JP4442250B2 - ink cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink cartridge, and more particularly to an ink cartridge including an air introduction member that introduces air into the ink cartridge.

As disclosed in JP-A-6-64182, an air pipe (hereinafter referred to as “atmosphere introduction member”) for introducing the atmosphere into the main body case of the ink cartridge and affixed to the upper end of the atmosphere introduction member There has been known an ink cartridge including a thin film shielding member formed and an interlocking member disposed inside an air introduction member. The introduction of the atmosphere into the ink cartridge is performed by the air introduction needle penetrating the rubber member disposed on the bottom wall of the ink cartridge and pushing up the interlocking member to break the thin film shielding member. An introduction path for the atmosphere through is formed. The pores of the interlocking member extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the bottom wall of the ink cartridge, and are formed in a substantially linear shape from the opening at the front end to the rubber member side.
JP-A-6-64182 (FIG. 1 etc.)

  The air introduction member of the ink cartridge introduces air corresponding to the amount of ink supplied from the ink cartridge to the recording head into the ink cartridge, and keeps the pressure supplied to the recording head constant. For this reason, it is preferable that the air introduction member is not blocked by intrusion of ink or the like, but before the user installs the ink cartridge in the recording apparatus main body or once it is installed, it is removed and tilted. It may be unavoidable to fall down, and the ink may adhere to the opening end of the air introduction member or the ink may enter the inside.

  When this ink stretches a meniscus at the opening end of the air introduction member on the storage chamber side or the introduction path in the air introduction member is narrow, the ink may be stretched and blocked inside. In this state, when ink is supplied to the recording head, the storage chamber sealed by the meniscus is depressurized. Repeated that the atmosphere flows in, breaking the meniscus. That is, there is a problem in that the ink supply pressure to the recording head pulsates, ink ejection from the recording head becomes non-uniform, and the recording quality deteriorates.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and normally introduces air into the ink cartridge to prevent pulsation of the ink supply pressure to the recording head, thereby discharging ink from the recording head. An ink cartridge that can be maintained uniformly is provided.

In order to achieve this object, an ink cartridge according to claim 1 is provided with a storage chamber for storing ink, and is formed on a bottom wall serving as a bottom of the storage chamber, and an air introduction port for introducing air into the storage chamber; the a storage chamber of the ink of the ink supply port for supplying to the outside, and a first air introduction member formed on the middle empty tubular rises in a direction from the bottom wall to the top of the reservoir chamber side, A lower end of the atmosphere introduction member is connected to the atmosphere introduction port, an upper end is opened at an upper portion of the storage chamber, and at least a part of the opening at the upper end is formed to be inclined with respect to the first direction.

The ink cartridge according to claim 2 includes a storage chamber for storing ink, and is formed on a bottom wall serving as a bottom portion of the storage chamber, and includes an air introduction port for introducing air into the storage chamber, and ink in the storage chamber. and externally supplying the ink supply port, and a first air introduction member formed on the middle empty tubular rises in a direction from the bottom wall to the top of the reservoir chamber side, the lower end of the air introducing member The upper end is communicated with the air introduction port, the upper end is opened at the upper part of the storage chamber, and the upper end opening is formed in a step shape having two or more planes different from each other.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink cartridge including a storage chamber for storing ink, formed in a bottom wall serving as a bottom portion of the storage chamber, and an air introduction port for introducing the atmosphere into the storage chamber, and an ink in the storage chamber. and externally supplying the ink supply port, and a first air introduction member formed on the middle empty tubular rises in a direction from the bottom wall to the top of the reservoir chamber side, the lower end of the air introducing member The upper end is connected to the atmosphere introduction port, the upper end is opened at the upper part of the storage chamber, and the upper end opening is formed in a non-circular shape.

The ink cartridge according to claim 4 includes a storage chamber for storing ink, and is formed on a bottom wall serving as a bottom portion of the storage chamber, and includes an air introduction port for introducing air into the storage chamber, and ink in the storage chamber. An ink supply port for supplying to the outside; and an air introduction member that rises in a first direction from the bottom wall toward the upper portion on the storage chamber side and is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and the lower end of the air introduction member is The air inlet is connected to the air inlet, the upper end is opened at the top of the storage chamber, and the inner diameter of the internal flow path of the air introducing member is formed to a size that does not form a film in the direction of closing the internal flow path by the ink. ing.

