JPH05270002A - Method for storing ink jet cartridge and stroing container therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an IJC storing container having a function for safely storing IJC, wherein the amount of space required for storing the IJC can be minimized and leak of ink can be avoided and the IJC can be easily stored and taken out. CONSTITUTION:A storing container 1 includes an elastic seal member 6 which comes into contact with a delivery port formation surface 400A of a record head IJH to seal it when an ink jet cartridge is stored, a lid member 2 which can be opened and closed, and elastic members 6, 8, 9, 10 which resiliently hold IJC at least from all directions, while a sealed state is maintained by the seal member 6 when the lid member 2 is closed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of storing an exchangeable ink jet cartridge in which a recording head portion for recording by ejecting ink and an ink storing portion are integrated and a storage container therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, ink-jet cartridges (hereinafter referred to as IJCs) are stored in containers and packagings made of styrofoam, paper, foamed sheets, etc., which have a shock absorbing function due to vibrations and drops during distribution. Has been used.

Further, the IJC is required to prevent ink leakage from the ink ejection port of the recording head portion during distribution, and conventionally, it has been packaged or housed only by being sealed with an adhesive tape or the like.

[0004]

However, such a storage container having a shock absorbing function generally has a large volume, which is a heavy burden in terms of warehouse space and physical distribution costs.

Further, the IJC is complicated to take out from the IJC storage container or the packaging, and the storage container itself is expensive. Especially in the case of a disposable IJC, the ratio of the storage container to the total cost is not small.

In a more severe environment, IJ
It is necessary to block not only the ejection port of the recording head of C but also the air communication port. In such a case, for example, when the temperature of IJC becomes high, the inside of IJC becomes a high pressure,
If the ejection port is opened to the atmosphere first, ink may leak. Therefore, you must always open the atmosphere communication port first and then the discharge port in that order, and if you use a simple package, there is a risk that the order will be incorrect, and the package that can always be opened in order. If set to, it will be expensive.

The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems. (1) It has a sufficient function for safely storing the IJC, and has a volume as small as an IJC storage container, and It should be affordable.

(2) The time and effort required when the IJC is stored in the storage container or when the IJC is taken out are simple.

An object of the present invention is to provide an IJC storage method satisfying the above conditions and a storage content therefor.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a first IJC storage method according to the present invention is a recording head section for ejecting ink to perform recording, and an ink supplied to the recording head section. When storing a replaceable inkjet cartridge that is integral with the ink storage section of the above, the elastic member sealing member provided in the storage container that stores the inkjet cartridge is pressed against the ink ejection port forming surface of the recording head section. The ink-jet cartridge is housed in the storage container so as to be in contact with each other, and the lid member and the storage container are held while the ink ejection port forming surface is sealed by the sealing member by closing the lid member. Characterized in that the inkjet cartridge is elastically supported from at least four sides by elastic members disposed on the inner surface of the A.

A second IJC storage method is a replaceable ink jet cartridge in which a recording head section for ejecting ink for recording and an ink containing section for ink to be supplied to the recording head section are integrated. When storing, the ink jet cartridge is housed in the housing container by contacting the ink discharge port forming surface of the recording head portion with the elastic sealing member provided in the housing container housing the ink jet cartridge. Then, by closing the lid member, the ink ejection port forming surface is kept in a sealed state by the sealing member, and the ink is accommodated in the elastic second sealing member provided in the inkjet cartridge. The atmosphere communication port of the portion is brought into contact, and the ink ejection port forming surface and the atmosphere communication port are in a closed state of the storage container by the lid member. While maintaining the sealed state, the lid member and the elastic member provided on the inner surface of the storage container elastically support the inkjet cartridge from at least four sides, and the lid opening operation of the lid member causes the ink ejection port surface to be formed. It is characterized in that the atmosphere communication port can be separated from the second sealing member prior to the opening from the sealing member.

Furthermore, in the first aspect of the IJC storage container according to the present invention, the recording head portion for ejecting ink for recording and the ink storage portion for the ink to be supplied to the recording head portion are integrally replaced. A storage container for storing a possible ink jet cartridge, wherein an elastic sealing member for contacting and sealing the ink ejection port forming surface of the recording head portion during storage, an openable lid member, and the lid An elastic member elastically supporting the ink jet cartridge from at least four sides while maintaining the sealed state of the ink discharge port forming surface by the sealing member in the closed state of the member.

A second IJC storage container according to the present invention is also provided.
Is a storage container that stores a replaceable inkjet cartridge in which a recording head unit that discharges ink for recording and an ink storage unit that supplies ink to the recording head unit are integrated. At times, an elastic sealing member that abuts and seals the ink discharge port forming surface of the recording head unit, a lid member that can be opened and closed, and the ink discharge port by the sealing member by the closing operation of the lid member. While maintaining the sealing state of the formation surface, it seals by contacting with the atmosphere communication port of the ink containing portion, and the opening operation of the lid member opens the ink ejection port formation surface from the sealing member. First, in a closed state by the second sealing member capable of opening the atmosphere communication port and the lid member, while maintaining the sealing state of the ink ejection port forming surface by the sealing member, from at least four sides The inkjet car Those characterized by comprising an elastic member for the ridge elastically supports.

[0014]

According to the present invention, since the elastic members are arranged in at least four directions between the IJC and the IJC, it is possible to buffer external shocks and vibrations, and it is possible to separately package them with a buffer material or the like. Therefore, the volume of the storage container can be reduced.

Further, since the elastic member can be integrally formed with the IJC container and the lid member thereof, the ejection port forming surface and the ink tank atmosphere communication port should be opened at the same time when the IJC is taken out from the IJC container. The IJC can be easily taken out from the storage container in a very short time.

