JPH03248849A - Recording head, its storage method, cap and ink jet container therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate the possibility of ink leakage caused by vibration, dropping and the like and prevent the drying of ink at the time of storage for a prolonged period by a method wherein, the ink container is equipped with a sealing member and a pressing member, and during the time of no-recording, a discharging part and a communication port to ambient air for an ink tank are closed, and the ink is impregnated with dye, alcohol, urea, or thiourea, and water. CONSTITUTION:Groove parts 2 are provided in the upper and lower faces set back from the delivery part surface 1 at a recording ink delivery part 41, and when a large amount of ink is accumulated in said groove part 2, it is introduced downward, and a groove part 51 of a cap 4 is subjected to resilient pressure, and the engaged state is maintained. A sealing sheet 3 covers the delivery part surface 1 entirely, while the attaching of the sheet 3 to the recording head is performed in a simple manner that an adhesive is interposed between the sheet 3 and delivery part surface 1. An ink absorbing material is contained in the ink containing part, while the ink storage part contains an ink absorbing material, and the ink to be absorbed contains dyestuff, alcohol, urea or thiourea and water.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a recording head or a recording head integrated with an ink tank, which is applicable to printers, copying machines, inkjet recording devices, etc. used in office equipment in general. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a storage method thereof and a cap used therein, and most preferably relates to a recording head that is detachable from the apparatus main body.

The present invention relates to an inkjet cartridge storage container (packing container) that can prevent impacts from vibrations, drops, etc. from being applied to the inkjet cartridge, and is easy to handle during transportation.

[Technical Problem of the Invention] The present invention solves a technical problem that could not be predicted in the past.

In other words, with respect to conventional recording heads, although there have been many applications for solving problems during recording, there have been no applications that have proposed technical problems like the present invention. That is, as a result of conducting many experiments, the following problems were discovered so that the present invention could be applied to emergency situations in the sales state before the recording head is used.

In an emergency situation, although the cause was unknown, ink was seen scattering and ink was sometimes found inside the package. As a result of studying the unexpected situation, the inventor sealed the ejection port itself, and found that no ink leakage was observed in normal durability tests and excessive vibration tests.

However, it was surprisingly discovered that when a slow rotational motion with a moderate amount of inertia caused by normal conveyance is applied, ink leaks slightly from the atmosphere communication section. It has been found that this tendency is often seen in the initial state where the ink filling level has been improved before sales, but it has also been found that such problems do not occur once recording begins within the device. Ta.

Furthermore, when using alcohol-containing ink, which is commonly used as inkjet ink, for the above head,
It has been found that drying of the ink often occurs during sales or long-term storage, and this tendency is particularly severe when an ink containing a large amount of m alcohols is used.

[Summary of the Invention] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a configuration for eliminating the above-mentioned ink leakage in the above-mentioned head. Its features include: a recording head that includes an ink storage section, ink in the ink storage section, an energy generation element for ejecting the ink, and an ink ejection section corresponding to the energy generation element; a sealing member that closes the air communication port for the ejection portion and the ink tank, and a pressing member that presses the seal member against the ejection portion, the air communication port for the ejection portion and the ink tank when the recording head is not recording. The above problem is solved by a recording head characterized in that the recording head is sealed.

Moreover, by adopting this configuration, a new invention was born. That is, as shown in FIG. 24, when an inkjet cartridge is used and handled, an ink storage section, an energy generating element for ejecting ink in the ink storage section, and an ink ejection section corresponding to the energy generating element are arranged. , a sealing member that closes the ejection portion and the ink tank atmospheric communication port, and a pressing member that presses the seal member against the ejection portion, the ejection portion and the ink when the recording head is not printing. When making a recording head whose tank air port is sealed into a usable state, the pressing member is removed toward the side of the discharge section where the sealing member does not extend, and then the sealing member is removed. Ink scattering is prevented by a handling method during use, which is characterized by opening the atmosphere communication port area for the ink tank, and then removing the sealing member from the recording head so that the ejection section is opened. At the beginning of recording, the atmosphere was
It was also possible to prevent the particles from entering the ejection port and causing ejection failure.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems with packaging materials and storage containers, and to fully satisfy the requirements regarding protection of contents, space occupied by the package, cost of packaging, etc. An object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet cartridge storage container (packaging container) that can maintain the humidity environment of the contents.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a head structure and an ink composition that can prevent ink from drying as much as possible during sales and long-term storage.

[Example] First, the common configurations of the following examples are summarized.
and a pressing member that presses the seal member against the ejection portion, and the ejection portion and the ink tank atmospheric communication port are sealed when the recording head is not printing.

Due to this feature, the present invention can provide a recordable state without ink scattering even when the recording head is transported or sold in various worst conditions (even if the inertial resistance described above is large or small). .

A common configuration is that the ink storage section further includes an ink absorbing material, and the ink stored in the ink absorbing material is dye, alcohol, urea, or thiourea. and water.

Due to this further feature of the present invention, the built-in ink does not dry out even in the above-mentioned sales state or long-term storage state, and a good recordable state is provided whenever use is started. It is something that can be done.

In particular, this effect is remarkable when polyhydric alcohols are contained as the alcohols.

FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) are explanatory diagrams of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a perspective view and a partially exploded view thereof in order, and FIG. 8(a)
, (b) are partial explanatory views of the embodiment in FIG. 18, showing a top view and a side view in that order, and FIG. 9 (a), (b) and FIG. 10 (a), (b), FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a modified embodiment of the present invention, showing a top view and a side view in that order, and FIG. 11 is a partially exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
The figures are FIG. 11, an explanatory diagram of a cross section of the recording head of the embodiment, and FIG.
Figures (a), (b), (C) and Figure 14 (a), (b)
, (C) and FIGS. 15(a), (b), and (c), respectively.
15 and 16 are perspective views of the embodiment of the present invention in which the recording head configuration is further modified; FIG. , FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of attaching and detaching the recording head of this embodiment to and from the main body of the recording apparatus.