The ink cartridge according to claim 5 is the ink cartridge according to claim 4, wherein an inner diameter of the internal flow path of the air introduction member is 0.8 mm or more.

  An ink cartridge according to a sixth aspect is the ink cartridge according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a peripheral wall that extends from a peripheral edge of the bottom wall in the first direction and serves as an outer peripheral portion of the storage chamber; A main body case constituted by a bottom wall and a peripheral wall and having an open upper surface and a lid member covering the open upper surface of the main body case are provided, and the air introduction member is formed integrally with the bottom wall.

According to the ink cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 3 , an air introduction port for introducing air into the storage chamber is formed on the bottom wall serving as a bottom of the storage chamber for storing ink, and the air introduction port is provided with the air introduction port. Is communicated with the lower end of the air introduction member. The air introduction member rises in a first direction from the bottom wall toward the upper portion on the storage chamber side, and is formed with the upper end opened to the upper portion of the storage chamber. Moreover, the air introducing member, such that at least a portion of the opening of the upper end opening area of the upper end is greater than the cross-sectional area in the direction perpendicular to the first direction is formed to be inclined to the first direction The upper end opening is formed in a stepped shape having two or more planes different from each other, or the upper end opening is formed in a non-circular shape. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the meniscus to be formed even if the ink adheres to the opening, and even if the meniscus is formed, it can be easily broken as the atmosphere is introduced. Accordingly, since the pulsation of the introduction of the atmosphere caused by the meniscus formed in the opening can be suppressed, the pulsation of the ink supply to the recording head is reduced, and the ink discharge from the recording head can be maintained uniformly. effective.

According to the ink cartridge of claim 4, an air introduction port for introducing the air into the storage chamber is formed on the bottom wall that is a bottom portion of the storage chamber for storing the ink, and the air introduction port includes the air introduction member. The lower end is connected. The air introduction member rises in a first direction from the bottom wall toward the upper portion on the storage chamber side, and is formed with the upper end opened to the upper portion of the storage chamber. Further, the internal flow path of the air introduction member inner diameter, since the direction of the film closing the internal flow path by the ink is formed in a size that is not formed, the ink even ink remaining inside flow path There is an effect that the air is normally introduced into the storage chamber without being blocked by the film, that is, the meniscus, and the ink discharge from the recording head can be maintained uniformly as described above.

According to the ink cartridge of claim 5, the effect produced by the ink cartridge of claim 4 can be easily achieved by setting the inner diameter of the internal flow path of the air introduction member to 0.8 mm or more.

  According to the ink cartridge of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the ink cartridge according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the main body case is configured such that the upper surface is opened by the bottom wall and the peripheral wall. An air introduction member is integrally formed on the wall. Accordingly, the body case in which the air introduction member is integrated can be easily formed by molding or the like, so that the production cost can be reduced and the ink can be transferred from the connecting portion between the air introduction member and the bottom wall into the internal flow path. It is possible to prevent the air from flowing into the storage chamber, and the air can be normally introduced into the storage chamber.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an ink jet recording apparatus 2 to which an ink cartridge 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 2 includes a mounting unit 3 that detachably mounts the ink cartridge 1, an ink tank 5 that stores ink supplied from the ink cartridge 1 via the ink supply tube 4, and the ink tank 5 that stores the ink. A recording head 7 that ejects the ink toward the recording medium 6, a recording head unit 8 including the ink tank 5 and the recording head 7, and a carriage 9 that reciprocates in a linear direction, and the carriage 9 reciprocates. A carriage shaft 10 serving as a guide, a transport mechanism 11 for transporting the recording medium 6, and a purge device 12 are provided.

  The ink cartridge 1 is provided for each of a plurality of color inks such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus 2 so that color printing is possible.