Furthermore, from the IJC storage container to the IJC
When the ink is taken out, the atmosphere communication port for the ink tank is configured to be released from the sealed state before the ejection port forming surface, so that there is no risk of ink leakage due to an incorrect opening order.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First, prior to the explanation, FIGS.
7, an ink jet unit (IJU) suitable for carrying out or using the present invention, an ink jet head (IJH) as a recording head portion constituting the ink jet unit, an ink tank itself (IT), and an ink jet cartridge (IJC) of all of them. Further, an inkjet recording apparatus main body (IJRA) and a carriage (HC) for the inkjet recording apparatus main body for carrying out recording by mounting the same will be described.

Here, as can be seen from the perspective views of FIGS. 13 and 14, the IJC has a large ink storage ratio with respect to the entire IJC, and the front end of the IJU is closer to the front of the IT. It has a slightly protruding shape. The inkjet cartridge IJC is fixedly supported by the positioning means and electrical contacts of the carriage HC provided in the inkjet recording apparatus main body IJRA as described later.
It is a disposable type that can be attached to and detached from. Since a number of new technologies are applied to those shown in FIGS. 13 to 17, the entire inkjet recording apparatus will be described while briefly describing these configurations. ..

(Part 1) Inkjet unit IJU
Regarding the configuration of: IJU has an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy for causing film boiling to the ink in response to an electric signal, thereby ejecting the ink from the ejection port to perform recording. This is a bubble jet recording unit.

In FIG. 13, reference numeral 100 denotes an electrothermal converter (ejection heater) arranged in a plurality of rows on a Si substrate, and electric wiring such as Al for supplying electric power to the electrothermal converter, which is formed by a film forming technique. It is a heater board consisting of. Reference numeral 200 is a wiring board for the heater board 100.
A wire corresponding to the wire 00 (connected by wire bonding, for example) and a pad 201 located at the end of the wire and receiving an electric signal from the main body device.

Reference numeral 1300 is a grooved top plate in which a partition for dividing each of a plurality of ink liquid passages and a common liquid chamber for accommodating ink to be supplied to each ink liquid passage are formed.
An ejection port forming plate 4 having an ink receiving port 1500 for receiving the ink supplied from the ink tank IT and introducing it into the above-mentioned common liquid chamber, and having a plurality of ejection ports corresponding to the respective ink liquid paths.
It is integrally molded with 00. In addition, polysulfone is preferable as the integral molding material, but other molding resin materials may be used.

Reference numeral 300 denotes a support body made of, for example, metal that supports the back surface of the wiring board 200 at its flat portion, and serves as a bottom plate of the IJU. Reference numeral 500 denotes a presser spring, which has an M shape and its M
A top plate 1300 in which a common liquid chamber and the like are formed in the central portion of the character
Is pressed with a light pressure, and a part of the liquid path, preferably a region in the vicinity of the discharge port, is centrally pressed with a linear pressure by the front slant portion 501. The heater board 100 and the top plate 1300 are
The leg portion of the presser spring 500 is engaged with the hole 3121 of the support body 300 on the back surface side of the support body 300, and the presser spring 500 and the front slant portion 501 thereof are sandwiched.
It is crimped and fixed to the support body 300 by the concentrated urging force. On the other hand, the support 300 has two positioning projections 1012 and 1012 formed on the outer surface of the ink tank IT and positioning and heat-fusion-holding projections 1800 and 1801.
Positioning holes 312 and 1 that engage (see FIG. 15)
In addition to having 900 and 2000, projections 2500 and 2 for positioning the recording apparatus main body IJRA with respect to the carriage HC.
It has 600 on the back side. In addition, the support 300 also has a hole 320 that allows an ink supply pipe 2200 (described later) that allows ink to be supplied from the ink tank IT to pass therethrough. The wiring board 200 is attached to the support 300 by adhering it with an adhesive or the like. The support 300
The notches 2400 and 2400 are provided in the vicinity of the positioning protrusions 2500 and 2600, respectively, and in the assembled inkjet cartridge IJC (FIG. 14), the three sides around the IJU are provided with a plurality of parallel grooves 300.
0,3001 is an extension point of the head tip region, and unnecessary matters such as dust and ink are projected 2500,2600.
It is located so as not to reach.

The lid member 800 in which the parallel groove 3000 is formed forms the outer wall of the ink jet cartridge IJC and accommodates the ink jet unit IJU between it and the outer wall of the ink tank IT, as shown in FIG. It forms a space part to be used.

The ink supply member 600 in which the parallel groove 3001 is formed is the ink supply pipe 22 described above.
00 to the ink supply pipe 22
The 00 side is supported in the form of a fixed cantilever, and a sealing pin 602 for securing a capillary phenomenon between the fixed side of the ink conduit 1600 and the ink supply tube 2200 is inserted. 601 is an ink tank IT and a supply pipe 22.
Numeral 700 is a packing for sealing with 00, and 700 is a filter provided at the end of the supply pipe on the tank side.

Since the ink supply member 600 is molded, the ink supply member 600 is inexpensive, has a high positional accuracy, and is free from a decrease in accuracy in molding and manufacturing. Moreover, the ink supply member 600 cantilevered by a cantilevered ink conduit 1600 during mass production. The pressure contact state with respect to the ink receiving port 1500 described above can be stabilized.
In this example, by simply pouring the sealing adhesive from the ink supply member side under this pressure contact state, a more complete communication state can be surely obtained.

The support 30 of the ink supply member 600 is used.
For fixing to 0, holes 1901, 190 of the support 300
2 is easily carried out by projecting a back surface side pin (not shown) of the ink supply member 600 so as to project, and heat-sealing the part projecting to the back surface side of the support 300. In addition, since the slightly protruding area of the back surface that is heat-fused is accommodated in the recess (not shown) in the side wall surface of the ink jet unit IJU mounting surface of the ink tank IT, the positioning surface of the unit IJU can be accurately maintained. it can.

