JP2002240323A - Ink, ink for ink jet, ink tank, ink jet cartridge, ink supply unit, method for introducing ink to ink tank, and image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the size and weight of a recorder while enhancing the reliability by making possible to interrupt suction and supply of ink automatically using the function of a gas permeable member, and to supply ink stably at all times while sustaining the negative pressure characteristics stably by preventing permeability of the gas permeable member from deteriorating. SOLUTION: The ink tank comprises a section for containing ink, a section for introducing ink externally to an ink holding section, and a section for introducing a negative pressure to the ink holding section. Ink can be introduced from the ink introducing section to the ink holding section by a negative pressure introduced from the negative pressure introducing section to the ink holding section. The negative pressure introducing section is provided with a gas/liquid separating means not passing ink but passing gas and the ink has a surface tension of 28-50 mN/m.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an ink, an ink jet ink, an ink tank, an ink cartridge, an ink supply device, a method for introducing ink into an ink tank, and an image recording apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called serial scan system in which a recording head as a recording means and an ink tank as an ink container are exchangeably mounted on a carriage movable in a main scanning direction has been used as an ink jet recording apparatus. There is something. In this printing method, an image is sequentially printed on a printing medium by repeating main scanning of a carriage on which a printing head and an ink tank are mounted and sub-scanning of a printing medium.

In order to realize an ultra-compact printer suitable for a PDA or a camera by using such a serial scan recording method, the size of the carriage itself is reduced. The ink capacity of the ink tank to be used must be extremely small.

[0004] When the capacity of the ink tank on the carriage is extremely small, the ink tank needs to be replaced frequently or the ink tank must be replaced during the printing operation. there is a possibility.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem,
An ink supply method (hereinafter referred to as a pit-in ink supply method for convenience) in which ink is supplied from a separately provided main tank to a sub tank on the carriage at an appropriate timing every time the carriage is located at a predetermined standby position is proposed. Have been.

According to this pit-in ink supply system,
For example, each time one print medium is printed, the carriage is positioned at a predetermined standby position, and the sub tank and the main tank on the carriage are connected at an appropriate timing. In this connection state, the ink is transferred from the main tank to the sub tank. Therefore, the above-mentioned problem relating to the ink capacity of the sub tank on the carriage is eliminated.

In the pit-in ink supply system, an ink absorber such as a sponge is disposed inside the sub-tank, and the ink from the main tank is supplied through the ink inlet by the negative pressure introduced from the air suction port. The ink is supplied by being introduced into the sub tank.

[0008] In such a so-called pit-in type supply system, the present applicant has provided a so-called gas-liquid separation membrane through which a gas passes without passing a liquid through an air suction port (also referred to as an atmosphere communication port) inside the sub-tank. An application has been filed for the invention to be distributed.

In the above-mentioned system, an ultra-compact supply system can be achieved by disposing a gas-liquid separation membrane at the air communication port, and the supply control (pit-in supply amount control, negative pressure control) can be simplified. This can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0010]

In the above configuration, the present inventors have conducted further studies and conducted experiments. As a result, depending on the type of ink, a problem that a predetermined amount of ink could not be supplied due to repeated pitting occurred. There was a case.

The inventors of the present invention have analyzed the cause. As a result, when a gas-liquid separation membrane (a membrane that does not allow the passage of liquid but allows the passage of gas) is used many times (durability test), a part of the inside of the gas-liquid separation membrane is found. A phenomenon was observed in which ink entered and the properties of the film deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an ink, an ink tank, an ink jet cartridge, and an ink supply device which can avoid such a problem.

[0013]

In one embodiment of the ink tank according to the present invention, the ink tank is used together with an ink jet printer, and (i) an ink container for storing ink; An ink introduction unit for introducing ink into the ink holding unit; and (iii) a negative pressure introduction unit for bringing the ink holding unit into a negative pressure in cooperation with the inkjet printer. The negative pressure introduced into the ink holding unit from the
The ink can be introduced from the ink introduction unit to the ink holding unit, and the ink tank further includes a gas-liquid separation unit that allows the gas to pass through the negative pressure introduction unit without passing the ink. , Having a surface tension of 28 mN / m or more and 50 mN / m or less.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet cartridge including the ink tank having the above-described structure, and an ink jet recording head for discharging ink contained in the ink tank. And

In another aspect of the ink jet cartridge according to the present invention, an ink container for storing ink, an ink inlet for introducing ink from outside to the ink holder, and cooperation with an ink jet printer. A negative pressure introducing section for bringing the ink holding section to a negative pressure, and the ink is introduced from the ink introducing section to the ink holding section by the negative pressure introduced from the negative pressure introducing section to the ink holding section. The ink can be introduced, and the negative pressure introduction unit includes a gas-liquid separation unit that allows gas to pass without passing the ink, and the ink has a surface tension of 28 mN / m or more and 50 mN / m or less,
Further, an ink tank that can be attached to an ink jet printer having an ink supply port for supplying the ink stored in the ink storage unit to the outside, and an ink tank that discharges the ink stored in the ink tank. An ink jet recording head, wherein the ink jet recording head is connected to an ink supply port of the ink tank.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply device for supplying ink to the first ink tank having the above-described structure, wherein the ink supply device stores the ink to be introduced into the ink storage portion. Means for connecting the second ink tank, the second ink tank and the ink introduction section of the first ink tank, and the second ink tank and the ink introduction of the first ink tank. Means for introducing a negative pressure from the negative pressure introducing portion of the first ink tank to the ink storage portion of the first ink tank in a state where the first and second ink tanks are connected to each other. .

Further, in one form of the ink according to the present invention, the ink storage section, the ink introduction section for introducing ink from outside into the ink storage section, and the ink storage section are cooperated with an ink jet printer. A negative pressure introduction section for converting the ink into the ink storage section from the ink introduction section by the negative pressure introduced into the ink storage section from the negative pressure introduction section; and An ink for storing in the ink storage section of an ink tank attached to an ink jet printer provided with a gas-liquid separation unit that does not allow the ink to pass through the negative pressure introduction section but allows gas to pass therethrough, and includes a color material and a liquid. Medium, and 1% by weight or less of a surfactant.

In one embodiment of the ink tank according to the present invention, the ink tank is an ink tank to be mounted on an ink jet printer, wherein (i) an ink container for storing ink, and (ii) an ink container for storing ink from outside. And (iii) a negative pressure introducing section for making the ink storing section a negative pressure in cooperation with the ink jet printer, wherein the negative pressure introducing section is connected to the ink storing section. The ink can be introduced from the ink introduction section to the ink storage section by the negative pressure introduced into the negative pressure introduction section.
The ink is characterized by comprising a gas-liquid separation means for passing a gas without passing the ink, and the ink contains 1% by weight or less of a surfactant based on the total weight of the ink.