  The mounting portion 3 includes a base portion 3a and guide portions 3b standing from both sides of the base portion 3a. From the base portion 3a sandwiched between the guide portions 3b, ink stored in the ink cartridge 1 is received. A hollow ink supply pipe 13 for supplying the air to the outside and a hollow air supply pipe 14 for supplying the air into the ink cartridge 1 are provided so as to protrude. The ink supply pipe 13 and the air supply pipe 14 have tips that are substantially flat, and communication ports 13a and 14a (see FIG. 2) that connect the internal flow path to the outside are formed at the upper ends of the pipes. .

  An ink supply tube 4 is connected to one end side of the ink supply tube 13, and the ink supply tube 13 communicates with the ink tank 5 via the ink supply tube 4. An air supply tube 15 is connected to one end side of the air supply tube 14, and the air supply tube 14 communicates with the atmosphere via the air supply tube 15.

  The recording head 7 is formed by laminating a cavity plate that is formed by laminating a plurality of plates and supplied with ink from the ink tank 5 and a piezoelectric actuator plate that has a plurality of piezoelectric deformation portions and can be formed in a plate shape. Then, the ink is ejected from the nozzle corresponding to the piezoelectric deformation portion by the deformation of the piezoelectric deformation portion. A plurality of nozzles are arranged in a staggered pattern on the surface of the recording head 7 facing the recording medium 6.

  The purge device 12 is disposed outside the recording range and faces the recording head 7, and includes a purge cap 12a that covers the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 7, a waste ink tube 12b that communicates with the purge cap 12a, And a pump 12c that sucks ink from the nozzles via the waste ink tube 12b.

  Next, the structure of the ink cartridge 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 1, and FIG. 3 is a top view of the main body case 1b.

  The ink cartridge 1 has a storage chamber 20 serving as a space for storing ink. The ink cartridge 1 extends from the periphery of the bottom wall 21 to the bottom of the storage chamber 20 and the upper direction on the storage chamber 20 side (hereinafter referred to as “first direction”). A main body case 1b having a peripheral wall 22 serving as an outer peripheral portion and having an upper surface opened, a lid member 1a covering the open upper surface of the main body case 1b, and a cap member 1c covering the bottom wall 21 of the main body case 1b. ing. The cap member 1c is formed with two exposure holes 23 and 24 for exposing later-described valve means 27 and 28 to the mounting portion 3 side. The ink cartridge 1 is formed by welding a lid member 1a and a cap member 1c to a main body case 1b. The lid member 1a, the main body case 1b, and the cap member 1c are made of a resin material.

  A plate-like cap protrusion 1d protruding toward the main body case 1b is formed at one end of the cap member 1c (on the right side in FIG. 2), and the cap protrusion 1d is formed on the main body case 1b. An insertion portion 1e that can be inserted is formed. Therefore, since directionality can be given to attachment of the main body case 1b and the cap member 1c, attachment by mistake can be prevented and generation | occurrence | production of inferior goods can be reduced.

  The bottom wall 21 is formed with an ink supply port 25 that is opened to supply the ink in the storage chamber 20 to the outside. The ink supply port 25 is formed in a cylindrical wall 1 g that is integrally projected from the lower surface of the bottom wall 21. The bottom wall 21 is formed with an air inlet 26 that is opened to introduce air into the storage chamber 20. The air inlet 26 is formed in a cylindrical wall 1 h that is integrally projected from the lower surface of the bottom wall 21. When the ink cartridge 1 is attached to the attachment portion 3, the ink supply pipe 13 is inserted into the ink supply port 25, and the air supply pipe 14 is inserted into the air introduction port 26.

  A valve means 27 is provided in the ink supply port 25 to seal communication between the inside and outside of the ink cartridge 1, and a valve means 28 is provided in the atmosphere introduction port 26 to Internal and external communication is sealed. A detailed description of the valve means 27 and 28 will be described later.

