KR950011532B1 - Ink-jet record equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

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Description

Inkjet recorder

1 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between an applied pulse and bubble growth.

2 is a perspective view showing the structure of a conventional ink cartridge mounting mechanism.

3 is a block diagram of a conventional ink cartridge detection device.

4 is an explanatory diagram of an optical sensor for a detection device of FIG. 3;

5 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

6 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling the driving of a recording head by information of an ink cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing one example of the SeaCance until printing by the information of the ink cartridge.

8 is a schematic view showing another example of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

9 to 15 are schematic perspective views showing yet another example.

Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a mounting position of a medium to be mounted in an ink cartridge.

17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ink jet recording apparatus.

18 is a perspective view showing the ink jet recording apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention with its top cover removed.

19A and 19B are perspective and partial cross-sectional views each showing an example of the configuration of an ink cartridge mounting portion of the device of the present invention.

20 is a sectional view showing a configuration example of the ink cartridge of the present example.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view for explaining respective parts which mutually engage an ink cartridge and a main body.

Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship of the engagement position with respect to the ink cartridge insertion of each part regarding the engagement in this example.

23A to 23E are explanatory views for explaining defects occurring when the engagement positional relationship as in this example is not taken.

24A and 24B are partially enlarged views of the ink cartridge showing the improved examples of FIGS. 21 and 22, and an explanatory drawing of the positional relationship of engagement.

25A and 25B are a block diagram showing a control system for the configuration shown in FIG. 24 and a flow chart showing an operation example thereof.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view showing an example of an ink cartridge mounting mechanism according to the present invention.

27A and 27B show a normal cartridge mounting operation according to the embodiment of FIG.

27C and 27D are explanatory views each illustrating an incorrect mounting operation.

28 is a perspective view showing a configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention.

29A and 29B are explanatory views of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

30A and 30B are explanatory views showing the configuration of the ink cartridge according to the present invention before and after mounting.

31A to 31C are perspective views showing the forms of three types of flag members in the ink cartridge according to the present invention.

32A and 32B are explanatory views showing the operation of another embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention with or without ink.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

19: Medium 51: Ink Cartridge

53: ink jet recording device 59: recording head

61: head drive control device

The present invention provides an ink jet recording apparatus having an ink jet head for performing recording by dropping an emergency ink using a film boiling phenomenon of a liquid, in an ink tank cartridge provided interchangeably with the ink jet recording apparatus. It is about.

The ink jet recording method is extremely small so that the generation of noise at the time of recording is negligible, and it is possible to record on so-called plain paper, so that various diligences have been put into practical use.

Among them, for example, the ink jet recording method (so-called bubble jet recording method) described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-51837 applies thermal energy to the ink, and the ink subjected to the thermal energy acts on a sudden volume change due to a change in state ( Film boiling phenomenon), and ink is ejected from the discharge port at the tip of the recording head portion by this action force, thereby forming emergency ink droplets, and the ink droplets are attached to the recording member for recording.

Ink droplet formation principle in this recording method, as described above, when the energization to the electrothermal transducer is turned on, the ink in the heat-action part subjected to the action of thermal energy, which is ink droplet formation energy, changes in state due to the rapid increase in detail, In other words, the ink in the heat acting portion causes bubbles to generate, grow, and contract very instantaneously, thereby discharging liquid existing between the heat acting portion and the discharge port as ink droplets.

By repeating the cycle of generation, growth, contraction and extinction of the bubbles, the ink receives high heat. As a result, thermally unstable inks are likely to cause chemical changes, and generation and settling of insoluble matters occur in the thermally acting portions, and furthermore, there is a concern that the recording head 1 may be incapable of ejecting ink.

Therefore, in order to perform long time recording at high speed using such an apparatus, it is extremely important to improve the stability of the ink and to set the optimum driving conditions corresponding to the ink in the recording head.

FIG. 1 shows the temporal change of the surface temperature T of the heat acting surface and the volume V of bubbles generated when a pulse wave indicated by P is input to a recording head having an electrothermal transducer.

Now, when the periodic signal P of the pulse shape which is turned on and off at the time t _o and the time t _f is input to the electrothermal transducer, the surface temperature T of the thermally acting surface is in time t _f . The maximum temperature (T _p ) is reached.

Here, when T _p is larger than the boiling point (b) of the ink in contact with the heat-acting surface, in the heat-acting portion filled with ink, bubbles start to be generated from the time Tb0 of T = Tb, and the volume is increased with time. It increases and reaches the maximum volume V _p in time t _p .

When the electric signal P is turned off at time t _f , the surface temperature T gradually begins to attenuate, and the volume V of the bubble decreases accordingly, and at time t _B1 , the bubbles disappear. do.

In the ink jet recording apparatus, in order to efficiently discharge ink droplets, film boiling drive such as voltage, pulse width, frequency, etc. for supplying electrical energy to the electrothermal transducer in the above-mentioned bubble jet recording method, for example. Conditions and control of preliminary discharging, preheating, or recovery of the recording head to perform stable utility factors are performed by hardware or software in the ink jet recording body in accordance with the characteristics of the ink set for the ink jet recording apparatus. It is pre-programmed.

In particular, in a recording apparatus in which ink tanks storing ink supplied to a recording head can be exchanged with the apparatus, an ink cartridge in which other types of inks that do not meet these various conditions are stored is used. Since it is not a proper combination of the characteristics of the ink and the driving assist, the normal driving of the recording head is not performed, and high quality recording is difficult to be achieved. Therefore, the form of the ink cartridge that can be exchanged with respect to the apparatus with the ink machine is designed exclusively for each apparatus and is considered to prevent the user from using it incorrectly.

As the form of such an ink cartridge, it is conventionally formed in box shape. Then, the hollow needle provided in the mounting portion is stuck to the rubber stopper on the cartridge side by the operation of mounting the ink cartridge in the cartridge mounting portion so that ink is supplied from the ink receiving portion in the cartridge to the ink supply system through the hollow needle.

However, in the conventional ink jet recording apparatus having such a replaceable ink cartridge, only ink suitable for the ejection conditions set by the apparatus can be used, and ink with different ejection conditions cannot be selected, so the use range of the ink jet recording apparatus is limited. This makes it difficult to use a wide range of ink jet recording apparatuses having excellent recording characteristics. Also, in the future, even if ink having better discharge characteristics or recording characteristics is developed, it is impossible to use or satisfactory use states because programs in the apparatus are not appropriate.

The above problem will be described in detail and specifically below.

Table 1 shows examples of representative ink compositions that can be used in the ink jet apparatus.

TABLE 1

Ink ① is an example of a standard ink that exhibits general performance in both viscosity and adhesion. On the other hand, the ink ② is an ink which is characterized in that the discharge port of the recording head is not blocked because the ratio of the component which is difficult to exert with respect to the ink ① is increased.

Therefore, the ink jet recording apparatus using the ink 2 can be unnecessary or structurally simplified by the clogging prevention mechanism of the discharge port when the ink jet recording head is at rest.

However, since the ink 2 has a relatively high viscosity, it is necessary to sufficiently perform an operation called ejection of ink which does not contribute to recording in advance at the beginning of each use, so-called preliminary ejection. For this reason, the drooped foot may become low.

Moreover, the ink (2) has a weak point that it is easy to spread on the recording member, and the printing quality is not so high. Ink (3) is an ink characterized by increasing the proportion of water to ink (1), thereby enabling high-quality recording with a quick drying of ink on the recording member and less smearing. In addition, since refilling of the ink in the nozzle after discharge is fast, the ink 3 also has a feature that can be driven at a relatively high frequency.

However, since the ink 3 is easy to dry, the ink at the discharge port portion of the recording head tends to stick to it during the pause of recording or the like. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a recovery operation such as phoning or a frequent capping operation when the recording head is stopped.

Particularly, when the above ink 3 is used for the bubble jet type recording head using thermal energy as the discharge energy of the ink, the energization is relatively short (for example, 2 to 5 [μsec]), and if the driving voltage is not high, it is stable. Ink is not ejected. Therefore, if the recording head can withstand such a high driving stress, a good high quality factor can be obtained. Otherwise, the droplet impact point precision becomes a poor quality factor.

Table 2 specifically shows examples of driving conditions of the recording head in addition to the respective inks in Table 1.

TABLE 2

In the device example I, a silicon single crystal is used as the base of the recording head, and a recording head having a characteristic capable of withstanding short pulse energization, high voltage driving and responding to high frequency is mounted. Device Example II uses glass as the base of the recording head, and has a low-cost current supply, high voltage driving and low endurance to high frequencies, but a very inexpensive recording head. For example, when considering the use of the ink ① having a standard characteristic and using the programmed method of body type I with a very low use frequency, it is preferable to use the ink ② that is not clogged. However, the contents of the drive program of the recording head, which sets the conditions under which the best ejection is performed when the ink 1 is used, are made according to the characteristics of the ink 2, e.g., preliminary discharge water, preheated state, drive frequency, pulse width, The user's condition must be changed.

In addition, although the ink 3 is used to increase the printing speed in the apparatus example I, the user must change the driving conditions of the recording head in accordance with the characteristics of the ink 3 as well.

