JP2942004B2 - Liquid storage tank, inkjet head cartridge and inkjet device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid storage tank for storing a liquid, an ink jet head cartridge in which the tank and a recording head for discharging ink are connected and integrally formed on a carriage, and the cartridge is detachable. The present invention relates to an ink jet device that has been used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, as a method of storing ink in an ink jet head cartridge (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as IJC) in which a recording head portion and an ink tank portion are integrally formed and are detachable from an apparatus, there is a US method. Japanese Patent No. 4,509,062 (JP-A-59-98857)
JP-A-63-87242 discloses a method of storing ink in a rubber bladder as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,771,295 (JP-A-63-87242). A method of impregnation and the like are known.

[0003] However, these methods have the following points to be improved. For example, in the former case, the ink in the tank oscillates due to the movement of the carriage or the like, and the pressure may fluctuate with respect to the recording head, making it difficult to increase the capacity of the tank.

[0004] Further, as the amount of ink in the tank decreases, the negative pressure on the tank side increases, and the pressure balance with the recording head side is lost, so that unusable ink sometimes remains in the tank.

On the other hand, in the latter case, ink is impregnated in a sponge or the like, so that the volume efficiency is poor. Further, as in the former case, the negative pressure increases as the ink in the tank decreases, and unusable ink remains in the tank. There was a case.

A new method for solving these problems is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,677,447 (Jpn.
As disclosed in JP-A-231759, there has been proposed an ink tank having a valve formed of an elastic member having a through hole and opening and closing the hole by a pressure difference.

Further, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,714,937 (JP-A-63-172654), the ink supply mode is switched by a rotary three-way valve to further generate a negative pressure. As a means, a method having a bladder has been proposed.

[0008]

However, of the above conventional examples, for example, the former (US Pat. No. 4,677,744).
No. 7), the member having the through hole and the member covering the through hole are formed of different members, and the number of components is large and the structure is complicated. Also, with such a configuration, it has been difficult to always stably apply a constant negative pressure to the recording head. The latter (US Pat. No. 4,714,493)
In the specification of No. 7, the valve for switching the supply mode and the rubber bladder for generating the negative pressure are composed of separate components, and the number of components is increased and the configuration is complicated. Was. Further, a sequence and means for switching the valves are separately required, so that the entire system is further complicated and the cost has to be increased.

[0009]

In order to solve these problems, the present invention comprises a pressure adjusting means having a very simple structure and also having a valve function for stably supplying and shutting off a liquid. It is an object to provide a liquid storage tank, an inkjet head cartridge, and an inkjet device.

The present invention has been proposed in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, and is supplied to a recording means for discharging a recording liquid for recording a character or an image by dots of the recording liquid on a recording member. In the liquid storage tank storing the recording liquid, the recording liquid supply unit for supplying the recording liquid to the recording means of the liquid storage tank,
A dome-shaped or hemispherically-shaped top formed in an opposite direction to the flow direction of the recording liquid is provided with a plurality of partition walls formed by an elastic member having a slit at a top portion and connected in series. .

In addition, a recording means for discharging ink for recording a character or an image on a recording member by ink dots is connected to an ink tank storing ink supplied to the recording means. In an ink jet head cartridge detachably mountable to an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink supply section for supplying ink to the recording means of the ink tank has a protrusion in a direction opposite to a direction of ink flow. A plurality of partition walls each formed of an elastic member having a slit at the top of a dome-shaped or hemispherical shape having a slit are provided in series.

Further, a recording means for discharging ink for recording characters or images on the recording member by ink dots, and an ink tank storing ink supplied to the recording means are connected to each other. In an ink jet head cartridge detachably mountable to an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink supply section for supplying ink to the recording means of the ink tank has a protrusion in a direction opposite to a direction of ink flow. A support member for mounting and supporting an ink jet cartridge provided with a plurality of serially connected partitions formed by elastic members having a slit at the top of a dome-shaped or hemispherical shape formed into a shape, and discharged from the ink-jet head cartridge. Conveying means for conveying a recording member on which recording is performed by the ink. And it said that there were pictures.