  Further, a plurality of communication holes 30 that communicate between the ink supply port 25 and the storage chamber 20 are formed in the bottom wall 21. The plurality of communication holes 30 are formed by three long holes, and each communication hole 30 is arranged so as to be one side of a substantially triangular shape (see FIG. 3). Further, a through hole 31 is formed at the center position of the communication hole 30 arranged in a substantially triangular shape, and a check valve 32 that is formed in a substantially umbrella shape and opens and closes the communication hole 30 is formed in the through hole 31. It is intruded.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the check valve 32 is integrally formed of a synthetic resin material with an umbrella-shaped elastic membrane portion 33 that faces the lower surface of the communication hole 30 and a shaft portion 34 that supports the membrane portion at one end. Configured. The shaft portion 34 is inserted into the through hole 31 of the bottom wall 100c so as to be slidable up and down. Normally, the elastic membrane portion 33 is spaced from the communication hole 30 by the large diameter portion 35 formed in the shaft portion 34. The flow of ink from the storage chamber 20 toward the ink supply port 25 is supported. When a flow from the ink supply pipe 13 side toward the storage chamber 20 occurs, the elastic film portion 33 rises to block the communication hole 30 and block the flow. Since the storage chamber 20 is packaged in a depressurized state, when the ink supply side valve means 27 is opened when the ink cartridge 1 is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus 2, a flow from the ink supply pipe 13 side toward the storage chamber 20 occurs. This is prevented by the check valve 32.

  The bottom wall 21 is formed with a hollow cylindrical air introduction member 40 that rises from the bottom wall 21 in the first direction and is formed integrally with the bottom wall 21. The upper end opening 42 of the atmosphere introduction member 40 opens above the ink liquid level in the storage chamber 20, and the lower end of the internal flow path 41 of the atmosphere introduction member 40 communicates with the atmosphere introduction port 26.

  The connection portion 43 between the air introduction member 40 and the bottom wall 21 is formed in a shape that expands from the air introduction member 40 toward the bottom wall 21, and the connection portion between the air introduction member 40 and the air introduction port 26 is stepped. There is no surface and it is connected smoothly.

  The opening 42 is formed obliquely with respect to the first direction, and is inclined from the central axis of the ink cartridge 1 toward the peripheral wall 22 and toward the bottom wall 21 side. Therefore, since the opening 42 is an elliptical substantially flat surface, the opening area is larger than the cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the first direction of the internal channel 41.

  Of the outer peripheral wall 44 of the air introduction member 40, the end surface 45a that is the upper end in the first direction is substantially parallel to the bottom wall 21 and is formed in a substantially flat surface, and the upper end of the outer peripheral wall 44 that is other than the end surface 45a. The end face 45 b of the first and second end faces 45 is inclined along the periphery of the opening 42.

  The diameter of the opening 42 in the inclination direction, that is, the major axis is approximately “1 mm”, preferably approximately “2 mm” or more. This is because the surface tension of the ink used in the example is “25 ° C.” and “30 mN / m to 45 mN / m”, so even if ink adheres to the opening 42, the meniscus is hardly formed and the meniscus is formed Even if it is done, it can be easily destroyed with the introduction of the atmosphere.

  The inner diameter of the internal flow path 41 is preferably formed to be approximately “0.8 mm” or more. This is because if the inner diameter of the internal flow path 41 is smaller than “0.8 mm”, a meniscus may be formed in the direction of closing the internal flow path 41 with ink, but if it is about “0.8 mm” or more. For example, the meniscus is hardly formed, and even if the meniscus is formed, it can be easily broken with the introduction of the atmosphere. Even if ink adheres along the inner surface of the internal flow path 41, a flow path with a sufficient cross section can be secured without significantly increasing the resistance to air introduction.

  Since the air introduction member 40 described above is formed integrally with the main body case 1b whose upper surface is opened, the main body case 1b can be easily produced by molding or the like, and the production cost can be reduced. . Further, the assembly work can be omitted, the work efficiency can be improved, and adverse effects such as the inflow of ink into the internal flow path 41 from the connecting portion 43 and the normal introduction of the air can be prevented. .

  Here, the valve means 27 disposed in the ink supply port 25 and the valve means 28 disposed in the atmosphere introduction port 26 will be described.

  The valve means 27 includes a support member 50 that is integrally manufactured from a rubber-like elastic member, and a valve member 51 that is made of a resin material. The support member 50 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape, a valve seat 52 at a substantially middle portion in the central axis direction, a biasing portion 53 closer to the storage chamber 20 than the valve seat 52, and a biasing portion 53 thereof. Is formed by integrally molding a cylindrical portion 54 extending from the valve seat portion 52 to the opposite side, and an outer peripheral wall 55 extending in parallel with an interval to the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 54. The valve member 51 is urged by the urging portion 53 in a direction in contact with the valve seat portion 52 and is accommodated in the urging portion 53.