However, it is troublesome for the user to change the driving conditions according to the characteristics of the ink to be used, it is easy to be wrong, and the breakage of the recording apparatus due to wrong operation of the recording head is likely to occur. For example, in the case of using the recording head of the type of apparatus example II, the head drive voltage is changed from 21V to 28V and the pulse width is changed when the condition of using ink ① is changed to the driving condition of using ink ③. By changing from 7 µsec to 3 µsec, good ejection of the ink 3 can be obtained. However, as described above, this driving condition imposes high stress on the recording head used in the device example I, which is not suitable because the life of the recording head may be extremely shortened. Therefore, when the life of the recording head is taken into consideration, for example, the driving voltage must be 21 V and the pulse width should be about 7 µsec, and the setting frequency must be set from 6 KHz to 3 KHz. As described above, it is reasonable to use the ink in consideration of the use state or purpose of the ink jet recording apparatus, but the driving conditions or preliminary discharge of the recording head are considered in consideration of the type or driving characteristics of the recording head so as to cope with the change of the used ink. It is difficult for a general user to change the program in the ink jet recording apparatus main body such as conditions finely. In addition, even if it can be changed, there is a possibility that incorrect setting may be performed, there is a possibility that a strange factor or excessive stress is applied to the recording head, and it is difficult to guarantee the reliability of the recording apparatus.

By the way, when the ink cartridge which is replaceable with respect to the apparatus is mounted on the apparatus main body, it is common that the ink cartridge is supported by an appropriate fixing mechanism.

However, if the relationship between the support position by the fixing mechanism and the position where ink communication is performed is not appropriate, or especially when the fixing mechanism portion is loose, the ink communication state cannot be secured even though the ink tank is supported by the fixing mechanism. Instead, the ink supply system and the ink tank are separated from each other. At this time, for example, when the recovery operation is performed, air may enter the supply system. When air enters in this way, ink ejection is not performed properly, and the recording head is damaged.

On the other hand, when the ink cartridge is to be replaced, the hand may be inadvertently put into the cartridge insertion hole to injure a finger or the like, or the ink may be stained. In order to prevent it, for example, a protective device as shown in FIG. 2 was provided. Here, 130 is an ink tube connected to the hollow needle 120 to supply ink to the recording head, 131 is a mount for fixing and supporting the hollow needle 120, and 132 is for guiding the ink cartridge 104 to the mounting position. It is as insert. 133 is a protective plate freely swinging around the support shaft 134, 135 is attached to the circumference of the support shaft 134 to apply a force to the protective plate 133 in the direction of the arrow C, coil coil spring 136 and 137 is a protective plate ( 133 is a lock member that is held in the closed position by the insertion and restrains its operation. That is, these lock members 136 and 137 are formed in a symmetrical shape with each other, and have wedge portions 136A and 137A and lock grooves 136B and 137B at opposite positions, and both have elasticity. Can be bent. 140 is a rubber stopper provided on the front surface of the ink cartridge 104, and 141 and 142 are unlocking protrusion members (hereinafter referred to as lock release members) provided on the side of the ink cartridge 104.

In the protection device of the ink cartridge mounting portion configured as described above, unless the ink cartridge 104 is mounted, the protection plate 133 is supported by the locking members 136 and 137 as shown, so that even if a finger or the like enters the cartridge guide or the like, the protection plate The tip of the hollow needle 120 does not reach the 133. Further, when the ink cartridge 104 is inserted along the insertion path 132 from the arrow A direction as shown in FIG. 2, the unlocking members 141 and 142 are first formed by the wedge portion 136A of the lock member 136 and It slides in contact with the wedge part 137A of the lock member 137, and pushes these members in the arrow D direction and opens.

Accordingly, both ends of the protective plate 133 are released from the lock grooves 136B and 137B of these members, and the front surface of the ink cartridge 104 abuts against the protective plate 133, and pushes it in the direction indicated by the arrow B. Thereafter, the hollow needle 120 is stuck to the rubber stopper 140 of the ink cartridge 104, whereby the recording head can be supplied with ink. In addition, when the ink cartridge 104 is removed, the hollow needle 120 is pulled out of the rubber stopper 140 by pulling the ink cartridge 104 rearward from the mounted state, and then the protective plate 133 is screw coil spring 135. Oscillates in the direction of arrow C with the spring force of the < RTI ID = 0.0 >), and returns to the vertical position, and is supported by the lock members 136, 137 and returned to the state shown in FIG.

However, in the conventional ink jet recording apparatus as described above, since the locking members 136 and 137 are provided in the right and left symmetry, even if the payee incorrectly inserts the top and bottom or front and back of the ink cartridge 104, Since the locked state of the protection plate 133 is released by the engagement of the unlocking members 141 and 142 with the locking members 136 and 137, the ink cartridge 104 flows to the mounting position. There was a risk of damage or damage to the ink cartridge 104 itself, the supply of ink. In addition, if a special device is to be separately installed to prevent such an accident, the mounting itself becomes a complicated structure, leading to an increase in production cost.

By the way, the ink cartridge is integrally provided with a waste ink receiving portion for receiving the ink discharged outside the ink containing portion, that is, the sucked ink (referred to as waste ink) during the recovery operation performed to prevent clogging of the ink discharge port of the recording head. In some cases, it is possible to simultaneously discard the waste ink contained in the waste ink container by replacing the cartridge.

In the ink jet recording apparatus of this type of ink cartridge replacement type, no ink supply is performed when the recording operation is performed without the ink cartridge mounted, and thus no recording is performed. In addition, when the recovery operation is performed, the waste ink discharged from the waste ink system is discharged into the aircraft without being housed inside the ink cartridge, which may contaminate the surroundings and contaminate the electric circuit by the discharged waste ink. There is danger of accidents such as ignition. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a detection means for informing the user that the ink cartridge is mounted.

One example of such detection means is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge detection flag 131 has a flag shaft 131B freely rotated and supported by an upper portion of the insertion hole 121, a flag plate 131C attached to the end of the shaft, and the flag shaft. It consists of the cam part 131A for rotating 131B, On the other hand, the lever member 132 oscillated by attachment of the cartridge 104 is provided in the insertion opening 121. As shown in FIG. Thus, when the ink cartridge 104 is inserted into the insertion hole 121, and the hollow needle 120 is securely inserted into the tank (not shown) in the cartridge 104, the protrusion 132A of the lever member 132 is inserted into the cartridge ( By pressing to the front end of 104, the lever end portion 132B rotates the flag plate 131C via the cam portion 131A, and holds it at the light shielding position of the detection sensor 124 as shown.

4 shows details of the combined detection sensor 124 for detecting both the home position and the cartridge. The detection sensor 124 is of a transmissive type, has an optical path 135 between the light emitting element 133 and the horizontal element 134, and the flag plate of the home position detection flag 130 or the ink cartridge detection flag 131 ( The light path 135 is shielded by 131C). Therefore, when the ink cartridge 104 is mounted, when the carriage 102 has been guided to the detection position, the cartridge mounting is confirmed by the detection sensor 124 detecting the flag plate 131C.

However, in the conventional ink jet recording apparatus as described above, the number of the detection means is reduced by using the home position sensor in combination with the cartridge detection sensor, but the information to be recognized by the user regarding the ink cartridge 104 is In addition to the presence or absence of the mounting thereof, for example, there are many things related to the kind of color or characteristics of the ink contained in the ink cartridge 104 as described above, the ink remaining amount, and the like so that all of the information can be obtained. It is necessary to increase the detection means itself, such as increasing the number of flags, and the structure becomes complicated, resulting in an increase in production cost. Thus, the present invention aims at eliminating this conventional problem and providing an ink cartridge provided with information for controlling the driving conditions of the recording head based on the ink used.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus having high performance and high reliability by changing the driving conditions so that the ink jet recording head used is suitable for it.

Moreover, it aims at ensuring ink supply, information reading, etc. by making the structure of the mutual relationship which reliably mounts in the apparatus of an ink cartridge.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge and a ink jet recording apparatus capable of mounting the ink cartridge, which can be prevented from erroneous operation when the cartridge is mounted with a simple structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus and its ink cartridge, which allow a user to recognize various information on the ink cartridge with minimal detection means.

The present invention is provided so as to be interchangeable with an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording head for recording images by causing ink to be discharged, the ink is accommodated therein, and the ink is supplied in accordance with the ejection of the ink. An ink cartridge is provided, wherein the ink cartridge is provided with a medium having information for controlling the driving conditions of the recording head.

An ink jet recording apparatus capable of attaching and detaching an ink bank cartridge that forms a supply source of ink to a recording head for recording by ejecting ink to a recording medium, wherein the ink tank communicates with the supply ink. Communication means for reading, reading means for reading the information from the information presentation member provided for presenting information related to the ink tank cartridge by itself, and supporting means for supporting the ink tank cartridge, wherein the ink communication is made. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus, wherein a position, a position at which the information is read, and a position at which the ink tank cartridge is supported are arranged in this order in the mounting direction of the ink tank cartridge.

In addition, the present invention is an ink tank cartridge which forms a supply source of ink to a recording head for recording by ejecting ink to a recording medium, comprising: an information presentation member provided for presenting such information by itself, and a supply ink for the apparatus main body. And a communicating member for communicating with each other, and a supported member for being supported by the apparatus main body, wherein the communicating member communicates with the supply ink, reads the information, and performs the support in this order according to the mounting operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink tank cartridge, wherein the information presentation member and the supported member are arranged.