An embodiment of the method for introducing ink into an ink tank according to the present invention is a method for introducing ink into a first ink tank mounted on an ink jet printer, wherein the first ink tank comprises (i) A) an ink container for storing ink, (ii9) an ink introduction unit for introducing ink from outside to the ink container, and (iii)
A negative pressure introduction unit for bringing the ink storage unit into a negative pressure in cooperation with the ink jet printer, and ink is supplied from the ink introduction unit by the negative pressure introduced into the ink storage unit from the negative pressure introduction unit. The negative pressure introducing portion is provided with a gas-liquid separating means for passing a gas without passing the ink, and the introducing method contains the ink to be introduced into the ink containing portion. Connecting the second ink tank to the ink introduction unit of the first ink tank, and connecting the second ink tank to the ink introduction unit of the first ink tank. Introducing a negative pressure from the negative pressure introducing section of the first ink tank to the ink storage section of the first ink tank.

In one embodiment of the ink tank according to the present invention, the ink tank is an ink tank mounted on an ink-jet printer, wherein (i) an ink storage section for storing ink, and (ii) ink storage from outside. And (iii) a negative pressure introducing section for introducing a negative pressure into the ink storing section together with the ink jet printer, and introducing the negative pressure into the ink storing section from the negative pressure introducing section. The ink can be taken from the ink introduction section into the ink storage section by the negative pressure, and the ink tank further has a porous membrane through which gas does not pass and the gas does not pass through the negative pressure introduction section. And the ink is characterized in that the ink does not impair the gas permeability of the porous membrane.

In one embodiment of the ink-jet ink according to the present invention, the gas-liquid separation function of the gas-liquid separation film is not impaired even by contact with the gas-liquid separation film.

Further, the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is
The ink cartridge is combined with an ink supply device.

[0023]

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

In the present specification, "print" (sometimes referred to as "record") refers not only to the formation of significant information such as characters and figures, but also to the perception of human beings, whether significant or insignificant. Regardless of whether or not it is evident, it refers to a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like is widely formed on a print medium, or a case where the print medium is processed.

The term "printing medium" means not only paper used in general printing apparatuses but also inks such as cloth, plastic films, metal plates, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, etc. In the following, it is also referred to as “paper” or simply “paper”.

In this specification, a "camera" refers to a device or device that optically captures an image and converts an optical image into an electric signal, and is also referred to as an "imaging unit" in the following description.

Further, “ink” (also referred to as “liquid”) is to be interpreted broadly as in the definition of “print” described above. , A pattern, etc., processing of a print medium, or ink processing (for example, solidification or insolubilization of a coloring material in ink applied to the print medium).

"Basic Configuration" First, the basic configuration of the apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. An apparatus described in this example includes an imaging unit (hereinafter, also referred to as a “camera unit”) that optically captures an image and converts it into an electric signal.
The information processing apparatus includes an image recording unit (hereinafter, also referred to as a “printer unit”) that records an image based on an electric signal obtained by imaging. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus described in this example will be described as a “camera with a built-in printer”.

In the apparatus main unit A001, the camera unit A
A printer unit (recording device unit) B100 is integrated with the back side of the unit 100. The printer unit B100 records an image using ink and a print medium supplied from the media pack C100. In this configuration, the device body A
As is clear from FIG. 5 when the exterior is removed from the outer side of FIG. 5, the media pack C100 is inserted into the right side of the apparatus main body A001 in the figure, and the printer unit B100 is inserted into the left side of the apparatus main body A001 in the figure. Is arranged.

When recording is performed by the printer unit B100, a liquid crystal display unit A described later in the camera unit A100 is used.
The apparatus main body A001 is set in a posture where the main body A001 is placed so that 105 is on the upper side and the lens A101 is on the lower side. In this recording position, a recording head B described later in the printer unit B100 is used.
Reference numeral 120 denotes a posture for ejecting ink downward. The recording posture may be the same posture as the posture in the shooting state by the camera unit A100, and is not limited to the above-described recording posture. From the viewpoint of the stability of the printing operation, the printing position in which the ink is ejected downward is preferable.

In the following, the mechanical basic configuration of the apparatus of this embodiment is represented by I: "camera unit", II: "media pack" and II.
I: The description will be made separately for the “printer section”.

I: "Camera Unit" The camera unit A100 basically constitutes a general digital camera, and includes a printer unit B10 to be described later.
The digital camera with a built-in printer as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 1 to 3, A101 is a lens, A102 is a finder, A1
02a is a finder window, A103 is a flash, A10
Reference numeral 4 denotes a release button, and A105 denotes a liquid crystal display unit (external display unit). As will be described later, the camera unit A100
Processing of data captured using CD, Compact Flash (registered trademark) memory card (CF card) A107
It stores images in the printer unit, displays the images, and exchanges various data with the printer unit B100. A discharge unit A109 discharges a print medium C104 on which an image has been recorded when the photographed image is recorded on a print medium C104 described below. A108 shown in FIG. 5 is a battery as a power source for the camera unit A100 and the printer unit B100.

II: "Media Pack" The media pack C100 is detachable from the apparatus main body A001. In the case of this example, the media pack C100 is inserted from the insertion portion A002 (see FIG. 3) of the apparatus main body A001. 1 is attached to the apparatus main body A001. The insertion portion A002 is closed as shown in FIG. 3 when the media pack C100 is not mounted, and is opened when the media pack C100 is mounted. FIG. 5 shows the media pack C100.
Shows a state in which the exterior has been removed from the apparatus main body A001 to which is attached. Pack body C101 of media pack C100
As shown in FIG. 4, a shutter C102 is provided so as to be slidable in the direction of arrow D. Shutter C102
When the media pack C100 is not mounted on the apparatus main assembly A001, the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4 (C10
2 '), media pack C1
When 00 is attached to the apparatus main body A001, the slide is performed to the position indicated by the solid line in FIG.