(Part 2) Constitution of Ink Tank IT: The ink tank IT is the case body 1 of the cartridge.
000, the ink absorber 900, and the ink absorber 90
0 is inserted from the side surface of the cartridge case main body 1000 opposite to the above-mentioned ink jet unit IJU mounting surface, and a lid member 1100 for sealing the same.

Ink absorber 9 for impregnating ink
00 is arranged in the case body 1000 of the cartridge. Reference numeral 1200 denotes a supply port for supplying ink to the inkjet unit IJU including the above-described units 100 to 600, and is supplied from the supply port 1200 in a step before the unit is arranged in the housing portion 1010 of the case body 1000 of the cartridge. It is also an inlet for impregnating the absorber 900 with ink by injecting ink.

The means for supplying ink in this example is the atmosphere communication port 1401 and this supply port 1200, but in order to improve the ink supply performance from the ink absorber 900, the case main body 1000 Ribs provided inside 2300
And ribs 2450, 255 provided on the lid member 1100
0 indicates that the air presence area in the tank is the atmosphere communication port 14
It is formed continuously from the 01 side over the corner area farthest from the ink supply port 1200. A relatively good and uniform ink supply to the absorber 900 is achieved by the supply port 120.
It is important that the process is performed from the 0 side, and this method is extremely effective in practice. This rib 2300 is
On the rear surface of the case main body 1000 of the ink tank IT, four ribs parallel to the carriage movement direction are formed to prevent the absorber 900 from adhering to the rear surface. Also, the partial ribs 2450, 2550 are similarly correspondingly extended to the rib 2300 with the lid member 1100.
However, unlike the ribs 2300, the ribs 2300 are provided on the inner surface thereof and have a divided shape, so that the space where air is present is increased more than the former. The partial ribs 2450 and 2550 are dispersed on the surface of half or less of the total area of the lid member 1100.

Thus, these ribs make the ink in the region of the corner farthest from the tank supply port 1200 of the ink absorber 900 more stable but surely the supply port 120.
It can be led to the 0 side by a capillary phenomenon. Reference numeral 1400 denotes a liquid repellent material arranged in association with the atmosphere communication port 1401. This prevents ink leakage from the atmosphere communication port 1401.

In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned ink storage space of the ink tank IT has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and its long sides are provided on the side surfaces. Therefore, the rib arrangement described above is particularly effective. Even if it has a long side in the moving direction or is a cube, it is possible to stabilize the ink supply from the ink absorber 900 by providing the ribs on the entire lid member 1100. Note that the rectangular parallelepiped shape is suitable for containing ink in a limited space as much as possible, but in order to use the contained ink for recording without waste, as described above, It is important to provide ribs that can obtain the above-mentioned action in two surface areas that are close to each other. Further, the inner ribs of the ink tank IT in this example are arranged in a substantially uniform distribution form in the thickness direction of the rectangular parallelepiped ink absorber 900.

Therefore, this structure is adopted in the absorber 900.
This is important because the remaining ink amount can be made almost zero while the atmospheric pressure distribution is made uniform with respect to the total ink consumption. Further, to describe the technical idea of the rib arrangement in detail, when an arc having a long side as a radius is drawn around the position where the ink supply port 1200 of the ink tank IT is projected on the upper surface of a rectangular parallelepiped. It is important to dispose the ribs on the surface outside the arc so that the atmospheric pressure state can be given early to the portion of the absorber 900 located outside the arc. In this case, the atmosphere communication port of the tank is not limited to this example as long as the atmosphere can be introduced into the rib disposition region.

In addition, in this embodiment, the rear surface of the ink jet cartridge IJC with respect to the head is flattened to minimize the required space when the ink jet cartridge IJC is incorporated into the recording apparatus, and to maximize the ink storage amount. As a result, not only can the size of the recording apparatus be reduced, but also the replacement frequency of the cartridge IJC can be reduced, which is an excellent configuration. Then, by utilizing the rear portion of the space for integrating the ink jet unit IJU, a protruding portion for the atmosphere communication port 1401 is formed therein, and the inside of this protruding portion is hollowed out to absorb the absorption described above. Atmospheric pressure supply space 140 for the entire thickness of body 900
Forming 2. With this configuration, an excellent inkjet cartridge IJC that has never been seen before.
Can be provided.

Furthermore, this atmospheric pressure supply space 1402
Is a space much larger than the conventional one, and since the atmosphere communication port 1401 is located above, even if the ink is released from the absorber 900 due to some abnormality, the atmospheric pressure supply space 1402 prevents However, the ink can be temporarily held and can be surely collected again in the absorber 900, so that an excellent cartridge without waste can be provided.

FIG. 15 shows the structure of the mounting surface of the ink tank IT to the unit IJU. Now, passing through almost the center of the discharge port array of the discharge port forming plate 400, the tank IT
Let L1 be a straight line parallel to the placement reference plane on the bottom surface of the carriage or the upper surface of the carriage, the two positioning protrusions 1012 that engage with the holes 312 of the support 300 are on this straight line L1.
The height of the protrusion 1012 is slightly lower than the thickness of the support 300, and the support 300 is positioned. On the extension of the straight line L1 in this drawing, a claw 2100 with which the 90 ° angle engaging surface 4002 of the carriage positioning hook 4001 shown in FIG. 16 engages is provided. It is configured to operate in a plane area parallel to the reference plane including the straight line L1. In addition,
Although FIG. 16 will be described later, these relationships are effective because the positioning accuracy of only the ink tank IT becomes equivalent to the positioning accuracy of the ejection port of the head.