In addition, the present invention is an ink tank cartridge which forms a supply source of the ink to a recording head for recording by ejecting ink toward a recording medium, wherein a member for presenting such unique information and second information different from that information is provided. And an ink tank cartridge detachably attached to the apparatus body, communication means for communicating the ink tank cartridge with a supply ink, reading means for reading the unique information and the second information, and the ink tank cartridge. And a supporting means for supporting the ink, wherein a position where the ink communication is made, a position where the second information is read, a position where the unique information is read, and a position where the ink tank cartridge is supported are placed in the mounting direction of the ink tank cartridge. Providing an ink jet recording apparatus characterized by being arranged in this order. The.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an ink supply source for a recording head for discharging ink, and an ink tank cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus detachable from the apparatus body, which provides a unique information presentation member for presenting such unique information by itself. And an ink tank cartridge, which is provided in a mounting direction ahead of the unique information presentation member, and has a second information presentation member for presenting second information different from the unique information.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording apparatus having an opening and closing plate freely supported by an insertion path to a mounting portion, and a locking member for restricting the opening and closing plate on both sides of the insertion path to prohibit the opening operation thereof. Ink mounted on the mounting portion along the insertion path, containing ink supplied to the recording head, and locking locking member protruding on both sides to engage with the lock member at the time of its mounting and to release the restraint of the lock member. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the lock release member is provided asymmetrically with respect to the insertion direction of the insertion path.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an opening and closing plate which is installed in an insertion path for guiding an ink cartridge containing ink supplied to a recording head to the mounting portion, the opening and closing plate is freely supported, and the opening and closing plate is restrained on both sides of the insertion path. To an ink jet recording apparatus which has a lock member prohibiting the opening operation, and wherein the lock member can be restrained by a lock release member protruding from both sides of the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is inserted into the insertion path. The ink jet recording apparatus is characterized in that the position of discharging the lock release member and the lock member is asymmetric with respect to the insertion direction of the ink cartridge.

Another object of the present invention is an ink jet recording apparatus in which an ink cartridge containing ink supplied to a recording head for ejecting ink for recording is detachably attached, wherein the ink cartridge is provided in the ink cartridge. It is provided with an ink jet recording apparatus comprising a flag member protruding toward a moving passage of the carriage only when mounted on a mounting portion, and an optical sensor mounted on the carriage and capable of blocking light by the flag member. Further, another object of the present invention is an ink cartridge for attaching to a fixed portion to which a ink jet recording apparatus is fixed and freely detachable, and for supplying ink ejected to a recording head mounted on a moving carriage, wherein the ink cartridge recording apparatus is free of protrusion and storage. And a flag member and a means for protruding the flag member toward a passage through which the carriage moves only when the flag member is mounted on the mounting portion, and the flag member makes it possible to block light of an optical sensor installed in the carriage. To provide a cartridge.

As apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the ink jet recording apparatus itself automatically sets the driving conditions of the ink jet head suitable for the composition of the ink by having a medium containing information for driving the ink jet head on the ink cartridge. This makes it possible to provide an ink jet recording apparatus with simple operation and high reliability.

In addition, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally inserting the ink cartridge, thereby providing an ink cartridge having information for appropriately controlling the driving of the recording head.

Further, since the ink communication with the ink supply system is made at the position where the ink cartridge is supported by the mounting main body, the ink communication state can be secured near the support position of the ink cartridge. In addition, since the information on the ink cartridge can be read prior to the support, no unreadable or misjudgement occurs near the support position. In addition, since ink communication is performed prior to reading, even if the recording operation is started immediately upon reading, there is no defect such as air entering the ink supply system. On the contrary, before ink communication is stopped even if ink is ejected during the writing operation. This can be detected, so stopping the operation will not cause such a defect. Further, according to the present invention, since the ink communication with the ink supply system is made at the position where the ink cartridge is supported by the apparatus main body, the ink communication state can be ensured near the support position of the ink cartridge. In addition, since information unique to the ink cartridge can be read in the vicinity of the support position, and information different from the above information is read in a predetermined range from the ink communication position to the vicinity of the support position, a warning is issued upon reading the information. By doing so, it is possible to detect the poor support of the ink cartridge and to prevent the dropout.

Further, since the left and right positions of the lock release members provided next to the ink cartridges and the left and right positions of the lock members provided correspondingly to them are asymmetric with respect to the insertion direction, i.e., different from the upward direction or the insertion direction, the ink cartridges Although the lock member and the lock release member are not engaged with each other and the lock state is not released, even if they are inserted into the mounting portion by mistake, the front and rear sides of the front and rear surfaces of the lock member are not incorrectly mounted, thus preventing damage due to incorrect mounting. can do.

In addition, according to the present invention, if the flag member provided in the ink cartridge is free of protrusions and is mounted on the mounting portion, the ink cartridge protrudes from the cartridge toward the moving path of the carriage, so that the optical sensor mounted on the carriage The mounting can be detected, and the shape of the flag member can be changed in various ways to characterize the ink cartridge so that the information on the plurality of ink cartridges can be separately determined in combination with the moving position of the carriage.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1

5 shows an ink cartridge 51 which can be attached and detached with respect to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, a supply portion connected to the ink cartridge 51 and supplying ink to the ink jet recording apparatus, and the ink jet recording apparatus. A partly broken perspective view showing a part of the connecting device 52 provided on the ink jet recording apparatus side with a supply and the like for receiving waste ink from the printer.

In Fig. 5, 12 is an outer body of the ink cartridge 51, and is usually molded in a plastic mold and made in accordance with the shape and configuration of the cartridge accommodating portion of the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus.

13 is a sealed ink container for accommodating ink. In this example, a flexible ink bag is used, and ink is enclosed and accommodated therein.

15 is an ink supply section made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber.

This ink supply part is connected through an ink bag and an ink extraction pipe 15a, and a hollow ink needle provided in the connecting device 52 of the ink jet recording apparatus main body when the ink cartridge 51 and the ink jet recording apparatus are connected. (16) is inserted into a portion for supplying ink in the ink bag into the ink jet recording apparatus.

In addition, the ink forcibly discharged from the ink jet recording head due to the filling of the ink into the recording head or the recovery operation of the recording head passes through the waste ink collection tubes 16a and 16b provided in the ink jet recording apparatus main body. It is fed to the waste ink reservoir 18 through the hole 17 provided in the cartridge housing. 19 is a medium having information showing the type of ink in the ink cartridge. The medium used in this embodiment is a resistor (0 to 0). Has a predetermined resistance value selected from?). 19a and 19b are terminals provided on the ink cartridge side for electrically connecting the medium and the ink jet recording apparatus main body.

These terminals 19a and 19b are electrically connected to the pin terminals 20a and 20b prepared in the ink jet recording apparatus main body when the ink cartridge and the ink jet recording apparatus main body are completely connected. The judge is electrically connected to a control circuit in the ink jet recording apparatus main body, and the control circuit can electrically and freely read information of the element.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a connection state between the ink cartridge 51 and the ink jet recording apparatus 53 shown in FIG. When the ink cartridge 51 is mounted in the ink jet recording apparatus 53, the ink cartridge 51 is connected to the medium 19 on which the ink cartridge is mounted and the ink cartridge 54 on the apparatus 53 side, so that the information of the medium 19 can be obtained. Delivered. Based on this information, a control described later, for example, a table of the ROM 56 including a conversion table is selected, and the drive of the recording head 59 is controlled by the head drive control device 61 based thereon.

FIG. 7 shows the ink cartridge 51 mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus 53 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the terminals 19a and 19b of the medium 19 of the ink cartridge 51 and the apparatus. The pin terminals 20a and 20b are electrically connected to each other, and a series of operation times are shown when the ink jet recording apparatus main body is turned on while the ink supply system is connected.

The power is turned on in the step S101. Then, in step S102, it is determined whether or not the ink cartridge is attached to the apparatus. If the ink cartridge is not attached, the warning lamp is displayed in step S103. When it is determined that the ink cartridge is mounted, the resistance value of the medium mounted on the ink cartridge is read by the stur S104. The data is read from the data table in step S105 in accordance with the value. Data is determined in step S106, and if there is no data, a warning lamp is displayed in step S107. If there is data, the data is transferred to the drive RAM in step S108. As a result, in step S109, the recording head is driven according to a predetermined table, and in step S110, it is determined whether printing is possible or whether there is a printing signal, and the printing signal becomes an ant factor. In step S111, printing is performed. When the printing is not in the enabled state, the process returns to step S109 again to process the recording head to be in the printable state. It goes without saying that the detection of the presence or absence of the ink cartridge may be performed by the detection of the medium mounted on the ink cartridge.

Table 3 shows a change table of the resistor of the resistor on the ink cartridge and the ink jet driving conditions for the resistor.

TABLE 3

Table of resistance vs. head driving condition recorded in the ink jet recording apparatus main body.

This conversion table is recorded in advance in the control ROM in the ink jet recording apparatus. After the existence of the ink cartridge is confirmed, the information on the ink cartridge is read as the resistance value.

Here, for example, when the type of ink jet recording apparatus 53 is the device example 1 in the second table, and the ink type is ink ② in Table 1, the CPU 55 displays the table when the resistance value of the resistor on the cartridge is 1K? In the conversion table recorded in the ROM 56 shown in Fig. 3, the drive voltage is read at 21 V, the pulse width is 7 μsec, the drive frequency is 4 KHz, and the preliminary discharge number is 128 times. Transferred to a specific area of the ROM 56. Similarly, when the resistance value corresponding to the ink 3 is 100 KΩ, the conversion table reads the condition that the driving voltage is 28 V, the pulse width is 3 µsec, the driving frequency is 6 KHz, and the number of preliminary discharges is 50 times.

In the case of performing printing by driving the recording head 59, the CPU 55 instructs the read head controller 58 again to carry the data in the determined RAM area. Of course, the table varies from device to device. With respect to the ink ③, in the device example II, the driving voltage is 21V, the pulse width is 7 μsec, the driving frequency is 3KHz, the number of preliminary discharges is 50 times. If it is inappropriate, the ink jet recording apparatus can determine that it cannot be set and generate an alarm if it has a certain value (0 in this example) for identifying the data on the change table in the apparatus. Therefore, when used for a recording head having a predetermined characteristic, it becomes possible to automatically discriminate for inks that are difficult to eject.

