JP3320162B2

JP3320162B2 - Ink absorber insertion device, ink absorber insertion method, and ink tank

Info

Publication number: JP3320162B2
Application number: JP24564293A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 昌彦日隈; 力阿部; 雅実池田; 俊雄樫野; 猛史岡崎; 裕基但馬; 剛折笠
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 1993-09-08
Filing date: 1993-09-30
Publication date: 2002-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 2017-09-03
Also published as: JPH07125233A

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、インクジェット記録ヘ
ッドへ供給するためのインクを保持するインクカートリ
ッジ内へインク吸収体を挿入する際に用いられるインク
吸収体の挿入装置、インク吸収体の挿入方法及び該方法
で構成されたインクタンクに関する。 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink cartridge for holding ink to be supplied to an ink jet recording head.
Ink used to insert the ink absorber into the cartridge
Absorber insertion device, ink absorber insertion method and method
Related to an ink tank composed of:

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来、記録液滴を形成するエネルギー発
生部とそこへインクを供給するインクタンクが一体とな
ったインクジェットカートリッジ（インクジェットヘッ
ド）が実用化されている。この種のインクジェットカー
トリッジのインクタンク内には、圧縮収容された多孔質
体にインクが含浸されている構成が一般的である。この
多孔質体に保持されたインクは、インク供給口から共通
液室及びノズルを介して吐出部へ移動するインクの消費
量に応じて、ノズルの毛細管力によりインクタンク内か
ら導出される。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet cartridge (ink jet head) in which an energy generating portion for forming a recording liquid droplet and an ink tank for supplying ink to the energy generating portion are integrated has been put to practical use. In general, an ink tank of this type of ink jet cartridge has a structure in which a porous body compressed and accommodated is impregnated with ink. The ink held in the porous body is drawn out of the ink tank by the capillary force of the nozzle in accordance with the consumption of the ink that moves from the ink supply port to the ejection section via the common liquid chamber and the nozzle.

【０００３】上記インクジェットカートリッジに用いら
れるインク含浸体については、例えば、特開昭５５−４
２８７４号公報（ＵＳＰ４，３０６，２４５）に、ポリ
ウレタンフォームをはじめとする具体的な使用範囲の開
示があるが、実用上の課題，優劣の議論はされていな
い。また、特開平１−５２２号公報（ＵＳＰ４，７９
０，４０９），特開平１−２６４５３号公報（ＵＳＰ
４，８２４，８８７）には市販のポリウレタンフォーム
をインクタンクに収納可能な大きさに加工するととも
に、インク吐出口の目詰まりの原因となる同フォーム中
の不揮発性不純物を洗浄，除去することの開示がある
が、より効率的，効果的なインク供給については追求さ
れていない。The ink impregnated body used in the above-mentioned ink jet cartridge is described in, for example, JP-A-55-4
Japanese Patent Publication No. 2874 (US Pat. No. 4,306,245) discloses a specific range of use including polyurethane foam, but does not discuss practical problems and superiority. Also, JP-A-1-522 (US Pat. No. 4,795)
0,409), JP-A-1-26453 (USP)
No. 4,824,887), a commercially available polyurethane foam is processed into a size that can be stored in an ink tank, and non-volatile impurities in the foam that cause clogging of an ink discharge port are washed and removed. Although disclosed, no more efficient and effective ink supply is pursued.

【０００４】すなわち、上記一連の先行技術において
は、インクタンクから記録ヘッドへの充分なインク供給
に求められる最適の条件の探索がされていなかった。ま
た、インク含浸体としての一使用例であるポリウレタン
フォームについても、その微細構造や製造条件の検討は
不充分であり、たかだか、同フォームの形状やインク含
浸量を調整することに言及しているにすぎず、同フォー
ムの実用上の適正形態は、狭い範囲にとどまっていた。
さらに、同フォームの利用にあたっては、下記要因等か
らインクジェットカートリッジの製造コストの低減が妨
げられていた。That is, in the above series of prior arts, the search for the optimum conditions required for sufficient ink supply from the ink tank to the recording head has not been performed. Also, regarding the polyurethane foam which is one example of use as an ink impregnated body, the examination of its microstructure and production conditions is insufficient, and at the very least, it is mentioned that the shape of the foam and the amount of ink impregnation are adjusted. However, the practically suitable form of the foam was narrow.
Further, in using the foam, reduction of the manufacturing cost of the ink jet cartridge has been hindered by the following factors.

【０００５】上記ポリウレタンフォームは、一般に、ポ
リオールとイソシアネートの反応過程において、発泡
剤，触媒，整泡剤，着色剤，その他の添加剤などを加え
て発泡，除膜処理をして製造される。この製造工程にお
ける原材料の選定や加熱方法等で、各種特性のポリウレ
タンフォームが得られる。上記製造工程は、大量生産に
より行われ、全体としてはコストメリットが発現されて
いるが、製造されたポリウレタンフォームを、上記イン
クジェットカートリッジのインク含浸体に適用しようと
する時、すべてを利用できるわけではなく、むしろ、要
求される特性を示す部分を厳しく選別しなければならな
かった。そのため、時間がかかり、使用できず無駄とな
る部分が多く、かつ、複雑な試験を要したたため、イン
クジェットカートリッジの製造コストを大きく圧迫して
いた。[0005] The polyurethane foam is generally produced by adding a blowing agent, a catalyst, a foam stabilizer, a coloring agent, and other additives in a reaction process between a polyol and an isocyanate, and performing a foaming and film removal treatment. Polyurethane foams having various characteristics can be obtained by selecting raw materials and heating methods in this manufacturing process. The above manufacturing process is performed by mass production, and the cost merit is expressed as a whole.However, when trying to apply the manufactured polyurethane foam to the ink impregnated body of the ink jet cartridge, not all of them can be used. Rather, it had to be strictly screened for parts that exhibited the required characteristics. Therefore, it takes a long time, there are many wasteful parts that cannot be used, and a complicated test is required, so that the manufacturing cost of the ink jet cartridge is greatly reduced.

【０００６】一方、実開平５−６９２号公報には、液体
収容部に収納されるポリウレタンフォームの圧縮方向を
規定した開示がされているが、ポリウレタンフォームの
圧縮手段／方法および容器内へのポリウレタンフォーム
の挿入手段／方法についての具体的な開示はなされてい
ない。On the other hand, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 5-692 discloses a method in which the direction of compression of a polyurethane foam contained in a liquid storage portion is specified. There is no specific disclosure of a form insertion means / method.

【０００７】上記従来技術に対し、本発明の出願人は、
さきに、インクジェットカートリッジのインクタンク内
に収納されるインク吸収体の圧縮率と空孔量の積が所定
の範囲に属するように、インク吸収体の微細構造やイン
クタンクへの装着条件を調整することによって、インク
ジェットカートリッジにおけるインク供給の諸条件を満
足できることを開示した（特開平４−３５７０４６号公
報）。これにより、インク吸収体それ自身の特性にバラ
ツキがあっても、無駄を極小化した、低コストで充分な
機能を有するインクジェットカートリッジが得られるよ
うになった。しかし、上記公報においても、インク吸収
体をインクジェットカートリッジのインクタンク内に収
容する方法についての詳細な開示はなされていない。In contrast to the above prior art, the applicant of the present invention
First, the fine structure of the ink absorber and the mounting condition to the ink tank are adjusted so that the product of the compression ratio and the porosity of the ink absorber contained in the ink tank of the ink jet cartridge belongs to a predetermined range. Thus, it has been disclosed that various conditions for ink supply in an ink jet cartridge can be satisfied (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-357046). As a result, even if the characteristics of the ink absorber itself vary, an ink-jet cartridge with minimal waste, low cost, and sufficient functions can be obtained. However, even in the above publication, no detailed disclosure is made of a method of housing the ink absorber in the ink tank of the ink jet cartridge.

【０００８】上述のインクジェットカートリッジは、イ
ンクジェットヘッドとインクタンクとが一体化され、イ
ンクタンク内にインク吸収体を収容した形態のものであ
る。この形態のカートリッジは、カートリッジ内のイン
クがインク吐出できない段階になると、ヘッドと共に廃
棄されることが多い。この段階のカートリッジ内に残存
するインクの量は、改良を加えても、カートリッジ内の
ほぼ全体に収納されている負圧発生体であるスポンジの
インク保持能力に支配され、比較的多いものとなってし
まっていた。The above-described ink jet cartridge is of a type in which an ink jet head and an ink tank are integrated, and an ink absorber is accommodated in the ink tank. When the ink in the cartridge cannot be ejected, the cartridge of this form is often discarded together with the head. The amount of ink remaining in the cartridge at this stage is relatively large, even if improvements are made, due to the ink holding capacity of the sponge, which is a negative pressure generator housed almost entirely in the cartridge. Had been lost.

【０００９】この種のインク容器としては、特開昭６３
−８７２４２号公報を挙げることができる。すなわち、
インク容器内に発泡材が配置され、複数のインク射出オ
リフィスを備えたインクジェット記録ヘッド一体のカー
トリッジである。このインク容器においては、発泡材で
あるポリウレタンフォームのような多孔質媒体にインク
を貯蔵するためにフォームの毛細管力による負圧の発生
およびインクの保持（インク容器からのインク漏れ防
止）を達成しているが、インク貯蔵層内のほぼ全体にフ
ォームを必要とすることからインクの充填量が制限され
るとともにフォーム中に使用されずに残るインク量が多
くなり、インクの使用効率が悪いという問題があった。
また、インクの残量検知が困難であり、更にインク消費
期間中に負圧が徐々に変化してしまい、ほぼ一定の負圧
を維持することが困難であるという課題があった。An ink container of this type is disclosed in
-87242. That is,
This is a cartridge in which a foam material is arranged in an ink container and which is provided with a plurality of ink ejection orifices and is integrated with an ink jet recording head. In this ink container, a negative pressure is generated due to the capillary force of the foam and the ink is retained (the ink is prevented from leaking from the ink container) in order to store the ink in a porous medium such as a polyurethane foam which is a foaming material. However, since the foam is required almost entirely in the ink storage layer, the amount of ink to be filled is limited and the amount of ink remaining without being used in the foam increases, resulting in poor ink use efficiency. was there.
Further, there is a problem that it is difficult to detect the remaining amount of ink, and furthermore, the negative pressure gradually changes during the ink consumption period, and it is difficult to maintain a substantially constant negative pressure.

【００１０】この構成に対して、インクカートリッジを
実質的にインクのみを保持する構成を採用したカートリ
ッジを開示する公報がある。すなわち、特開平２−５５
２号公報には、上方に位置してインクのみを大量に保持
する１次インク貯蔵部と下方に位置したインクジェット
記録ヘッドとの間にわずかな多孔質部材を配置したイン
クジェット記録ヘッド一体型のインクカートリッジが開
示されている。この発明は、多孔質部材をインク貯蔵部
には内蔵せずにインク流路中にのみ配置したことにより
インクの使用効率を向上できるとしている。また、多孔
質部材の側方にインクを保持可能な空間としての２次イ
ンク貯蔵部を設けることにより、温度上昇（圧力低下）
で１次インク貯蔵部内の空気が膨張したことによる１次
インク貯蔵部からの流出インクを溜め、記録時の記録ヘ
ッドへの負圧を実質上一定に維持できるとしている。[0010] In contrast to this configuration, there is a gazette that discloses a cartridge that employs a configuration in which an ink cartridge holds substantially only ink. That is, JP-A-2-55
Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2 (1994) discloses an ink jet recording head-integrated ink in which a small amount of a porous member is disposed between a primary ink storage unit that holds a large amount of ink alone and an ink jet recording head that is positioned below. A cartridge is disclosed. According to the invention, the use efficiency of the ink can be improved by disposing the porous member only in the ink flow path without being built in the ink storage unit. Further, by providing a secondary ink storage section as a space capable of holding ink on the side of the porous member, temperature rise (pressure drop)
According to the document, the ink flowing out of the primary ink storage unit due to the expansion of the air in the primary ink storage unit is collected, and the negative pressure on the print head during printing can be maintained substantially constant.