Further, the protrusions 1800 and 1801 of the ink tank corresponding to the fixing holes 1900 and 2000 on the side surface of the ink tank of the support 300 are the protrusions 101 described above.
It is for fixing the support body 300 to the side surface by heat-sealing a portion that is longer than 2 and penetrates the support body 300 and projects. When the straight line passing through the protrusion 1800 and perpendicular to the above line L1 is L3 and the straight line passing through the protrusion 1801 is L2, the center of the supply port 1200 is located on the straight line L3. This is a preferable configuration because it has the effect of stabilizing the combined state with the 2200 and can reduce the load on these combined states even when dropped or impacted. Further, the straight lines L2 and L3 do not coincide with each other, and the projections 1800, around the protrusion 1012 on the ejection port side of the head IJH.
Since 1801 exists, the effect of reinforcing the positioning of the head IJH with respect to the tank IT can be further obtained.

The curve indicated by L4 is the outer wall position when the ink supply member 600 is mounted. Protrusion 1800,1
Since the 801 is along the curve L4, the head IJH
Sufficient strength and positional accuracy are given to the weight of the tip side structure. Further, reference numeral 2700 is a front end flange of the ink tank IT, which is a front plate 4000 of the carriage as shown in FIG.
It is inserted in the hole of the ink tank and is provided in the case of an abnormal case where the displacement of the ink tank becomes extremely bad. 210
Reference numeral 1 is a retainer for the carriage, which is the carriage HC.
The cartridge IJC provided for the bar (not shown)
As will be described later, it is possible to maintain the mounted state even if an upward force acts to enter below this bar at the pivotally mounted position and unnecessarily disengage it from the positioning position. Functions as a member.

The ink tank IT has a shape in which the unit IJU is surrounded by a lid 800 after the unit IJU is mounted, and the unit IJU is surrounded by the carriage HC as an ink jet cartridge IJC. Since the lower opening portion for moving is close to the carriage HC, it is substantially surrounded by four sides. Therefore, although the heat generated from the head IJH in this enclosed space is effective as a heat retaining space in this space, it causes a slight temperature rise during continuous use for a long time. For this reason, in this example, a slit 1700 having a width smaller than this space is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge IJC in order to assist the natural heat dissipation of the support 300, and the temperature distribution of the entire unit IJU is prevented while preventing the temperature rise. The uniformization of is not affected by the environment.

Thus, the ink jet cartridge IJ
In the state of being assembled as C, the ink is supplied from the inside of the cartridge to the holes 32 provided in the supply port 1200 and the support 300.
0 and the ink supply member 600 is supplied to the inside of the supply member 600 through the introduction port provided on the back side, and after passing through the inside, an appropriate supply pipe and an ink introduction port 1500 of the top plate 1300 are introduced from the discharge port. Through the common liquid chamber. A packing made of, for example, silicone rubber, butyl rubber, or the like is provided in the above-described connecting portion for ink communication, whereby sealing is performed and an ink supply path is secured.

In this example, the top plate 1300 is made of a resin such as polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyphenylene oxide, polypropylene, etc., which has excellent ink resistance, and is integrally formed with the ejection port forming plate 400 in the mold. It is molded at the same time.

As described above, since the ink supply member 600, the top plate, the ejection port forming plate, and the ink tank body 1000 are integrally molded, not only the assembly accuracy can be maintained at a high level, but also mass production is possible. It is extremely effective in ensuring quality at the time. Further, since the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the conventional one, excellent desired characteristics can be surely exhibited.

Further, in this example, in the shape after the above assembly, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the ink supply member 600 has the upper surface portion 603 of the roof portion provided with the slit 1700 of the ink tank IT. A slit S shown in FIG. 14 is formed between the end portion 4008 and the end portion 4008, and the lower surface portion 604 forms the slit S between the lower surface portion 604 and the head side end portion 4011 of the thin plate member to which the lid member 800 is adhered. Similar slits (not shown) are formed. The slits between the ink tank IT and the ink supply member 600 have a function of further promoting heat dissipation from the slits 1700, and even if there is an unexpected pressure applied to the tank IT, this slit is directly Ink supply member 60
0, and consequently, the ink jet unit IJU is prevented from being affected.

(Part 3) Mounting of Inkjet Cartridge IJC on Carriage HC: In FIG. 16, reference numeral 5000 denotes a platen roller which guides the recording medium P upward from below the paper surface. The carriage HC moves along the platen roller 3000, and the inkjet cartridge I is provided on the front platen side of the carriage HC.
Front plate 4000 (thickness 2 mm) located on the front side of JC
And the pad 20 of the wiring board 200 of the cartridge IJC
Flexible sheet 4005 having a pad 2011 corresponding to No. 1 and each pad 2011 from the back side
Support plate 4003 for electrical connection portion holding a rubber pad sheet 4007 for generating elastic force pressing against
And a positioning hook 4001 for fixing the inkjet cartridge IJC to the recording position.

Further, the front plate 4000 has two positioning projection surfaces 4010 corresponding to the above-mentioned positioning projections 2500 and 2600 of the support member 300 of the cartridge HC, and the projection surfaces 40 after mounting the cartridge IJC.
Receive a vertical force toward 10. For this reason, the platen roller side of the front plate has a plurality of ribs (not shown) for reinforcement in the direction of the vertical force. These ribs protrude slightly (about 0.1 mm) toward the platen roller 5000 side from the front surface position L5 when the cartridge IJC is mounted, and also function as head protection protrusions.
In addition, the supporting plate 4003 for the electrical connection portion is provided with the reinforcing ribs 40.
A plurality of 04 are provided in the vertical direction, not in the direction of the ribs, and the ratio of lateral protrusion from the platen 5000 side toward the hook 4001 side is reduced. This is to provide the function of inclining the position when the cartridge is mounted as shown in the figure.

