JP4022735B2 - ink cartridge - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an ink cartridge for supplying ink to a head for a recording apparatus.TheRelated.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An ink jet recording apparatus generally includes a recording head that is mounted on a carriage and moves in the width direction of the recording paper, and a paper feeding unit that relatively moves the recording paper in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the recording head. ing.
[0003]
In such an ink jet recording apparatus, printing on a recording sheet is performed by ejecting ink droplets from a recording head based on print data.
[0004]
A recording head capable of ejecting, for example, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks is mounted on the carriage, enabling full color printing by changing not only text printing with black ink but also the ejection ratio of each ink. Yes.
[0005]
For this reason, an ink cartridge for supplying each ink to the recording head is disposed in the apparatus main body.
[0006]
In a normal ink jet recording apparatus, each ink cartridge storing the black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks is placed on a carriage and moves together with the carriage.
[0007]
In recent recording apparatuses, the carriage is moved at a high speed for the purpose of improving the recording speed.
[0008]
In such a recording apparatus, the ink supply tube undergoes pressure fluctuation due to expansion / bending of the ink supply tube accompanying the acceleration / deceleration of the carriage, making the ejection of ink droplets from the recording head unstable.
[0009]
For this reason, a lower ink storage chamber (ink tank chamber) opened to the atmosphere side and a head connection upper ink storage chamber (ink end chamber) connected to the lower ink storage chamber via an ink flow path are provided. An ink cartridge is proposed in which a differential pressure valve is arranged in the middle of a path connecting the upper ink storage chamber and the head supply port.
[0010]
According to this, a negative pressure is generated on the head side by the negative pressure generating means, and the differential pressure valve opens accordingly, and the ink is supplied to the recording head. The ink can be supplied to the recording head with an optimum water head difference.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  By the way, in the ink cartridge described above, the ink injection opening is a single opening.Lower ink chamberandUpper ink chamberInk injection could not be performed under the ink injection conditions required for each chamber.
[0012]
  That is,Upper ink chamberIs required to be free of air and to have an appropriate amount of ink. on the other hand,Lower ink chamberIs required to have an appropriate ink amount.
[0013]
Therefore, it is necessary to inject ink into different rooms under different conditions.
[0014]
  In particular,Upper ink chamberAgainstLower ink chamberWhen ink is injected into the cartridge under the ink injection (atmospheric injection) conditions required forLower ink chamberAs wellUpper ink chamberAlso air is mixed in. As a result, there is a problem that bubbles are mixed in the ink supplied to the recording head when the ink is used, and the stability in printing cannot be ensured.
[0015]
  The present invention has been made to solve such a technical problem, and can prevent bubbles from being mixed into the ink supplied to the head when the ink is used, thereby ensuring stability in printing. Ink cartridge that canTheThe purpose is to provide.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  An ink cartridge according to the present invention includes an upper ink storage chamber divided into upper and lower portions by a partition wall in a container body, and a lower ink storage chamber capable of communicating with the atmosphere, and ink connectable to an ink supply needle of a cartridge holder A supply port; a communication flow path connecting the lower ink storage chamber and the upper ink storage chamber; and a differential pressure valve disposed between the upper ink storage chamber and the ink supply port. The ink in the chamber is discharged from the ink supply port through the differential pressure valve, and the upper ink storage chamber is moved from the lower ink storage chamber to the upper ink storage chamber through the communication channel as the ink consumption in the upper ink storage chamber progresses. An ink cartridge configured to allow ink to flow, wherein the partition wall is slanted so that the ink supply port side of the upper ink storage chamber faces downward Mashimashi, communicates with the lower ink storage chamberAnd for injecting ink into the lower ink storage chamberCommunicating with the first opening and the upper ink storage chamberAnd for injecting ink into the upper ink storage chamberA second opening is provided in a lower part of the container body.
[0017]
  Because it is configured like this,Lower ink chamberWhenUpper ink chamberThe ink can be filled under different conditions.
[0018]
  here,Lower ink chamberAnd providing an air communication port for discharging the atmosphere inside,Upper ink chamberIt is desirable to provide a suction port for vacuum suction.