Further, by sufficiently securing the capacity of the conversion table, an ink jet recording apparatus capable of coping with future excellent inks can be realized by putting many expected driving conditions in the conversion table. In the above example, the case where the driving voltage, the pulse width, the driving frequency, and the preliminary discharge number are all changed, for example, read from the conversion table, has been described. It is also apparent that it is also possible to encircle the device with circuits in which only pulse widths, only drive frequencies, or possible combinations thereof are set. In addition, the information designated by the medium may be preheated to heat the recording head in advance to improve ink characteristics, or to perform ejection that is not related to recording. The discharge condition of the ink for which the discharge is obtained, the discharge condition of the ink when recording is performed using a plurality of colors of ink, or the discharge recovery condition of the recording head corresponding to the used ink can be provided.

The discharge recovery condition is performed when the discharge state is deteriorated before the predetermined recording is finished. For example, after the recording head is moved to the position opposite to the cap member, the cap is brought into contact with the discharge port surface, and the recovery pump is driven. By forcibly discharging the ink from the discharge port to open the cap, performing air suction for discharging the ink in the cap, and cleaning the discharge port surface of the recording head by the blade to clean the discharge surface.

It includes a series of operations or operations combining one or two or more of them. That is, the discharge recovery condition is a condition for selecting these operations and how much load these operations are to be performed. The optimum conditions are set according to the characteristics of the ink. For example, the ink having a low viscosity and easy to dry needs to set the discharge recovery operation at high frequency, and the ink having a high viscosity and difficult to dry can set the frequency of the discharge recovery operation at low frequency. Note that the frequency here includes not only the number of recording operations but also the operating load of the recovery pump in the recovery operation.

In addition, the preheating conditions are necessary to make the ink conditions that can achieve optimal recording at the time of recording, depending on the characteristics of the ink used. For example, in high viscosity ink, it is desirable to adjust the viscosity by heating to a high temperature so as to reduce the load on the ink ejection condition when recording the recording head.

By including each of these conditions in the conversion table on the main body side, it is possible to achieve easier and better recording as compared with the case where the ejection according to the ink characteristics is achieved only by the ejection conditions. As a medium in which a resistor is mounted on the ink cartridge, it may be provided at a predetermined position on the front side of the ink cartridge provided with the ink supply unit and the recovery unit as described above, but may be provided on the upper surface of the ink cartridge as shown in FIG. do.

In this case, the resistance value of the resistor may be provided with a resistor having a different resistance value between the terminal of the cartridge side connected to the device side contact, or it may take various values by changing the crawling distance of the resistor. At this time, a logotype or the like of a predetermined shape can be used as a method of changing the resistance value of the resistor. As the resistance value to be set, a value capable of appropriately reading the conversion table set on the main body side as described above is taken.

As a method of mounting this resistor on an ink cartridge, a method of forming a resistor by printing so as to have a predetermined resistance value directly with respect to the upper surface of the cartridge, or a method of attaching a label printed on the resistor so as to have a predetermined resistance value.

In this way, the mounting of the cartridge with the resistor having a predetermined resistance value in the apparatus is configured such that the terminals of the resistor and the terminal on the main body are scratched. This is because the stable resistance value may not be read even when the terminals are connected to each other while the terminal surface is oxidized and a film is formed, and this instability is eliminated by cutting off and mounting the oxide film.

Moreover, although the example of the resistor was described as a medium mounted in the cartridge, other capacitors, diodes, coils, electrons, and the like can be used for the same purpose.

9 shows an embodiment in which the information carrier is detachable from the ink cartridge described above. 28 is a chip 28 having a resistor as an information carrier, and is combined with the fitting portion of the ink cartridge so that the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 5 is identical in appearance and function. Therefore, in the manufacture of the ink cartridge according to the present invention, it is not necessary to assemble and prepare in advance the housing 12 and the element 19 of the ink cartridge corresponding to the ink type, and in filling the ink cartridge with the ink By attaching the chip 28, it is easy to prevent the mixing of the product, and as a result, efficient production can be achieved, resulting in a highly reliable ink cartridge at low cost.

Embodiment 2

In Embodiment 1, a simple device such as a resistor is shown as an information carrier, but in the present invention, a semiconductor may be used as another example. 10 is an embodiment of the present invention having a read-only semiconductor memory array electrically erasable as an information carrier in an ink cartridge. 21 is an ink cartridge body. 22 is a semiconductor memory array. The semiconductor memory array here is a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Read Only Memory that is electrically erasable replaceable), Battery Backup RAM, and the like. 23 is a board | substrate, and is correctly attached to the ink cartridge exterior part. The substrate has a terminal portion 26 for fixing the memory array and for electrically connecting the memory array and a connector prepared to the ink jet recording apparatus 24. As shown in FIG. 10, when the ink cartridge body is inserted into the ink cartridge importer 27 of the ink jet recording apparatus 24, the connector 25 and the terminal 26 are electrically connected. . At this time, the reservoir portion of the ink and the waste ink receiver are similarly connected to the connection device of the ink jet recording apparatus main body. In this state, the sequence of operations when the ink jet recording apparatus main body is powered on is as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, since the memory array provided in the ink cartridge can record more information (currently the lowest capacity and more than 1Kbyte is commercially available) compared with the information carrier shown in Embodiment 1 embodiment Like the conversion table mounted on the apparatus main body in 1, ink jet driving conditions, discharge recovery conditions, preheating conditions, and the like are directly written. Therefore, after the CPU is powered on, information such as ink jet driving conditions and the like in this memory array are quickly transferred to a specific area of the RAM as data at the time of driving the ink jet recording head. The drive of the recording head may be performed in the same manner as described in Embodiment 1.

As a feature of this embodiment, as described above, information such as driving conditions suitable for the ink in the ink cartridge is recorded in each type of ink jet recording head in the ink cartridge memory, so that a conversion table is prepared on the ink jet recording apparatus main body side. no need. Therefore, it is not necessary to create a large number of 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 the expandability is high.

FIG. 11 is an example of an ink cartridge in which the removable information carrier employs a memory array as described above as FIG. 30 is a semiconductor memory array 30 such as a ROM, an EEPROM, a battery back RAM, etc., and has a terminal 33 for electrically connecting the exterior 31 with the connector 32 of the ink cartridge. 34 is a terminal for electrically connecting the ink jet recording apparatus main body and the memory array. Therefore, also in this embodiment, it is clear that the same effect as the example shown in FIG. 9 is obtained.

Embodiment 3

12 is another embodiment of the present invention in which information such as an ink jet recording head driving condition is recorded in a memory on an ink cartridge in parallel with the insertion direction of the ink cartridge into the ink jet recording apparatus. 35 is a magnetic tape, and information such as ink jet driving conditions is recorded in 35a in parallel with the ink cartridge insertion direction due to changes in magnetization polarity and density. In addition, in order to prevent the misreading of information due to the change of the insertion speed, a dedicated track in which timing information at a predetermined interval is written in parallel with the track in which the information is written is set at 35b.

As shown in FIG. 12, information such as the ink jet head driving conditions recorded on the magnetic tape is sequentially read by the read head 36 when the ink cartridge is inserted into the ink jet recording head main body. After the transfer to the RAM area in the ink jet recording apparatus main body, the ink jet recording head may be driven as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 based on this information.

Embodiment 4

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment in which the information recording method on the ink cartridge is changed in the embodiment shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the information on the ink jet driving conditions and the like is used with the barcode 37 applied to the ink cartridge exterior portion instead of the magnetic tape of the above embodiment. Also in this case, as in the above embodiment, information such as driving conditions of the recording head is sequentially read by the reading head 38 when the ink cartridge is inserted into the ink cartridge importing unit 27 of the ink jet recording apparatus. In this embodiment, since a bar code may be printed as a recording medium, it is possible to manufacture relatively easily and an inexpensive ink cartridge can be provided.

Embodiment 5

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment in which the information recording method on the ink cartridge is changed in the implementation shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. Where 39 is an ink cartridge, 40 is a three-dimensional information pattern disposed on the housing of the ink cartridge, and is molded integrally with the housing of the ink cartridge. 41 is a three-dimensional information pattern for timing information.

As shown in this figure, information such as the ink jet recording head driving conditions recorded in this three-dimensional information pattern is sequentially made by the read cam switch 42 when the ink cartridge is inserted into the ink cartridge importing portion of the ink jet recording apparatus. Is read. After the transfer to the RAM area in the ink jet recording apparatus main body, the ink jet recording head may be driven as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 based on this information.

Embodiment 6

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment in which the information recording method on the ink cartridge is changed in the embodiment shown in FIG. Here, 40 is an ink cartridge, 41 is a three-dimensional information pattern disposed on the housing of the ink cartridge 40, and is molded integrally with the ink cartridge housing. 42 is a stereoscopic information pattern for timing information. In the embodiment shown in this figure, information on the ink jet head driving conditions and the like recorded in this three-dimensional information pattern is transmitted by the photoelectric switch 43 of the ink jet recording head main body when the ink cartridge is inserted into the ink jet recording apparatus. Are read sequentially. After being transferred to the RAM area in the ink jet recording apparatus main body, the ink jet recording head may be driven based on this information.

As shown in FIG. 16, the medium for transferring information by the above various methods is preferably disposed upward with respect to the gravity direction than the ink joint portion between the ink cartridge and the recording apparatus. That is, as shown on the surface of the cartridges 44 to 48 in the figure, the above-described information carrier or the information carrier and the ink jet device are located on the upper surface than the level line of the cap 15 which is the ink connection portion of the ink cartridge and the ink jet recording apparatus. It is preferable to comprise so that the information passive part with an apparatus main body may be located.

