JP3145861B2 - Ink cartridge, inkjet unit having the ink cartridge, and inkjet apparatus having the inkjet unit - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink container for storing ink supplied to an ink jet head, and an ink jet unit and an ink jet apparatus provided with the ink container. It can be used for equipment, communication equipment, textile printing equipment for printing images and the like on cloth and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In various apparatuses such as a printer, a facsimile, and a copying machine, an ink jet recording apparatus has been widely used as a means for recording on a recording medium such as paper or cloth.

[0003] An ink jet recording apparatus is configured to discharge ink from a recording head facing a recording medium to the recording medium. The ink jet recording apparatus is housed in an independent device case as an ink jet recording apparatus and has a single configuration.
There is an example in which various electronic devices for creating and inputting recording information, such as a word processor and a personal computer, are built in a device case and integrated with the electronic device.

With respect to the configuration of the ink storage section used in these ink jet recording apparatuses, generally, it is possible to satisfactorily supply ink corresponding to the amount of ink ejected from a recording head during recording, and to perform non-recording. In some cases, it is required that there be no inconvenience such as ink leakage from the ejection port. Usually, the configuration of the ink storage section adopts a cartridge type, and is replaceable.

In some cases, the ink container for the ink jet is integrated with the ink jet head in order to reduce the size of the recording apparatus. In this case, when the ink in the ink storage unit cannot be ejected from the inkjet head, the ink is discarded together with the head. However, ink remains in the ink storage section, and the amount of ink remaining in the ink storage section is stored almost entirely in the ink storage section in order to prevent the above-described ink leakage even if improvements are made. The sponge, which is a negative pressure generator, is controlled by the ink holding ability, and has been relatively large. Further, before the performance of the print head itself is reduced, the print head is replaced together with the ink storage section, which has had a significant effect on cost increase and cost performance of the product.

As a countermeasure against the above-mentioned cost increase, there is a configuration in which the recording head and the ink cartridge are removably integrated, and only the ink cartridge can be replaced. In this case, the attachment and detachment of the ink cartridge to and from the recording head can be performed smoothly, there is no ink leakage at the time of attachment and detachment, and it is required to load the ink reliably to the recording head when mounting.

A form of an ink storage unit integrated with a recording head used in a conventional ink jet recording apparatus is disclosed in JP-A-63-87242. This is an ink jet unit having a plurality of ink ejection orifices in which a foam material is disposed in an ink containing section. In the ink storage unit, a negative pressure is generated by a capillary force of the porous medium to store the ink in a porous medium such as a polyurethane foam as a foam material, and the ink is held, that is, the ink from the ink storage unit is Achieved leak prevention.

However, since a porous medium is required almost entirely in the ink storage section, the amount of ink to be filled is limited, and the amount of ink remaining without being used in the porous medium is large, and the efficiency of ink use is reduced. There was a problem of bad. In addition, because the porous medium is filled with ink,
There has been a problem that it is difficult to detect the remaining amount of ink, and it is also difficult to keep the negative pressure in the ink container substantially constant during the ink consumption period.

A technique improved to solve such a problem is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-522. This publication discloses an ink jet recording cartridge in which a primary ink storage unit, a secondary ink storage unit, and an ink jet recording head are connected by a porous member. In such a cartridge, the use efficiency of ink can be improved by disposing the porous member only in the ink flow path without incorporating the ink storage unit. Further, by providing the secondary ink storage unit, it is possible to store the ink flowing out of the primary ink storage unit due to the air expansion of the primary ink storage unit due to the pressure decrease due to the temperature rise. The negative pressure on the head can be maintained substantially constant.

However, since the negative pressure generating member is disposed in the ink flow path, the porous medium as the negative pressure generating member is sufficiently impregnated with ink, and the negative pressure is generated by the capillary force of the porous medium during non-recording. There has been a problem that the pressure is insufficiently generated and the ink leaks from the orifice of the ink jet recording head due to a slight impact. Further, since the above-mentioned ink jet recording head is formed in advance integrally with the ink containing section, it is not applicable to a replaceable ink cartridge in which the above-described ink cartridge is mounted on the ink jet recording head. there were.

When an ink jet unit is configured so that an ink jet head and an ink cartridge are detachable and provided on a carriage or the like provided in a recording apparatus, ink leakage when replacing only the ink cartridge becomes a problem. In this case, unlike the case where the ink cartridge is provided at a position distant from the recording head, ink leakage in this case contaminates the inside of the recording apparatus, causes poor connection at the electrical contact portion between the recording head and the main body, and stains the recording medium. May be caused. In recent years, this problem has become a serious technical problem because a configuration in which a recording head and an ink cartridge are arranged on a carriage has been adopted in order to reduce the size of the apparatus.

Further, in a configuration in which an ink supply pipe is provided in the recording head to allow the recording head to pass through the ink cartridge, a large amount of ink is supplied in a short time in order to increase the recording speed of the ink jet recording apparatus. Therefore, a thick ink supply pipe is required. Therefore, when the ink cartridge is replaced and the ink supply pipe is inserted and pressed against the absorber holding the ink, the absorber is pressed and compressed at the tip of the ink supply pipe, and the absorbed ink oozes out and the ink cartridge is removed. In some cases, the leakage recording device or the recording medium was stained outside.

Further, as described above, since it is also required that the ink cartridge is easily detachable, it is difficult to satisfy all of them.

The position of the above-described recording head is strictly set in order to keep the ejection performance always high. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the position of the recording head from being shifted due to external force vibration or the like. From this viewpoint, it is necessary to prevent the recording head from being inadvertently pushed by the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is attached or detached. As a countermeasure, only in one specific direction,
For example, a configuration that does not apply a load to the ink cartridge when the recording head and the ink cartridge are attached and detached may be adopted.In this case, various direction regulating members must be provided, which leads to an increase in the number and size of the apparatus. Become.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an exchangeable ink jet unit in which a recording head and an ink container can be easily attached and detached. The purpose is to reduce the load.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet unit which can maintain its performance for a long time in a state where the ink jet unit is mounted on an ink jet recording apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a configuration capable of preventing ink leakage from an ink container regardless of a use form.

[0018]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an ink jet head having an opening for connecting to a joint as an ink supply member, and a negative pressure generating member. In a replaceable ink cartridge having a storage portion for storing the ink, a configuration is proposed in which the opening has a sufficient gap between the inner wall and the outer wall of the joint portion of the inkjet recording head.

By using the above structure, the opening of the ink cartridge is free from joint with the joint of the ink jet head, so that an external force other than the force for pushing the negative pressure generating member in the ink cartridge is applied to the ink jet head. However, it is possible to provide an ink cartridge, an ink jet unit, and an ink jet device which can always provide good printing.

When the ink jet head and the ink cartridge are connected to each other, a configuration in which a pressure contact member covering a gap formed between the joint portion and the opening is provided in either the ink jet head or the ink cartridge is proposed. Things.

[0021]

According to the present invention, since the opening of the ink cartridge is made joint free so as not to contact the joint of the ink jet head, an external force other than the force for pushing the negative pressure generating member in the ink cartridge is applied to the ink jet head. And good printing can always be guaranteed.

[0022]

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of an ink jet head (hereinafter also referred to as a recording head) used in an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the recording head includes a substrate 100 (hereinafter referred to as a heater board) provided with a thermal energy generating element, and a recording liquid (hereinafter referred to as an ink) joined to the substrate 100. A liquid chamber 7 and a substrate 1300 having an uneven portion forming an ink path 8.
The substrate (hereinafter, also referred to as a grooved top plate) 1300 integrally includes an orifice plate 400 provided with ink discharge ports (hereinafter, also referred to as orifices) 9 for discharging ink communicating with the ink path 8. I have.