[0019]
  Because it is configured like this,Lower ink chamberIn contrast, ink can be injected from the first opening under atmospheric injection conditions,Upper ink chamberIn contrast, ink can be injected from the second opening under reduced pressure injection conditions. In other wordsLower ink chamberInk is injected while discharging air from the air communication port,Upper ink chamberInk is injected while sucking from the suction port.
[0020]
The suction port is preferably an ink supply port for supplying ink to the head.
[0021]
  Since it is configured in this way, an ink supply port for supplying ink to the head for the recording apparatus is provided at the time of ink injectionUpper ink chamberCan be used as a suction port for sucking.
[0022]
  In the above configuration,Upper ink chamberAnd a differential pressure valve between the ink supply ports.
[0023]
With this configuration, it is possible to fill the ink supply port with ink while the differential pressure valve that controls the flow of ink discharged from the ink supply port is opened.
[0024]
  Also, the aboveLower ink chamberWhenUpper ink chamberAre connected by a flow path,Lower ink chamberThe second opening is formed at a position facing the side communication port.
[0025]
  Because it is structured like this,Lower ink chamberWhenUpper ink chamberThe ink can also be efficiently filled into the flow path connecting the two.
[0026]
Further, the atmosphere communication port is formed in the vicinity of the second opening.
[0027]
Since it is configured in this way, the second opening can be sealed at the same time as sealing after ink injection.
[0028]
  The ink cartridge of the present invention includes a lower ink storage chamber that can communicate with the atmosphere, an upper ink storage chamber that communicates with the lower ink storage chamber, and an ink supply port that discharges the ink communicating with the upper ink storage chamber to the outside. And communicates with the lower ink storage chamberAnd for injecting ink into the lower ink storage chamberCommunicating with the first opening and the upper ink storage chamberAnd for injecting ink into the upper ink storage chamberA second opening is provided.
[0029]
  Because it is structured like this,Lower ink chamberIn contrast, ink can be injected from the first opening under atmospheric injection conditions,Upper ink chamberIn contrast, ink can be injected from the second opening under reduced pressure injection conditions.
[0030]
  Therefore,Upper ink chamberInk can be efficiently filled without bubbles being taken in.
[0031]
The differential pressure valve housing chamber is filled with ink from the second opening while being sucked from the ink supply port.
[0032]
Since it is configured in this way, it is possible to prevent the intake of bubbles and fill the ink into the differential pressure valve housing chamber having a complicated flow path configuration.
[0033]
  on the other handThisThe ink injection method of the ink cartridge can communicate with the atmosphereLower ink chamberAnd thisLower ink chamberCommunicate withUpper ink chamberAnd thisUpper ink chamberIn an ink filling method for an ink cartridge comprising an ink supply port that communicates with the ink and discharges ink to the outside.Lower ink chamberInjecting ink under predetermined ink injection conditions, andUpper ink chamberTo the aboveLower ink chamberInk can be injected under different ink injection conditions.The
[0034]
  Because it ’s like this,Lower ink chamberandUpper ink chamberThus, it is possible to obtain an ink cartridge capable of performing ink injection under the ink injection conditions required for each chamber.
[0035]
  WhereUpper ink chamberIn injecting ink into theUpper ink chamberIt is desirable to vacuum the vacuum.
[0036]
  According to this method,Upper ink chamberIn addition, it is possible to efficiently fill the ink by preventing problems such as air bubble entrapment. In addition, this makes it possible to obtain an ink cartridge that ensures the stability in printing.
[0037]
  Also, the aboveUpper ink chamberIs preferably sucked from the ink supply port of the ink cartridge.
[0038]
By such a method, ink can be efficiently filled up to the flow path leading to the ink supply port.
[0039]
  In addition,Lower ink chamberIn injecting ink into theLower ink chamberIt is desirable to inject air.
[0040]
  According to this method,Lower ink chamberIn contrast, an ink cartridge capable of injecting ink under atmospheric injection conditions can be obtained.