[0013] Specifically, when the difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure exceeds a certain value, the slit is opened due to the deformation of the wall,
A partition made of an elastic member having a valve function is provided in the ink tank (hereinafter referred to as a slit bladder) or in the middle of the ink flow path such that the wall is restored and the slit closes at a certain differential pressure or less.

As described above, by providing pressure regulating means having a valve function in the ink tank, the valve having a slit which is closed in a steady state and has a slit which is opened at a pressure difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure at a certain value or more, and is provided. By controlling the pressure of the liquid applied to the nozzles within a certain pressure range, it is possible to stably supply the ink to the recording head.

[0015]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) A detailed description will be given below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the slit bladder of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a slit bladder to be mounted on an ink tank according to the present invention and a mounting table for mounting the same. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a tank section of an ink cartridge in which a recording head section and a tank section are integrated, and a slit bladder is mounted on the tank section.

1 to 5, reference numeral 100 denotes a slit bladder. This slit bladder has a hardness of 15 °
Elastic member having a hardness of about 70 ° to 70 ° (the same applies to rubber hardness display shown in JIS), more preferably a hardness of 25 ° to 5 °.
Made from 0 ° elastic members. In addition, the material that can be used for the slit bladder must not change the physical properties (surface tension, viscosity, etc.) of the ink or have a substance that elutes into the ink in order to come into contact with the ink in the ink tank. At the same time, it is necessary that these materials do not cause a change in physical properties due to the ink. Specific usable materials include silicone rubber satisfying the above-mentioned rubber hardness and conditions, SBR / BR / IR / EPM / EPDM.
-Butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, urethane rubber, fluorine rubber, nitrile rubber, polysulfide rubber, ethylene rubber, chlorosilicone rubber, SEP rubber (silicone-modified ethylene propylene rubber) and the like can be preferably used.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a slit, and 120 denotes a mounting base for mounting the slit bladder. The mounting base has a shape along the outer peripheral shape of the bladder base, and in this example, has an elliptical shape. The slit 110 of the slit bladder and the long axis of the ellipse of the mounting table 120 are mounted at right angles. As a result, a mounting table 120 for attaching the slit
A difference in tension occurs in the major axis direction and the minor axis direction of the ellipse, and the slit can be smoothly opened due to the collapse of the bladder.

However, this angle is not limited to a small deviation as long as it is in the range of 0 to 55 °.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an ink tank head cartridge using a slit bladder according to the present invention.

The slit 110 provided at the tip of the slit bladder 100 is normally closed as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. At this time, the pressure P in the slit
₂ is smaller than the external pressure P ₁ of the slit Breda over.

[0021] When the liquid droplets from the recording head portion 500 is discharged, to the pressure in the P ₂ is lowered, the walls of Breda as shown in FIG. 5 indentations inwards, the value a or more there is a pressure difference between P ₁ , The slit 110 at the front end is opened, and the ink bag 60 is opened.
Ink flows into the slit bladder 100 from the inside.

With the inflow of the ink, the differential pressure between P ₂ and P ₁ gradually decreases, and the dent of the bladder gradually recovers, and the slit 110 closes at a certain point, that is, the pressure P inside the slit bladder. _The slit opens and closes so that ₂ becomes equation (1). P ₁ −a ≦ P ₂ <P ₁ (1) where a is a constant

Since the recording head 500 is subjected to the hydrostatic pressure h ₀ by the ink between the slit bladder 100 and the recording head 500, the pressure at the recording head 500 is P ₂ +
h ₀ (2).

If the value of (2) is equal to or more than +30 mm water head, ink leakage from the nozzles, a change in density, etc. are caused, which causes a problem. On the other hand, if it is too small, the negative pressure will increase, causing problems such as non-discharge and a decrease in the volume of the discharged droplet.

