JPH0367657A - Ink cartridge and ink jet recorder provided with same ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an ink jet recorder simplified in operation and enhance the reliability by mounting a medium storing information for controlling a recording head drive condition on an ink cartridge. CONSTITUTION:An ink cartridge 51 is set on an ink jet recorder 53, whereby a medium 19 loaded on the ink cartridge is connected to an interface 54 on the side of the recorder 53, and the information stored in the medium 19, i.e. information representing the type of an ink contained in the ink cartridge,is transmitted to the side of the recorder 53. Based on this information, a table in a ROM 56 containing, for example, a conversion table is selected. Based on the table, the drive of a recording head 59 is controlled by a head drive controller. The recording head is driven in accordance with a predetermined table. A printing is conducted in a printable state in the presence of a printing signal.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an inkjet recording device equipped with an inkjet head that performs recording with flying ink droplets that utilize the film boiling phenomenon of liquid. The present invention also relates to an ink cartridge replaceably provided in the inkjet recording apparatus.

[Prior Art 1] Many inkjet recording methods have been put into practical use in recent years because the noise generated during recording is so small that it can be ignored, and in addition, recording can be performed on so-called plain paper. Among them, for example, the inkjet recording method (so-called bubble jet recording method) described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-51837 uses thermal energy to act on ink to obtain the motive force for ejecting ink droplets. In this respect, it has different characteristics from other liquid jet recording methods. In other words, in this recording method, the ink subjected to the action of thermal energy undergoes a rapid volume change (film boiling phenomenon) due to a change in state, and this acting force causes the ink to be ejected from the ejection port at the tip of the print head. Flying ink droplets are formed, and the ink droplets adhere to a recording member to perform recording. The recording head 1 of the recording apparatus used in this recording method, especially the area around the ink ejection opening and the part that applies heat to the ink, has a structure as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), for example. In FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the electrothermal converter 2 is
In the heat action section 7 which is the droplet formation energy action section, the liquid w! is drawn from the arrow A via the heat action surface 9 which is the energy action surface. 16 is in contact with the liquid (ink) introduced into the tube. Such a configuration is adopted for the purpose of causing the generated thermal energy as ink droplet formation energy to act effectively and efficiently on the ink in the heat acting section 7. The principle of ink droplet formation in a recording method using such a recording head is that, as mentioned above, when the electrothermal converter is energized, a thermally active part receives the action of thermal energy, which is the energy for forming ink droplets. The state of the ink in the heat-effecting part 7 changes due to a rapid increase in volume, that is, the ink in the heat-effecting part 7 very instantaneously generates, grows, and contracts bubbles, causing the heat-effecting part 7 and the ejection port 5 to change. The liquid present between the two is ejected as ink droplets. By repeating this cycle of bubble generation, growth, contraction, and disappearance, the ink receives high heat. Therefore,
Ink that is thermally unstable is likely to undergo chemical changes, and insoluble matter may be formed and precipitated in the heat-acting portion 7, leading to the possibility that the recording head 1 may become unable to eject ink. Therefore, in order to perform high-speed and long-time recording using such devices, it is necessary to improve the stability of the ink while also
It is extremely important to set optimal driving conditions that correspond to the ink of the print head. FIG. 2 shows, for example, when an electrical signal with a pulse waveform indicated by P is input to the electrothermal transducer 2 provided in the recording head l having the structure shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b). The surface temperature T of the heat acting surface 9 and the volume V of the bubbles generated are shown to change over time. Now, time t is applied to the electrothermal converter 2. When a pulsed electrical signal P that is turned on and off is input at time t,
The surface temperature T of the heat acting surface 9 is the maximum temperature T at time tt.
