RU2259924C2 - Ink cartridge (variants), device and method for adjusting flow of liquid from cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: ink cartridges.

SUBSTANCE: device has mechanism for forming negative pressure, positioned between reservoir for storing ink and output opening for feeding ink. Mechanism for forming negative pressure has wall, surface of which is provided with two through apertures for ink flow, and valve element, in touch with through opening and losing contact with it due to pressure from output opening for feeding ink. Ink flowing through opening are fed through opening to outlet opening for feeding ink.

EFFECT: increased amount of ink spent by printing head.

6 cl, 24 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an ink cartridge, by which ink is supplied at an appropriate negative pressure to a recording head that ejects ink droplets in response to print signals, and to a device and method for adjusting a fluid flow from an ink cartridge to an ink jet head.

The inkjet printing apparatus is usually arranged so that the inkjet recording head, by which droplets of ink are released in response to the print signals, is mounted on a carriage reciprocating along a direction corresponding to the width of the sheet of paper to be printed on, and ink is supplied to the writing head from an external ink tank. In the case of a small-sized printing device, the ink storage tank, such as an ink tank, is removable with respect to the carriage, which provides easy maintenance and facilitates the replacement of a used ink tank with a new ink tank containing a new ink supply (or various inks if the tank is a color printing tank).

To prevent ink leakage from the writing head, such an ink storage tank typically contains an ink-impregnated porous member that retains ink due to capillary forces in the porous member.

In addition, there is a tendency to increase ink consumption over time, because the ongoing development of new advanced printers leads to the need to increase the number of nozzle openings to meet modern requirements for improved print quality and increased print speed.

In order to match this progress in the development of inkjet printers, it is advisable to increase the amount of ink that can be stored in the ink storage tank, but this leads to an increase in the volume of the porous element. However, in the case of the presence of a porous element that retains ink due to capillary forces, the height of the porous element, that is, the inlet column therein, is limited and, therefore, to increase the volume of the vessel, it is necessary to increase the bottom area of the ink storage tank, which leads to a problem consisting in the need to increase the size of the carriage and, therefore, the overall size of the printing device.

To solve this problem, Japanese Published Patent No. 8-174860 (paragraphs 0041-0043) proposes the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 10, in the center of which there is an element that is a membrane capable of deforming under the influence of ink pressure and provided with a through hole through which created the seat of the membrane valve, and in the place opposite the seat of the membrane valve, there is a valve element. To solve this problem, the published international application PCT 00/103877 proposed an ink cartridge in which the valve element is made of an elastic polymer material by a pressure molding method, a through hole is made in the center of the valve element. In this cartridge, the back of the valve element is in contact with the sealing element due to the pressure by means of a spring, and the movement of the valve element is due to the negative pressure exerted on the back surface of the valve element, whereby ink flows out through the through hole to the ink outlet.

Meanwhile, in order to satisfy the need for such cartridges used for high-speed printing, an ink cartridge is required that provides high ink supply performance by which a large volume of ink can be supplied to the recording head. The most important factor, which is closely related to the performance of ink supply to the writing head, is the hydraulic resistance of the flow channel located in the cartridge.

US Pat. No. 4,626,662 describes an externally controlled valve used in liquid marking systems. In this link, the idea of a valve is proposed, the inlet and outlet openings of which are located on one side of the movable element, and on the other side of the movable element there is a spring and an external source of reduced pressure. In the patent, in particular, it is stated that the spring is not used to seal the valve, but only to prevent siphoning, but to keep the valve closed, an external source of reduced pressure is used.

US Pat. No. 4,971,527 describes a control valve for ink marking systems. The diaphragm is sandwiched between two springs and, thus, serves to damp the pressure pulsations in the ink flowing between the inlet and outlet openings, which are located on the same side of the diaphragm.

US Patent No. 5653251 relates to a tubular valve actuated by reduced pressure. Despite the fact that the inlet and outlet openings are located on the same side of the valve membrane, this membrane itself can be perforated, which allows fluid to flow to the other side of the membrane. In addition, the membrane is stretched over a curved protrusion, and the pressure "creating a gap" in the valve is adjusted without using a spring. In particular, in US Pat. In this valve design, a negative pressure from the consumer is applied to one of the surfaces of the valve element, due to which the valve element is separated from the flow channel, thereby providing control of the flow and termination of the fluid supply. However, in the open state of the valve, the area of the region of the valve element receiving pressure of the liquid (the area of the area receiving pressure) is extremely small, which means that the difference between the area of the front and rear surfaces of the valve element is large. Therefore, a small change in pressure as a result of ink consumption by the writing head cannot keep the valve open. In the case when the valve having a similar design goes into the closed state, the area of the pressure receiving region is extremely large, which ensures the valve returns to the open state. Therefore, there is a problem consisting in the presence of multiple repetitions of this procedure, which is undesirable and leads to ripples in the ink supply, which, obviously, can have an adverse effect on the printing process.

In the ink cartridge disclosed in the aforementioned published international application PCT 00/103877, the flow resistance is due to the presence of a through hole that forms an ink flow passage in the membrane member, and in addition, the large flow resistance is also due to the gap between the through an opening and a valve member that interacts with the through hole.

European Patent Application No. 1199178 describes an ink cartridge having a differential pressure valve mechanism (the cartridge described in US Published Application No. 2002/0109760 is similar). In this reference, valves are described in which the spring in the movable membrane is forcibly adjoined to the solid protrusion.

To reduce the hydraulic resistance caused by the presence of a through hole in the membrane element, the through hole can be made to have a larger diameter, but since the membrane element must be made of an elastic polymer material, an increase in the through hole will reduce the load on a unit area, which will cause a decrease in sealing pressure and, consequently, a deterioration in the sealing ability of the valve and a deterioration in the performance of the cartridge .

Therefore, a modification can be made in which, in order to improve the sealing ability, a protruding part is formed in the region of the valve element which is located opposite the sealing element, and a through hole passes through this protruding part. However, due to the bias force of the spring, the closed state of the valve is ensured by elastic deformation and flattening of the protruding part.

Therefore, even when negative pressure acts on the valve element in such a way that it moves in the opposite direction from the sealing element by an amount corresponding to the perceived negative pressure, the protruding part that has been subjected to elastic deformation returns to its original state, and therefore , the hydraulic resistance of the flow channel in the open state of the valve is high. In the case where high ink consumption is required, for example, when printing images, there is a possibility that the supply of sufficient ink cannot be ensured.

In addition, to ensure the stability of the closed state of the valve element, the protruding part must be sufficiently flattened so that it comes into close contact with the sealing element. For this, the protruding part of the valve element is made in the form of an elastic element of elastomer. In addition, the protruding part of the valve element is thick compared to the surface of the membrane of the valve element, perceiving a differential pressure. Therefore, there is a likelihood of a turbulent polymer flow occurring during compression molding, and therefore there is a likelihood of welds arising as a result of pressing, which makes it difficult to create a protruding portion of the valve element that has a significant protrusion with respect to the membrane surface.

In addition, since the presence of deviations from the specified accuracy in the manufacture of parts and during their installation leads to a misalignment between the protruding part of the valve element and the sealing element, the contact surface of the sealing element must be made large compared to the diameter of the protruding part of the valve element to ensure proper alignment.

These circumstances lead to the fact that the sealing element occupies a large area around the protruding part of the valve element, as a result of which there is a problem of the large hydraulic resistance of the flow channel.

In addition, since it is necessary to form a through hole passing through the protruding part of the valve element, there is a likelihood of wrinkles or grooves in the sealing region due to the presence of welds, the presence of which leads to a decrease in the yield coefficient of products, which is undesirable.

Moreover, in the case when, as an attempt to reduce the hydraulic resistance of the flow channel for the through hole made in the element representing the membrane, a through hole configuration such as, for example, a cone configuration is used, the lower part of the protruding part has a small wall thickness, which leads to a problem in that the protruding part is deformed into the inside of the through hole. That is, there is an additional problem of having restrictions imposed on the configuration of the through hole.

The present invention was created, in part, to solve these above problems.

The technical result of the present invention is the creation of an ink cartridge by which the hydraulic resistance of the flow channel around the through hole in the mechanism for creating negative pressure can be reduced, thereby ensuring compliance with the requirements for supplying a large volume of ink consumed by the recording head.

Another technical result of the present invention is the creation of an ink cartridge, the production of which can be carried out with a high yield rate.

Another technical result of the present invention is the creation of a fluid flow control mechanism for the writing head, which can provide a reduction in hydraulic resistance around the through hole in the mechanism to create negative pressure, whereby it is possible to supply a large volume of ink consumed by the writing head.

