JP2006035795A - Liquid jetting apparatus and liquid tank for liquid jetting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid jetting apparatus in which an air introduction part to a liquid storage part is arranged to a plurality of liquid tanks by separating the air introduction part from the liquid tanks, and to provide a liquid tank used therefor. <P>SOLUTION: In the liquid jetting apparatus which jets a liquid of the liquid tank 2 set in an apparatus body 1 from a liquid jetting unit 10, the air introduction part 70 which introduces the open air to the liquid storage part 2b of the liquid tank 2 along with the liquid consumption is set at the apparatus body 1 side. The air introduction part 70 communicates with the liquid storage part 2b of each liquid tank 2 to be common to the plurality of liquid tanks 2. In this configuration, the air introduction part 70 is separated from the liquid tanks 2, and at the same time communicates with the plurality of liquid tanks 2. While the air introduction part 70 is used continuously, only the liquid tanks 2 can be made consumables. Saving of material resources, structure simplification and cost price reduction are realized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus and a liquid tank for a liquid ejecting apparatus that are economical in terms of the configuration of air introduction accompanying the consumption of liquid.

  An ink jet recording apparatus, which is a typical example of a liquid ejecting apparatus, supplies ink to an ink ejecting unit from an ink cartridge that stores liquid ink. As the ink in the ink cartridge is consumed, air is introduced into the ink reservoir of the ink cartridge, so that the ink is smoothly supplied to the ink ejecting unit. On the other hand, since the ink evaporates from the ink reservoir to the atmosphere through the air introduction channel into the ink reservoir, the flow resistance is increased in the middle of the air introduction channel in order to reduce the evaporation amount. A control flow path is arranged.

The control channel is arranged in a state where a channel having a small channel area is elongated, or the channel is curved or bent in a maze shape.
JP 2000-62205 A

  However, the ink cartridge disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with the control flow path for each cartridge. Further, a structure for preventing the ink from leaking to the outside from the control flow path is adopted as necessary, and the cartridge has a complicated and expensive structure. However, when the ink end is reached, the cartridge is discarded together with the expensive structure, and a new cartridge is mounted.

  The consumables cycle as described above is not preferable for the saving of material resources and environmental problems because the part that can be continuously used, that is, the control flow path is discarded. Furthermore, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of reducing the unit price of the ink cartridge.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and separates an air introduction portion of air introduced into the liquid storage portion as the liquid is consumed from the liquid tank, and a plurality of the air introduction portions are provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus that can be disposed with respect to the liquid tank and a liquid tank used therefor.

  In order to achieve the above object, a liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention is a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid in a liquid tank attached to an apparatus main body from a liquid ejecting unit, and the liquid is stored in the liquid storage portion of the liquid tank. An air introduction part for introducing outside air with consumption of air is provided on the apparatus main body side, and the air introduction part is configured to communicate with the liquid storage part of each liquid tank so as to be common to a plurality of liquid tanks. It is a summary.

  In order to achieve the above object, the liquid tank for a liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a supply port that supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storing unit to the liquid ejecting unit, and the liquid storing unit as the liquid is consumed. An inlet port for introducing outside air, and an air valve that is formed in a state where the supply port and the inlet port are opened downward in the lower part of the liquid tank and is opened when air is introduced into the inlet port. It is a summary.

  That is, in the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, an air introduction unit that introduces outside air into the liquid storage unit of the liquid tank as the liquid is consumed is provided on the apparatus main body side, and the air introduction unit includes a plurality of liquids. It is comprised so that it may connect with the liquid storage part of each liquid tank so that it may be common with respect to a tank.

  As described above, the air introduction part composed of several parts and the like is provided in the apparatus main body which is a place separated from the liquid tank, and the air introduction part communicates with the liquid storage parts of the plurality of liquid tanks. Therefore, when the liquid tank is replaced, the air introduction unit can be used as it is, and only the liquid tank is replaced. Therefore, the air introduction part is not wasted, which is suitable for saving of material resources and environmental problems. Furthermore, the structure of the liquid tank, which is a consumable item, can be simplified and cost reduction can be promoted.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, when the number of the air introducing portions is one, the air introducing portions can be functioned with the minimum number, which is effective for simplifying the structure on the apparatus main body side and reducing the cost. .