In this way, by providing information information or an information delivery section between the information carrier and the ink jet recording head in the gravity direction above the ink connection part, even if ink leaks from the ink connection part, it flows downward in the cartridge along the direction of gravity. This can prevent the medium from getting wet. Therefore, for example, it is possible to minimize adverse effects such as electrical leakage caused by a slight leakage of ink when the ink cartridge is attached and detached, corrosion of the complex, and poor sensor operation.

In addition, the ink cartridge 154 of the present invention uses the ink in the holes or the recesses 156 provided in the ink holder 152 when the ink holder 152 passes through the ink portion as shown in FIG. When the hole or concave portion 156 of the ink holder 152 filled with ink reaches the surface of the recording head 151, the ink is discharged by applying a desired voltage to the recording head 151, The present invention can also be applied to an ink cartridge for supplying ink to an ink imparting portion 153, which is an apparatus of a type for forming an image on a recording member 157 which is disposed opposite to the recording head 151 and moves the platen image.

In this case, as in each embodiment, various types of information provided to the cartridge 154 are transferred to the interface 159 between the ink supply unit 153 and the cartridge, and the processing table based on the information is selected to select the head ( 151 can be controlled to perform a predetermined drive.

Example 17

An ink cartridge equipped with an information carrier in the form described above is applied to an ink jet recording apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 19, for example, and having the device cover removed.

In FIG. 18, 201 denotes a chip-shaped recording head, and 202 denotes a carriage for mounting the recording head 201 to allow movement for scanning by the recording head 201. On the carriage 202, as shown later, a supporting member for mounting the recording head 201 as a detachable material, and a cover member for forming a part of the recording head 201 and protecting a substrate on which a head driving circuit is printed. Dashed line) is provided.

The recording head 201 has 64 ejection openings arranged at the front end thereof, and an ink liquid passage communicating with the ejection openings is provided in each of these ejection openings. Further, a common liquid chamber for supplying ink to these liquid passages is provided behind the portion where the ink liquid passages are installed. The ink liquid paths corresponding to each of the 64 discharge ports are provided with an electrothermal conversion element for generating discharge energy used for discharging the ink liquid from these discharge ports or an electrode wiring for supplying power thereto.

These electrothermal change elements and electrode wirings are formed by a film forming technique on a substrate made of silicon or the like, and a common liquid chamber is formed by the discharge port, the ink liquid, and the like by filling a barrier, a top plate, and the like made of resin and glass on the substrate. This is made up. Further behind the structure of the recording head 201, a driving circuit for driving the electrothermal conversion element based on the recording signal is provided in the form of a printed board.

In the carriage 202, a connector substrate 212 is provided behind the recording head 201 through the connector 209 described above. The connector substrate 212 is provided with a connector 209 for connecting to the recording head 201 and a connector for connecting a flexible cable from the apparatus body control circuit. In addition, a capacitor, a resistor, and the like are attached to the connector substrate 212, thereby compensating for the strongness of the power supply voltage supplied through the flexible cable or the nozzle mixing with respect to the signal. The connective substrate 212 is supported on the slide member as described later, slides with the opening and closing operation of the cover member, and is configured such that the connector 209 is connected to the terminal of the recording head 201. have.

The carriage 202 is slidably engaged with the guide shaft 203 through its engaging portion 262a, and the guide shaft 203 is perpendicular to the direction in which the recording medium such as the recording paper is conveyed. It is installed over an area longer than its width. The carriage 202 is driven by a carriage motor (not shown) which extends in parallel with the guide shaft 203 to move along the guide shaft 203 of the carriage 202, that is, the recording head 201 of the recording head 201. Scanning movement becomes possible. In addition, the carriage 202 and the recording head 201 obtain the force to rotate around the guide shaft 203 by their own weight, and are installed in the carriage 202 with this force as the pressing force, and slide on the paper pressing plate. Pressing the paper pressing plate 208 to be described later through the sliding member for moving. As a result, the recording head 201 can take a predetermined distance from the recording paper according to the thickness of the recording paper used.

The recording paper 206 fed by a paper cassette or resin (not shown) is continuous to the apparatus main body through a paper feed port constituted by a paper upper guide 207a and a paper lower guide 207b. The paper pressing plate 208 is provided to press the recording paper against the paper conveying roller 205, and the frictional force generated between the recording paper and the recording paper in this pressing is smaller than that generated between the paper conveying roller 205 and the recording paper. It is formed with the material used as the thing. The paper lower guide 207b extends in parallel with the paper press plate 208 to a portion where the paper feed roller 205 is installed.

Thereby, the recording paper 206 fed from the paper feed port is conveyed one line at a time toward the upper side of the apparatus in accordance with the rotation of the paper feed roller. The recording paper 206 slides the plate-like platen image while restricting the distance between the recording head 201 by the paper pressing plate 208 and the platen 207 to a predetermined size.

The recording head 201 records one line by discharging ink droplets to the recording areas of the recording papers 206 facing each other in accordance with the scanning movement. Is recorded, and a character, an image, and the like are formed. The recording sheet 206 on which the recording is made is discharged on a discharge tray (not shown) by the discharge roller 204 and the spurs 240A and 240B provided above the recording sheet conveying path in accordance with the conveyance. Five pairs of spurs 240A and 240B are provided corresponding to the discharge roller 204, and in each spur pair, spur cleaners are sandwiched between these spurs. In addition, the member which supports these spurs and a spur cleaner is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. Further, the spur 240A exerts a pressing force on the placement roller 204 through the recording paper, and the spur 240B is configured to regulate the conveyance path of the recording paper between the platen 207. The discharge roller 204 is rotated so as to have a larger peripheral speed than the paper feed roller 205, whereby the recording paper 206 of the portion constituting the recording area is stretched upward, and the recording paper 206 is platen. The defective recording area, such as rising at 207, can be avoided.

In the vicinity of the home position of the area continuous to the scanning area of the recording head 201, a series of configurations for discharge recovery processing are provided. That is, the blade 226 for removing water droplets, dust, and the like on the discharge port surface on which the discharge port is installed by the wiping operation; A cap 213 for capping for air discharge and ink suction is provided. Each of these members is integrally supported by the movement supporting member 214 so as to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the movement area of the recording head 201, and each operation is performed at an appropriate timing. In addition, ink suction in the cap 213 is performed by the pump 224 communicating with the cap 213 through the hollow portion and the tube of the movable support member 214. When capping by the cap 213, the hole formed in the cap arm 217 attached to the side of the holding member of the cap 213 and the protrusion provided in the carriage 202 are engaged so that the recording head 201 rotates backward. The capping to the discharge port surface of the cap 210 which prevents it from being made is assured.

Each rotation of the paper feed roller 205 and the discharge roller 204, the operation in the discharge recovery mechanism, that is, the forward and backward movement of the cap 213, the blade 226 and the absorbing member 225, the pump 224 Suction is performed by using the rotational driving force of the transfer motor 221. That is, the rotational driving force of the transfer motor 221 attached to a part of the apparatus body frame is first transmitted to the transfer switching gear train 219. In this gear train 219, the operation of the carriage 202, i.e., the movement of the carriage 202, that is, the movement to the home position or the discharge recovery apparatus, and the stop operation at these positions, etc. Selection shift of each gear is performed by movement of a gear (not shown). Accordingly, the rotation of each gear in the gear train 219 is transmitted to the paper feed roller 205 and the discharge roller 204 through the transfer intermediate gear 220, and finally to the integrated cap 213 or the like. Is transmitted through the cam 216 to the pump 224 and through the pump gear 222 and the pump cam 223.

The ink supply to the recording head 201 is performed through a urethane tube that can follow the operation of the carriage 202 in the ink cartridge 227 mounted on the recording apparatus main body.

The moving position of the carriage 202 is based on the joint position between the home position sensor 211 provided in the carriage 202 and the home position detecting plug provided near the end of the moving region by the carriage 202. Is detected by counting the number of steps of the carriage motor.

Next, an ink cartridge 227 according to the present example and a mounting portion configuration on the main body side on which the mounting is performed are described.

19A and 19B show a configuration example of the mounting portion on the main body side.

First, in 19a, 302 is a cartridge inserting portion into which the ink cartridge 227 is inserted. 304 is a contact holder that retains leaf spring shaped contacts 306A and 306B as means for reading information provided in the ink cartridge 227, and the hole 310 of the latch portion 308 and the insertion portion 302 is closed. It is combined with the insertion part 302 by engaging. 312 is a connector for connecting the contacts 306A and 306B to the main body control unit.

314 is a hollow needle member which penetrates into the supply ink storage stand accommodated in the ink cartridge 227, and an ink introduction hole 316 is provided in the front end thereof. An ink supply tube is attached to the other end of the needle 314, and the tube is also connected to the common liquid chamber in the head chip 110 provided in the recording head 1. Further, ink remaining amount detection means can be provided in the middle of the ink supply.

318 is a waste ink pipe, which enters the ink cartridge 227 and introduces waste ink to the ink absorber contained therein. This waste ink is, for example, ink discharged in an ink supply system or a refresh process of ink in a common liquid chamber, or ink discharged in a recovery process.

320 is a click as a fixing tool of the ink cartridge 227, and one is provided at each of the insertion portions 302. This click 320 accepts the insertion of the cartridge 227 as the engaging portion 322 flexes elastically with the engagement with its side upon insertion of the cartridge 227 as shown in FIG. 19B. When the concave portion 332 of the cartridge 227 reaches, the engaging portion 322 returns to the circular shape to hold the cartridge 227 at that position.