[0041]
  Also, the aboveUpper ink chamberFrom the ink supply port and vacuum suction,Upper ink chamberThe ink is filled in a state in which a differential pressure valve arranged between the ink supply port and the ink supply port is opened.
[0042]
Thus, ink can be efficiently filled up to the ink supply port through the flow path partitioned by the differential pressure valve.
[0043]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an ink cartridge to which the present invention is applied and an ink injection method thereof will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings.
[0044]
First, the ink cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an entire ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2A and 2B are perspective views showing the appearance of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the internal structure of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from above and obliquely from below. 5 and 6 are a front view and a rear view showing the internal structure of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention. 7 and 8 are enlarged cross-sectional views showing the negative pressure generating means accommodation chamber and the valve accommodation chamber of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a connection state of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention with respect to the cartridge holder. FIGS. 10A and 10B are a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure and a bottom view showing the ink injection holes in order to explain the ink injection flow path of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment.
[0045]
An ink cartridge 1 shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) includes a flat, substantially rectangular container body (lower case) 2 that opens to one side, and a lid (upper part) that seals the opening of the container body 2. Case) 3, and the interior is generally constituted by an ink flow path system and an air flow path system (both described later).
[0046]
  In the lower part of the container body 2, an ink supply port 4 that can be connected to an ink supply needle 72 (both shown in FIG. 9) of the recording head 112 and a first opening (in parallel with the side of the ink supply port 4) An open hole) 85 and a second opening 86 (both shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) are provided. The ink supply port 4 will be described later.Upper ink chamberThe first opening 85 is communicated withLower ink chamber11 is communicated.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 1, a substantially cylindrical seal member 200 made of rubber or the like is mounted in the ink supply port 4. A through hole 200 a that opens in the axial direction is provided at the center of the seal member 200. Further, a spring receiver (valve element) 201 that opens and closes the through hole 200 a by inserting and removing the ink supply needle 72 is disposed in the ink supply port 4, and the spring receiver 201 is further attached to the seal member 200. A compression coil spring 202 is energized.
[0048]
  As shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b), the second opening 86 is connected through an air communication port 86a.DownIt communicates with the ink storage chamber 11 and also passes through the ink injection port 86b.Upper ink chamber(Upper first ink storage chamber 16, upper second ink storage chamber 17, etc.).
[0049]
Locking members 5 and 6 detachably attached to the cartridge holder are integrally provided on the upper side portion of the container body 2. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), a circuit board (IC substrate) 7 is disposed at the lower part of one locking member 5, and the lower part of the other locking member 6 is shown in FIG. And as shown to (b), the valve | bulb accommodation chamber 8 is arrange | positioned.
[0050]
The circuit board 7 has a storage element in which information data relating to ink, for example, data such as color type, pigment / dye type ink type, ink remaining amount, serial number, expiration date, and target model is stored in a writable manner. is doing.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 8, the valve housing chamber 8 has an internal space that opens to the cartridge insertion side (lower side), and the recording device side identification piece 73 (compatible with the ink cartridge 1) in the internal space. 9) and the valve operating rod 70 moves forward and backward. In the upper portion of the internal space, an operation arm 66 of an identification block 87 that is rotated by the advancement and retraction of the valve operating rod 70 is accommodated. An identification convex portion 68 for determining suitability for the recording apparatus is provided in the lower portion of the internal space. The identification convex portion 68 is formed in the cartridge holder 71 before the ink supply needle 72 (illustrated in FIG. 9) on the recording apparatus side communicates with the ink supply port 4 (before an air release valve described later is opened). The valve action rod 70 (shown in FIG. 9) is arranged at a position that enables determination.
[0052]
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a through hole 60 serving as an air conduction hole that opens and closes by opening and closing operation of the air release valve 601 is provided in the chamber wall 8 a of the valve storage chamber 8 (atmosphere release chamber 501). The operation arm 66 is disposed on the one opening side of the through hole 60, and the atmosphere release valve 601 is disposed on the other opening side. The operation arm 66 has an operation portion 66b that presses the pressure film (elastic film) 61, is disposed to project obliquely upward in the path of the valve operating rod 70, and is disposed through the rotation fulcrum 66a. It is fixed to the container body 2.