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the air introduction unit may allow passage of air introduced into the liquid storage unit as the liquid is consumed in the communication path that connects the liquid storage unit of the liquid tank to the outside air. When a restriction filter that prevents the passage of liquid in the direction opposite to that of the introduced air is provided, introduction of air accompanying liquid consumption and prevention of outflow of liquid are performed by the restriction filter, and smooth introduction by air introduction is performed. Inadvertent liquid outflow from the liquid supply and the liquid reservoir is prevented, and a highly reliable liquid ejecting apparatus can be obtained.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the air introduction unit may include a resistance channel in which a gas channel resistance is set to a predetermined value in a communication path that allows the liquid storage unit of the liquid tank to communicate with outside air. In this case, the flow resistance of the liquid vapor can be set high to suppress the outflow of the liquid vapor. In addition, such a resistance channel can suppress the evaporation of the liquid by setting the pressure of the gas in the air introduction portion to be high, thereby suppressing change in physical properties such as a change in the viscosity of the liquid and preventing waste. The

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, when the liquid storage part of the liquid tank is filled with an elastic foam material for holding the liquid in the liquid storage part, the liquid is held in the elastic foam material. Outflow is prevented, and the function of the air introduction section is satisfactorily performed.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, when a pressure control valve that selectively allows the supply of liquid by being operated with the consumption of the liquid is disposed downstream of the liquid storage portion of the liquid tank. The valve opens only when the pressure on the downstream side of the pressure control valve becomes lower than a certain value due to the consumption of liquid, and normally closes to prevent the liquid from flowing out, and the air introduction part functions well. Fulfilled.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, when the air introduction portion is formed on a mounting member to which the liquid tank is attached, the air introduction portion can be formed at a location very close to the liquid tank. The function of the introduction part can be faithfully reflected in the liquid storage part of the liquid tank. Furthermore, at the same time that the liquid tank is attached to the mounting member, the liquid storage part of the liquid tank can be communicated with the air introduction part, and the air introduction part is communicated with the liquid storage part by a simple operation of mounting the liquid tank. Can do.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the mounting member includes a base member disposed in a substantially horizontal direction and a support member that stands substantially vertically from the base member, and the base member includes a liquid tank. When the first connection member that communicates the liquid storage unit with the liquid ejection unit and the second connection member that communicates the liquid storage unit with the air introduction unit are disposed, the liquid tank is attached to the base member. Since the communication between the first connection member and the second connection member is established, the functions of the liquid tank and the air introduction unit can be achieved with a simple mounting operation on the mounting member.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, when the first connecting member and the second connecting member are a liquid supply needle and an air circulation needle that are relatively inserted into the liquid tank by an operation of mounting the liquid tank on the mounting member, respectively. Since the insertion of the liquid supply needle and the air flow needle is completed by the mounting operation of the liquid tank, the liquid supply to the target location through the liquid supply needle and the communication to the air introduction unit through the air flow needle are temporarily performed. Can be achieved. Therefore, a connection with no liquid leakage or gas leakage is established by the simplified mounting operation, and a highly reliable liquid ejecting apparatus can be obtained.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the liquid tank may be opened at a location where the liquid tank is connected to the air introduction unit when the liquid tank is attached to the apparatus main body and closed when the liquid tank is removed from the apparatus main body. In the case where the valve is provided, the liquid does not leak from the connection portion between the liquid tank and the air introduction part when the liquid tank is removed from the apparatus main body. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the apparatus main body from being soiled with liquid. Also, since the liquid does not leak when the removed liquid tank is carried, it can be handled easily.