, reach. Here, when Tp is greater than the boiling point Tb of the ink in contact with the heat action surface 9, in the heat action part 7 filled with ink, bubbles begin to be generated from time TbO where T=Tb, and their volume increases with the passage of time. The maximum volume vp is reached at time T. When the electric signal P is turned off at time te, the surface temperature T begins to gradually attenuate, the volume V of the bubble decreases accordingly, and the bubble disappears at time t. In an inkjet recording device, in order to eject ink droplets efficiently and stably, for example, in the bubble jet recording method described above, the voltage, pulse width, frequency, etc. for supplying electrical energy to the electrothermal converter 2 are adjusted. Control of film boiling drive conditions, pre-discharge, pre-heating, and recording head recovery operations for more stable practical printing is performed within the ink-jet recording device according to the ink characteristics set for the ink-jet recording device. Preprogrammed by hardware or software. Therefore, if ink of another model that does not meet these settings is used, the print head cannot be driven normally, making it difficult to achieve high-quality printing. For this reason, ink cartridges are usually designed specifically for each device to prevent users from accidentally using them. [Problems to be solved by the invention] However, in such conventional inkjet recording devices,
There are the following problems. As mentioned above, in conventional inkjet recording devices, it is not possible to select an ink that differs from the conditions set in the device, which limits the range of use of the inkjet recording device. Extensive use of the device is difficult. Further, even if ink with better ejection characteristics and recording characteristics is developed in the future, it will be impossible to use it because the program in the device will not be appropriate. The above problems will be explained in detail and specifically below. Table 1 shows examples of typical ink compositions used in inkjet devices. Ink (3) in Table 1 is an example of a standard ink that exhibits general performance in terms of both viscosity and adhesion. On the other hand, ink (2) has a higher proportion of components that are difficult to volatilize than ink (2), so it is an ink that is characterized by being less likely to clog the ejection ports of the recording head. Therefore, an inkjet recording apparatus using ink (2) does not require a clogging prevention mechanism for the ejection ports when the inkjet recording head is at rest, or can be structurally simplified. However, since it has a relatively high viscosity, it is necessary to perform sufficient ejection of ink that does not contribute to recording, a so-called preliminary ejection, in the initial stage of reuse. Therefore, the throughput may become low. Furthermore, the ink tends to bleed onto the recording material, and the printing quality is not very high. Ink (2) has a higher proportion of water than ink (2), and is characterized by the fact that the ink dries quickly on the recording member, and allows for high-quality recording with less bleeding. Furthermore, since the nozzle is quickly refilled with ink after ejection, it also has the feature of being able to be driven at a relatively high frequency. However, since the ink dries easily, the ink tends to stick to the ejection ports of the print head during pauses in printing.
Therefore, it is necessary to perform recovery operations such as bombing and frequent capping operations when the recording head is not in use. In particular, when the above-mentioned ink is used for a bubble jet recording head that uses thermal energy as ink ejection energy, the energization is relatively short and the
5 [μsec]) Unless the driving voltage is increased by that much, stable ink ejection cannot be performed.Therefore, if a recording head can withstand such high driving stress, good high-quality printing can be obtained. Otherwise, low-quality printing with poor droplet impact point accuracy will result. Table 2 specifically shows examples of the recording head driving conditions for each ink in Table 1. Table 2 Here, device example I uses a silicon single crystal as the base material of the recording head, and has characteristics such as being able to withstand short pulse current application, high voltage driving, and responding to high frequencies. It is equipped with a head. In addition, device example (2) uses glass as the base material of the recording head, and although it has low durability against short pulse energization, high voltage driving, and high frequencies, it is equipped with a very inexpensive recording head. be. For example, when the device example I, which is programmed to use ink (2) having standard characteristics, is to be used extremely infrequently, it is desirable to use ink (2) that does not cause clogging. However, the conditions for the best ejection when using ink ■ are recorded, and the contents of the print head drive program are adjusted to the characteristics of ink ■, such as conditions such as the number of preliminary ejections, drive frequency, pulse width, etc. The user definitely needs to change it. In addition, in order to increase the printing speed in equipment construction, it is possible to use ink (■), but in that case, as mentioned above, the user needs to make sure to change the driving conditions of the recording head according to the characteristics of ink (■). There is. However, it is cumbersome for the user to change the driving conditions according to the characteristics of the ink used, and this is likely to lead to mistakes, and the printing apparatus is likely to be damaged due to malfunction of the printing head. For example, when using the recording head of the type of device example H, when changing the driving conditions when using ink ■ to the driving conditions when using ink ■,
By setting the head drive voltage to 28 V and the pulse width to 3 μsec, good ejection of ink (2) can be obtained. However, as described above, this driving condition is not appropriate because it applies high stress to the recording head, which may extremely shorten the life of the recording head. Therefore, when considering the life of the recording head, for example, the drive voltage should be 21V and the pulse width should be 7μ.