In Figure 18, IJC is an inkjet cartridge,
A recording head (a thermal energy generating body 91 shown in FIG. 11, a substrate 100 on which an electrode 92 is formed, and an ejection port) to which ink is supplied through a supply pipe that has an ink absorber built into the ink storage section and communicates with the ink absorber. 41. In this embodiment, a top plate 1300 and a plate 400 for forming a liquid path 140 are provided.
are integrally molded. ) indicates a recording head that can be attached to and detached from the integrated recording apparatus main body. S is an opening that can monitor an electrical connection section, which will be described later, and is provided on the upper surface of the recording head. Reference numeral 10 denotes a base plate of the substrate of the recording head, which is an aluminum plate in which a positioning portion 8 for positioning the entire recording head by engaging with the positioning portion 4010 of the carriage of the recording apparatus main body shown in FIG. 5 is integrally formed. It is. Reference numeral 1 indicates the surface of the ejection portion including the orifice plate, and numeral 41 indicates the recording ink ejection portion. In this embodiment, openings for absorbing back waves during recording and openings such as dummy nozzles are not disclosed, but hereinafter, even if these are included, they can be regarded as the ejection part surface 1. Reference numeral 2 denotes grooves provided on the upper and lower surfaces recessed from the discharge part surface 1, and in this example, four grooves are formed as shown in the figure. 53 is base plate 1
This side groove is located on the side facing the groove 2 and has four grooves that are continuous with the grooves of the groove 2. When a large amount of ink accumulates in the groove 2 due to ink scattering, it guides it downward. It is possible to achieve the effect of This recording head groove portion 2 is
This is to maintain the engaged state by receiving an elastic pressing force from the groove portion 51 of the cap 4.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a sealing sheet, which has a size that completely covers the ejection part surface 1 of the recording head, and has a portion that protrudes outward from the end of the recording head, as shown in FIG. 8(a). There is.

This protrusion becomes a brim when the seal is peeled off from the recording head. The attachment of the sheet 3 to the recording head is shown in FIG. 18(a).
An adhesive is interposed between the two to form a simple bond.

18. The cap 4 has a width corresponding to the discharge part surface 1, and has two opposing arm parts 5.5, an elastic body 6 separated from the arm parts and fixed to the inner surface of the main body, and a base plate 10 side. It integrally includes a positioning or elastic deformation regulating portion 7 provided on the side of the main body, and a collar 9.9 that can be used when attaching and detaching the cap 4 itself to the recording head. There is. The arm portion 5.5 has a groove portion 51 on its inner surface that engages with the groove portion 2.
They each have three of them.

In this embodiment, as can be seen in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the seal 3 is extended onto the base plate 10, and at the same time, the elastic body 6 is provided on the base plate 10 so as to face it. This is a configuration for further improving the sealing effect since the discharge port 41 is close to the base plate 10. The portion 7 has a length such that it slightly contacts the back surface of the base plate 10 when the cap 4 is attached to the recording head. This contact length is approximately 1 mm in this example. Due to this slight configuration, the elastic body 6 of the cap can consequently be aligned with the arm 5.5 and the positioning part 7.
Thus, the base plays 1 and 10 are reliably positioned within the range sandwiching them.

In other words, with a simple configuration, the effect of sealing the opening can be achieved without causing the above-mentioned problems with adhesives.

9(a) and 9(b) show a configuration in which the pressing area of the elastic body is concentrated on the discharge port, and for this purpose, the part facing the base plate 10 in the configuration of the elastic body 6 in FIG. 8 is removed. There is. Further, in this embodiment, the portion 7.7 functions as a portion for regulating the amount of elastic deformation, and with this configuration, the entire discharge port can be sealed with a uniform pressure distribution, so this is one of the preferred embodiments. The configuration other than the above in Figure 9 is as follows:
It is similar to Figure 1.2.

10(a) and 10(b) show a configuration in which the portion 7.7 in FIG. 8 is further extended to provide a function as a guide when attaching the cap member 4 to the recording head. . In this embodiment, since the arm portion 5.5 has the same length, when the cap is attached, the portion 7.7 is attached to the base plate lO
Since the cap 4 and the elastic body cannot be attached unless they are securely positioned on the back side of the cap 4, the cap 4 and the elastic body can be miniaturized to further improve the operability when attaching the cap 4 and the elastic body.

To briefly explain the engagement state of the groove portion 2.51 in the above embodiment, when the collar portion 9.9 is moved inward when worn, the arm portion 5.5 is moved as shown in FIGS. Regarding the present invention technically related to FIG.
This will be explained in detail using Figures 9 onwards.

FIG. 7 is a developed perspective view showing an example of an inkjet cartridge storage container (packing container) of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the same after assembly. Moreover, FIG. 20 is a top view (a) and a front view (b) showing an example of the storage container of the present invention, respectively.
and a right side view (C), and a partially enlarged view (d) showing the storage state of the ejection port part of the inkjet cartridge.
It is a partially enlarged view (e) which shows the flange part of a storage container main body.

This packaging container is formed of a container body 61 and a lid member 63, which are joined together and used as a packaging container.

The container body 61 includes a wall portion 61c that is maintained in a non-contact state with the inkjet cartridge IJC that is the content, and a wall portion 61c that protrudes from the wall portion 61c toward the content storage area and supports the inkjet cartridge IJC that is accommodated therein. A recess 61a for fixing the position and a flange 61b for joining and integrating with the lid member 63 are provided. The ejection opening of the inkjet cartridge IJC is maintained in a non-contact state with the wall in the storage space. As shown in these drawings, among the four recesses 61a protruding into the storage space, the depth of the recess on the side where the discharge port is located is increased so that the discharge port is located deep within the storage space. For example, the outlet is better protected. At the same time, this also prevents the user from inserting the inkjet cartridge in the wrong direction (so-called erroneous insertion prevention).

The wall portion 61c particularly needs to have sufficient strength, and is formed of such a material and thickness. The thickness of the wall portion 61c is
Although it may be selected as appropriate depending on the type of constituent material, it is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, preferably 0.3 mm or more, more preferably 0.5 mm or more, and the upper limit is, for example, 1.2 mm or less.