The heater board 100 includes a support substrate (hereinafter, referred to as a support substrate).
(Also referred to as a support), and is fixedly adhered to the substrate 300 with an adhesive.
The thermal energy generating element 1 arranged on the heater board 100 as shown in FIG.
The orifice plate 400, which is temporarily bonded to the heater board 100 so as to be included in the ink path 8 formed by this bonding and has a top plate with a groove, is arranged on the front end surface of the support substrate 300 like a front sag.

Further, the heater board 100 and the grooved top plate 1300 are pressed and fixed by the holding spring 500. The holding spring 500 engages with the substrate 300,
The heater board 100 and the grooved top plate 1300 are sandwiched.

The ink is supplied from the ink supply path member 600 to
Ink supply port 15 provided on top of grooved top plate 1300
00 is supplied. The ink supply path member 600 has a projection bar, and the projection bar is inserted into a through hole provided on the support substrate 300 and is fixed to the support substrate 300 by heat caulking.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show one embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of recording heads 20 having the structure of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a recording head unit to which 00 is mounted, and FIG. 2 does not show a housing member of the unit.

The recording head unit of this embodiment has four recording heads capable of ejecting inks of different colors, respectively, and can accurately determine the positional relationship between these recording heads. Note that the four recording heads may eject ink of the same color. In this case, high-speed recording or gradation expression according to the number of ink droplets can be performed. Even when each is ejected, gradation recording becomes possible.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 4000 denotes an ink jet head unit frame having a plurality of ink jet heads. The unit frame 4000 includes a U-shaped outer wall plate 4001 and three inner wall plates 4002 that limit a head holding portion 4003 for accommodating each recording head. The recording head 2000 described with reference to FIG. 1 is housed in each of the head holding units 4003 with its ink ejection port facing downward in the figure. The positioning of each recording head in the unit frame 4000 is performed by abutting a reference surface provided in each recording head against a reference surface in three directions provided in each head holding unit, and thereafter fixed by an adhesive or the like. In this case, the positional relationship between the reference surface and the orifice in each recording head 2000 needs to be set with high accuracy.

It should be noted that the positioning of each recording head 2000 is not limited to the above-described method using the reference plane, but may be performed by positioning the image on a TV camera or the like and then fixing it by bonding.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the four recording heads are bonded and fixed to the unit frame to constitute an ink jet head unit, and the recording heads are replaced for each unit. The positional relationship between the four recording heads does not shift due to the mounting operation. Further, according to the configuration of the present example in which the individual recording heads are housed and fixed in the unit frame, compared with the configuration of the recording head in which different colors of ink are ejected from the beginning by an integrated recording head. There is design freedom.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 4005 denotes a porous member capable of absorbing ink, which is disposed between the orifice mounting surfaces of the adjacent recording heads 2000. This absorbs the ink adhering to the blade when the orifice arrangement surface is wiped by the blade, and prevents the different color ink from re-adhering to the adjacent orifice arrangement surface.

In FIG. 3, an upper housing 4506 and a side housing 4006 are respectively provided with a unit frame 400.
Fixed to 0. In fixing the upper housing, a pair of pins 4504 (one not shown) provided on the upper housing is inserted into a hole 4011 provided on the upper end surface of the outer wall plate 4001 of the unit frame 4000, thereby fixing the upper housing. The positioning of the housing 4506 is performed, and the projections (not shown) on the locking plates 4505 formed at both ends of the upper housing are fitted in the recesses 4010 formed in the outer wall plate.
It is fixed by being hooked with the elastic urging force of 05. The fixing of the side housing 4006 to the unit frame is performed in the same manner as the upper housing 4506 by using a pair of locking plates 4008 of the housing 4006 and the concave portion 4007 of the unit frame 4000.

A plurality of pads 4502 as electric contacts on the recording head 2000 side are provided on a portion corresponding to the outer surface of the upper housing 4506, and each of the pads 4502 is a terminal 4 extending on the back surface side of the upper housing 4506.
501. Each terminal 4501 comes into contact with a corresponding connection pad on the substrate of the recording head when the housing 4506 is fixed to the unit frame.

The side housing 4006 is formed with a hole 4009 through which an ink supply pipe 2200 (hereinafter, also referred to as a joint) as an ink supply member provided in the recording head 2000 is inserted. In the assembled state, the ink supply pipe 2200 protrudes from the hole 4009, and this supply pipe is inserted into the ink cartridge side to guide the ink to the recording head side.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the connection between the ink jet head unit IJU shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and each ink cartridge. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the ink jet unit is configured by connecting the ink jet head unit and the ink cartridge.

As shown in FIG. 4, an ink tank (ink cartridge) 6000 corresponding to each ink color has
The ink supply pipes 2200 of the corresponding print heads are individually inserted into the openings (not shown) to connect to the print heads. Also, when the ink tank 6000 is detached from the recording head, it can be detached individually for each ink tank of each ink color. In the figure, reference numeral 2201 denotes a head fixing wall for fixing a plurality of ink jet recording heads.

With the above configuration, the ink tank 6000
When the ink runs out, the ink tank can be replaced with a new ink tank. As described above, since the used ink tank can be replaced for each used ink tank, useless ink can be reduced in the color ink jet recording apparatus, which is particularly effective.

In FIG. 5, the supply pipe 2200 provided in the ink jet head unit IJU is inserted so that the filter 700 provided at the tip thereof is pressed against the absorber 6003 in the ink tank 6000. An ink chamber 6006, which is an ink container, is filled with ink 6009, and an absorber 6003 as a negative pressure generating member disposed in a front chamber 6004, which is a negative pressure generating chamber separated from the ink chamber 6006 by a partition wall 6005. Is also filled with ink. The absorber 6003 can hold ink by its capillary force, thereby preventing the ink from leaking from the opening 6002. The ink 6009 in the ink chamber 6006 passes through the slit 6008 and is supplied to the front chamber 6004. In this supply, air corresponding to the amount of ink consumed in supplying ink to the ink jet head unit IJU communicates with the atmosphere. Mouth 6
This is made possible by entering into the ink tank through 013 and being replaced with ink.

The features of this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. An ink tank 6000 as a replaceable ink cartridge is actually an inkjet head unit IJU fixed inside the apparatus.
5 from left to right in FIG.
000, the ink supply pipe 2200 as a joint of the inkjet head unit IJU is connected to the opening 6002 to a predetermined depth position. here,
As described above, the inner wall 6002a of the opening 6002 of the replaceable ink cartridge 6000 and the outer wall 2200 of the ink supply tube 2200 of the inkjet head unit IJU.
It is important that a sufficient gap is set between the gaps a and a. In the present invention, “sufficient gap” means the tolerance of parts of the fixed inkjet head unit IJU,
It is desirable that the dimension be equal to or larger than the device component tolerance existing between the inkjet head unit IJU and the ink cartridge 6000. By setting a dimension larger than the component tolerance in the opening 6002 of the replaceable ink cartridge, the outer wall of the joint portion of the inkjet head unit IJU can be reliably prevented from contacting the opening 6002 of the ink cartridge.

Further, from the viewpoint of ink leakage and ink evaporation when the recording head and the ink cartridge are detached and attached, "sufficient gap" is defined as follows.

As shown in FIG. 6, the diameter of the ink supply pipe is φD, and the gap in an arbitrary cross section between the outer surface 2200a of the ink supply pipe and the inner wall 6002a of the ink cartridge opening is h above the cross section, The lower part is h '. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 5 denote the same members.

First, when the ink supply pipe 2200 is inserted into the opening 6002 of the ink cartridge 6000, if there is no gap, the air is pushed in with the operation of inserting the ink supply pipe, and air is injected near the tip of the ink supply pipe. There is a possibility that a large area is formed and the ink supply becomes defective.

If the gap is very small, when ink is present near the inner wall of the opening, the ink forms a meniscus between the inner wall of the opening and the outer wall of the ink supply pipe, and the air pushed by the ink supply pipe is formed. When the ink is going to the outside, there is a possibility that the ink having formed the meniscus is pushed out of the ink cartridge.