  Further, in the liquid tank for a liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, since the supply port and the introduction port are opened downward in the lower part of the liquid tank, for example, when the liquid tank is attached to the apparatus main body, The structure corresponding to the supply port and the introduction port on the apparatus main body side can be simplified, and the liquid tank can be easily attached and detached. Since the atmospheric valve is arranged, the atmospheric valve is opened and closed so that outside air is reliably introduced along with liquid consumption, smooth liquid supply is performed, and stable liquid ejection performance is obtained.

  In the liquid tank for a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention, when the introduction port communicates with an air introduction unit that is provided on the apparatus main body side and introduces outside air as the liquid is consumed, air introduction is performed together with liquid consumption. Since air is introduced into the liquid storage section from the section, liquid is smoothly supplied from the supply port to the liquid ejection unit, and stable liquid ejection performance is obtained.

  In the liquid tank for a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention, the liquid tank is moved in one direction with respect to the apparatus main body and mounted, thereby forming a liquid supply channel from the supply port to the liquid ejecting unit and introducing the air If the inlet port is connected to the inlet at the same time, the simplest liquid tank mounting operation in one direction can be used to establish the communication between the supply port and the inlet port. The liquid tank can be easily attached and detached because no special attachment operation is required for communication between the air introduction part and the introduction port. Furthermore, since the mounting operation of the liquid tank is unidirectional, the structure for the supply port and the introduction port on the apparatus main body side can be easily simplified by arranging components such as a liquid supply needle and an air flow needle.

  In the liquid tank for a liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention, when the atmospheric valve is disposed in the vicinity of the inlet, the atmospheric valve is immediately opened when a member for operating the atmospheric valve is inserted into the inlet. Can do. Therefore, the opening operation of the atmospheric valve is reliably performed. Further, since the atmospheric valve is closed in the vicinity of the inlet, the liquid in the liquid tank is reliably prevented from leaking outside. That is, since the flow path is closed in the vicinity of the introduction port, the liquid does not drip from the air introduction portion when the liquid tank is removed from the apparatus main body.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the liquid ejecting apparatus and the liquid tank for the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention will be described.

  The liquid ejecting apparatus and the liquid tank for the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention can function for various liquids as described above. In the embodiments described below, ink jet recording is a typical example. The example applied to the apparatus is shown.

  1 to 7 show an embodiment of a liquid ejecting apparatus and a liquid tank for the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a peripheral structure of an ink jet recording apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied. This apparatus includes a carriage 3 on which an ink cartridge 2 is mounted and a recording head 10 which is a liquid ejecting unit.

  The carriage 3 is connected to a stepping motor 5 via a timing belt 4 and is guided by a guide bar 6 to reciprocate in the paper width direction of the recording paper 7, that is, the main scanning direction. The carriage 3 has a box shape that opens to the top, and is attached so that the nozzle surface of the recording head 10 is exposed on the surface (the lower surface in this example) that faces the recording paper 7 that is the ejection target, and the ink cartridge. 2 is accommodated.

  Then, ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 2 to the recording head 10 and ink droplets are ejected onto the upper surface of the recording paper 7 while moving the carriage 3 so that images and characters are printed on the recording paper 7 in a dot matrix. Yes. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 8 denotes a nozzle for sealing the nozzle opening of the recording head 10 during printing suspension to prevent drying of the nozzle as much as possible, and suction for cleaning a nozzle opening 11 described later and an ink flow path in the recording head 10. A cap 9 is a wiper blade for wiping the nozzle surface of the recording head 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a guide bar 6 is inserted into the carriage 3. Further, reference numeral 9a denotes a waste ink storage unit that stores ink wiped by the wiper blade 9.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of the recording head 10. An example of this basic structure will be described with reference to FIG. 2. A flow path unit 13 is disposed at the tip of the recording head 10. The flow path unit 13 includes a nozzle plate 16 having nozzle openings 11 arranged in a row on a nozzle forming surface 16a, a pressure generating chamber 12 that communicates with the nozzle openings 11 and pressurizes ink by a piezoelectric vibrator 14, and the pressure generation The ink storage chamber 17 stores the ink supplied to the chamber 12. The nozzle openings 11 are arranged in a row (sub-scanning direction) perpendicular to the main scanning direction to form a nozzle row 11a.

