. 15 (a), the ejection port 41B is capped by the elastic cap 52, is fixed to the fixing member 42A, and is closed and stored by the lid 45.

When the inkjet head 41 is taken out of this storage container and used, the elastic cap
Because the wire 53 to which 52 is connected is pulled together,
The elastic cap 52 is connected to the ejection port 41 of the inkjet head 41.
Deviates from B. At this time, a negative pressure is generated in the elastic cap 52, and the ink flows out from the ejection port 41A of the inkjet head 41. Then, the spilled ink is stored in the ink absorber held in the elastic cap 52.
Absorbed by 54 (Fig. 15 (b)).

The inkjet head 41 taken out in this way is in a state where it can be used sufficiently when the printer is mounted.

Further, after the ink-jet head 41 in which the printing failure has occurred is inserted into the housing 42 and capped, the operation of removing the ink-jet head 41 is again performed, whereby the recovery operation of the inkjet head 41 is performed, and the printing failure is eliminated.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The storage container of the present embodiment is the same as the storage container shown in FIG. 12 except that a hole 55 is provided in the middle of the cap portion of the elastic cap 43 as shown in FIG. 16 (a).

Therefore, a negative pressure is generated and ink is discharged before the surface on which the discharge port 41A is formed passes through the hole 55 (FIG. 16 (b)). And the negative pressure is released and the ink outflow ends (No.
FIG. 16 (c)). Since the ink that has flowed out is absorbed by the ink absorber 46, it does not flow into the housing 42 even after the inkjet head 41 is removed (FIG. 16D).

In this case, the amount of ink flowing out is smaller than that shown in FIG. 12, and the ink splatters when the ink jet head 41 comes off from the elastic cap 43 is further reduced and hardly occurs. The taken-out inkjet head 41 was in a state where it could be used sufficiently when the printer was mounted.

In addition, after the ink-jet head 41 in which the printing failure has occurred is inserted into the housing 42 and capped, the operation of taking out the ink-jet head 41 is again performed, whereby the recovery operation of the inkjet head 41 is performed, and the printing failure is eliminated.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the storage container of the present embodiment, a hinge portion 56 is provided on a housing 71, and a door 57 that is rotatable around the hinge portion 56 times as a rotation center.
A claw 59 for fixing the elastic cap 58 to the ink jet head 41 is provided in the housing 71.

In this case, the ink jet head 41 is provided in the housing 71.
Is inserted and the door 57 is closed, so that the ejection port portion of the inkjet head 41 can be easily capped by the elastic cap 58 (FIG. 17A), and the door 57 is opened when the inkjet head 41 is taken out. By operation,
Negative pressure is generated in the cap 58, ink is discharged, and the ink jet head 41 can be easily taken out (see FIG.
17 (b). The ink flowing out of the ink jet head 41 is absorbed by the ink absorber 46 in the elastic cap 58 in the same manner as described above.

Further, after the ink jet head 41 having the printing defect is inserted into the housing 71, the door 57 is closed, the ink jet head 41 is capped, and then the ink jet head 41 is removed again, thereby performing the recovery operation of the ink jet head 41. And printing defects are eliminated.

The present invention provides an excellent effect particularly in a bubble jet type ink jet head among the ink jet recording methods.

Regarding the typical configuration and principle, it is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796.
This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to the sheet or the liquid path holding the liquid (ink). By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to recorded information and giving a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling to the electrothermal transducer, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and the heat of the inkjet head is reduced. This is effective because the film is boiled on the working surface, and as a result it is possible to form bubbles in the liquid (ink) in one-to-one correspondence with the drive signal. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge port by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are 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 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, when the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the ink jet head, in addition to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (the linear liquid flow path or the right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, a thermal action The present invention also includes a configuration using U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,558,333 and 4,459,600 which disclose a configuration in which a portion is arranged in a bending region. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. Sho 59-59 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 in a configuration based on JP-A-123670 or JP-A-59-138461 which discloses a configuration in which an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy corresponds to a discharge portion.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, the present invention provides a recovery mechanism for the inkjet head in the storage container. Therefore, the opening operation of opening the storage container or the taking-out operation of removing the inkjet head from the storage container is performed by the inkjet head. The ejection failure can be recovered, and the recording operation can be started immediately after the inkjet head is mounted on the recording apparatus. Therefore, after mounting on the recording apparatus, complicated recovery operation by the recovery mechanism provided in the recording apparatus does not have to be performed.

Furthermore, when an ink jet head that is less likely to cause ejection failure during use or the like is used, it is not necessary to provide a separate recovery mechanism in the printing apparatus main body.

The effect of the present invention will be described in further detail. By providing the ink outflow means in the container of the present invention, the operation of taking out the ink jet head from the container enables the recovery operation to be performed simultaneously with the ink jet head being taken out of the container. Therefore, when the inkjet head is taken out of the storage container without using the recovery mechanism conventionally provided in the main body of the recording apparatus, a good printing state can always be obtained.

In addition, it is possible to return to a good printing state by performing a series of recovery operations of inserting and pulling out the ink jet head in which ejection failure has occurred during printing into the storage container of the present invention.

Further, conventionally, in a storage container simply intended for transportation and storage in the distribution process, the storage container was discarded at the same time as opening, but in the storage container of the present invention, the ink jet head can be re-stored, and the recording apparatus can be used. When the inkjet head is not used for a long period of time, the ink jet head of the inkjet head is sealed by returning the inkjet head to the storage container again, so that the inkjet head can be stored a plurality of times for a long period of time.

