JP3801380B2 - Multi-chamber fluid supply source - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Field of the invention]
The present invention relates to ink jet printers and the like, and more particularly, to small and fast print speed ink jet printing systems with improved performance.
[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ink jet printing is a non-impact printing process in which ink droplets are deposited on a print medium in a specific order to form alphanumeric characters, area fills, and other patterns. Low cost and high quality hardcopy output, coupled with relatively quiet operation, has made inkjet printers a popular alternative to other types of printers used in computers.
[0003]
The non-impact printing process of ink jet printing involves jetting fine droplets of ink onto a print medium, such as paper, transparent film or fabric, in response to an electrical signal generated by a microprocessor. There are two basic means currently available for jetting ink droplets in inkjet printing. Thermal type and piezoelectric type. In piezoelectric ink jet printing, ink droplets are again ejected by vibrations of the piezoelectric crystal in response to electrical signals generated by the microprocessor.
[0004]
In thermal ink jet printing, an ink jet image is ejected onto a print medium from a droplet generator called a “print head” in which a precise pattern of dots is printed. A typical inkjet printhead includes an array of precisely formed nozzles (or ejector sections) attached to a thermal inkjet printhead substrate, such as silicon, nickel or polyimide, or combinations thereof. The substrate incorporates an array of firing chambers or droplet ejector sections that receive liquid ink (colorant dissolved or dispersed in a solvent) by circulation with one or more ink reservoirs. Each firing chamber has a thin film resistor, called a “fire resistor”, placed on the opposite side of the nozzle so that ink can be collected between the fire resistor and the nozzle. The print head is mounted on a carriage that runs in the direction of the width of the printer (in other cases called the “scan axis”).
[0005]
Available thermal ink jet printers, such as the DeskJet printer available from Hewlett-Packard Company, use inks of different hues, i.e., magenta, yellow and cyan, and optionally black. A particular collection of colorants, such as dyes, used to make the ink is referred to as a “primary dye set”. A spectrum of colors, eg, secondary colors, can be generated using various combinations of primary dye sets.
[0006]
One class of inkjet printers utilizes disposable printheads where the ink reservoir is on the carriage and thus on board or on axis. The reservoir can be formed integrally with the printhead portion, or the reservoir can be removably connected to the printhead portion.
[0007]
Another class of ink jet printers employ ink reservoirs that are not installed on the carriage and are therefore offboard or off-axis. In one case, the reservoir intermittently refills the print head as the print head travels periodically to the stationary reservoir for refill. Another type uses a replaceable ink reservoir connected to the printhead by a fluid conduit. The print head is refilled with ink by this fluid conduit.
[0008]
The reservoir can be replaced individually (apart from other reservoirs), or the reservoir can be formed as one complete reservoir part and replaced as a unit.
[0009]
Different printhead / ink reservoir configurations address different customer needs. For example, an on-board design provides ease of use. Printers that use off-board designs reduce interruptions in printing operations that require large amounts of ink, such as large prints.
[0010]
In general, a good ink set for color inkjet printing should have the following properties: I.e. good stability, proper viscosity, proper surface tension, good intercolor bleeding relief, vibrant colors, sharp edges, rapid drying time, no negative (unfavorable) reaction with the vehicle, Consumer safety, good durability (eg stain resistance, light resistance, water resistance), and low penetration. When installed in a thermal ink jet device, the ink set should also be anti-kogation.
[0011]
Regardless of whether the ink is dye-based or pigment-based, inkjet inks typically face color-to-color or black-to-color bleed control problems. The term “smear”, as used herein, means that when ink is deposited on a print medium, it is clear that the boundary between one color and the other is irregular. It is defined that one color penetrates the other color. Smearing occurs as the color mixes on the surface of the paper substrate as well as within the substrate itself. The occurrence of bleeding is particularly a problem between black ink and color ink printed adjacently. Because it is all more visible. Therefore, in order to achieve good print quality, the blur between colors should be substantially reduced or eliminated so that there is no boundary between colors and one color never penetrates the other. . Several methods have been utilized to control bleeding between printed images, many of which utilize a reactive ink mechanism.
[0012]
One method used to control bleeding between printed images is filed by Shields et al. And assigned to the same assignee as the present invention and is described herein for reference in the “Multi-Ink Printing System”. As disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,428,383 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Preventing Color Smear”, a precipitating agent (eg, a polyvalent metal salt) is applied to one ink and the other ink, preferably black ink. In addition, it is preferable to employ a colorant in the form of an organic dye having at least one, preferably two or more carboxy groups and / or carboxylic acid groups. When the ink is printed on print media adjacent to each other, the ink containing the precipitating agent precipitates a colorant having a carboxy / carboxylate base, thereby reducing bleeding between two adjacent print areas.
[0013]
Another method of reducing ink-jet ink bleed is filed by Shields et al. And assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, and is described herein for reference. The use of pH sensitive dyes such as those disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,181,045. This US patent discloses that a pH-sensitive dye, “pH-sensitive ink”, prevents bleeding into an adjacent ink, “target ink”, having an appropriate pH. More specifically, the migration of inks having pH sensitive dyes is prevented by making the dyes insoluble by contacting the dyes with adjacent inks having the appropriate pH on the page. Thus, using “target” ink in addition to “pH sensitive” ink reduces or eliminates bleeding. Usually, the penetration of black dye into color ink is more problematic than vice versa because of its high visibility, so black ink uses pH sensitive dye and the pH of color ink is controlled by the practice of the present invention. The black ink is prevented from bleeding into the color ink. The method of US Pat. No. 5,181,045 requires a pH difference of about 4 (or 5) units to fully control bleeding.