On the other hand, it is preferable that the recessed portion 61a has cushioning properties that buffer or absorb impact in order to protect the contents. That is, if the recessed portion 61a is formed to have the same strength and rigidity as the wall portion 61c, the impact received by the wall portion 61c is likely to be directly transmitted to the contents, and this may not necessarily cause damage to the contents. From this point of view, it is desirable that the recess 61a be formed with a relatively thin wall thickness and have elasticity. The thickness of the recessed portion 61a can also be appropriately selected depending on its constituent material, but is set to, for example, 0.8 mm or less, preferably 0.6 mm or less, more preferably 0.4 mm or less, and the lower limit is, for example, 0.05 mm. This is considered to be the above.

As the constituent material of the container body 61, various resins and the like can be mentioned. The container body 61 is manufactured by integral molding using resin, for example. The method of integral molding is suitable from the viewpoints of processability, production cost, etc.

Injection molding of various resins, vacuum molding, etc. can be used to manufacture the container body 61 by integral molding. Among them, for example, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (A
The injection molding method using resin such as BS resin, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, etc. allows the thickness of the wall portion 61c and the recessed portion 61a to be easily adjusted, and can be performed at a relatively low cost, and each part can be formed as desired. This is suitable because it can easily impart the following characteristics.

Furthermore, by providing the flange portion 61b at the bottom of the container body 61, the container body 61 and the bottom plate 63 can be easily and reliably joined. The flange portion 6.1b is
When the container body 61 is integrally molded, it can be molded simultaneously with other parts. The thickness of the flange portion 61b is the same as that of the wall portion 61c.
It should be about the same as. This flange portion 61b is preferably provided with a reinforcing rib 61e along the joint region 62 between the container body 61 and the lid member 63. Although the rib 61e is provided so as to protrude toward the lid member 63 in FIG. 15, the protrusion may be in the opposite direction. However, in the former case, the container body 61 and the lid member 63 are
This is preferable because the connection with the holder can be made more securely by using the protruding part.

By making the corners of the concave portion 61a and the rising portions of the wall portions 61c curved as shown in the figure, the shock-absorbing properties thereof can be improved. The radius of curvature of the curved portion is preferably relatively large, and is appropriately selected depending on the size of the recess 61a, for example, 2 mm or more, preferably 3 m.
m or more, preferably 5 mm or more.

The shape of the recess 61a is that of the inkjet cartridge IJ.
It is selected as appropriate to effectively protect C and fix the position within the packaging container. In the illustrated example, the inkjet cartridge IJC is supported by four recesses 61a, and this form can be said to be the most suitable from the standpoint of protecting the inkjet cartridge IJC and fixing its position. The number can be selected as appropriate.

If the clearance between the supporting portion of the inkjet cartridge in the recess 61a and the inkjet cartridge is too large, the inkjet cartridge may wobble or shift in the packaging container, so it is not preferable, but if it is too small, the inkjet cartridge container body 61
This is not preferable because the storage performance of the inkjet cartridge deteriorates, and the impact from the wall 61c is not transmitted.These clearances may be selected appropriately depending on the structure of the recess 61a and the matching between the recess 61a and the inkjet cartridge. is, for example, 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0
．． It can be about 5 mm to 2 mm.

The material and thickness of the lid member 63 are selected depending on the weight, strength, etc. of the inkjet cartridge. As the lid member 63, for example, a film, sheet, or plate made of resin or metal, or a laminate containing at least one of them is used. When using this laminate as the lid member 63, the surface layer of the lid member 63 on the non-adhesive side to the container body 61 (hereinafter,
If the outer layer (referred to as the "outer layer") is paper, the paper may release or absorb moisture and become curled under the influence of environmental changes, especially changes in humidity. Preferably, a moisture barrier layer is coated to prevent deformation.

In this case, the container body 61 and the lid member 63 due to curl deformation
It is also possible to prevent force from being applied to the adhesive portion 62 in the peeling direction. From the viewpoint of cost and strength, polypropylene having a thickness of 15 to 100 μm is most preferable for the moisture-proof layer.

Various bonding methods can be used to bond the container body 61 and the lid member 63 after the inkjet cartridge IJC is accommodated in the container body 6J. For example, the container main body 61 and the lid member 63 can be formed of the same type of resin and joined together by a method such as heat fusion or ultrasonic welding. Further, an easy beer layer can be provided on at least the area necessary for bonding of the bottom plate 63, and can be used to perform these bondings. - The method using the C-G Beer layer has the advantage that the lid member 63 can be easily removed from the container body 6 when unpacking, so there is less risk of damaging the inkjet cartridge. ing. In this way, Easy Beer is suitable when considering the humidity retention property of the contents such as moisture resistance and ease of opening. As this easy beer layer, for example, layers made of various hot melt types, polyethylene types, EVAL types, etc. can be used.

In terms of handling, it is preferable that the lid member 63 is provided with a grip portion 63a that is used when separating the lid member 63 from the container body 61. Although this knob portion 63a is provided at a location close to the ejection port of the inkjet cartridge in FIG. 1 and the like, it is more preferably provided at a position as far away from the ejection port as possible. The reason is,
This is to avoid accidentally touching the ejection port part of the inkjet cartridge, which should be particularly protected, when the lid member 63 is peeled off from the container body 61 using the knob 63a.

In addition, by selecting the constituent materials of the packaging container of the present invention,
It is possible to maintain the humidity environment of the contents, that is, to obtain a moisture-proof function and a function to prevent moisture contained in the contents from evaporating to the outside.

For example, the above-mentioned humidity environment maintenance function can be obtained by using a material made of various resins coated with a vinylidene chloride layer or an aluminum layer, or a material that prevents moisture permeation, such as polypropylene, as the constituent material of the container body 61. can. Note that polypropylene is suitable from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost, moldability, processability, etc.

Similarly, as a constituent material of the lid member 63, a resin film, sheet or board material, or a material obtained by coating a paper sheet or board material with a vinylidene chloride layer or an aluminum layer,
By using a material such as polypropylene that prevents moisture permeation, a good humidity environment maintenance function can be obtained.