In addition, the set frequency must be set to about 6 seconds.
It must be changed from KHz to 3KHz. As mentioned above, it is appropriate to use ink that takes into account the usage conditions and purpose of the inkjet recording device, but it is also appropriate to use ink that takes into account the type and drive characteristics of the recording head so that it can respond to changes in the ink used. It is difficult for general users to make detailed changes to the programs within the inkjet recording apparatus, such as the drive conditions of the recording head and the preliminary ejection conditions. Furthermore, even if changes can be made, there is a risk of incorrect settings being made, which may result in abnormal printing or excessive stress on the recording head, making it difficult to guarantee the reliability of the recording device. . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to eliminate such conventional problems and provide an ink cartridge that is provided with information for controlling the driving conditions of the recording head based on the ink used. Another object of the present invention is to provide a high-performance and highly reliable inkjet recording apparatus by changing the driving conditions to suit the inkjet recording head used. [Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention has been proposed to achieve the above-mentioned object, and is directed to an inkjet recording apparatus equipped with a recording head that records an image by ejecting ink. In the ink cartridge, which is replaceably provided to the recording head, stores the ink therein, and supplies the ink according to the ejection of the ink, the medium includes information for controlling the driving conditions of the recording head. It is characterized by comprising: Furthermore, in the inkjet recording apparatus having a replaceable ink cartridge provided with a medium as described above, the driving of the print head can be controlled depending on the medium provided with the ink cartridge. Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Embodiment Example 1] FIG. 3 shows an ink cartridge 51 that is removably attached to an inkjet recording apparatus according to the present invention, a supply unit that is connected to the ink cartridge 51 and supplies ink to the inkjet recording apparatus, and the inkjet. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a part of a connecting device 52 provided on the inkjet recording apparatus side, which includes a receiving section for receiving and taking waste ink from the recording apparatus. Reference numeral 12 in FIG. 3 denotes a housing which is the exterior of the ink cartridge 51, and is usually made by molding plastic to match the shape and structure of the cartridge accommodating portion of the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus. Reference numeral 13 denotes a closed type ink storage container for storing ink, and in this example, a flexible ink bag is used, and ink is sealed and stored inside. 15 is an ink supply section made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. This ink supply section includes a -1' sink and an ink outlet pipe 15a.
When the ink cartridge 51 and the inkjet recording device are connected, the hollow ink needle 16 installed in the connection device 52 of the inkjet recording device main body is inserted and the ink in the ink bag is transferred to the inkjet recording device. This is the part that is supplied inside. Furthermore, ink that is forcibly discharged from the inkjet recording head due to ink filling into the recording head or recording head recovery operation passes through waste ink recovery tubes 16a and 16b installed in the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus. ink cartridge. The waste ink reservoir 18 is inserted into the waste ink reservoir 18 through the hole 17 provided on the exterior of the cartridge.