As a countermeasure against this, in a commonly used ink, if the gap is 0.3 mm or less, a meniscus is easily formed, so that the gap is h + h ′ ≧ 0.3 m.
m is desirable. More preferably, h + h ′ ≧
0.6 mm, which can more reliably prevent meniscus formation. That is, if the diameter of the opening of the ink cartridge is larger than the outer diameter of the ink supply pipe by 0.3 mm or more, more preferably 0.6 mm or more, ink leakage can be prevented.

If the gap is large, ink evaporation from the negative pressure generating member becomes a problem. The ink evaporates from the vicinity of the outer periphery of the leading end of the ink supply pipe, and the ink flow path formed between the ink supply path (not shown) inside the ink supply pipe and the negative pressure generating member gradually narrows. Come. In this case, if a recovery process or the like is performed, bubbles or the like may be drawn into the print head, and a discharge failure may occur.

As an index for preventing this, (h +
h ′) / D ≦ 0.6, more preferably (h + h ′) / D
With a relationship of ≦ 0.3, ink evaporation can be suppressed to a level that does not affect the formation of the ink flow path.

The operation of the replaceable ink cartridge according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The ink supply pipe 2200 for supplying ink to the ink jet head unit IJU is inserted, and is in pressure contact with the negative pressure generating member so that the ink jet recording apparatus can operate. The ink supply pipe 220
A filter 700 for removing dust in the ink cartridge 6000 is provided at an end of the ink cartridge 6000.

As shown in FIG. 7, the ink cartridge to which the present invention is applied may have a form in which the porous member 6003 is accommodated almost entirely inside the ink cartridge. However, considering the use efficiency of the ink cartridge as described later, the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 5 is more preferable.

Hereinafter, the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 5 will be described. When the ink jet recording apparatus starts operating, the orifice 9 of the ink jet head unit IJU
Ink is ejected from the ink cartridge, and an ink suction force is generated in the replaceable ink cartridge. Due to the suction force, the ink 6009 passes from the ink container 6006 through the gap 6008 between the end of the rib and the bottom 6011 of the ink cartridge, and the negative pressure generating member housing 6004 and the negative pressure generating member 6 serving as front chambers.
003 is drawn into the ink supply pipe 2200 and supplied to the inkjet head side. As a result, the pressure inside the ink containing portion 6006 that is closed except for the gap portion 6008 is reduced, and a pressure difference occurs between the ink containing portion 6006 and the negative pressure generating member containing portion 6004. As the recording continues, the pressure difference continues to rise, but the negative pressure generating member 60
03 is open to the atmosphere through a gap provided between the ink supply member 2200 and the opening 6002 or the atmosphere communication port 6013, so that the air passes through the negative pressure generating member 6003 and the rib end and the ink cartridge bottom 6011. And enters the ink storage unit 6006 through the gap 6008. At this point, the ink container 6006 and the negative pressure generating member
04 is eliminated. Since this operation is repeated during ink jet recording, a certain negative pressure is maintained inside the ink cartridge. In addition, since almost all of the ink in the ink storage unit can be used except for the ink that adheres to the wall surface in the ink storage unit, the ink use efficiency is improved.

At the time of non-recording, the capillary force of the negative pressure generating member itself (or the meniscus force at the interface between the ink and the negative pressure generating member) or the like is developed, thereby suppressing the ink from leaking from the ink jet recording head.

Further, by selecting the negative pressure generating member and setting the ratio of the negative pressure generating member housing portion and the ink housing portion in accordance with the characteristics of the ink jet head to be jointed, optimum printing can always be performed. Therefore, not only the ink storage capacity is improved than in the case where the porous body is arranged in the entire inside of the ink cartridge described above, but also the ink leakage from the opening for supplying the ink to the outside can be effectively prevented. Ideal for the present invention.

To make the replaceable ink cartridge of the present invention compatible with a color ink jet recording apparatus, each color (for example, four colors of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan) is used.
Color) inks can be stored and used in individual replaceable ink cartridges. Also, the individual ink cartridges may be integrated to form a replaceable ink cartridge, or a replaceable ink cartridge for frequently used black ink and a replaceable ink cartridge in which another color ink integrated replaceable cartridge is separated. Is also good. These combinations are arbitrary according to the ink jet device.

In the replaceable ink cartridge of the present invention, in order to control the negative pressure in the ink jet recording head, not only the selection, shape, and size of the negative pressure generating member 6003 but also the shape, size, and rib end of the rib end are required. And size of gap 6008 between ink cartridge bottom 6011 and negative pressure generating member housing 6004 and ink housing 600
It is important to optimize the volume ratio of 6, the amount, shape, and size of the ink supply tube 2200 inserted into the replaceable ink cartridge, the shape and size of the filter 700, the coarseness of the filter, the surface tension of the ink, and the like.

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

As described above, as long as the gap between the ink supply pipe 2200 and the opening 6002 is sufficient, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the structure and shape of both may be any.

When the negative pressure generating member is a porous member such as a sponge, the porous member is prevented from escaping from the bottom of the ink cartridge when the ink supply pipe 2200 is inserted as shown in FIG. The end of the ink supply pipe 2200 preferably has an arbitrary angle (taper) with respect to the insertion direction of the ink supply pipe in order to maintain and secure the pressure contact surface between the section and the negative pressure generating member.

The amount of insertion of the ink supply tube 2200 into the replaceable ink cartridge 6000 is determined by considering the shape of the ink supply tube, the negative pressure generating member 6003, the shape of the ink cartridge 6000, etc. It must be determined not to cause the ink to run out during printing. Note that a communication port with the atmosphere needs to be provided on the front room 6004 side. This is a means suitable for improving reliability against environmental changes in the ink jet recording apparatus described later. The shape of this air communication port,
Although the size is not particularly limited, it is preferable to make the size as small as possible in consideration of the evaporation of the ink if air can be taken in.

The shape and size of the gap 6008 between the end of the rib and the bottom 6011 of the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 5 are optional. However, if the gap is too narrow, the meniscus force with the ink becomes strong, and Can suppress the ink leakage, but it requires power to supply the ink to the front chamber 6004, and the ink may run out during use. On the other hand, if the width is too large, the opposite phenomenon may occur. Note that the gap 6008 also needs to be determined in consideration of the position of the opening 6002.

Although it depends on the shape and dimensions of the replacement ink cartridge, it is preferably about 0.1 to 20 mm, more preferably about 0.5 to 5 mm. Further, the shape of the rib end may be any shape as long as the position with the above-mentioned opening 6002 is considered.

Further, the boundary between the rib end and the negative pressure generating member is also important as described above. For example, when the negative pressure generating member is not compressed by the rib ends, the density of the member is low, so that the flow of ink and the flow of air are relatively quick, which is preferable for high-speed printing and color printing. On the other hand, for example, when the negative pressure generating member is compressed by the rib end, the density of the member becomes high, which causes resistance in the flow of ink and the flow of air. Can be suppressed. Therefore, these selections need to be designed in consideration of the type of the ink jet recording apparatus and the environmental conditions to be used.

The volume ratio between the negative pressure generating member housing section 6004 and the ink housing section 6006 needs to be determined in consideration of the type of the ink jet recording apparatus, environmental conditions used, and the like. Also, the relationship with the negative pressure generating member used is important.

The shape, size, and roughness of the filter 700 can be arbitrarily set depending on the type of the ink jet recording apparatus. However, in order to prevent dust from entering the ink cartridge and prevent the nozzles of the recording head from being clogged, the orifice is used. It is preferable to make the eyes coarser than the diameter.

As the ink to be filled in the replaceable ink cartridge of the present invention, conventionally known inks can be used. However, in order to prevent ink leakage or the like, the surface tension is 30 dyne / cm or more at 25 ° C., more preferably 45 dyne / cm.
yne / cm or more, viscosity is 1 to 20 cp at 25 ° C.
s, more preferably from inks having physical properties of 1 to 15 cps. The amount of ink to be filled into the replaceable ink cartridge is arbitrary up to the internal volume of the ink cartridge. However, in order to maintain the negative pressure immediately after opening the replaceable ink cartridge, the amount of ink to be filled into the ink container is limited. However, it is preferable that the amount of ink filling the negative pressure generating member is set to be equal to or less than the limit of the ink holding force of the negative pressure generating member. In addition, the ink holding power in the present invention refers to the ability of the negative pressure generating member to hold ink by itself when the member is impregnated with ink.