In order to have good shock-absorbing properties and humidity environment maintenance functions, for example, a material made of paper with an aluminum layer and a layer for sealing adhesion to the container body (for example, an easy beer layer) can be used. A lid member having a polypropylene layer on the non-adhesive surface (outer surface) is suitable for preventing curling. In particular, a laminate in which an aluminum layer is provided and a polypropylene layer is provided as the outermost layer on the non-adhesive side is preferable from the viewpoints of cost, impact cushioning properties, and humidity environment maintenance function.

In addition, when using a vacuum forming method using polypropylene to form the container body 61, as described above, the recess 61a
It is preferable to form the upright portion of the wall portion 61c as a curved portion in order to improve the shock-absorbing properties of the container body 61 and to provide the container body 61 with the above-mentioned humidity environment maintenance function.

Furthermore, the portion of the raw material sheet other than the portion that will become the ceiling portion 61 cm 2 is stretched in a vacuum from the ceiling 61 cm 2 of the container body 61 toward the bottom surface (flange 61 b ) to form the recess 61 a and the wall portion 6 .
By using male molding to mold the 61 cm side surface of 1c, curved parts, etc., it is possible to improve the uniformity of the thickness of each part, eliminate the occurrence of pinholes, and improve moisture permeation prevention properties in each part. It is preferable for increasing.

In addition, when a curved part is not provided in the container body obtained by vacuum forming, the boundary between the wall of the container body and the recess, the boundary between the wall and the flange, etc. are formed as thin corners and pins. Holes may occur, breakage may occur easily when dropped, and the moisture permeation prevention properties of the area may decrease.For this reason, by forming these boundaries as curved parts, it is possible to Formation of a thin portion is more effectively prevented, good moisture permeation prevention properties can be obtained more uniformly over the entire container body, and an outer peripheral portion that is more resistant to drop impact can be obtained.

Furthermore, if a transparent or translucent material is selected for the container body 61 and/or the bottom plate 63, the inkjet cartridge 62 can be seen through in the packaged state.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 7, by providing a cover member 3 that covers (seals) the ejection port on the ejection port surface of the inkjet cartridge, the evaporation of ink from the ejection port can be extremely reduced. The humidity of the storage space can be maintained appropriately, and therefore curling of the lid member can be prevented, and the ink supply path from the ink tank to the ejection port can be maintained in a good condition.

The cover member 3 according to the present invention is not limited to the tape-shaped one described above, but it is easy to handle (for example, it is easy to peel off), and it is useful for maintaining an airtight state of the discharge port. A tape-like material is most suitable because of its superior properties, its thinness, which hardly affects the size of the inkjet cartridge, and its ability to be formed at relatively low cost. As a material for the cover member 3, for example, polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

Furthermore, in FIG. 7, a holding member 4 for holding the cover member 3 against the inkjet cartridge IJC is provided on the inkjet cartridge. A preferred embodiment of the holding member 4 is a cap member in which an ink absorber 6 is disposed at a position corresponding to the ejection port.

Providing such a holding member 4 prevents the user from inserting his or her hand into the ejection port when taking out the -f inkjet cartridge IJC from the storage container, so it is especially important to protect the inkjet cartridge. This is more suitable from the point of view of protecting the discharge port portion. This pressing member 4 is preferably provided so that even if the inkjet cartridge moves within the storage container within the clearance range, it does not come into contact with the wall portion 61c of the storage container main body 61 and does not move.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of the inkjet cartridge storage container (packing container) of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the same after assembly.

Further, FIG. 23 shows a left side view (a), a top view (b), a front view (c), a right side view (d), and a bottom view (e) showing other examples of the storage container of the present invention, respectively. and a partially enlarged view (f) showing the flange portion of the storage container main body (however, the parts treated as a front view are different from FIG. 15).
.

This example is the same as the examples shown in FIGS. 7, 19, and 20 described above except for the shape of the recess 61a of the container body 61. Recess 61a of container body 61 in this example
is formed halfway without reaching the flange portion 61b, and is sloped at a predetermined angle to support the inkjet cartridge. Although the former example is better in terms of fixing the position of the inkjet cartridge in the storage space, the present example can also achieve an effect sufficient to substantially achieve the object of the present invention.

It should be noted that although it is preferable to provide the cover member 3, it is not necessarily provided (although the present invention also covers a configuration in which this provision is not provided).
) is included as an invention.

Although the invention of claim (1) is superior in terms of preventing evaporation of water in the ink filled in the inkjet cartridge, the invention of claim (9) substantially sufficiently achieves the object of the present invention. It is possible to obtain the desired effect.

5 Generally, as solvents used for liquid medium components, there are high boiling point solvents such as polyhydric alcohols for the purpose of preventing clogging, but among these, preferred ones used in the present invention are those with a vapor pressure at 50 ° C. is 0,1 mm)l g
Even if the following substances, such as glycerin, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and diethylene guar 6 are emitted, they remain without evaporation and can serve to keep the dye in a dissolved state. However, since some of these solvents have low surface tension, droplets may bleed irregularly on plain paper, resulting in a decrease in image quality. Glycerin is most preferably used in the present invention. That is, although glycerin is a high boiling point solvent with a vapor pressure of 0.025 mmH at 50°C, it has a high surface tension, so high quality images can be obtained.
It also has high hygroscopicity, so a small amount can prevent clogging.

The content is generally 1 to 3 based on the total weight of the recording liquid.
0% by weight, preferably 5-15% by weight.

Further, in the present invention, in addition to using glycerin as a solvent, other solvents such as thioglycol may be added as long as they do not adversely affect image quality, clogging prevention, and obtaining high-density images. good.

Next is the aliphatic monohydric alcohol, which is a combination of the above dye, glycerin and ? A recording liquid consisting of an aqueous system is used for the purpose of solving the problem of insufficient fixing properties (image drying properties).

Conventionally, the use of penetrants such as surfactants has been proposed, but in this case, although fixing performance is improved, irregularly shaped or irregular bleeding occurs on plain paper, reducing image quality. There was a problem. On this point, in the case of the aliphatic monohydric alcohol used in the present invention, the bleeding is uniform and it has the effect of promoting the ability of droplets to penetrate into paper and evaporate, so it can speed up fixing without reducing image quality. I can do things. Among the aliphatic monohydric alcohols, isopropyl alcohol is most preferred. The content is generally 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably 1 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the recording liquid.