  The flow path unit 13 includes a nozzle plate 16 having a nozzle forming surface 16a in which the nozzle openings 11 are formed, an ink storage chamber 17 that is a liquid storage chamber in common with the pressure generation chamber 12, and an ink supply path that communicates these. 18 is formed by laminating a pressure generating chamber forming plate 19 in which a space corresponding to the pressure generating chamber 18 is formed and a sealing plate, that is, a vibration plate 20 for sealing the opening of the pressure generating chamber 12 and the ink storage chamber 17. . The nozzle forming surface 16a is a flat surface. As shown in FIG. 2, the flow path unit 13 is joined to the front end surface 27 of the head case 15 using an adhesive.

  The piezoelectric vibrator 14 is a so-called longitudinal vibration mode vibrator that contracts in the longitudinal direction in a charged state upon input of a drive signal and extends in the longitudinal direction in the process of discharging from the charged state. The piezoelectric vibrator 14 is fixed to the base 21 with the other end fixed to the island 20 a of the diaphragm 20 that forms a part of the pressure generating chamber 12. In the present invention, the piezoelectric vibrator 14 in the longitudinal vibration mode may be changed to a piezoelectric vibrator in the flexural vibration mode.

  In the head case 15, a head flow path 24 for introducing the ink of the ink cartridge 2 into the ink storage chamber 17 is formed at a portion corresponding to the ink storage chamber 17. An annular protrusion 23 made of a pipe member is formed at the opening edge of the head channel 24.

  In the recording head 10, the pressure generation chamber 12 expands and contracts in response to the contraction and expansion of the piezoelectric vibrator 14, and ink suction and ink droplet discharge are performed by pressure fluctuations in the pressure generation chamber 12. It has become. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 22 denotes a flexible circuit board that inputs a drive signal to the piezoelectric vibrator 14, and is connected to a control board 25 coupled to the head case 15. In addition, a flexible circuit board 22 that supplies an operation signal from a control device 1a (see FIG. 1) that operates the entire inkjet recording apparatus 1 to the control substrate 25 is connected to the control substrate 25 via a terminal 30a.

  The head case 15 is provided with a flange 15a on the side opposite to the flow path unit 13, and the control board 25 is placed on the flange 15a.

  In the recording head 10, the piezoelectric vibrator 14, the pressure generation chamber 12, and the nozzle opening 11 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2, and the nozzle plate 16 has a pair of two nozzle rows, Multiple pairs are formed. The nozzle openings 11 are arranged in a straight line, and such a nozzle array is denoted by reference numeral 11a.

  The flow path unit 13 is joined to the head case 15 using an adhesive or the like. When wiping the nozzle forming surface 16 a with the wiper blade 9, the wiper blade 9 rubs against the corner of the flow path unit 13 and the wiper blade 9 does not operate smoothly, or the corner of the flow path unit 13 is scratched. In order to prevent sticking, a head cover 26 that protects the peripheral portion of the nozzle forming surface 16a is provided.

  The ink sent from the ink cartridge 2 flows into the ink storage chamber 17 from the head flow path 24, and then is pressurized by the operation of the piezoelectric vibrator 14 in the pressure generation chamber 12, and is applied to the recording paper 7 from the nozzle opening 11. The ink is ejected in the form of ink droplets, and printing proceeds.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the ink cartridge 2 that is a liquid tank and the carriage 3, and shows a state immediately before the ink cartridge 2 is mounted on the carriage 3.

  The ink cartridge 2 is constituted by a box-shaped cartridge case 2a having a flat and substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an ink storage portion 2b indicated by a two-dot chain line on the back side of the paper surface of FIG. The ink 2c stored in the ink storage portion 2b passes through the pressure control valve 28 and flows to the supply port 31 through the outlet port 29 and the check valve 30. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of (4)-(4) in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the ink reservoir 2 b is sealed with a lid plate 32.