A preferable value which does not cause such a problem is -200 mmaq <P ₂ + h ₀ ≤ + 30 mmaq, and more preferably, -150 mmaq <P ₂ + h _0.
≦ 0. (Note aq is an abbreviation of a water head.) FIGS. 3 to 5 show a partial cross section of a tank portion of an ink jet head cartridge in which a recording head portion and an ink tank portion are integrally formed and a slit blender is mounted in the ink tank. Is shown. Reference numeral 600 denotes an ink bag for storing ink, which is made of a flexible material. The outside of the ink bag communicates with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication port (not shown). The state of FIG.
0 is a closed state, and the main tank chamber 170 and the sub tank chamber 180 are configured to be separated by a slit bladder. At this time, the slit bleder 100 is in a completely restored state as shown in FIG. 4 or a slightly collapsed state as shown in FIG. 3, and the liquid pressure applied to the nozzles of the recording head unit 500 is adjusted to be less than +30 mm water head. Have been.
In other words, the ink is not easily leaked from the nozzles due to a change in temperature / pressure, vibration, or the like because the adjustment is performed so as to maintain the balance between the meniscus holding force of the discharge port and the ink tank internal pressure.

Note that even if the pressure in the sub tank chamber 180 becomes higher than the pressure in the main tank chamber 170 for some reason, the slit bleder 100 opens the slit 110 to reduce the pressure difference between the two. Can be.

From this state, as the recording head discharges droplets and consumes and decreases the ink in the sub-tank chamber 180, the pressure in the sub-tank chamber 180 decreases and the slit bladder 100 collapses, as shown in FIG. Will be as shown.

That is, as described above, the sub tank chamber 180
When the difference between the internal pressure and the pressure in the main tank chamber 170 exceeds a certain value, the slit 110 opens as shown in FIG. 5 due to the collapse of the slit bladder 100 itself, and the ink in the tank is released from the main tank chamber 170. Sub tank room 18
To the sub tank chamber 180 and the main tank chamber 17
The differential pressure from zero gradually decreases. With the decrease in the differential pressure between the sub tank chamber 180 and the main tank chamber 170, the collapse of the slit bladder 100 gradually recovers, and the slit 11
0 is closed. At this time, the pressure in the sub tank chamber 180 becomes lower than that in the main tank chamber 170. Therefore, during printing, FIG.
5 and the slit open state shown in FIG. In the steady state, the slit bladder 100
3 or FIG. 4 in which the slit 110 is closed.
On the other hand, also in the case of forcible suction from the nozzles temporarily by a suction pump or the like, since the pressure difference between the sub tank chamber 180 and the main tank chamber 170 becomes large as during printing, the slit 110 is opened, and then a steady state is established. Return. In order to obtain stable ink droplets, it is preferable that the ink pressure applied to the recording head section 500 be about +30 mm to -200 mm head as described above. More preferably, it is in the range of 0 to -150 mm head, and the sub tank chamber 1 is maintained in such a range.
80 pressure must be controlled. The material (hardness) of the slit bladder 100 so that such conditions can be obtained.
It is necessary to design the shape and shape of the slit 110 and the like.

Reference numeral 190 denotes a swing suppression wall for preventing the swing of the slit bladder due to the reciprocating motion of the carriage and the like, and suppresses the influence of the scanning of the cartridge.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the slit bladder of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a slit bladder attached to the ink tank according to the present invention and a view for attaching the slit bladder. FIG. 7 is a view showing a collapsed state of the slit bladder and an opened state of the slit. FIG. 9 is a diagram in which a slit bladder is attached to an ink jet head cartridge configured by connecting the above. 6 to 8, reference numeral 100 denotes a slit bladder, which is made of silicone rubber having a rubber hardness of 35 ° according to JISA. Reference numeral 110 denotes a slit, and reference numeral 130 denotes a rib for regulating the direction in which the slit bladder is crushed. Reference numeral 120 denotes a slit bladder and a mounting base for mounting the slit bladder, and the mounting base is shaped along the outer peripheral shape of the bladder base, and in this example, is circular.