[0014]
U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,743 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,143, filed on Dec. 6, 1995 by Adamic et al. And assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, entitled “Bleeding Mitigation of Ink-Jet Inks Using Organic Acids” No. (filed by Looman and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, the name “bleeding mitigation of inkjet inks using acids containing basic functional groups”) is incorporated herein by reference, The pH sensitive dye of the ink (pH sensitive ink) on the print medium by contacting the pH sensitive dye with a second ink (target ink) having an appropriate pH (higher or lower than the first ink) Discloses a method of controlling bleeding by precipitation. Upon contact with the print medium, the pH sensitive dye of the first ink becomes insoluble and therefore less bleed. U.S. Application 08/567974 discloses the use of organic acids to reduce the pH difference necessary to effect precipitation of pH sensitive dye colorants compared to that disclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat.No. 5,181,045. ing. U.S. Pat.No. 5,679,143 contains organic acids and acids without basic functional groups and basic functional groups, in particular at least one acidic functional group and at least one basic functional group, where the number of basic functional groups is Employs the use of pH-adjusting organic compounds that are equal to or greater than the number of acidic functional groups. The presence of an organic acid in the ink-jet ink composition will cause the pH difference necessary to insolubilize the pH-sensitive colorant of the second invasive ink-jet ink composition, as described in US application 08/567974 above. decrease. The presence of the dual functional group pH adjusting compound further increases the concentration of acidic functional groups in the ink-jet ink composition while increasing the pH of the ink-jet ink composition to an acceptable level. Thus, the bifunctional pH adjusting compound increases the bleed mitigation achieved by the organic acid alone by the mechanism disclosed in application 08/567974.
[0015]
To prevent bleeding between primary colors (for example, cyan, magenta, and yellow) and secondary colors including black (for example, red, blue, and green), all three primary colors must be It is planned to react with black ink according to a reaction mechanism such as those described in (Polyvalent metal salt, pH sensitive dye).
[0016]
The above solutions utilizing reactive inks, while addressed, do not maximize the design flexibility of the inks and printing devices that use them. For example, the use of reactive ink devices may result in unnecessary mixing of reactive inks, and therefore certainty in a printing device, particularly in a miniaturized printhead configuration or a miniaturized ink supply configuration. Cause problems.
[0017]
US patent application 09/069717 entitled "Reactive Ink Assembly for Inkjet Printing", filed April 29, 1998 by Askeland et al., Discloses an ink set and a method of printing using it, Thus, the ink set comprises an ink composed of an aqueous vehicle and a colorant, and the ink set is composed of at least two mutually reacting inks and at least two mutually reacting inks. Ink sets take advantage of reactive inks while allowing flexibility in the design of the structure of the inks and the inkjet printing systems that use them.
[0018]
US patent application 09/069616, entitled “Multi-ink Source”, filed April 29, 1998 by Askeland et al., Is designed for reactive inks while maximizing the design and construction flexibility of inkjet printing systems. An ink jet printing system and an ink supply device that can take advantage of the advantages are disclosed. The ink jet printing system comprises at least three ejector portions, a reservoir portion comprising at least three ink chambers, each ink chamber supplying ink to one of the at least three ejector portions; Two of the ink chambers each comprise one of the first or second mutually reactive inks, and the other ink chamber contains ink that does not react with the first or second mutually reactive inks. I have.
[0019]
US patent applications 09/069717 and 09/069616 deal with either or both of undesirable blending of colors (eg, blur) and other image quality attributes. When the ink set contains ink that does not react with the first ink, to reduce bleeding between the first ink and the non-reactive ink, or to increase the attributes of other printing systems A printing method (underprinting method) can be employed. When applying the “underprinting” method, the area to be printed with the first ink (eg, black) (referred to herein as the first area) is also at least partially reactive with the first ink. Printing with one ink (eg, magenta or yellow) thereby minimizing color mixing between the first area and the second area to be printed with non-reactive ink. While these ink sets with non-reactive ink subsets are much more advantageous, they do not address all the image quality characteristics desirable for inkjet images.
[0020]
Accordingly, there is a need for an inkjet printing system and ink supply configuration that can take advantage of reactive inks while considering maximizing the design and structure flexibility of the inkjet printing system.
[0021]
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an inkjet printing system and fluid delivery arrangement is provided that takes advantage of the advantages of reactive fluids while maximizing the flexibility of inkjet printing system design and structure. this The inkjet printing system includes at least one injector portion having at least two injector portions. Integration A printhead portion with a printhead portion; and The At least one reservoir portion associated with the printhead portion, the reservoir portion having at least two reservoir chambers, each reservoir chamber for supplying fluid to at least two ejector portions; Of the chamber Our One contains the reactant fluid and the other chamber contains at least one ink that does not react with the reactant fluid.
[0022]
In addition, according to the present invention, a fluid supply device for supplying fluid to an inkjet printing system is disclosed, the fluid supply device comprising a reservoir portion having at least one complete reservoir portion, wherein the reservoir portion is at least There are two reservoir chambers, each reservoir chamber supplying fluid to the inkjet printing system, one of the reservoir chambers containing the reactant fluid and the other reservoir chamber containing the reactant stream. There is ink that does not react.
[0023]
[Detailed Description of the Invention]
Definition
Fluid—Contains either or both of a reactant fluid and an ink composition.
Reaction—Solubility or state of one or more colorants of at least one of two fluids that react with each other so as to immobilize movement of at least one colorant on the print medium when the fluids contact each other. To change.
Reactant fluid—A fluid that has virtually no color (i.e., the reactant fluid may not contain any colorant (e.g., dye or pigment), or the reactant fluid may not absorb visible light but may be infrared or May contain colorants that are absorbed by either or both of the ultraviolet light). The reactant fluid reacts with the components of the ink (molecules or complexes, or functional groups within the molecules or complexes), so that the reactant fluid and ink are at least partially in the same predetermined area on the print medium or printed. Improve performance (for example, water resistance, stain resistance) or reduce bleeding, improve color vividness, improve edge sharpness, or dry time when printing on predetermined areas adjacent to each other on media Ingredients (molecules or complexes, or functional groups in molecules or complexes) that enhance the image integrity of the print area created by the ink, such as shortening.