  In order to constitute the pressure control valve 28, a circular recess 33 is provided in the cartridge case 2 a, and a valve chamber 35 is formed by fitting a lid member 34 into the recess 33. A seat 38 for the valve 37 is provided on the bottom plate 36 of the valve chamber 35. The valve 37 is formed at the center of a valve membrane 39 made of an elastic material such as an elastomer, and the outer periphery of the valve membrane 39 is sandwiched between the lid member 34 and the cartridge case 2a. A compression coil spring 40 is inserted between the periphery of the valve 37 and the lid member 34, and the valve 37 is pressed against the seat portion 38 to seal the valve. In addition, a through hole 41 is provided in the central portion of the valve 37 so that ink can flow from the right side to the left side of the valve membrane 39 when the valve 37 is separated from the seating portion 38.

  A through hole 42 is provided in the bottom plate 36. Further, a through hole 43 is provided at the center of the lid member 34, and the through hole 43 communicates with a through groove 44 formed in the lid member 34 in the radial direction. The outflow port 29 communicates with the through groove 44. Reference numeral 45 is a synthetic resin film material having excellent gas barrier properties, and is joined to the cartridge case 2a to seal the through groove 44.

  The check valve 30 is slidable in a valve chamber 47 having a circular cross section, and the valve 48 is seated on a seating surface 49 formed on the bottom surface of the valve chamber 47. Is supposed to close. In order to seat the valve 48 in this way, a compression coil spring 46 is inserted between the upper surface portion of the valve chamber 47 and the valve 48. Reference numeral 50 is a through hole provided in the central portion of the seating surface 49, and 51 is a flow groove formed in the outer peripheral portion of the valve 48. In addition, an annular seal rubber 53 that is in close contact with a hollow ink supply needle 52 (to be described later) and performs a sealing function is fitted in the opening portion of the supply port 31. With the above configuration, the supply port 31 is disposed in a state of opening downward in the lower portion of the cartridge case 2a. The ink supply needle 52 communicates with the recording head 10 via a filter 67 and a passage 68.

  On the other hand, ink in the ink reservoir 2b is consumed by ink droplet ejection from the recording head 10, and external air is introduced into the ink reservoir 2b according to this ink consumption, and normal ink ejection from the recording head 10 Is supposed to do. Therefore, an inlet 54 that opens downward is provided in the lower part of the cartridge case 2 a, and an atmospheric valve 55 is disposed in the vicinity of the inlet 54. The atmospheric valve 55 communicates with an air flow path 56 provided in the cartridge case 2a, and an end thereof communicates with an air hole 57 that opens at an upper portion of the ink storage portion 2b.

  The atmospheric valve 55 is opened when the ink cartridge 2 is mounted on the carriage 3 which is a member on the apparatus main body, and is immediately closed when the ink cartridge 2 is removed from the carriage 3. Various valve structures for providing such an opening / closing function can be employed, but this example is a valve having a structure similar to that of the check valve 30.

  That is, the valve 61 is slidably inserted into the valve chamber 60 having a circular cross section, and the valve 61 is seated on the seating surface 62 formed on the bottom surface of the valve chamber 60 to close the atmospheric valve 55. Yes. In order to seat the valve 61 in this way, the compression coil spring 63 is inserted between the upper surface portion of the valve chamber 60 and the valve 61. A circulation groove 64 is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the valve 61, and the introduction port 54 is provided in the central portion of the seating surface 62. The introduction port 54 is sealed with a film member 65 formed of an elastic material such as an elastomer. The membrane member 65 is bonded to the cartridge case 2a with an adhesive.

  When a hollow air flow needle 66, which will be described later, is inserted into the membrane member 65, the membrane member 65 adheres to the outer periphery of the air flow needle 66 and performs a sealing function. The through hole of the flow needle 66 is closed to block the flow of air and ink 2c.