The ink pack C is provided in the pack body C101.
103 and a print medium C104 are accommodated. FIG.
In the ink pack C103, the print medium C1
04. In the case of this example, ink pack C
Three 103s are provided so as to individually accommodate Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) inks, and, for example, about 20 print media C104 are accommodated in an overlapping manner. Those inks and print medium C
Reference numeral 104 designates a combination most suitable for recording an image and is accommodated in the same media pack C100. Therefore, various media packs C100 (for example, media packs for ultra-high image quality, normal image quality, seals (split seals), etc.) having different combinations of ink and print medium are prepared, and the images to be recorded are prepared. The media pack C100 is selectively mounted on the apparatus main body A001 according to the type and the use of the print medium on which the image is formed, so that an optimal combination of ink and print medium can be used according to the purpose. Images can be reliably recorded. Media pack C1
00 is provided with an EEPROM (identification IC) to be described later, and the EEPROM stores identification data such as the type of ink and the print medium remaining in the media pack and the remaining amount.

When the media pack C100 is mounted on the main assembly A001 of the apparatus, the ink pack C103 has Y,
Through three joints C105 corresponding to the M and C inks, respectively, it is connected to an ink supply system of the apparatus main body A001 described later. On the other hand, the print medium C104
Are separated one by one by a separation mechanism (not shown), and are then sent out in the direction of arrow C by a feed roller C110 (see FIG. 9) described later. The driving force of the paper feed roller C110 is supplied from a transport motor M002 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, provided on the apparatus main assembly A001 side, via a connecting portion C110a.

The pack body C101 is provided with a wiper C106 for wiping a recording head of a printer unit described later, and an ink absorber C107 for absorbing waste ink discharged from the printer unit. ing. The recording head in the printer section reciprocates in the main scanning direction indicated by arrow A as described later. When the media pack C100 is detached from the apparatus main body A001, the shutter C102 slides to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, and the joint C105, the wiper C106,
And protect the ink absorber C107 and the like.

III: "Printer Unit" The printer unit B100 of this example is a serial type using an ink jet recording head. This printer section B1
Regarding 00, III-1 "Print operation unit", III-2
"Print medium transport system" and III-3 "Ink supply system"
Will be described separately.

III-1 "Print Operation Unit" FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the entire printer unit B100, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the printer unit B100 with a part removed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the leading end of the media pack C100 mounted on the apparatus main body A001 is located at a fixed position inside the main body of the printer section B100. The print medium C104 sent out from the media pack C100 in the direction of the arrow C is transmitted to a print medium transport system, which will be described later.
While being sandwiched between the F roller B101 and the LF pinch roller B102, the sheet is conveyed on the platen B103 in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow B. A carriage B104 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow A along the guide shaft B105 and the lead screw B106.

On the carriage B104, as shown in FIG.
A bearing B107 for the guide shaft B105 and a bearing B108 for the lead screw B106 are provided. At a fixed position of the carriage B104, as shown in FIG. 7, a screw pin B109 protruding inside the bearing B108 is attached by a spring B110. Then, the tip of the screw pin B109 fits into the spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lead screw B106, so that the rotation of the lead screw B106 is converted into the reciprocating movement of the carriage B104.

The carriage B104 has Y, M,
Ink jet recording head B1 capable of discharging C ink
20 and a sub-tank (not shown) for storing ink to be supplied to the recording head B120. The recording head B120 is formed with a plurality of ink ejection ports B121 (see FIG. 8) arranged in a direction intersecting the main scanning direction of the arrow A (in this example, orthogonal to the main scanning direction). The ink discharge port B121 forms a nozzle capable of discharging ink supplied from the sub tank. As a means for generating energy for discharging ink, for example, an electrothermal converter provided for each nozzle can be used. The electrothermal transducer generates bubbles in the ink in the nozzles by being driven to generate heat, and discharges ink droplets from the ink discharge port B121 by the bubbling energy.

The sub-tank has a smaller capacity than the ink pack C103 stored in the media pack C100, and has a size that stores at least an amount of ink necessary for recording an image of one print medium C104.
In the sub-tank, an ink supply portion and a negative pressure introduction portion are formed in the ink storage portions for each of the Y, M, and C inks, and these ink supply portions are individually provided to the corresponding three hollow needles B122. The negative pressure introduction sections are connected to a common supply air port B123. In such a sub-tank, as described later,
When the carriage B104 moves to the home position as shown in FIG. 6, ink is supplied from the ink pack C103 of the media pack C100.

In the carriage B104 shown in FIG.
When the needle B122 and the joint C105 of the media pack are not connected to each other, the needle cover 24 is moved to a position for protecting the needle B122 by the force of the spring as shown in FIG.
22 is connected to the joint C105, the needle B1 is pushed upward in FIG.
Unprotect 22. The moving position of the carriage B104 is
An encoder sensor B131 on the carriage B104 side;
Linear scale B132 on the main body side of printer unit B100
(See FIG. 6). The movement of the carriage B104 to the home position means that the HP (home position) flag B
133 and the HP sensor B on the main body side of the printer unit B100
134 (see FIG. 7).

In FIG. 7, at both ends of the guide shaft B105, support shafts (not shown) are provided at positions eccentric from the center axis. The guide shaft B105 is rotated and adjusted about its support shaft, so that the carriage B104
Is adjusted, and the distance between the recording head B120 and the print medium C104 on the platen B103 (also referred to as the "paper distance") is adjusted. Further, the lead screw B106 is connected via a screw gear B141, an idler gear B142, and a motor gear B143.
It is rotationally driven by a carriage motor M001. B150 is a control system to be described later and the recording head B120.
And a flexible cable for electrically connecting the

The recording head B120 is provided with a carriage B10.
4 while moving in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow A together with the print medium C104 on the platen B103 by discharging ink from the ink discharge port B121 in accordance with the image signal.
To record an image for one line. Such a recording head B1
An image is sequentially recorded on the print medium by repeating the recording operation for one line by the print medium 20 and the operation of transporting the print medium by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow B by the print medium transport system described later.

III-2 "Print Medium Transport System" FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the components of the print medium transport system in the printer section B100. In FIG. 9, B201
Denotes a pair of discharge rollers, and one of the upper discharge rollers B201 in the figure includes a discharge roller gear B202 and a relay gear B2.
03, and is driven by the transport motor M002.
Similarly, the above-described LF roller B101 is connected to the transport motor M via the LF roller gear B204 and the relay gear B203.
002. The discharge roller B201 and the LF roller B101 convey the print medium C104 in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow B by the driving force of the conveyance motor M002 at the time of normal rotation.