  The outer peripheral wall 55 has a positioning portion 56 protruding outward in the radial direction, and the cylindrical wall 1 g of the ink supply port 25 has a stepped shape whose diameter increases outward to accommodate the positioning portion 56. It has a surface 1f. Further, on the surface of the positioning portion 56 that comes into contact with the stepped surface 1f, a support member protrusion 57 that is formed in a ring shape is formed. Ink leakage is prevented by fixing the valve means 27 in a state where the support member protrusion 57 is crushed with the positioning portion 56 sandwiched between the cylindrical wall 1g and the cap member 1c.

  The valve seat portion 52 has an opening 58 penetrating in the center axis direction at the center thereof. The cylindrical portion 54 has a guide passage 59 into which the ink supply pipe 13 is inserted when the ink cartridge 1 is attached to the attachment portion 3, and the guide passage 59 communicates with the opening 58 from the valve seat portion 52. Connected together. The guide path 59 is formed to have an inner diameter smaller than the outer shape of the ink supply pipe 13 so as to be in close contact with the inserted ink supply pipe 13, and the opening 58 is larger than the inner diameter of the guide path 59 and the ink supply pipe 13. It is formed larger than the outer diameter. The insertion side end of the ink supply pipe 13 of the guide path 59 is formed in a tapered shape that expands outward.

  The cylindrical portion 54 and the outer peripheral wall 55 are separated by an annular groove 60, and the cylindrical portion 54 can be elastically deformed in a plane orthogonal to the central axis direction of the guide path 59 with respect to the outer peripheral wall 55. . As a result, the cylindrical portion 54 can be easily expanded in diameter as the ink supply pipe 13 is inserted into the guide path 59, and the adhesion between the guide path 59 and the ink supply pipe 13 can be improved to prevent the occurrence of ink leakage. it can. Further, even if the ink supply pipe 13 is inserted with inclination or displacement with respect to the guide path 59, the ink supply pipe 13 can be inserted into the guide path 59 by deformation of the cylindrical portion 54.

  The urging portion 53 has a side wall portion 61 that rises in a cylindrical shape from the outer periphery of the valve seat portion 52 to the storage chamber 20 side, and is inwardly connected to the side wall portion 61 so as to contact the storage chamber 20 side of the valve member 51. An overhanging portion 62 is formed, and an opening 63 is provided at the center of the overhanging portion 62. The biasing portion 53 biases the valve member 51 by the elastic force of the side wall portion 61 and the overhanging portion 62 in the direction in which the valve member 51 is brought into contact with the valve seat portion 52. The part 52 is in close contact. Further, when the ink supply pipe 13 enters the guide path 59 and pushes up the valve member 51 toward the storage chamber 20, the side wall portion 61 extends and the projecting portion 62 is inclined, so that the valve member 51 and the valve seat portion 52 are separated from each other. A gap for the ink flow path is formed therebetween.

  The valve member 51 includes a bottom portion 70 that contacts the valve seat portion 52 of the support member 50, and a valve side wall portion 71 that extends in a cylindrical shape from the outer periphery of the bottom portion 70 toward the storage chamber 20. A valve member protrusion 72 that protrudes toward the valve seat 52 and has an annular shape is formed on the end surface facing the seat 52 at a position that is closer to the center than the communication passage 73 described later and outside the opening 58. is doing. In a state where the valve member 51 is housed in the support member 50, the valve side wall 71 is in close contact with and pressed against the lower surface of the overhanging portion 62 of the urging portion 53. The valve seat 52 is elastically deformed and is in close contact with the upper surface of the valve seat 52. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent ink leakage through the opening 58 and the guide path 59 in a state where the valve member 51 is housed in the support member 50.

  A plurality of communication passages 73 that connect the storage chamber 20 side and the valve seat portion 52 side of the valve member 51 are formed penetratingly formed at a position extending from the outer peripheral side to the valve side wall portion 71 of the valve member projection 72 of the bottom portion 70. Yes. Since the communication path 73 has a shape extending over two surfaces (the bottom portion 70 and the valve side wall portion 71), the formation of an ink meniscus in the communication path 73 can be reduced.