sent to. 19 is a medium having information indicating the type of ink in the ink cartridge.6 The medium used in this embodiment includes a resistor (having a predetermined resistance value selected from O to ■Ω). ) is @ 19
a e 19 b are terminals provided on the ink cartridge side for electrically connecting the medium and the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus. These terminals 19a and 19b are electrically connected to pin terminals 20a and 20b provided on the inkjet recording apparatus body when the ink cartridge and the inkjet recording apparatus body are completely connected. The bin terminal is electrically connected to a control circuit within the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus, and the control circuit can electrically freely read information from the element. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing how the ink cartridge 51 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the inkjet recording device 53. When the ink cartridge 51 is installed in the inkjet recording device 53, the medium 19 mounted on the ink cartridge is connected to the interface 54 on the device 53 side, and information on the medium 19 is transmitted. Based on this information, control as described later, for example, a table in the ROM 56 including a conversion table is selected, and based on this, the drive of the recording head 59 is controlled by the head drive control device. FIG. 5 shows that the ink cartridge 51 is installed in the inkjet recording device 53 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and
Terminals 19a, 19 of medium 19 of ink cartridge 51
b and the bottle terminals 20a and 20b on the device side are electrically connected and the ink supply system is connected,
It shows a series of operation sequences when the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus is powered on. In step 101, the power is turned on. Then, in step 102, it is determined whether the ink cartridge is installed in the apparatus. If the ink cartridge is not installed, a warning lamp is displayed in step 103. Further, when it is determined that the ink cartridge is installed, the resistance value of the medium mounted in the ink cartridge is read in step 104. Then, data is read from the data table in step 105 according to the value. Data is determined in step 106, and if there is no data, a warning lamp is displayed in step 107. Step 1 if you have data
At step 08, the data is transferred to the drive RAM. As a result, in step 109, the recording head is driven according to a predetermined table, and in step 110, it is determined whether or not printing is possible, or whether there is a print signal or not, and the marking and character signal are ready for dot printing. If so, printing is performed in step 111. If printing is not possible, the process returns to step 109 and processes are performed to bring the recording head into a printable state. It goes without saying that the presence or absence of an ink cartridge may be detected by detecting the medium mounted in the ink cartridge. Table 3 shows an example of a conversion table of the resistance value of the resistor on the ink cartridge and the inkjet driving conditions for the resistance value. (3. Undermanning) −°≦゛♂ Table 3: Resistance value recorded inside the inkjet recording device body vs. head drive condition conversion table This conversion table is as follows:
It is recorded in advance in the control ROM in the inkjet recording apparatus. After the presence of the ink cartridge is confirmed, information on the ink cartridge is read as a resistance value. Here, for example, if the type of inkjet recording device 53 is
In device example I in the table, if the type of ink is ink ■ in Table 1, and the resistance value of the resistor on the corresponding cartridge is 1Ω, the CPU 55 is as shown in Table 3. From the conversion table recorded in the ROM 56 shown, the information that the drive voltage is 21V, the pulse width is 7 μsec, the drive frequency is 4KHz, and the number of preliminary ejections is 128 is read, and then the information is specified in the RAM 56 as data when driving the inkjet recording head. Transfer to the area. Similarly, ink■
If the resistance value corresponding to is 100Ω, the driving voltage is 2
8V, pulse width 3μsec, drive frequency 6KHz,
Read the condition that the number of preliminary ejections is 50 from the conversion table. When actually driving the recording head 59 to perform printing, the CPU 55 reads the aforementioned data again from the aforementioned determined RAM area and instructs the head controller 58. Of course, the table differs depending on the device, and for ink (2), in device example H, the drive voltage is 21V, the pulse width is 7μ5eC1, the drive frequency is 3KH.