【００１１】しかしながら、この公報の発明は、非記録
時においては、上方に位置してインクのみを大量に保持
する１次インク貯蔵部からのインクにより多孔質部材は
インクが充分過ぎるほど含浸せしめられているので、多
孔質部材自体の負圧発生がほとんどなくなっている。そ
のため、わずかな衝撃によりインクジェット記録ヘッド
のオリフィスからインクが漏れるという問題があり、実
用に適さない。またインク容器をインク記録ヘッドに装
着する交換型インクカートリッジ形式をこの構成に採用
することは、多孔質部材の状態からインク漏れの状態と
なり実用化できないという課題があった。However, according to the invention of this publication, during non-recording, the porous member is impregnated with ink from the primary ink storage portion which is located above and holds only a large amount of ink, so that the ink is too much. Therefore, the generation of negative pressure in the porous member itself is almost eliminated. Therefore, there is a problem that the ink leaks from the orifice of the ink jet recording head due to a slight impact, which is not suitable for practical use. In addition, adopting a replaceable ink cartridge type in which an ink container is mounted on an ink recording head in this configuration has a problem that the state of the porous member causes an ink leak and cannot be put to practical use.

【００１２】これに対して、インクを袋内に封入してそ
の袋の負圧力を一定にするためのバネ構成を付加したイ
ンクカートリッジも知られているが、高価なものとなる
だけでなく、そのバネ構造の性能を維持して大量生産を
達成することは困難なものであった。[0012] On the other hand, there is known an ink cartridge in which a spring structure for adding ink to a bag and keeping the negative pressure of the bag constant is known, but it is not only expensive but also expensive. It has been difficult to achieve mass production while maintaining the performance of the spring structure.

【００１３】いづれにしても、インクジェット用（非接
触記録プリント型）インクカートリッジとして、インク
ジェットプリントの分野では、安価で、合理的な技術水
準にあるものは提供されていない。In any case, as the ink cartridge for ink jet (non-contact recording print type), in the field of ink jet printing, one which is inexpensive and has a reasonable technical level has not been provided.

【００１４】[0014]

【本発明の関連技術】本発明者たちは、インクジェット
プリントの技術分野に適したインク容器としては、プリ
ント時に記録ヘッドから吐出されるインク量に見合った
インクを良好に供給することができ、非プリント時にお
いては吐出口からのインク漏れなどの不都合がないこと
の両面性をそれぞれ検討した。その結果、基本構成とし
て、負圧発生部材を収容すると共に大気との連通を得る
ための大気連通部を備えた第１収納室と該第１収納室に
対して連通するが実質的に密閉状態で第１収納室へ供給
するためのインクを直接収納するための第２収納室を持
つ構成がインクジェットの特性にとって重要な前提であ
ることに至った。Related Art of the Invention The present inventors have proposed that as an ink container suitable for the technical field of ink jet printing, it is possible to satisfactorily supply ink corresponding to the amount of ink ejected from a recording head during printing. The two-sidedness was examined to ensure that there was no inconvenience such as ink leakage from the ejection port during printing. As a result, as a basic configuration, a first storage chamber that houses the negative pressure generating member and has an air communication portion for obtaining communication with the atmosphere and communicates with the first storage chamber, but is substantially sealed. Thus, the configuration having the second storage chamber for directly storing the ink to be supplied to the first storage chamber is an important premise for the characteristics of the ink jet.

【００１５】その一方で、本発明者たちは、本発明の技
術分野とは異なる接触記録技術を検討することによっ
て、インクジェットプリント分野の技術的な特異性につ
いて再検討することにした。一般に、記録媒体に接触し
て記録を行う記録計器用ペンは、インク吸収性もあり保
持性もある記録芯に対してインク供給を行うものである
から、記録芯自体が大気にさらされており、インクジェ
ット分野の技術内容とは根本的に異なる。On the other hand, the present inventors have reconsidered the technical peculiarity of the ink jet printing field by examining a contact recording technique different from the technical field of the present invention. Generally, a recording instrument pen that performs recording by contacting a recording medium supplies ink to a recording core that has both ink absorption and retention properties, so the recording core itself is exposed to the atmosphere. It is fundamentally different from the technical content of the inkjet field.

【００１６】調査したところ、特開昭５７−１６３８５
号公報を見出した。この公報は、記録媒体に接触して記
録を行う記録芯（多孔質型インク吸収性芯）を用いるこ
とを前提とする記録計器用ペンを開示するが、課題とし
ているものは、記録芯からのインクあふれのみであっ
た。Investigations revealed that Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-16385
No. gazette was found. This publication discloses a pen for a recording instrument on the premise of using a recording core (porous ink-absorbing core) that performs recording by contacting a recording medium. There was only ink overflow.

【００１７】この公報は、下方の記録芯に接触する第１
吸液材と上方の大気連通口側にインクをわずかに吸収し
ているが第１吸液材に比べてインクを含みにくい第２吸
液材とを備え、記録芯を下方に突出させた中央室と、こ
の室の両側にインクを供給する密閉型インク収容室とを
必須の構成とする発明である。この構成によれば、周囲
温度の上昇によって密閉型インク収容室内の空気が膨張
して密閉型インク収容室内のインクが第１吸液材に至
り、第１吸液材が保持しきれなくなったインクを第２吸
液材が吸収することにより、記録芯からインクがあふれ
て落下することを防止できるとしている。さらに、この
公報は、２つの密閉型インク収容室の一方が空気だけに
なった時に、その空気の膨張を大気連通口側に逃がすた
めの一定幅の溝を、中央室と密閉型インク収容室との仕
切り壁とは異なる側面の最下端から最上端までにわたっ
て設けることも開示している。This publication discloses a first recording medium that contacts a lower recording core.
A central portion having a liquid absorbing material and a second liquid absorbing material that slightly absorbs ink but is less likely to contain ink than the first liquid absorbing material on the upper air communication port side, and the recording core protrudes downward. This is an invention in which a chamber and a sealed ink storage chamber for supplying ink to both sides of the chamber are essential components. According to this configuration, the air in the closed ink storage chamber expands due to an increase in the ambient temperature, the ink in the closed ink storage chamber reaches the first liquid absorbing material, and the ink that the first liquid absorbing material can no longer hold can be held. Is absorbed by the second liquid absorbing material, thereby preventing the ink from overflowing from the recording core and falling. Further, in this publication, when one of the two closed ink storage chambers becomes air only, a groove having a constant width is formed to allow the expansion of the air to escape to the atmosphere communication port side. It is also disclosed that the partition wall is provided from the lowermost end to the uppermost end of the side surface different from the partition wall.

【００１８】本発明者達は、技術的には類似点の少ない
非接触記録のインクジェットヘッドに、このタンク構成
のみを適用することに着眼したところ、環境条件の変化
に伴って、大気連通口からのインクあふれという新たな
現象が確認された。The present inventors have focused on applying only this tank configuration to an ink jet head of non-contact printing which has few technical similarities. A new phenomenon of ink overflow was confirmed.

【００１９】この新規な現象は、記録計器用ペンの分野
では認識されてはいない。This new phenomenon has not been recognized in the field of recording instrument pens.

【００２０】また、上記公報の一定幅の溝は、空気と共
にインクを排出促進する機能もあるため、大気連通口か
らのインクあふれを一層促進してしまった。Further, since the groove having a constant width in the above publication also has a function of promoting the discharge of ink together with air, the overflow of ink from the air communication port is further promoted.

【００２１】更に、両側のインク収容室からのインク消
費は、同等ではなく、先に一方のインク収容室のインク
が無くなると、他方に大量のインクが残存しているにも
かかわらず、インクジェット記録ができなくなってしま
った。これは、インク収容室のインクが無駄になり、根
本的に本発明の目的に反する結果であった。この原因
は、第１吸液材内に空気が大量に入り込み、結果的にイ
ンクの供給ができなくなったためであった。Further, the ink consumption from the ink storage chambers on both sides is not equivalent. If the ink in one of the ink storage chambers runs out first, the ink-jet recording is performed even though a large amount of ink remains in the other ink storage chamber. Has become impossible. This is a result of wasting the ink in the ink storage chamber, which is fundamentally contrary to the object of the present invention. This was because a large amount of air entered the first liquid absorbing material, and as a result, ink could not be supplied.

【００２２】上述の様々な先行技術に対し、前記本発明
の関連技術は、十分に新規かつ効果的なインク収容容器
（インクジェットカートリッジ）を提供するものである
から、さらに、負圧発生部材の前記大気連通部領域をイ
ンク保持していない領域とすることで、環境条件の変動
に対して、インクカートリッジ内のインクが大気連通部
から漏れることを防止できることも見いだした。特に、
シール部材が大気連通部を密閉している場合に対して
は、シール部材のはがれ効果もあることもわかった。In contrast to the various prior arts described above, the related art of the present invention provides a sufficiently new and effective ink container (inkjet cartridge). It has also been found that the ink in the ink cartridge can be prevented from leaking from the air communication portion in response to a change in environmental conditions by setting the air communication region to a region not holding ink. In particular,
It has also been found that the sealing member has a peeling effect when the sealing member seals the air communication portion.

【００２３】一方、上記前提構成のインクジェットカー
トリッジは、操作者の手指に触れることになるが、通常
は不都合が発生しにくいが、強力に圧力を加えたりする
とインクのみを収納する収納室は大きさにもよるが変形
しやすい、従って、この外圧による課題を解決する構成
として、微小連通部を構成する仕切り壁よりも間隙を大
きく開ける仕切り板をインクのみの収容室に設けること
は好ましいものである。また、変形の観点から、これら
のカートリッジを樹脂で形成した場合には、インクのみ
の収容室の壁の厚さＴｉを０．８mm以上、負圧発生部材
としてのスポンジ等を収納する収納室の壁の厚さＴｓを
１．３mm以上とすることが好ましい。更には、壁の厚さ
Ｔｓは壁の厚さＴｉの１．２倍以上３倍以下の範囲内に
あることがより好ましいものと判明した。On the other hand, the ink-jet cartridge of the above-mentioned premise structure touches the operator's fingers, but usually does not cause any inconvenience. However, when a strong pressure is applied, the storage chamber for storing only the ink is large. However, as a configuration for solving the problem due to the external pressure, it is preferable to provide a partition plate having a larger gap than the partition wall forming the minute communication portion in the ink-only storage chamber. . Further, from the viewpoint of deformation, when these cartridges are formed of resin, the thickness Ti of the wall of the chamber for storing only ink is set to 0.8 mm or more, and the sponge or the like as a negative pressure generating member is stored in the chamber. Preferably, the wall thickness Ts is 1.3 mm or more. Furthermore, it has been found that the wall thickness Ts is more preferably 1.2 times or more and 3 times or less the wall thickness Ti.

【００２４】インクジェットプリンタとして、上記カー
トリッジを装着したことに応じて、自動的あるいは手動
的にカートリッジ内からのインク排出を、ヘッドを介し
て吸引手段による吸引あるいは吐出によって実行するこ
とは、負圧発生体内のインク状態をプリント前に修正で
きるので、カートリッジの放置状態に左右されずに、カ
ートリッジ本体の上記機能を利用することができる。As an ink jet printer, discharging ink from the cartridge automatically or manually by suction or discharge by suction means via a head in response to the mounting of the above-described cartridge is equivalent to generating a negative pressure. Since the ink state in the body can be corrected before printing, the above-described function of the cartridge main body can be used without being affected by the state of leaving the cartridge.

【００２５】カートリッジの製造方法は、負圧発生部材
を収納室の凹部内に収納する蓋部材を本体に固定するこ
とで、微小連通部を蓋部材と仕切り壁との間に形成する
ので、微小連通部近傍の負圧発生部材を安定化できるの
で、量産性に優れ性能の安定化を確実にするものであ
る。According to the method of manufacturing the cartridge, the micro communication portion is formed between the lid member and the partition wall by fixing the lid member for storing the negative pressure generating member in the recess of the storage chamber to the main body. Since the negative pressure generating member in the vicinity of the communication portion can be stabilized, the mass production is excellent and the performance is stabilized.

【００２６】なお、微小連通部の仕切り壁までの高さ
は、負圧発生部材の平均孔径（好ましくは微小連通部近
傍の平均孔径）より大きく（実用上は０．１mm以上）、
５mm以下が適している。より安定化を期待するのであれ
ば、３mm以下が好ましい。また、負圧発生部材の収納室
の容積とインクのみの収容室の容積の比は、１：１以上
１：３以下の範囲内が実用上の最適範囲として挙げるこ
とができる。The height of the minute communication portion to the partition wall is larger than the average hole diameter of the negative pressure generating member (preferably, the average hole diameter near the minute communication portion) (practically, 0.1 mm or more).
5 mm or less is suitable. If more stability is expected, it is preferably 3 mm or less. In addition, the ratio of the capacity of the storage chamber of the negative pressure generating member to the capacity of the storage chamber of only the ink is within a range of 1: 1 or more and 1: 3 or less as a practically optimum range.

【００２７】[0027]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】インク吸収体に必要な
特性は、インクジェット記録ヘッドに充分なインクの供
給がなされることと、インク吸収体内において含浸され
たインクは不必要にインクカートリッジ外へ洩れだした
りせずに内部に保持していることが挙げられる。これら
を達成するためにインク吸収体そのものの製造方法や物
性の制限をすることが有効な手段の一つではあるが、本
発明者らの鋭意研究の結果、インクカートリッジ内への
インク吸収体の挿入方法および挿入手段が上記性能に大
きく影響することをつかんだ。The characteristics required for the ink absorber are that a sufficient amount of ink is supplied to the ink jet recording head and that the ink impregnated in the ink absorber leaks out of the ink cartridge unnecessarily. The fact that it is held inside without being touched. In order to achieve these, it is one of the effective means to limit the manufacturing method and physical properties of the ink absorber itself. However, as a result of intensive studies by the present inventors, the ink absorber has been inserted into the ink cartridge. It has been found that the insertion method and the insertion means greatly affect the performance.

【００２８】更に、インクジェット記録ヘッドと一体化
したインクカートリッジにおいては、インクジェットカ
ートリッジがキャリッジ上を移動する際生ずる動力加速
度が記録時の吐出性能へ悪影響を及ぼすことがあるとい
う問題があった。また、物流時の振動、インクジェット
カートリッジの取扱上の振動により記録品位が乱れると
いう問題があった。Further, in the ink cartridge integrated with the ink jet recording head, there is a problem that the power acceleration generated when the ink jet cartridge moves on the carriage may adversely affect the ejection performance during recording. In addition, there is a problem that recording quality is disturbed due to vibration during distribution and vibration during handling of the ink jet cartridge.

【００２９】本発明は上述したような問題を除くことに
より、インク吸収体の適用範囲を広げ、かつ低コストで
充分な機能を達成するためのインク吸収体の挿入装置お
よびインク吸収体の挿入方法を提供することを一つの目
的とするものである。The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned problems, thereby widening the range of application of the ink absorber and achieving a sufficient function at a low cost and a method of inserting the ink absorber. It is one purpose to provide

【００３０】本発明は、また、負圧発生部材を収容して
インクを貯留する部分と連通して、インクを直接収容す
る部分を設けてなるインクジェットカートリッジへ負圧
発生部材であるインク吸収体を簡便に挿入する装置にお
よび方法を提供することを一つの目的とする。The present invention also provides an ink cartridge having a negative pressure generating member, which is provided with a portion for directly storing the ink, in communication with a portion for storing the negative pressure generating member and for storing the ink. It is an object to provide a device and method for easy insertion.

【００３１】本発明は、さらに、上記負圧発生部材収容
部とインク収容部とを有するインクジェットカートリッ
ジの構造と、インク吸収体の挿入工程とを結合して最適
化することにより、インクの使用効率を従来期待し得な
かった水準にまで高めることを他の目的とする。The present invention further optimizes the use of the ink by combining the structure of the ink jet cartridge having the negative pressure generating member housing section and the ink housing section with the step of inserting the ink absorber. Another object is to raise the level to a level not previously expected.

【００３２】[0032]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するた
め、本発明では、インク吸収体の挿入装置を（１）ない
し（１５）のとおりに構成し、インク吸収体の挿入方法
を次の（１６）ないし（２３）のとおりに構成し、イン
クタンクを次の（２４）ないし（３２）のとおりに構成
する。（１）インクカートリッジ内へインク吸収体を挿入する
インク吸収体の挿入装置において、前記インクカートリ
ッジ内へのインク吸収体の挿入方向に対して交差する方
向に前記インク吸収体を圧縮し、該圧縮状態のインク吸
収体を保持して、前記インクカートリッジを構成する筐
体の内部に前記インク吸収体と共に挿入する圧縮挿入治
具を備えたインク吸収体の挿入装置。（２）前記圧縮挿入治具は、インク吸収体の挿入方向に
対して交差する方向に関して２方向から前記インク吸収
体を圧縮する前記（１）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入装
置。（３）インク吸収体の挿入方向に対して交差する特定の
一方向に関して前記インク吸収体を圧縮する前記圧縮挿
入治具は、前記インク吸収体の対向する２面を夫々押圧
する一対の部材で構成されている前記（２）に記載のイ
ンク吸収体の挿入装置。（４）前記インクカートリッジの筐体内部に前記圧縮し
たインク吸収体を保持した状態で、インク吸収体と共に
挿入された前記圧縮挿入治具と前記インクカートリッジ
とを分離するため、前記インクカートリッジと前記圧縮
挿入治具とを相対的に移動するに際して、前記インク吸
収体が前記インクカートリッジの筐体内部に残るように
前記圧縮挿入治具を挿入した方向から前記インク吸収体
を押さえる押圧治具がさらに備えられている前記（１）
に記載のインク吸収体の挿入装置。（５）前記インクカートリッジと前記押圧治具とを相対
的に移動して前記インク吸収体を前記インクカートリッ
ジの筐体内部に収納するに際して、前記圧縮挿入治具の
挿入方向に沿った方向であって前記圧縮挿入治具から離
れる方向に移動する前記インクカートリッジの移動速度
をＶｔ、前記インクカートリッジの移動方向と同一の方
向に前記押圧治具によって押されて移動するインク吸収
体の移動速度をＶｓとするとき、ＶｔとＶｓとを調整す
ることで前記インクカートリッジ内に収納されたインク
吸収体に圧縮分布を持たせる事ができる前記（４）に記
載のインク吸収体の挿入装置。（６）前記インクカートリッジの移動速度Ｖｔと、前記
押圧治具によって押されて移動するインク吸収体の移動
速度Ｖｓとの関係がＶｓ＞Ｖｔを満足する時、前記イン
クカートリッジの筐体内に収納されたインク吸収体は、
前記インクカートリッジの挿入方向奥側が相対的に高圧
縮状態、挿入方向手前側が相対的に低圧縮状態となる前
記（５）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入装置。（７）前記インクカートリッジの移動速度Ｖｔと、前記
押圧治具によって押されて移動するインク吸収体の移動
速度Ｖｓとの関係がＶｓ＜Ｖｔを満足する時、前記イン
クカートリッジの筐体内に収納されたインク吸収体は、
前記インクカートリッジの挿入方向奥側が相対的に低圧
縮状態、挿入方向手前側が相対的に高圧縮状態となる前
記（５）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入装置。（８）インク吸収体を収容すると共に大気との連通を得
るための大気連通部とインクを供給するためのインク供
給部とを備えた吸収体収納室と、前記吸収体収納室に隣
接して配置され、前記吸収体収納室と連通部のみを介し
て連通し、前記吸収体収納室に供給されるインクを直接
収納したインク収納室と、を具えて構成されるインクタ
ンクへの前記インク吸収体の挿入装置において、前記イ
ンク吸収体を圧縮する圧縮治具が、前記インクカートリ
ッジ内へのインク吸収体の挿入方向に対して交差する方
向に前記インク吸収体を圧縮し、前記インク吸収体を圧
縮保持した状態で前記インク吸収体と共に前記インクタ
ンクを構成する筐体の内部に挿入される前記インク吸収
体の挿入ガイド治具として兼用される圧縮挿入治具とさ
れているインク吸収体の挿入装置。（９）前記吸収体収納室と前記インク収納室とは隔壁に
よって仕切られ、前記連通部は前記隔壁と前記インクタ
ンクの使用状態における底部との間によって構成されて
おり、前記隔壁の前記吸収体収納室側には前記連通部か
ら上方に延在して設けられた大気導入路が設けられ、前
記インク吸収体は前記インク吸収体を圧縮保持した状態
の前記圧縮挿入治具と共に前記大気導入路の延在方向に
沿って挿入される前記（８）に記載のインク吸収体の挿
入装置。（１０）前記圧縮挿入治具は、インク吸収体の挿入方向
に対して交差する方向に関して２方向から前記インク吸
収体を圧縮する前記（８）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入
装置。（１１）インク吸収体の挿入方向に対して交差する特定
の一方向に関して前記インク吸収体を圧縮する前記圧縮
挿入治具は、前記インク吸収体の対向する２面を夫々押
圧する一対の部材で構成されている前記（１０）に記載
のインク吸収体の挿入装置。（１２）前記インクカートリッジの筐体内部に前記圧縮
したインク吸収体を保持した状態で、インク吸収体と共
に挿入された前記圧縮挿入治具と前記インクカートリッ
ジとを分離するため、前記インクカートリッジと前記圧
縮挿入治具とを相対的に移動するに際して、前記インク
吸収体が前記インクカートリッジの筐体内部に残るよう
に前記圧縮挿入治具を挿入した方向から前記インク吸収
体を押さえる押圧治具がさらに備えられている前記
（８）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入装置。（１３）前記インクカートリッジと前記押圧治具とを相
対的に移動して前記インク吸収体を前記インクカートリ
ッジの筐体内部に収納するに際して、前記圧縮挿入治具
の挿入方向に沿った方向であって前記圧縮挿入治具から
離れる方向に移動する前記インクカートリッジの移動速
度をＶｔ、前記インクカートリッジの移動方向と同一の
方向に前記押圧治具によって押されて移動するインク吸
収体の移動速度をＶｓとするとき、ＶｔとＶｓとを調整
することで前記インクカートリッジ内に収納されたイン
ク吸収体に圧縮分布を持たせる事ができる前記（１２）
に記載のインク吸収体の挿入装置。（１４）前記インクカートリッジの移動速度Ｖｔと、前
記押圧治具によって押されて移動するインク吸収体の移
動速度Ｖｓとの関係がＶｓ＞Ｖｔを満足する時、前記イ
ンクカートリッジの筐体内に収納されたインク吸収体
は、前記インクカートリッジの挿入方向奥側が相対的に
高圧縮状態、挿入方向手前側が相対的に低圧縮状態とな
る前記（１３）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入装置。（１５）前記インクカートリッジの移動速度Ｖｔと、前
記押圧治具によって押されて移動するインク吸収体の移
動速度Ｖｓとの関係がＶｓ＜Ｖｔを満足する時、前記イ
ンクカートリッジの筐体内に収納されたインク吸収体
は、前記インクカートリッジの挿入方向奥側が相対的に
低圧縮状態、挿入方向手前側が相対的に高圧縮状態とな
る前記（１３）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入装置。（１６）インクカートリッジ内へインク吸収体を挿入す
るインク吸収体の挿入方法において、前記インク吸収体
を圧縮する圧縮挿入治具によって前記インクカートリッ
ジ内へのインク吸収体の挿入方向に対して交差する方向
に前記インク吸収体を圧縮し、前記インク吸収体を圧縮
保持した状態で前記インク吸収体と共に前記圧縮挿入治
具を前記インクカートリッジを構成する筐体の内部に挿
入する工程を備えたインク吸収体の挿入方法。（１７）前記インクカートリッジの筐体内部に前記圧縮
したインク吸収体を保持した状態で、インク吸収体と共
に挿入された前記圧縮挿入治具と前記インクカートリッ
ジとを分離するため、前記インクカートリッジと前記圧
縮挿入治具とを相対的に移動するに際して、前記インク
吸収体が前記インクカートリッジの筐体内部に残るよう
に前記圧縮挿入治具を挿入した方向から押圧治具によっ
て前記インク吸収体を押さえる工程を有する前記（１
６）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入方法。（１８）前記インクカートリッジと前記押圧治具とを相
対的に移動して前記インク吸収体を前記インクカートリ
ッジの筐体内部に収納するに際して、前記圧縮挿入治具
の挿入方向に沿った方向であって前記圧縮挿入治具から
離れる方向に移動する前記インクカートリッジの移動速
度をＶｔ、前記インクカートリッジの移動方向と同一の
方向に前記押圧治具によって押されて移動するインク吸
収体の移動速度をＶｓとするとき、ＶｔとＶｓとを調整
することで前記インクカートリッジ内に収納されたイン
ク吸収体に圧縮分布を持たせる工程を有する前記（１
７）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入方法。（１９）前記インクカートリッジの移動速度Ｖｔと、前
記押圧治具によって押されて移動するインク吸収体の移
動速度Ｖｓとの関係がＶｓ＞Ｖｔを満足するように相対
移動させる工程を具えることで、前記インク吸収体は、
前記インクカートリッジの挿入方向奥側が相対的に高圧
縮状態、挿入方向手前側が相対的に低圧縮状態となるよ
うに前記インクカートリッジの筐体内に収納される前記
（１８）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入方法。（２０）前記インクカートリッジの移動速度Ｖｔと、前
記押圧治具によって押されて移動するインク吸収体の移
動速度Ｖｓとの関係がＶｓ＜Ｖｔを満足するように相対
移動させる工程を具えることで、前記インク吸収体は、
前記インクカートリッジの挿入方向奥側が相対的に低圧
縮状態、挿入方向手前側が相対的に高圧縮状態となるよ
うにインクカートリッジの筐体内に収納される前記（１
８）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入方法。（２１）前記圧縮挿入治具と前記インクカートリッジと
を離間した後、前記インクカートリッジ筐体の前記圧縮
挿入治具の挿入側開口に蓋を取り付ける工程を有する前
記（１７）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入方法。（２２）インク吸収体を収容すると共に大気との連通を
得るための大気連通部とインクを供給するためのインク
供給部とを備えた吸収体収納室と、隔壁によって仕切ら
れ、前記隔壁と前記インクタンクの使用状態における底
部との間によって構成された連通部を介して連通された
前記吸収体収納室に供給されるインクを直接収納したイ
ンク収納室と、を具え、前記隔壁の前記吸収体収納室側
には前記連通部から上方に延在して設けられた大気導入
路が設けられたインクタンクへの前記インク吸収体の挿
入方法において、前記インク吸収体は、前記インク吸収
体を圧縮する治具による圧縮状態が前記インクタンク内
で開放された際に前記大気導入路が設けられた隔壁に向
って前記インク吸収体の圧縮状態が開放して前記大気導
入路と前記インク吸収体とが接触するように、前記大気
導入路の延在方向に沿った前記インク吸収体の挿入方向
に交差する方向に前記治具によって圧縮され、前記イン
ク吸収体の圧縮状態を保持して前記治具と共に前記イン
クタンク内へ挿入される工程を有するインク吸収体の挿
入方法。（２３）前記インク吸収体は、前記大気導入路の延在方
向に沿った前記インク吸収体の挿入方向に交差する２方
向から前記治具によって圧縮されるものであり、前記隔
壁に向かい合わない面を先に治具で圧縮し、前記隔壁に
向かい合う面を後から治具によって圧縮する前記（２
２）に記載のインク吸収体の挿入方法。（２４）インク吸収体が内部に収納されて構成されるイ
ンクタンクにおいて、前記インク吸収体を圧縮する治具
によって前記インクカートリッジ内へのインク吸収体の
挿入方向に対して交差する方向に前記インク吸収体を圧
縮し、前記インク吸収体を圧縮保持した状態で前記イン
ク吸収体と共に前記治具を前記インクカートリッジを構
成する筐体の内部に挿入する工程を経て構成されるイン
クタンク。（２５）前記インクタンクは、前記インク吸収体を収容
すると共に大気との連通を得るための大気連通部とイン
クを供給するためのインク供給部とを備えた吸収体収納
室と、隔壁によって仕切られ、前記隔壁と前記インクタ
ンクの使用状態における底部との間によって構成された
連通部を介して連通された前記吸収体収納室に供給され
るインクを直接収納したインク収納室と、を具え、前記
隔壁の前記吸収体収納室側には前記連通部から上方に延
在して設けられた大気導入路が設けられている前記（２
４）に記載のインクタンク。（２６）前記インク吸収体は、前記インク吸収体を圧縮
する治具による圧縮状態が前記インクタンク内で開放さ
れた際に前記大気導入路が設けられた隔壁に向って前記
インク吸収体の圧縮状態が開放して前記大気導入路と前
記インク吸収体とが接触するように、前記大気導入路の
延在方向に沿った前記インク吸収体の挿入方向に交差す
る方向に前記治具によって圧縮して挿入された前記（２
５）に記載のインクタンク。（２７）前記インク吸収体は、前記大気導入路の延在方
向に沿った前記インク吸収体の挿入方向に交差する２方
向から前記治具によって圧縮されるものであり、前記隔
壁に向かい合わない面を先に治具で圧縮し、前記隔壁に
向かい合う面を後から治具によって圧縮して挿入されて
構成された前記（２６）に記載のインクタンク。（２８）前記インクカートリッジの筐体内部に前記圧縮
したインク吸収体を保持した状態で、インク吸収体と共
に挿入された前記治具と前記インクカートリッジとを分
離するため、前記インクカートリッジと前記治具とを相
対的に移動するに際して、前記インク吸収体が前記イン
クカートリッジの筐体内部に残るように前記治具を挿入
した方向から前記インク吸収体を押圧治具で押さえる工
程を経て構成される前記（２４）に記載のインクタン
ク。（２９）前記インクカートリッジと前記押圧治具とを相
対的に移動して前記インク吸収体を前記インクカートリ
ッジの筐体内部に収納するに際して、前記治具の挿入方
向に沿った方向であって前記治具から離れる方向に移動
する前記インクカートリッジの移動速度をＶｔ、前記イ
ンクカートリッジの移動方向と同一の方向に前記押圧治
具によって押されて移動するインク吸収体の移動速度を
Ｖｓとするとき、ＶｔとＶｓとを調整することで前記イ
ンクカートリッジ内に収納されたインク吸収体に圧縮分
布を持たせる工程を経て構成される前記（２８）に記載
のインクタンク。（３０）前記インクカートリッジの移動速度Ｖｔと、前
記押圧治具によって押されて移動するインク吸収体の移
動速度Ｖｓとの関係がＶｓ＞Ｖｔを満足するように相対
移動させる工程を具えることで、前記インク吸収体は、
前記インクカートリッジの挿入方向奥側が相対的に高圧
縮状態、挿入方向手前側が相対的に低圧縮状態となるよ
うに前記インクカートリッジの筐体内に収納される工程
を経て構成される前記（２９）に記載のインクタンク。（３１）前記インクカートリッジの移動速度Ｖｔと、前
記押圧治具によって押されて移動するインク吸収体の移
動速度Ｖｓとの関係がＶｓ＜Ｖｔを満足するように相対
移動させる工程を具えることで、前記インク吸収体は、
前記インクカートリッジ挿入方向奥側が相対的に低圧縮
状態、挿入方向手前側が相対的に高圧縮状態となるよう
にインクカートリッジの筐体内に収納される工程を経て
構成される前記（２９）に記載のインクタンク。（３２）前記治具と前記インクカートリッジとを離間し
た後、前記インクカートリッジ筐体の前記治具の挿入側
開口に蓋を取り付ける工程を経て構成される前記（２
８）に記載のインクタンク。In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the ink absorber insertion device is configured as described in (1) to (15), and the method for inserting the ink absorber is described below. 16) to (23), and the ink tank is configured as in the following (24) to (32). (1) In an ink absorber insertion device for inserting an ink absorber into an ink cartridge, the ink absorber is compressed in a direction crossing a direction in which the ink absorber is inserted into the ink cartridge. An ink absorber insertion device, comprising: a compression insertion jig for holding the ink absorber in a state and inserting the ink absorber together with the ink absorber into a housing constituting the ink cartridge. (2) The ink absorber insertion device according to (1), wherein the compression insertion jig compresses the ink absorber from two directions with respect to a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber. (3) The compression insertion jig that compresses the ink absorber in one specific direction that intersects the insertion direction of the ink absorber is a pair of members that press two opposing surfaces of the ink absorber, respectively. The insertion device for an ink absorber according to the above (2), which is configured. (4) In a state where the compressed ink absorber is held inside the housing of the ink cartridge, the ink cartridge and the compression cartridge are separated from the compression insertion jig inserted together with the ink absorber. When relatively moving the compression insertion jig, the pressing jig presses the ink absorber from the direction in which the compression insertion jig is inserted such that the ink absorber remains inside the housing of the ink cartridge. Said (1) provided
3. The insertion device for an ink absorber according to claim 1. (5) When the ink cartridge and the pressing jig are relatively moved to house the ink absorber inside the housing of the ink cartridge, the direction is along the insertion direction of the compression insertion jig. Vt is the moving speed of the ink cartridge moving in a direction away from the compression insertion jig, and Vs is the moving speed of the ink absorber moved by being pressed by the pressing jig in the same direction as the moving direction of the ink cartridge. In this case, it is possible to adjust Vt and Vs so that the ink absorber accommodated in the ink cartridge has a compression distribution, and the ink absorber insertion device according to (4). (6) When the relationship between the moving speed Vt of the ink cartridge and the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pushed and moved by the pressing jig satisfies Vs> Vt, the ink cartridge is housed in the housing of the ink cartridge. Ink absorber
The ink absorber insertion device according to (5), wherein the back side in the insertion direction of the ink cartridge is in a relatively high compression state and the front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively low compression state. (7) When the relationship between the moving speed Vt of the ink cartridge and the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pushed and moved by the pressing jig satisfies Vs <Vt, the ink cartridge is housed in the housing of the ink cartridge. Ink absorber
The ink absorber insertion device according to (5), wherein the back side in the insertion direction of the ink cartridge is in a relatively low compression state, and the front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively high compression state. (8) An absorber storage chamber having an air communication section for storing ink absorbers and obtaining communication with the atmosphere and an ink supply section for supplying ink, and an absorber storage chamber adjacent to the absorber storage chamber. An ink storage chamber that is arranged and communicates with the absorber storage chamber only through a communication portion, and that directly stores ink supplied to the absorber storage chamber. In the body insertion device, a compression jig for compressing the ink absorber is provided in the ink cartridge.
Crossing the direction of insertion of the ink absorber into the cartridge
The ink absorber is compressed in the opposite direction, and is also used as an insertion guide jig for the ink absorber, which is inserted into a housing constituting the ink tank together with the ink absorber with the ink absorber compressed and held. An insertion device for an ink absorber, which is a compression insertion jig. (9) The absorber storage chamber and the ink storage chamber are separated by a partition, and the communication portion is formed between the partition and the bottom in the use state of the ink tank, and the absorber of the partition is provided. On the storage chamber side, an air introduction passage is provided extending upward from the communication portion, and the ink absorber is provided together with the compression insertion jig in a state where the ink absorber is compressed and held. The insertion device for an ink absorber according to the above (8), which is inserted along the extending direction of the ink absorber. (10) The ink absorber insertion device according to (8), wherein the compression insertion jig compresses the ink absorber from two directions with respect to a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber. (11) The compression insertion jig that compresses the ink absorber in one specific direction that intersects the insertion direction of the ink absorber is a pair of members that press two opposing surfaces of the ink absorber, respectively. The ink absorber insertion device according to (10), which is configured. (12) In a state where the compressed ink absorber is held inside the housing of the ink cartridge, the ink cartridge and the compression cartridge are separated from the compression insertion jig inserted together with the ink absorber. When relatively moving the compression insertion jig, the pressing jig presses the ink absorber from the direction in which the compression insertion jig is inserted such that the ink absorber remains inside the housing of the ink cartridge. The ink absorber insertion device according to (8), which is provided. (13) When the ink cartridge and the pressing jig are relatively moved to house the ink absorber inside the housing of the ink cartridge, the direction is along the insertion direction of the compression insertion jig. Vt is the moving speed of the ink cartridge moving in a direction away from the compression insertion jig, and Vs is the moving speed of the ink absorber moved by being pressed by the pressing jig in the same direction as the moving direction of the ink cartridge. By adjusting Vt and Vs, the ink absorber contained in the ink cartridge can have a compression distribution (12).
3. The insertion device for an ink absorber according to claim 1. (14) When the relationship between the moving speed Vt of the ink cartridge and the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pushed and moved by the pressing jig satisfies Vs> Vt, the ink cartridge is housed in the housing of the ink cartridge. (13) The ink absorbing device insertion device according to (13), wherein the ink absorber has a relatively high compression state on the back side in the insertion direction of the ink cartridge and a relatively low compression state on the near side in the insertion direction. (15) When the relationship between the moving speed Vt of the ink cartridge and the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pushed and moved by the pressing jig satisfies Vs <Vt, the ink cartridge is housed in the housing of the ink cartridge. (13) The ink absorber insertion device according to (13), wherein the ink absorber has a relatively low compression state on the back side in the insertion direction of the ink cartridge and a relatively high compression state on the front side in the insertion direction. (16) In the method of inserting the ink absorber for inserting the ink absorber into an ink cartridge, compressed insertion jig Thus the compressing said ink absorber Inkukatori'
Direction that intersects the direction of insertion of the ink absorber into the cartridge
A step of compressing the ink absorber, and inserting the compression insertion jig together with the ink absorber into a housing constituting the ink cartridge with the ink absorber compressed and held. How to insert. (17) In a state where the compressed ink absorber is held inside the housing of the ink cartridge, the ink cartridge and the compression cartridge are separated from the compression insertion jig inserted together with the ink absorber. A step of pressing the ink absorber by a pressing jig from a direction in which the compression insertion jig is inserted so that the ink absorber remains inside the housing of the ink cartridge when the compression insertion jig is relatively moved. (1)
The method for inserting an ink absorber according to 6). (18) When the ink cartridge and the pressing jig are relatively moved to house the ink absorber inside the housing of the ink cartridge, the direction is along the insertion direction of the compression insertion jig. Vt is the moving speed of the ink cartridge moving in a direction away from the compression insertion jig, and Vs is the moving speed of the ink absorber moved by being pressed by the pressing jig in the same direction as the moving direction of the ink cartridge. In the above (1), there is a step of adjusting Vt and Vs to give a compression distribution to the ink absorber housed in the ink cartridge.
The method for inserting an ink absorber according to 7). (19) The method includes a step of relatively moving the ink cartridge so that the relation between the moving speed Vt of the ink cartridge and the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pushed and moved by the pressing jig satisfies Vs> Vt. , The ink absorber,
(18) The ink absorber according to (18), wherein the ink absorber is housed in the housing of the ink cartridge such that the back side in the insertion direction of the ink cartridge is in a relatively high compression state and the front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively low compression state. Insertion method. (20) The method includes a step of relatively moving the ink cartridge so that the relationship between the moving speed Vt of the ink cartridge and the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pressed and moved by the pressing jig satisfies Vs <Vt. , The ink absorber,
The ink cartridge (1) is housed in the housing of the ink cartridge such that the back side in the insertion direction of the ink cartridge is in a relatively low compression state and the front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively high compression state.
The method for inserting an ink absorber according to 8). (21) The ink absorber according to (17), further comprising: after separating the compression insertion jig and the ink cartridge, attaching a lid to an insertion-side opening of the compression insertion jig of the ink cartridge housing. How to insert. (22) An absorber storage chamber provided with an air communication section for storing the ink absorber and obtaining communication with the atmosphere and an ink supply section for supplying ink, and is partitioned by a partition wall. An ink storage chamber for directly storing ink supplied to the absorber storage chamber, which is communicated through a communication portion formed between the bottom and the bottom in a use state of the ink tank; In the method for inserting the ink absorber into an ink tank provided with an air introduction path provided to extend upward from the communication portion on the storage chamber side, the ink absorber compresses the ink absorber. When the compressed state by the jig is released in the ink tank, the compressed state of the ink absorber is released toward the partition wall provided with the air introduction path, and the air introduction path and the ink are released. The jig is compressed by the jig in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber along the extending direction of the air introduction path so as to contact with the collecting body, and the compressed state of the ink absorber is maintained. A method of inserting an ink absorber, comprising a step of being inserted into the ink tank together with the jig. (23) The ink absorber is compressed by the jig from two directions intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber along the extending direction of the air introduction path, and the surface not facing the partition wall. Is compressed by a jig first, and the surface facing the partition is compressed by a jig later.
The method for inserting an ink absorber according to 2). (24) In the ink tank configured to house the ink absorber therein, the jig for compressing the ink absorber is used to move the ink absorber into the ink cartridge.
Press the ink absorber in a direction crossing the insertion direction.
An ink tank which is constructed through a step of inserting the jig together with the ink absorber into a housing constituting the ink cartridge while compressing and holding the ink absorber. (25) The ink tank is partitioned by an absorber storage chamber, which stores the ink absorber and has an air communication part for obtaining communication with the atmosphere and an ink supply part for supplying ink, and a partition. An ink storage chamber that directly stores ink supplied to the absorber storage chamber that is communicated through a communication portion formed between the partition and the bottom in the use state of the ink tank, An air introduction passage extending upward from the communication section is provided on the absorber storage chamber side of the partition.
The ink tank according to 4). (26) When the compressed state by the jig for compressing the ink absorber is opened in the ink tank, the ink absorber compresses the ink absorber toward the partition wall provided with the air introduction path. The jig is compressed by the jig in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber along the extending direction of the air introduction path so that the state is released and the air introduction path and the ink absorber come into contact with each other. (2)
The ink tank according to 5). (27) The ink absorber is compressed by the jig from two directions intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber along the extending direction of the air introduction path, and the surface that does not face the partition wall. The ink tank according to (26), wherein is compressed by a jig first, and a surface facing the partition wall is compressed and inserted by a jig later. (28) The ink cartridge and the jig for separating the jig and the ink cartridge inserted together with the ink absorber while holding the compressed ink absorber inside the housing of the ink cartridge. The relative movement of the ink absorber is performed through a step of pressing the ink absorber with a pressing jig from a direction in which the jig is inserted so that the ink absorber remains inside the housing of the ink cartridge. The ink tank according to (24). (29) When the ink cartridge and the pressing jig are relatively moved to house the ink absorber inside the housing of the ink cartridge, the direction is along the insertion direction of the jig, and When the moving speed of the ink cartridge moving in a direction away from the jig is Vt, and the moving speed of the ink absorber that is pushed and moved by the pressing jig in the same direction as the moving direction of the ink cartridge is Vs, The ink tank according to (28), which is configured through a step of adjusting Vt and Vs to give a compression distribution to the ink absorber housed in the ink cartridge. (30) The method includes a step of relatively moving the ink cartridge so that the relationship between the moving speed Vt of the ink cartridge and the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pressed and moved by the pressing jig satisfies Vs> Vt. , The ink absorber,
The above (29), which is configured through a process of being housed in the housing of the ink cartridge so that the back side in the insertion direction of the ink cartridge is in a relatively high compression state and the front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively low compression state, The described ink tank. (31) The method includes a step of relatively moving the ink cartridge so that the relation between the moving speed Vt of the ink cartridge and the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pushed and moved by the pressing jig satisfies Vs <Vt. , The ink absorber,
(29) The structure according to (29), which is configured through a process of being housed in the housing of the ink cartridge such that the back side in the ink cartridge insertion direction is in a relatively low compression state and the front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively high compression state. Ink tank. (32) After the jig and the ink cartridge are separated from each other, a step of attaching a lid to the insertion-side opening of the jig of the ink cartridge housing is performed.
An ink tank according to 8).

【００３３】[0033]

【００３４】[0034]

【００３５】[0035]

【００３６】[0036]

【００３７】[0037]

【作用】上記構成により、インク吸収体を容器内にし
わ，めくれなどを生ずることなく挿入することができ
る。According to the above construction, the ink absorber can be inserted into the container without causing wrinkles, curls, and the like.

【００３８】[0038]

【実施例】以下、本発明を実施例により詳しく説明す
る。The present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to examples.

【００３９】（実施例１）図１ないし図４は実施例１の“インク吸収体の挿入装
置”の圧縮工程を示す説明図である。(Embodiment 1) FIGS. 1 to 4 are explanatory views showing a compression process of the "ink absorber insertion device" of Embodiment 1. FIG.

【００４０】本実施例の多孔質体の圧縮方法は、図１の
様に多孔質体挿入装置に多孔質体をセットする。次にＸ
方向の多孔質体圧縮治具ガイド部（ａ，ａ′）及び多孔
質体圧縮治具本体（ｂ，ｂ′）が駆動し、矢印方向に多
孔質体を圧縮する。次の工程では、図２の様にＹ方向の
多孔質体圧縮治具（ｃ，ｃ′）が駆動し、矢印方向に多
孔質体を圧縮する。さらに次の工程で図３の様にＸ方向
の多孔質体圧縮治具ガイド部（ａ，ａ′）のみが駆動
し、矢印方向に元へ戻る。図４に多孔質体が多孔質体の
圧縮装置内でＸ，Ｙ方向に圧縮された状態を示す。In the method for compressing a porous body according to the present embodiment, the porous body is set in a porous body inserting apparatus as shown in FIG. Then X
The guide member (a, a ') of the porous body compression jig and the body (b, b') of the porous body compression jig are driven to compress the porous body in the direction of the arrow. In the next step, the porous body compression jig (c, c ') in the Y direction is driven as shown in FIG. 2 to compress the porous body in the direction of the arrow. Further, in the next step, only the porous body compression jig guide portion (a, a ') in the X direction is driven as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows a state where the porous body is compressed in the X and Y directions in the porous body compression device.

【００４１】次に、上記圧縮された多孔質体を、インク
カートリッジに挿入する方法について説明する。Next, a method for inserting the compressed porous body into an ink cartridge will be described.

【００４２】図５，図６，図７は上記挿入の方法を説明
したものである。なお、これらの図において、Ｘ方向の
多孔質体圧縮治具ガイド部（ａ，ａ′）は、他の治具や
インクカートリッジの位置を見やすくするため省略して
ある。図５（ａ）は本発明のインクカートリッジ本体で
ある。図５（ｂ）は前記多孔質体がＸＹ方向に圧縮され
た状態を、図４とは別の方向から見たものである。図５
（ｃ）は図５（ｂ）の状態に、後述するＺ方向の多孔質
体圧縮治具ｄの一例を添えて示したものである。FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 illustrate the above-described insertion method. In these figures, the guide member (a, a ') of the porous body compression jig in the X direction is omitted to make it easier to see the positions of other jigs and ink cartridges. FIG. 5A shows an ink cartridge body of the present invention. FIG. 5B shows a state in which the porous body is compressed in the X and Y directions, as viewed from a direction different from FIG. FIG.
FIG. 5C shows the state of FIG. 5B with an example of a porous body compression jig d in the Z direction described later.

【００４３】上記圧縮された多孔質体は、次に多孔質体
圧縮治具（ｂ，ｂ′，ｃ，ｃ′，ｄ）と共にインクカー
トリッジ内に挿入される（図６（ａ））。その後、ピス
トン機能を有するＺ方向の多孔質体圧縮治具ｄが単独で
駆動し、インクカートリッジ内に多孔質体を挿入する
が、この際、インクカートリッジは、多孔質体が挿入さ
れてくると同時にＺ方向に移動し（図６（ｂ））、任意
に設定した位置まで到達するとインクカートリッジが停
止する。そして、Ｚ方向のピストン機能を有する多孔質
体挿入治具ｄが停止する。これでインクカートリッジへ
の多孔質体の挿入が完了する（図７（ａ））。挿入完了
後は、多孔質体挿入装置の圧縮治具（ｂ，ｂ′，ｃ，
ｃ′，ｄ）は初期の多孔質体挿入開始状態に戻り、イン
クカートリッジを多孔質体挿入装置より取り除く。図７
（ｂ）は、こうして多孔質体挿入を終えたインクカート
リッジ本体である。The compressed porous body is then inserted into the ink cartridge together with the porous body compression jigs (b, b ', c, c', d) (FIG. 6 (a)). Thereafter, the Z-direction porous body compression jig d having a piston function is driven alone to insert the porous body into the ink cartridge. At this time, when the porous body is inserted into the ink cartridge, At the same time, the ink cartridge moves in the Z direction (FIG. 6B), and stops when the ink cartridge reaches an arbitrarily set position. Then, the porous body insertion jig d having the piston function in the Z direction is stopped. This completes the insertion of the porous body into the ink cartridge (FIG. 7A). After the insertion is completed, the compression jigs (b, b ', c,
c ', d) return to the initial porous body insertion start state, and remove the ink cartridge from the porous body insertion device. FIG.
(B) is the ink cartridge body after the insertion of the porous body.

【００４４】なお、多孔質体挿入装置の多孔質体に当接
する面には多孔質体のインクカートリッジ内への挿入の
際の抵抗を緩和するために摩擦係数の小さい部材をコー
ティングするなどして配置することが好ましい。The surface of the porous body insertion device which is in contact with the porous body is coated with a member having a small coefficient of friction in order to reduce the resistance when the porous body is inserted into the ink cartridge. It is preferable to arrange them.

【００４５】また、インクカートリッジ内の特定の面に
必ず多孔質体を当接したい場合には、当接させたい面の
圧縮方向を本実施例のＹ方向とすることが効果的であ
る。これは、多孔質体の圧縮が先に実施された方向の多
孔質体は次に圧縮されることにより固定されインクカー
トリッジ内に挿入された際に復元しにくくなるためであ
る。When it is desired that the porous body always comes into contact with a specific surface in the ink cartridge, it is effective to set the compression direction of the surface to be brought into contact with the Y direction in this embodiment. This is because the porous body in the direction in which the compression of the porous body was performed first is fixed by being compressed next, and becomes difficult to be restored when the porous body is inserted into the ink cartridge.

【００４６】上述した多孔質体の圧縮・挿入方法を用い
ると、以下述べるような、新規な作用を奏する。When the above-described method for compressing / inserting a porous body is used, a new function is provided as described below.

【００４７】第一に、本実施例のインク吸収体の挿入装
置及びその挿入方法によれば、吸収体の密度分布を所望
の密度分布に調整することが可能である。First, according to the apparatus and method for inserting an ink absorber of the present embodiment, it is possible to adjust the density distribution of the absorber to a desired density distribution.

【００４８】特に、Ｚ軸方向への密度分布調整は以下で
説明するように容易である。In particular, adjustment of the density distribution in the Z-axis direction is easy as described below.

【００４９】すなわち、本実施例のインク吸収体の挿入
装置及びその挿入方法では、前述したようにインク吸収
体をインク吸収体の挿入装置にセット後、Ｘ及びＹ方向
に圧縮される。インク吸収体を挿入しようとするインク
カートリッジが、挿入装置にセットされる。その後、イ
ンクカートリッジ内にインク吸収体を挿入するためにＺ
軸方向へインク吸収体が押し出される。この際のＺ軸方
向のへのインク吸収体の押し出し速度Ｖｓとセットした
インクカートリッジのＺ軸方向への移動速度Ｖｔを制御
することにより、インクカートリッジ内に挿入されるイ
ンク吸収体の密度分布を所望の密度分布とすることがで
きる。That is, in the apparatus and method for inserting an ink absorber of this embodiment, the ink absorber is set in the apparatus for inserting an ink absorber as described above, and then compressed in the X and Y directions. The ink cartridge into which the ink absorber is to be inserted is set in the insertion device. Then, Z is inserted to insert the ink absorber into the ink cartridge.
The ink absorber is pushed out in the axial direction. At this time, by controlling the pushing speed Vs of the ink absorber in the Z-axis direction and the moving speed Vt of the set ink cartridge in the Z-axis direction, the density distribution of the ink absorber inserted into the ink cartridge can be controlled. A desired density distribution can be obtained.

【００５０】例えば、Ｚ軸方向へのインク吸収体の挿入
速度ＶｓをインクカートリッジのＺ軸方向への移動速度
Ｖｔとすることでインクカートリッジ内に挿入されたイ
ンク吸収体のＺ軸方向の密度分布は図８に示すようにほ
ぼ等間隔になる。 [0050] For example, the ink absorber ink absorber insertion speed Vs is inserted into the ink cartridge by the moving speed V t of the Z-axis direction of i ink cartridge in the Z-axis direction of the Z-axis direction The density distribution is substantially equally spaced as shown in FIG .

【００５１】また、上述のＶｓとＶｔの関係が、Ｖｓ＞
Ｖｔとなった場合には、インクカートリッジ内に挿入さ
れたインク吸収体のＺ軸方向の密度分布は図９に示すよ
うにインクカートリッジ上部で密度が高く、底部で密度
が低い状態となる。逆に、Ｖｓ＜Ｖｔとなった場合に
は、インクカートリッジ内に挿入された吸収体のＺ軸方
向の密度分布は図１０に示すようにインクカートリッジ
上部で密度が低く、底部で密度が高い状態となる。Further, the relationship between Vs and Vt described above is expressed as Vs>
When Vt is reached, the density distribution in the Z-axis direction of the ink absorber inserted into the ink cartridge is high at the top of the ink cartridge and low at the bottom as shown in FIG. Conversely, when Vs <Vt, the density distribution in the Z-axis direction of the absorber inserted into the ink cartridge is such that the density is low at the top of the ink cartridge and high at the bottom as shown in FIG. Becomes

【００５２】なお、上述したＺ軸方向のへのインク吸収
体の挿入の始動は任意に設定できるが、インクカートリ
ッジ内上面とインク吸収体上面との間に隙間を形成しな
いためにインクカートリッジの移動の始動は、インク吸
収体が圧縮挿入ガイド（ガイド治具）から押し出されて
インクカートリッジ内の上面に接した後に開始すること
が好ましい。The start of the insertion of the ink absorber in the Z-axis direction described above can be set arbitrarily. However, since no gap is formed between the upper surface of the ink cartridge and the upper surface of the ink absorber, the movement of the ink cartridge is started. Is preferably started after the ink absorber is pushed out of the compression insertion guide (guide jig) and comes into contact with the upper surface in the ink cartridge.

【００５３】第二に、本実施例のインク吸収体の挿入装
置及び挿入方法によれば、インクカートリッジ内の角部
及び隅部にまでインク吸収体との隙間なく挿入すること
が可能である。Secondly, according to the ink absorber insertion apparatus and the insertion method of this embodiment, it is possible to insert the ink cartridge up to the corners and corners of the ink cartridge without any gap with the ink absorber.

【００５４】すなわち、本実施例においては、インクカ
ートリッジに挿入するインク吸収体は、まずＸ及びＹ方
向に圧縮することから、Ｚ方向へインク吸収体の押し出
しが開始されるとガイド治具から押し出されたインク吸
収体は、順次、圧縮状態から解放されるために、ガイド
治具にセットされているインク吸収体はインクカートリ
ッジ内に挿入されると同時に拡がり、インクカートリッ
ジ内壁まで達する。このことがインクカートリッジの角
部及び隅部へもインク吸収体がいきわたり、隙間をなく
している。従来の圧縮治具と挿入ガイドが別体のタイプ
の場合には、圧縮治具から挿入ガイドを通過させてくる
過程で挿入ガイド内壁に接するインク吸収体の外面は挿
入ガイド内壁との抵抗のため変形圧縮してしまう。この
ことから、インクカートリッジ内に押し出される際には
挿入ガイド内壁に接していない中央部が先にインクカー
トリッジ上部に達し、ガイド内壁に接している変形圧縮
したインク吸収体外面はそれより遅れてインクカートリ
ッジ内に到達することになり、インクカートリッジ内上
部の隅部及び角部に隙間を形成することになる。更に、
変形圧縮されたインク吸収体の外面はインクカートリッ
ジに挿入されても完全に開放され難いためインクカート
リッジ内の側面角部及び隅部への当接がしづらくなり隙
間を形成し易い。That is, in this embodiment, since the ink absorber inserted into the ink cartridge is first compressed in the X and Y directions, when the ink absorber is pushed out in the Z direction, it is pushed out of the guide jig. Since the ink absorbers thus released are sequentially released from the compressed state, the ink absorbers set in the guide jig are inserted into the ink cartridge and spread at the same time, and reach the inner wall of the ink cartridge. This allows the ink absorber to extend to the corners and corners of the ink cartridge and eliminate the gap. When the conventional compression jig and the insertion guide are separate types, the outer surface of the ink absorber that comes into contact with the inner wall of the insertion guide in the process of passing the insertion guide from the compression jig has resistance to the inner wall of the insertion guide. It deforms and compresses. For this reason, when being pushed out into the ink cartridge, the center part not in contact with the inner wall of the insertion guide reaches the upper part of the ink cartridge first, and the outer surface of the deformed and compressed ink absorber which is in contact with the inner wall of the guide comes later than that. As a result, the ink reaches the inside of the cartridge, and gaps are formed at the upper corners and corners of the ink cartridge. Furthermore,
Since the outer surface of the deformed and compressed ink absorber is hard to be completely opened even when inserted into the ink cartridge, it is difficult to contact the side corners and corners in the ink cartridge, and a gap is easily formed.

【００５５】（実施例２）上述のインク吸収体の密度分布を、以下に述べるインク
ジェットカートリッジに適用すると、より効率的，効果
的なインク供給が可能となる。以下、これを実施例２と
して説明する。Embodiment 2 When the above-described ink absorber density distribution is applied to an ink jet cartridge described below, more efficient and effective ink supply becomes possible. Hereinafter, this will be described as a second embodiment.

【００５６】図１１は、実施例２のインクジェットイン
クカートリッジ本体の縦断面図、図１２は同横断面図、
図１３はリブの表面を示す断面図である。FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ink jet ink cartridge body of the second embodiment, FIG.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing the surface of the rib.

【００５７】インクジェットインクカートリッジ本体１
００１には、インク収容部１００６と負圧発生部材収容
部１００４との隔壁であるリブ１００５の一部に大気導
入溝１０３１と負圧発生部材調整室１０３２とが形成し
てある。The ink-jet ink cartridge body 1
In 001, an air introduction groove 1031 and a negative pressure generation member adjustment chamber 1032 are formed in a part of a rib 1005 which is a partition wall between the ink storage portion 1006 and the negative pressure generation member storage portion 1004.

【００５８】大気導入溝１０３１は、リブ１００５の中
間部分からリブ１００５の端部、すなわちインクカート
リッジ底部１０１１との間隙部１００８まで、負圧発生
部材収容部１００４側に形成されている。そしてリブ１
００５の大気導入溝１０３１の近辺に接する負圧発生部
材１００３との間に、えぐられたような形状の負圧発生
部材調整室１０３２が形成されている。The air introduction groove 1031 is formed on the side of the negative pressure generating member accommodating portion 1004 from the middle portion of the rib 1005 to the end of the rib 1005, that is, the gap 1008 with the ink cartridge bottom 1011. And rib 1
A negative pressure generating member adjusting chamber 1032 having a hollow shape is formed between the negative pressure generating member 1003 and the negative pressure generating member 1003 which is in contact with the vicinity of the air introduction groove 1031 of FIG.

【００５９】負圧発生部材１００３は負圧発生部材収容
部１００４の内面に当接されることから、例えば負圧発
生部材１００３が不均一に挿入されていたとしても図１
１及び図１２に示すように、負圧発生部材１００３の当
接（圧縮）力が部分的に緩和されることになる。このた
め、ヘッドからインクを消費し始めると、負圧発生部材
１００３に含浸されているインクが消費され負圧発生部
材調整室１０３２まで達する。その後もインクが消費し
続けると負圧発生部材調整室１０３２により負圧発生部
材１００３の当接力が緩和されている部分から大気がイ
ンクメニスカスを破りやすくなっており、速やかに大気
導入溝１０３１に大気が導入され負圧のコントロールが
容易になる。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, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 12, 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.

【００６０】本実施例は、特に負圧発生部材１００３と
して弾性のある多孔質体を使用することが望ましい。In this embodiment, it is particularly desirable to use an elastic porous body as the negative pressure generating member 1003.

【００６１】非記録時は、負圧発生部材１００３自身の
毛細管力（あるいはインク−負圧発生部材界面でのメニ
スカス力）などが発揮され、インクジェット記録ヘッド
からインクが漏れることを抑制する。At the time of non-recording, the capillary force of the negative pressure generating member 1003 itself (or the meniscus force at the interface between the ink and the negative pressure generating member) is exerted to suppress the ink from leaking from the ink jet recording head.

【００６２】上記構成のインクジェットカートリッジに
おいて、大気導入溝１０３１の頂部付近で気液交換が行
われる。インク吸収体の密度分布を、例えば、図１０の
ようにして、疎密の境界を上記大気導入溝１０３１の頂
部付近に設けるように調整すると、気液界面が、このイ
ンク吸収体の密度の疎密境界に沿って安定的に形成され
る。この構成により、インク収容部１００６のインクは
実質上すべて使用でき、さらに、負圧発生部材収容部１
００４内のインクも気液界面より下のインクがほぼ全量
利用できるというように、インクの利用効率をさらに向
上させることができた。In the ink jet cartridge having the above structure, gas-liquid exchange is performed near the top of the air introduction groove 1031. When the density distribution of the ink absorber is adjusted such that the dense / dense boundary is provided near the top of the air introduction groove 1031 as shown in FIG. 10, for example, the gas-liquid interface becomes the dense / dense boundary of the density of the ink absorber. Are formed stably along. With this configuration, substantially all of the ink in the ink container 1006 can be used, and the negative pressure generating member container 1 can be used.
As for the ink in 004, almost all the ink below the gas-liquid interface can be used, so that the ink use efficiency can be further improved.

【００６３】また、本構成により、大気連通口１０１３
付近にインクがほぼ存在しない状態を実現でき、インク
ジェットカートリッジ内外の圧力変化や温度変化があっ
ても、大気連通口１０１３からのインクもれを招かない
という多大な効果も実現できた。なお、本発明は、ヘッ
ド一体型，ヘッド別体型のいずれの形においても実施で
きる。Further, according to this configuration, the atmosphere communication port 1013 is provided.
A state where almost no ink is present in the vicinity can be realized, and a great effect that ink leakage from the air communication port 1013 does not occur even when a pressure change or a temperature change inside or outside the ink jet cartridge can be realized. The present invention can be implemented in any of a head integrated type and a head separate type.

【００６４】[0064]

【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明のインク吸
収体の挿入装置及び方法によれば、インク吸収体を容器
内にしわ、めくれなどが無い状態に挿入することが可能
となる。As described above, according to the apparatus and method for inserting an ink absorber of the present invention, it is possible to insert the ink absorber into the container without wrinkles or curls.

【００６５】更に、インクタンク内のインク吸収体の圧
縮分布を自在に制御することが可能となり、インク供給
性能の優れたインクタンクを提供できる。Further, the compression distribution of the ink absorber in the ink tank can be freely controlled, and an ink tank having excellent ink supply performance can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

【図１】実施例１におけるＸ方向の圧縮工程を示す説
明図FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a compression process in an X direction according to a first embodiment.

【図２】実施例１におけるＹ方向の圧縮工程を示す説
明図FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a compression process in a Y direction according to the first embodiment.

【図３】実施例１におけるＸおよびＹ方向の圧縮工程
ののち、Ｘ方向の圧縮治具ガイドを復帰させる工程を示
す説明図FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a step of returning a compression jig guide in the X direction after a compression step in the X and Y directions in the first embodiment.

【図４】実施例１におけるのＸおよびＹ方向の圧縮工
程が完了した状態を示す説明図FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a compression process in the X and Y directions according to the first embodiment is completed.

【図５】多孔質体をインクカートリッジに挿入する方
法の説明図FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a method of inserting a porous body into an ink cartridge.

【図６】多孔質体をインクカートリッジに挿入する方
法の説明図FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a method of inserting a porous body into an ink cartridge.

【図７】多孔質体をインクカートリッジに挿入する方
法の説明図FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of a method of inserting a porous body into an ink cartridge.

【図８】インクカートリッジ内の多孔質体の密度分布
を示す図FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a density distribution of a porous body in an ink cartridge.

【図９】インクカートリッジ内の多孔質体の密度分布
を示す図FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a density distribution of a porous body in an ink cartridge.

【図１０】インクカートリッジ内の多孔質体の密度分
布を示す図FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a density distribution of a porous body in an ink cartridge.

【図１１】実施例２のインクジェットカートリッジ本
体の縦断面図FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ink jet cartridge main body according to the second embodiment.

【図１２】実施例２のインクジェットカートリッジ本
体の横断面図FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the ink jet cartridge main body according to the second embodiment.

【図１３】実施例２のインクジェットカートリッジ本
体のリブの表面を示す断面図FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a surface of a rib of the ink jet cartridge body according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

ａ，ａ′ Ｘ方向の多孔質体圧縮治具ガイドｂ，ｂ′ Ｘ方向の多孔質体圧縮治具ｃ，ｃ′ Ｙ方向の多孔質体圧縮治具ｄＺ方向の多孔質体圧縮治具 a, a 'Guide for compressing porous body in X direction b, b' Guide for compressing porous body in X direction c, c 'Compacting jig for porous body in Y direction d Porous body compressing jig in Z direction

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者樫野俊雄東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤノン株式会社内 (72)発明者岡崎猛史東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤノン株式会社内 (72)発明者但馬裕基東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤノン株式会社内 (72)発明者折笠剛東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤノン株式会社内 (56)参考文献特開平４−357046（ＪＰ，Ａ) 特開平５−463（ＪＰ，Ａ) (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.⁷，ＤＢ名) B41J 2/175 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Toshio Kashino 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Takeshi Okazaki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon (72) Inventor Hiroki Tajima 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Tsuyoshi Orikasa 3-30-2, Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. ( 56) References JP-A-4-357046 (JP, A) JP-A-5-463 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/175

Claims

(57) [Claims]

1. An ink absorber insertion device for inserting an ink absorber into an ink cartridge, wherein the ink absorber is compressed in a direction crossing a direction in which the ink absorber is inserted into the ink cartridge. An ink absorber insertion device, comprising: a compression insertion jig for holding the compressed ink absorber and inserting the compressed ink absorber together with the ink absorber into a housing constituting the ink cartridge.

2. The ink absorber according to claim 1, wherein the compression insertion jig compresses the ink absorber from two directions with respect to a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber. Insertion device.

3. A compression insertion jig for compressing the ink absorber in a specific direction intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber, the compression insertion jig being configured to press a pair of opposing surfaces of the ink absorber. The device for inserting an ink absorber according to claim 2, wherein the device is constituted by a member.

4. The ink cartridge for separating the ink cartridge from the compression insertion jig inserted with the ink absorber while holding the compressed ink absorber inside the housing of the ink cartridge. A pressing jig that presses the ink absorber from a direction in which the compression insertion jig is inserted so that the ink absorber remains in the housing of the ink cartridge when the compression insertion jig is relatively moved with the compression insertion jig. The ink absorber insertion device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. A direction along the insertion direction of the compression insertion jig when the ink cartridge and the pressing jig are relatively moved to accommodate the ink absorber inside the housing of the ink cartridge. Vt is a moving speed of the ink cartridge moving in a direction away from the compression insertion jig, and a moving speed of the ink absorber moving by being pushed by the pressing jig in the same direction as the moving direction of the ink cartridge. 5. When Vs is set to Vs, the ink absorber accommodated in the ink cartridge can have a compression distribution by adjusting Vt and Vs. apparatus.

6. The moving speed Vt of the ink cartridge.
When the relationship between the pressure and the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pressed and moved by the pressing jig satisfies Vs> Vt,
6. The ink absorber accommodated in the housing of the ink cartridge, wherein a deep side in the insertion direction of the ink cartridge is in a relatively high compression state and a front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively low compression state. 3. The insertion device for an ink absorber according to claim 1.

7. The moving speed Vt of the ink cartridge.
And when the relationship between the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pushed and moved by the pressing jig satisfies Vs <Vt,
6. The ink absorber accommodated in the housing of the ink cartridge, wherein the inner side in the insertion direction of the ink cartridge is in a relatively low compression state and the front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively high compression state. 3. The insertion device for an ink absorber according to claim 1.

8. An absorber storage chamber having an air communication section for storing ink absorbers and obtaining communication with the atmosphere and an ink supply section for supplying ink, and an adjacent to the absorber storage chamber. And an ink storage chamber which is arranged in communication with the absorber storage chamber only through a communication portion and directly stores the ink supplied to the absorber storage chamber. In the apparatus for inserting an ink absorber, a compression jig for compressing the ink absorber may include:
Intersects the direction of insertion of the ink absorber into the cartridge
The ink absorber is compressed in the direction in which the ink absorber is compressed, and the ink absorber is inserted into a housing constituting the ink tank together with the ink absorber while the ink absorber is compressed and held. An insertion device for an ink absorber, which is a compression insertion jig that is also used.

9. The ink storage chamber is separated from the ink storage chamber by a partition, and the communication portion is formed between the partition and a bottom portion of the ink tank in a use state. An air introduction passage is provided on the absorber storage chamber side and extends upward from the communication portion, and the ink absorber is provided with the compressed insertion jig in a state where the ink absorber is compressed and held. 9. The ink absorber insertion device according to claim 8, wherein the ink absorber is inserted along the direction in which the introduction path extends.

10. The ink absorber according to claim 8, wherein the compression insertion jig compresses the ink absorber from two directions with respect to a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber. Insertion device.

11. The compression insertion jig for compressing the ink absorber in one specific direction intersecting with the insertion direction of the ink absorber, the compression insertion jig comprising a pair of pressing members for pressing two opposing surfaces of the ink absorber. The device for inserting an ink absorber according to claim 10, wherein the device is constituted by a member.

12. The ink cartridge for separating the ink cartridge from the compression insertion jig inserted together with the ink absorber while holding the compressed ink absorber inside the housing of the ink cartridge. A pressing jig that presses the ink absorber from a direction in which the compression insertion jig is inserted so that the ink absorber remains in the housing of the ink cartridge when the compression insertion jig is relatively moved with the compression insertion jig. The ink absorber insertion device according to claim 8, further comprising:

13. A direction along an insertion direction of the compression insertion jig when the ink cartridge and the pressing jig are relatively moved to house the ink absorber inside the housing of the ink cartridge. Vt is a moving speed of the ink cartridge moving in a direction away from the compression insertion jig, and a moving speed of the ink absorber moving by being pushed by the pressing jig in the same direction as the moving direction of the ink cartridge. Is Vs, Vt and Vs
13. The ink absorber insertion device according to claim 12, wherein the ink absorber accommodated in the ink cartridge can be provided with a compression distribution by adjusting.

14. A moving speed V of the ink cartridge.
When the relationship between t and the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber that is pushed and moved by the pressing jig satisfies Vs> Vt, the ink absorber housed in the housing of the ink cartridge uses the ink cartridge. 14. The ink absorber insertion device according to claim 13, wherein the back side in the insertion direction is in a relatively high compression state and the front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively low compression state.

15. The moving speed V of the ink cartridge
When the relationship between t and the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber that is pushed and moved by the pressing jig satisfies Vs <Vt, the ink absorber housed in the housing of the ink cartridge is the ink cartridge. 14. The ink absorber insertion device according to claim 13, wherein the back side in the insertion direction is in a relatively low compression state, and the front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively high compression state.

In the insertion method 16. ink absorber for inserting the ink absorber into an ink cartridge, thus the in compressed insertion jig compressing the ink absorbing member
The direction of insertion of the ink absorber into the ink cartridge
Compressing the ink absorber in the intersecting direction, and inserting the compression insertion jig together with the ink absorber into a housing constituting the ink cartridge in a state where the ink absorber is compressed and held. A method for inserting an ink absorber, comprising:

17. The ink cartridge for separating the ink cartridge from the compression insertion jig inserted with the ink absorber while holding the compressed ink absorber inside the housing of the ink cartridge. And when the compression insertion jig is relatively moved, the ink absorption body is pressed by the pressing jig from the direction in which the compression insertion jig is inserted so that the ink absorber remains inside the housing of the ink cartridge. The method for inserting an ink absorber according to claim 16, further comprising a step of pressing.

18. A direction along the insertion direction of the compression insertion jig when the ink cartridge and the pressing jig are relatively moved to house the ink absorber inside the housing of the ink cartridge. Vt is a moving speed of the ink cartridge moving in a direction away from the compression insertion jig, and a moving speed of the ink absorber moving by being pushed by the pressing jig in the same direction as the moving direction of the ink cartridge. Is Vs, Vt and Vs
18. The method for inserting an ink absorber according to claim 17, further comprising the step of: adjusting the pressures of the ink cartridges so that the ink absorbers housed in the ink cartridge have a compression distribution.

19. The moving speed V of the ink cartridge
t, and a relative movement between the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pressed and moved by the pressing jig so as to satisfy Vs> Vt. 19. The ink absorbing device according to claim 18, wherein the ink cartridge is housed in the housing of the ink cartridge such that the rear side in the insertion direction of the cartridge is in a relatively high compression state and the front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively low compression state. How to insert the body.

20. The moving speed V of the ink cartridge
t, and a relative movement between the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pressed and moved by the pressing jig so as to satisfy Vs <Vt. 19. The ink absorber according to claim 18, wherein the cartridge is housed in the housing of the ink cartridge such that the back side in the insertion direction of the cartridge is in a relatively low compression state and the front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively high compression state. How to insert.

21. The method according to claim 17, further comprising a step of attaching a lid to the insertion side opening of the compression insertion jig of the ink cartridge housing after separating the compression insertion jig and the ink cartridge. 3. The method for inserting an ink absorber according to item 1.

22. An absorber storage chamber that contains an ink absorber and has an air communication section for obtaining communication with the atmosphere and an ink supply section for supplying ink, and is partitioned by a partition, wherein the partition is provided. And an ink storage chamber for directly storing ink supplied to the absorber storage chamber, which is communicated through a communication portion formed between the bottom and the bottom in the use state of the ink tank. In the method of inserting the ink absorber into an ink tank provided with an air introduction path provided to extend upward from the communication portion on the absorber storage chamber side, the ink absorber may be an ink absorber. When the compressed state by the jig for compressing the ink is released in the ink tank, the compressed state of the ink absorber is opened toward the partition wall provided with the air introduction path, and the compressed state of the ink absorber is opened. The jig is compressed by the jig in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber along the extending direction of the air introduction path so that the ink absorber comes into contact with the ink absorber. And inserting the jig into the ink tank together with the jig.

23. The ink absorber is compressed by the jig from two directions intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber along the extending direction of the air introduction path, and faces the partition wall. Compress the missing surface first with a jig,
The method for inserting an ink absorber according to claim 22, wherein a surface facing the partition wall is compressed by a jig later.

24. The ink tank constructed ink absorber is housed inside, said by jig compressing the ink absorbing member Inkuka
Intersects the direction of insertion of the ink absorber into the cartridge
A step of compressing the ink absorber in a direction in which the ink cartridge is compressed and holding the ink absorber, and inserting the jig together with the ink absorber into a housing constituting the ink cartridge. An ink tank characterized by the following.

25. An ink container, comprising: an ink container for accommodating the ink absorber and an air communication portion for obtaining communication with the atmosphere and an ink supply portion for supplying ink; An ink storage chamber directly storing the ink supplied to the absorber storage chamber, which is partitioned by the partition wall and the bottom in the use state of the ink tank and communicated through a communication portion formed between the partition and the bottom of the ink tank in use. 25. The ink tank according to claim 24, wherein an air introduction passage extending upward from the communication section is provided on the absorber storage chamber side of the partition.

26. The ink absorber according to claim 26, wherein when the compressed state by the jig for compressing the ink absorber is opened in the ink tank, the ink absorber faces the partition wall provided with the air introduction path. The jig is used in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber along the extending direction of the air introduction path so that the compressed state of the air release path is released and the air introduction path and the ink absorber come into contact with each other. The ink tank according to claim 25, wherein the ink tank is inserted after being compressed.

27. The ink absorber is compressed by the jig from two directions intersecting the insertion direction of the ink absorber along the direction in which the air introduction path extends, and faces the partition. Compress the missing surface first with a jig,
27. The ink tank according to claim 26, wherein a surface facing the partition is inserted after being compressed by a jig.

28. In a state where the compressed ink absorber is held inside the housing of the ink cartridge, the jig inserted together with the ink absorber and the ink cartridge are separated from each other. When the jig is relatively moved, the ink absorber is pressed through a pressing jig from a direction in which the jig is inserted so that the ink absorber remains inside the housing of the ink cartridge. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein
5. The ink tank according to 4.

29. When the ink cartridge and the pressing jig are relatively moved to house the ink absorber inside the housing of the ink cartridge, the direction is along the insertion direction of the jig. The moving speed of the ink cartridge moving away from the jig by V
t, when the moving speed of the ink absorber that is pressed and moved by the pressing jig in the same direction as the moving direction of the ink cartridge is Vs, the ink absorbing member is housed in the ink cartridge by adjusting Vt and Vs. 29. The ink tank according to claim 28, wherein the ink tank is formed through a step of giving a compressed distribution to the ink absorber.

30. The moving speed V of the ink cartridge
t, and a relative movement between the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pressed and moved by the pressing jig so as to satisfy Vs> Vt. The ink cartridge is configured to be housed in a housing of the ink cartridge such that a rear side in the insertion direction of the cartridge is in a relatively high compression state and a front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively low compression state. 29
The ink tank according to any one of the above.

31. The moving speed V of the ink cartridge
t, and a relative movement between the moving speed Vs of the ink absorber pressed and moved by the pressing jig so as to satisfy Vs <Vt. 30. The ink cartridge according to claim 29, further comprising a process of being housed in the housing of the ink cartridge such that the back side in the cartridge insertion direction is in a relatively low compression state and the front side in the insertion direction is in a relatively high compression state. The described ink tank.

32. The method according to claim 28, wherein after the jig is separated from the ink cartridge, a step of attaching a lid to the insertion side opening of the jig of the ink cartridge housing is performed. The described ink tank.