20 shows a configuration example of the ink cartridge 227 according to the present example.

Here, 340 is an ink stand containing ink for supply, and the rubber stopper 342 is provided, for example. The needle 314 is inserted into this stopper 342, and ink communication is made by invading inwardly. 344 is an ink absorber containing the waste ink. The ink cartridge 227 is attached to a side of the ink cartridge 227, or a part of the upper surface thereof, with a medium for transferring the characteristics of the ink in the cartridge.

Fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the parts which mutually engage the ink cartridge 227 and the main body side. Here, 346 is a wiring resistance pattern provided on the upper surface of the ink cartridge 227, and the main body control unit determines whether or not the ink cartridge is mounted according to the conduction / non-conduction between the contacts 306A-306B through the wiring resistance pattern 346. It can be detected. In addition, the main body control unit can also read the information by setting the resistance pattern having the resistance value determined corresponding to the ink color, the density, or the like accommodating the pattern.

In this embodiment, the insertion position where the ink communication is made by the needle 314 penetrating through the stopper 342 and the hole 316 reaching the inside of the ink stand 340 with the insertion operation of the ink cartridge 227 (1). ), The insertion position (②) where the contacts 306A and 360B are connected to the wiring pattern 346, and the insertion position at which the ink cartridge 227 is maintained by engaging the clock 320 and the recess 332 with each other ( Each joint is positioned or dimensioned so that ③ is located in this order in the insertion direction. That is, when the operator inserts the cartridge 227, first, the needle 314 penetrates into the ink stage 340, and when further inserted, the contacts 306A and 306B are connected to the resistance pattern 346. When inserted further, the click 320 and the recess 332 engage.

In this embodiment, since the ink cartridge 227 also accommodates the waste ink, it is preferable that the waste ink pipe 318 is also located inside the ink cartridge 227 at the position ①.

The above positional relationship is shown in FIG. In Fig. 22, ④ is the position where the ink cartridge 227 finally abuts in the insertion direction, and the range from ③ to ④ is loose due to the looseness between the click 320 and the recess 332. The range that can be moved in the holding position, or until the click 320 and the recess 332 are engaged, is inserted again, and the cartridge 227 hits the innermost part of the insert 302.

If such a positional relationship is not adopted, inconveniences as shown in FIG. 23 arise.

That is, in the relationship shown in the same drawing (A), even if the cartridge is held, the information related to the cartridge is not read through the contacts 306A and 306B, so that the control unit of the apparatus main body judges that the cartridge is not inserted. have. In the relationship shown in the drawing (B), since the contact connection is made prior to the ink communication, the main body control unit judges that the cartridge has been mounted and starts a predetermined operation, and air is collected from the needle 314 into the ink supply system. I might throw it away. The same applies to the relationship of the same drawing C. Moreover, if the operator stops the insertion operation by confirming the click sound, no ink communication is obtained. Although cartridge holding is performed even by the relationship shown in the same drawing (D) and (E), the needle 314 may be missing or the connection of a contact may become unstable within the range.

On the other hand, according to the relationship as shown in Fig. 22, since the ink communication-contact connection-cartridge holding is performed in this order at the time of cartridge insertion, the operator only needs to confirm the holding with the cartridge by clicking sound or the like. In addition, even if the main body control unit immediately starts to operate according to the contact connection, there is no inconvenience in that air is collected in the ink supply system. On the contrary, even if the cartridge 227 is pulled out during operation of the main body control unit, the main body control unit before the ink communication stops Since this can be detected, if the operation is stopped, the same inconvenience does not occur.

FIG. 24A relates to a further improvement of the above-described configuration. In the illustrated example, the wiring pattern is divided into two, and the pattern 346A which is located on the rear side of the pattern 346A which cuts the pattern in front of the cartridge insertion direction between the contacts 306A-306B. The pattern is a resistance pattern 346B having a resistance value determined corresponding to ink color, density, and the like.

FIG. 24B shows a range in which ink communication is made in this configuration, a range in which the contacts 306A and 306B contact the pattern 346A, a range in which only the pattern 346B contacts, and a range in which the cartridge is held. Represents a relationship.

Where ① is one position where ink communication is made as described above, ③ is the limit position where the cartridge 227 is held, and ④ is the position of the innermost portion where the cartridge 227 abuts. In addition The limit position just in front of the insertion direction in which the contacts 300A, 300B contact and short-circuit the pattern 346A, Is the limit position just before the insertion direction in which the contacts 306A and 306B deviate from the pattern 346A and come into contact only with the pattern 346B so that the resistance value is read out.

Where Is preferably a position near the position of the cartridge insertion direction position ③ in which the engagement between the click 320 and the recess 332 is removed and the cartridge 227 is easily removed. .

The relationship between the positions is as shown, and the same effect as in the case of Fig. 21 is obtained, but in the present example, further excellent effects are obtained by performing the following operations.

25A shows the main part of the control system according to the present example. In this case, the reference numeral 400 denotes a main body control unit, which can be in the form of a microcomputer having a CPU for controlling the entire processing and other apparatus shown in FIG. 25B, a ROM storing a program corresponding to the processing procedure, a working RAM, and the like. 410 is a detector for detecting the resistance value between the contacts 306A and 306B. If the resistance value is "0", it means that the contact is short-circuited in the pattern 340A. If it is infinity, the ink cartridge 227 is not installed. The predetermined value indicates that the ink cartridge 227 is correctly maintained. 420 is a notification unit that enables an indicator such as a message, an output means such as a voice, or a combination thereof. 1 is an operation stop signal of each part.

25B shows an example of the operation procedure of the present embodiment, which can be started at an appropriate timing during a recording operation other than when the apparatus is powered on or when the ink cartridge 227 is replaced.

When this procedure is started, the resistance value is first read in step S1. Here, if this is infinity, since the cartridge 227 is not mounted, the process proceeds to step S3, where the operation of each part is kept at a stop state and the operator is urged to insert the cartridge 227 as step S5. Notify.

On the other hand, if the resistance value is " 0 ", the cartridge 227 is likely to be pulled out. Therefore, the flow proceeds to step S7 to stop the operation of each part, and as a step S9, the operator reliably holds the cartridge 227. Promote manipulation.

In addition, if the resistance value is a predetermined value, the cartridge 227 is already securely held, so that information (ink color, etc.) relating to the cartridge corresponding to the resistance value is recognized, and setting processing corresponding thereto is performed (step S11). .

That is, the cartridge holding is not complete when the operator does not reach the engagement of the click 320 and the recess 332 in which the cartridge 227 is inserted, or the engagement is peeled off due to some factor. Therefore, it is easy to drop out. In such a case, since the contact points 306A and 306B are connected to the pattern 346A, the main body control unit 400 cannot read the information unique to the cartridge 227, and thus the main unit side control unit 400 cannot perform such a situation. By recognizing, the device operation can be turned off to prompt the operator to reliably insert the cartridge 227. Thus, it is possible to notify the operator in advance of the risk of the cartridge 227 falling out of the apparatus.

In addition, as long as it can basically have the above positional relationship with respect to the supply ink communication, the reading position of the information concerning the cartridge, and the cartridge holding position, it is a matter of course that an appropriate configuration can be adopted for the cartridge, its insertion portion, and the like. For example, the holding of the cartridge may not necessarily be by clicks and recesses. The reading of the information on the ink cartridge is not electrical, but may be made optical, for example. In the above example, even waste ink can be introduced into the cartridge, but the cartridge may be supplied only with ink.

By adopting such a configuration, in the cartridge on which the information carrier as described above is loaded, reliable reading of information is performed, and driving of the recording head that is optimal for use ink can be achieved.

Embodiment 8

Fig. 26 shows an example other than the ink cartridge mounting mechanism according to the present invention. Here, 304 shows an example of the ink cartridge according to the present invention, and 341 and 342 are lock stabilizing members protruding from the left and right side walls of the ink cartridge 304. In addition, 336 and 337 are lock members concerning this invention provided along the left and right sides of the insertion path 332, and are different from the left and right lock members 336 and 337 in this example as shown.

In addition, although the lock release members 341 and 342 and the lock members 336 and 337 are all provided at the same height at the bottom of the insertion path 332 in this example, the protruding installation position in the insertion direction with the unlock release members 341 and 342 is also provided. Is different. In this case, the amount of deviation is preferably at least 5 mm or more in the sense of preventing manufacturing error or malfunction.

Thus, when the ink cartridge 304 is inserted again in the state shown in FIG. 25, the unlocking member 341 reaches the tip of the wedge 336A of the locking member 336, and the locking member ( 342 reaches the tip of the wedge portion 337A of the lock member 337. 336B and 337B are lock grooves of each lock member, 336C is an escape portion, and 336D and 337D are return wedge portions provided for smoothly returning to the locked state as shown in the state of pushing up the protective plate 333.

Next, the cartridge mounting operation in the ink cartridge mounting mechanism configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 27A to 27D. First, when the ink cartridge 304 is mounted in a normal position, as shown in FIG. 27A, the unlocking members 341 and 342 provided on both sides of the ink cartridge 304 each have a wedge portion 336A of the lock member 336. As shown in FIG. ) And the wedge portion 337A of the lock member 337, and as shown in FIG. 27B, the lock members 336 and 337 are swung in opposite directions to restrain the lock plates 336B and 337B from being restrained by the lock grooves 336B and 337B. 333 is released, the protection plate 333 is rotated in the direction of arrow B against the spring force of the spring 335 as shown in FIG. 26, and the ink cartridge 304 can be guided to the mounting position. .