[0024]
Reactive fluid—A fluid that reacts with other fluids.
Reactive fluids—fluids that react with each other.
Integrated printhead—a printhead with an array of drop ejector portions that are non-removably attached to a rigid structure. The emitter portion is fabricated from a material that includes silicon, nickel, polyimide, or combinations thereof. Such techniques for forming monolithic printheads are well known in the art and are described in publications such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,438,191 and 4,922,265, both assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Yes.
Printhead portion-1 or printhead with two or more integrated printhead portions.
Integrated reservoir portion—a reservoir portion with a plurality of reservoir chambers in which a plurality of reservoir chambers are non-detachably attached to each other.
[0025]
Integrated print cartridge-inkjet printhead portion and at least one reservoir chamber That is Integrated reservoir part; Integrated print cartridge The Is forming.
On-Board (On-Axis)-A class of inkjet printers that utilize disposable print heads where the fluid reservoir is on-board the carriage. The reservoir can be formed integrally with the printhead portion or can be removably connected to the printhead portion.
Off-board (off-axis) —a class of inkjet printers that utilize a fluid reservoir that is not installed on the carriage. In some cases, the reservoir intermittently replenishes the printhead with fluid as the printhead travels periodically to a stationary storage container for replenishment. Another type utilizes a replaceable ink reservoir connected to the printhead by a fluid conduit. The fluid is supplied to the print head by this fluid conduit.
Scan Axis—Axis formed by carriage movement relative to the printing system.
[0026]
Explanation
Referring to FIG. 1, a non-scale schematic diagram of an inkjet printing system 100 is shown, the apparatus employing a book that employs at least two fluids, a reactant fluid and a fluid that does not react with the reactant fluid. A multi-ink supply system 105 of the invention is provided. The fluid can further comprise at least one ink that reacts with the reactant fluid to improve any one of a number of printing system attributes, such as bleed mitigation, stain resistance, and reduced drying time. The printing system 100 receives a signal from the control electronics 130 of the printing system via an electronic link 140 and responds to selectively depositing droplets of fluid available on the print media 90 from the fluid reservoir portion 120. A portion 110 is provided.
[0027]
The print head 110 includes a plurality of ejector portions 115 that emit various fluids. In the illustrated embodiment, the ejector portion 115 includes black, cyan, magenta, and yellow inks and ejector portions 115K, 115C, 115M, 115Y, and 115F, respectively, for discharging reactant fluids. However, more or less ink and reactant fluids of the same or different formulations can be used depending on the print application and degree of print quality, color gamut, and other print attributes required.
[0028]
Each injector section receives fluid from a separate reservoir section. The (Embodiment By The same fluid Eruption To supply the container part Reservoir chamber Comprising one or more reservoir chambers comprising Also Is possible). Exemplification of In an embodiment, the reservoir portion 120 contains black, cyan, magenta, and yellow inks. Respectively Storage container chamber 120K, 120C, 120M, and 120Y for containing, And 120F for containing reactant fluid F is provided. these Reservoir chamber Is Formed integrally with print head portion 110 Also You can Or Removably connected to the printhead as in off-board or on-board systems To do it can. For example, between the reservoir part and the printhead part Is Optional selection so A separation portion 160 can be provided. Each reservoir chamber Is Take individually R Can be replaced. In a preferred embodiment, a reservoir chamber is provided to simplify the fluid supply system. Is , Unit (ie unity Conversion One piece to be replaced as reservoir part) Conversion Formed as reservoir part 120 Is The
[0029]
In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of injector portions 115 are uniaxially installed to simplify and maximize space efficiency. This axis will be referred to as the array axis “A”. To further maximize space efficiency, the array axis “A” is made parallel to the scan axis “S” with respect to the direction in which the print head portion travels over the print medium during the printing operation.
[0030]
In the remainder of the description, by way of example, unless otherwise stated, the result of a reaction between reactive fluids, for example, between inks reacting with a reactant fluid or between two inks reacting with each other We will use "image integrity" to describe the desired effect that will be obtained, and we will use black, cyan, magenta, and yellow to refer to the first through fourth inks. Furthermore, the term “image integrity” encompasses attributes such as bleed reduction, drying time reduction, soil resistance, and water resistance that can be affected as a result of the reaction between two reactive fluids. Alternatively, when referring to an ink that reacts with a reactant fluid, the ink may be reactive or non-reactive with another ink.
[0031]
For example, FIG. 1 shows four different inks. That is Separate reservoir chambers 120K, 120C, 120M and 120Y for containing the first to fourth inks, And Shown are inkjet printing systems each employing 120F to contain a reactant fluid "F" that reacts with at least one ink. is doing . In one embodiment, the reactant fluid and at least one ink that reacts with the reactant fluid are utilized in the integrated printhead portion. In other embodiments, the fluid set further comprises ink that does not react with the reactants. Integration In embodiments employing a printhead, the fluid set preferably comprises ink that does not react with the reactant fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the reactant fluid and at least one ink that reacts with the reactant fluid are Integration Used for the print head. In a preferred embodiment, the reactant fluid reacts with at least one of black, cyan, and magenta inks, more preferably with black, cyan, and magenta inks, and not with yellow inks. In one embodiment, in addition to the reactant fluid that reacts with at least one ink and does not react with at least one ink, at least two inks are reactive with each other (“interactive ink”). Also For example, black ink is reactive with at least magenta ink or yellow ink, preferably both magenta and yellow ink, and more preferably cyan ink is non-reactive with black ink. It is sex. One skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to a fixed number of inks and reactant fluids, and that more or less fluids of the same or different composition can be used in a fluid set.