[0053]
  The pressure film 61 is attached to the chamber wall 8a so as to close the through-hole 60, and is entirely formed of an elastic seal member such as rubber. And the internal space formed between this pressure film 61 and the opening periphery of the said through-hole 60 is the following.DownA through-hole 67 (both shown in FIG. 5) communicating with the ink containing chamber 11 is opened.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 8, the air release valve 601 includes a valve body 65 that opens and closes the through hole 60 and an elastic member (plate spring) 62 that constantly urges the valve body 65 toward the opening periphery of the through hole 60. Have. Of these, a through hole 62 b is provided at the upper end of the elastic member 62, and a projection 64 is inserted into the through hole 62 b, and the movement is restricted (guided) by the projection 64. On the other hand, its lower end is fixed on the container body 2 via a protrusion 63.
[0055]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 88 denotes an identification label attached to the upper surface of the container body 2 in correspondence with the block 87, and 89 denotes a seal for sealing the ink supply port 4 (through hole 200a). A film 90 is a film for sealing the first opening 85 and the second opening 86. Reference numeral 91 denotes a decompression pack for wrapping the ink cartridge 1 filled with ink.
[0056]
Next, the “ink channel system” and “air channel system” in the container body 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0057]
  "Ink channel system"
  As shown in FIG. 1, the ink cartridge 1 is joined to the front side of the container main body 2 via inner films (air-tight films) 56 and 502, and the container main body 2 is joined thereto. An inner space is formed by bonding a protective label 83 to the back surface side of 2 via an outer film (air-shielding film) 57. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the internal space is divided up and down by a partition wall 10 extending so that the ink supply port side with respect to the recording head 112 (shown in FIG. 9) is slightly below. . A lower region of the internal space is opened to the atmosphere when the recording head 112 is connected.DownThe ink storage chamber 11 is provided.
[0058]
  SaidDownTwo intermediate walls 300 and 301 having different height positions are disposed in the ink storage chamber 11. One intermediate wall 300 isDownThe ink storage chamber 11 is disposed at a predetermined distance from one side surface portion. The other intermediate wall 301 isDownOpposite to the bottom surface of the ink storage chamber 11, it is disposed on the ink supply port side of the intermediate wall 300. The intermediate wall 301 has two spaces 11a and 11b arranged in parallel in the ink injection direction (up and down).DownThe ink storage chamber 11 is separated. Further, the intermediate wall 301 is provided with a through hole 301 a having the same axis as the axis of the first opening 85.
[0059]
  On the other hand, the upper region of the internal space is partitioned by a frame portion 14 having the partition wall 10 as a bottom surface portion. An internal space of the frame portion 14 is connected to the recording head 112.Upper ink chamber(Part) make up thisUpper ink chamberIs divided into left and right by a vertical wall 15 having a communication port 15a. One side region of the divided internal space is an upper first ink containing chamber 16, and the other side region is an upper second ink containing chamber 17.
[0060]
  The upper first ink storage chamber 16 has theDownA communication flow path 18 communicating with the ink storage chamber 11 is connected. The communication channel 18 has communication ports 18a and 18b at the upper and lower positions. The communication channel 18 has a recess 18c (shown in FIG. 6) that opens on the back surface of the container body 2 and extends in the vertical direction, and an air-tight film that closes and seals the opening of the recess 18c. The outer film 57) is formed. In addition, on the upstream side of the communication channel 18,DownA partition wall 19 having two upper and lower communication ports 19 a and 19 b communicating with the ink containing chamber 11 is provided. One communication port 19 a is disposed at a position that opens to a lower region in the lower ink storage chamber 11. The other communication port 19bDownThe ink storage chamber 11 is disposed at a position opening in the upper region.