In an ink cartridge having a closed ink storage unit, the air expansion of the ink storage unit and the air expansion of the ink storage unit are not affected by an external environment change (temperature rise or pressure drop) in the state of being loaded in the ink jet recording apparatus. The ink remaining in the ink chamber is pushed out of the ink cartridge due to the expansion of the ink, and there is a possibility that ink leakage may occur.
Therefore, in the replaceable ink cartridge of the present invention, the air expansion volume (including a small amount of ink expansion) of the closed-system ink storage portion corresponding to the worst-case annular state is predicted, and the ink storage portion is accordingly increased. It is preferable that the negative pressure generating member accommodating section has the amount of ink movement from the ink container in advance. However, when all of the amount of ink movement and the negative pressure generating member accommodating part are held, the absorber is pressed as uniformly as possible so as to prevent the gap between the inner wall of the container and the absorber from being inserted. In order to insert so that the absorber does not have wrinkles or burrs as much as possible, the conditions for inserting the absorber must be strict. If this condition is not satisfied, there is a high possibility that the aforementioned ink leakage will occur.

However, as will be described later, by adopting a configuration in which the ink supply pipe as the joint portion and the pressure contact member are bonded and sealed, ink is likely to be pushed out due to a rise in the tank internal pressure in the worst environment. Even
Since the minute gap in the joint is closed by an adhesive or a sealant, the joint does not leak to the outside. Therefore, the conditions for inserting the absorber are alleviated, and a highly reliable inkjet head unit can be provided.

The installation position of the air communication port is not particularly specified as long as it is located above the opening on the side of the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion, but the flow of ink in the negative pressure generating member when the environment changes is controlled from the opening. Preferably, it is far from the opening for separation. The number, shape, size, and the like of the air communication ports can be arbitrarily set in consideration of the evaporation of the ink.

During the distribution of the ink cartridge alone, it is preferable to seal the opening and / or the atmosphere communication port with a sealing material or the like to prepare for evaporation of the ink and air expansion in the ink cartridge. As a sealing material, a composite barrier material that is a composite of a single layer barrier and several layers of plastic film, which is called a barrier material in the packaging field, and a composite of these and a reinforcing material such as paper or cloth, or aluminum foil is used. Is preferred. It is more preferable that a material similar to the material of the ink cartridge body is used as the adhesive layer of the barrier material, and the hermeticity is increased by welding with heat or the like.

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

By selecting the above-described packaging form, it is possible to provide a very reliable transportation form without causing ink leakage or the like during distribution of the ink cartridge alone.

Here, the ink cartridge body material may be any material conventionally used for molded articles, but it is necessary to select a material that does not affect ink jet ink or a member that has been treated so as not to affect it. There is. It is also necessary to consider the productivity of the ink cartridge. For example, the ink cartridge main body is divided into an ink cartridge bottom portion 6011 and an upper portion thereof, and each is integrally molded with a resin material. After a negative pressure generating member is inserted, the ink cartridge bottom portion 6011 and the upper portion are welded. Thus, the ink cartridge body can be manufactured. If a transparent or translucent resin material is selected, the ink in the ink container can be visually recognized from the outside of the ink cartridge, so that the time to replace the ink cartridge can be visually determined.
Further, it is preferable to provide a convex portion on the tank side to facilitate welding with the sealing material. Further, it is also preferable in terms of design to subject the outer surface of the ink cartridge body to processing such as embossing.

For the filling of the ink, either the pressure method or the pressure reduction method can be used. It is preferable to provide an ink filling port in any one of the tank main bodies for filling the ink, because it does not contaminate the other ink cartridge openings. The ink filling port after ink filling is preferably plugged with a plastic or metal material.

The structure and shape of the replaceable ink cartridge can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The effects of this embodiment are summarized as follows.

[Effects of Joint Free] (1) Tank exchange can be performed smoothly.

(2) The load on the head is low and the head whose registration has been adjusted does not shift.

(3) The accuracy of the joint opening of the tank and the head joint is rough, and the yield of parts is increased, so that the cost can be reduced.

(4) The guide accuracy of the ink tank loading portion of the main body carriage is rough, and the yield of parts can be increased to reduce the cost.

[Press Sealing Effect] (1) Evaporation of the ink during mounting of the tank is suppressed, and it can be used for a long time.

(2) It is possible to suppress ink leakage at the time of mounting the tank or at the time of mounting the tank, thereby preventing contamination in the apparatus.

That is, since the ink jet recording head is adjusted and fixed in the apparatus for forming characters and images, it is necessary to minimize the application of an external force which affects the fixing state. This requirement becomes more severe in the case of an integrated head for forming a color image in which a plurality of ink jet recording heads are arranged as in this embodiment.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the ink cartridge is attached or replaced, an external force such as the ink cartridge body abutting against the ink supply pipe 2200 as a joint portion of the ink jet recording head, that is, the generation of a negative pressure in the ink cartridge. An external force other than the force for pushing the member can be prevented from being applied to the ink jet recording head.

In particular, a recording head unit incorporating a plurality of ink jet recording heads is useful for forming a color image, but stricter precision is required for registration adjustment of each head. This is because even if the adjusted fixing of one head is relaxed, the quality of the color image is significantly reduced. Therefore, when the replaceable ink cartridge of the present invention is applied to such an ink jet head unit, the force applied to the print head during the attachment / detachment of the replaceable ink cartridge to or from the ink jet print head or during use is considered. Should be the minimum required.

When the replaceable ink cartridge has been loaded in the recording apparatus for a long period of time, there is a concern that the ink will evaporate from the gap between the head joint and the opening of the ink cartridge as described above. Evaporation of ink can be sufficiently suppressed by adopting the following simple pressure contact configuration in the present invention.

Next, another embodiment of the replaceable ink cartridge of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are sectional views each showing a main part of a connection structure between the replaceable ink cartridge 6000 and the ink jet recording head.

In FIG. 8A, a simple pressure contact member 2202 is provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface 2200a of the cylindrical ink supply pipe 2200 of the ink jet head unit IJU. The simple pressing member 2202 protrudes outward in the radial direction of the ink supply pipe 2200, and has one surface thereof in contact with the head fixing wall 2201 of the inkjet head unit IJU;
2a is formed on the other surface of the ink cartridge 600. The protrusion 2202b has a triangular cross section and protrudes toward the longitudinal direction of the ink supply pipe 2200.
0 and the inkjet head unit IJU. At the time of connection, the projection 2202b has an opening 6
002.

The simple pressing member 2202 has the structure shown in FIG.
When attaching / detaching 0, the external force to the head is a negative pressure generating member 6003
It is only the force to press. Also, at the end of mounting, the outer wall of the ink cartridge 6000 and the protruding portion 2202b of the simple pressure contact member 2202 are only slightly in contact with each other, and only a small external force is applied in the horizontal direction in FIG. Therefore, the ink cartridge 600
The force applied to the inkjet head unit IJU during the mounting of the ink cartridge 0 is only a force pressing the negative pressure generating member 6003 and a slight force contacting the ink cartridge 6000. By adjusting the pressing amount of the ink cartridge 6000, the force can be substantially adjusted.

It is sufficient that the outer wall of the ink cartridge and the simple pressure contact member 2202 are simply pressed against each other, and even if there is a minute gap, ink evaporation can be suppressed as desired. Absent. Further, even if air flows into the ink cartridge from the gap, the performance of the ink cartridge does not affect the performance of the ink cartridge as described later.

In the above embodiment, the connection structure between the ink cartridge and the ink jet head unit is the structure shown in FIG. 8A, but is not limited to such a structure as described above.