  When the ink cartridge 2 is attached to the carriage 3, the ink supply needle 52 is relatively inserted into the supply port 31 on the supply port 31 side, and the tip of the ink supply needle 52 pushes up the valve 48 through the passage 50. The valve 48 is separated from the seating surface 49, and the flow groove 51 is opened, and the valve is opened. At this time, the valve 48 is pushed up against the tension of the compression coil spring 46. On the introduction port 54 side, the valve 61 is separated from the seating surface 62 by the air circulation needle 66 and is opened through the same operation as the check valve 30.

  When the ink cartridge 2 is attached to the carriage 3 as described above, the ink 2c in the ink reservoir 2b is supplied to the recording head 10, and air is introduced into the ink reservoir 2b from the inlet 54. It becomes a state to be.

  Air is introduced from the inlet 54 as the ink 2c in the ink reservoir 2b is consumed and the ink level drops. When the air is introduced, the air is smoothly introduced along with the liquid level drop of the ink 2c, and it is necessary to suppress the evaporation of the ink 2c during the pause of the printing operation. Further, it is necessary to prevent the ink 2c from flowing back to the inlet 54 as a liquid as a result of the user carrying or tilting the apparatus main body and coming out of the apparatus.

  In order to meet the above requirements, an air introduction unit 70 is provided. In the present invention, the air introduction part 70 is disposed at a location separated from the ink cartridge 2, and a plurality of ink cartridges 2 communicate with the air introduction part 70. The air introduction unit 70 may be disposed at any suitable location on the main body side of the ink jet recording apparatus 1, but in this example, a part of the carriage 3 is used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the carriage 3 as a member to which the ink cartridge 2 is mounted has a base member 71 arranged in a substantially horizontal direction and a support member 72 standing upright from the base member 71. The air introduction part 70 is provided on the support member 72. The (5) arrow view of FIG. 3 is FIG. 5, and the (6)-(6) cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 is FIG.

  A filter chamber 73 is formed by forming one square concave portion on the back surface of the support member 72, and a regulation filter 75 is joined to a stepped portion 74 provided there by an adhesive. The restriction filter 75 is a member that can flow gas but cannot flow ink. That is, the passage of the air introduced into the ink reservoir 2b with the consumption of the ink 2c is allowed, and the passage of the ink liquid in the direction opposite to the air introduced into the ink reservoir 2b is prevented. is there.

  An example of the regulation filter having such a function is a membrane provided with a large number of fine holes that allow passage of air or water vapor from ink but not ink liquid.

  The air flow needle 66 has a pointed tip and is hollow inside, and is provided with a through hole 76 through which the introduced air passes. A passage 77 communicating with the air circulation needle 66 is provided, and an end thereof communicates with the filter chamber 73. A resistance channel 78 in which the gas channel resistance is set to a predetermined value is provided between the filter chamber 73 and the outside air. The resistance channel 78 is a channel having a closed cross section, and a predetermined channel resistance is set by selecting the channel area and length. In this example, it is a meandering flow path. The communication port 79 of the resistance channel 78 communicates with the filter chamber 73, and the opening 80 of the resistance channel 78 opens to the outside air.

  The carriage 3 is formed by injection molding a synthetic resin material. The passage 77, the filter chamber 73, the resistance flow path 78, the communication port 79, the open port 80, and the like have a structure in which the outer surface of the carriage 3 is recessed. It is said that. In order to make the passage 77 a closed passage having a closed cross section, a synthetic resin film material 81 having a gas barrier property is bonded to the lower surface of the base member 71. Similarly, a synthetic resin film material 82 having a gas barrier property is joined to the outer surface of the support member 72 in order to make the filter chamber 73 and the resistance channel 78 sealed. These film materials 81 and 82 are transparent.

  In this example, six ink storage portions 2 b of six ink cartridges 2 communicate with one air introduction portion 70. That is, one air introduction unit 70 functions in a common state for the plurality of ink cartridges 2. Therefore, in the passage 77, a common passage 77 a communicating with each air flow needle 66 and one communication passage 77 b branched from the common passage 77 a are opened to the filter chamber 73.