[0061]
On the other hand, in the upper second ink storage chamber 17, a differential pressure valve storage chamber 33 (shown in FIG. 6) that stores the differential pressure valve 52 (membrane valve) shown in FIG. 7 by the horizontally long partition wall 22 and the annular partition wall 24. And the filter chamber 34 (illustrated in FIG. 5) which accommodates the filter 55 (nonwoven fabric filter) similarly shown in FIG. 7 is formed. The partition wall 25 is provided with a through hole 25 a that guides ink that has passed through the filter 55 from the filter chamber 34 to the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33.
[0062]
A partition wall 26 having a communication port 26a between the partition wall 10 and the partition wall 10 is provided at a lower portion of the partition wall 24, and a partition wall 27 having a communication port 27a between the frame portion 14 and the side thereof. It has been. A communication passage 28 that communicates with the communication port 27a and extends in the vertical direction is provided between the partition wall 27 and the frame portion 14. A through hole 29 that communicates with the filter chamber 34 via the communication port 24 a and the region 31 is connected to the upper portion of the communication path 28.
[0063]
The through hole 29 is formed by a partition wall (annular wall) 30 that is continuous with the partition wall 27.
[0064]
The region 31 is formed by the partition walls 22, 24, 30 and the partition wall 30a (shown in FIG. 6). The region 31 is formed such that one end portion (portion communicating with the through hole 29) of the container body 2 is deep and the other end portion (portion communicating with the filter chamber 34) is shallow.
[0065]
As shown in FIG. 7, the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 33 accommodates a membrane valve 52 as an elastically deformable differential pressure valve such as an elastomer. The membrane valve 52 has a through hole 52c, is urged toward the filter chamber by the compression coil spring 50, and its outer peripheral edge is fixed to the container body 2 by ultrasonic welding via an annular thick portion 52a. ing. The compression coil spring 50 is supported at one end by a spring receiver 52 b of the membrane valve 52 and at the other end by a spring receiver 203 in the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33. The positional accuracy of the compression coil spring 50 and the membrane valve 52 is an important factor when the differential pressure is controlled by the differential pressure valve. As shown in FIG. 50, the convex part of the membrane valve 52 needs to be arranged.
[0066]
In the figure, reference numeral 54 denotes a frame portion formed integrally with the thick portion 52 a of the membrane valve 52.
[0067]
In the filter chamber 34, as shown in FIG. 7, the filter 55 that allows ink to pass and captures dust and the like is disposed. The opening of the filter chamber 34 is sealed with the inner film 56, and the opening of the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 is sealed with the outer film 57. When the pressure in the ink supply port 4 decreases, the membrane valve 52 moves away from the valve seat portion 25b against the urging force of the compression coil spring 50 (the through hole 52c opens). Is configured to pass through the through hole 52c and flow into the ink supply port 4 through the flow path formed by the recess 35. Further, when the ink pressure in the ink supply port 4 rises to a predetermined value, the membrane valve 52 is seated on the valve seat portion 25b by the urging force of the compression coil spring 50, thereby blocking the ink flow. . By repeating such an operation, ink is supplied to the ink supply port 4 while maintaining a constant negative pressure.
[0068]
  "Air channel system"
  As shown in FIG. 6, the back surface of the container body 2 has a meandering groove 36 for increasing the flow resistance and a wide concave groove 37 (shaded part) that opens into the atmosphere.DownA substantially rectangular concave portion 38 (space portion) that reaches the ink storage chamber 11 (shown in FIG. 5) is provided. A frame portion 39 and a rib 40 are provided in the concave portion 38, and an air permeable chamber 84 is stretched on the frame portion 39 and the rib 40 to form an air vent chamber. A through hole 41 is provided in the bottom surface (wall) of the recess 38 and communicates with an elongated region 43 defined by a partition wall 42 (shown in FIG. 5) of the upper first ink storage chamber 16. Yes. This region 43 has a through hole 44, and communicates with the atmosphere release chamber 501 (illustrated in FIG. 8) through a communication groove 45 defined by the partition wall 603 and a through hole 46 opened to the communication groove 45. . The opening of the air release chamber 501 is sealed with the inner film (air-shielding film) 502 shown in FIG.