These technical results are achieved in that the ink cartridge contains an ink storage tank, an ink supply outlet communicating with the ink storage tank through the ink flow passage, and a negative pressure mechanism selectively closing and opening the ink flow passage due to ink flow and containing an element forming an ink supply channel located between the ink storage tank and the ink supply outlet and forming a channel an ink flow passage communicating with an ink supply outlet, and an elastic element disposed in an element forming an ink supply channel and having a first surface receiving a first pressure in the ink storage tank through a first flow channel created in the element forming a channel for supplying ink, and a second surface receiving a second pressure in the outlet for supplying ink through a second flow channel created in the element forming the channel for supplying ink, whereby the contact of the elastic element with the open part of the channel for the flow of ink is sintered and its separation from it due to the applied elastic force, depending at least in part on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure, while the elastic element is able to move so that it opened the opening part of the channel for the flow of ink while reducing the pressure in the outlet for supplying ink to a value less than or equal to a predetermined value, thereby ensuring the opening of the channel for percolation ink and supplying ink to the outlet for supplying ink.

According to the above construction, it is possible to feed through a through hole made in the elastic element, and therefore, the elastic element can be made having a substantially flat surface. The possibility of eliminating the narrowing of the flow channel caused by the return of the protruding part to its original position exists even when the effect of negative pressure returns the elastic element back. In addition, it is possible to avoid the appearance of welds, which can occur during pressing under pressure, thereby providing an increase in the yield of products.

In addition, the region of the elastic element, which is used to seal the open part of the channel for the flow of ink, can be made in the form of a flat surface. By means of such a design, a large gap between the opening part of the ink flow passage and the valve element can be provided, and its depth can also be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the hydraulic resistance of the flow channel, thereby providing the possibility of high ink consumption by the writing head. That is, there is the possibility of creating an ink cartridge suitable for high-speed printing.

The elastic element can have a flat surface, at least near an area in contact with the open part of the channel for the flow of ink.

The cartridge may further comprise a biasing element, and the second surface of the elastic element is forcibly biased by the biasing element towards the openable portion of the ink flow channel.

The ink flow channel and the first and second flow channels can be at least partially formed by parts provided with recesses formed in an element forming an ink supply channel and at least one film for sealing parts provided with recesses.

The opening portion of the ink flow passage may comprise a through hole formed in the element forming the ink supply passage, may further comprise a housing having an ink outlet and an open surface, and a lid hermetically closing the open surface of the housing, the mechanism for creating negative pressure is located in the region, which is made either as a single unit with the housing, or as a separate part with respect to the housing. The ink storage tank is divided into an upper region of the ink storage tank, possibly sealed to the environment, and a lower region of the ink storage tank in communication with the environment, the upper and lower regions of the ink storage tank being mutually interconnected through the suction flow channel, the mechanism for creating negative pressure is located in the upper region of the ink storage tank, and the element forming the ink supply channel is located between the upper region of the ink storage tank and the ink outlet.

The upper region of the ink storage tank may be divided by a dividing wall into an ink storage tank located downstream, communicating with an ink supply outlet, and an ink storage tank upstream, communicating with a suction flow channel, and a negative pressure mechanism is located in the ink storage tank downstream.

The element forming the channel for supplying ink can be made in one piece with the main body of the tank, limiting the tank for storing ink.

The ink flow channel communicating with the ink supply outlet may be at least partially limited by a recess provided in a main body of the tank defining the ink storage tank and a film for sealing the recessed part.

The element forming the ink supply channel may contain an annular frame part and a bottom part serving as partitions in the ink storage tank, an open part of the ink flow channel is made in the bottom part, and an elastic element is installed in that part of the frame located opposite the open part of the channel for the flow of ink.

The width of the element forming the channel for supplying ink can be equal to the width of the main body of the tank that bounds the ink storage tank, and the element forming the channel for supplying ink can be sealed with a film that seals part of the main body of the tank and serves as the boundary of the ink storage tank .

The width of the element forming the ink supply channel may be smaller than the width of the main body of the tank defining the ink storage tank, the element forming the ink supply channel is sealed by the first film, and a part of the main body of the tank is sealed by the second film, which serves the border of the ink storage tank.

The opening part of the channel for the flow of ink may contain a through hole made in the protruding part, the peripheral part of which is made in the form of a flat surface.

The opened part of the channel for the flow of ink can be made in the form of a through hole in the protruding part, having a conical section in cross section. The indicated technical results are also achieved by the fact that the ink cartridge contains an ink storage tank, an ink supply outlet communicating with the ink storage tank through the ink flow channel, and a negative pressure mechanism that selectively closes and opens the flow channel ink due to ink consumption and comprising an elastic element having a first and second surface, an ink flow passage communicating with an ink supply outlet and providing an open part at the place where the first surface of the elastic element comes into contact with and is separated from the open part, the communicating part facing the first surface of the elastic element and communicating with the ink storage tank, and the part in the form of a spatial gap facing the second surface of the elastic element and communicating with the outlet for supplying ink.

The mechanism for creating negative pressure may further comprise a dividing wall located on the side of the elastic element, which is located upstream and serves as the boundary of the chamber located between the elastic element and the dividing wall, while the dividing wall has a protruding part to which the first surface is pressed an elastic element, and an opening part of the channel for the flow of ink, made in the protruding part.

The mechanism for creating negative pressure may further comprise a biasing element located opposite the protruding part and providing a forced displacement of the elastic element in the direction of the protruding part.

Forced displacement of the elastic element in the direction of the protruding part can be achieved due to the elastic deformation of the elastic element.

The exposed part of the protruding part can be made in such a way that, essentially, facing the center of the elastic element.

Part in the form of a spatial gap may contain a camera facing the second surface of the elastic element and made in such a way that the ink flow causes a change in pressure applied to that side of the elastic element, which is located downstream, and the changed pressure is applied essentially to the entire area of the second surface of the elastic element.

Ink located in the ink storage chamber can flow into the ink supply outlet in the following order: through a flow channel connecting the ink storage chamber to the first surface of the elastic element, through the open part of the ink flow channel, through the flow channel connected to the open part of the channel for the flow of ink, through the part in the form of a spatial gap facing the second surface of the elastic element, and through the flow channel connecting the part in the form of a spatial prom ink bottle with ink outlet.

The flow channel of the channel for the flow of ink contains the first part, which provides the message of the open part of the protruding part with the outlet for supplying ink, the flow channel is branched in the intermediate part, which serves as the boundary of the branched channel, the part in the form of a spatial gap contains a closed space, the pressure of which is applied, essentially, to the entire area of the second surface of the elastic element, while the branched channel communicates with a closed space.

The first and second surfaces of the elastic element can have substantially the same ink contact area.

The opening portion of the ink flow passage may comprise a cylindrical portion located on the side of the elastic member and an expanded portion expanding outward as it extends along the extended portion in the direction of ink flow to the ink supply outlet.

Therefore, it is possible to provide reliable sealing by means of a cylindrical part and to reduce the total hydraulic resistance of the flow channel due to the presence of the expanded part.

These technical results are achieved by the fact that the device for adjusting the fluid flow for the writing head contains an elastic element having a first and second surface, and is able to move in response to a pressure difference between the first and second surfaces, a communicating part facing the first surface of the elastic element and made in such a way that provides communication with the ink tank in which the ink is stored, an ink outflow opening, an openable portion of the ink flow passage informing with the hole for the outflow of ink, while the first surface of the elastic element is made in such a way that it is able to come into contact with the open part and separate from it, and the part in the form of a spatial gap facing the second surface of the elastic element and communicating with the hole for the outflow of ink .

Since, according to the above construction, the opening area of the part in the form of a spatial gap is larger than the opening area of the open part of the ink flow channel communicating with the ink outlet, the pressure change on the side that is downstream, that is, from the side of the ink outlet caused by ink consumption can be effectively applied to the elastic element, ensuring reliable movement of the elastic element in a state in which the valve is open.

The device may include a separating partition located on the side of the elastic element, which is located upstream of the flow and serves as the boundary of the chamber located between the elastic element and the separating partition, while the separating partition has a protruding part to which the first surface of the elastic element is pressed and opened part of the channel for the flow of ink in communication with the hole for the flow of ink, made in the protruding part.

Therefore, since in the ink supply state in which the elastic element is separated from the opening part, a large space around the protruding part can be ensured, it is possible to reduce the dynamic pressure loss caused by the ink flow. That is, the protruding part can be made of the same material as the main body of the tank, the desired protrusion size (height) of the protruding part can be set and, in addition, more freedom can be provided when designing the protruding part shape and the through hole shape.

The device may include a biasing element located opposite the protruding part and forcibly biasing the elastic element in the direction of the protruding part.