z, if the number of preliminary ejections is 50, and if the ink ■ is inappropriate for a device with an extremely simple clogging prevention mechanism,
If the data on the conversion table in the device is set to have a specific value (0 in this example) for identification, the inkjet recording device can determine that the setting is not possible and issue an alarm. Therefore, it is possible to automatically determine ink that is difficult to eject when used in a print head having predetermined characteristics. Furthermore, by ensuring a sufficient capacity of the conversion table, many expected types of driving conditions can be stored in the conversion table, thereby realizing an inkjet recording apparatus that can handle future superior inks. In the above example, we explained the case where the drive voltage, pulse width, drive frequency, and number of preliminary ejections can all be changed by giving an example of reading from the conversion table, but of course,
It is also possible to form a circuit in the device in which, for example, only the driving voltage, only the pulse peak width, only the driving frequency, or a possible combination of these can be set simply by the resistance value of the resistor. it is obvious. In addition to the information specified by the medium, there are also preheating conditions for heating the print head in advance to improve the characteristics of the ink, ink ejection conditions to obtain the optimal ejection during printing, and information on multiple colors. It is possible to set ink ejection conditions and the like when recording is performed using this ink. As described above, the resistor as a medium may be mounted on the ink cartridge at a predetermined position on the front side of the ink cartridge where the ink supply section and the collection section are formed, but as shown in FIG. It may also be provided on the top surface of the ink cartridge. In this case, the resistance value of the resistor can be varied by mounting a resistor with a different resistance value between the contacts on the device side and the terminals on the cartridge side connected to it, or by changing the distance of the resistor. can take values. At this time, a logotype of a predetermined shape or the like can be used as a method of changing the resistance value of the resistor. Further, the resistance value to be set is a value that allows the conversion table set on the main body side to be properly read out as described above. The resistor can be mounted on the ink cartridge by printing the resistor directly on the top surface of the cartridge so that it has a predetermined resistance value, or by printing the resistor so that it has a predetermined resistance value. One method is to attach a label with a printed image on it. In this way, when a cartridge provided with a resistor having a predetermined resistance value is installed in an apparatus, the terminal of the resistor and the terminal on the main body side are configured to scratch. This is because even if the terminals are connected with the terminal surface oxidized and a film still formed, stable resistance readings may not be possible. This will eliminate this instability. Although a resistor has been described above as an example of a medium mounted on a cartridge, other capacitors, diodes, coils, batteries, etc. can also be used for the same purpose. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which an information medium can be attached and detached from the ink cartridge described in FIGS. 1 to 5. In the figure, 28 is a chip equipped with a resistor which is an information medium, and when combined with the fitting part 29 of the ink cartridge, it becomes an ink cartridge that is exactly the same in appearance and function as the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, in manufacturing the ink cartridge according to the present invention, there is no need to assemble and prepare the ink cartridge housing 12 and element 19 in advance according to the type of ink, and the chip 28 can be attached when filling the ink cartridge with ink. This makes it easier to prevent product contamination and enables efficient production, resulting in inexpensive and highly reliable ink cartridges. [Embodiment Example 2] In Embodiment Example 1, a simple element such as a resistor is shown as the information medium, but in the present invention, a semiconductor can be used as another example. FIG. 6 is an embodiment of the invention that includes an electrically erasable read-only semiconductor memory array as the information carrier within the ink cartridge. 21
1 is the ink cartridge main body, and the structure of the ink storage section, waste ink reservoir, cap, etc. is the same in function and structure as the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 22 is a semiconductor memory array. Here, the semiconductor memory array includes ROM (read-only memory),
EEPROM (electrically erasable and rewritable read-only memory), battery backup RAM
23 is a board, which is precisely attached to the exterior of the ink cartridge. The substrate has a terminal portion 26 for fixing the memory array and electrically connecting the memory array to a connector 25 provided on the inkjet recording device 24. As shown in FIG. 6, when the ink cartridge main body is inserted into the ink cartridge receiving section 27 of the inkjet recording device 24, the connector 25 and the terminal section 26 are connected to each other.
The connection is achieved electrically. At this time, the ink storage section and waste ink reservoir are also connected to the connection device of the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus. FIG. 7 shows a series of operation sequences when the inkjet recording device shown in FIG. 6 is electrically connected to the ink cartridge, and the connection device is connected, and the inkjet recording device is powered on. represents. This sequence is similar to that shown in FIG. (Currently, low-capacity 1 [Kbyte or more is commercially available. written directly. Therefore, the CPU immediately transfers information such as inkjet driving conditions from the memory array to a specific area of the RAM as data for driving the inkjet recording head after power is turned on. The recording head may be driven in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. The feature of this embodiment is that, as described above, information such as driving conditions suitable for the ink in the ink cartridge is recorded in the memory of the ink cartridge for each type of inkjet recording head. There is no need to prepare a conversion table. Therefore, there is no need to create many conversion tables in advance. That is, in this embodiment, even if new ink is prepared in the future, only the ROM data of the ink cartridge needs to be changed, so it is highly expandable. FIG. 9 shows an example of an ink cartridge in which the removable information medium employs a memory array as described above with reference to FIG. In the figure, 30 is a semiconductor memory array chip such as ROM, EEPROM, battery backup RAM, etc., and the ink cartridge connector 3 is attached to the exterior 31.