  The valve means 28 includes a support member 30 having the same shape as the support member of the valve means 27, and a valve member 81 having a shape different from that of the valve member 51 of the valve means 27. In addition, since the support member 30 of the valve means 28 and the valve member 27 is formed in the same shape, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The valve member 81 includes a bottom portion 90 having the same shape as the valve member 51, a valve side wall portion 91, a valve member protrusion portion 92, and a communication passage 93. A projecting portion 94 projecting to the 20 side is provided. When the ink cartridge 1 is normally attached to the attachment portion 3 and the valve member 81 is lifted from the valve seat portion 52, the protrusion 94 is located at an upper end thereof spaced from the internal flow path 41 of the air introduction member 40. The communication between the storage chamber 20 and the opening 58 of the valve seat 52 is ensured.

  When the ink cartridge 1 is attached to the attachment part 3 (in the direction of arrow X in FIG. 1), the ink supply pipe 13 and the atmospheric supply pipe 14 enter the guide path 59 while expanding the cylindrical part 54, and ink The supply pipe 13 contacts the bottom 70 of the valve member 51, and the atmospheric supply pipe 14 contacts the bottom 90 of the valve member 81. Thereafter, when the ink cartridge is further pushed in the direction of the arrow X, the valve members 51 and 81 are pushed in the direction of the storage chamber 20 (moving in a direction away from the valve seat portion 52), and the atmosphere inside the ink cartridge 1 is released. An introduction path for introduction is formed, and a supply path for supplying ink from the ink cartridge 1 to the outside is formed. As described above, since the inside of the storage chamber 20 is in a reduced pressure state, the atmosphere quickly flows into the ink cartridge 1 when the flow path is formed, so the air introduction path is opened before the ink supply path. It is preferable.

  After the ink cartridge is manufactured and before the user installs the ink cartridge in the recording apparatus main body, the ink is inclined or overturned so that the ink adheres to the opening end of the air introduction member 40 or the ink has entered the inside. However, most of the ink in the air introduction member 40 is returned into the storage chamber 20 by the atmosphere that rapidly flows into the ink cartridge that has been depressurized as described above. However, if the ink remains in the atmosphere introduction member 40 at that time, or if the user subsequently removes the ink cartridge from the mounting portion and tilts or falls, the inner flow path of the atmosphere introduction member 40 may be blocked. is there. However, the tip opening 42 of the air introduction member 40 is formed to be inclined with respect to the first direction, and the area of the opening 42 is larger than the cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the first direction of the internal flow path 41. Thus, the formation of a meniscus due to the ink in the opening 42 can be reduced. Further, even if a meniscus is formed, the meniscus can be easily broken as the atmosphere is introduced. Further, the inner channel 41 is formed in such a size that the inner diameter of the inner channel 41 is not formed in the direction in which the inner channel 41 is blocked by the ink. Therefore, the introduction of the atmosphere is normally performed without causing pulsation, and the ink can be smoothly supplied to the recording head, and the ink discharge can be maintained uniformly.

  Next, the ink cartridge 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 100 of the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Valve means 127 is disposed at the ink supply port 25 of the ink cartridge 100 of the second embodiment. The valve means 127 includes a support member 150 that is integrally manufactured with a rubber-like elastic member, and a valve member 51 having the same shape as that of the first embodiment.

  The support member 150 is configured by integrally molding a valve seat portion 152, a biasing portion 153, a cylindrical portion 154, and an outer peripheral wall 155. The outer peripheral wall 155 is not longer than the cylindrical portion 154 as in the first embodiment, and is formed on substantially the same plane together with the valve seat portion 152 and the positioning portion 156. Further, the valve seat portion 152 is formed with an opening 158, the cylindrical portion 154 is formed with a guide path 159, and the biasing portion 153 is formed with a side wall portion 161, an overhang portion 162, and an opening 163. Since the operation of each part of the support member 150 is the same as that of the support member 50 of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Further, the valve means 128 is disposed at the air inlet 26 of the ink cartridge 100 of the second embodiment. The valve means 128 includes a support member 250 made of a rubber-like elastic member and a valve member 181 made of a resin material.