In the present embodiment, the ribs on the side wall of the slit bladder provide a difference in tension on the side wall of the slit bladder. Further, the angle between the slit and the axis of the rib is made to be a right angle. However, this angle is 0
This is not the case even if the angle is slightly shifted within the range of 55 °. A slit bladder attached to a component to which the slitted bladder is attached is attached in the ink tank of the ink jet head cartridge as shown in FIG. As a result, both the inside of the slit bladder and the inside of the ink tank are filled with ink. As the ink in the ink jet head cartridge is used for printing and the ink in the slit bladder is consumed and reduced, the pressure in the sub tank chamber 180 decreases, and as shown in FIG. Opens with the deformation of the bladder. Further, since the pressure inside the collapsed slit bladder is smaller than that outside, the ink is supplied into the slit bladder through the slit opened from the ink tank outside the slit bladder. When the ink is supplied in this manner, the collapse of the slit bladder is restored to some extent. Then, when the differential pressure between the inside and outside of the slit bladder becomes a certain value or less, the slit that has been opened is closed. Accordingly, as the printing proceeds and the ink is consumed, the above operation is repeated thereafter, and a good ink supply is achieved. Therefore, the negative pressure in the slit bladder always repeats a movement in a range of a predetermined value within a range that does not affect the ejection. Further, in the case of the slit bladder with ribs according to the present embodiment, there is an advantage that the slit bladder can be assembled irrespective of a positional relationship with a component to which the slit bladder is attached.

An ink bag 600 for storing ink is made of a flexible material.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a view of an ink jet head cartridge according to a third embodiment using the slit bladder of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the recording head unit and the ink tank unit are configured to be detachable, and can be replaced when the ink in the ink tank runs out. 100 is a slit bladder, 110 is a slit, and 200 is a connection portion on the recording head side. 2
Reference numeral 10 denotes a connection portion on the tank portion side. Reference numeral 300 denotes an ink tank inner bag, which is formed of a flexible bag, and has an air communication port indicated by 410 in the ink tank inner bag as the ink in the ink tank decreases due to the ink consumption due to the ink discharge from the recording head. More air enters, the inner bag of the ink tank expands, and the pressure in the ink tank is kept constant.
175 is a replacement ink cartridge, and 185 is a sub tank.

In this embodiment, the slit bladder is placed in the sub-tank 185 on the side of the recording head, and is separated between the ink cartridge 175 and the sub-tank 185.
However, the separation unit is composed of the sub tank 185 and the recording head unit 500.
A configuration in which a slit bladder is provided in the ink cartridge is also possible.

By making the recording head and the ink tank separable as described above, the relatively expensive recording head can be effectively reused by a simple operation of replacing only the ink tank. Can be.

In joining the recording head portion and the ink tank portion, the mounting can be performed only when the engagement relationship between the guide portion 240 on the recording head side and the engaging portion 250 on the ink tank portion is established. I have. In addition, a synergistic effect with the configuration in which the positional relationship between the ink supply units 200 and 210 is defined allows a desired engagement between the recording head and the ink tank to be established, and highly accurate positioning can be achieved at the same time.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a view of an ink jet head cartridge showing a fourth embodiment using the slit bladder of the present invention. In this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in (2), two slit bladders are arranged in series.

In this embodiment, the pressure in the first slit bladder 101 is set to P ₃ ,
2 is P ₂ , and the pressure in the main tank chamber 170 is P ₁
Then, the following relationships are established respectively. P ₂ −a ≦ P ₃ <P ₂ <P ₁ (3) a is a constant as is apparent from the equation (3).
The pressure P ₃ in the first slit Breda over against ₁ becomes possible to greatly reduce. Therefore, the present invention is effective for a large-capacity ink tank requiring a large pressure difference or a head cartridge for a case where it is desired to increase the negative pressure on the head side. Further, in this embodiment, two slit bladders are arranged in series, but the number of slit bladders may be 3, 4, 5,... N, and the above-mentioned effect is further clarified. .

The ink-jet recording ink used in the present invention has the following composition.

As the dye used in the ink used in the present invention, almost all of the water-soluble acidic dyes, direct dyes, basic dyes and reactive dyes described in the color index can be used. Even if the dye is not described in the color index, any water-soluble dye can be used.

The amount of the dye used in the ink of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is generally from 0.1 to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.3 to 20% by weight of the total weight of the ink.
An amount occupying 10% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 6% by weight is suitable.

The medium suitable for use in the ink of the present invention is water or a mixed solvent of water and a water-soluble organic solvent. Particularly preferred is a mixed solvent of water and a water-soluble organic solvent. And a polyhydric alcohol having an effect of preventing drying of the ink as a water-soluble organic solvent. As the water, it is preferable to use deionized water instead of general water containing various ions.