As shown in FIG. 8A, examples of modifications and changes such as providing a simple press-contact member as a joint on the recording head side are shown in FIGS. 8B to 8C.
Can be mentioned. In FIG. 8B, the protruding portion 2202b of the simple pressing member 2202 has a substantially circular cross section (a ring shape as a whole), and in FIG. 8C, the simple pressing member 2202 itself has a cross section. It has a substantially circular shape (total donut shape).

As another connection structure, a structure in which a press-contact member is provided on the ink cartridge 6000 side instead of a structure in which a press-contact member is provided on the ink-jet inkjet head unit IJU side shown in FIGS. Can also be mentioned. That is, a simple pressing member having substantially the same configuration as the simple pressing member 2202 shown in FIG. 8A is fixed to the outer wall of the ink cartridge, and the top of the protruding portion is the head fixing wall of the ink jet head unit IJU. This is the configuration that comes into contact with Further, the simple pressing member itself shown in FIG. 8B may have a circular cross section and may be fixed to the inner edge of the opening 6002.

Further, as another connection structure, as shown in FIGS.
000 and the inkjet head unit IJU. In FIG. 9A, a wall member 6002b is formed on the outer edge of the opening 6002 with a material that is softer than the material of each of the ink cartridge 6000 and the inkjet head unit IJU, and provided near the opening. Further, a disk portion extending radially outward of the ink supply tube 2200 on the outer peripheral surface of the ink supply tube 2200 and a cylindrical portion extending forward along the length direction of the ink supply tube 2200 from the outermost edge of the disk portion And a simple press-contact member 2202 is provided. The front end of the cylindrical portion of the simple pressure contact member 2202 is in contact with the outside of the wall member 6002b around the opening 6002 of the cartridge 6000 when the cartridge is mounted. FIG. 9B
In this embodiment, the wall member 6002b of this example has an opening 600
9 is formed to be thin except for the peripheral edge of the opening 6002 in the constituent wall of the cartridge 6000 near the cartridge 2 and has a structure in which members similar to the simple press-contact member 2202 shown in FIG. ing. In FIG. 9C, contrary to the example shown in FIG. 9B, only the peripheral portion of the opening 6002 is formed to be thin, and the ink supply is made to the cutout portion formed thereby. The outer peripheral surface of the tube 2200 has a structure in which a peripheral portion of a simple press-contact member 2202 formed of a disk portion extending outward in the radial direction is engaged.

As described above, the materials for forming the simple press-contact member as a separate member and the peripheral portion of the opening include:
Although it is possible to use the same material as the material constituting each of the ink cartridge 6000 and the ink jet head unit IJU, the ink cartridge 6000 is used in order to reduce the force applied to the recording head at the time of simple pressing.
It is preferable to use a material that is softer in hardness than the material constituting each of the inkjet head units IJU.

It is more preferable to select a material having a low gas permeability as a material constituting the simple pressure contact member as the separate member in order to suppress evaporation of the ink. Further, as described above, when a simple press-contact member as a separate member is interposed in the connection (joint) between the ink cartridge 6000 and the inkjet head unit IJU, the member is in the initial state, that is, the ink cartridge 6000 or It is arbitrarily attached to any side of the inkjet head unit IJU, and its shape and dimensions are arbitrarily determined in consideration of the shapes and dimensions of the ink cartridge 6000 and the inkjet head unit IJU. Further, when a simple press-contact member as a separate member is attached to the ink supply pipe 2200 of the ink jet head unit IJU, it is not necessary to fix it, but it is preferable that the member be freely movable.

The configuration shown in FIG. 5 is one of the most suitable ink tanks used in the present invention. That is, since there is a gap between the opening 6002 and the supply pipe 2200, it is difficult to apply a force which affects the positional accuracy of the recording head when the ink tank is inserted. Even if the simple press-contact member shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is provided for this configuration, the above-described effect is not impaired.
The problem of ink evaporation and ink leakage will be improved.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a preferred embodiment of the ink jet head unit of the present invention. In this embodiment, the inkjet head unit IJ
The U pressure contact members 2202 are provided integrally with the bases of the four ink supply pipes 2200 arranged in a line on one side wall of the unit IJU. Each of the ink supply pipes 2200 has a diameter on the base side narrowed from the tip as described above.
It has a trumpet shape, and furthermore,
When the ink supply pipe 2200 as a joint is pushed into the opening 6002 of the ink tank 6000 as the replaceable ink cartridge, the opening 6002 is sealed to connect and fix the ink tank 6000 and the unit IJU. Is provided. An ink tank 6000 is provided on the one side wall of the unit IJU.
Concave portion 2204 and convex portion 220 for positioning when fixing
5 are formed. On the wall opposite to the one side wall, there is formed a positioning recess for abutting the positioning protrusion HC1 of the head carriage HC for positioning.
0 is not shown, but is shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view showing a main part of a recording apparatus in which the ink jet head unit IJU shown in FIG. 10 is mounted on a head carriage HC. In FIG. 11, the inkjet head unit IJU includes a positioning concave portion 2 on a positioning convex portion HC1 of the head carriage HC.
The ink cartridge 6000 is mounted on the unit IJU and mounted on the head carriage HC. Of the head carriage HC, the ink tank 600
In detail, the structure of the portion on which 0 is mounted is composed of a mounting portion HC2 having a substantially flat surface, and a protruding portion HC3 projecting upward from the end of the mounting portion HC2 in the drawing. A slope H descending to the right side of the drawing is provided above the protrusion HC3.
C4 is formed. The protrusion HC3 is formed on a wall opposite to a wall having an opening 6002 of the ink tank 6000, which will be described in detail later.
It is a member for pressing so as to be firmly connected by JU. When the ink tank 6000 is mounted on the head carriage HC, the opening 60 of the ink tank 6000 is
After the ink supply pipe 2200 of the unit IJU is inserted into the unit 02, the ink tank 6000 is pressed against the fixed unit IJU, and the lower corner of the ink tank 6000 is slid on the slope HC4 of the head carriage HC while the ink tank 6000 is slid. Press down. Accordingly, the ink tank 6000 can be securely fixed, and the opening 6002 can be reliably sealed.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a step is provided between the ink supply pipe 2200 and the pressing member 2202 to facilitate the application of the adhesive sealant 2203. Needless to say, there is no need for the step.

Next, a preferred modification of the structure of the ink tank, which has a synergistic effect by being used in the structure of the present invention described above, and an operation common to the ink tank having the structure described above. This will be described below including the description.

First, as the coupling mechanism between the ink jet head and the ink cartridge, a structure was provided in which a sealing member 2202 as a pressure contact member in FIG. 11 was interposed between the ink tank and the ink jet head. here,
In a state where the deformable sealing member 2202 is deformed, it is preferable to reliably prevent the liquid from flowing out to the outside. In addition, when the space is formed inside the ink tank near the opening when the supply pipe of the head is inserted into the ink tank, when the pressure is higher than the atmosphere as in the case of the above-described material, It is preferable to show a gas permeability of This is because when the pressure inside the tank rises due to an environmental change, the tendency of the pressurized ink to concentrate on the side of the tank communicating with the atmosphere is reduced by a slight gas permeability, and the ink supply pipe side It is thought that it is because it is possible to promote the transfer to.

Further, a compression (or compressible) area of the ink supply opening or a supply pipe for the negative pressure generating body by the ink supply opening or the supply pipe is provided on the side of the tank structure, in particular, on the side facing the partition wall forming the minute communication section. With this configuration, the ink in the second storage chamber secures a stable substantial ink supply path in the negative pressure generator, and the ink supply opening is formed with respect to the lower surface of the ink cartridge. Is located above the microcommunication section,
Since the slight gas permeability of the sealing member 2202 serves as a normal gas permeation preventing action, the second gas of the substantially closed structure is used.
It is considered that the gas-liquid exchange condition of the storage chamber can be made more stable, and the ink supply property of the absorber compression region of the supply pipe can be secured. In this regard, the slight gas permeability of the sealing member 2202 described above may be a perfect gas sealing material.