Next, regarding urea or thiourea used in the present invention, it is known that adding these compounds to ink is effective in preventing clogging. However, as a result of detailed study by the present inventors, the vapor pressure at 50°C is 0.1 mm.
By using the polyhydric alcohol below Hg, especially glycerin, even when the dye used in the present invention is added in a larger amount than before, there is no clogging, and furthermore, all the water evaporates and the glycerin and dye can be combined. It was discovered that even when the above compounds were used alone, the viscosity of these solvents did not increase and fluidity was maintained. Therefore, the amount of polyhydric alcohol added can be smaller than the amount of dye added, which is more advantageous for print quality and fixing properties.

Since the polyhydric alcohol used in the present invention has a high boiling point, it has a high viscosity and does not dissolve the dye used in the present invention very well. Therefore, there is a limit to the amount of dye used in the present invention, and sufficient image density cannot be obtained. In order to achieve both prevention of clogging and
It is necessary to use a large amount of the polyhydric alcohol. but,
If a large amount of polyhydric alcohol is used, the viscosity of the ink will increase significantly, the ejection stability will deteriorate, and the ink will eventually fail to eject.Also, if the amount of polyhydric alcohol is large, the print quality will deteriorate. From the above, the addition of urea or thiourea in the present invention is essential for improving print quality, clogging prevention, high image density, and ejection stability, and especially for the dye used in the present invention. When used in combination with polyhydric alcohol, water, and monohydric alcohol, it exhibits a remarkable effect.In the present invention, the content of urea or thiourea is 0.5% based on the total weight of the recording liquid.
It is 5 to 20% by weight, preferably 1 to 10% by weight.

C used as a recording agent in the present invention, 1. Food Black 2 and the dyes represented by the general formulas [1] and [II] are water-soluble black dyes, but are stable against thermal effects and are suitable for use in the recording method using thermal energy used in the present invention. There is no problem with this, and stable ejection is always obtained.

Of course, it is preferable to use purified products. Also, each has different characteristics. Since C,1, Food Black 2 has a small molecular weight and a small wavelength dispersion of light absorption, a clear and high-density image can be obtained. However, on the other hand, it has poor water resistance. The dye represented by the general formula [11] is C,1
, Compared to Food Black 2, it has a larger molecular weight and a larger wavelength dispersion of light absorption, so it lacks clarity and has a lower image density. However, on the other hand, since the directness is increased, the water resistance is very good. On the other hand, the dye represented by the general formula [I] is C,
1. It has intermediate performance between Food Black 2 and the dye represented by the general formula [II]. Therefore, by arbitrarily combining the above three types of dyes, images with good water resistance, high density, and clearness and high contrast can be obtained.

Among any combinations, a combination of all three types of dyes is most preferable in consideration of overall balance such as color tone on plain paper.

C used in the present invention, 1. Food Black 2 is a dye having the structure shown below.

≠3 M represents an alkali metal, and Na, K, and Li are preferred.

The lower alkylcarbonylamino group in the dye structure represented by general formulas [11 and [II] has 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
An alkylcarbonylamino group is preferable, and the lower alkoxy group is preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, specifically a methoxy group or an ethoxy group, and the lower alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. An alkyl group is preferable, and specifically a methyl group and an ethyl group are preferable.

M includes Na, Li, NH4, NH(C2H4
Ammonium such as 0H)3°NH(CH3)3 is preferably used.

Preferred specific examples of the dye represented by the general formula [I] are shown below.

Preferred specific examples of the dye represented by the general formula [■] are shown below.

Nα7 Nα10 (M': NH(C2H40H) 3) (Hereinafter, blank spaces) t, r7 Particularly preferable dyes for use in the present invention are C, 1
, Food Black 2 and Exemplary Compound No. 1 and No.

This is an embodiment in which three types of dyes No. 6 are combined.

As a result of intensive study, the ratio of each dye was C, I.

Food Black 2 The dye represented by the general formula [I] and/or [I[] is most preferably in the range of 8:2 to 2:8 (weight ratio), more preferably 1:1 to 1:3. Further, when the dye of general formula [I] and the dye of general formula [II] are used together, the mixing ratio thereof is preferably 2:1 to 1:2. The content of the dye is generally in the range of 0.1 to 15% by weight, preferably 1 to 5% by weight based on the total weight of the recording liquid. Moreover, the dye can also be used in combination with other dyes.

qθ As mentioned above, if even one of the above components is missing,
The goal cannot be achieved. In other words, the object of the present invention can only be achieved when all the components are present. or,
In the recording liquid, additives such as a viscosity modifier, a surface tension modifier, a pH modifier, a fungicide, and a rust preventive can be added as necessary.

As described above, when inkjet recording is performed on various types of plain paper using the recording liquid of the present invention, the image quality may deteriorate or the density may be low (such as becoming This enables good recording on various types of plain paper without causing problems.

(Example 1) Thickness 1. A container body having the structure shown in FIG. 1 was fabricated using a polypropylene sheet having a diameter of 61 cm by male vacuum forming in which the material portion other than the ceiling portion of 61 cm was stretched toward the bottom. The sizes of each part are as follows.

Minimum wall thickness: 0.2mm Corner radius of curvature: 3mm On the other hand, polypropylene layer (thickness 30μm), polyethylene terephthalate layer (thickness 12μm), aluminum layer (thickness 9μm), polyethylene easy beer layer (
The lid member 3 was produced by laminating the sheets (thickness: 30 μm) in this order from the adhesive side to the container body.

Next, an ink tank for storing ink is provided, a protective tape made of polyethylene terephthalate is provided as a cover member 3 on the ejection port surface to seal the ejection port, and an ink absorber 6 is provided as a pressing member 4 to press the protective tape. Inkjet cartridge IJ equipped with a cap member with
C is stored in the container body 61, and a lid member 63 is placed on the bottom of the container body.
The flange 61b and the lid member 63 were then bonded together using an ultrasonic welder.

A drop test was performed on the resulting packaged items and their aggregates from a predetermined height to inspect the protective state of the packed inkjet cartridges, and no damage was found to the inkjet cartridges.