It has a terminal 33 for electrical connection with 2. 34
is a terminal for electrically connecting the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus and the memory array. Therefore, the same effect as the example shown in FIG. 8 can be obtained in this example as well.
It is clear that [Embodiment 3] FIG. 1O shows another embodiment of the present invention in which information such as inkjet recording head driving conditions is recorded in the memory on the ink cartridge in parallel with the insertion direction of the ink cartridge into the inkjet recording apparatus. It is. 35 is a magnetic tape, and due to changes in magnetization polarity, density, etc.
Information such as inkjet drive conditions is recorded on 35a in parallel to the insertion direction of the ink cartridge. Also,
In order to prevent information reading errors due to changes in the insertion speed, a dedicated track 35b is set in parallel with the track in which the above-mentioned information is written, on which timing information is written at regular intervals. As shown in FIG. 1O, information such as the inkjet head driving conditions recorded on the magnetic tape is stored when the ink cartridge is inserted into the inkjet recording head body.
They are sequentially read by the read head 36. After the information has been transferred to the RAM area within the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus, the inkjet recording head may be driven based on this information in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG. Embodiment 41 FIG. 11 shows another embodiment in which the method of recording information on the ink cartridge is changed from the embodiment shown in FIG. 10. In this example, information such as inkjet drive conditions is provided using a bar code 37 pasted on the ink cartridge exterior, instead of the magnetic tape used in the previous example. In this case, as in the above-described embodiment, information such as the driving conditions of the recording head is sequentially read by the reading head 38 when the ink cartridge is inserted into the ink cartridge receiving portion 27 of the inkjet recording apparatus. In this embodiment, since it is sufficient to print a barcode as the recording medium, it is possible to provide an ink cartridge that is relatively easy to manufacture and inexpensive. [Embodiment Example 5] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment example in which the method of recording information on the ink cartridge is changed from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Here, 39 is an ink cartridge, 4
0 is a three-dimensional information pattern placed on the casing of the ink cartridge, and is integrally molded with the casing of the ink cartridge. 41 is a three-dimensional information pattern for timing information.0 As shown in the figure, information such as the inkjet recording head driving conditions recorded in the three-dimensional information pattern is transferred to the ink cartridge receiving section 27 of the inkjet recording apparatus for the ink cartridge. When inserted into the machine, the reading cam switch 42 sequentially reads the data. After the information has been transferred to the RAM area within the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus, the inkjet recording head may be driven based on this information in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[Embodiment 6] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment in which the method of recording information on the ink cartridge is changed from the embodiment shown in FIG. 12. Here, 40 is an ink cartridge, and 41 is an ink cartridge. This is a three-dimensional information pattern placed on the ink cartridge housing, and is integrally molded with the ink cartridge housing. 2 is a three-dimensional information pattern for timing information. In the embodiment shown in the figure, information such as the inkjet head driving conditions recorded in the three-dimensional information pattern is stored when the ink cartridge is inserted into the inkjet recording device. , are sequentially read by the photoelectric switch 43 of the inkjet recording head main body. After the information is transferred to the RAM area within the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus, the inkjet recording head may be driven based on this information. The media for transmitting information using the various methods mentioned above are:
As shown in FIG. 14, it is preferable to dispose, for example, above the ink joint between the ink cartridge and the recording device in the direction of gravity. That is, as shown on pages 44 to 48 of the cartridge in the figure, the above-mentioned information medium or the information medium and the inkjet are placed above the level line of the cap 15, which is the ink connection between the ink cartridge and the inkjet recording device. It is preferable that the configuration is such that the information transfer section with respect to the main body of the recording apparatus is positioned. By providing the information medium or the information transfer section between the information medium and the inkjet recording head above the ink connection section in the direction of gravity, for example, even if ink leaks from the ink connection section, it will follow the direction of gravity. Since the ink flows below the cartridge, it is possible to prevent the medium from being wetted by the ink. Therefore, for example, adverse effects such as electrical leakage caused by a slight leakage of the ink when the ink cartridge is attached or detached, corrosion of the terminal portion, malfunction of the sensor, etc. can be minimized. As described above, the present invention has a structure in which the drive of the recording head can be changed in consideration of the characteristics of the ink, so it is particularly suitable for bubble jet recording heads among inkjet recording systems. The discharge characteristics can be exhibited. In other words, the load on the thermal energy generating section of the head can be reduced, and ejection stability and longevity can be improved. Regarding typical configurations and principles of the recording head, it is preferable to use the basic principles disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,129 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,740,796. It can be applied to both type and continuous type, but especially in the case of on-demand type, it is possible to record on a sheet holding liquid (ink) or an electric converter placed corresponding to the return path. corresponds to information,
Obtain nucleate boiling by applying at least one drive signal that causes a rapid temperature rise, causing the electrical transducer to generate thermal energy and causing nucleate boiling on the thermally active surface of the recording head, resulting in this drive signal This is effective because it allows bubbles to be formed in the liquid (ink) in one-to-one correspondence. The growth and contraction of this gas causes liquid (ink) to be ejected through the ejection port opening to form at least one liquid. If this driving signal is in the form of a pulse, bubble growth can be achieved immediately and appropriately.
Since the contraction is performed, it is possible to eject liquid (ink) with particularly excellent responsiveness, which is more preferable.This pulse-shaped drive signal is described in US Pat. No. 446
Those described in Japanese Patent No. 3359 and Japanese Patent No. 4345262 are suitable. In addition, US Patent No. 443131 of the invention regarding the temperature increase rate of the heat acting surface
If the conditions described in No. 24 are adopted, even better recording can be achieved. In addition to the configuration of the recording head that is a combination of ejection ports and liquid path electrothermal converters (straight liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specification, the heat acting part is bent. The present invention also includes configurations using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 123670 of 1981 discloses a configuration in which a slit common to a plurality of electrothermal converters is used as a discharge part of the electrothermal converter, and a discharge part is provided with an opening that absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy. The effects of the present invention are also effective even with a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1383461 of 1983, which discloses a configuration corresponding to. Furthermore, as a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording device,
Although the length may be satisfied by a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above-mentioned specification, or a single recording head formed integrally, the present invention The above-mentioned effects can be more effectively exhibited. In addition, the present invention is also effective when using a replaceable chip-type recording head that is attached to the apparatus main body to enable electrical connection with the entire apparatus and supply of ink from the apparatus main body. It is. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the ink cartridge 154 of the present invention has a hole or a recess 156 formed in the ink holder 152 filled with ink when the ink holder 152 passes through the ink applying section, and the ink is filled with ink. The hole or recess 156 of the ink holder 152 filled with
When the recording head 151 reaches the surface of the recording head 151, a desired voltage is applied to the recording head 151 to eject ink, and the recording member 15 is moved on the platen while facing the recording head 151.
Ink application unit 153 of the type of device that forms an image on 7.