  The support member 250 is formed by integrally forming a valve seat portion 252, an urging portion 253, and an outer peripheral wall 255. 262 and an opening 263 are formed. These configurations are the same as those of the support member 150 and achieve the same action. The support member 250 includes a cylindrical seal portion 195 having a sufficiently larger inner diameter than the cylindrical portion, instead of the cylindrical portion.

  The valve member 181 includes a bottom 190 having the same shape as the valve member 81 of the first embodiment, a valve side wall 191, a valve member protrusion 192, a communication passage 193, and a protrusion 194, and further, substantially the center of the bottom surface of the bottom 190 A substantially shaft-shaped operation member 196 extending toward the mounting portion 3 side is provided in the portion.

  As in the first embodiment, the mounting portion 3 includes a base portion 3a and guide portions 3b standing on both sides of the base portion 3a, and an ink supply pipe 13 is provided so as to protrude. A concave portion 197 is formed at a joint portion of the base portion 3a with the ink supply tube 13, and a porous member 198 capable of absorbing ink and having flexibility is disposed in the concave portion 197. The size of the porous member 198 is larger than the size of the exposed hole 123 of the cap member 1c. Unlike the first embodiment, the atmosphere introduction pipe 14 is not provided, and the atmosphere supply path 199 is formed at a position inside the seal member 195 and not blocked by the lower end of the operation member 196. ing. A concave portion 200 having an outer shape larger than the outer shape of the seal portion 195 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the air supply path 199 of the base portion 3a.

  When the ink cartridge 100 is attached to the attachment portion 3, as in the first embodiment, the ink supply pipe 13 enters the guide path 159 while expanding the diameter of the cylindrical portion 154, and stores the valve member 51 of the valve means 127. The ink supply path is formed by pushing up to the chamber side 20. When the mounting of the ink cartridge 100 to the mounting portion 3 is completed, the tip of the exposure hole 123 protruding toward the mounting portion 3 is configured to contact the porous member 198 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, for example, when the ink cartridge 100 is repeatedly attached and detached, ink leakage from the valve means 127 and ink adhering to the ink supply pipe 13 can be absorbed by the porous member 198. Dirt due to can be minimized.

  Further, when the ink cartridge 100 is attached to the attachment portion 3, the outside air introduction side has the seal portion 195 elastically deformed and brought into close contact with the concave portion 200 of the base portion 3a. It becomes a sealed state. At this time, the operation member 196 abuts against the bottom wall of the recess 200, pushes up the valve member 181 toward the storage chamber 20, and an atmosphere introduction path that connects the atmosphere supply path 199 and the storage chamber 20 is formed.

  Since the ink cartridge 100 of the second embodiment also has the air introduction member 40 having the same shape as that of the first embodiment, the ink may adhere to the upper end opening 42 of the air introduction member 40 or enter the inside. Even if it exists, it has the effect which 1st Example has in the point by which the internal flow path of the air introduction member 40 is not obstruct | occluded.

  Next, a modification of the upper end opening of the air introduction member 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the upper end portion of the air introduction member 140 is formed in a step shape. The opening 142 at the upper end is non-circular in three planes: a semicircular plane 142a and a plane 142c that are substantially parallel to the bottom wall 21 and have different heights, and a rectangular plane 142b that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 21. It has a simple outer periphery.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the opening 242 at the upper end of the air introduction member 240 is formed to be inclined with respect to the first direction, and the protruding portion 244 a protrudes from the one side of the opening 242 in the first direction. Is formed. Accordingly, the opening 242 is formed in a substantially elliptical shape, as in the first embodiment, and its outer peripheral edge is a flat surface 245a that is the upper end of the protrusion 244a, a flat surface 245b that includes most of the opening 242, and its It is comprised with the perpendicular | vertical plane 241a which connects both planes.

  As described above, the air introduction members 140 and 240 of the modified example described above also set the inner diameter of the internal flow path to “0.8 mm” or more, and the opening areas of the openings 142 and 242 are orthogonal to the first direction of the internal flow paths 141 and 241. In addition to being larger than the cross-sectional area in the direction, the surfaces forming the outer periphery of the opening are formed on three different planes. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the formation of meniscus due to the ink in the openings 142 and 242, and the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be easily guessed.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the opening of the air introduction member may have a shape extending over two planes obliquely at different angles with respect to the first direction, or a non-circular shape such as a polygonal shape or a partially cut-out circular shape. It is good also as what makes it a shape.