However, in the case where the ink cartridge 304 is incorrectly mounted in an upside down state as shown in FIG. 27C, for example, as shown in FIG. 27D, the unlocking members 341 and 342 may lock the lock members 336 and 337. By rocking, the protection plate 333 is stopped at the release of these lock members (336C), and the entire surface of the ink cartridge 304 comes into contact with the protection plate 333. Therefore, the insertion operation of the ink cartridge 304 is prevented by the protective plate 333 and is not led to the mounting position. In addition, although not shown, the lock members 336 and 337 are not operated because the unlocking member does not exist when the ink cartridge 304 is mounted to be reversed. As a result, the certainty of the cartridge mounting is ensured, so that information is transmitted from the information carrier mounted on the cartridge.

Example 9

28 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the ink cartridge 304 according to the present embodiment, the heights from the insertion paths 332 of the unlocking members 341 and 342 provided on both sides thereof are deviated left and right. Also in the present example, it is preferable that the amount of the deviation be 5 mm or more for the same reason as in the above-described embodiment. Thus, the locking members 336 and 337 are arranged so that the height corresponding to the unlocking members 341 and 342 is secured.

In the ink cartridge mounting mechanism configured as described above, even if the ink cartridge 304 is inserted upside down, the left and right unlocking members 341 and 342 and the coring members 336 and 337 are not engaged with each other. Since the unlocking member is not present in the entire cartridge, the locked state of the protective plate 333 is not released, and erroneous mounting is prevented.

29A and 29B show an ink cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the position of the unlocking member is changed for each ink cartridge, so that, for example, the ink cartridges containing ink having different characteristics such as color may be attached to the corresponding mounting portions. That is, in the ink cartridge 304A shown in FIG. 29A and the ink cartridge 304B shown in FIG. 29B, the position of the height direction of the unlocking members 341 and 342 provided in each is changed, and the left and right sides of the ink cartridge 304A shown in FIG. The amount of deviation varies as indicated by D1 and D2.

Thus, for example, if the red ink is accommodated in the ink cartridge 304A and the black ink is contained in the ink cartridge 304B, the lock is provided in the mounting portion of the red ink supply system and the mounting portion of the black ink supply system. By making the member correspond to the height of the unlocking members 341 and 342 described above, even if an ink cartridge of a different color is accidentally mounted, the mounting is prevented and the individual ink cartridges 304A and 304B are caused by the wrong mounting posture. Mounting can be prevented. In the fact that the misalignment is prevented, in the medium-cartridge cartridge having the above-described configuration, reliable information transfer is performed, and optimal driving of the recording head is performed by reducing use ink.

Example 10

30A and 30B show an example of the ink cartridge according to the present invention. In these drawings, 401 is an ink cartridge having an ink receiving portion not shown therein, 402 is a shutter slidably held along the upper opening 401A of the cartridge 401, and 402A is protruding upward from the shutter 402. One of the shutter protrusions 403 is a coil spring opened between the shutter 402 and the spring receiving wall 401B. The coil spring 403 biases the shutter 402 to the left along the opening 401A. The shutter protrusion 402A is brought into contact with the end edge of the opening 401A to keep the opening 401A closed.

404 is a flag member which can be rotated around the support shaft 405, and is formed of a material capable of infrared light shielding, and the support shaft 405 is supported on the wall of the cartridge 401. In addition, 406 is a torsion coil spring provided around the support shaft 405, one end of which is caught by the flag member 404, and the other end thereof is caught by the cartridge 401 wall part, and the flag member 404 is caught by the shaft 405. It is pressurized around clockwise, and this is biased toward the back surface side of the shutter 402. On the other hand, 422A is a stopper portion protruding from the cartridge guide 422 toward the cartridge insertion path 426, and the shutter protrusion 402A is inserted when the ink cartridge 401 is inserted from right to left in FIG. 30A. The stopper portion 422A abuts, and serves to open the shutter 402 against the spring force of the spring 403 in accordance with the subsequent insertion operation.

The 424 is a light-transmitting light detecting sensor having an infrared detection function, for example, and is mounted on the carriage. Thus, when the ink cartridge 401 is inserted along the cartridge insertion path 426 in the state of FIG. 30A, the shutter 402 is opened by the stopper portion 422A as described above, and the ink cartridge 401 is shown in FIG. 30B. The shutter 402 constantly opens in the fully loaded state of the ink cartridge 401, and the flag member 404 stands by the spring force of the torsion coil spring 406, and comes into contact with the stopper portion 422A to detect the sensor. It is held in a position to block the light path of 424. The tip 402B protruding along the opening direction of the shutter 402 has a flag member 404 when the ink cartridge 401 does not reach the fully mounted state as shown in FIG. 30B and is halfway. In this case, it is possible to prevent incomplete insertion of the ink cartridge 401 because it cannot be detected by the detection sensor 424 unless the flag member 404 stands up. Therefore, in this case, it is desirable to keep the clearance between the flag member 404 and the shutter 402 as small as possible, thereby making the timing at which the flag member 404 rise, that is, the ink cartridge 401. The timing of being fully mounted can be made more accurate.

When the ink cartridge 401 is dismantled from the recording apparatus, the flag member 404 is pressed against the stopper portion 402A by the operation of drawing the ink cartridge 401 to the right in the state shown in FIG. 30B to counterclockwise rotation. And the shutter 402 moves in the direction of closing the opening 401A by the spring force of the coil spring 403, and the flag member 404 is stored under the shutter 402 in the fully drawn state. .

In the ink cartridge constructed as described above, the flag member for mounting detection, which is installed in a posture, is stored inside before installation, so that the appearance is not damaged and is easy to handle. It is sufficient to provide a stopper portion provided in the cartridge guide, and as described later in a simple configuration, various information on the ink cartridge can be provided to the user with high reliability.

Since the mounting of the cartridge to the apparatus is securely performed in such a configuration, for example, the corresponding information can be reliably transmitted to the cartridge on which the information carrier is mounted.

31A to 31C show another embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention. Only the flap member 404 is shown in these figures, and 404A, 404B, and 404C are all the light shielding parts. By changing the light shielding portions 404A, 404B, and 404C according to the direction along the support shaft 405, that is, the moving direction of the carriage, the detection position by the detection sensor shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B can be changed. By the difference of the detection positions, different information (three types of information in this example) regarding the ink cartridge 401 can be obtained. This is an example of another form of the information carrier described above. Therefore, as shown in the ink type or characteristic contained in the cartridge 401, a flag member 404 having a different light shielding position is used as described above by a cartridge accommodating them, and the number of information is as described above. It is not limited to three types similarly.

The amount of information that can be handled varies depending on the resolution at the time of scanning the carriage and the detection width of the detection sensor. For example, when the scan is configured to have a 20 mm width detection by scanning every 2 mm, the blind portion is measured in units of 2 mm. Ten kinds of information can be obtained by providing a flag member which has been changed in each cartridge. Further, for example, in order to obtain such information in a conventional manner, ten independent flags are required, and such flags must be arranged every 2 mm on the recording apparatus side, and the apparatus is complicated, large, and expensive with an increase in the number of parts. Although it is difficult to avoid increasing the number of parts, it is possible to provide a large amount of information on the ink cartridge while saving space by configuring the minimum number of parts by configuring in the present embodiment.

32A and 32B show a configuration for transmitting information on the presence or absence of ink as still another embodiment according to the present invention. This example is an example in which a flag is provided for the ink bag 430 in the cartridge 401 to notify the mobile user when the remaining amount becomes less than a predetermined amount. 440 is the flag member, and in this example, a contact portion 440A is formed at the end of the side where the support shaft 405 of the flag member 440 is provided, protruding in a semi-circular state almost as shown. The contact portion 440A maintains contact with the surface of the ink bag 430 at all times even in the fully mounted state of the ink cartridge 401 as shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B and not shown, but before the installation. have.

441 is an elongated longitudinal groove formed in two wall portions parallel to the ground of the ink cartridge 401, and the support shaft 405 of the flag member 440 is shown sandwiched in these elongated grooves 441. This example is an example in which a flag is provided for the ink bag 430 in the cartridge 401 to notify the user when the remaining amount becomes, for example, less than or equal to a predetermined amount. 440 is the flag member, and in this example, a contact portion 440A is formed at the end of the side where the support shaft 405 of the flag member 440 is provided, protruding in a semi-circular state almost as shown. Such a contact portion 440A maintains contact with the surface of the ink bag 430 as shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B.

441 is an elongated longitudinal groove formed in two wall portions parallel to the ground of the ink cartridge 401, and the support shaft 405 of the flag member 440 fits into these elongated grooves 441, so that And behavior is freely supported. Further, the torsion coil spring 406 attached around the support shaft 405 exerts a force in the clockwise direction on the flag member 440 in the example, and at the same time, the support shaft 405 itself is a long groove. In accordance with 441, the spring force is applied downward, and the contact portion 440A of the flag member 440 is biased toward the ink bag 430.

In the ink cartridge 401 configured in this manner, before the cartridge 401 is mounted at a predetermined mounting position along the insertion path 426, as described above with reference to FIG. 30A, the flag member 440 is formed by the shutter 402. Although it is in the state stored below, when it is reliably mounted in a predetermined mounting position, the flag member 440 stands up as shown to FIG. 32A or FIG. 32B. However, the contact portion 440A of the flag member 440 due to the spring force of the torsion coil spring 406 is inclined to one side toward the surface of the ink bag 430 at the same time as the island.