Further, the support plate 4003 stabilizes the electrical contact state, so that the upper and lower two positioning projection surfaces 40 are positioned.
10 has two hook-side positioning surfaces 4006 corresponding to the projecting surface 4010 for exerting an acting force on the cartridge IJC in the direction opposite to the acting direction of the cartridge IJC, and a pad contact area is provided between them. The amount of deformation of the button of the rubber pad sheet 4007 with a button corresponding to the pad 2011 is uniquely defined. These positioning surfaces come into contact with the surface of the wiring board 300 when the cartridge IJC is fixed at a recordable position. In this example, the pad 20 of the wiring board 300 is further added.
Since 1 is distributed symmetrically with respect to the line L1 described above, the deformation amount of each bottch of the rubber pad sheet 4007 is made uniform to further stabilize the contact pressure between the pads 2011 and 201. The distribution of the pads 201 in this example is formed in two rows above and below and two rows vertically.

The hook 4001 has an elongated hole that engages with the fixed shaft 4009, and the platen roller 500 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction from the position shown in the figure by utilizing the moving space of the elongated hole.
By moving to the left along 0, the positioning of the inkjet cartridge IJC with respect to the carriage HC can be obtained. It should be noted that the hook 4001 may be moved by any means, but it is preferable that it can be moved by a lever or the like. In any case, when the hook 4001 rotates, the cartridge IJC moves to the platen roller 5000 side, and the positioning protrusions 2500 and 2600 move to a position where the positioning surface 4010 of the front plate 4000 can come into contact with the hook 4001.
When the hook surface 4002 of 90 ° is brought into close contact with the 90 ° surface of the claw 2100 of the cartridge IJC by the leftward movement of the cartridge IJC, the cartridge IJC is swung in the horizontal plane about the contact area between the positioning surfaces 2500 and 4010 and finally. The contact between the pads 201 and 2011 can be obtained. When the hook 4001 is held at a predetermined position, that is, a fixed position, the pads 201 and 2011 are in full contact with each other and the positioning surfaces 2500 and 4010 are in full contact with each other.
The contact between the contact surface 4002 and the 90-degree surface of the nail and the wiring board 3
00 and surface contact with the positioning surface 4006 are simultaneously formed, and the holding of the cartridge IJC with respect to the carriage HC is completed.

(Part 4) Outline of Configuration of Inkjet Recording Apparatus Main Body: FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the inkjet recording apparatus IJRA, in which drive force transmission gears 5011 and 5009 are interlocked with forward and reverse rotations of a drive motor 5013. The carriage HC that engages with the spiral groove 5005 of the rotating lead screw 5004 has a pin (not shown),
It is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b. A paper pressing plate 5002 presses the sheet P against the platen 5000 in the carriage movement direction. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 are photocouplers, and a lever 5006 of the carriage HC.
Is a home position detecting means for confirming the presence of the motor 5013 in this area and switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013.
Reference numeral 5016 denotes a member that supports a cap member 5022 that caps the front surface of the inkjet head IJH.
The suction means for sucking the inside of the cap performs suction recovery of the recording head through the opening 5023 in the cap. 501
Reference numeral 7 is a cleaning blade, and 5019 is a member that allows the blade to move in the front-rear direction, and is supported by a support plate 5018 on the main body side. Needless to say, the cleaning blade is not limited to this form, and a known cleaning blade can be applied. Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for starting suction for suction recovery, which moves with the movement of the cam 5020 engaging with the carriage HC, and the driving force from the driving motor 5013 is a known transmission means such as clutch switching. Movement controlled.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that the desired processing can be performed at their corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005 when the carriage HC reaches the home position side area. As long as the desired operation is performed at the timing, any of the present examples can be applied. The above-described respective configurations are excellent both individually and in combination, and show examples of configurations suitable for applying the present invention.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention related to the technique described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17 will be described below.

1 to 3 show an IJC container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, 1 is a storage container main body, and 2 is a lid member provided on the container main body 1 via a hinge portion 3 so as to be openable and closable. In this embodiment, since the ink jet cartridge IJC to be housed has the shape as shown in FIG. 14, the container body 1 is formed to have a size slightly larger in conformity with the shape. ing. The free end side of the lid member 2 is on the container body 1
Is formed by being bent toward the side of the container, the locking claw 4 is provided at the bent end, and the engaging groove 5 is formed at a position corresponding to the locking claw 4 on the outside of the container body 1. ing.

Reference numeral 6 denotes an elastic sealing member which is disposed inside the container body 1 and has a hook-shaped cross section, which is preferably non-water-absorbing such as having closed cells and accommodates the IJC as shown in FIG. When the IJH ejection port forming surface 400A is held in contact with the elastic member 6, the ejection port array (not shown) can be blocked to prevent the outflow of ink. In addition, 7 is a support portion protruding from the bottom surface of the container body 1,
Reference numeral 8 denotes a support spring arranged near the support portion 7 in a direction parallel to the support portion 7. Furthermore, 9 is a cantilevered plate spring portion provided on the side surface perpendicular to the bottom surface, and when the container body 1 is made of an elastic material such as a resin material,
As shown in these figures, the leaf spring portion 9 can be integrally formed with its tip end facing the bottom surface direction.

Numeral 10 is a leaf spring portion for pushing in which is also an elastic body formed inside the lid member 2. The container body 1
In the present example, a semi-circular cutout 1A is provided at the opening edge as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the lid member 2 is opened, the elastic force of the support spring 8 causes the IJC to move to the elastic sealing member 6
It is possible to take out the IJC easily by pinching both sides of the IJC by utilizing the fact that it leans toward the opening side around the cut fulcrum 6A.