[0032]
In one embodiment, the inks do not react with each other but react with the reactant fluid except for the ink associated with the drop ejector portion located adjacent to the droplet ejector portion associated with the reactant fluid. The deposited ink does not react with the reactant fluid.
[0033]
It is common for fluid (including ink and reactant fluid) to pool on the nozzle plate of an inkjet printhead. A puddle can cause fluid mixing, for example, during the wiping process. This mixing of fluids, especially reactive fluids Integration When used in connection with a printhead, it may cause reliability problems in the firing chamber. Therefore, when using reactive fluid methods such as those described above (or any other method of reaction to the material) (the reaction is between two inks or between an ink and a reactant fluid) Related to fluids that are reactive with each other (ie, fluids that are reactive with each other) Injector It is preferred to separate the parts. Accordingly, it is preferred to provide a separation buffer between the mutually reactive fluids by separating the mutually reactive fluids by at least one injector portion associated with fluids that do not react with each other. In other words, Integration In a printhead device, two mutually reactive fluids are not associated with adjacent emitter portions. This choice for the separation of adjacent injector portions associated with mutually reactive fluids is present in all embodiments to be described in the remainder of the description of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the reactant fluid does not react with at least one ink associated with an ejector portion adjacent to the ejector portion associated with the reactant fluid. In one embodiment, the reactant fluid and at least one ink that does not react with the reactant fluid are Integration It is in the reservoir part. In another embodiment, the reactant fluid and at least one ink that does not react with the reactant fluid are Integration Used in the print head section. In one preferred embodiment, the reactant fluid is non-reactive with the four inks, and the first ink is mutually reactive with the third ink, and preferably with both the third and fourth inks. And the first ink does not react with the second ink. In one preferred embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth inks are black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively.
[0034]
The reaction between mutually reactive fluids can be performed by any of the mechanisms well known in the art, such as the use of pH sensitive colorants, or the use of precipitating agents, as described in the aforementioned patents and applications. One can be adopted. The present invention applies to any reactor in which the reactant fluid reacts with at least one ink, regardless of the purpose of the reaction, and in addition, at least two inks, the first ink is the third, and optional It can also be employed when reacting with each other, such as when it is planned to react with the fourth ink. One or more reactions can help to enhance any one of a number of required image integrity attributes. Further, the reaction mechanism between two fluids that react with each other (eg, fluids 1 and 2) can be the same, or any other, including reactions between inks and between reactant fluids and inks. The reaction mechanism between two reactive fluids (eg, fluids 3 and 4 or fluids 1 and 4) can also be different, and each reaction mechanism can include one or more reaction mechanisms (eg, multivalent metals). Salt, interconnecting reaction).
[0035]
A fluid set employing the present invention prints at least partially with at least one first reactive fluid in one of the adjacent areas and at least another that reacts with the first fluid in the other area. Increase image integrity (eg, blur) between adjacent print areas that are printed with the second reactive fluid. Alternatively, in an alternative embodiment, one of the adjacent areas to be printed (or to be printed) with ink that reacts with the reactant fluid is also at least partially printed with the reactant fluid and the other print area is Printing with other inks that can or cannot react with either of the two fluids printed in one adjacent print area. The fluid set of the present invention is suitable for printing an area to be printed with ink that reacts with the reactant fluid, at least in part, with the reactant fluid, before, after, or substantially simultaneously with the reactive ink. It also enhances other image integrity attributes such as stain resistance and water resistance. In an alternative embodiment, the fluid set comprises at least two mutually reactive inks. In other embodiments employing at least two mutually reactive inks, an ink that does not react with each other's reactive ink (eg, a second ink) is employed, and the non-reactive ink is two mutually reactive inks. And associated with the ejector portion disposed between the ejector portions associated with the reactive ink.
[0036]
When attempting to print with an ink that does not react with any other fluid in an area adjacent to another print area, a non-reactive ink (eg, a fourth ink) is preferred to be in color, preferably into that adjacent print area. It is preferred to have a yellow color with minimal diffusion.
[0037]
In the above description, such as ink, reactive, non-reactive fluid devices, reservoirs, printheads, and print cartridge devices are also applicable to the figures below.
[0038]
Referring now to FIG. 2, a complete printhead portion with a plurality of ejector portions 550 for ejecting a plurality of inks; 550K, 550C, 550M, and 550Y, and 550F for ejecting reactant fluids 500 is cut and shown by way of example only of the injector portion. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of inks are black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink. Each ejector portion of the printhead portion 500 is associated with the ejector portion and is preferably at least one for discharging fluid disposed in the direction of the paper axis “P” perpendicular to the scan axis “S”. A row of nozzles or orifices is provided. The reactant fluid reacts with at least one ink and preferably does not react with the ink associated with the ejector portion adjacent to the ejector portion associated with the reactant fluid. In an alternative embodiment, at least two inks, such as the first and third inks, are reactive with each other. In a preferred embodiment, the first ink is black.
[0039]
Next, in FIG. 3a, the print head portion 600 is divided into two integrated print heads 600I and 600II. In the preferred embodiment, printhead 600I is comprised of ejector portions 600K and 600C, and printhead 600II is comprised of ejector portions 600M, 600Y, and 600F. Each ejector portion, such as 600K, can include one or more corresponding ejector portions (eg, there can be two ejector portions associated with a fluid, such as black ink, and one or more Associated with reservoir chamber). In one embodiment, ejector portions 600K and 600C are associated with black and cyan inks, and ejector portions 600M, 600Y, and 600F are associated with magenta and yellow inks and reactant fluids, respectively, Magenta and yellow ink react with black ink, cyan ink does not react with black ink, and preferably yellow ink does not react with both reactant fluid and magenta ink.