The “supply pipe” referred to in the present invention includes not only an ink-jet-specific insertion pipe inserted into the porous member, but also a valve structure and a connecting member attached to the cartridge and compressing and deforming the negative pressure generator. It also includes an engaging mechanism.

Further, when the conditions of the ink used were examined, the ink surface tension was 55 dyne / cm (25 dyne / cm).
C.), the movement of the ink due to the environment dependence of the ink and the internal structure becomes remarkable. However, when the dipping rate is 55 dyne / cm or less, this problem is not observed critically.
If it is less than dyne / cm, it does not depend on the environment,
It showed extremely stable characteristics. Meanwhile, 55
When dyne / cm or less, a configuration in which the negative pressure generating member surely exhibits stable progression and a gas-liquid interface between gas air and liquid ink is formed in the negative pressure generating member In particular, the effect of stabilizing the interface for a long time was recognized. In a cartridge having a gas-liquid exchange promoting structure extending from the minute communication portion to the position facing the negative pressure generating member in the first storage chamber,
This is preferable because it functions synergistically with the configuration and can form a linear interface in a stable state. Conversely, the ink surface tension for the prerequisite constitution is 20 dyne / cm
When the temperature is lower than (25 ° C.), ink leakage does not occur in a normal use, but when an impact is applied, an ink leakage phenomenon is observed. When the impact is more than 20 dyne / cm, such an impact occurs. Also, it was found that the ink leakage was prevented by the synergistic effect of the advantages of the prerequisite configuration and the ink characteristics. In addition, in particular, 25 dyne / cm or more 5
At 0 dyne / cm or less, extremely stable characteristics were exhibited without being affected by the environment.

The following description focuses on the more preferable structure of the negative pressure generating chamber provided in the ink cartridge in the structure of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 to FIG.

Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the negative pressure generating member 23 in the vicinity of the air communication portion provided in the negative pressure generating member accommodating chamber 24 exists as a region where ink is not supplied and ink is not held. Let it. After this, the opening 13 is
4, the opening 22 and the atmosphere communication portion are sealed by the same sealing member S (may be different).
FIG. 12 shows the ink cartridge before use. In this figure, it is assumed that the ink is filled in the ink storage chamber 26. FIG. 12 shows the ink cartridge 21 in the sealed state and a schematic view of a printer using the ink cartridge 21. This ink cartridge 21
A negative pressure generator region 23A located near the atmosphere communication portion 20 is provided in the upper corner of the cartridge as a region not holding ink. The negative pressure generator region 23B located below the region 23A is a compressible region that is compressed and deformed by inserting an ink supply pipe (not shown).
The negative pressure generators other than these areas 23A and 23B hold the filled ink without any other external influence. Of course, the region 23B is a region facing the ink supply tube mounting opening 22 provided on the same surface below the air communication portion 20. In addition, the opening 22 is located above the minute communication portion 28 and has all of the above-described features.

The cartridge 21 shown in FIG. 12 can be used by removing the seal member S described above. However, since the area 23A does not hold ink, vibration and pressure change at the time of removing the seal may occur. No leakage of ink.

The present embodiment is directed to a technical point of view for clearing the conventional state of the art irrespective of the storage state or the use state of the ink cartridge. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the ink in the ink cartridge from leaking from the atmosphere communication portion in response to a change in environmental conditions. In particular, when the seal member seals the air communication portion, the seal member has an effect of preventing the seal member from peeling off. Also, when in use,
In this area, the atmosphere can efficiently supply a required amount of air into the cartridge, and there is also an effect of suppressing a change in negative pressure in the ink jet cartridge. The region near the air communication portion is preferably free from ink wetting because the permeation speed of the ink itself can be further reduced, but may be a region where the ink is removed after being wetted in advance by the ink. .

In this embodiment, an ink supply opening or an ink supply opening is provided on the side facing the partition wall forming the minute communication section.
By providing a region where the negative pressure generator can be compressed (or can be compressed) by the supply pipe, the ink in the ink storage chamber 26 is substantially stable in the negative pressure generator in the negative pressure generation member storage chamber 24. As a configuration that can secure a supply path and stabilize the supply path, the ink supply opening may be positioned above the microcommunication portion with respect to the lower surface of the ink cartridge. The effect of this arrangement relation is that the ink movement direction can be substantially constant, all the ink in the ink storage chamber 26 can be consumed, and after this consumption, the air in the ink storage chamber 26 moves to the opposite opening side. As a result, the ink inside the negative pressure generator can be consumed, and the remaining ink can be reduced.

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

The ink jet printer according to the present embodiment automatically or manually discharges ink from the cartridge according to the mounting of the cartridge 21 as shown in FIG. It has a head recovery means HR executed by suction or discharge.
As a result, the ink state in the negative pressure generator can be corrected before printing, so that the original function of the cartridge can be used without being affected by the state of leaving the cartridge.

In FIG. 12, the tank 21 mounted on the ink jet head HD held on the scanning type carriage CR does not have the seal tape S described above. In the tank 21 mounted on the carriage, the ink supply pipe of the head passes through the opening 22 to compress and deform the compressible area 23B of the negative pressure generating member 23. In this example, the negative pressure generating member 23 is deformed toward the minute communication portion 28. At this time, the attachment signal LP is input to the printer control means CC by the tank attachment / detachment detection means (not shown because it is substituted by a known mechanical or electrical detection means). In response to this, before the start of recording, the head recovery unit HR operates to discharge the ink in the tank 21 and improve the state of the ink in the tank.

FIGS. 13 (A) and 13 (B) show the possible state inclination ranges of the printing or ink supply state according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which 40 indicates a horizontal plane. A more preferable state for the present invention is that the microcommunication portion is located on the lower side, and ideally, it is good to be parallel to the horizontal surface 40 on the lower surface of the cartridge. However, practically, in the case of a two-chamber configuration as in this example, (A),
The angle θ between the horizontal surface and the bottom surface of the ink cartridge as shown in FIG. When it is mounted on the scanning type carriage and moved, the range of 0 ≦ θ ≦ 5 degrees is preferable.

Further, even if the cartridge is inclined as described above, even if it is caused by some unexpected factor, as described above, the ink supply pipe 220 is provided.
0 and the opening 6002 of the ink cartridge have a configuration having a gap, that is, a free joint configuration, so that the load on the recording head can be reduced, and the installation state is not affected. Therefore, the ink supply performance is kept good and stable.

The negative pressure generating member of the above-described embodiment of the present invention may be composed of a plurality of members. However, if an interface between them (an interface between members) is generated, the movement of the atmosphere occurs there, which is likely to cause inconvenience. In some cases, the negative pressure generating member is preferably a single porous chamber.

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

Next, the manner of ink consumption in the ink cartridge will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 14A shows a state in which a joint member 27 serving as an ink supply pipe for supplying ink to the ink jet recording head is inserted into the opening 22 of the ink cartridge body 21 of the embodiment and pressed against the negative pressure generating member 23. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the inkjet recording apparatus can be operated. It is desirable that a filter be installed at the end opening of the joint member 27 in order to remove dust in the ink cartridge. When the inkjet recording apparatus operates, ink is ejected from the orifice of the inkjet recording head, and an ink suction force is generated in the ink tank. This suction force causes the ink 29 to move from the ink container 26 to the end of the rib 25 and the bottom 1 of the ink cartridge.
Then, the ink is drawn into the joint member 27 through the gap 28 with the storage member 24 and through the negative pressure generating member 23 to the ink jet recording head. Thus, the ink container 2 is closed except for the gap 28.
6, a pressure difference is generated between the ink containing section 26 and the negative pressure generating member containing section 24. When the recording is continued, the pressure difference continues to rise, but since the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion 24 is open to the atmosphere through the air communication hole 20, the air is released from the negative pressure generating member as shown in FIG. 23
The ink enters the ink container 26 through the gap 28 between the rib 25 and the bottom 11 of the ink cartridge. At this point, the pressure difference between the ink containing section 26 and the negative pressure generating member containing section 24 is eliminated. This operation is repeated during ink jet recording, and a certain negative pressure is obtained in the ink cartridge. Further, the ink in the ink storage unit 26 can be used almost all except the ink that adheres to the wall surface in the ink storage unit 26, so that the ink use efficiency is improved (FIG. 14).
(C)). At the time of non-recording, the capillary force of the negative pressure generating member 23 itself (or the meniscus force at the interface between the ink and the negative pressure generating member) is exerted and the like, thereby suppressing the ink from leaking from the ink jet recording head.