According to the present embodiment, when the IJC is stored, it is fitted into the container body 1 in the state as shown in FIG. 3, and the ejection port forming surface 400A of the IJC is pressed against the elastic sealing member 6. It is only necessary to rotate the upper lid member 2 around the hinge portion 3 and engage the locking claw 4 with the engaging groove 5 on the container body 1 side by utilizing elasticity. By this closing operation, the pushing leaf spring portion 10 provided inside the lid member 2 is brought into contact with the side corresponding to the rear surface of the IJC, and the supporting spring having a weak elastic force is contracted from the leaf spring portion 10. While I
By pushing in the JC, the housed state shown in FIG. 2 can be maintained. In this case, in order to prevent the ink from leaking from the ejection port (not shown), the pressing force of the elastic sealing member 6 to the ejection port forming surface 400A is 0.2 kg / cm ^2.
The above is necessary, and it is set so that such a pressure contact force is generated via the leaf spring portion 9. Further, the operation of taking out from the opening 11 of the container body 1 is omitted because it has been described above, but the ejection port forming surface 400A is dragged on the elastic sealing member 6 at both the time of storage and the time of taking out. Since this is not the case, there is no risk of damaging the discharge port.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show I according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
A JC storage container is shown. The difference of this embodiment from the first embodiment is that the air communication port of the IJC is also closed at the same time in the housed state. That is, when the physical distribution or storage is made under the severe environment or condition such as vibration, shock, high temperature or low temperature, or the change is received, the atmosphere communication port 1
There is a risk of ink leakage from 401 (see FIG. 14). In particular, when the temperature is high, the air pressure is raised in the sealed state of the IJC ink tank IT. Therefore, when the IJC is to be taken out from the storage container 1 at such a time, the ejection port is opened prior to the atmosphere communication port 1401. In some cases, ink leaks from the ejection port. Therefore, as the opening order in such a case, first, open the atmosphere communication port,
The outlet must then be opened.

The present embodiment has been made in consideration of such a point, and the points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described below. In these figures, reference numeral 21 denotes a member for closing the communication port 1401 of the IJC to be housed, which is made of an elastic material, and is disposed inside the storage container main body 1 at a position facing the communication port 1401 (hereinafter referred to as communication port closing). Member).

In the storage container body 1 thus constructed,
As shown in FIG. 6, when the IJC is stored, the ejection port forming surface 400A is first brought into contact with the elastic sealing member 6 to keep it in a sealed state, and then the supporting spring is supported by the closing operation of the cover member 2 as shown by an arrow C. The atmosphere communication port 1401 can be pressed against the communication port closing member 21 by the spring force of the leaf spring portion 10 that is higher than the elastic force of 8 to bring it into a closed state. Further, when the IJC is taken out, the lid member 2 closes the arrow R as shown in the figure to tilt the elastic sealing member 6 as a fulcrum so that the IJC is pushed out by the spring force of the support spring 8 as shown in FIG. The mouth 1401 can be separated from the closing member 21 and opened. Then, the ejection port forming surface 40 is formed by the subsequent IJC ejection operation.
OA can be separated from the elastic member 6 to open the discharge port.

FIG. 7 shows an application example of the first and second embodiments. In this example, a seal member 31 is arranged between the container body 1 and the lid member 2. In this case, in particular, it is necessary to form the sleeve portion 2A on the lid member 2 itself so that the cutout portion 1A of the container body 1 can be covered. In addition to the above configuration, by forming the entire container with a material having a low gas permeability, for example, a high-density resin (PP) such as vinylidene chloride resin, the ink is further evaporated from the IJC being housed. The effect of preventing is obtained.

8 to 11 show an IJC container according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment differs from the embodiments described above in that the means for pressing the atmosphere communication port 1401 against the closing member 21 or opening it from the closing member 21 is provided on the container body 1 side and the discharge port forming surface is formed. The point is that a means for pressing 400A against the elastic sealing member 6 with a force not to leak ink is provided on the lid member 2 side. 8, 9 and 11 all show a state in which the IJC is housed in the container body 1. As shown in these figures, in this embodiment, the relative positions of the lid member 2 and the opening of the container body 1 are also shown. And each shape is different.

That is, in these figures, 31 is a leaf spring portion formed on the wall surface of the container body 1 on which the closing member 21 of the atmosphere communication port 1401 is mounted, while 3 is
Reference numeral 2 denotes a leaf spring portion 32A formed on the wall of the container main body 1 facing the wall surface and bent in a dogleg shape so as to project toward the inside, and is continuous with the leaf spring portion 32A and is outward. A spring (hereinafter referred to as a push-in spring) having a pressing piece portion 32B formed by bending again toward the side. In addition,
The elastic force of the push-in spring 32 is due to the leaf spring portion 3 described above.
Weaker than that of 1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the lid member 2 opens the lid 33, the pressing portion 33 provided on the lid member 2 is released from the pressing spring 32.
The spring force of the leaf spring portion 31 overcomes the elastic force of the push-in spring 32, the stored IJC is tilted as shown, and the atmosphere communication port 1401 is opened from the closing member 21.

Reference numerals 34 and 35 denote support springs which are provided on the surface of the container body 1 on which the elastic sealing member 6 is provided and the back surface of the lid member 2 which are opposed to each other. Then, when the IJC is stored as shown in FIG.
The spring force of 5 overcomes the spring force of the other support spring 34 and I
The spring constants of the respective springs are set so that the force for pressing the ejection port forming surface 400A of the JC against the elastic member 6 can be obtained without causing ink leakage. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the lid member 2 is provided with sleeve portions 2B in a shape that covers the outside of the container body 1 as shown in FIG. 11, and locking claws 2C are formed on these sleeve portions 2B, respectively. .. Therefore, when the lid is closed as shown in this figure, the elasticity of the sleeve portion 2B can be used to engage the locking claw 2C with the engagement groove 5C of the container body 1. Reference numeral 36 shown in FIG. 11 is a support plate spring for supporting the housed IJC in a stable state from both sides.

In the IJC storage container configured as in this embodiment, the IJC has six inner surfaces formed by the container body 1 and the lid member 2 in the IJC storage state as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11. The IJC main body is stored safely and without causing ink leakage, even in the event of physical distribution or when vibration or shock is applied, because it is buffered via elastic bodies or spring members. be able to. Further, when taking out, as described above, first, as shown in FIG. 9, the atmosphere communication port 14 is opened by the opening operation of the lid member 2.
01 is separated from the communication port closing member 21 to keep it open, and when the lid is completely opened, the ejection port forming surface 400A is separated from the elastic sealing member 6 only by the operation of pulling up the IJC from the opening 11. Since the ejection ports can be exposed, ink will not leak due to an incorrect opening order.