Further, according to the present invention, by closing the discharge port arranged on the discharge port surface with the cap, it is possible to prevent foreign substances such as dust from entering and evaporation of the ink. The ink jet head can be stored in a state where good ejection can be performed for a long period of time without generating ink. Further, even after the lid is opened, the discharge port can be sealed by the cap and can be reused, which is economically advantageous.

Further, by providing the elastic member and pressing the ejection port surface of the ink jet head against the cap, the sealing property of the ejection port becomes higher.

Then, when a cap is used as a member for sealing the ejection port of the inkjet head, and a moisturizing member is stored in the recess, when the ejection port of the inkjet head is sealed, the sealed portion is kept at an appropriate humidity, and the ink is discharged. Effective for maintaining viscosity.

In addition, when the cap is made of an elastic material, it is possible to absorb shocks such as vibration and tilt when the inkjet head is transported while being housed in the storage container, thereby preventing damage to the inkjet head and discharging. Outlet sealing is also ensured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a storage container of an ink jet head according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a recovery operation in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lid of the container is removed, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the protection member in FIG. 4 viewed from below, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing another example of the pressing portion of the protection member, FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of another embodiment, and FIGS. 12 to 17 are various implementations of the container of the present invention. 18 and 19 are perspective views showing a conventional storage container, and FIG. 20 is a schematic top view showing an ink jet recording apparatus. 1 ... storage container, 2 ... case, 2A ... step, 3,35,45 ... lid, 4,31,41 ... inkjet head, 4A, 41A ... discharge port, 4B, 41D ... ink Tank, 4C filter, 4D vent hole, 4E porous body, 4F communicating pipe, 5,12,49 elastic member, 5A seal part, 5B, 15 rib, 6 ... Blade, 6A ... Discharge port blade, 6B ... Electrode blade, 7 ... Electrode part, 8,46,54 ... Ink absorber, 9,16 ... Protective member, 9A ... Press part, 10 ... ... packing member, 11 ... groove, 12A ... contact member, 12B ... bellows, 13 ... void, 14 ... pedestal, 31A ... discharge front, 32, 42, 71 ... housing, 33, 43,52,58 …… Elastic cap, 33A …… Sealed space, 34 …… Guide, 36,47 …… Spring, 37 …… Sealed member, 38 …… Moisture absorbing absorber, 41A …… Discharge port, 41B… ... Discharge port, 41C, 50 ... Projection, 42A ... Fixing member, 44 ... Guide grooves, 48 ...... discharge ink, 51 ...... cap-like member, 53 ...... wire, 55 ...... hole, 56 ...... hinge portion, 57 ...... door, 59 ...... nails.

Claims (16)

(57) [Claims] An ink jet head container for accommodating an ink jet head, wherein a member for recovering an ink ejection failure from an ejection port of the ink jet head is provided in the ink container. A storage container for the inkjet head, which is a feature. 2. The ink jet head is of a cartridge type integrally including an ink jet head unit having an ejection port, and an ink tank for storing ink to be supplied to the ink jet head unit. The storage container for an inkjet head according to claim 1. 3. The container according to claim 1, wherein the internal space of the container is formed of a case having a recess and a lid for covering the recess. 4. The recovery member is a member for sending pressurized air into the ink tank from a vent of the ink tank of the ink jet head by pressing a wall of the storage container. The storage container of the inkjet head according to the above. 5. A member for wiping ink ejected from a discharge port by a recovery member of an ink jet head by an operation of recovering the ink jet head from a storage container is provided. 2. The container for an inkjet head according to claim 1. 6. The ink jet head according to claim 1, wherein a member is provided for wiping off the ink attached to the electrode portion of the ink jet head from the storage container in accordance with an operation of taking out the ink jet head. container. 7. A container for an ink jet head according to claim 1, further comprising a member for absorbing the ink discharged from the discharge port by the recovery operation of the ink jet head by the recovery member. 8. A container for an ink jet head according to claim 1, wherein said recovery member is a member for sucking the ink under a negative pressure from an ejection port in accordance with an operation of taking out the ink jet head from the container. 9. The recovery member is fixed or connected to the inner wall of the storage container, and the recovery operation of the inkjet head by the recovery member is performed by removing the inkjet head from the storage container. 2. The container for an ink jet head according to claim 1, wherein the container is formed together with the container. 10. A recovery member is fixed to or connected to an inner wall of the storage container, and a recovery operation of the ink jet head by the recovery member is performed along with an opening operation of the storage container. The storage container for an inkjet head according to claim 1, wherein: 11. The container according to claim 1, wherein the recovery member is a cap having a concave portion for covering the ink jet head unit having the discharge port. 12. The container for an ink jet head according to claim 1, wherein an ink absorber is disposed in the recess. 13. The container according to claim 1, wherein the recovery member is a member that presses an ink tank of the ink jet head with an operation of taking out the ink jet head from the container. . 14. An operation of taking out the ink jet head from the storage container, the protrusion provided on the ink jet head is arranged along a guide provided on the storage container.
The storage container for an inkjet head according to claim 1, wherein the operation is an operation of moving the inkjet head. 15. The container according to claim 1, wherein a member for fixing the ink jet head is provided on an inner wall of the container. 16. The container according to claim 1, wherein the recovery member is formed using an elastic body.