[0069]
  With the above configuration, when the ink cartridge 1 is mounted in the cartridge holder 71 as shown in FIG. 9, the valve operating rod 70 of the cartridge holder 71 contacts the operation arm 66 shown in FIG. The film 61) is moved to the valve body side. Thereby, the valve body 65 is separated from the opening periphery of the through-hole 60, and is shown in FIG.DownThe ink containing chamber 11 opens to the recess 38 (in the atmosphere) shown in FIG. 6 through the through hole 67, the through hole 60, the through hole 46, the groove 45, the through hole 44, the region 43, the through hole 41, and the like. Further, the valve body 201 in the ink supply port 4 is opened by the insertion of the ink supply needle 72.
[0070]
When the valve body 201 in the ink supply port 4 is opened and ink is consumed by the recording head 112, the pressure of the ink supply port 4 decreases below a specified value. The membrane valve 52 in the valve 33 is opened (the membrane valve 52 is closed when the pressure of the ink supply port 4 rises above a specified value), and the ink in the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 passes through the ink supply port 4. It flows into the recording head 112.
[0071]
  Furthermore, when the consumption of ink in the recording head 112 proceeds,DownThe ink in the ink storage chamber 11 flows into the upper first ink storage chamber 16 via the communication channel 18 shown in FIG.
[0072]
  On the other hand, as the ink is consumed, air flows from a through hole 67 (shown in FIG. 5) communicating with the atmosphere.DownThe ink liquid level in the ink storage chamber 11 is lowered. Further, when the ink is consumed and the ink level reaches the communication port 19a, the upper first ink storage chamber 16 is filled with the ink.DownInk from the ink storage chamber 11 (opened to the atmosphere via the through hole 67 when ink is supplied) flows along with the air via the communication channel 18. Since the bubbles rise due to buoyancy, only ink flows into the upper second ink storage chamber 17 through the communication port 15a at the lower part of the vertical wall 15, and the communication port 26a of the partition wall 26 passes through the upper second ink storage chamber 17 from the upper second ink storage chamber 17. It passes through the communication passage 28 and rises from the communication passage 28 into the upper portion of the filter chamber 34 via the region 31 and the communication port 24a.
[0073]
After that, the ink in the filter chamber 34 passes through the filter 55 shown in FIG. 7 and flows into the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 33 from the through hole 25a, and further passes through the through hole 52c of the membrane valve 52 spaced from the valve seat portion 25b. After that, it descends in the recess 35 shown in FIG. 6 and flows into the ink supply port 4.
[0074]
In this way, ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 1 to the recording head 112.
[0075]
  When different types of ink cartridges 1 are mounted on the cartridge holder 71, before the ink supply port 4 reaches the ink supply needle 72, the identification convex portion 68 (shown in FIG. 7) Abutting on the identification piece 73 (shown in FIG. 9), the valve action rod 70 is prevented from entering. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems due to the mounting of different types of ink cartridges. Further, in this state, the valve operating rod 70 does not reach the operation arm 66, so that the valve body 65 is maintained in the closed state and left unattended.DownThe evaporation of the ink solvent in the ink storage chamber 11 is prevented.
[0076]
  On the other hand, when the ink cartridge 1 is pulled out from the mounting position of the cartridge holder 71, the operation arm 66 loses its support by the operating rod 70 and elastically returns, and accordingly, the valve body 65 elastically recovers and the through hole 60 is restored. To close the recess 38 andDownCommunication with the ink storage chamber 11 is blocked.
[0077]
Next, an ink injection method for the ink cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 10, and 11. FIG. 11 is a schematic view for explaining the ink cartridge injection method according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0078]
  The ink injection method of the ink cartridge in this embodiment isLower ink chamber11 andUpper ink chamberIn addition, the ink can be filled under different ink filling conditions.
[0079]
  That is,Lower ink chamber11 can be filled with ink while being filled with air, andUpper ink chamberIt is characterized in that it can be filled with ink so that there is no air inside.