FIG. 12 shows the second embodiment described with reference to FIGS.
This is a further modification of the embodiment, and this embodiment is the second embodiment.
I in contact with the elastic sealing member 6 shown in FIGS.
The sealing sheet 41 having adhesiveness such as an adhesive tape is previously attached to the ejection port forming surface 400A of the JC. By sticking the sealing sheet 41 on the ejection port forming surface 400A in this way, the ejection port forming surface 400A may be preceded by the atmosphere communication port 1401 when the IJC is taken out from the container due to damage of the container or other inconvenience. Even if it is opened, ink will not leak. Further, the elastic member 6 and the communication port closing member 21 formed of an elastic body are required to have ink resistance because they come into contact with or may come into contact with ink. By sticking the encapsulating sheet 41 on 400A, it becomes possible to ignore the ink resistance when selecting the material.

Although FIG. 12 describes the application example of the sealing sheet to the second embodiment, it goes without saying that the same can be applied to the third embodiment. Furthermore, the ejection port forming surface 400A described in each of the above embodiments
Elastic sealing member 6 that presses against and seals the discharge port, or communication port closing member 2 that presses against the atmospheric communication port 1401 to seal it.
1 is a silicone type as an ink resistant elastomer,
It is desirable to mold using urethane, chlorinated polyethylene, ethylene or propylene, and by molding the above with such an elastomer, it is possible to mold two colors with two types of materials together with the container body. Therefore, the cost can be reduced.

(Others) The present invention is particularly provided with means for generating thermal energy as energy used for ejecting ink (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) even in the ink jet recording system. The present invention provides excellent effects in a recording head and a recording apparatus of the type in which the thermal energy causes a change in ink state. This is because such a system can achieve high density recording and high definition recording.

Regarding its typical structure and principle, see, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4740.
What is done using the basic principles disclosed in 796 is preferred. This method is a so-called on-demand type,
It can be applied to any of the continuous type, but especially in the case of the on-demand type, it can be applied to the sheet holding the liquid (ink) or the electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the liquid path. By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and giving a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal converter, and film boiling is caused on the heat acting surface of the recording head. Liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal as a result
This is effective because bubbles can be formed inside. Due to the growth and contraction of the bubbles, liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection openings to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to make this drive signal into a pulse shape, because the bubble growth and contraction are immediately and appropriately performed, so that the ejection of the liquid (ink) with excellent responsiveness can be achieved. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. If the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 of the invention relating to the rate of temperature rise on the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the constitution of the recording head, in addition to the combination constitution of the ejection port, the liquid passage, and the electrothermal converter (the linear liquid passage or the right-angled liquid passage) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, US Pat. No. 4,558,333, US Pat. No. 4,558,333, which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region.
The configuration using the specification of No. 59600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of the electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy is provided. The effect of the present invention is effective even if the configuration corresponding to the ejection portion is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-138461. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be surely and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

In addition, even in the case of the serial type as in the above example, the recording head fixed to the apparatus main body or the electrical connection to the apparatus main body or the ink from the apparatus main body by being attached to the apparatus main body The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be supplied or a cartridge-type recording head in which an ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself is used.

Further, as the constitution of the recording apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable to add ejection recovery means of the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means and the like because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, heating is performed by using a capping means, a cleaning means, a pressure or suction means for the recording head, an electrothermal converter or a heating element other than this, or a combination thereof. Examples thereof include a preliminary heating unit for performing the discharge and a preliminary discharge unit for performing discharge different from the recording.

Regarding the type or number of recording heads to be mounted, for example, only one is provided corresponding to a single color ink, or a plurality of inks having different recording colors and densities are supported. A plurality of pieces may be provided. That is, for example, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but may be either integrally formed of the recording heads or a combination of a plurality of them. The present invention is also very effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of full-color recording modes by color mixing.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the ink is described as a liquid, but an ink that solidifies at room temperature or lower and that softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used. Or, in the inkjet method, it is common to adjust the temperature of the ink itself within the range of 30 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is within the stable ejection range. At times, a liquid ink may be used. In addition, the temperature rise due to thermal energy is positively prevented by using it as the energy for changing the state of the ink from the solid state to the liquid state, or in order to prevent the evaporation of the ink, it is solidified and heated in a standing state. You may use the ink liquefied by. In any case, by applying heat energy such as ink that is liquefied by applying heat energy according to the recording signal and liquid ink is ejected, or that begins to solidify when it reaches the recording medium. The present invention can be applied to the case where an ink having a property of being liquefied for the first time is used. In this case, the ink is
JP 54-56847 A or JP 60-7.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 1260, it may be configured to face the electrothermal converter in a state of being held as a liquid or a solid in the concave portion or the through hole of the porous sheet. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, as the form of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, other than the one used as an image output terminal of information processing equipment such as a computer, a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, or a facsimile apparatus having a transmitting / receiving function is used. It may be in a form or the like.

[0073]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, when the IJC is taken out of the IJC container, the discharge port can be opened at the same time, so that the IJC can be easily and very quickly.
JC can be taken out.

Since the spring member or the elastic member is arranged around the IJC housed in the IJC housing container, it becomes possible to soften external shock and vibration, and the IJC is specially packaged as such. Since it is not necessary, the volume of the storage container can be reduced. In addition, since packaging can be omitted, it contributes to cost reduction of the entire storage container.

Furthermore, in the case of an IJC that needs to close the air communication port, when the IJC is taken out from the IJC storage container, the air communication port is automatically opened prior to the discharge portion in response to the opening operation of the lid member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent troubles such as ink leakage caused by carelessness such as a mistake in the opening order by the operator.