On the other hand, when the transport motor M002 rotates in the reverse direction, the switching slider B211 and the switching cam B2
The pressure plate head B 213 and a lock mechanism (not shown) are driven through the drive unit 12, and a driving force is transmitted to the paper feed roller C 110 on the side of the media pack C 100. That is,
The pressure plate head B 213 is driven by the driving force of the transport motor M002 during the reverse rotation, passes through the window C102A of the shutter C102 of the media pack C100 (see FIG. 4), and print media C integrated in the media pack C100.
104 is pressed downward in FIG. As a result, the print medium C104 at the lowermost position in FIG.
The sheet 100 is pressed on the sheet feeding roller C110 in the sheet 100. A lock mechanism (not shown) locks the media pack C100 with respect to the apparatus main body A001 by the driving force of the transport motor M002 at the time of reverse rotation, and
0 removal is prohibited. Media pack C10
The zero-side paper feed roller C110 carries out one print medium C104 at the lowermost position in FIG. 4 in the direction of arrow C by transmitting the driving force at the time of reverse rotation of the transport motor M002.

As described above, when the transport motor M002 rotates in the reverse direction, only one print medium C104 is taken out from the media pack C100 in the direction of the arrow C. Thereafter, when the transport motor M002 rotates forward, the print medium C104 is rotated. Is transported in the direction of arrow B.

III-3 "Ink Supply System" FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the components of the ink supply system in the printer section B100, and FIG. 11 is a diagram when the media pack C100 is mounted on the components of the ink supply system. It is a top view.

The joint C105 of the media pack C100 mounted on the printer section B100 is connected to the needle B12 on the carriage B104 side moved to the home position.
2 (see FIG. 8). The main body of the printer unit B100 is provided with a joint fork B301 (see FIG. 10) located below the joint C105, and the joint fork B301 is connected to the joint C1.
By moving 05 upward, the joint C105 is connected to the needle B122. Thus, an ink supply path is formed between the ink pack C103 on the media pack C100 side and the ink introduction unit of the sub tank B400 on the carriage B104 side.

The main body of the printer section B100 is provided with a supply joint B302 located below a supply air port B123 (see FIG. 8) of the carriage B104 moved to the home position. This supply joint B
302 is connected via a supply tube B303 to a pump cylinder B304 of a pump as a negative pressure source. The supply joint B302 is a joint lifter B
By being moved up by 305, the carriage B1
It is connected to the supply air port B123 on the 04 side. Thus, a negative pressure introducing passage is formed between the negative pressure introducing portion of the sub tank B400 on the carriage B104 side and the pump cylinder B304. The joint lifter B305 moves the joint fork B301 up and down together with the supply joint B302 by the driving force of the joint motor M003.

The negative pressure introducing portion of the sub-tank B400 is provided with a gas-liquid separating member (not shown) which allows the passage of air and prevents the passage of ink. The gas-liquid separation member allows the air in the sub-tank to be sucked through the negative pressure introduction passage, thereby supplying ink from the media pack C100 to the sub-tank. When the ink in the sub-tank reaches the gas-liquid separation member, when the ink is sufficiently replenished, the gas-liquid separation member stops the passage of the ink, so that the ink supply is automatically stopped. The gas-liquid separation member is provided in the negative pressure introduction section of the ink storage section for each ink in the sub-tank, and automatically stops the supply of ink for each of these ink storage sections.

The main body of the printer unit B100 is provided with a suction cap B310 capable of capping the recording head B120 (see FIG. 8) on the carriage B104 moved to the home position. The suction cap B310 has a suction tube B311 inside.
, A negative pressure is introduced from the pump cylinder B304 through the ink discharge port B1 of the recording head B120.
The ink can be sucked and discharged (suction recovery processing) from the ink cartridge 21. The recording head B120 also removes ink that does not contribute to image recording, if necessary, with a suction cap B3.
10 (preliminary discharge processing). Suction cap B
Ink in the media pack 310 flows from the pump cylinder B304 through the waste liquid tube B312 and the waste liquid joint B313.
Is discharged.

The pump cylinder B 304 constitutes a pump unit B 315 together with a pump motor M 004 for reciprocating the pump cylinder B 304. Pump motor M004 is
It also functions as a drive source for moving the wiper lifter B316 (see FIG. 10) up and down. Wiper lifter B31
No. 6 moves the wiper C106 to a position where the recording head B120 can be wiped by moving the wiper C106 of the media pack C100 mounted on the printer unit B100 upward.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, B321
Is a pump HP sensor for detecting that the operating position of the pump constituted by the pump cylinder B 304 is at the home position. A joint HP sensor B322 detects that the ink supply path and the negative pressure introduction path described above have been formed. B323 is a chassis that forms the main body of the printer unit B100.

In this embodiment, the description has been given of a camera with a built-in printer in which the camera unit A100 and the printer unit B100 are integrated. However, the camera unit A100
The printer and the printer unit B100 can be separated as separate devices, and the same function can be realized by a similar configuration in a configuration in which they are connected by an interface.

Hereinafter, the supply system of the present invention will be described.

(Ink Supply Recovery System) FIG. 12 shows a conceptual configuration of the ink supply recovery system.

In FIG. 12, the media pack C100
Contains three ink packs (also referred to as main tanks) C103 filled with three color inks of Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). These three ink packs C103 are connected to three joints (ink joints) C105 via three ink supply paths C200.

The media pack C100 is provided with a waste liquid introduction hole C120 (see FIG. 4) into which a waste liquid joint B313 (see FIG. 10) provided at the end of the waste liquid tube B312 on the printer section B100 side is inserted and coupled. .
The media pack C100 is provided with a waste ink absorber C107 that stores waste ink from the pump cylinder B304 that has flowed through the waste liquid introduction hole C120.

A sub-tank (also referred to as a carriage tank) B400 for separately storing Y, M, and C inks, and three groups (Y, M, and C) for discharging the ink supplied from each carriage tank B400 are provided on the carriage B104.
A recording head B120 having a plurality of ink discharge ports (nozzles) B121 of C) is mounted.

The ink storage section (ink supply section) of each ink in the sub tank B400 is substantially filled with an ink absorber (sponge) B401 for absorbing and holding ink such as polypropylene fiber. As shown in FIG. 8, needles (ink introduction portions) B122 having through holes protruding downward are provided in the respective ink storage portions (ink supply portions) of the sub tank B400. When the carriage B104 moves to the home position, the three needles B122 move to the three positions of the media pack C100.
Each of the two rubber joints C105 can be connected. As a result, the main tank C103 is
03, the ink supply path C200, the ink joint C105 at the end of the ink supply path, and the needle B122 of the sub ink tank B400 are connected to the ink storage section B416 of the sub ink tank B400. Is stored in the ink storage section B416 of the sub ink tank B400.
Will be supplied to

Above each ink supply section of the sub-tank B400, a negative pressure introduction section B410 is formed. As described above, these negative pressure introducing portions B410 are subjected to a water-repellent and oil-repellent treatment to allow the passage of air and prevent the passage of ink. Valve) B402. This porous membrane B4
According to No. 02, the passage of the ink is prevented, so that when the liquid level of the ink in the sub tank B400 reaches the porous film B402, the supply of the ink is automatically stopped.