It can also be applied to ink cartridges that supply ink to. In this case, as in each embodiment, the interface 159 between the ink applying section 153 and the cartridge transmits various information held in the cartridge 154, the CPU 155 selects a processing table based on the information, and the head 15
1 can be controlled to perform a predetermined drive. On the other hand, it is preferable to add recovery means, preliminary auxiliary means, etc. for the recording head provided as a component of the recording apparatus to the present invention, because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, these include capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressure or bow absorption means, preheating means using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element, or a combination of these, and recording. It is also effective to perform a preliminary ejection mode in which another ejection is performed in order to perform stable recording. The effects of these modes will be further enhanced if driving is performed according to the characteristics of the ink depending on the medium provided in the ink cartridge. Furthermore, the recording mode of the recording device is not limited to a recording mode for only mainstream colors such as black, but may also be configured by integrally configuring the recording head or by a combination of multiple heads, or by using multiple colors of different colors or by mixing colors. The present invention is also very effective for devices equipped with at least one full color image. Effects of the Invention 1 As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, by providing the ink cartridge with a medium containing information for driving the inkjet head, the driving conditions of the inkjet head that match the composition of the ink can be adjusted. can be automatically set by the inkjet recording apparatus itself, making it possible to provide an inkjet recording apparatus that is easy to operate and highly reliable. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent a user from accidentally inserting an ink cartridge, and it is possible to provide an ink cartridge that has information for properly controlling the drive of the recording head.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1 <8) and (b) are schematic cross-sectional views showing the vicinity of the ejection ports of the inkjet recording head, Figure 2 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between applied pulses and bubble growth, and Figure 3 is a diagram according to the present invention. A schematic perspective view showing an example of an ink cartridge, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling the drive of the recording head based on information on the ink cartridge, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the sequence; FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing another example of the ink cartridge according to the present invention; FIG.
The figure is a flowchart showing another example of the sequence until printing is performed based on the information of the ink cartridge.
13 and 15 are schematic perspective views showing still other examples of the ink cartridge according to the present invention, FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the installation position of the medium mounted in the ink cartridge, and FIG. 16 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an inkjet recording device. 21.39.40.51...Ink cartridge, 1
9.22.30.35.37.42...medium, 24.
53... Inkjet recording device diagram (cL) /2 152 /ri3

Claims (16)

[Claims] (1) Provided to be replaceable for an inkjet recording device equipped with a recording head that records an image by ejecting ink, the ink is housed inside and the ink is An ink cartridge for supplying ink, comprising: a medium having information for controlling driving conditions of the recording head. (2) The medium included in the ink cartridge includes information for controlling driving conditions of the recording head that causes ejection of the ink that contributes to recording an image. ink cartridge. (3) The medium included in the ink cartridge includes information for controlling driving conditions of the recording head that causes ejection of the ink that does not contribute to recording an image. ink cartridge. (4) The medium included in the ink cartridge is configured to generate heat that causes a bubbling phenomenon suitable for ejecting ink in an electrothermal transducer that generates thermal energy used for ejecting ink provided in the recording head. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising information for generating energy. (5) The medium included in the ink cartridge has voltage, pulse width, etc. that contributes to the driving state of the recording head.
The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the ink cartridge includes information on one of frequencies or a combination thereof. (6) The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the medium included in the ink cartridge includes information for controlling the recording speed by the recording head. (7) The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the medium included in the ink cartridge electrically holds information. (8) The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the medium included in the ink cartridge holds information electronically. (9) The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the medium included in the ink cartridge holds information magnetically. (10) The medium included in the ink cartridge is:
Claim 1 characterized in that information is held optically.
The ink cartridge described in. (11) The electrical information medium has a resistance value, a capacitance,
8. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the ink cartridge is provided by any one or a combination of inductance, voltage, and connection terminals. (12) The ink cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the electronic information medium is provided by an electronic memory. (13) The ink cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the optical information medium is provided by optical reflectance, encoded optical pattern, or a combination thereof. (14) The medium included in the ink cartridge is
The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the ink cartridge can be easily attached and detached as necessary. (15) An inkjet recording apparatus, characterized in that the ink cartridge according to claim 1 is provided replaceably, and the drive of the recording head can be controlled depending on the medium included in the ink cartridge. (16) The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the recording head includes an electrothermal conversion element that generates thermal energy used to eject ink.