In addition, after leaving the obtained package under a specified atmospheric condition for a specified period of time, the amount of water evaporated from the ink filled in the inkjet cartridge was examined by measuring the weight of the inkjet cartridge, and it was found that there was a slight weight loss. was only measured.

Furthermore, no deformation such as curling of the lid member was observed after being left for a predetermined period of time.

(Example 2) A container body was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a vinyl chloride sheet coated with vinylidene chloride having a thickness of 30 μm was used, and an inkjet car I/Ridge was packed.

When the resulting package was subjected to a drop test in the same manner as in Example 1, no abnormality such as damage occurred to the packaged inkjet cartridge.

In addition, when the amount of evaporation of water in the ink filled in the packed inkjet cartridge was measured in the same manner as in Example 1, it was found to be small as in Example 1, and no deformation such as curling of the lid member was observed. Ta.

(Example 3) A container body was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the radius R of each curved portion was 1 mm, an inkjet cartridge was packed, and a drop test and the amount of water evaporation were performed.

In addition, the minimum thickness of the container body is 0.0.
It was 5 mm.

As a result, in the drop test, a slight dent was observed in the container body of the packaged product, but there was no abnormality in the packaged inkjet cartridge 9 .

Further, the amount of water evaporated from the ink filled in the inkjet cartridge was small, and no deformation of the lid member was observed.

(Example 4) A container body is molded by female molding in which the portion of the polypropylene sheet that will become the flange portion 61b and the other portions (recessed portion 6, a, and wall portion 61c) are pulled and molded by vacuum, and flange portion 61
An inkjet cartridge was packed in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the radius of curvature of the corner b was 0.5 mm, and the radius of curvature of the other corners was 2 mm.

The resulting package was subjected to the same drop test as in Example 1 and the amount of water evaporated from the ink was measured.

In the drop test, there was no abnormality in the packaged Infusiera 1 cartridge.

The amount of moisture evaporated from the ink was small, and no deformation of the lid member was observed.

(Examples 5, 6.7, and 8) Same as Examples 1, 2.3, and 4, respectively, except that a protective tape serving as a covering member for the ejection port was not provided on the ejection port surface of the inkjet cartridge. I did the packing.

As a result, in any of the examples, Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4
Although the amount of water evaporated from the ink filled in the inkjet cartridge increased slightly compared to the previous example, the effect was sufficient to substantially achieve the object of the present invention.

It should be noted that the present invention brings about excellent effects particularly in bubble jet recording heads and recording apparatuses among ink jet recording systems.

As for the typical configuration and principles thereof, it is preferable to use the basic principles disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,129 and U.S. Pat. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type, but especially in the case of the on-demand type, it is necessary to arrange the liquid (ink) in accordance with the sheet and liquid path that hold it. By applying at least one drive signal that corresponds to recorded information and causes a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling to the electrothermal transducer, the electrothermal transducer generates thermal energy, and the recording head This is effective because it causes film boiling on the heat acting surface of the liquid (ink), resulting in the formation of bubbles in the liquid (ink) in one-to-one correspondence with this drive signal. The growth and contraction of the bubble causes liquid (ink) to be ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one drop. It is more preferable to use this drive signal in a pulse form, since the growth and contraction of bubbles can be carried out immediately and appropriately, making it possible to eject liquid (ink) with particularly excellent responsiveness. As this pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. No. 4,463,359 and US Pat. No. 4,345,262 are suitable. Incidentally, U.S. Patent No. 431 for the invention regarding the temperature increase rate of the heat acting surface
If the conditions described in specification No. 3124 are adopted,
Even better recording can be performed.

The configuration of the IFI recording head includes, in addition to the combined configuration of ejection ports, liquid paths, and electrothermal converters (straight liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, a thermal effect U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600 disclose a configuration in which the portion is arranged in a bending region.
The present invention also includes a configuration using the specification of the above specification.

In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 123670 of 1982 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge part for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and a hole that absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy is disclosed. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 138461 of 1981, which discloses a configuration in which a discharge portion corresponds to a discharge portion.

Furthermore, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, the length can be increased by combining multiple recording heads as disclosed in the above-mentioned specification. Either a configuration that satisfies the above requirements or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally may be used, but the present invention can more effectively exhibit the above-mentioned effects.

In addition, a replaceable chip-type recording head that is attached to the device body enables electrical connection to the device body and ink supply from the device body, or a chip-type recording head that is installed integrally with the recording head itself. The present invention is also effective when a cartridge type recording head is used.

Further, it is preferable to add recovery means, preliminary auxiliary means, etc. for the recording head, which are provided as a configuration of the recording apparatus of the present invention, because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, these include preheating means for the recording head by means of a caving means, a cleaning means, a pressurizing or absorbing means, an electrothermal converter or another heating element, or a combination thereof. It is also effective to perform a preliminary ejection mode in which ejection is performed separately from printing in order to perform stable printing.

Furthermore, the recording mode of the recording device is not limited to a recording mode in which only the mainstream color such as black is used, but also a recording mode in which the recording head is configured integrally or by a combination of two or more, but it is also possible to record in multiple colors or in different colors. The present invention is also extremely effective for devices equipped with at least one of the following: , full color by color mixing.

By using the packaging container of the present invention, inkjet cartridges can be reliably and inexpensively protected from shocks caused by vibrations and drops during transportation and the like.

That is, the packaging container of the present invention is arranged to match the shape of the inkjet cartridge, and is provided with a recess that supports the contents at appropriate intervals and prevents direct contact between the wall of the main body of the packaging container and the inkjet cartridge. As a result, the position of the inkjet cartridge within the packaging container is effectively fixed, and impact applied from the outside to the wall of the container main body is prevented from reaching the contents.

In addition, packaging using the packaging container of the present invention has a small increase in the space occupied by packaging, and is highly space-saving (it is possible to save warehouse space and logistics space,
Costs in storage and logistics can be reduced.

Furthermore, the packaging container of the present invention can provide a function to maintain the humidity environment while the inkjet cartridge is packed, and it is possible to provide packaging that not only protects the inkjet cartridge but also maintains the humidity environment. Become.