FIG. 15A is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink-jet ink cartridge body according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15B is a transverse sectional view thereof, and FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing the surface of a rib. is there. In the ink jet ink cartridge main body 21001, an air introduction groove 1031 and a negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber 1032 are formed in a part of a rib 1005 which is a partition wall between the ink storing portion 1006 and the negative pressure generating member storing portion 1004. . The air introduction groove 1031 is formed on the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion 1004 side from the middle portion of the rib 1005 to the end of the rib 1005, that is, the gap 1008 between the rib 1005 and the ink cartridge bottom portion 1011. And rib 100
Negative pressure generating member 1 in contact with the vicinity of the air introduction groove 1031 of No. 5
A negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber 1032 having a hollow shape is formed between the negative pressure generating member 10 and 003.

Since the negative pressure generating member 1003 is in contact with the inner surface of the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion 1004, even if the negative pressure generating member 1003 is inserted unevenly, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5B, the contact (compression) force of the negative pressure generating member 1003 is partially reduced. Therefore, when the head starts consuming ink, the ink impregnated in the negative pressure generating member 1003 is consumed and reaches the negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber 1032. If the ink continues to be consumed thereafter, the air tends to break the ink meniscus from the part where the contact force of the negative pressure generating member 1003 is reduced by the negative pressure generating member adjustment chamber 1032, and the air is quickly introduced into the air introduction groove 1031. Is introduced to make it easier to control the negative pressure.

The ribs, the negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber,
Alternatively, the gas-liquid exchange promoting structure, including other structures having the same functions as these, is generically referred to as a gas-liquid exchange promoting structure. In the ink cartridge having the gas-liquid exchange promoting structure, the optimal ink liquid level area is the first liquid level above the communication part between the first storage chamber as the negative pressure generating member storage chamber and the second storage chamber as the ink storage part. It can be obtained by adjusting the height of the top of the gas-liquid exchange promoting structure provided on the side wall surface of the storage chamber.

As a means for controlling the ink liquid level optimum area, there is a method of changing the compression direction and the compression ratio of the negative pressure generating member as described above, but the adjustment of the top position of the gas-liquid exchange promoting structure is performed. Can achieve the object more reliably and with good reproducibility. Of course, by combining these methods, the ink level may be set to the optimum region.

Next, an example will be described.

As described above, according to the present invention, the ink in the ink storage section and the atmosphere can be gas-liquid exchanged stably and promptly at the time of ink supply. The internal pressure can be controlled stably, and the ejection stability of the recording head is good, and high-speed printing is possible. Further, it has become possible to provide an ink tank that does not cause ink leakage even when the pressure inside the ink tank changes due to a change in the external environment.

Next, the physical properties required for the ink preferably used for the ink tanks of the above embodiments will be described. It is desirable that the ink interface in the negative pressure generating member is stable against vibration of the ink tank, and that the gas-liquid interface exhibits stable behavior against environmental changes. Therefore, the surface tension of the ink is 20 d
yne / cm to 55 dyne / cm is preferable, and more preferably 25 dyne / cm to 50 dyne / cm.
When the surface tension of the ink is in this range, the meniscus in the head orifice is broken, and as a result, the phenomenon that the ink overflows from the head orifice during non-printing does not occur.

As the surface tension of a typical water-soluble organic solvent at 20 to 30 ° C., ethanol (22 dyne / cm),
Isopropanol (22 dyne / cm), cyclohexanol (34 dyne / cm), glycerin (63 dyne / cm)
yne / cm), diethylene glycol (49 dyne
/ Cm), diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (35 dyne / cm), triethylene glycol (3
5 dyne / cm), 2-pyrrolidone (47 dyne /
cm), N-methylpyrrolidone (41 dyne / cm)
However, these solvents and water are mixed to obtain a desired surface tension.

A method for controlling the surface tension of the ink using a surfactant will be described. For example, in the case of sorbitan monolaurate, adding 1% of water
dyne / cm is obtained, and for polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, 35% dyne / cm can be obtained by adding 1% to water. Acetylenol E
With H (EO adduct of acetylene glycol), 28 dyne / cm can be obtained by adding 1% or more. If a lower surface tension is required, a fluorosurfactant such as Surflon S-145 (Perfluoroalkyl E manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.)
O adduct) in water at 17% dyne / c at 0.1%
m is obtained. However, the surface tension is slightly changed by other additives.

FIG. 17 shows an ink jet recording apparatus IJR on which the recording head unit shown in each of the above embodiments can be mounted.
It is an external appearance perspective view of A.

In FIG. 17, the forward / reverse rotation of the drive motor 5013 is transmitted to the lead screw 5004 via the drive force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 to rotate the lead screw 5004, and the carriage HC is engaged with the lead groove 5005 of the lead screw 5004. It has matching pins (not shown). Thereby, the carriage HC is reciprocated in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus. Reference numeral 5002 denotes a cap for capping the front surface of each recording head in the recording head unit, and is used for performing suction recovery of the recording head through an opening in the cap by a suction unit (not shown). Cap 5002 is gear 500
The ejection opening surface of each moving recording head can be covered by the driving force transmitted through the recording head 8 or the like. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade. Reference numeral 5019 denotes a member that allows the blade to move in the front-rear direction. These members are supported by a main body support plate 5018. The blade is not limited to this form, and it goes without saying that a well-known cleaning blade can be applied to this embodiment.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are performed so that desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage moves to the home position. Any desired operation can be applied to this example.

The connection pad 4502 of the recording head unit mounted on the carriage HC is connected to the connection pad 5031 by rotating the connection plate 5030 provided on the carriage HC about a predetermined axis, and the electrical connection is established. Done. Since this connection does not use a connector or the like, unnecessary force does not act on the recording head.

(Others) It should be noted that the present invention includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for discharging ink, particularly in an ink jet recording system. An excellent effect is obtained in a recording head and a recording apparatus of a type in which the state of ink is changed by the thermal energy. This is because according to such a method, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.

The typical structure and principle are described in, for example, 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 recorded information and giving a rapid temperature rise exceeding the nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and film boiling occurs on the heat acting surface of the recording head. Liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal on a one-to-one basis.
This is effective because air bubbles inside can be formed. 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 a 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, if 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 recording head, in addition to the combination 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. 44,558 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. 59600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 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 effect of the present invention is effective even if the configuration is based on JP-A-59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to a discharge unit. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be reliably and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

Further, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium on which a recording apparatus can record. Such a recording head may have a configuration that satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as one integrally formed recording head.

It is preferable to add a recording head ejection recovery unit, a preliminary auxiliary unit, and the like as the configuration of the recording apparatus of the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. If these are specifically mentioned, the recording head is heated using capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, an electrothermal transducer, another heating element or a combination thereof. Pre-heating means for performing the pre-heating and pre-discharging means for performing the discharging other than the recording can be used.

The type and number of recording heads to be mounted are, for example, not only one provided for a single color ink but also a plurality of inks having different recording colors and densities. A plurality may be provided. That is, for example, the printing mode of the printing apparatus is not limited to a printing mode of only a mainstream color such as black, but may be any of integrally forming a printing head or a combination of a plurality of printing heads. The present invention is also very effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of the recording modes of full color by color mixture.