[0040]
Next, in FIG. 3b, the printhead portion 610 has two Integration It is divided into print heads 610I and 610II. In the preferred embodiment, print head 610I consists of ejector portions 610K, 610C and 610M, and print head 610II consists of ejector portions 610Y and 610F. In one embodiment, ejector portions 610K, 610C, and 610M are associated with black, cyan, and magenta inks, and ejector portions 610Y and 610F are associated with yellow ink and reactant fluid, respectively, and magenta And yellow ink reacts with black ink and cyan ink does not react with black and magenta ink.
[0041]
3c, the print head portion 620 is divided into two integrated print heads 620I and 620II. In the preferred embodiment, printhead 620I is comprised of ejector portions 620K1, 620K2, and 620C, and printhead 620II is comprised of ejector portions 620M, 620Y, and 620F. As can be noted, two or more ejector portions, eg, 620K1 and 620K2, are associated with a single fluid, eg, black ink. In one embodiment, ejector portions 620K1, 620K2 are associated with black ink, 620C is associated with cyan ink, and ejector portions 620M, 620Y, and 620F are associated with magenta and yellow ink and reactant fluid, respectively. Relatedly, magenta and yellow ink react with black ink and cyan ink does not react with black ink.
[0042]
Next, in FIG. 3d, the printhead portion 630 has two Integration It is divided into print heads 630I and 630II. In the preferred embodiment, printhead 630I is comprised of ejector portions 630K, 630C, 630M, and 630Y, and printhead 630II is comprised of ejector portion 630F. In one embodiment, ejector portions 630K, 630C, 630M, and 630Y are associated with black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink, and ejector portion 630F is associated with a reactant fluid, magenta and yellow Ink reacts with black ink and cyan ink does not react with black ink. In other embodiments, the inks do not react with each other but react with the reactant fluid.
[0043]
Next, in FIG. 3e, the printhead portion 640 has two Integration The print heads are divided into 640I, 640II, and 640III. In the preferred embodiment, print head 640I consists of ejector portions 640F1, 640Y1, and 640C1, printhead 640II consists of ejector portions 640M1, 640K, and 640M2, and printhead 640IIIF consists of ejector portions 640C2, It is composed of 640Y2 and 640F2. In one embodiment, ejector portions 640K, 640C1 and 640C2, 640M1 and 640M2, and 640Y1 and 640Y2 are associated with black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink, respectively, and ejector portions 640F1 and 640F2 are reactant fluids. Is related to. In one embodiment, cyan and yellow inks react with black ink and magenta ink does not react with black ink.
[0044]
Referring now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of an ink supply system 105 ′ is illustrated in schematic form. The ink supply system 105 ′ includes a printhead portion 110 ′ with a plurality of ejector portions 115 ′ for ejecting various inks, and fluid to the printhead portion 110 ′ via a fluid outlet 150 ′ and a fluid inlet 130 ′. A reservoir portion 120 'for supply is provided. A fluid that fluidly couples a reservoir chamber chamber with a particular fluid to a corresponding ejector portion of the printhead portion that utilizes the same fluid when each fluid outlet 150 'is connected to each fluid inlet 130' A connection is formed.
[0045]
In a preferred embodiment, the fluid outlet 150 ′ is configured to connect to fluid inlets 130′K, 130′C, 130′M, 130′Y, and 130′F, respectively. 150'M, 150'Y, and 150'F, and thus black, cyan, magenta, and yellow inks, and reactant fluids in their corresponding fluid reservoir chambers 120'K, 120'C, 120′M, 120′Y, and reactant fluid reservoir chamber 120′F supply to injector portions 115′K, 115′C, 115′M, 115′Y, and 115′F, respectively.
[0046]
In a preferred embodiment, for simplicity of design, the fluid outlet 150 ′, fluid inlet 130 ′, reservoir chamber 120 ′, and injector portion 115 ′ are preferably oriented in an array axis parallel to the scan axis “S”. Is arranged.
[0047]
The reactant fluid reacts with at least one ink, preferably three inks. In one embodiment, at least two inks are reactive with each other. In a preferred embodiment, the first ink is black. Preferably, the first ink interacts with the third ink, preferably both the third and fourth inks, does not react with the second ink, and the reactant fluid interacts with the fourth ink. no response. In a preferred embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth inks are black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.
[0048]
In a preferred embodiment, reservoir chambers 120'K, 120'C, 120'M, 120'Y and their corresponding fluid outlets 150'K, 150'C, 150'M, 150'Y, and 150 ' F in the direction of scan axis “S”, respectively, corresponding injector portions 115′K, 115′C, 115′M, 115′Y, and 115′F, and their corresponding fluid inlets 130′K. , 130′C, 130′M, 130′Y, and 130′F are installed in the same predetermined installation order. This similar order of installation, as depicted in FIG. 4, allows for the maximum distance between the fluid connections connecting the fluid reservoirs to each other, and thus the possible leakage between the interactive fluids, especially at the fluid connection. In some cases, undesirable contamination is minimized.
[0049]
FIG. 5 shows a diagram of one embodiment of a printing system 100 ″. Printing system 100 ″ prints for storing print media (not shown) before and after sending the print media through print area 232 ″, respectively. Media input tray 230 "A and output tray 230" B. Carriage 234 "supports printhead portion 110" and scans print area 232 "in scan direction" S "to printhead portion 110". One or more fluids are selectively deposited on the print media in an associated ejector portion (not shown). Printhead portion 110 "is fluidly connected to reservoir portion 120" by conduit 216 ". Yes. The reservoir portion 120 "can be installed at a location that is scanned by the carriage 234" or at a location that is not scanned to allow for changes in the carriage configuration. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a printhead portion 110 "consisting of five injector portions 115K, 115" C, 115 "M, 115" Y, and 115 "F (not shown) is provided in five reservoir chambers. Can be installed away from the reservoir portion 120 "with 120" K, 120 "C, 120" M, 120 "Y, and 120" F, and the reservoir portion 120 "can be installed in a location that is not scanned by the carriage 234" The printhead portion 110 "receives ink and reactant fluid from the reservoir portion 120" by conduit 216 ".