In addition, by providing a cover member to cover (seal) the ejection port on the ejection port surface of the inkjet cartridge,
Since the evaporation of ink from the ejection port can be minimized, the humidity of the storage space can be kept at an appropriate level, thus preventing the cover member from curling and deforming. The condition of the ink supply path can be maintained in a good condition.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the provision of the holding member for pressing the cover member against the inkjet cartridge prevents inserting a hand into the ejection port portion when taking out the inkjet cartridge from the storage container. This is more suitable from the point of view of protecting the parts.

As described above, although it is preferable to provide a cover member, it is not necessary to provide one, and the present invention also includes a configuration in which this cover member is not provided. Although the invention of claim (1) is effective in preventing the evaporation of water in the ink contained in an inkjet cartridge, the invention of claim (9) substantially sufficiently achieves the object of the present invention. It is possible to obtain the desired effect.

EXAMPLES The present invention will be specifically explained by showing Examples and Comparative Examples below. Hereinafter, all "parts" are based on weight.

Example 1 After thoroughly stirring the above composition, the pore size o. The recording liquid of the present invention was obtained by pressure filtration using a 22 μm Fluorobor filter (filter manufactured by Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., trade name).

This nftt ri 艮t, Kageishi audience 12 was shown. Yeah 2η
2nd place, 2nd step, 2nd step, 5th step, 5th step,
Good (l'4-'lv Kanojiba was delivered ψ.

No. table 6, 2.

Table 1: 1-dip t1 to 6 Recording liquids having the compositions shown in Table 2 below were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1.

Knee 11, 'c $tL (+'l l t T'
i;I(, &+, C1F-71・'JCT= 2S
, 1) If"&J++7? S hX"4Rt
``y kP-#, 'E /l f4tt+i
Z t4'7tTS, 1'z.

Table [Effects of the Invention] In the present invention, as in the above configuration, the atmosphere communication port and the discharge port are sealed with the same sealing member, and the pressure member reliably seals the discharge port. We were able to solve the above new problem.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the seal member and the discharge port be connected through an adhesive, but the connection between the seal member and the discharge port may not be through an adhesive.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the attachment of the cartridge IJC to the device, FIG. 6 is an external view of the device of the present invention, and FIGS. 18(a) and (b) are explanations of the first embodiment of the present invention. The figures show a perspective view and a partially exploded view, and Fig. 8(a)
, (b) are partial explanatory views of the embodiment in FIG. 18, showing a top view and a side view in that order, and FIGS.
a) and (b) are explanatory views of a modified embodiment of FIG. 8, respectively showing a top view and a side view, FIG. 11 is a partially exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a cross section of the recording head of the embodiment, Fig. 13 (a), (b), (C), Fig. 14 (a), (b), (c), Fig. 15 (a), (
b) and (c) are explanatory diagrams of still another embodiment of the present invention, showing a side view, a front view, and a top view in that order, and FIGS. 16 and 17 further illustrate the recording head configuration. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modified example of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional explanatory view illustrating the configuration of attaching and detaching the recording head of this embodiment to and from the main body of the recording apparatus. FIG. 7 is a developed perspective view showing an example of an inkjet cartridge storage container (packing container) of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an example of the inkjet cartridge storage container (packing container) of the present invention after assembly. FIG. 20 is a top view (a), a front view (b), and a right side view (C) showing an example of the storage container of the present invention, and a partially enlarged view showing the storage state of the ejection port portion of the inkjet cartridge. (d) and a partially enlarged view (e) showing the flange portion of the storage container main body. FIG. 21 is a developed perspective view showing another example of the inkjet cartridge storage container (packing container) of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another example of the inkjet cartridge storage container (packing container) of the present invention after assembly. FIG. 23 is a left side view (a), a Jz side view (b), a front view (C), and a front view (C) showing other examples of the storage container of the present invention, respectively.
They are a right side view (d), a bottom view (e), and a partially enlarged view (f) showing a flange portion of the storage container main body. FIGS. 24(a), 24(b), and 24(C) are explanatory diagrams for explaining in detail the present invention when the recording head implementing the configuration of the present invention is brought into use. 3: Covering member 4: Pressing member 6: Ink absorber 61/container body 61a: Recessed portion 61b, flange portion 61c: Wall portion 61e: Rib 63: Bottom plate 63a: Knob portion IJC: Inkjet cartridge 91, H: Thermal energy generating element 2.51: Groove 9 10: Base plate 7: Positioning or elastic deformation control part 8: Positioning of cartridge with respect to carriage 9: Cap attaching/detaching collar O? To~ Bome 1＼ ζS −−ノ

Claims (38)