The content of the water-soluble organic solvent in the ions is generally in the range of 2 to 80% by weight, preferably 3 to 70% by weight, more preferably 4 to 40% by weight of the total weight of the ink.

The water used is 35% by weight of the whole ink.
Or more, preferably a proportion occupying 45% by weight or more,
Also, the ink of the present invention, if necessary, in addition to the above components,
It may include fungicides, preservatives, pH adjusters, viscosity adjusters, surface tension adjusters, and the like.

The ink of the present invention as described above has a viscosity at 25 ° C. of 1 to 20 cP, preferably 1 to 15 cP,
Surface tension is 30 dyne / cm or more, preferably 40 dyne / cm
It preferably has physical properties of at least yne / cm and a pH of about 4 to 10.

FIG. 11 shows an ink jet recording apparatus IJR to which the ink jet head cartridge of the present invention is applied.
FIG. Here, the carriage HC drives the driving force transmission gear 501 in conjunction with the forward / reverse rotation of the driving motor 5013.
1. Lead screw 500 rotating through 5009
The carriage HC engaged with the fourth spiral groove 5005 has a pin (not shown), and is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. A recording head unit 5025 and an ink tank unit 5026 are mounted on the carriage HC. Reference numeral 5002 denotes a paper holding plate, which applies paper to the platen 5 in the moving direction of the carriage.
000. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote home position detecting means for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 5006 in this region 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 suctioning the inside of the cap.
The suction recovery of the recording head is performed via 3. 5017
Is a cleaning blade, and 5019 is a member that allows the blade to move in the front-rear direction.
8, these are supported. 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 from suction. The lever 5012 moves with the movement of the cam 5020 that engages with the carriage, and the driving force from the driving motor is controlled by known transmission means such as clutch switching. Is done.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that when the carriage HC is positioned in the home position side area, desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005. If a desired operation is performed at a known timing, any of the embodiments can be applied.

The present invention includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for performing ink ejection, particularly in an ink jet recording system. The present invention provides an excellent effect in a recording head and a recording apparatus of a type that causes a change in the state of ink.

The typical configuration and principle are described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 796. This method is a so-called on-demand type,
Although it can be applied to any type of continuous type, in particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it can be applied to a sheet holding liquid (ink) or an electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the liquid path. By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recording information and giving a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and the film is heated on the heat-acting surface of the recording head. As a result, bubbles in the liquid (ink) can be formed in one-to-one correspondence with the drive signal, which is effective. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble,
Form at least one drop. 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 a liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. Examples of the drive signal in the form of a pulse include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345.
No. 262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 of the invention relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination configuration of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 which disclose a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of Japanese Patent No. 459600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 123670/1984 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an aperture for absorbing pressure waves of thermal energy. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to a discharge unit.

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, a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above specification is used. The present invention is effective in both the configuration satisfying the length and the configuration as one integrally formed recording head.

In addition, the present invention is applicable to a case where a replaceable chip-type recording head is used which can be electrically connected to the apparatus main body or supplied with ink from the apparatus main body by being attached to the apparatus main body. The invention is valid.

It is preferable to add recovery means for the printhead, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like 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 pressurizing or suction unit, an electrothermal converter, a separate heating element, or a preheating unit using a combination thereof are provided 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 recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but may be a single recording head or a combination of plural recording heads. The present invention is also very effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of full colors by color mixture.

[0055]

As is apparent from the above description, a dome-shaped or hemispherically-shaped dome-shaped convex portion is provided in the ink supply portion of the ink tank for storing the ink to be supplied to the recording means. Provided is a liquid storage tank that requires a large pressure difference and an ink jet head cartridge that wants to increase the negative pressure on the head side by providing a plurality of partition walls formed by an elastic member having a slit at the top in series. This is an effective configuration to perform. Also,
It functions as a negative pressure generating source for performing stable ink supply to the recording means. Further, since the opening and closing of the slit of the partition can be easily performed so as to operate at a desired threshold value, the liquid storage tank, the ink jet head cartridge, and the ink jet recording that can easily control the liquid pressure applied to the nozzle of the recording means within a certain pressure range. Equipment can be provided.