[0080]
  Therefore, an ink injector 100 as shown in FIG. 11 is used. This ink injector 100 includesLower ink chamberNozzle 100b for injecting ink into 11, andUpper ink chamberA nozzle 100c for injecting ink into the upper first ink storage chamber 16, the upper second ink storage chamber 17, etc., andUpper ink chamberA nozzle 100a for performing vacuum suction (vacuum suction) is provided to discharge the air inside. The nozzle 100 a is connected to the ink supply port 4, the nozzle 100 b is connected to the first opening 85, and the nozzle 100 c is connected to the second opening 86.
[0081]
Here, it is preferable that the nozzle 100b is inserted and arranged inside the cartridge rather than the through hole 301a of the intermediate wall 301 shown in FIGS. In this manner, the nozzle 100b is inserted through the first opening 85 and the through hole 301a, and the ink injection position is arranged behind the through hole 301a (in the back part of the cartridge), thereby causing foaming of ink during ink injection. Occurrence can be prevented. That is, since the difference in height between the ink injection port of the nozzle 100b and the ink liquid level is small at the beginning of ink injection, foaming is small. Further, as the ink injection proceeds, when the ink liquid level rises, the ink injection port of the nozzle 100b is immersed in the injected ink, and no air entrainment occurs, so that no bubbling occurs. Even if ink bubbling occurs during ink injection, the intermediate wall 301 prevents the ink from rising, and ink bubbling does not occur between the intermediate wall 301 and the first opening 85.
[0082]
Therefore, if the ink cartridge 1 is turned upside down (in the state shown in FIG. 5) after ink injection, the ink bubbles move to the upper part of the ink cartridge 1.
[0083]
As a result, ink without bubbles can be supplied to the communication channel 18 via the communication ports 19 a and 19 b and finally supplied to the ink supply port 4.
[0084]
  Further, as shown by an arrow (solid line) in FIG.Lower ink chamber11 is supplied from the atmosphere communication port 86a as indicated by an arrow (dashed line) in FIG.Lower ink chamberInk 11 can be supplied from the nozzle 100b by letting the atmosphere in the nozzle 11 escape. That is, the lower ink storage chamber 11 communicates with the atmosphere release valve 601 through the through hole 67, but the atmosphere release valve 601 is closed when the ink cartridge 1 is not attached to the cartridge holder 71. Yes. For this reason, at the time of ink injectionLower ink chamberAn atmosphere communication port 86a is provided to release the atmosphere (air) in the air.
[0085]
The air communication port 86a is opened facing the second opening 86 together with the ink injection port 86b. Therefore, the air communication port 86a and the ink injection port 86b can be sealed by sealing the second opening 86 with the film 90 after ink injection.
[0086]
  Next, by the nozzle 100cUpper ink chamberInk injection into the ink will be described with reference to FIG.
[0087]
A differential pressure valve 52 is disposed between the ink inlet 86b and the ink supply port 4 of the second opening 86 to which the nozzle 100c is connected. Therefore, the ink cannot be filled up to the ink supply port 4 unless the pressure on the ink supply port 4 side is low.
[0088]
  Also,Upper ink chamberIt is necessary to prevent air contamination. Therefore, the ink is supplied from the nozzle 100c, and at the same time, vacuum suction is performed by the nozzle 100a from the ink supply port 4 side.
[0089]
  Further, since the communication port 18a is provided close to the ink injection port 86b of the second opening 86, the ink supplied from the nozzle 100c is connected to the communication port 18a, the communication channel 18, and the upper first ink storage chamber 16. , Ink that is not mixed with air (atmosphere) is filled up to the ink supply port 4 through the upper second ink storage chamber 17.
[0090]
Next, the ink injection operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As the ink cartridge, the ink cartridge 1 before the ink supply port 4 is sealed by the film 89 and the first opening 85 and the second opening 86 are sealed (sealed) by the film 90 is prepared.
[0091]
  As shown in the figure, after the nozzles 100a to 100c of the ink injector 100 are connected to the ink supply port 4, the first opening 85, and the second opening 86 (ink injection port 86b), the first opening 85 is provided. FromDownThis is performed by injecting ink into the ink storage chamber 11 and injecting ink from the ink injection port 86b into the upper ink storage chamber (the upper first ink storage chamber 16, the upper second ink storage chamber 17, etc.). On this occasion,DownInk injection into the ink storage chamber 11 is performed from the air communication port 86a (shown in FIG. 10).DownThis is performed while discharging the air in the ink containing chamber 11.