Each negative pressure introducing section B41 of the sub tank B400
As described above, 0 is communicated with the common supply air B123 (see FIG. 8) formed on the lower surface side of the carriage B104. When the carriage B104 moves to the home position, the supply air port B123 is connected to a supply joint B provided on the main body side of the printer unit B100.
302 and the supply joint B302,
Pump unit B31 via supply tube B303
5 can be connected to one cylinder chamber of the pump cylinder B304.

The carriage B 100 has a carriage B
When 104 moves to the home position, Y, M,
A plurality of ink discharge ports (nozzles) B1 for three groups of C
A suction cap B310 for capping a face surface (ink ejection port forming surface) B403 of the recording head B120 on which the recording head 21 is formed is provided. An air communication port B404 is formed in the suction cap B310.
The atmosphere communication port B404 can be opened and closed by an atmosphere communication valve (not shown). Here, the configuration in which the recording head B120 is integrated with the sub-ink tank B400 is shown. In this case, the ink discharge port B121 supplies the ink stored in the ink storing section of the sub-ink tank B400 to the outside. Ink supply port for the Further, a mode in which the recording head B120 is formed of a separate member from the sub ink tank B400 and the recording head is connected to the ink supply port provided in the sub ink tank B400 is also within the scope of the present invention.

The suction cap B310 is attached to the suction tube B
311 is connected to the other cylinder chamber of the pump cylinder B304.

The pump cylinder B304 includes a supply tube B303, a suction tube B311 and a waste liquid tube B.
It has three ports connected to 312.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 12, the gas permeable member B4 provided on the inner surface of the sub tank B400
02 and the ink absorber B401 are separated by a space B412, and it is preferable that they are configured so as not to be in contact with each other. When the gas permeable member B402 is in contact with the ink for a long time, its gas-liquid separation performance may be reduced. However, in the present embodiment, ink is supplied by providing a space B412 between the gas permeable member B402 and the ink absorber B401 to avoid direct contact between the gas permeable member B402 and the ink absorber B401. At other times, the ink does not contact the gas permeable member B402. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the function of the gas permeable member B402. In addition, space B41
It is preferable that the inner wall surface (for example, a surface indicated by B414) of No. 2 has a configuration (for example, a water-repellent treatment) in which adhesion of ink is suppressed as much as possible by surface treatment.

(Compatibility between Gas-Liquid Separation Membrane and Ink) The compatibility between the “gas-liquid separation membrane B402” and the “ink” used in the supply system, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described below.

When the gas-liquid separation performance was examined using various inks in the above-described supply configuration, it was found that the air permeability could not be maintained for a predetermined number of times depending on the ink.

FIGS. 13A to 13D show the gas-liquid separation membrane B40.
It is an enlarged view of 2 vicinity. FIG. 13A shows a gas-liquid separation membrane B
This shows a steady state of 402, and as shown in the figure, a plurality of pores e are formed in the gas-liquid separation membrane B402 itself, and the inside and the outside of the container are normally in communication with each other.

FIG. 13B shows a state in which ink is supplied into the sub tank B400 by the above-described supply operation. As shown in the drawing, when ink is supplied into the sub tank B400 and its liquid level reaches the position of the gas-liquid separation film B402, the above-described action (passes gas but does not pass liquid) causes the ink to be further discharged. The supply is stopped.

Normally, the ink level is reduced by the consumption of ink by the printing operation, and the ink is again introduced into the sub tank B400 if necessary.

However, depending on the type of ink, if the ink supply operation is repeated a plurality of times, as shown in FIG. 13C, the ink enters the pores e of the gas-liquid separation film B402 to form a meniscus. In some cases, there was a problem with the subsequent conduction of gas.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13D, the gas-liquid separation film B40 is located at the interface between the ink and the gas-liquid separation film B402.
In some cases, the pore portion e of No. 2 was closed. Although the details of the cause are unclear, according to the verification of the present inventor, it is considered that the failure occurred due to the interaction (reaction) between the surfactant in the ink and the gas-liquid separation film B402.

In any case, it has been observed that the characteristics of the gas-liquid separation film may be inhibited depending on the type of ink with respect to the gas-liquid separation film B402.

The ink contains coloring materials such as dyes and pigments,
An aqueous liquid medium holding these coloring materials in a dissolved state or a dispersed state, or in both states, various water-soluble solvents for preventing solidification of the ink, physical properties of the ink and permeability to the recording medium. It contains a water-soluble solvent and a surfactant for control, and salts for controlling the electrical properties and pH of the ink.

By analyzing the phenomenon of deterioration of the gas-liquid separation performance, it was found that there is a great correlation between the amount of the surfactant among various constituents in the ink and the gas-liquid separation performance.

The surfactant has a property of reducing the surface tension of the liquid, improving the wetting property of the liquid, and collecting at the interface when the ink comes into contact with the gas-liquid exchange part.

Why the amount of surfactant and gas-liquid permeable member B40
Although there is no speculation as to whether or not there is a correlation with the performance of No. 2, for example, the following can be considered from the properties of the surfactant.

1. By adding a surfactant to the ink, the surface tension of the ink decreases, the ink easily penetrates into the gas-liquid separation member, and a meniscus is formed in the gas-liquid separation member. .

2. By adding a surfactant to the ink, the wettability of the ink on the gas-liquid separation member surface changes, the ink easily penetrates into the gas-liquid separation member, and forms a meniscus in the gas-liquid separation member. As a result, air permeability deteriorates.

3. By adding a surfactant to the ink, the surfactant collects at the gas-liquid separation member interface, changes the contact angle of the ink with the gas-liquid separation member surface, and facilitates penetration of the ink into the gas-liquid separation member. Since a meniscus is formed in the gas-liquid separation member, the air permeability deteriorates.

4. The surfactant in the ink collects at the gas-liquid permeable member interface and interacts with the surface material of the gas-liquid separation member to change the water and oil repellency of the gas-liquid separation member. Will decrease.