[0050]
One skilled in the art will recognize that the number and color of ink and reactant fluid in the fluid set is not limited to the above example, and that a greater or lesser number of the same or different color inks can be used. Furthermore, the designation of the first to fourth inks is not limited to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, and any one of the inks defines a non-reactive subset when using a non-reactive subset You should also recognize what you can do. By way of example, an ink set may be black, cyan, magenta 1, magenta 2, magenta 1, magenta 2, with symbols “1” and “2” referring to inks having the same hue but different colorant concentrations or having the same ink formulation. And yellow, or black, cyan, magenta, yellow, red, green, blue, and white, giving a larger color range. Further, the reactant fluid reservoir and its corresponding ejector portion may be placed in one or more locations consistent with the present invention, for example, on one or both sides of the ink as illustrated by the configuration shown in FIG. 3e. Can be installed. Consistent with the present invention, preferably the two fluids associated with the adjacently disposed emitter portions are non-reactive with each other.
[0051]
fluid
The fluid of the present invention comprises at least one reactant fluid and at least one ink that reacts with the reactant fluid, and preferably at least one ink that does not react with the reactant fluid. The fluid is composed of an aqueous base. The ink further comprises at least one colorant. The reactant fluid further comprises at least one component for reacting with at least one component of at least one ink that reacts with the reactant fluid. At least one ink, preferably all, most preferably all but one, reacts with the reactant fluid. In one embodiment, at least two inks (eg, first and third inks) also react with each other. In other embodiments, the ink assembly is at least one that does not react with at least two mutually reacting inks. of Ink (for example, second ink) is provided.
[0052]
The reaction between the reactive fluids employs any one of reaction mechanisms well known to those skilled in the art, such as the use of pH sensitive colorants, or the use of precipitating agents, as described in the aforementioned patents and applications. can do. The present invention can be employed in any reactor when the reactant fluid reacts with at least one ink. As mentioned earlier, the reaction between reactive fluids helps to enhance any one of a number of printing system attributes such as bleed reduction, dirt resistance, drying time reduction, or all other required attributes. be able to. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism between any two reactive fluids (eg, fluid 1 and fluid 2) is the same, or between any other two reactive fluids (eg, fluid 3 and fluid 4, or fluid 1 And the reaction mechanism of fluid 4), each reaction mechanism being filed on April 22, 1998, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference, such as “ One or more reaction mechanisms may be provided, such as disclosed in US patent application 09 / 064,643 entitled “Ink Sets for Improving Print Quality”.
[0053]
Aqueous vehicle
The aqueous vehicle is water or a mixture of water and at least one water-soluble organic solvent, as is well known to those skilled in the art. The selection of an appropriate mixture depends on the requirements of the particular application, such as the required surface tension and viscosity, the desired colorant, the drying time of the inkjet fluid, and the type of print media on which the fluid will print.
[0054]
Reaction components
Depending on the reaction mechanism employed, the reactive fluid may have additional components. For example, when the reaction mechanism to reduce bleeding is by precipitation of a pH sensitive colorant in the first ink, either or both of the reactant fluid and the reactive third and fourth inks are sufficient. A quantity of organic acid is provided to render the first ink pH-sensitive colorant insoluble when contacted, as disclosed in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 5,679,143 and US Application 08/567974. Similarly, when the reaction mechanism is based on the use of a precipitating agent such as a polyvalent metal salt, as disclosed in the above-mentioned patent, either the reactant fluid and the third and fourth inks or Both contain a precipitant, such as a polyvalent metal salt.
[0055]
Instead, for example, as disclosed by Ma, when there are multiple reaction mechanisms, all the required reactive components that are compatible with each other within a given fluid composition are contained in the reactant fluid and other reactive inks. Can exist. For example, Ma is a first anionic print fluid comprising an aqueous base, at least one first colorant, and at least one anionic polymer; an aqueous vehicle, at least one first colorant, at least A second anionic print fluid comprising an acid additive having a second anionic polymer and a pKa up to at least the pKa of the first polymer of the first print fluid; an aqueous vehicle, at least one A third colorant, at least one third cationic polymer, and a third cationic printing fluid with a pH ranging from about 2 to about 5; and an aqueous vehicle, at least one fourth anion A set of print fluids comprising a dye and a fourth anionic print fluid with a precipitating agent is disclosed. Without giving an example and limiting the scope of the present invention, Ma provides the following ink assembly and reaction mechanism.
[0056]
A carbon black pigment is used as a colorant for the first ink. The carbon black pigment in the first ink, black (K) is stabilized with a carboxylic acid polymer dispersant (anion). The ink has a pH of about 8.
The magenta pigment in the second ink, magenta (M) is stabilized with a sulfated or phosphorylated polymer dispersant (anion). Magenta ink has a carboxylic acid additive and has a pH of about 3.
The yellow pigment in the third ink, yellow (Y) is stabilized with a cationic polymer dispersant. The pH of the ink is about 3.
The cyan colorant in the fourth ink, cyan (C), is an anionic water-soluble dye. The cyan ink further comprises a precipitating agent, here a polyvalent metal salt, and an optional carboxylic acid additive. The pH of the ink is about 3.
[0057]
The reaction between black ink and magenta ink is caused by the difference in pH between the two inks and excess hydrogen ions from the magenta ink. The black and yellow inks react due to the opposite charge between the black pigment dispersant and the yellow pigment dispersant. Black ink and cyan ink react with each other for precipitation of the dispersed black pigment by polyvalent metal ions (precipitant). In addition, if the fourth ink (eg, cyan) contains optional acid, the difference in pH between the cyan ink and the black ink further promotes the precipitation of the colorant in the black ink.