  In each embodiment, the valve device is used as means for sealing the ink supply port 25 and the air introduction port 26. However, both the ports are sealed with rubber, and the needle-like ink supply pipe protruding from the mounting portion and the air supply You may make it pierce a pipe | tube.

1 is a schematic view showing an ink jet recording apparatus to which an ink cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention is mounted. It is sectional drawing of an ink cartridge. It is a top view of a main body case. It is sectional drawing of the ink cartridge of 2nd Example. It is the figure which expanded and showed the front-end | tip part of the air introduction member, Fig.5 (a) is sectional drawing, FIG.5 (b) is a top view. It is the figure which expanded and showed the front-end | tip part of the air introduction member, Fig.6 (a) is sectional drawing, FIG.6 (b) is a top view.

Explanation of symbols

1,100 Ink cartridge 1a Lid member 1b Main body case 20 Reservoir chamber 21 Bottom wall 22 Peripheral wall 25 Ink supply port 26 Air introduction port 27, 28, 127, 128 Valve means 40, 140, 240 Air introduction member 41, 141, 241 Inside Flow path 42, 142, 242 Opening 43 Connection part

Claims (6)

In an ink cartridge having a storage chamber for storing ink,
An air inlet that is formed in a bottom wall serving as a bottom of the storage chamber and introduces air into the storage chamber;
An ink supply port for supplying the ink in the storage chamber to the outside;
And a air introduction member formed on the middle empty tubular stand up first direction from said bottom wall to the top of the reservoir chamber side,
The lower end of the atmosphere introduction member is connected to the atmosphere introduction port, the upper end is opened at the upper part of the storage chamber, and at least a part of the opening at the upper end is formed to be inclined with respect to the first direction. An ink cartridge characterized by. In an ink cartridge having a storage chamber for storing ink,
An air inlet that is formed in a bottom wall serving as a bottom of the storage chamber and introduces air into the storage chamber;
An ink supply port for supplying the ink in the storage chamber to the outside;
And a air introduction member formed on the middle empty tubular stand up first direction from said bottom wall to the top of the reservoir chamber side,
The lower end of the atmospheric introduction member is connected to the atmospheric introduction port, the upper end is opened at the upper part of the storage chamber, and the upper end opening is formed in a step shape having two or more different planes. Ink cartridge. In an ink cartridge having a storage chamber for storing ink,
An air inlet that is formed in a bottom wall serving as a bottom of the storage chamber and introduces air into the storage chamber;
An ink supply port for supplying the ink in the storage chamber to the outside;
And a air introduction member formed on the middle empty tubular stand up first direction from said bottom wall to the top of the reservoir chamber side,
An ink cartridge, wherein a lower end of the atmosphere introduction member is connected to the atmosphere introduction port, an upper end is opened at an upper portion of the storage chamber, and an opening at the upper end is formed in a non-circular shape. In an ink cartridge having a storage chamber for storing ink,
An air inlet that is formed in a bottom wall serving as a bottom of the storage chamber and introduces air into the storage chamber;
An ink supply port for supplying the ink in the storage chamber to the outside;
An air introduction member that rises in a first direction from the bottom wall toward the upper part on the storage chamber side and is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape,
A film in which the lower end of the air introduction member is connected to the air introduction port, the upper end is opened at the upper part of the storage chamber, and the inner flow path of the air introduction member closes the internal flow path by the ink. An ink cartridge, wherein the ink cartridge is formed in a size that does not form. The ink cartridge according to claim 4, wherein an inner diameter of the internal flow path of the air introduction member is 0.8 mm or more. A peripheral wall extending from the periphery of the bottom wall in the first direction and serving as an outer peripheral portion of the storage chamber; a main body case constituted by the bottom wall and the peripheral wall and having an open upper surface; and an open upper surface of the main body case. A cover member for covering,
The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the air introduction member is formed integrally with the bottom wall.

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