[Claims] (1) An ink storage unit and ink within the ink storage unit,
In a recording head comprising an energy generating element for ejecting the ink and an ink ejecting section corresponding to the energy generating element, a sealing member that closes the ejecting section and the atmosphere communication port for the ink tank, and the sealing member a pressing member that presses the ejection portion against the ejection portion, the ejection portion and the ink tank air communication port are sealed when the recording head is not printing, and the ink contains dyes, alcohols, urea or thiourea, and A recording head characterized by containing water. (2) The pressing member includes an engaging portion that engages with the recording head, and an elastic member that maintains an elastically deformed state under the engaged state of the engaging portion and presses the sealing member against the ejection portion. 2. A recording head according to claim 1, comprising: (3) The engaged state according to claim 2, wherein the engaged state is achieved by engagement between a plurality of grooves provided in the recording head and a groove portion that engages with the plurality of grooves as an engagement portion of the pressing member. Recording head as described. (4) The recording head according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the engaged state is formed at each of a pair of opposing side surfaces of the recording head. (5) The ink discharge section has a plurality of ink discharge ports provided on an orifice plate, the seal member is larger than the orifice plate and has a size that can be peeled off, and the pressing area of the elastic member The recording head according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the area for pressing the seal member located at least in the plurality of ink ejection ports and the surrounding area thereof is smaller than that of the seal member. (6) The recording head according to claim 5, wherein there is a stepped portion near the ink ejection portion, and the peripheral portion includes this stepped portion. (7) The recording according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the pressing member has a contact portion for contacting the recording head to define the amount of deformation of the elastic member. head. (8) The pressing member has a portion located on the side of the recording head to define the positioning of the elastic member with respect to the ejection portion. recording head. (9) The recording head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sealing member is bonded to the ink ejection section and the ink tank air port. (10) A method for storing a recording head that is provided with an opening that communicates with a storage section that stores ink and is open to the outside, wherein the ejection section and the atmosphere communication port for the ink tank as the openings are connected to the storage section that stores ink. A record characterized in that it is stored in a hermetically sealed state with a sealing member that simultaneously closes the sealing member, a pressing member that presses the sealing member against the discharge portion, and a pressing member that presses the discharge portion against its periphery. How to store the head. (11) The pressing member includes an engaging portion that engages with the recording head, and an elastic member that maintains an elastically deformed state in the engaged state of the engaging portion and presses the sheet-like member against the ejection portion. and the engaged state is such that the engagement between a plurality of grooves provided in the recording head and a groove portion that engages with the plurality of grooves as an engagement portion of the pressing member is between opposing side surfaces of the recording head. 11. The recording head storage method according to claim 10, which is achieved by forming each of the following. (12) The opening part is the ink discharge part, and there is a step part in the vicinity of the opening part, and the pressing area of the sheet-like member by the pressing member includes the step part.
The method for storing a recording head according to item 0 or 11. (13) The recording according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the pressing member has a contact portion that comes into contact with the recording head to define the amount of deformation of the elastic member. How to store the head. (14) The pressing member has a portion located on the side of the recording head to define the positioning of the elastic member with respect to the ejection portion. How to store the recording head. (15) The recording head storage method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the sheet-like member is adhered to the ink ejection section. (16) an engaging portion for engaging and integrating with the recording head;
The present invention includes a flexible sheet that is adhered to and comes into contact with an ejection port of a recording head and an atmosphere communication port of an ink tank, and an elastic member that is provided only in a portion of the flexible sheet that corresponds to the ejection port. A recording head cap with special features. (17) The cap according to claim 16, wherein the cap has an abutting portion that abuts against the recording head to define the amount of deformation of the elastic member. (18) The cap according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the pressing member has a portion located on the side of the recording head to define the positioning of the elastic member with respect to the ejection portion. (19) In the first aspect of the present invention, in the cap, the engagement and integration are achieved by grooves of the engagement portion that engage with a plurality of grooves formed on each of a pair of opposing side surfaces of the recording head.
The cap according to any one of items 6 to 17. (20) The cap according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the cap includes a collar portion that assists attachment and detachment to and from the recording head. (21) The recording head according to any one of claims 1 to 15 performs recording using an electrothermal transducer that generates thermal energy for causing film boiling in ink in response to an electrical signal. This is a bubble jet recording head that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the recording apparatus. (22) A container body comprising a lid member and a container body having a recess that forms a storage space for an inkjet cartridge having an ejection port for ejecting ink when joined to the lid member, the container body being connected to the inkjet cartridge. and a recessed portion protruding from the wall portion into the storage space to support the inkjet cartridge. An inkjet cartridge storage container, comprising: a cover member for covering a communication port; and a pressing member for pressing the cover member against the inkjet cartridge. (23) The inkjet cartridge storage container according to claim 22, wherein the cover member is a protective tape that seals the ejection port. (24) The inkjet cartridge storage container according to claim 22, wherein the pressing member is a cap member in which an ink absorber is disposed at a position corresponding to the ejection port. (25) The inkjet cartridge storage container according to claim 22, wherein the lid member is provided with a knob portion that is used when peeling off the connection with the container body. (26) The inkjet cartridge storage container according to claim 22, wherein the container body is provided with a flange portion as a portion for joining with the lid member. (27) The inkjet cartridge storage container according to claim 22, wherein the flange portion is provided with a rib along a joining area between the container body and the lid member. (28) The inkjet cartridge according to claim 22, wherein the inkjet cartridge includes an electrothermal converter as a thermal energy generating means that generates thermal energy used to eject ink from the ejection port. Cartridge storage container. (29) The inkjet cartridge storage container according to claim 22, wherein the inkjet cartridge includes an ink tank for storing ink ejected from the ejection port. (30) A container body comprising a lid member and a container body having a recess that forms a storage space for an inkjet cartridge having an ejection port for ejecting ink when joined to the lid member, the container body being connected to the inkjet cartridge. and a recessed portion protruding from the wall portion into the storage space to support the inkjet cartridge. An inkjet cartridge storage container, comprising: a cover member for covering the communication port; and a cap member for covering the ejection port and pressing the cover member against the inkjet cartridge. (31) The inkjet cartridge storage container according to claim 30, wherein the cap member has an ink absorber disposed at a position corresponding to the ejection port. (32) The inkjet cartridge storage container according to claim 30, wherein the lid member is provided with a knob portion that is used when peeling off the connection with the container main body. (33) The inkjet cartridge storage container according to claim 30, wherein the container body is provided with a flange portion as a portion for joining with the lid member. (34) The inkjet cartridge storage container according to claim 33, wherein the flange portion is provided with a rib along a joint area between the container body and the lid member. (35) The inkjet cartridge according to claim 30, wherein the inkjet cartridge includes an electrothermal converter as a thermal energy generating means that generates thermal energy used to eject ink from the ejection port. Cartridge storage container. (36) The inkjet cartridge storage container according to claim 30, wherein the inkjet cartridge includes an ink tank for storing ink ejected from the ejection port. (37) A method for using and using an inkjet cartridge, which includes an ink storage section, an energy generating element for ejecting ink in the ink storage section, and an ink ejection section corresponding to the energy generating element. and a sealing member that closes the air communication port for the ejection section and the ink tank, and a pressing member that presses the sealing member against the ejection section, and the air communication port for the ejection section and the ink tank is sealed when the recording head is not printing. When a recording head with a sealed communication port is put into a usable state, after the pressing member is removed from the ejection section toward which the seal member does not extend, the seal member is opened to the atmosphere for the ink tank. A method for handling at the time of use, characterized in that the mouth region is opened, and then the seal member is removed from the recording head so that the discharge section is opened. (38) The inks according to claims 1 to 37 contain an aliphatic monohydric alcohol and a polyhydric alcohol having a vapor pressure of 0.1 mmHg or less at 50°C.