Therefore, this enables reliable contact of the elastic element with the protruding part, regardless of the position of the elastic element, whereby sealing between them is provided regardless of the presence of perceived external vibrations, for example, vibrations caused by the movement of the carriage. In addition, the optimal value of the contact force (sealing force) with which the elastic element presses on the protruding part, that is, a value that can prevent the elastic element from coming into contact with and protruding from it due to the movement of the carriage, and which however, it can provide an efficient ink supply while maintaining optimal negative pressure.

Forced displacement of the elastic element in the direction of the protruding part can be achieved due to the elastic deformation of the elastic element.

The exposed part of the protruding part can be made in such a way that, essentially, facing the center of the elastic element.

The central region of the elastic element retains a substantially flat shape with symmetrical deformation of the elastic element relative to the point, and therefore, the central region of the elastic element can provide effective sealing of the opening part, which leads to an increase in sealing ability.

These technical results are achieved by the fact that a removable ink cartridge for mounting on an ink supply needle provided in an ink jet printing apparatus comprises an ink reservoir having an inside and an outlet for supplying ink, which includes an ink supply needle, and a flow control device located inside the ink tank and comprising a housing having a bottom that has an inner side and an outer side made in the bottom of the inlet ies passing between the inner and outer sides and providing communication with the inner part of the ink tank, a wall passing along its perimeter from the inner side of the bottom, a protrusion located on the inner side of the bottom and provided with an outlet opening through it, and a groove made on the outer side and providing communication with the outlet and the outlet for supplying ink, a cover in contact with the wall passing along the perimeter, an elastic element located between the cover and the inner Oron bottom element and providing a forced displacement situated between the cover and the elastic member, whereby a force is applied to the elastic member for pressing the elastic member to the protrusion.

At least a cover or wall extending around the perimeter may have a recess in such a way that the space between the resilient element and the cover through this recess is communicated by an ink supply outlet.

Part of the elastic element facing the protrusion can be made flat.

Part of the protrusion facing the elastic element is made flat.

The elastic element may have a convex part facing the cover and coming into contact with the element, providing forced displacement.

The cartridge may further comprise an internal baffle dividing the interior of the ink tank into a plurality of chambers.

The inlet may be made in the form of a round hole.

The outlet may be made in the form of a round hole.

These technical results are achieved by the fact that the device for regulating the flow of liquid, designed for installation in an ink cartridge for inkjet printing, having a chamber for storing ink and an outlet for supplying ink, and adjusting the flow of liquid from the chamber for storing ink into an outlet for the ink supply, contains a housing having a bottom, which has an inner side and an outer side, an inlet made in the bottom, passing between the inner and outer sides and provides having a message after installing the fluid flow control device with an ink storage chamber, a wall passing along its perimeter from the inside of the bottom, a protrusion located on the inside of the bottom and provided with an outlet opening through it, and a groove made on the outside and providing a message with an outlet, and after installing the fluid flow control device also with an outlet for supplying ink, a cover in contact with the wall passing around the perimeter, an elastic element nt disposed between the cover and the inner side of the bottom member and providing a forced displacement situated between the cover and the elastic member, whereby a force is applied to the elastic member for pressing the elastic member to the protrusion.

At least the lid or wall extending around the perimeter may have a recess in such a way that, after installing the fluid flow control device, the space between the elastic element and the lid through this recess communicates with an outlet for supplying ink.

Part of the elastic element facing the protrusion can be made flat.

Part of the protrusion facing the elastic element may be made flat.

The elastic element may have a convex part facing the cover and coming into contact with the element, providing forced displacement.

The inlet may be made in the form of a round hole.

The outlet may be made in the form of a round hole.

These technical results are achieved by the fact that in the method of adjusting ink flow from an ink cartridge having an outlet for supplying ink, a valve chamber is formed in the ink jet head, which is a part of the ink cartridge having a lid and a base provided with an inlet and an outlet, and containing an elastic membrane, wherein the inlet and the outlet are located on the first side of the elastic membrane, and between the second side of the elastic membrane and the lid the second space, and they press the elastic membrane to the base by means of an applied force so that the contacting part of the elastic membrane comes into contact with the outlet and ensures its sealing, while with a decrease in pressure in the specified space below the specified value, the resulting pressure difference acting on the elastic membrane, leads to the fact that the contacting part of the elastic membrane moves away from the outlet in the direction opposite to the direction of action applied force.

The method can additionally provide a change in pressure in the specified space so that it is equal to the pressure in the outlet for supplying ink. The pressure can be changed by creating a flow channel between the specified space and the ink outlet.

Disclosure of the essence of the present invention relates to the subject of the invention contained in the patent applications of Japan No. 2002-266824 (with filing date September 12, 2002), No. 2002-292337 (with filing date October 4, 2002), No. 2002-355470 ( with the filing date of December 6, 2002) and No. 2002-357040 (with the filing date of December 9, 2002), each of which is directly included here by reference in full.

The following is a detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings, which depict the following:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention from a side view of an ink storage chamber; FIG.

figa is a perspective view of the ink cartridge of figure 1 in a view from the side of another surface;

figb is a perspective view of another variant implementation of the part in which the valve element;

figure 3 is a view of the ink cartridge in section, which shows the structure of its cross section near the mechanism for creating negative pressure;

figa and figb depict in an enlarged scale a sectional view of a mechanism for creating negative pressure in the ink cartridge, respectively, in the closed state of the valve and in the open state of the valve;

FIG. 4B is a sectional view of an ink flow passage from a mechanism for generating negative pressure to an ink supply outlet; FIG.

figa and figb show the movement of the ink flow in the ink cartridge;

figa and figb depict various embodiments of the valve element;

7 shows a perspective view of a valve member that is used in a conventional ink cartridge;

figa and figb show on an enlarged scale the valve of a conventional ink cartridge, respectively, in the closed state of the valve and in the open state of the valve;

figv shows on an enlarged scale the shape of the protruding part in the closed state of the valve;

Fig.9 depicts another embodiment in which the element defining a region in which the mechanism for creating negative pressure is mounted is made as a separate element;

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of an assembled ink cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention, which, in particular, shows the construction of the main body of the tank from the opening side;

11 shows a perspective view of the ink cartridge assembly, which, in particular, shows its construction from the front surface side;

Fig - front view of the main body of the tank with the opening side;

13 is a front view of the lower side of the main body of the tank;

Fig. 14 is a sectional view of a region of a main body of the tank in which a mechanism for creating negative pressure is installed;

Fig. 15 is a sectional view of a portion of the flow channel of the main body of the tank extending from the region in which the mechanism for creating negative pressure is installed to the outlet for supplying ink;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional view of a region in which a mechanism for creating negative pressure is installed;

Fig is a perspective view with a spatial separation of the parts of the ink cartridge Assembly according to another variant implementation of the present invention, which, in particular, shows the main body of the tank from the opening side;

Fig. 18 is a sectional view of a region of a main body of the tank in which a mechanism for creating negative pressure is installed;

Fig. 19 is an enlarged sectional view of the region in which the mechanism for creating negative pressure is installed;

FIGS. 20A and 20B show schematic illustrations of the structure of a flow channel in a mechanism for generating negative pressure in an ink cartridge according to the present invention, respectively, in a closed state of a valve and an open state of a valve;

figa and figv - schematic views of the design of the flow channel in the mechanism for creating negative pressure in a conventional ink cartridge, respectively, in the closed state of the valve and in the open state of the valve;

figa and figb - other embodiments of the design of the flow channel in the mechanism for creating negative pressure in the ink cartridge according to the present invention;

23 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a mechanism for generating negative pressure;

24 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid flow control device for a recording head in which the principles of the present invention are implemented.

The following is a detailed description of the present invention, which is based on the illustrated embodiments of its implementation.

Figure 1 and figure 2A are perspective images with a spatial separation of the parts, which show the design of the ink cartridge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in a front and rear view, respectively. Figure 3 shows the construction of an ink cartridge in a sectional view. The boundaries of the ink cartridge are the frame 2, on both sides of which there are openings 1, and parts 3 and 4, which are covers, by means of which the corresponding openings 1 are hermetically sealed. The ink cartridge is provided with an outlet 5 for supplying ink, which is located on the front side the end of the cartridge in the insertion direction, for example, in this embodiment, on the bottom surface. According to the present invention, the ink supply outlet comprises an element or, in other words, an opening portion to which a connecting element is attached or inserted, for example, a hollow needle or tube, providing a detachable connection between the ink cartridge and the recording head located on the carriage.

The element 6, forming a channel for supplying ink and which is part of the mechanism 30 for creating negative pressure, is made as a single unit near the part of the frame 2 that faces the outlet 5 for supplying ink, so that part of the element 6 forming a channel for ink supply, on one of the opening sides of the surface of the frame 2 was an openable part 7.