Here, the amount of the surfactant that can be used in the ink varies depending on the type of the surfactant, but the smaller the amount, the better. The amount is preferably 1% or less in terms of weight concentration, and more preferably 0.5% or less. Further, when the content is 0.2% or less, good results are exhibited regardless of the type of the surfactant.

If the amount of the surfactant is within the above range, it is possible to prevent ink from entering the pores e of the gas-liquid separation film B402 as described above.

Further, as physical properties of the ink which are preferable for maintaining the performance of the gas-liquid separation member, the surface tension is desirably 28 mN / m or more and 50 mN / m or less. It was also found that good results were obtained regardless of the above.

Known surfactants can be widely used.

For example, anionic surfactants such as fatty acid salts, higher alcohol acid ester salts, alkylbenzene sulfonates and higher alcohol phosphate esters; cationic surfactants such as aliphatic amine salts and quaternary ammonium salts; Alcohol ethylene oxide adduct, alkylphenol ethylene oxide adduct, aliphatic ethylene oxide adduct, polyhydric alcohol aliphatic ester ethylene oxide adduct, aliphatic amide ethylene oxide adduct, higher alkylamine ethylene oxide adduct, polypropylene glycol ethylene oxide Nonionic surfactants such as adducts, fatty acid esters of polyhydric alcohols and fatty acid amides of alkanolamines; amphoteric surfactants such as amino acid type and betaine type are used.

Although there is no particular limitation, more preferred are nonionic interfaces such as ethylene oxide adducts of higher alcohols, ethylene oxide adducts of alkylphenols, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymers, and ethylene oxide adducts of acetylene glycol. Use activator. Further, the addition mole number of the ethylene oxide adduct is preferably in the range of 4 to 20.

In particular, it is desirable to use a nonionic surfactant such as an ethylene oxide adduct of acetylene glycol.

(Ink absorber B capable of absorbing and holding ink)
As described above, from the viewpoint of the gas-liquid separation member B402 and the ink, the smaller the amount of the surfactant, the better. However, when there is an absorber B401 for holding ink in the ink tank B400, the ink is absorbed by the absorber B401.
401 must be absorbed.

For this purpose, the ink preferably contains a surfactant in an amount of 0.05% or more, preferably 0.1% or more.

The coloring material used in the ink according to the present invention can be used without particular limitation as long as it is a coloring material that can be used in ink jet inks. For example, a conventionally known water-soluble dye, for example, a water-soluble anionic dye, a direct dye, an acid dye, a reactive dye, or the like can be used. In addition, pigments that can be dispersed in an aqueous medium by the action of a dispersant, pigments that can be dispersed in an aqueous medium without a dispersant, and the like can also be used.

The content of the water-soluble dye in the ink is preferably, for example, about 0.3 to 15% by weight based on the total weight of the ink, in consideration of the density of the recorded image and the ejection characteristics of the ink. For example, examples of the water-soluble dye containing an anionic group that can be used for the coloring material of the ink according to the present invention include the following.

(Black Ink) Examples of dyes used for black ink include C.I. I. Direct Black 17, C.I. I. Direct Black 19, C.I. I.
Direct Black 22, C.I. I. Direct Black 31, C.I. I. Direct Black 32, C.I. I. Direct Black 51, C.I. I. Direct Black 6
2, C.I. I. Direct Black 71, C.I. I. Direct Black 74, C.I. I. Direct black 11
2, C.I. I. Direct Black 113, C.I. I. Direct Black 154, C.I. I. Direct Black 1
68, C.I. I. Acid Black 2, C.I. I. Acid Black 48, C.I. I. Acid black 110, C.I.
I. Reactive Black 1, C.I. I. Reactive Black 8, C.I. I. Reactive black 12, C.I.
I. Reactive Black 13, C.I. I. Food black 1, C.I. I. Food Black 2 and the like.

(Yellow Ink) Examples of dyes used for yellow ink include C.I. I. Acid Yellow 11, C.I. I. Acid Yellow 17, C.I. I. Acid Yellow 23, C.I. I. Acid Yellow 25,
C. I. Acid Yellow 29, C.I. I. Acid Yellow 42, C.I. I. Acid Yellow 49, C.I. I. Acid Yellow 61, C.I. I. Acid Yellow 71,
C. I. Direct Yellow 12, C.I. I. Direct Yellow 24, C.I. I. Direct Yellow 26, C.I.
I. Direct Yellow 44, C.I. I. Direct Yellow 86, C.I. I. Direct Yellow 87, C.I. I.
Direct Yellow 98, C.I. I. Direct Yellow 100, C.I. I. Direct Yellow 130, C.I. I.
Direct Yellow 142 and the like.

(Magenta Ink) As the dye used in the magenta ink, C.I. I. Acid Red 1, C.I.
I. Acid Red 6, C.I. I. Acid Red 8,
C. I. Acid Red 32, C.I. I. Acid Red 35, C.I. I. Acid Red 37, C.I. I. Acid Red 51, C.I. I. Acid Red 52, C.I. I. Acid Red 80, C.I. I. Acid Red 85, C.I.
I. Acid Red 87, C.I. I. Acid Red 9
2, C.I. I. Acid Red 94, C.I. I. Acid red 115, C.I. I. Acid Red 254, C.I. I.
Acid Red 289, C.I. I. Direct Red 1,
C. I. Direct Red 4, C.I. I. Direct Red 13, C.I. I. Direct Red 17, C.I. I. Direct Red 23, C.I. I. Direct Red 28,
C. I. Direct Red 31, C.I. I. Direct Red 62, C.I. I. Direct Red 79, C.I. I. Direct Red 81, C.I. I. Direct Red 83,
C. I. Direct Red 89, C.I. I. Direct Red 227, C.I. I. Direct Red 240, C.I.
I. Direct Red 242, C.I. I. Direct Red 243 and the like.

(Cyan Ink) As the dye used for the cyan ink, C.I. I. Acid Blue 9, C.I. I.
Acid Blue 22, C.I. I. Acid Blue 40,
C. I. Acid blue 59, C.I. I. Acid Blue 93, C.I. I. Acid blue 102, C.I. I. Acid blue 104, C.I. I. Acid blue 113, C.I.
I. Acid blue 117, C.I. I. Acid Blue 1
20, C.I. I. Direct Blue 6, C.I. I. Direct Blue 22, C.I. I. Direct Blue 25, C.I.
I. Direct Blue 71, C.I. I. Direct Blue 78, C.I. I. Direct Blue 86, C.I. I. Direct Blue 106, C.I. I. Direct Blue 199 and the like.