[0092]
  AndDownWhen the ink of about 50% of the volume of the ink storage chamber 11 is filled, the ink injection by the ink nozzle 100b is finished. Also,Upper ink chamberThe ink is injected into the ink through vacuum suction (vacuum degree 100%) through the ink supply port 4. In this case, in order to prevent air bubbles remaining and air contamination,Upper ink chamberIt is desirable to inject approximately 100% of the volume of ink. Note that the excessively injected ink may be discharged from the ink supply port 4.
[0093]
After the ink is injected by the nozzles 100a, 100b, and 100c, the ink injection operation is completed by sealing the first opening 85 and the second opening 86 and the ink supply port 4.
[0094]
  Thus, in this embodiment,Lower ink chamberandUpper ink chamberSince ink can be injected under the ink injection conditions required for each chamber, air bubbles can be prevented from entering the ink supplied to the head when ink is used, and printing stability is ensured. can do.
[0095]
  In this embodiment,DownAlthough the case where the air filling rate of the ink containing chamber 11 is set to 50% has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be appropriately changed according to the amount of injected ink.
[0096]
【The invention's effect】
  As is apparent from the above description, the ink cartridge according to the present invention.TheAccording toLower ink chamberFromUpper ink chamberIn addition, the ink can be smoothly supplied to the ink, and the printing stability can be ensured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an entire ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views showing the appearance of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from above.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from below.
FIG. 5 is a front view showing an internal structure of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a rear view showing the internal structure of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a negative pressure generating means accommodating chamber of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a valve storage chamber of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a front view showing a connection state of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention with respect to the cartridge holder.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal structure and a bottom view showing an ink injection port in order to explain an ink injection flow path of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment. is there.
FIG. 11 is a schematic view for explaining an ink cartridge injection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Ink cartridge
2 Container body
3 lid
4 Ink supply port
8 Valve storage chamber
11 Ink storage chamber
15 Vertical wall
15a communication port
16 Buffer room
17 Negative pressure generating means accommodation chamber
18 Communication channel
18a, 18b Communication port
18c recess
19 Bulkhead
19a, 19b Communication port
25 partition wall
25a Through hole
25b Valve seat
26 Partition wall
26a Communication port
28 communication path
29 Through hole
31 areas
33 Differential pressure valve storage chamber
34 Filter room
35, 38 recess
52 Membrane valve
51 Through hole
55 Filter
56 inner film
57 Outer film
85 First opening
86 Second opening
86a Air communication port
86b Ink inlet
100 Ink injection machine
100a-100c nozzle

Claims (4)

An ink supply port which has an upper ink storage chamber divided into upper and lower portions by a partition wall in the container body and a lower ink storage chamber which can communicate with the atmosphere, and which can be connected to an ink supply needle of a cartridge holder, and the lower ink storage A communication flow path connecting a chamber and the upper ink storage chamber, and a differential pressure valve disposed between the upper ink storage chamber and the ink supply port, and the ink in the upper ink storage chamber is disposed on the differential pressure valve. The ink is discharged from the ink supply port, and the ink flows from the lower ink storage chamber into the upper ink storage chamber through the communication channel as the ink consumption of the upper ink storage chamber progresses. An ink cartridge,
The partition wall extends obliquely so that the ink supply port side of the upper ink storage chamber is downward,
And communicating with the lower ink storage chamber, the said lower ink storage chamber ink communicating with the communication to the first opening and the upper ink storage chamber for injecting into, for injecting ink into the upper ink containing chamber An ink cartridge, wherein two openings are provided in a lower portion of the container body.   2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein an air communication port for discharging the air in the lower ink storage chamber is provided, and a suction port for vacuum-suctioning the upper ink storage chamber is provided.   The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the suction port is the ink supply port.   The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the air communication port is formed in the vicinity of the second opening.

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