That is, the pressure adjusting member and the valve member can be constituted by the same member, and the structure is very simple and easy to assemble.

As a result, the manufacturing cost can be significantly reduced, and at the same time, it is possible to store the ink cartridge in a very small space. Has become possible. Also, in the past, there was a case where residual ink not used for recording remained in the tank due to fluctuations in the tank internal pressure due to the remaining amount of ink. There is also an advantage that all the ink in the tank can be used since the pressure can be maintained at Further, since the liquid pressure applied to the nozzles is controlled within a certain pressure range, ink leakage does not occur and stable ejection can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view of a slit bladder according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention in which a slit bladder is assembled to an ink jet head cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view (slit closed state) in which the slit bladder according to the first embodiment of the present invention is assembled to an ink jet head cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (slit closed state) in which the slit bladder according to the first embodiment of the present invention is assembled to an ink jet head cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view (slit open state) in which the slit bladder according to the first embodiment of the present invention is assembled to an ink cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a view of a slit bladder according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing how a slit bladder is crushed in a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention in which a slit bladder is assembled to an inkjet head cartridge.

FIG. 9 is a partially cutaway schematic view showing a tank exchangeable ink jet head cartridge according to a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway schematic view showing an ink jet head cartridge according to a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus equipped with a replaceable ink jet head cartridge to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 slit bladder 101 first slit bladder 102 second slit bladder 110 slit 120 mounting base 130 rib 150 frame member 160 parts for attaching slit bladder and frame member 170 main tank chamber 175 ink cartridge 180 sub tank chamber 181 first No. 1 sub-tank chamber 182 Second sub-tank chamber 185 Sub-tank 190 Swing prevention wall 200 Connection section 1 (head side) 210 Connection section 2 (tank side) 300 Ink tank inner bag 400 Ink cartridge 500 Recording head section 600 Ink bag

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masami Kojima 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Etsuro Suzuki 3-30-2, Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Koichi Tanno 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Mitsushi Kitani 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Invention Person Kenji Aono 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-63-231759 (JP, A) JP-A-60-129262 (JP, A) (58) Survey Field (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B41J 2/175

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A liquid storage tank storing a recording liquid supplied to a recording means for discharging a recording liquid for recording a character or an image by dots of the recording liquid on a recording member, wherein: The recording liquid supply unit for supplying the recording liquid to the recording means is provided by an elastic member having a dome-shaped or hemispherical-shaped top with a slit at the top in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the recording liquid. A liquid storage tank comprising a plurality of partition walls arranged in series. 2. The slit opens when the pressure difference between the two regions sandwiching the partition exceeds a threshold, and closes when the pressure difference falls below the threshold. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The partition is attached to a base.
The liquid storage tank according to claim 1, wherein the base has an elliptical shape, and a major radius of the ellipse and a slit of the partition wall intersect in a range of 0 ° to 55 °. 4. A recording means for ejecting ink for recording a character or an image on a recording member by using ink dots, and an ink tank storing ink supplied to the recording means. In an ink jet head cartridge detachably mountable to an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink supply section for supplying ink to the recording means of the ink tank has a protrusion in a direction opposite to the ink flow direction. An ink jet head cartridge comprising a plurality of dome-shaped or hemispherical-shaped tops formed by an elastic member having a slit and having a slit at the top in series. 5. The partition opens the slit when a pressure difference between two regions existing across the partition exceeds a threshold, and closes the slit when a pressure difference falls below a threshold. The ink jet head cartridge according to claim 4, wherein: 6. The partition is attached to a base,
The ink jet head cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the base has an elliptical shape, and a major radius of the ellipse and a slit of the partition wall intersect in a range of 0 ° to 55 °. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the recording unit discharges the ink using thermal energy, and includes an electrothermal conversion element for generating thermal energy. Inkjet head cartridge. 8. A supporting member for mounting and supporting the ink jet head cartridge according to claim 4, and a conveying means for conveying a recording member on which recording is performed by ink ejected from the ink jet head cartridge. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: