JP3501663B2 - Liquid storage container, cartridge including the liquid storage container, recording apparatus using the cartridge, and liquid discharge recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid container, a cartridge including the liquid container, a recording apparatus using the cartridge, and a liquid discharge recording apparatus, and more particularly, recording according to an ink jet system. A liquid container for supplying ink to the recording head,
The present invention also relates to a cartridge including the liquid container, a recording apparatus using the cartridge, and a liquid ejection recording apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a device for detecting the remaining amount of ink in an ink tank containing ink, a device employing electrodes in the ink tank and measuring the electric conductivity between the electrodes, and recording It is known to employ a method of optically detecting ink droplets ejected by a head. In general, the method using electrodes complicates the structure of the ink tank itself, and therefore, a means for optically detecting the remaining ink amount is usually adopted in many cases.

Particularly, in the case of an ink jet recording apparatus for recording by ejecting ink contained in an ink tank from a recording head, a recording head for ejecting ink onto a recording medium and an ink supplied to the recording head are generally used. An ink tank for accommodating, a transporting device for transporting the recording medium,
And a control unit for controlling the recording operation of the recording head and the reciprocating movement operation of the recording head. Further, in such an apparatus, if the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank falls below a predetermined amount during the recording operation, the ink may be insufficiently supplied to the recording head, and ejection failure may occur.
A device for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank or the presence or absence of ink is known.

As an example of a recording apparatus equipped with such a device for detecting the remaining amount of ink, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-112907 discloses ink in an ink tank having a negative pressure generating member such as an absorber or a foam material. In order to detect the remaining amount, the detection light is passed through a part of the transparent ink tank wall surface,
An inkjet recording apparatus is disclosed which uses a method of detecting a change in light reflectance at the boundary between the wall surface and the negative pressure generating member.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-218321 discloses that
Disclosed is an ink tank that includes an optical ink detection unit that is formed of a light-transmissive member that is formed of the same material as the ink tank and that has an interface with ink that forms a predetermined angle with respect to the detection optical path.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-174877 discloses a sensing system for detecting the presence of an ink tank and the level of ink in the ink tank.

Furthermore, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-29989 discloses an ink jet recording apparatus capable of detecting the presence or absence of ink and the presence or absence of an ink tank by a single photo sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element in common. is doing.

In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-89090 and the like store a negative pressure generating member accommodating chamber that accommodates a negative pressure generating member and includes a liquid supply port and an atmosphere communicating portion, and a negative pressure generating member accommodating chamber. Disclosed is a device for detecting the presence / absence of a liquid stored in a liquid storage container having a communication portion that communicates with each other and having a liquid storage chamber that forms a substantially closed space.

A conventional ink presence / absence detecting mechanism using a light transmissive prism will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a light-transmissive prism provided on the bottom surface of the ink tank, a light emitting element that irradiates the prism with light, and a light receiving element that receives the light.

As shown in FIG. 22, a prism 1060
Is provided integrally with the bottom surface 1061 of the ink tank by molding, and light from the light emitting element 1062 located below the outside of the ink tank enters the prism 1060.

Now, when the inside of the ink tank is sufficiently filled with ink, the incident light is the light emitting element 106.
The light emitted from No. 2 follows the path of optical path → optical path ′, is absorbed in the ink, and does not return to the light receiving element 1063.
On the other hand, when the ink in the ink tank is consumed and the ink is exhausted, as shown in FIG. 22, the light emitted from the light emitting element 1062 is reflected by the hypotenuse portion of the prism 1060 and passes through the optical path → optical path → optical path. Light receiving element 1063
Will be returned to.

As described above, the presence or absence of ink is detected by whether or not the light emitted from the light emitting element 1062 returns to the light receiving element 1063. Note that the light emitting element 106
2. The light receiving element 1063 is provided on the recording apparatus main body side.

The ink presence / absence detection mechanism described above is a rational method for detecting the ink level or the presence / absence of ink in the ink tank at low cost.

[0014]

However, the above-mentioned conventional example has the following problems.

[0015]

(1) In order to record a higher quality image and / or to perform color recording, two recording heads that eject different kinds of ink in one recording device are used as recording mediums. When the print heads are installed at different positions with respect to the transport direction, ink is supplied to each of these recording heads.
The positions of the two ink tanks are inevitably provided at different positions, and if it is attempted to detect the presence or absence of ink in the misaligned ink tanks, two optical units,
Since it has to be provided in the main body of the recording apparatus, the production cost also rises.

(2) When one type of ink tank is to be commonly used on a plurality of different types of recording devices,
Since the position of the prism in the ink tank is fixed, the positions of the light emitting element and the light receiving element provided on the recording device side are uniquely determined, and the degree of freedom in designing the recording device is greatly limited.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and is a cheap and accurate liquid storage container capable of accurately detecting the presence or absence of a remaining liquid, a cartridge including the liquid storage container, and the same. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording device that uses a cartridge and a liquid ejection recording device.

[0019]

In order to achieve the above object, the liquid container of the present invention has the following constitution.

That is, the liquid can be directly stored in the liquid storage container that can be mounted on the carriages of a plurality of types of recording devices, including the positions of the optical units including the light receiving element and the light emitting element that eject the liquid for recording. A liquid storage part, a liquid supply port capable of supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage part to the outside, a surface forming an outer wall surface of the liquid storage part, and an interface different from the surface and with the liquid. A substantially polygonal surface formed by a light-transmissive member, which has a plurality of reflecting surfaces whose surfaces form a predetermined angle with respect to the optical path of light emitted from a light source located at a predetermined external position. A columnar prism, the liquid storage container has a flat shape, and the extending direction of the column formed by the prism and the longitudinal direction of the liquid storage container are the same direction, and Of the carriage As the scanning direction intersects,
The liquid storage container is characterized in that a length of the prism in the prismatic direction is longer than a length corresponding to a difference in the optical unit position of the plurality of types of recording devices.

[0021]

[0022]

The cross section perpendicular to the prismatic direction of the prism is preferably in the form of an isosceles triangle, and the prismatic length in the prismatic direction is preferably longer than the length of the base of the isosceles triangle. .

[0024]

The above liquid may be ink, or may be recorded in order to improve the fixability and water resistance of the image recorded on the recording medium by the ink or to improve the quality of the image. It may be a treatment liquid ejected onto the medium.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge including the liquid container having the above-mentioned structure, wherein the recording head ejects the liquid contained in the liquid container and a plurality of the liquid containers. And a holder for holding the cartridge.

This liquid storage container is preferably separable from the holder.

Further, this recording head is an ink jet recording head for recording by ejecting ink, and in order to eject ink by utilizing thermal energy, the recording head is for generating thermal energy to be given to the ink. It is desirable to have a thermal energy converter.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording device for recording an image on a recording medium using the cartridge having the above-mentioned configuration, wherein the prism emits light from the light emitting element of the optical unit, Based on the reflected light from the prism received by the light receiving element of the optical unit, based on the detection result obtained by the detection means and the detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the liquid contained in the liquid storage container, And a control unit that controls a recording operation by the recording head.

Further, a plurality of the cartridges are mounted and scanning means for reciprocating movement, and a conveying means for conveying the recording medium are provided to shift the liquid ejection timing from the recording head of the cartridge. ,
Among the plurality of cartridges, the first cartridge and the second cartridge are mounted on the scanning means while being displaced from each other in the conveying direction of the recording medium by the conveying means, and the first and second cartridges are mounted on the scanning means. It is desirable that the displacement when mounted on the scanning means be shorter than the length of the prism in the prismatic direction.

It is desirable that the light emitting element and the light receiving element forming the optical unit are arranged along the scanning direction of the scanning means.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid storage container that can be mounted in a plurality of types of recording devices, including a position where an optical unit including a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element that ejects liquid for recording is different. A liquid storage portion capable of directly storing the liquid, a liquid supply port capable of supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion to the outside, a surface forming an outer wall surface of the liquid storage portion, and a liquid different from the surface and a liquid Formed by a light-transmissive member having a plurality of reflecting surfaces whose surfaces forming an interface with and have a predetermined angle with respect to the optical path of light emitted from a light source located at a predetermined external position. And a plurality of prisms having a substantially polygonal column shape, each of the plurality of prisms is capable of independently detecting the presence or absence of liquid in the liquid storage portion, and the plurality of prisms are arranged in a prismatic direction of the prism. Set up side by side In addition, the liquid storage container is characterized in that the liquid supply port is provided on a surface on which the plurality of prisms are provided. According to still another aspect of the present invention, in a liquid container that can be mounted on a plurality of types of recording devices, including a position where an optical unit including a light receiving element and a light emitting element that discharges liquid for recording is different, the liquid is directly A liquid storage part capable of storing, a liquid supply port capable of supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage part to the outside, a surface forming an outer wall surface of the liquid storage part, and a liquid different from the surface The surface that forms the interface has a plurality of reflecting surfaces that have a predetermined angle with respect to the optical path of the light emitted from the light source at a predetermined external position, and is formed by a light-transmissive member. A plurality of prisms each having a substantially polygonal column shape are provided, and each of the plurality of prisms can independently detect the presence or absence of the liquid in the liquid storage portion, and the liquid storage portion is divided by another space from a partition wall. With the above The number of prisms is provided with a liquid container, wherein a communicating portion between said liquid storage portion and the other space is arranged in the prismatic direction of the plurality of prisms on the surface that is provided. According to still another aspect of the present invention, in a liquid container that can be mounted on a plurality of types of recording devices, including a position where an optical unit including a light receiving element and a light emitting element that discharges liquid for recording is different, the liquid is directly A liquid storage part capable of storing, a liquid supply port capable of supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage part to the outside, a surface forming an outer wall surface of the liquid storage part, and a liquid different from the surface The surface that forms the interface has a plurality of reflecting surfaces that have a predetermined angle with respect to the optical path of the light emitted from the light source at a predetermined external position, and is formed by a light-transmissive member. A plurality of substantially polygonal prisms, each of the plurality of prisms can independently detect the presence or absence of liquid in the liquid storage portion, and the plurality of prisms can record the liquid storage container. Mounted horizontally on the device Comprising a liquid container, characterized in that it is arranged in the prismatic direction of the plurality of prisms on the bottom surface of the case.

[0033]

With the above configuration, according to the present invention, when a plurality of cartridges having a recording head having the liquid storage container mounted therein are mounted in the recording apparatus, the first cartridge and the second cartridge are attached. By displacing the triangular prism by a length shorter than its prismatic direction, the light emitted from the optical means of the recording device is
The prism provided in the liquid storage container mounted in the first cartridge and the prism provided in the liquid storage container mounted in the second cartridge are reached.

[0035]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a recording apparatus provided with a recording head for recording according to an ink jet system which is a typical embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the recording head 1 and an ink tank 7 that supplies ink to the recording head 1 are connected and integrated to form an ink cartridge 20. In this embodiment, the ink cartridge 20 has a configuration in which the recording head 1 and the ink tank 7 can be separated as described later, but an ink cartridge in which the recording head and the ink tank are integrated may be used. .

An optical prism for detecting the remaining amount of ink is provided on the bottom surface of the ink tank 7.
This structure will be described in detail later.

Furthermore, this recording head is provided with means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for ejecting ink, particularly in the ink jet head recording system. By using a method in which the thermal energy causes a change in the state of the ink, high density recording and high definition recording have been achieved.

In FIG. 1, a recording head 1 is mounted on a carriage 2 in a posture in which ink is ejected downward in the figure, and ink droplets are ejected while moving the carriage 2 along a guide shaft 3 to eject recording paper. An image is formed on a recording medium (not shown) such as. The horizontal movement (reciprocating movement) of the carriage 2 is performed by the rotation of the carriage motor 4 via the timing belt 5. An engagement claw 6 is provided on the carriage 2 and engages with an engagement hole 7a of the ink tank to fix the ink tank 7 to the carriage 2.

When the recording for one scan of the recording head is completed, the recording operation is interrupted, the recording medium positioned on the platen 8 is conveyed by a predetermined amount by the drive of the feed motor 9, and then the carriage 2 is guided again. The image formation for the next one scan is performed while moving along the axis 3.

On the right side of the main body of the apparatus, a recovery device 10 for performing a recovery operation for maintaining a good ink ejection state of the recording head 1 is arranged. The recovery device 10 has a cap 11 for capping the recording head 1, A wiper 12 for wiping the ink ejection surface of the recording head 1 and a suction pump (not shown) for sucking ink from the ink ejection nozzles of the recording head 1 are provided.

The driving force of the feed motor 9 for conveying the recording medium is transmitted not only to the original recording medium conveying mechanism but also to the automatic sheet feeder (ASF) 13.

Further, an infrared ray L is provided on the side of the recovery device 10.
An optical unit 14 including an ED (light emitting element) 15 and a phototransistor (light receiving element) 16 for detecting the remaining ink amount is provided. The light emitting element 15 and the light receiving element 16 are attached so as to be lined up along the moving direction of the carriage 2 (direction of arrow E). When the ink cartridge 20 is mounted on the carriage 2 and moves rightward from the position shown in FIG. 1, the ink cartridge 20 comes to be positioned on the optical unit 14.
Then, it becomes possible to detect the presence / absence of remaining ink from the bottom surface of the ink tank 7 by the optical unit 14 (details will be described later).

Next, a control configuration for executing the recording control of the above-mentioned apparatus will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the recording apparatus.

In FIG. 2 showing the control circuit, 1700 is an interface for inputting a recording signal, and 1701 is an MP.
U and 1702 are ROMs for storing control programs executed by the MPU 1701 and 1703 is a DRAM for storing various data (the above-mentioned recording signals and recording data supplied to the recording head 1). A gate array 1704 controls the supply of print data to the print head 1.
A. ), Interface 1700, MPU 170
1. It also controls data transfer between the RAM 1703. 17
Reference numeral 05 is a head driver for driving the recording head 1, 17
Reference numerals 06 and 1707 denote motor drivers for driving the feed motor 9 and the carriage motor 4, respectively.

The operation of the above control structure will be explained. When a recording signal is input to the interface 1700, the recording signal is converted between the gate array 1704 and the MPU 1701 into recording data for printing. Then, the motor drivers 1706 and 1707 are driven, and the recording head 1 is driven according to the recording data sent to the head driver 1705 to perform recording.

Reference numeral 1710 denotes an LCD 1711 for displaying various messages relating to the recording operation and the state of the recording apparatus, and LEDs of various colors for notifying the recording operation and the state of the recording apparatus.
This is a display portion including a lamp 1712.

The MPU 1701 controls the operation of the remaining ink amount detecting section 25 for detecting the presence / absence of remaining ink in the ink tank 7 integrated with the recording head 1. The details of the remaining ink amount detecting unit 25 will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed structure of the remaining ink amount detecting section 25.

In the structure shown in FIG. 3A, M
Based on the control signal from the PU 1701, the controller 32 outputs a pulse signal having a predetermined duty (DUTY) ratio (%) to the LED drive circuit 30, and the light emitting element 15 that configures the optical unit 14 according to the duty ratio. To irradiate the bottom of the ink tank 7 with infrared light.

The infrared light is reflected by an optical prism (hereinafter referred to as a prism) 180 at the bottom of the ink tank 7 and returns to the light receiving element 16 constituting the optical unit 14. The light receiving element 16, which is a phototransistor, converts the received light into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal to the low pass filter (LPF) 31. The low-pass filter (LPF) 31 cuts high-frequency noise from the electric signal input from the light-receiving element 16 and sends only a low-frequency signal to the controller 32. The controller 32 A / D-converts the signal of the low-pass filter (LPF) 31 and converts it into a digital signal. Then, the converted value is MPU17.
01.

As shown in FIG. 3 (B), the light emitting element 15 is an LED that emits infrared light 29, and the light receiving element 16 receives the infrared light 29 and changes the intensity of the received light. Is a phototransistor that outputs an electric signal. As shown in FIG. 1, these LEDs and phototransistors are arranged side by side along the moving direction of the carriage 2.

Next, the outline of the constitution of the ink tank to which the present invention can be preferably applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a head holder 200 including the ink tank 7 and the recording head 1. In this figure, (A) shows a state where the ink tank 7 is separated from the head holder 200, and (B) shows a state where the ink tank 7 is attached to the head holder 200.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of the ink tank 7.

First, the ink tank 7 in this embodiment has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and its upper wall 7U has
An atmosphere communication port 120, which is a hole communicating with the inside of the ink tank, is provided.

Further, on the lower wall 7B of the ink tank 7, there is formed an ink supply cylinder 140 having an ink supply port in a cylindrically projecting form. In the distribution process, the atmosphere communication port 120 is a film or the like, and the ink supply cylinder 140 is used.
Is closed and closed by a cap as an ink supply port sealing member.

Reference numeral 160 denotes a lever member which is integrally formed on the outside of the ink tank 7 so as to be elastically deformable, and has a locking projection formed at an intermediate portion thereof.

Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording head-integrated head holder in which the above-mentioned ink tank 7 is mounted. In this embodiment, for example, cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) color inks are used. Tank 7 (7C, 7M, 7
Y) is housed. A recording head 1 that ejects color inks of respective colors is integrally provided below the head holder 200. At the bottom of the head holder 200, a window is provided so that an ink presence / absence detection unit described later can cooperate with the optical unit 14 and the ink remaining amount detection unit 25 to detect the presence / absence of remaining ink.

The recording head 1 has a plurality of ejection openings formed downward. (Hereinafter, the surface on which the ejection ports are formed is referred to as the ejection port formation surface.) Then, the ink tank 7 is moved from the state shown in FIG.
In addition, the ink supply cylinder 140 is engaged with an ink supply cylinder receiving portion (not shown) provided in the recording head 1, and the ink passage cylinder of the recording head 1 is pushed so as to enter the ink supply cylinder 140. . Then, the locking projection 160A of the lever member 160 engages with a projection (not shown) formed at a predetermined position of the head holder 200, and the regular mounting state shown in FIG. 4B is obtained. The head-integrated head holder 200 with the ink tank 7 attached is further mounted on the carriage 2 of the recording apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 and is ready for printing. In this state, a predetermined head difference (H) is formed between the bottom of the ink tank 7 and the ejection port forming surface of the head.

Next, the internal structure of the ink tank 7 will be described with reference to FIG. In the ink tank 7 of this embodiment, a liquid that communicates with the atmosphere through the atmosphere communication port 120 at the upper part and communicates with the ink supply port 140A at the lower part, and contains a liquid holding member 320 as a negative pressure generating member inside. The holding member storage chamber 340 and the substantially sealed ink storage chamber 360 that stores the liquid ink are partitioned by a partition wall 380. Then, the liquid holding member storage chamber 3
40 and the ink storage chamber 360 communicate with each other only near the bottom of the ink tank 7 via a communication passage 400 formed in the partition wall 380.

A plurality of ribs 420 are integrally formed on the upper wall 7U of the ink tank 7 forming the liquid holding member housing chamber 340 so as to project inward, and are housed in the liquid holding member housing chamber 340 in a compressed state. Is in contact with the liquid holding member 320. Then, the upper wall 7U and the liquid holding member 320
An air buffer chamber 440 is formed between the upper surface and the upper surface.
The liquid holding member 320 is made of heat-pressurized urethane foam, and in order to generate a predetermined capillary force as described later,
It is housed in the liquid holding member housing chamber 340 in a compressed state. Liquid holding member 32 for generating this predetermined capillary force
The absolute value of the pore size of 0 differs depending on the type of ink used, the size of the ink tank 7, the ejection port forming surface (water head difference H) of the recording head 1, and the like.

A columnar pressure contact member 460 is disposed in the ink supply cylinder 140 forming the ink supply port 140A. The pressure contact member 460 is formed of, for example, polypropylene felt, and is not itself easily deformed by an external force. The pressure contact member 460 is held in a state of being pressed into the liquid holding member 320 so as to locally compress the liquid holding member 320 in the state shown in FIG. . For this reason, a flange is formed at the end of the ink supply cylinder 140 so as to contact the periphery of the pressure contact member 460.

In the ink tank having such a structure, the liquid holding member 320 is provided by the recording head 1 (not shown).
When the ink is consumed, the ink is supplied from the ink containing chamber 360 to the liquid holding member 320 of the liquid holding member containing chamber 340 through the communication passage 400 of the partition wall 380. At this time, the inside of the ink containing chamber 360 is depressurized, but the air that has passed from the atmosphere communication port 120 through the liquid holding member containing chamber 340 passes through the communication path 400 of the partition wall 380 to the ink containing chamber 360.
Then, the reduced pressure in the ink containing chamber 360 is relieved. Therefore, even if the ink is consumed by the recording head 1, the liquid holding member 320 is filled with the ink according to the consumed amount, the liquid holding member 320 holds a certain amount of ink, and the negative pressure to the recording head 1 becomes substantially constant. Since this is maintained, the ink supply to the recording head 1 is stable. After that, when the ink in the ink storage chamber 360 is consumed, the ink in the liquid holding member 320 is consumed.

Therefore, the prism 180, which is a part of the ink remaining amount detecting mechanism, is provided in the ink containing chamber 360 of such an ink tank to notify the user that the ink in the ink containing chamber 360 has been consumed and to replace the tank. As a result, it is possible to use the recording device without worrying about running out of ink.

Now, the head holder 2 having the above structure
00 has a longitudinal direction as shown in FIG.
1 is attached to the carriage 2 so that the lateral direction thereof is the direction of the arrow F shown in FIG. 1 (the conveying direction of the recording medium) and the direction of the arrow E shown in FIG. 1 (the moving direction of the carriage). As is clear from this figure, the ink tank of this embodiment has a flat shape, and the ink tank of this embodiment is attached to the head holder 200 so that the surface of the flat shape intersects the scanning direction of the carriage 2. become.

Next, the characteristic structure of the prism for detecting the remaining amount of ink using the recording apparatus and the ink tank having the above-described structure will be described in detail.

FIG. 6 shows the ink tank 7 along the line A-- shown in FIG.
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A ′ of the bottom of the ink tank viewed from above, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB ′ of the prism 180 shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of 180 taken along line CC ′ shown in FIG. 6.

Therefore, as can be seen from these sectional views, when the prism 180 is cut along the line BB 'shown in FIG. 6 and the section is viewed, the prism 180 has a rectangular section, The prism 180 has the shape of an isosceles right triangle when cut along the line CC ′ shown in FIG. Further, as can be seen from FIGS. 7 to 8, the bottom surface is formed integrally with the bottom surface of the ink tank by molding. Further, the inclined surface of the prism 180 is mirror-finished in order to well reflect the light incident from the light emitting element 15.

As can be seen from FIGS. 7 to 8, the length of the line of intersection of the prism 180 with the bottom surface 7B of the ink tank, that is, the length corresponding to the base of the isosceles triangle is a, and the depth of the prism 180 is the length. Be b.

FIG. 9 shows the prism 180 on the line C-- shown in FIG.
Cross section of prism cut along C'and optical unit 1
4 is a diagram showing a positional relationship with FIG.

Therefore, when the carriage 2 moves in the scanning direction (arrow E) on the guide shaft 3, the optical unit 14 of the ink tank 7 is located directly below the prism 180, as shown in FIG. Since the ink tank 7 moves in the carriage movement direction, the ink tanks 7C, 7M, and 7Y configured as shown in FIG. 4 sequentially pass directly above the optical unit 14 and are not separated from each other. The positional relationship shown in FIG.

In such a positional relationship, if the ink in the ink tank is exhausted, the light emitted from the light emitting element 15 is reflected by the slope of the prism 180 and returns to the light receiving element 16, The MPU 1701 inputs a detection signal at this time to determine the presence or absence of ink.

10 to 11 are sectional views of the prism 180 taken along the line BB 'shown in FIG. 6 and the positional relationship between the light emitting elements 15 of the optical unit 14.

As can be seen from FIGS. 10 to 11, in the ink tank of this embodiment, the extending direction of the prism formed by the prism 180 is the same as the direction of the flat surface of the ink tank, and As shown in FIG. 4, since the flat surface intersects the scanning direction of the carriage 2, the direction of extension of the prism formed by the prism 180 intersects the reciprocating direction of the carriage 2. There is. Therefore, since the prism 180 has a length of “b” in the recording medium conveyance direction (arrow F), even if the ink tank 7 provided with the prism 180 is attached to the head holder 200 with some error, Head holder 20
Even if 0 is attached to the carriage 2 with some error, if the attachment error is within the length “b” of the prism 180 in the longitudinal direction, the light emitting element 1 of the optical unit 14
The light emitted from the light source 5 is captured by the prism 180, and the reflected light can be returned to the light receiving element 16.

In this embodiment, as the size of the prism 180, the length (a) of the base of the isosceles triangle obtained from the line CC ′ cross section of the prism 180 is a = 6.4 mm,
The length (b) of the long side of the rectangle obtained from the line BB ′ of the prism 180 is set to b = 7.0 mm.

By the way, the carriage 2 can also be constructed so that two head holders as shown in FIG. 4 are mounted. In this case, these two head holders are mounted with their mounting positions slightly displaced in the recording medium conveyance direction (arrow F in FIG. 1).

FIG. 12 is a view of the two head holders 200 and 210 attached to the carriage 2 as viewed from above the carriage. In FIG. 12, the head holders 200 and 210 have the same configuration, and the ink tanks (7C, 7M, 7Y, 7) attached to the head holders are used.
LC, 7LM, and 7Bk) are shown as a cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 6 so that the position of the prism becomes clearer. The prisms provided in each ink tank have the structure shown in FIGS.

Further, in FIG. 12, the head holder 20
0 and the head holder 210 are mounted at positions displaced by about 4 mm from each other in the recording paper conveyance direction (arrow F). In this way, the head holder 200 and the head holder 210 are displaced from each other because the ink tanks 7C, 7C
6 accommodated in each of M, 7Y, 7LC, 7LM, and 7Bk
Color ink (C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), LC (light cyan), LM (light magenta), Bk
(Black)) is simultaneously ejected onto the recording medium and the inks are mixed on the recording medium.
This is because the position of the recording head is displaced with respect to the recording medium in order to prevent the discharge timing on the recording medium by the colors and the three colors of ink (LC, LM, Bk) from being displaced.

Therefore, due to this displacement, the ink tanks 7C, 7M and 7Y on the respective head holders and the ink tank 7
The positions of LC, 7LM, and 7Bk are displaced.

However, as shown in FIG. 12, the carriage 2 moves on the guide shaft 3 in the scanning direction (arrow E).
When moving the head holders, the head holders (180Y, 180M, 1) are attached to the respective ink tanks.
(80C, 180LM, 180LC, 180Bk) passes near directly above the optical unit 14 to detect the presence or absence of ink in each ink tank.

For example, when the ink tank 7Y comes directly above the optical unit 14, the prism 180Y is cut along the line B2-B2 'and the cut surface is viewed, and the prism 180Y of the ink tank 7Y and the optical unit are separated. The relationship is as shown in FIG. 10, and the ink tank 7LM
Comes directly above the optical unit 14, the line B3-B
When the prism 180LM is cut along 3'and the cut surface is viewed, the prism 180LM of the ink tank 7LM
The relationship between and the optical unit is as shown in FIG. Further, when either the ink tank 7Y or the ink tank 7LM comes directly above the optical unit 14, the line C2-C
When the prism 180Y or 180LM is cut along the line 2'or the line C3-C3 'and the cut surface is viewed, the relationship between the prism 180Y or 180LM and the optical unit is as shown in FIG.

Therefore, when the carriage 2 moves in the scanning direction (arrow E) along the guide shaft 3, the ink tanks 7C, 7M, and 7Y are moved to the lower right side of the prism in the optical connit 14 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the ink tanks 7LC, 7LM, and 7Bk, the optical unit 14 is located on the lower left side of the prism as shown in FIG. And all the ink tanks 7C, 7M, 7Y, 7LC,
7LM and 7Bk have a positional relationship as shown in FIG. 9 when passing near the position directly above the optical unit 14.

Therefore, if the ink in the ink tank is exhausted, the light emitted from the light emitting element 15 is reflected by the inclined surface of the prism and returns to the light receiving element 16, so that the MPU 1701 detects at this time. The presence or absence of ink is determined by reading the signal.

As described above, in this embodiment, the prism length (b) with respect to the recording medium conveyance direction (direction of arrow F) is "7.0 (mm)", and this value is
Since the displacement amount of the head holder 200 and the head holder 210 in the transport direction (arrow F) is set to be longer than 4 mm, the prism of the ink tank mounted on each of the two head holders using one optical unit 14 is used. The reflected light from can be detected.

Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the prism used for detecting the remaining amount of ink is formed so as to have a sufficiently long length in the recording medium conveyance direction, so that the prism is provided. Even if there is an error in mounting the ink tank on the head holder or mounting the head holder on the carriage, or if there is a manufacturing error in each component, the light emitted from the optical unit is reflected by the prism. Therefore, the remaining ink amount can be accurately detected even if the working accuracy, the assembly accuracy, and the mounting accuracy of the above parts are not so high.

As a result, it is not necessary to increase the precision required for each component, so that it is possible to reduce the component cost while accurately detecting the remaining ink amount.

When the two head holders for mounting the ink tanks having the prisms are mounted on the carriage at a short distance from each other, the distance is made shorter than the length of the prisms in the recording medium conveyance direction. An optical unit for irradiating light to the ink tanks mounted on the two head holders to detect the remaining ink amount can be shared.

As a result, the device cost can be reduced.

Furthermore, the above effect can be achieved only by forming the prism used for detecting the remaining amount of ink so that the length in the recording medium conveying direction is sufficiently long. Very easy,
Therefore, high reliability can be secured.

In the embodiment described above, the prism used for detecting the remaining amount of ink is shaped so as to have a sufficiently long length in the recording medium conveyance direction. However, in order to shape such a prism, Needs to pay close attention to the selection of the material forming the prism and to manufacture the mold with sufficient accuracy.

Therefore, in order to increase the degree of freedom in selecting the material of the prism and to reduce the precision of the die, that is, in order to further reduce the production cost, as a modified example of this embodiment. The prism may be formed so as to be divided in the recording medium conveyance direction.

[First Modification (FIGS. 13 to 14)] FIG.
FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing an internal structure of an ink tank 7 according to a first modification. As can be seen from this figure, the prism is divided into two parts, a prism 180a and a prism 180b.

FIG. 14 shows the ink tank 7 shown in FIG.
6 ink tanks 7C, 7M, 7 having the same structure as
FIG. 6 is a diagram viewed from the top of the carriage to show the positional relationship between Y, 7LC, 7LM, 7Bk and the optical unit 14.

[Second Modification (FIGS. 15 to 16)] FIG.
FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing an internal structure of an ink tank 7 according to a second modification. As can be seen from this figure, the prisms are prism 180a, prism 180b, and prism 180c.
It is divided into three parts and molded.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the ink tank 7 shown in FIG. 15 taken along the line AA ′ and the bottom of the ink tank 7 is viewed from above.

As described above, the prism may be divided into two parts in the longitudinal direction of the tank and formed in three parts. As shown in FIG. 14, even if the head holder equipped with the ink tank having such a structure is mounted on the carriage so as to be displaced in the transport direction of the recording medium, the presence or absence of ink is detected by one optical unit 14. You can

Needless to say, other than this modification, the prism provided on the bottom surface of the ink tank may be divided into four or more.

[Third Modification (FIGS. 17 to 18)]
In the above-described embodiment and the first and second modified examples, the prism-molded portion is partially thicker than the entire ink tank. If there is such a partial thick part,
The inclined surface portion of the prism is not linearly formed, and the inclined surface portion is partially recessed, which may reduce the reflection efficiency of the light emitted from the optical unit 14.

Therefore, in this modified example, FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 7, by partially changing the shape of the bottom surface of the prism and providing the concave portion 181, it is possible to avoid a partial thick portion being formed in the prism molding portion, and to make the slope of the prism in the mold integral molding more smooth. It is formed linearly to improve the light reflection efficiency.

17 is a sectional view of the prism 180 taken along the line BB 'shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the prism 180 taken along the line CC' shown in FIG. FIG.

[Fourth Modification (FIGS. 19 to 21)] Although the light emitting element 15 and the light receiving element 16 of the optical unit 14 are arranged side by side in the carriage movement direction in the above-described embodiments and modifications. This arrangement may be rotated by 90 ° so that the light emitting element 15 and the light receiving element 16 are arranged side by side in the recording medium transport direction.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a recording apparatus of a recording apparatus according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 19, the light emitting element 15 and the light receiving element 16 of the optical unit 14 are arranged side by side in the recording medium transport direction (arrow F).

When the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged as described above, an error in mounting the ink tank on the head holder or an error in mounting the head holder on the carriage is absorbed, or the head holder has two head holders. In order to detect the remaining ink amount with one optical unit even when it is mounted on a carriage, two prisms are formed on the bottom surface of each ink tank at different positions with respect to the recording medium conveyance direction. The prisms are molded by rotating them by 90 ° with respect to the positions of the above-described embodiments and modifications.

FIG. 20 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of an ink tank 7'according to this modification. As can be seen from FIG. 20, the two prisms 180a ′ and 180b ′ are formed so as to be offset from each other, and the prisms 180a ′ and 180b ′ are formed.
The cross section of the isosceles triangle is visible.

FIG. 21 shows six ink tanks 7C ', 7M' having the same construction as the ink tank 7'shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a view of the carriage, to which these ink tanks are attached, viewed from above in order to show the positional relationship between 7Y ′, 7LC ′, 7LM ′, 7Bk ′ and the optical unit 14.

As shown in FIG. 21, in the ink tanks 7C ', 7M', and 7Y ', the optical unit 14 is located directly above the prism 180a', and the ink tank 7L.
In C ′, 7LM ′, and 7Bk ′, the optical unit 14 is located directly above the prism 180b ′.

As described above, the presence or absence of ink in the ink tank can be detected even when the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the optical unit are mounted with their mounting angles shifted by 90 degrees.

In the above embodiments, the liquid droplets ejected from the recording head have been described as ink, and the liquid contained in the ink tank has been described as ink. It is not limited. For example, an ink tank may contain a treatment liquid such as a treatment liquid ejected onto a recording medium in order to improve the fixability and water resistance of a recorded image or to improve the image quality.

Further, since the recording apparatus described in the above embodiment is capable of high-density and high-speed recording operation, the output means of the information processing system, for example, a copying machine,
Facsimile, electronic typewriter, word processor,
Printer as an output terminal for workstations,
Alternatively, it can be used as a handy or portable printer provided in a personal computer, an optical disk device, a video device, or the like. In this case, the recording device has a form corresponding to the function and usage form peculiar to these devices.

Even when the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.), a device composed of one device (for example, copying machine, facsimile device) Etc.)

[0113]

As described above, according to the present invention, the prism in the shape of a triangular prism provided at the bottom of the container of the liquid container is elongated in the prism direction, that is, in the recording medium conveying direction of the recording apparatus. Therefore, when a cartridge equipped with a recording head equipped with the liquid storage container is attached to a recording device for recording, the light emitted from the optical unit of the recording device is accurately captured by the prism. There is an effect that it is possible to accurately detect the remaining ink amount.

[0114]

Further, when a plurality of cartridges having a recording head having the liquid storage container mounted therein are mounted in the recording apparatus, the triangular prism is used to mount the first cartridge and the second cartridge. The light emitted from the optical means of the recording apparatus is moved to the prism provided in the liquid storage container mounted in the first cartridge to the second position by shifting the light by a distance shorter than the length in the direction. Since it also reaches the prism provided in the liquid storage container mounted in the cartridge, there is an effect that it is possible to detect the remaining amount of ink in the two cartridges using one optical means.

As a result, the optical means necessary for detecting the remaining ink amount can be made common, and the accurate remaining ink amount can be detected at a lower cost.

[0117]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the outline of a fence of a recording apparatus including a recording head that performs recording according to an inkjet method that is a typical embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the recording apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an ink remaining amount detecting section 25.

4 is a schematic perspective view of a head holder 200 including an ink tank 7 and a recording head 1. FIG.

5 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of the ink tank 7. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the ink tank when the ink tank 7 is cut along the line AA ′ shown in FIG.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the prism 180 taken along line BB ′ shown in FIG.

8 is a cross-sectional view of the prism 180 taken along the line CC ′ shown in FIG.

9 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a prism cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the prism 180 along a line CC ′ shown in FIG. 6 and an optical unit 14.

10 is a sectional view of the prism obtained by cutting the prism 180 along the line BB ′ shown in FIG. 6 and a diagram showing a positional relationship between the light emitting elements 15 of the optical unit 14.

11 is a sectional view of the prism obtained by cutting the prism 180 along the line BB ′ shown in FIG. 6 and a diagram showing a positional relationship between the light emitting elements 15 of the optical unit 14. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a state in which two head holders 200 and 210 are attached to the carriage 2, as viewed from above the carriage.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of the ink tank 7 according to the first modification.

14 is a schematic diagram of six ink tanks 7C, 7M, 7Y, and 7LC having the same configuration as the ink tank 7 shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram viewed from the top of the carriage to show the positional relationship between the 7LM and 7Bk and the optical unit 14.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view showing an internal structure of an ink tank 7 according to a second modification.

16 is a cross-sectional view of the ink tank 7 shown in FIG. 15 taken along the line AA ′ and the bottom of the ink tank 7 viewed from above.

17 is a cross-sectional view of the prism 180 taken along the line BB ′ shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the prism 180 taken along the line C-C ′ shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a recording device of a recording device according to a fourth modification.

FIG. 20 is a side sectional view showing an internal structure of an ink tank 7 ′ according to a fourth modification.

21. Six ink tanks 7C ', 7M', 7Y ', 7L having the same configuration as the ink tank 7'shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a view of the carriage to which these ink tanks are attached, viewed from above, in order to show the positional relationship between C ′, 7LM ′, 7Bk ′ and the optical unit 14.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a conventional light transmission type prism provided on the bottom surface of an ink tank, a light emitting element for irradiating the prism with light and a light receiving element for receiving the light.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Recording Head 2 Carriage 3 Guide Shaft 4 Carriage Motor 5 Timing Belt 6 Engaging Claws 7, 7C, 7M, 7Y, 7LC, 7LM, 7Bk Ink Tank 8 Platen 9 Feed Motor 10 Recovery Device 11 Cap 12 Wiper 13 ASF 14 Optical Unit 15 Light emitting element 16 Light receiving element 17 Chassis 20 Ink cartridge 30 LED drive circuit 31 Low pass filter (LPF) 32 Controller 120 Atmosphere communication port 140 Ink supply cylinder 140A Ink supply ports 180, 180a, 180a ', 180b, 180
b ′, 180c Prism 181 Prism recesses 200, 210 Head holder 320 Absorber 340 Negative pressure generating member accommodating chamber 360 Liquid accommodating chamber 380 Partition 400 Communication port 420 Rib 440 Air buffer chamber 460 Pressure contact 1060 Prism 1061 Tank bottom 1062 Light emitting element 1063 Light receiving element

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-10-230616 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/175

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A light-receiving element for ejecting liquid to perform recording
Including that the position of the optical unit consisting of the light emitting element is different.
In loadable liquid container to free the carriage of a plurality of types of recording apparatus, the liquid directly and reservoir capable liquid reservoir, the liquid can be supplied to an external liquid supply ports to be accommodated in the liquid accommodating portion, the liquid The surface that forms the outer wall surface of the housing and the surface that is different from the surface and that forms the interface with the liquid have a predetermined angle with respect to the optical path of the light emitted from the light source at a predetermined external position. And a plurality of substantially polygonal prisms formed by a light-transmissive member, and the liquid storage container has a flat shape, and the direction in which the columns formed by the prisms extend. And the liquid storage
The longitudinal direction of the container is the same direction, the scanning direction of the carriage of the recording device intersects , and the prism length of the prism is the plural types of recording devices.
From the length corresponding to the difference in the optical unit position
Liquid storage container characterized by a long length . 2. The cross section perpendicular to the prismatic direction of the prism is
It has the shape of an isosceles triangle and the prismatic direction of the prism.
Is longer than the base of the isosceles triangle.
The liquid container according to claim 1, which is characterized in that. 3. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the prism is formed by being divided into a plurality of prisms in a prismatic direction of the prism. 4. A cartridge including the liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a recording head that discharges the liquid stored in the liquid storage container, and a plurality of the liquid storage containers are held. A cartridge having a holder. 5. The cartridge according to claim 4 is used,
A recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, with respect to the prism from the light emitting element of the optical unit
The liquid is irradiated based on the reflected light from the prism that is received by the light receiving element of the optical unit.
A recording method comprising: a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the liquid contained in the storage container; and a control unit that controls the recording operation by the recording head based on the detection result obtained by the detection unit. apparatus. 6. A liquid ejecting timing from a recording head of the cartridge, further comprising a scanning unit that carries a plurality of the cartridges and reciprocates, and a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium.
To shift the grayed, among the plurality of cartridges, the first cartridge and the second cartridge with respect to the transport direction of the recording medium by the conveying means is mounted on said scanning means offset from one another, the first and Second cartridge mounted on the scanning means
When the deviation, the prism length of the prism in the prism direction
The recording device according to claim 5 , which is shorter than the recording device. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged along a scanning direction of the scanning unit. 8. A light receiving element for ejecting liquid to perform recording
Including that the position of the optical unit consisting of the light emitting element is different.
In loadable liquid container to no more recording devices, and the liquid directly and reservoir capable liquid reservoir, the liquid can be supplied to an external liquid supply ports to be accommodated in the liquid accommodating portion, said liquid containing portion The surface forming the outer wall surface and the surface different from the surface and forming the interface with the liquid have a predetermined angle with respect to the optical path of the light emitted from the light source located at a predetermined external position. And a plurality of substantially polygonal prisms formed of a light transmissive member, and each of the plurality of prisms is a liquid of the liquid storage portion.
It is possible to detect the presence or absence of said plurality of prisms, together are arranged in the prismatic direction of the prisms, and wherein said the liquid supply port is provided on a surface of the plurality of prisms are provided Liquid storage container. 9. A light receiving element for ejecting liquid to perform recording
Including that the position of the optical unit consisting of the light emitting element is different.
In loadable liquid container to no more recording devices, and the liquid directly and reservoir capable liquid reservoir, the liquid can be supplied to an external liquid supply ports to be accommodated in the liquid accommodating portion, said liquid containing portion The surface forming the outer wall surface and the surface different from the surface and forming the interface with the liquid have a predetermined angle with respect to the optical path of the light emitted from the light source located at a predetermined external position. And a plurality of prisms each having a substantially polygonal columnar shape and formed of a light transmissive member, and each of the plurality of prisms is a liquid in the liquid storage portion.
It is possible to detect the presence or absence of body, the liquid containing portion with is partitioned by another space and the partition wall, wherein the plurality of prisms, wherein the other space and the liquid containing portion
A liquid container, wherein the plurality of prisms are provided side by side in a prismatic direction on a surface provided with a communicating portion with the liquid storage container. 10. A light receiving element for ejecting a liquid to perform recording
The position of the optical unit consisting of
In loadable liquid container to a plurality of types of recording apparatus including a liquid directly and reservoir capable liquid reservoir, the liquid can be supplied to an external liquid supply ports to be accommodated in the liquid accommodating portion, said liquid containing portion The surface forming the outer wall surface and the surface different from the surface and forming the interface with the liquid have a predetermined angle with respect to the optical path of the light emitted from the light source located at a predetermined external position. And a plurality of prisms each having a substantially polygonal columnar shape and formed of a light transmissive member, and each of the plurality of prisms is a liquid in the liquid storage portion.
It is possible to detect the presence or absence of a body, and the plurality of prisms are provided side by side in the prismatic direction of the plurality of prisms on the bottom surface when the liquid storage container is mounted horizontally on the recording device. Liquid storage container to be.