The element 6 forming the channel for supplying ink is essentially divided into part 8, which is designed to accommodate a substantially circular valve element 20 (also referred to as an elastic element), and part 9, which is a flow channel, through which fluid communication with ink supply unit 5. The protruding part 11 has a first through hole 10 for ink flow, which is located in the center of the part 8 in which the valve element is located, and a second through hole 12, which serves as an ink supply opening, located at a location that is offset from the protruding part 11. Part 9, which is a flow channel, is formed by a third through hole 13, which serves for the flow of ink, through which provide communication with the area of the front surface of the valve th element 20. As shown in the drawings of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B, the first through hole 10 has a substantially cylindrical straight part S from the side of the elastic element, and a funnel-shaped part R that expands outward when passing along the through hole 10 in the direction of the ink flow going to the ink supply port 5. This funnel-shaped part R is made integrally with the straight part S and is located downstream of it. That is, the side of the through hole 10 through which the ink flows has an outward extension. This design provides reliable sealing by means of the straight part S and a decrease in hydraulic resistance to fluid movement in the entire first through hole 10 of the flow channel due to the funnel-shaped part R.

On the surface 6a of the partition in part 15 of surface 14, a recess is created which serves as the boundary of the element 6 forming the ink supply channel, so that through it, the first through hole 10 in the protruding part 11 is connected to the third through hole 13 in the part 9 representing a flow channel. The boundaries of the connecting channel 15 'are set by gluing the part 15 provided with a recess, the film 16.

In the element 6 formed in this way, which forms the ink supply channel, an elastic deformable valve element 20 is installed by means of a mounting frame 21, which adjusts its location, as shown in Fig. 4. The valve element 20 has a thick part 20a located along its peripheral circumference, forming a flat surface facing the protruding part 11. In the protruding part 20b, created in the center of the valve element 20, a spring 22 is placed by which the differential pressure is adjusted, and which is in contact with the rear surface (with the rear surface) of the valve element 20. In addition, a waterproof seal is created between the outside and the storage tank by means of the fixing element 23 ink, providing a message between the part 9, which is a flow channel, and the back surface of the valve element 20. By the way, in the illustrated design, an improved fit between the valve element 20 and the protruding part 11 can be provided if the mating parts of these elements made flat, since this helps to combine them and avoids the need to take into account the curvature or roughness of adjacent surfaces.

Therefore, to ensure such communication between the part 9, which is the flow channel, and the rear side of the valve element 20, in the region of the element 6 forming the channel for supplying ink, and in the fixing element 23, at least one or both of the parts 9a and 23a in the form of recesses that face part 9, which is a flow channel.

The valve element 20 is preferably made of a polymeric material, for example, an elastic elastomer that is elastic and can be created by compression molding. The valve element 20 is provided with a protruding part 20b, on which the spring is worn and which is located in the area opposite the protruding part 11, that is, in its central part.

A film 24 is attached or attached to the partition wall 6b, which is a part of the element 6 forming the ink supply channel, so that it covers the surface of the fixing element 23 and provides sealing of the part 8 in which the valve is located and the part 9 representing a flow channel, whereby their reliable sealing and isolation from the ink storage tank is ensured.

In the embodiment described above, the second through hole 12 has substantially the same size as the first through hole 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this option and, as shown in FIG. 2B, instead of the second through hole 12, can be used a window 12 ', made by removing most of the wall surface 6a, but enough material is left to create a part that is not subject to deformation due to the action of the clamping force of the spring 22, causing valve bias ment 20 and which may allow to create portion 15 as a recess serving as the communication passage. This design provides the same result as the design described above.

In this embodiment, when the ink cartridge is installed in the printing apparatus and when the liquid pressure decreases from the side of the ink outlet 5, that is, from the region located at the lowest point in the flow stream in which the ink flows out of the ink cartridge , due to ink consumption by a writing head or similar device, the fluid pressure in part 9, which is a flow channel, in part 15 ', which is a flow channel, which is formed by part 15, represents a recess, and a film 16, as well as in a confined space (also called a pressure control chamber) 27 located behind the valve element 20, which communicates with them only through the flow channel formed by the recess portion 23a, also decreases, therefore, the reduced pressure acts on the surface, which is also exerted by the pressure of the bias of the spring 22 (communication with the liquid in the enclosed space 27 can occur only through the channel formed by the part 23a in the form of a recess). However, in the case where the negative pressure in the ink outlet 5 does not reach a predetermined value, the valve element 20 maintains the tight state of the first through hole 10 due to the biasing force of the spring 22. In addition, even though it is negative the pressure also acts on the first through hole 10 through the connecting channel 15 'and, therefore, is applied to the front surface of the valve element 20, the area of the through hole 10 is extremely small, therefore, the forces and acting on the front surface of the valve element is negligible compared to the force applied to the rear surface of this valve element. On figv partially shows a sectional view of part 9, which is a flow channel, of the mechanism 30 for creating negative pressure. When the negative pressure is reduced to a level less than the force exerted by the spring 22 and the intrinsic stiffness of the valve element 20, the negative pressure in the ink supply outlet 5 acts on the pressure control chamber of the valve element 20, which communicates with the ink supply outlet through a portion 23a or 9a (FIG. 4B), which is a recess. Consequently, a force is applied to the valve element 20 due to a pressure drop that is sufficient to move it in a direction opposite to the direction of action of the biasing force of the spring 22, which ensures its separation from the protruding part 11 (Fig. 4B) and allows ink from the chamber 17 to ink storage flow into the connecting channel 15 'through the second through hole 12 (in Fig. 5A this is indicated by arrow A) and through the first through hole 10 in the protruding part 11. The ink flowing into the connecting channel 15', prot cabins through the third through hole 13 (Figure 5A is indicated by arrow B) and in a part 9, which is a flow passage in the outlet 5 for supplying ink (for 5B indicated by the arrow B).

After the predetermined amount of ink flows into the ink outlet 5 in a similar manner, causing an increase in pressure on the back surface of the valve element 20, a change in the pressure difference on the valve element 20 causes the valve element 20 to come into elastic contact with the protruding part 11 beyond due to the bias force of the spring 22, providing sealing of the through hole 10 (figa).

Subsequently, this operation is repeated to supply ink to the writing head, while the pressure from the side of the ink supply outlet is kept at a predetermined negative pressure.

It should be noted that this adjustment of ink flow occurs automatically in response to ink consumption from the ink supply opening. This eliminates the need for a special external control system that periodically opens and closes the valve to regulate the flow of ink flowing from the ink tank into the ink supply opening and, therefore, simplifies and provides an improvement in the design of the ink cartridge.

As shown in figa, the sealing side of the valve element according to the present invention is made in the form of a flat surface. This embodiment is different from the conventional valve member 40 shown in FIG. 7, and in the embodiment of the valve member of the present invention, there is no protruding portion 42 with a through hole 41 in an area that is in contact with the valve seat. Therefore, due to this design, the valve element made according to the present invention does not have welds, that is, grooves (slots shown in Fig. 7) that can occur during pressure molding, and therefore, the valve yield coefficient can be increased elements in their production.

In addition, since the region of the valve element 20 in contact with the protruding part 11 can be made having as large a flat surface as possible, while the option of accurately combining a small flat region with the protruding part is not considered, reliable and tight contact can be made a large flat area with a protruding portion 11 serving as a valve seat, thereby providing a high degree of sealing.

In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the conventional valve member 40 creates a state in which the protruding portion 41 is forcibly pressed against the sealing member 44 by the spring force 43, whereby it becomes flattened and elastically deformed.

On the other hand, since at the time when the valve element 40 is in the open state, the negative pressure acting on the valve element 40 is constant even if it is separated from the sealing element 44, the area 42a subjected to elastic deformation, in the initial state, and this leads to the fact that the gap L 'of the flow channel becomes extremely small, resulting in the problem of the presence of a large hydraulic resistance of the flow channel.

In addition, given the fact that the through hole 41 passes through the valve element 40, which is made of elastically deformable material, it is necessary that the area of the sealing element 44 be large so that it covers the through hole 41 in the presence of a shift in its location due to deviation valve member 40 from a predetermined location or the like. This leads to the additional problem of the presence of increased hydraulic resistance, due to the inevitably large extent of the narrow gap region in the vicinity of the through hole 41.