Further, the storage container of the present invention can be reused and can be used as an IJC storage container for a mono-color printer.

For example, while the IJC of another color is being used, the ink of the IJC of the color used up to that time adheres to the ejection portion, so that it cannot be used again unless the recovery operation is performed. It is possible to put the IJC in use in a storage container and store it again, and after the IJC is replaced, it can be kept in a usable state without a recovery operation, and the amount of ink evaporation during the storage period can be reduced. The effect is also obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet cartridge (IJC) container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the IJC storage container shown in FIG. 1 is opened.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an IJC storage container according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the IJC storage container shown in FIG. 4 is opened.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an application example of the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an IJC storage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the IJC storage container shown in FIG. 8 is opened.

11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing still another application example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of an IJC according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an outline of the entire IJC according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an IJC ink tank according to the present invention as viewed from the side where an inkjet recording head is mounted.

FIG. 16 is a top view showing how the IJC body according to the present invention is mounted on the carriage.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the outline of an inkjet recording apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 IJC Inkjet Cartridge IJH Inkjet Head 1 Inkjet Cartridge Storage Container (Main Body) 2 Lid Member 3 Hinge Part 4 Locking Claw 5 Engagement Groove 6 Elastic Sealing Member 8 Support Spring 9, 31 Leaf Spring Part 10 Push Leaf Spring Part 11 Opening Part 21 (communication port) Closing member 32 Spring part (pushing spring) 33 Holding part 34, 35, 36 Support spring 41 Sealing sheet 400 Discharge port forming plate 400A Discharge port forming surface 1401 Atmosphere communication port

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification number Reference number within the agency FI technical display location 8804-2C B41J 29/12 B (72) Inventor Masahiko Hikuma 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo No. Canon Inc.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. When storing a replaceable inkjet cartridge in which a recording head section for ejecting ink for recording and an ink accommodating section for ink to be supplied to the recording head section are integrated, the inkjet cartridge is accommodated. The ink jet cartridge is housed in the housing container so that the ink discharge port forming surface of the recording head portion is brought into contact with the elastic sealing member provided in the housing container. The inkjet cartridge is elastically supported from at least four sides by elastic members disposed on the inner surface of the lid member and the storage container while keeping the ink ejection port forming surface sealed by the sealing member. Inkjet cartridge storage method. 2. When storing a replaceable inkjet cartridge in which a recording head section for ejecting ink to perform recording and an ink storage section for ink to be supplied to the recording head section are integrally stored, the inkjet cartridge is stored. The ink-jet cartridge is housed in the housing container so that the ink discharge port forming surface of the recording head portion is brought into contact with the elastic sealing member provided in the housing container, and the lid member is closed. While keeping the ink ejection port forming surface in a sealed state by the sealing member, the atmosphere communication port of the ink containing portion is brought into contact with the second sealing member of the elastic body disposed in the inkjet cartridge. In a closed state of the storage container by the lid member, while maintaining the ink discharge port forming surface and the atmosphere communication port in a sealed state,
The inkjet member is elastically supported from at least four sides by elastic members provided on the inner surface of the lid member and the storage container, and the opening of the lid member opens the ink ejection port forming surface from the sealing member. In advance of the above, the method for storing an inkjet cartridge, wherein the atmosphere communication port can be separated from the second sealing member. 3. The ink jet cartridge storage method according to claim 1, wherein the ink ejection port forming surface is housed in the housing container with a sealing sheet attached. 4. The storage container according to claim 1, wherein the storage container is kept in a sealed state in the closed state by a seal member arranged between the storage container and the lid member. Inkjet cartridge storage method. 5. The recording head unit includes an electrothermal converter that generates heat energy that causes film boiling in the ink, as energy used for ejecting the ink. The method for storing an inkjet cartridge according to any one of 1 to 4. 6. A storage container for accommodating a replaceable inkjet cartridge, wherein a recording head section for ejecting ink to perform recording and an ink storage section for ink to be supplied to the recording head section are integrated. An elastic sealing member that comes into contact with and seals the ink ejection port forming surface of the recording head portion when stored, an openable / closable lid member, and the ink ejection by the sealing member in a closed state with the lid member. An ink jet cartridge storage container comprising: an elastic member that elastically supports the ink jet cartridge from at least four sides while maintaining a sealed state of the outlet forming surface. 7. A storage container for accommodating a replaceable ink jet cartridge in which a recording head portion for ejecting ink for recording and an ink accommodating portion for ink to be supplied to the recording head portion are integrated. An elastic sealing member that abuts and seals the ink discharge port forming surface of the recording head portion when stored, a lid member that can be opened and closed, and the ink discharge by the sealing member by the closing operation of the lid member. How to open the ink discharge port forming surface from the sealing member by a lid opening operation of the lid member while keeping contact with the atmosphere communication port of the ink containing portion while maintaining the sealing state of the outlet forming surface. Prior to the above, in a closed state of the second sealing member capable of opening the atmosphere communication port and the lid member, at least four sides are maintained while maintaining the sealing state of the ink ejection port forming surface by the sealing member. From the inkjet An ink jet cartridge storage container comprising an elastic member that elastically supports the cartridge. 8. The ink jet cartridge storage container according to claim 6, wherein the ink ejection port forming surface is stored with a sealing sheet attached. 9. The storage container has a seal member disposed between the storage container and the lid member, and the seal member keeps the storage container in a sealed state in the closed state. Item 7. A container for the inkjet cartridge according to Item 6 or 7. 10. The sealing member and the second sealing member are formed of an elastomer, and the storage container and the lid member are formed of a resin material having low gas permeability and high elasticity. The container for the inkjet cartridge according to claim 6 or 7. 11. The recording head unit includes an electrothermal converter that generates heat energy that causes film boiling in the ink, as energy used to eject the ink. The container for an ink jet cartridge according to any one of 6 to 10.