As the dye contained in the ink of the present invention, a dye having at least one —COOM group (M represents an alkali metal, ammonium or organic ammonium) in a molecule is preferably used. Specifically, for example, dyes represented by the following general formulas [II] to [V] are effectively used in the present invention.

[0101]

Embedded image

[Wherein A and B represent a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen atom, C represents a hydrogen atom or SO ₃ M, and D represents SO ₃ M, respectively. ]

[0103]

Embedded image

[In the formula, CuPc represents a copper phthalocyanine skeleton. G represents any of the following structural formulas (1) to (4);

[0105]

Embedded image

Z represents NHCH ₂ CH ₂ OH, N (CH ₂ CH ₂ OH) ₂ or the like;
In the above structural formula (3), R and R 'represent H or a lower alkyl group. ]

[0107]

Embedded image

[Wherein J represents any of the following structural formulas (5) to (7):

[0109]

Embedded image

L represents the following structural formula (8) or (9);

[0111]

Embedded image

X represents any of the following structural formulas (10) to (12), and R ^{1 to} R ⁴ represent —H, a lower alkyl group or the like;
In the above structural formulas (5) to (12), B is -H or -COO
The H, W is -H, -CN, an amide group, a pyridinium group or -COOH, m is a number of 2 to 8, Z is an alkoxy group, -OH, an alkyl amino group or -NH ₂ other, Y is -H, -Cl or -CN, E is -Cl or -CN,
R ⁵ represents -H, a lower alkyl group. ]

[0113]

Embedded image

[0114]

Embedded image

[Wherein J represents the following structural formula (13);

[0116]

Embedded image

L represents the following structural formula (14) or (15);

[0118]

Embedded image

X represents any of the following structural formulas (16) to (18):

[0120]

Embedded image

R ₁ and R _{2 each} represent —H or a lower alkyl group; in the above structural formulas (16) to (18), Z represents an alkoxy group, —OH, an alkylamino group, —NH ₂ or the like;
Represents -H, -Cl or -CN, and E represents -Cl or -CN. ]

Next, as the water-soluble organic solvent which can be used as the aqueous medium of the ink according to the present invention, a water-soluble organic solvent which has been conventionally used for ink-jet is used, provided that the ink-jet characteristics of the ink are not impaired. be able to.

(Other Embodiments) Gas Separation Member B402
Any material having a gas-liquid separation function may be used, and various materials can be used according to the type and use form of the ink. For example, in addition to a gas permeable membrane made of a tetrafluoroethylene resin or a similar resin porous material, porcelain, unglazed ceramic, ceramic, or a similar porous material can also be used.

Further, the ink tank of the present invention is not limited to the one which is moved together with the recording head in the serial scanning type recording apparatus, but may be provided at a fixed position.

Further, the ink jet cartridge of the present invention may have any structure in which an ink tank and a recording head are integrally or detachably connected.

[0126]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Focusing on the amount of the surfactant in the ink and the surface tension of the ink, and using an ink having appropriate characteristics with respect to them, it is possible to prevent the gas-liquid permeable member from deteriorating the gas permeability. As a result, a stable ink supply can always be achieved, and the negative pressure characteristic can be stably maintained.

Further, according to the present invention, since the suction and replenishment of the ink is automatically stopped by utilizing the function of the gas permeable member, the replenishment of the ink to the ink tank can be reliably performed with a simple configuration. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the recording apparatus and improve the reliability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a camera with a built-in printer to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the camera of FIG. 1 as viewed obliquely from the front.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the camera of FIG. 1 as viewed obliquely from behind.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a media pack that can be mounted on the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an arrangement relationship of main components inside the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a printer unit in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the printer shown in FIG. 6 with a part removed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a carriage in the printer unit of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of components of a print medium transport system in the printer unit of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of components of an ink supply system in the printer unit of FIG.

11 is a plan view when a media pack is mounted on a component of the ink supply system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a conceptual configuration of an ink supply recovery system.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the gas-liquid separation membrane.

[Explanation of symbols]

A001 Device body A002 Insertion section A100 Camera section A101 Lens A105 Liquid crystal display section B100 Printer section B101 Roller B102 Pinch roller B103 Platen B104 Carriage B105 Guide shaft B106 Lead screw B109 Screw pin B120 Inkjet recording head B121 Ink ejection port B122 Needle port B131 Encoder sensor B132 Linear scale B133 Flag B134 Sensor B141 Screw gear B142 Idler gear B143 Motor gear B201 Discharge roller B202 Discharge roller gear B203 Relay gear B204 Roller gear B211 Slider B212 Cam B213 Pressure plate head B301 Joint supply fork B302 2 Supply joint B303 Supply tube B304 Pump cylinder B305 Joint lifter B310 Suction cap B311 Suction tube B312 Waste liquid tube B313 Waste liquid joint B315 Pump unit B316 Wiper lifter B400 Sub-tank (ink tank, carriage tank) B401 Ink absorber B402 Gas-liquid permeation member Liquid separation membrane, gas permeable member,
B404 Atmospheric communication port B410 Negative pressure introducing section B412 Space C100 Media pack C101 Pack body C102 Shutter C102A Window section C103 Ink pack C104 Print medium C105 Rubber joint C106 Wiper C107 Waste ink absorber C110 Feed roller C110a Connecting section C120 Waste liquid introduction hole C200 Ink supply path M001 Carriage motor M002 Transport motor M003 Joint motor M004 Pump motor e Micropore

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F term (reference) 2C056 EA21 FA10 FC01 JC14 KB15 KB19 KB37 KB40 KC09 KC11 KC21 2H086 BA02 BA59 BA60 BA62 4J039 BE01 BE02 BE12 BE22 CA06 GA24

Claims (35)