In contrast, since according to the present invention, the sealing side of the valve element 20 is made in the form of a flat surface, a similar restoration of the initial state does not occur even if the valve element 20 returns to its original state under the influence of negative pressure, as a result of which it can be saved large gap L. In addition, since the first through hole 10, which forms a channel for the flow of ink during the time when the valve is in open condition If it can be made passing through the part in which the valve element is located, and which is preferably made of a more rigid material than the valve element, then the protruding part 11 can be made as small as possible and at the same time provide a large flow channel between the valve element 20 and the end surface of the through hole 10 due to its rigidity. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the hydraulic resistance in the vicinity of the through hole 10. In the above embodiment, the surface in contact with the valve seat is made in the form of a flat surface. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6B, the protruding portion 28 may be configured to ensure that no welds appear and at the same time give the same beneficial effect as has been described with respect to a flat surface. In this case, the protruding part 28 can be made in the form of a cone and be sized so that it can be inserted into the through hole 10 made in the protruding part 11 when these two parts are forcedly combined.

In the above embodiment, the valve member and the frame member are in the form of separate parts. However, they can be made as a single part by co-pressing under pressure using appropriate suitable materials.

In the above embodiment, the baffle defining a region in which the mechanism for creating negative pressure is mounted is configured to be integral with the element representing the ink storage tank. In the alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the element by which the region in which the mechanism for creating negative pressure is set can be formed as a separate part 31 inserted into the opening 5a located on the other side of the supply outlet 5 ink that is upstream. The following is a description of another embodiment of the present invention.

10, 11, 12 and 13 show the construction of an ink cartridge in front and rear views with the opening and sealed cover removed. On Fig, 15 and 16 shows in detail the mechanism for creating negative pressure in the section. With reference to FIG. 10, the interior of the reservoir main body 50 forming the ink storage tank is vertically divided by a partition 52 extending substantially in the horizontal direction and, in particular, extending such that the side of the partition 52 closer to the ink outlet 51 has a slight downward slope. A valve member 54, a fixing member 55, and a spring 53 are located in the ink supply outlet 51, so that when the ink cartridge is not mounted on the main body of the printing apparatus, the valve member 54 is held by the spring 53 in elastic contact with the locking member 55, whereby the ink outlet 51 is sealed.

The lower region, located below the partition 52, forms the first ink storage chamber 56, and the upper region, located above the partition 52, is limited by the frame 59, for which the partition 52 serves as a lower surface and which is separated from the wall 57 of the main body 50 of the tank by a certain distance which, in the preferred embodiment, is the same, forming a connecting channel 58 with the environment. The inner area of the frame 59 is further divided by a vertical partition 60 located at its bottom and provided with a connecting channel 60a, so that one of the areas resulting from the separation (i.e. the area on the right side of the drawing) serves as a second storage chamber 61 ink, and another area serves as a third ink storage chamber 62.

In the area opposite the first ink storage chamber 56, a suction flow path 63 is created by which the second ink storage chamber 61 is connected to the bottom surface 50a of the tank main body 50. The suction flow channel 63 is made by creating on the front surface of the main body 50 of the tank part 64, equipped with a recess (11), and sealing this part 64, equipped with a recess, airtight film 104, a more detailed description of which is given below.

In the third chamber 62 for storing ink there is an element 67 forming a channel for supplying ink, which is made by creating a partition 65 of the annular frame, which is flush with the frame 59, and a flat surface 66 that separates the inner part of the partition of the annular frame on the front and rear sides . Between the lower part of the partition 65 of the frame and the partition 52, a vertical partition 68 is created which defines a fourth ink storage chamber 69. In the lower part of the partition 68 there is a part 68a in the form of a recess, which serves to communicate with it.

Between the fourth chamber 69 for storing ink and part 59 of the frame is a dividing wall 70, through which a channel 71 for the flow of ink is created. The upper part of the channel 71 for the flow of ink communicates with the front side of the surface of the main body 50 of the tank through the through hole 72, which, if necessary, can serve as a filter chamber.

The boundary of the through hole 72 is a septum 73, which is integral with the partition 70, while the through hole 72 communicates with the upper edge of the channel 71 for the flow of ink through part 73a provided with a recess. The through hole 72 also communicates with the inside of the partition wall 65 of the frame through a portion 74 provided with a recess, preferably having a drop shape, located on the front surface side, and a connecting channel 73b.

As shown in FIG. 11, the lower part of the ink supply passage forming member 67 communicates with the ink supply outlet 51 through a flow passage formed by a recessed portion 86 formed on the surface of the tank main body 50 and an airtight film 104 by which provide sealing of this part 86, equipped with a recess. The ink supply channel member 67 has a flat surface 66 and an annular partition 80, which are located on the front surface of the tank main body 50 and are opposite the ink storage tank, thereby limiting the portion in which the valve member 81 is housed. Flat the surface 66 is made in such a way that in its approximately central part has a protruding part 83 provided with a through hole 82. The flat surface 66 is also made so that in places them from the protruding part 83, it is provided with a connecting channel 85, communicating with the front surface of the valve element 84. This through hole 82 is similar to that shown in figa, and is made in the form of a substantially cylindrical straight part S located with side of the elastic element, and the funnel-shaped part R, which gradually expands in the direction of the ink flow going to the ink supply outlet 51, and which is made integrally with the straight part S and is located downstream of it ( that is, the through hole 82 is expanded outward from the side on which the ink flows out), thereby ensuring reliable sealing of the straight part S while reducing the hydraulic resistance of the flow channel due to the funnel-shaped part R.

Near the lower edge of the septum 80 is a notched portion 87 that communicates with a notched portion 86 that extends down to an ink supply outlet 51. The depth of this notched portion 87 is selected so that after installing the valve element 84, the notched portion 87 only communicates with the back of the surface of the valve element 84. From the rear surface opposite the through hole 82, that is, in the upper reservoir for ink storage, there is a baffle 88 which extends to the upper edge of the recess portion 86, making it possible to avoid leakage from the connecting channel 85, and by means of which some ond space from the surrounding region so that a space in communication with the upper edge region portion 86 provided with the recess, the through hole 89 disposed in the lower portion of the partition 88.

The front surface of the main body 50 of the tank is equipped with a narrow winding groove 90, which serves to increase the hydraulic resistance of the flow channel as much as possible, a wide groove 91 located around the narrow groove 90, and part 92 in the form of a rectangular recess located in the area opposite the second cameras 61 for storing ink. Part 92 in the form of a rectangular recess has a frame part 93 located at a location slightly below the open edge of the recess part 92, and ribs 94 located at some distance from each other are created inside the frame part 93. To create a camera for communication with the external environment, a breathable film 95, which does not pass ink, is pulled and adhered to the part 93 in the form of a frame.

As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, a through hole 96 is provided in the form of a recess on the lower surface of the part 92, providing communication with a narrow region 98, which is separated by a partition 97 located in the inner part of the second ink storage chamber 61. From the other edge, the region 98 communicates through a through hole 99 created in the region 98, a groove 108 formed on the front surface of the tank main body 50, and a through hole 99 a with a valve chamber 101 in which the valve 100 communicates with the environment, which opens upon installation ink cartridge into a printing device. The surface region of the recess portion 92, which is lateral to the breathable film 95, communicates with one end 90a of the narrow groove 90.

Part 81 of the main body of the tank 50, designed to accommodate the valve, has a design similar to that which was described above in the previous embodiment depicted in figure 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the installation of the valve element 84 and the spring 102 is performed in a similar manner, the fixing of the locking element 103 is done in exactly the same way, and the film 104 is attached so that the front surface of the main body 50 of the tank is coated in exactly the same way. The locking element 103 is made having a groove 105, communicating with the notched portion 87, and flow channels 106 and 107, communicating with the back surface of the valve element 84.

Therefore, by means of parts 74, 86 and 105 provided with recesses, a channel for ink flow is formed in conjunction with the film 104, and by means of narrow grooves 90 and 91 and parts 92 and 108 in the form of recesses, a capillary and a connecting channel with the surrounding Wednesday.

On the opening side of the tank main body 50, the sealing of the openings of the ink storage chambers 61, 67 and 69 at the top and the openings of the ink supply channel member 67 is carried out by a film 110 to separate these areas from the ink storage chamber 56 and the connecting channel 58 with the environment, which are located at the bottom. After that, a part 111, which is a cover, is hermetically connected to the main body 50 of the tank, as a result of which the creation of the ink storage chamber 56, which is located in the lower part, is completed.

In addition, figure 10 and figure 11 shows the identification part 120, which is used to prevent erroneous installation of the ink cartridge, and a storage device 121, which stores information about ink, etc. and which is installed in the recessed portion 122 of the main body of the tank.

When the ink cartridge created in this way is inserted into the ink supply needle that communicates with the writing head, the ink supply needle moves the valve element 54 backward in the opposite direction to the biasing force of the spring 53, thereby opening the ink supply outlet 51. Since the pressure in the outlet for supplying ink 51 in this state is reduced due to ink consumption by the recording head as a result of printing operation, etc., the reduced pressure acts on the flow channel formed by the recessed portion 86 and the film 104, and on the back surface of the valve element 84 through the notched portion 87, that is, on the surface where the valve element 84 receives the downforce of the spring 102. In the case where the pressure in the ink supply port 51 e is reduced to a value less than a predetermined value that is sufficient to move the valve element 84, the valve element 84 remains pressed due to the biasing force of the spring 102 in the state of elastic contact with the protruding part 83, whereby the through hole 82 remains closed . Therefore, ink does not flow from the ink storage chamber to the ink supply port 51.

In the case where the pressure in the outlet for supplying ink (i.e., in the flow channel of the element or open part to which the connecting element is connected or inserted, for example, a hollow needle or tube, through which the ink cartridge is detachably connected with the writing head located on the carriage) decreases to a predetermined value due to the continued ink flow by the writing head, the pressure acting on the back surface of the valve element 84 through the aforementioned the outlet channel overcomes the force of the spring 102, and therefore, the valve element 84 is separated from the protruding portion 83. Therefore, ink flows from the connecting channels 85 into the region between the valve element 84 and the flat surface 66, while the ink flows from the through hole 82 through the channel, formed by a recessed part 88 and a film 110 through a through hole 89, through a flow channel formed between a recessed part 86 and a film 104, and through an outlet 51 for supplying ink to a recording head at devices for printing.

After the pressure on the back surface of the valve element 84 increases as a result of the flow of a predetermined volume of ink onto the back side of the surface of the valve element 84, the valve element 84 again comes into contact with the protruding part 83 due to the biasing force of the spring 102, closing a through hole 82, whereby the flow channel is shut off. Therefore, it is possible to retain liquid in the ink supply outlet 51 at a negative pressure that is sufficient to prevent ink from leaking out of the writing head, but still allowing ink to be supplied to the writing head.

As ink is consumed, ink from the fourth ink storage chamber 69 flows through the flow channel 71 and the through hole 72 toward the front surface of the valve member 84. Then, since only the first ink storage chamber 56 is open to the environment, as the ink is consumed from of the fourth ink storage chamber 69, ink from the third ink storage chamber 62 flows into the fourth ink storage chamber 69 through a recess portion 68a, and as ink is consumed from the third ink storage chamber 62 La from the second ink storage chamber 59 flows into the third ink storage chamber 62 through a recess portion 60a. As ink is consumed from the second ink storage chamber 61, ink from the first ink storage chamber 56 flows into the second ink storage chamber 61 through the suction flow channel 63. Therefore, the ink storage chambers located upstream are sequentially empty earlier, therefore, ink is first consumed from the first ink storage chamber 56, then ink is consumed from the second ink storage chamber 61, etc.

17 shows another embodiment of the invention in which the capacity of the ink contained in the aforementioned ink cartridge is increased. The tank main body 50 'in this embodiment has the same structure as the tank main body 50 of the above embodiment, except that it has a large width W.

Since, as a result of this modification, the height of the separation wall 65 of the element 67 forming the ink supply channel is different from the height of the frame 59 ', a third film 130 is used to seal the open part of the separation wall 65 of the element 67 forming the ink supply channel.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings of FIG. 10 to FIG. 16, the front surface of the protruding portion 83 of the ink supply channel member 67 is several times larger than the diameter of the through hole 82. As shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, both elements: the through hole 82 'and the protruding part 83', can be made with a conical cross-sectional shape, thereby reducing the hydraulic resistance of the flow channel by increasing the diameter of the through hole 82 ', as well as an additional the decrease in hydraulic resistance of the flow channel due to the increase in the area occupied by the flow channel between the valve element 84 and the baffle 83a 'near the through hole 82'.

Below is an additional description of the operation of the device for generating negative pressure in the ink cartridge, the description of which is given above with reference to Fig.10-Fig.16, with reference to the circuit diagrams depicted in Fig.20A and Fig.20B, which further shows a simplified cartridge design according to the present invention. figa and figv are schematic diagrams showing the valve, respectively, in the closed state and in the open state, and the design of the device for generating negative pressure is depicted in a simplified form. For clarity of presentation and to ensure consistency with the design of the negative pressure generation device described above, the same reference numbers are used in these figures as were used for the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 to FIG. 16.

In the closed state of the valve, which is shown in FIG. 20A, the through hole 82 is closed by the valve member 84 in response to a biasing force exerted thereon by the spring 102, and therefore, the ink flow from the ink chamber 62 to the ink supply outlet is blocked. In this state, as the ink is consumed by the writing head, the pressure from the side of the ink supply outlet opening accordingly decreases, while the pressure that decreases due to this acts on the valve element 84 through the connecting channel 87 and the flow channel 88. In this embodiment, the back side of the surface of the valve element 84, communicating with the connecting channel 87, faces the chamber 109, which is located between the valve element 84 and the connecting channel 87, while the liquid in the chamber 109 communicates with the liquid only in the outer part through the connecting channel 87. That is, the chamber 109 serves as a pressure control chamber for transmitting a pressure change in the ink outlet to the back surface of the valve member 84.

Consequently, the back surface of the valve member 84 receives a reduced pressure from the ink supply side of the entire large surface area, while the other (front) surface of the valve member 84 receives a reduced pressure from the ink supply side of the ink only through a limited surface area through the hole 82. Therefore, due to the difference in size of the areas receiving pressure, which are located on the front and rear surfaces of the valve element 84, the force exerted in the compression direction of the spring 102 is lost. In the event that the pressure from the side of the ink supply outlet decreases so much that it falls below the pressure set by the spring 102, the valve member 84 is separated from the protruding portion 83, as shown in FIG. .20B, and opens the opening 82, whereby the ink from the ink storage chamber 62 flows through the connecting channel 85 and the flow channel 88 into the writing head.

Since during this ink flow, ink flows only through the front side of the surface of the valve member 84, even if the air bubble contained in the ink storage chamber 62 is sucked in and passes through the front side of the surface of the valve member 84, the air bubble flows with the flow ink into the writing head unchanged. That is, since the back side of the surface of the valve member 84 is configured to completely clog the enclosed space (also known as a pressure control chamber) 109 to prevent the high-speed ink flow from flowing out of the ink storage chamber 62 through the connecting channel 87, it is unlikely that the air bubble will enter the connecting channel 87 and will pass to the back side of the surface of the valve element 84.

Therefore, any change in pressure from the side of the ink supply outlet will certainly affect the back surface of the valve member 84 through the ink, which prevents the ink supply from stopping. In addition, any air bubble entering the writing head can be easily removed by applying negative pressure to the writing head to force ink out of it, for example, in the process of returning to the suction mode.

In contrast, in a conventional ink cartridge in which the valve member 40 is configured as shown in FIG. 7 and provided with a through hole 41 serving as an ink flow passage, there is a chance that the air bubble will reach the back of the surface the valve element 40, that is, the area receiving pressure from the ink outlet, in which case the presence of an air bubble reduces the pulling force exerted on the valve element.

In particular, FIGS. 21A and 21B show simplified schematic diagrams of a device for generating negative pressure in a conventional ink cartridge. In these drawings, the valve is shown, respectively, in the closed state and in the open state. In a state in which the valve member 40 isolates the ink storage tank 200 from the ink supply outlet 201 (FIG. 21A), as the pressure in the ink supply outlet 201 decreases, accordingly, the pressure in the back area 203 of the valve member 40 decreases and therefore, the valve member 40 is forced back against the biasing force of the spring 204, as shown in FIG. When the valve element 40 is moved, the through hole 41 serving as an ink flow passage is separated from the protruding portion 206, and the ink in the ink storage tank 200 passes through the through hole 41 and flows through the back surface region 203 of the valve element 40 to the outlet ink supply hole 201. The communication between the ink storage tank 200 and the valve element 40 is provided by means of a designated passage opening 208.

If an air bubble B flows from the through hole 41 during this overflow of ink, it is likely that the air bubble will remain in the area 203 of the rear surface of the valve element 202. The air bubble B entering the area 203 of the back surface of the valve element 40, then there is in the area perceiving pressure in the ink supply outlet 201, easily increases in volume, absorbing and thereby weakening any decrease in pressure in this region 203, and therefore, the valve 40 and ink supply to the writing head becomes impossible in the presence of a bubble.

In view of the fact that the protruding portion 206 must provide a seal for the through hole 41 of the valve member 40, a preferred embodiment is that in which the through hole 41 of the valve member 40 is formed in the protruding portion 42. However, the size S of the protruding portion 206 providing a sealing of the through hole 41 the valve element 40, it is necessary to perform large so that it overlaps any possible displacement of the location of the through hole 41 caused by the deformation of the valve element 40. This creates a problem in the presence of increased hydraulic resistance due to increase in the area of the protruding portion 206 and its surroundings and, accordingly, a large area of the narrow gap between the protruding portion 206 and the valve member 40.

In contrast, in the embodiment according to the present invention, which is shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, since the hole 82 located in the protruding portion 83 is hermetically closed, it is sufficient to ensure that the front surface of the valve element 84 is in tight contact with the hole 82. Therefore the size of the protruding part 83 can be reduced, as far as possible, to such an extent as to enable the opening part 82 to be made. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the size of the narrow gap region located axis near the opening 82 between the valve element 84 and the protruding part 83, thereby providing a reduction in hydraulic resistance of the flow channel.

In the above embodiment, the rear side of the surface of the valve element 84 is made in such a way that it faces the enclosed space 109, which only communicates with the external region through the connecting channel 87 and overlaps it. However, the invention is not limited to this option. For example, as shown in FIG. 22A or FIG. 22B, a flow channel 88 providing fluid communication between the inlet 82 and the ink outlet can be connected on one side to an enclosed space 109 located behind the valve member 84, and the flow channel providing fluid communication with the ink outlet can be made in the pressure control chamber so that the backflow area of the valve element 84 serves as an ink flow channel. In addition, it is vertical the arrangement of the valve member 84, shown in Figure 22, helps to ensure that any bubble passing through opening 85 will pop up along the valve member to the top of the chamber and not be drawn into opening 82.

By making the ink outflow passage 86 ′ in communication with the pressure control chamber 109 located behind the valve element 84, which is perpendicular to the surface of the valve element 84 as shown in FIG. 22B, it is possible to use an ink cartridge with the valve element 84 located horizontally.

In addition, for example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the differential pressure adjustment spring 22 is located on the rear surface of the valve element 20 and provides forced elastic contact of the valve element 20 with the protruding part 11. However, the present invention should not be limited to this option. For example, as shown in Fig. 23, the valve element 20 may be made of an elastic material, for example rubber, and the protruding part 11 may have a protrusion relative to the plane P formed by the undeformed valve body 20 without a protruding part that extends beyond the direction of the valve element 20. In this embodiment, the valve element 20 can maintain elastic contact with the protruding part 11 due to the intrinsic elasticity of the valve element 20. By means of this design, you can do without biasing element one example of the spring 22.

Alternatively, the biasing of the valve body 20 can be accomplished by a combination of its own deformation with respect to the protruding portion 11 and a properly positioned biasing spring.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a removable ink cartridge that can be mounted on a writing head, the present invention also applies to an ink tank (ink cartridge) of the type in which the writing head is attached to the assembly for storing ink, for example, to an ink tank. In this embodiment, the ink supply outlet described above encompasses a boundary region in which the ink storage unit is connected to the recording head, that is, the ink supply outlet is an ink supply or part of the recording head.

On Fig shows an embodiment of a fluid flow control device or fluid supply device, which directly used the principle of operation of the valve element described above to provide ink to the writing head while maintaining negative pressure in the channel 86, from which ink flows into the inlet 147 for receipt ink available in the writing head. In this embodiment, the region located upstream directly next to the valve member 84 (i.e., the region corresponding to the ink storage chamber 62 of FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B) is missing, and instead, the structure of the valve device 141 in this embodiment the implementation includes a connecting element, for example, a hollow needle 140. The valve device 141 is removable and can be connected to an external device, for example, to an ink tank or to an ink tank 142, in which an ink supply is stored, black of the coupling member.

At the bottom of the ink tank 142, there is an ink outlet 143 with which the hollow needle 140 can come into contact with liquid impermeable contact. In the new unused ink tank 142, the ink outlet 143 is sealed with a seal tape (not shown) to prevent ink leakage , which can be pierced by the hollow needle 140. In addition, the drawing shows an annular gasket 144, made in such a way that provides elastic contact with the outer circumference of the hollow needle 140. The reservoir is provided with a hole 145 for communication with the environment.

The blocks of this invention necessary to ensure the above functioning of the valve element 84 can be made in the form of an independent device, that is, the valve device 141. In this design, the writing head 146 is attached to the bottom of the valve device 141, and the inlet available in the writing head 146 147 for ink supply is connected to an ink outlet (with flow channel 86) of the valve device 141. An ink reservoir 142 can be installed by inserting an ink reservoir 142 in the direction indicated by arrow A, supplying ink to the writing head 146, and can be replaced by moving the ink reservoir 142 in the opposite direction and removing it.

In addition, the operation and effect of the valve device 141 in this embodiment are the same as in the aforementioned embodiments, and therefore, the valve device 141 in conjunction with the ink reservoir 142 function in exactly the same way as the above cartridge for ink.

Despite the fact that in the above embodiment, the ink reservoir 142 is directly connected to the connecting element (which is the hollow needle 140) (mounted on it), the same effect can be obtained when the connecting element is connected to the cartridge for ink installed in the main body of the printing device through the tube.

Despite the fact that the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, of course, it is understood that the described embodiments thereof are given only as illustrations and examples and do not limit the invention, and the nature and scope of patent claims of the present invention are determined only by the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims (53)

1. An ink cartridge comprising an ink storage tank, an ink supply outlet communicating with the ink storage tank through the ink flow passage, and a negative pressure mechanism selectively closing and opening the ink flow passage due to ink consumption and comprising an element forming an ink supply channel located between the ink storage tank and an ink supply outlet and forming an ink flow channel communicating with one ink supply opening, and an elastic element located in the element forming the ink supply channel, and having a first surface receiving the first pressure in the ink storage tank through the first flow channel created in the element forming the ink supply channel, and the second the surface receiving the second pressure in the ink supply outlet through the second flow channel created in the element forming the ink supply channel, whereby the contact of the elastic element is ensured with the opening part of the channel for the flow of ink and its separation from it due to the applied elastic force, depending, at least in part, on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure, while the elastic element is able to move so that it opens the open part of the channel for the flow of ink when reducing the pressure in the outlet for supplying ink to a value less than or equal to a predetermined value, thereby ensuring the opening of the channel for the flow of ink and ink supply to the output from ink supply port. 2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic element has a flat surface, at least near an area in contact with the open part of the channel for the flow of ink. 3. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a biasing element and the second surface of the elastic element is forcibly biased by the biasing element towards the open part of the ink flow channel. 4. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel for the flow of ink and the first and second flow channels are at least partially formed by parts provided with recesses made in the element forming the channel for supplying ink, and at least , one film for sealing parts provided with recesses. 5. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the openable part of the channel for the flow of ink contains a through hole made in the element forming the channel for supplying ink. 6. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a housing having an outlet for supplying ink and an open surface, and a lid hermetically closing the open surface of the housing, while the mechanism for creating negative pressure is located in the region that is made either as a unit with the housing, or as a separate part with respect to the housing. 7. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the ink storage tank is divided into an upper region of the ink storage tank that is sealed to the environment and a lower region of the ink storage tank in communication with the environment, the upper and the lower region of the ink storage tank is mutually interconnected through the suction flow channel, a mechanism for creating negative pressure is located in the upper region of the ink storage tank, and the element forming the can L of the ink supply is located between the upper ink storage reservoir region and an outlet for ink supply. 8. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the upper region of the ink storage tank is divided by a dividing wall into an ink storage tank located downstream, communicating with an ink supply outlet, and an ink storage tank located upstream, communicating with the suction flow channel, and a mechanism for creating negative pressure is placed in the ink storage tank located downstream of the stream. 9. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the element forming the channel for supplying ink is made as a single unit with the main body of the tank, limiting the tank for storing ink. 10. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the channel for the flow of ink, communicating with the outlet for supplying ink, is limited, at least in part, to a recess provided in the main body of the tank defining the ink storage tank , and a film for sealing the part provided with a recess. 11. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the element forming the ink supply channel comprises an annular frame part and a bottom part serving as partitions in the ink storage tank, an opening part of the channel for the flow of ink, and the elastic element is installed in that part of the frame, which is located opposite the open part of the channel for the flow of ink. 12. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the width of the element forming the channel for supplying ink is equal to the width of the main body of the tank bounding the tank for storing ink, and the element forming the channel for supplying ink is sealed with a film that seals part the main body of the tank and serving as the boundary of the tank for storing ink. 13. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the width of the element forming the channel for supplying ink is less than the width of the main body of the tank that limits the tank for storing ink, the element forming the channel for supplying ink is sealed with a first film and a portion of the main body of the tank is sealed by a second film, which serves as the boundary of the ink storage tank. 14. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the open part of the channel for the flow of ink contains a through hole made in the protruding part, the peripheral part of which is made in the form of a flat surface. 15. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the open part of the channel for the flow of ink is made in the form of a through hole in the protruding part having a conical section in cross section. 16. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 15, characterized in that the open part of the channel for the flow of ink contains a cylindrical part located on the side of the elastic element, and an expanded part, expanding outward when passing along the expanded part in the direction of ink flow to the ink supply outlet. 17. An ink cartridge comprising an ink storage tank, an ink supply outlet communicating with the ink storage tank through the ink flow passage, and a negative pressure mechanism selectively closing and opening the ink flow passage due to ink consumption and comprising an elastic element having a first and second surface, a channel for the flow of ink, communicating with the outlet for supplying ink and having an openable part in the place where the first the surface of the elastic element comes into contact with the part to be opened and is separated from it, the communicating part facing the first surface of the elastic element and communicating with the ink storage tank, and the part in the form of a spatial gap facing the second surface of the elastic element and communicating with the outlet for ink supply. 18. The ink cartridge according to claim 17, characterized in that the mechanism for creating negative pressure further comprises a dividing wall located on the side of the elastic element, which is located upstream and serves as the boundary of the chamber located between the elastic element and the dividing wall, wherein the dividing wall has a protruding part, to which the first surface of the elastic element is pressed, and an open part of the channel for ink flow, made in the protruding part. 19. The ink cartridge according to p, characterized in that the mechanism for creating negative pressure further comprises a biasing element located opposite the protruding part and providing a forced displacement of the elastic element in the direction of the protruding part. 20. The ink cartridge according to p, characterized in that the forced displacement of the elastic element in the direction of the protruding part is provided due to the elastic deformation of the elastic element. 21. The ink cartridge according to p. 18, characterized in that the opening part of the protruding part is made in such a way that essentially faces the center of the elastic element. 22. The ink cartridge according to claim 17, characterized in that the part in the form of a spatial gap contains a camera facing the second surface of the elastic element and is designed so that the ink flow causes a change in pressure applied to the side of the elastic element that is lower downstream, and the changed pressure is applied essentially to the entire area of the second surface of the elastic element. 23. The ink cartridge according to claim 17, characterized in that the ink in the ink storage chamber flows into the ink supply outlet in the following order: through a flow channel connecting the ink storage chamber to the first surface of the elastic element through an opening part of the channel for the flow of ink, through a flow channel connected to the open part of the channel for flow of ink, through the part in the form of a spatial gap facing the second surface of the elastic element, and through the flow channel, soy inyayuschy part as the spatial period of the outlet for supplying ink. 24. The ink cartridge according to claim 17, characterized in that the flow channel of the ink flow channel comprises a first part providing a communication of the opening part of the protruding part with an outlet for supplying ink, the flow channel is branched in the intermediate part serving as the boundary of the branched channel, part in the form of a spatial gap contains a closed space, the pressure in which is applied, essentially, to the entire area of the second surface of the elastic element, while the branched channel communicates with a closed ostranstvo. 25. The ink cartridge according to 17, characterized in that the first and second surfaces of the elastic element have essentially the same contact area with ink. 26. The ink cartridge according to 17, characterized in that the open part of the channel for the flow of ink contains a cylindrical part located on the side of the elastic element, and an expanded part, expanding outward when passing along the expanded part in the direction of ink flow to the outlet for supply ink. 27. Device for adjusting fluid flow for a writing head, containing an elastic element having a first and second surface, and capable of moving in response to a pressure difference between the first and second surfaces, a communicating part facing the first surface of the elastic element and made in such a way that provides communication with the ink tank in which the ink is stored, an ink outflow opening, an openable portion of the ink flow passage communicating with the ink outflow opening, wherein the first I the surface of the elastic member is formed such that it is able to enter into contact with the openable part and separated from it, and a part of a spatial gap, facing the second surface of the elastic member and communicating with the opening for the outflow of ink. 28. The device according to p. 27, characterized in that it contains a dividing wall located on the side of the elastic element, which is located upstream and serves as the boundary of the chamber located between the elastic element and the dividing wall, while the dividing wall has a protruding part, to which the first surface of the elastic element is pressed, and the opening part of the channel for the flow of ink, communicating with the hole for the flow of ink, made in the protruding part. 29. The device according to p. 28, characterized in that it contains a biasing element located opposite the protruding part and forcibly biasing the elastic element in the direction of the protruding part. 30. The device according to p. 28, characterized in that the forced displacement of the elastic element in the direction of the protruding part is provided due to the elastic deformation of the elastic element. 31. The device according to p. 28, characterized in that the opening part of the protruding part is made in such a way that essentially faces the center of the elastic element. 32. A removable ink cartridge for mounting on an ink supply needle provided in an ink jet recording apparatus and comprising an ink reservoir having an inside and an ink supply port, into which the ink supply needle enters when the cartridge is installed, and a flow control device located inside the ink tank and comprising a housing having a bottom, which has an inner side and an outer side, an inlet made in the bottom extending between the inner and outer sides and and providing communication with the inner part of the ink tank, a wall extending along its perimeter from the inside of the bottom, a protrusion located on the inside of the bottom and provided with an outlet passing through it, and a groove made on the outside and communicating with the outlet and an outlet for supplying ink, a cover in contact with a wall extending around the perimeter, an elastic element located between the cover and the inside of the bottom, and an element forcing e the displacement located between the cover and the elastic element, by means of which a force is applied to the elastic element, which ensures the elastic element is pressed against the protrusion. 33. An ink cartridge according to claim 32, characterized in that at least the lid or wall extending around the perimeter has a recess so that the space between the elastic element and the lid communicates with the outlet through the recess ink. 34. The ink cartridge according to p, characterized in that the part of the elastic element facing the protrusion is made flat. 35. The ink cartridge according to p, characterized in that the part of the protrusion facing the elastic element is made flat. 36. The ink cartridge according to p, characterized in that the elastic element has a convex part facing the cover and coming into contact with the element, providing forced displacement. 37. The ink cartridge according to p, characterized in that it further comprises an internal partition dividing the inner part of the ink tank into a plurality of chambers. 38. The ink cartridge according to p, characterized in that the inlet is made in the form of a round hole. 39. The ink cartridge according to p, characterized in that the outlet is made in the form of a round hole. 40. A device for adjusting the fluid flow, designed for installation in an inkjet cartridge with an ink storage chamber and an outlet for supplying ink, and adjusting the fluid flow from the ink storage chamber to an outlet for supplying ink, which contains a housing having a bottom, which has an inner side and an outer side, an inlet made in the bottom, passing between the inner and outer sides and providing after installation of the device adjustments and a fluid stream communicating with the ink storage chamber, a wall extending along its perimeter from the inside of the bottom, a protrusion located on the inside of the bottom and provided with an outlet opening therethrough, and a groove made on the outside and communicating with the outlet, and after installing the fluid flow control device also with an outlet for supplying ink, a cover in contact with the wall passing along the perimeter, an elastic element located between the cover and the inner thoron bottom element and providing a forced displacement situated between the cover and the elastic member, whereby a force is applied to the elastic member for pressing the elastic member to the protrusion. 41. The device according to p. 40, characterized in that at least the lid or wall passing along the perimeter has a recess located in such a way that after installing the device for adjusting the fluid flow, the space between the elastic element and the lid through this recess communicates ink outlet. 42. The device according to p. 40, characterized in that the part of the elastic element facing the protrusion is made flat. 43. The device according to p, characterized in that the part of the protrusion facing the elastic element is made flat. 44. The device according to p. 40, characterized in that the elastic element has a convex part facing the cover and coming into contact with the element, providing a forced displacement. 45. The device according to p, characterized in that the inlet is made in the form of a round hole. 46. The device according to p, characterized in that the outlet is made in the form of a round hole. 47. A method for adjusting ink flow from an ink cartridge having an outlet for supplying ink to an ink jet head, wherein a valve chamber is formed, which is part of an ink cartridge having a cap and base provided with an inlet and an outlet, and containing an elastic membrane, while the inlet and outlet are located on the first side of the elastic membrane, and there is some space between the second side of the elastic membrane and the cover, the elastic membrane is pressed well, to the base by means of an applied force so that the contacting part of the elastic membrane comes into contact with the outlet and ensures its sealing, while with a decrease in pressure in the specified space below the specified value, the resulting pressure difference acting on the elastic membrane leads to the fact that the contacting part of the elastic membrane departs from the outlet in the direction opposite to the direction of action of the applied force. 48. The method according to clause 47, characterized in that it further provides a change in pressure in the specified space so that it is equal to the pressure in the outlet for supplying ink. 49. The method according to item 47, wherein the pressure is changed by creating a flow channel between the specified space and the outlet for supplying ink. Priority on points: 09/12/2002 according to claims 1-6, 47-49; 10/04/2002 according to claims 7-17, 26, 32-39; December 6, 2002 according to claims 18-25; 12/09/2002 according to claims 27-31, 40-46.

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