The reaction between the magenta ink and the yellow ink is caused by the opposite charge between the magenta pigment dispersant and the yellow pigment dispersant. Magenta and cyan inks react due to the polyvalent metal that precipitates the dispersed magenta pigment.
And finally, yellow and cyan inks react due to the opposite charge between the dispersed yellow pigment and the cyan dye.
[0058]
In the present invention, the reactant fluid is a combination of the aforementioned reactive components that are compatible with each other to provide a proper reaction mechanism between the reactant fluid and the ink that reacts with the reactant fluid or between the two inks that react with each other. All can be included. The reactant fluid reacts with two or more inks to give the requirements (i.e., the reactant fluid provides a component such that the required reaction occurs when the reactant fluid and the two inks contact each other on the print medium) It is also within the scope of the present invention to have a fluid assembly that needs to be achieved.
[0059]
In addition, the reactant fluid makes the image more Make it last longer Polymeric or interconnectable components for Include be able to. For example, reactive fluid (eg, reactant fluid and ink that reacts with the reactant fluid) But each Components that react with components in other reactive fluids Including, once Pudding when reacting G More images Can last a long time .
[0060]
Colorant
The colorant can be dye-based or pigment-based. As used herein, the term “pigment” refers to a colorant that is insoluble in an aqueous vehicle, and includes disperse dyes as well as pigments dispersed with a dispersant acid or self-dispersing pigments.
[0061]
The colorant employed in the ink may be dye-based or pigment-based. The choice of colorant depends on the particular printing application. As in the case of the colorant for the first ink, the choice of colorant may further include the selected reaction mechanism, eg, the use of a pH sensitive colorant, or the use of a precipitating agent (eg, a polyvalent metal salt), or Depends on other suitable reaction mechanisms.
[0062]
Examples of suitable colorants for use in the first ink are listed in US Pat. No. 4,963,189 (filed by Hindagolla and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, incorporated herein by reference). Disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,085,698, and US Pat. No. 5,555,008, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference, preferably at least one, preferably one or more carboxy groups and / or carboxylic acid groups. A carboxylate pigment dispersion having a water-insoluble colorant (eg, pigment) dispersed with a dispersant having a carboxylate solubilizing group such as those provided, or provided under the trade name Cabojet by the Cabot Company There are self-dispersing pigments.
[0063]
The colorants used in other inks, ie, the second, third, and fourth inks, are well known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in the aforementioned patents and applications.
[0064]
Additive components
The fluid can further comprise additional components such as insecticides, surfactants, and the like, each of which are commonly employed in ink jet printing.
[0065]
How to print
A fluid set employing the present invention prints one of the adjacent areas at least partially with at least one reactive fluid and reacts the other adjacent area at least partially with at least one reactive fluid. Improve image integrity (eg, bleed) between adjacent print areas that print with at least other fluids. The presented fluid set also includes image integrity (e.g., when printing with reactant fluid, at least in part, before, after, or substantially simultaneously with the reactive ink, the area to be printed with reactive ink. , Dirt resistance and water resistance) are also improved.
[0066]
The printing method comprises at least three fluids comprised of at least one reactant fluid and at least two fluids comprising at least one ink that reacts with the reactant fluid, and at least one ink that does not react with the reactant fluid. Providing an inkjet fluid assembly with fluid; selecting a first predetermined area on the print medium; printing at least one drop of a reactive fluid on the first predetermined print area; Creating a first print element, printing at least one drop of another reactive fluid on the print medium to create a second print element, wherein the second print element is at least partially in the first print element; So that there is no purging between at least one drop of one reactive fluid and the other reactive fluid. Caused the reaction on the medium, consists by uplifting the print attributes.
[0067]
In another embodiment, in addition to or in addition to the printing method described above, the printing method comprises at least one reactant fluid and at least two fluids that react with each other comprising at least one ink that reacts with the reactant fluid. Providing an inkjet fluid assembly comprising at least three fluids comprised of: at least one fluid that does not react with the reactant fluid; selecting a first predetermined area on the print medium; Selecting a second predetermined print area adjacent to the first predetermined print area above, printing at least one drop of one reactive fluid in the first predetermined print area, Creating a print element, printing at least one drop of another reactive fluid on the print medium to create a second print element Causing the second print element to at least partially overlap the first print element, thereby causing a reaction on the print medium between at least one drop of one reactive fluid and the other reactive fluid Printing at least one drop of non-reactive ink in the second predetermined print area, thereby at least one drop of ink that reacts with the reactant fluid and at least one of ink that does not react with the reactant fluid. Consisting of minimizing mixing on the print medium with one drop, thereby reducing bleeding between adjacent print areas.
[0068]
One skilled in the art will recognize that the reaction between the reactant fluid and the ink that reacts with the reactant fluid occurs regardless of the order in which the reactant fluid and the droplets of ink that react with the reactant fluid are deposited on the print media. You should recognize what you can do. For example, the reactant fluid can be deposited first, and later or substantially simultaneously, ink that reacts with the reactant fluid, such as black ink, can be deposited according to the need to achieve the desired reaction results. Similarly, the ink to be printed in the second print area is deposited first, followed by the reactant fluid and the ink that reacts with the reactant fluid, respectively, on the first print.
[0069]
Thus, inkjet printing systems and fluid dispensing devices have been disclosed. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that obvious changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
[0070]
[Industrial applicability]
The inkjet printing system and fluid supply system of the present invention is expected to find commercial use in inkjet printing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic, not an actual scale, of an inkjet printing system depicting an inkjet printhead, fluid reservoir and control electronics.
FIG. 2 is a schematic, partial cut-away view, not the actual scale of an integrated inkjet printhead.
FIG. 3a is a schematic, partial cutaway, not an actual scale of an inkjet printhead with multiple integrated printheads.
FIG. 3b is a schematic, partial cutaway view, not an actual scale, of another inkjet printhead with multiple integrated printheads.