[Claims] 1. An ink tank for use with an ink jet printer, comprising: (i) an ink storage unit for storing ink; (ii) an ink introduction unit for introducing ink from outside into the ink holding unit; (Iii) a negative pressure introducing section for bringing the ink holding section to a negative pressure in cooperation with the ink jet printer, wherein the ink is introduced by the negative pressure introduced from the negative pressure introducing section into the ink holding section; The ink tank can further be provided with gas-liquid separation means for passing gas without passing through the ink in the negative pressure introducing section, and the ink can be introduced into the ink holding section from the section. An ink tank having a surface tension of 50 mN / m to 50 mN / m. 2. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein said gas-liquid separation means is a gas permeable membrane made of a porous material. 3. The ink tank according to claim 2, wherein said porous material is a resin porous material. 4. The ink tank according to claim 3, wherein said resin porous material is an ethylene tetrafluoride resin. 5. The porcelain, unglazed pottery,
3. The ink tank according to claim 2, wherein the ink tank is selected from the group consisting of a ceramic and a ceramic. 6. The ink tank according to claim 1, further comprising an ink absorbing member capable of absorbing and holding the ink in the ink containing portion. 7. The ink tank according to claim 6, wherein a space is provided between the gas-liquid separation unit and the ink absorber. 8. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein an inner wall surface of the ink container has been subjected to a surface treatment. 9. The surface treatment is a water-repellent treatment.
The ink tank according to the above. 10. The ink tank according to claim 1, further comprising an ink supply port for supplying the ink contained in the ink containing section to the outside. 11. The ink tank according to claim 10, wherein said supply port is connected to an ink jet recording head capable of discharging ink. 12. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the ink has a surface tension of 35 mN / m or more and 50 mN / m or less. 13. An ink cartridge, comprising: the ink tank according to claim 1; and an ink jet recording head for discharging ink contained in the ink tank. . 14. An ink tank according to claim 11,
An ink jet recording head for discharging the ink contained in the ink tank, wherein the ink jet recording head is connected to an ink supply port of the ink tank. 15. An ink supply device for supplying ink to the first ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the second ink container contains ink to be introduced into the ink container. Means for connecting the second ink tank to the ink introduction section of the first ink tank; and the second ink tank and the ink introduction section of the first ink tank are connected to each other. Means for introducing a negative pressure from the negative pressure introducing section of the first ink tank to the ink storage section of the first ink tank in a state in which the ink is supplied. 16. An ink supply path communicating with the second ink tank, wherein the connection means is connectable to an ink introduction section of the first ink tank at an end of the ink supply path. The ink supply device according to claim 15, comprising: 17. The first ink tank has an ink introduction portion provided with a hollow needle, and introduces ink from the outside into the ink storage portion through the needle. 17. The ink supply device according to claim 16, wherein the ink supply device engages with the needle. 18. The ink jet printer according to claim 15, wherein said negative pressure introducing means includes a suction pump for applying a negative pressure to an inside of said ink container of said first ink tank via said negative pressure introducing section. 3. The ink supply device according to claim 1. 19. An ink storage unit, comprising: an ink introduction unit for introducing ink from outside into the ink storage unit; and a negative pressure introduction unit for creating a negative pressure in the ink storage unit in cooperation with the ink jet printer. The ink can be introduced from the ink introduction section into the ink storage section by the negative pressure introduced into the ink storage section from the negative pressure introduction section, and the ink can be passed through the negative pressure introduction section. An ink for storing in an ink container of an ink tank mounted on an ink jet printer provided with a gas-liquid separating means for passing gas, the ink containing a coloring material and a liquid medium, and containing 1% by weight or less. An ink containing a surfactant. 20. The ink according to claim 19, containing the surfactant in an amount of 0.5% by weight or less. 21. The ink according to claim 20, which contains the surfactant in an amount of 0.2% by weight or less. 22. The ink according to claim 20, comprising 0.05% by weight or more of the surfactant. 23. The ink according to claim 22, which contains the surfactant in an amount of 0.1% by weight or more. 24. The ink according to claim 19, wherein the ink is for inkjet. 25. An ink tank to be mounted on an ink jet printer, comprising: (i) an ink container for storing ink; (ii) an ink introduction unit for introducing ink from outside into the ink container; (Iii) a negative pressure introducing section for bringing the ink storage section into a negative pressure in cooperation with the ink jet printer, wherein the negative pressure introduced into the ink storage section from the negative pressure introduction section causes the ink introduction section The negative pressure introduction unit is provided with a gas-liquid separation unit that allows gas to pass therethrough without allowing the ink to pass therethrough, and that the ink is 1 to the total weight of the ink.
An ink tank containing a surfactant in an amount of up to% by weight. 26. A method for introducing ink into a first ink tank mounted on an ink jet printer, the method comprising:
(Ii) an ink container for storing ink, (ii9) an ink introduction unit for introducing ink from outside to the ink container, and (iii) the ink container in cooperation with the inkjet printer. A negative pressure introduction section for making the section negative pressure, the ink can be taken in from the ink introduction section by the negative pressure introduced into the ink storage section from the negative pressure introduction section, and the negative pressure introduction section And a gas-liquid separating means for passing a gas without passing the ink, and the introduction method comprises the steps of:
Connecting the first ink tank to the ink introduction unit of the first ink tank; and connecting the second ink tank and the ink introduction unit of the first ink tank to the first ink tank. Introducing a negative pressure from the negative pressure introducing section of the ink tank to the ink storage section of the first ink tank. 27. The ink introduction method according to claim 26, wherein said gas-liquid separation means is a gas permeable membrane made of a porous material. 28. The ink introduction method according to claim 27, wherein the gas permeable film is a resin porous material. 29. The ink introduction method according to claim 28, wherein the resin porous material contains an ethylene tetrafluoride resin. 30. The method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of stopping the supply of ink to the ink storage unit when the liquid level of the ink introduced into the ink storage unit reaches the gas-liquid separation unit. 30. The ink introduction method according to any one of items 29 to 29. 31. An ink tank mounted on an ink jet printer, comprising: (i) an ink container for storing ink; (ii) an ink introduction unit for introducing ink from outside into the ink container; And (iii) a negative pressure introduction unit for introducing a negative pressure into the ink storage unit together with the inkjet printer, and the negative pressure introduced into the ink storage unit from the negative pressure introduction unit causes the ink introduction unit to perform a negative pressure operation. The ink container can take the ink, and the ink tank further includes a porous film that does not allow the ink to pass through the negative pressure introduction unit but allows gas to pass therethrough, and the ink includes the porous film An ink tank characterized by not impairing the gas permeability of the membrane. 32. An ink-jet ink characterized in that the gas-liquid separation function of the gas-liquid separation film is not impaired even by contact with the gas-liquid separation film. 33. The ink-jet ink according to claim 32, wherein the ink does not easily form a meniscus inside the hole of the gas-liquid separation film. 34. An image recording apparatus, comprising: the ink cartridge according to claim 13; and the ink supply device according to claim 15. 35. An image recording apparatus, wherein the ink cartridge according to claim 14 and the ink supply device according to claim 15 are combined.