In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, the form of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is not limited to those used as image output terminals of information processing equipment such as computers, copying apparatuses combined with readers and the like, and facsimile apparatuses having a transmission / reception function. It may take a form.

[0141]

As described above, according to the structure of the replaceable ink cartridge of the present invention, the ink cartridge can be attached and detached without affecting the mounting position of the ink jet head accurately and deteriorating the print quality. It is possible to do. That is, when the ink cartridge and the ink jet head are connected, the ink cartridge can be mounted without applying an external force from an unintended direction to the ink jet head.

The replaceable ink cartridge of the present invention is a replaceable ink cartridge that maintains high reliability even when it is distributed alone, has a simple structure, and can detect the remaining amount of ink and has high ink use efficiency.

In addition, an appropriate negative pressure is maintained from the beginning of use to the end of use during printing and during non-printing to support high-speed printing. It becomes an ink cartridge.

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

According to the present invention, the outer wall of the joint portion of the recording means and the press-contact member are bonded and sealed, so that
Even in the worst environment, even if the tank pressure rises and ink is about to be pushed out, ink will not leak,
A highly reliable inkjet head unit can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a main part of an inkjet head to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an inkjet head unit including a plurality of the inkjet heads shown in FIG. 1 without a housing thereof.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the inkjet head unit.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining a connection mode between an ink jet head unit and an ink cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of an ink jet unit configured by connecting an ink jet head unit and an ink cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connection between an ink supply tube provided in the inkjet head and an ink cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an ink cartridge containing a porous member therein.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the connection structure between the replaceable ink cartridge and the inkjet head unit of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of a connection structure between the replaceable ink cartridge and the inkjet head unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the most preferred embodiment of the ink jet head unit of the present invention.

11 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of a recording apparatus in which the inkjet head unit unit IJU illustrated in FIG. 10 is mounted on a head carriage HC.

FIG. 12 is a schematic explanatory view of an ink jet cartridge of the present invention and an ink jet printer using the same.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views illustrating the tiltable range of the use state of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are explanatory diagrams sequentially showing changes in the printing state of the present invention.

FIG. 15A is a longitudinal sectional view of still another embodiment of an ink jet ink cartridge body, and FIG. 15B is a transverse sectional view of an ink jet ink cartridge body.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge body showing the surface of the rib in FIGS. 15 (A) and (B).

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an example of the ink jet printing apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermal energy generating element 7 Liquid chamber (head part) 8 Ink path 9 Discharge port (orifice) 11, 1101, 6011 Ink cartridge bottom part 13 Opening 14 Ball 20, 1013, 6013 Atmospheric communication part 21, 1001, 6000 Ink cartridge 22, 1002,6002 Opening (ink cartridge) 23,1003,6004 Negative pressure generating member housing chamber 25,1005,6005 Rib (partition wall) 26,1006,6006 Ink housing 27,1007,2200 Ink supply pipe 28,1008, 6008 Micro supply pipe 29,6009 Ink 40 Horizontal plane 100 Heater board 300 Support substrate 400 Orifice plate 500 Holding spring 600 Ink supply member 700 Filter 1031 Atmospheric introduction groove 1032 Negative pressure generation member adjustment chamber 13 0 Ink supply port (to liquid chamber) 2000 Inkjet head 2200a Ink supply pipe outer wall 2201 Head fixing wall 2202 Simple press-contact member 2202a Plate 2202b Projection 2203 Adhesive sealing material 2204 Depression 2205 Projection 2400 Depression 4000 Inkjet head unit frame 4001 unit outer wall plate 4002 unit inner wall plate 4003 head holding portion 4005 porous member 4006 side housing 4007, 4010 concave portion 4008, 4505 hook plate 4009 hole 4011 hole 4501 terminal 4502 connection pad 4504 pin 4506 upper housing 4514 connector 4515 head side terminal 5002 Cap 5004 lead screw 5005 spiral groove 5008 gear 5017 cleaning blade 5018 body support plate 5 019 Blade moving member 5030 Connection plate 5031 Connection pad IJU Inkjet head unit HC, CR Carriage HC1 Positioning convex part HC2 Mounting part HC3 Projecting part HC4 Slope

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Masami Ikeda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-3-288652 (JP, A) JP-A-4 -110157 (JP, A) JP-A-2-187364 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/175

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. An ink-jet unit comprising: an ink-jet head for discharging ink; and an ink cartridge containing ink to be supplied to the ink-jet head, wherein the ink-jet head supplies ink from the ink cartridge. A tube, wherein the ink cartridge is partitioned by a partition wall.
The negative pressure generating member storage chamber communicated with the communication
And a negative pressure generating member storage chamber stores the negative pressure generating member, and
An ink supply port into which the ink supply pipe is inserted, and air
An air communication port is provided to communicate with the ink storage chamber, and the ink storage chamber generates the negative pressure through the communication section.
The ink supply unit directly stores the ink supplied to the member storage chamber, and the ink jet head and the ink cartridge
In the connection state of
Around the ink supply port by the ink supply pipe.
The portion of the negative pressure generating member to be placed is compressed, and
A gap is formed between the ink supply pipe and the ink supply port.
And the ink jet head or the ink
The pressure contact member provided on one of the cartridges
Intermediate between the gap and the atmosphere without closing the gap
An inkjet unit characterized by being present . 2. The ink cartridge according to claim 2 , wherein
On the side of the wall facing the negative pressure generating member storage chamber, the communication portion is connected.
Characterized by having an air introduction groove through which
The inkjet unit according to claim 1 . Wherein said pressing member is formed of an elastically deformable material than the material constituting the ink cartridge
The ink jet unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. The ink-jet head according to claim 1, wherein the ink-jet head has a mechanism for generating bubbles in the ink by using thermal energy and discharging the ink with the generation of the bubbles . 2. The ink-jet unit according to item 1. 5. A method for supplying an ink to an ink jet head.
A Lee ink cartridge for containing ink, and a negative pressure generating member housing chamber and the ink accommodating chamber are connected with each other by and having communicating portion partitioned by a partition wall, the negative pressure generating member containing chamber is a negative pressure generating member Housed, and
An ink supply pipe provided in the inkjet head;
The ink supply port to be inserted and the air communication
A communication port is provided, and the ink storage chamber generates the negative pressure through the communication portion.
The ink supplied to the member storage chamber is directly stored, and in a connection state with the inkjet head,
The ink supply pipe inserted into the ink supply port
Of the negative pressure generating member located around the ink supply port
The part is compressed and the ink supply tube and the ink supply
A gap is formed between the ink jet port and the ink jet port.
Either the print head or the ink cartridge
The pressing member provided on one side does not close the gap.
An ink cartridge interposed between the gap and the atmosphere . 6. An ink jet for discharging ink.
A head for supplying ink to the inkjet head;
Having an ink cartridge containing ink
Recording an image on a recording medium by using an inkjet unit
An ink-jet apparatus, comprising: a carriage on which the ink-jet unit is removably mounted; and moving means for moving the carriage, wherein the ink-jet head is provided with the ink cartridge.
An ink supply pipe for guiding ink from the ink cartridge , wherein the ink cartridge is partitioned by a partition wall.
The negative pressure generating member storage chamber communicated with the communication
And a negative pressure generating member storage chamber stores the negative pressure generating member, and
An ink supply port into which the ink supply pipe is inserted, and air
An air communication port is provided to communicate with the ink storage chamber, and the ink storage chamber generates the negative pressure through the communication section.
The ink supply unit directly stores the ink supplied to the member storage chamber, and the ink jet head and the ink cartridge
In the connection state of
Around the ink supply port by the ink supply pipe.
The portion of the negative pressure generating member to be placed is compressed, and
A gap is formed between the ink supply pipe and the ink supply port.
And the ink jet head or the ink
The pressure contact member provided on one of the cartridges
Intermediate between the gap and the atmosphere without closing the gap
An ink jet device characterized by being present .