FIG. 3c is a schematic, partially cut-away view of a non-scale of another inkjet printhead with multiple integrated printheads.
FIG. 3d is a schematic, partial cut-away view of another inkjet printhead with multiple integrated printheads, not to scale.
FIG. 3e is a schematic, partial cutaway view, not an actual scale, of another inkjet printhead with multiple integrated printheads.
FIG. 4 is a schematic, not actual scale, of an on-board fluid supply device that allows fluid reservoirs to be replaced separately from the printhead.
FIG. 5 is a schematic, not actual scale, of an off-board fluid supply system in which a fluid reservoir is connected to a printhead by a fluid conduit.

Claims (18)

At least one printhead portion having at least one integrated printhead portion with at least three ejector portions;
At least one reservoir portion associated with the printhead portion, wherein the reservoir portion has at least three reservoir chambers for supplying fluid to each one of the at least three ejector portions; One of which holds the reactant fluid, the other reservoir chamber holds the ink, at least one of the inks reacts with the reactant fluid and is immobilized, At least one reservoir portion configured to react with the reactant fluid and not immobilize ,
The ink that reacts with the reactant fluid and immobilizes, and the ink that reacts with the reactant fluid and does not immobilize do not react with each other and do not immobilize.
An ejector portion for ejecting ink that does not react and react with the reactant fluid, and an ejector portion associated with the reactant fluid and an ejector associated with the ink that reacts with and immobilizes the reactant fluid An inkjet printing apparatus provided between the two parts.   The inkjet printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one integrated printhead portion and the at least one reservoir portion associated with the at least one integrated printhead portion form an integrated print cartridge.   The inkjet printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one reservoir portion is removably attached to the at least one integrated printhead portion associated with the at least one reservoir portion.   The inkjet of claim 1, wherein the at least one printhead portion includes at least three fluid inlets and the reservoir portion includes at least three corresponding fluid outlets configured to connect to the at least three fluid inlets. Printing device. An ejector portion for ejecting the reactant fluid and an ejector portion for ejecting ink that does not react and react with the reactant fluid are associated with the same integrated printhead. Item 2. The inkjet printing apparatus according to Item 1. An ejector portion for ejecting the reactant fluid is provided on an integrated printhead different from an integrated printhead having an ejector portion for ejecting ink that reacts with the reactant fluid and is immobilized. The inkjet printing apparatus according to claim 1. The ink jet printing apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising at least one ink that reacts with the reactant fluid to be immobilized .   The inkjet printing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a carriage that supports the printhead portion and provides relative movement between the printhead portion and a print medium. A fluid supply device for supplying fluid to an inkjet printing system,
A reservoir portion having at least one integrated reservoir portion, wherein the reservoir portion has at least three reservoir chambers for supplying fluid to the inkjet printing system, one of the reservoir chambers containing the reactant fluid; Each of the other reservoir chambers holds ink, at least one of the inks reacts with the reactant fluid and is immobilized , and at least one of the inks is the reactant stream. Consisting of a reservoir part that is configured to react with the body and not be immobilized ,
An ink to immobilize reacts with the reactant fluid, the ink has such immobilized by reaction with the reactant fluid are those not be immobilized by reaction with one another,
Each of the reservoir chambers includes a fluid outlet for supplying fluid to the inkjet printing system;
A fluid outlet for supplying ink that does not react and react with the reactant fluid, and a fluid outlet for supplying ink that reacts with and reacts with the reactant fluid and immobilizes the reactant fluid. A fluid supply device provided between the two.   The fluid supply apparatus of claim 9, wherein the reservoir chamber forms an integral reservoir portion. 10. The reservoir chamber of claim 9, wherein the reservoir chamber holding the reactant fluid and the reservoir chamber holding ink that reacts with and immobilizes the reactant fluid form different integrated reservoir portions. Fluid supply device.   And further comprising at least one printhead portion having at least one integrated printhead portion, wherein the reservoir portion can be removably attached to a printhead portion associated with the reservoir portion, wherein the printhead portion is a fluid The fluid supply device according to claim 9, wherein the fluid supply device can be used. A fluid supply device for supplying fluid to an inkjet printing system,
Each of the plurality of reservoir chambers holds a respective one of the plurality of fluids, the plurality of fluids reacting with the at least two interactant fluids and the at least two interacting fluids and not immobilized And wherein one of the at least two interactive fluids is a reactant fluid and the other interactive fluid is an ink that reacts with and immobilizes with the reactant fluid. Consisting of multiple reservoir chambers,
The ink that reacts with the reactant fluid and immobilizes, and the ink that reacts with the interactive fluid and does not immobilize do not react with each other and do not immobilize.
Each of the reservoir chambers has a fluid outlet for supplying fluid to the inkjet system;
A fluid outlet for supplying ink that does not react and react with the reactant fluid, and a fluid outlet for supplying ink that reacts with and reacts with the reactant fluid and immobilizes the reactant fluid. A fluid supply device provided between the two.   The fluid supply apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plurality of reservoir chambers form an integral reservoir portion. 14. The fluid supply of claim 13, wherein the reservoir chamber holding the reactant fluid and the reservoir chamber holding ink that reacts with and immobilizes the reactant fluid form different integrated reservoir portions. apparatus. 14. The fluid supply apparatus of claim 13, wherein the reservoir chamber holding the reactant fluid and the reservoir chamber holding ink that does not react and react with the reactant fluid form an integral reservoir portion. . 14. The fluid supply apparatus of claim 13, further comprising at least one other ink that reacts with and immobilizes with the reactant fluid. Wherein reacts with reactant fluid at least two of the inks to be immobilized but is intended to immobilize react with each other, at least one other ink of the ink immobilizing reacts with the reactant fluid The fluid supply device according to claim 17 , wherein the fluid supply device does not react and become immobilized .

Images