Thus, in the ink cartridge 401 having the ink bag 430 as the ink receiving means, if the ink is sufficiently stored in the ink bag, as shown in FIG. 32A, the entire flap member 440 is raised to a high position. Since the light shield 440B is maintained at the height of shielding the light path 435 of the detection sensor 424, when the carriage has been guided to the position of the cartridge 440, the detection sensor mounted on the carriage The presence of ink is detected by 424. When the ink is gone, the flag member 440 does not block the light path 435 of the detection sensor 424 by holding the flap member 440 at a low position even if it is placed upward as shown in FIG. 32B. Without ink.

As apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the ink jet recording apparatus itself can automatically set the driving conditions of the ink jet head suitable for the ink composition by having a medium containing information for driving the ink jet head on the ink cartridge. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ink jet recording apparatus with simple operation and high reliability.

In addition, it is possible to prevent a user from accidentally inserting an ink cartridge, and to provide an ink cartridge having information for appropriately controlling the driving of the recording head.

As described above, according to the present invention, since ink communication with the ink supply system is established at the position where the ink tank in the form of a cartridge constituting the ink supply source is held in the main body of the apparatus, the ink is maintained near the holding position of the ink tank. Communication status can be secured. In addition, since the information on the ink tank can be read out before the holding, no reading can be made in the vicinity of the holding position or a misjudgement occurs. In addition, since ink communication is performed prior to reading, even if the recording operation is started soon after reading, the situation such as air entering the ink supply system does not occur badly. On the contrary, the ink tank is removed during the recording operation. Even if the ink communication is lost, it can be detected before the ink communication is cut off. Therefore, if the operation is stopped, the situation is not bad.

As described further above, according to the present invention, since ink communication with the ink supply system is made before the ink tank in the form of a cartridge forming an ink supply source is held in the apparatus body, ink communication is performed near the holding position of the ink tank. State can be obtained. Moreover, since the unique information regarding the ink tank can be read in the vicinity of the holding position, and the information different from the above information can be read in the predetermined range from the ink communication position to the holding position, the information is read. By warning in accordance with the above, it is possible to detect the failure of the ink tank and to prevent the dropout.

Further, as described above, according to the present invention, the lock release member protruding from both sides of the ink cartridge and the lock member provided on both sides of the insertion path of the ink cartridge and unlockable by the respective unlocking members are provided in the ink cartridge. Since it is installed asymmetrically with respect to the insertion direction, it is not mounted incorrectly even if you try to mount it by mistake of up and down or front and rear of the ink cartridge. Therefore, the ink cartridge is damaged by the hollow needle, the hollow needle is damaged, or ink is supplied. You can do this without it. Moreover, in order to prevent such a mistaken installation, it does not require a particularly expensive apparatus, and simply ends with changing the installation positions of the lock member and the unlocking member.

Further, even when a plurality of kinds of inks are used, the wrong mounting of each ink cartridge can be prevented. As described above, according to the ink jet recording apparatus and the ink cartridge of the present invention, the transmissive optical sensor which is shielded by the flag member existing in the movement path is provided on the carriage and the ink cartridge is only in the attached state. Since the flag member protruding toward the carriage movement path is installed and the transmissive light sensor is shielded by the flag member installed in the ink cartridge, the ink cartridge is detected so that the ink cartridge is mounted. Therefore, the ink cartridge is mounted with a small number of parts and a simple structure. In addition to detecting the presence or absence of ink, the shape of the flag member is different for each ink cartridge, and a large amount of information such as the type and characteristics of the ink can be distinguished from the user, and the remaining ink can be detected. .

The present invention, in particular, among ink jet recording methods, has an excellent effect in the recording head and recording apparatus of the bubble jet type as proposed by Canon Corporation.

As for the representative structure and the principle, it is preferable to use the basic principles disclosed in, for example, US Pat. No. 4,373,129 and US Pat. This method can be applied to any of the so-called moderate-to-mid-degree and continuine-ass type, but particularly in the case of the temperate-to-dome type, an electrothermal transducer arranged in correspondence with a sheet or liquid path in which a liquid (ink) is kept. By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recording information and giving a rapid temperature rise beyond the nuclear boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal conversion complete, and the film is boiled on the heat acting surface of the recording head. This is effective because it can cope one-to-one and form bubbles in the liquid (ink). By the growth and contraction of this bubble, a liquid (ink) is discharged through the discharge opening, thereby forming at least one droplet. When this drive signal is made into a pulse shape, since appropriate bubble growth shrinkage is performed immediately, in particular, discharge of liquid (ink) excellent in responsiveness is achieved, which is more preferable. As the pulse-shaped driving signal, one described in the specification of US Pat. No. 4,435,359, US Pat. Further, by adopting the conditions described in the specification of US Pat. No. 4313124 of the invention relating to the rate of temperature rise of the thermally acting surface, better recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, there is disclosed a configuration in which the heat acting portion is bent in addition to the combination configuration (linear liquid flow path or right-angle liquid flow path) of the discharge port, the fluid path, and the electric heat changer as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications. The structure using the specification of US Pat. No. 4,533,33, US Pat. No. 4,44,600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59123670, which discloses a configuration in which a plurality of electrothermal converters have a common slit as the ejector part of the electrothermal converter, and a hole for absorbing pressure waves of thermal energy, correspond to the discharge part. This invention is effective also if it is set as the structure based on the 59-13138461 publication which discloses the structure to make it make.

Further, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that the recording apparatus can record, the length of the recording head satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above specification. Although either the configuration or the configuration as an integrally formed recording head may be sufficient, the present invention can more effectively exhibit the above-described effect.

In addition, a tip type recording head mounted on the main body of the apparatus and capable of supplying ink to the main body of the apparatus or supplying ink from the main body of the apparatus, or a cartridge type recording integrally installed on the recording head itself. The present invention is effective even when a head is used.

In addition, it is preferable to add the recovery means, the auxiliary auxiliary means, and the like to the recording head, which are provided as the configuration of the recording apparatus of the present invention, because the effect of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, they are, for example, capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressurization or suction means, electric heat returning bodies or preheating means by a heating element separate from or a combination thereof, and preliminary discharges which are performed separately from the recording. Performing the discharge mode is also effective for performing stable recording.

Furthermore, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not only a recording mode of mainstream colors such as black, but also the recording heads are integrally formed or pursued by a plurality of combinations, but the color color of different colors or the full color of mixed color is used. The invention is extremely effective even with devices equipped with at least one of them.

In the embodiment of the present invention described above, a liquid ink is used to explain the present invention. However, in the present invention, the ink can be used either as a solid ink at room temperature or as an ink softened at room temperature. In the above ink jet apparatus, it is common to control the temperature of the ink itself within a range of 30 ° C. to 70 ° C. to control the viscosity of the ink in a stable discharge range. Is good. In addition, either by actively raising the temperature due to thermal energy as an energy for changing the state of the ink from the solid state to the liquid state, or by using an ink that solidifies in the standing state for the purpose of preventing the evaporation of the ink. The present invention also applies to the use of ink liquefied by heat energy, such as ink liquefying and discharging as an ink liquid phase upon application of a recording signal of thermal energy or already beating at the time of reaching the recording medium. It is possible. In such a case, the ink is applied to the electrothermal transducer in a state in which it is stored as a liquid or solid in the porous sheet recess or through-hole, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-56847 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-71260. It may be in the same form as facing. In the present invention, the most effective for each of the inks described above is to carry out the film boiling method described above.

Claims (7)

In the ink jet recording apparatus, the recording head 201 for causing the ejection of ink to record an image and the ink jet recording apparatus are provided so as to be interchangeable. The information recording mediums 19, 22, 31, 35, 37, 40, 42, and an ink cartridge for accommodating the ink therein and supplying the ink in accordance with the ejection of the ink, wherein ejection control of the recording head is controlled by the information on the information-bearing medium. And the information provision medium includes information for setting the ink ejection of the recording head and is easily detachable from the ink jet recording apparatus. A replaceable ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording head for ejecting ink onto a recording medium, an operator display indicator, and a spaced electrical terminal for controlling the indicator by operating a control circuit in electrical contact with each other. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein the replaceable ink cartridge includes a cartridge body configured to be removably mounted to the ink jet recording apparatus, an ink container located within the body, and the ink container to the recording head when the cartridge is mounted to the ink jet recording apparatus. And a label fixed to the top surface of the main body to connect to the outlet, wherein the label has a surface wiring resistance pattern having a predetermined shape to provide electrical connection between the contact and the spaced apart contact. Wherein the spaced contact includes the cartridge being A replaceable ink cartridge positioned on the main body such that when mounted to a jet recording apparatus, the ink jet recording apparatus is positioned on the main body so as to slide and contact with each other on the main body so that the spaced electric terminals slide and contact with each other. . 25. The replaceable ink cartridge of claim 24, further comprising a waste ink collecting member for collecting waste ink from the ink jet recording apparatus that is not used for recording on the recording member. 4. The replaceable ink cartridge of claim 3, wherein the waste ink collecting member has an absorbing member disposed in the cartridge body. A replaceable ink cartridge according to claim 4, wherein said waste ink collecting member is located under said ink container when said cartridge is mounted to said ink jet recording apparatus. 3. The replaceable ink cartridge of claim 2, wherein the cartridge body has a recess for engaging with the engaging member of the ink jet recording apparatus. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said outlet is connectable with a hollow needle in said ink jet recording apparatus to introduce ink from said ink container into said recording head when said cartridge is mounted to said ink jet recording apparatus, wherein said outlet, said The label and the recessed portion of the ink such that the outlet contacts the hollow needle, the contact portion contacts the electrical terminal while the cartridge is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus, and the recessed portion is engaged with the engagement member. Replaceable ink cartridge, characterized in that disposed on the cartridge.