  In the above case, six ink cartridges 2 communicate with one air introduction unit 70, but three ink cartridges 2 can communicate with two air introduction units 70. . By doing so, the usage period of the restriction filter 75 can be remarkably prolonged and maintenance can be facilitated.

  The ink supply needle 52 and the air flow needle 66 are erected in a substantially vertical direction from the base member 71 arranged in a substantially horizontal direction as described above. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 2 is attached to the carriage 3, the ink supply needle 52 and the air flow needle 66 are relatively inserted at a time by a one-way attachment operation, and the attachment is simplified. The ink supply needle 52 is a first connection member, and the air flow needle 66 is a second connection member.

  FIG. 7 shows a modification of the resistance channel 78. In the case shown in FIG. 5A, a predetermined flow path resistance is set by a breathable sintered alloy. The sintered alloy 83 is formed into an elongated cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped, and a predetermined flow resistance is set according to the density, the length from the communication port 79 to the open port 80, and the like. FIG. 5B shows a wool block 84 formed by solidifying steel wool. In order to set a predetermined flow path resistance, the cross-sectional area of the wool block 84 and the density of the wool material are selected. Has been. Other structural parts are the same as those shown in FIG. 5, and the same reference numerals are given to the same members in FIG.

  The operation of introducing air according to the above embodiment will be described.

  When the ink cartridge 2 is lowered directly from the state shown in FIG. 3, the ink supply needle 52 passes through the supply port 31 and the communication port 50 and opens the valve 48 against the elasticity of the compression coil spring 46. The ink 2c of 2b is supplied to the recording head 10. On the other hand, simultaneously with the insertion operation of the ink supply needle 52, the air flow needle 66 breaks through the membrane member 65, penetrates the introduction port 54, opens the valve 61 against the elasticity of the compression coil spring 63, and the ink reservoir 2b It communicates with the air introduction unit 70. Such communication is established between the six ink cartridges 2 with respect to one air introduction unit 70.

  When the ink 2c is consumed by the printing operation, the ink liquid level of the ink storing portion 2b is lowered, and accordingly, the external air flows into the opening 80, the resistance channel 78, the regulation filter 75, the passage. 77, the air flow needle 66, the passage 76, the open air valve 55, the air passage 56, etc., are introduced into the ink reservoir 2b. Therefore, ink is normally ejected from the recording head 10. In addition, since impurities such as dust in the air are captured by the restriction filter 75 during the air introduction, foreign matter is not mixed into the ink 2c, which is suitable for ink ejection.

  As shown in FIG. 4, during the continuation of the ink consumption, the pressure on the recording head 10 side of the valve film 39 is lower than the pressure on the ink reservoir 2b side, and this pressure difference causes the spring force of the compression coil spring 40 to be increased. Accordingly, the valve membrane 39 moves to the left in FIG. 4, the valve 37 is opened, and the ink 2c flows from the through hole 41 to the recording head 10 side. Thereafter, when the pressure on the recording head 10 side increases, the valve 37 is closed by the spring force of the compression coil spring 40. By continuously opening and closing such a valve 37, the pressure in the ink reservoir 2b is maintained lower than the atmospheric pressure in accordance with the tension of the compression coil spring 40.

  The effects of the first embodiment are listed as follows.

  As described above, the air introduction part 70 composed of components such as the restriction filter 75 and the resistance flow path 78 is provided in the apparatus main body 1, that is, the carriage 3, which is a part separated from the ink cartridge 2. 70 communicates with the ink reservoirs 2b of the plurality of ink cartridges 2. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 2 is replaced, the air introduction unit 70 can continue to be used as it is, and only the ink cartridge 2 is replaced. Therefore, the air introduction part 70 is not disposed of wastefully, which is suitable for saving of material resources and environmental problems. Further, the structure of the ink cartridge 2 that is a consumable item is simplified, and cost reduction can be promoted.

  Since the number of the air introduction parts 70 is one, the air introduction parts 70 can be functioned with the minimum number, which is effective for simplification of the structure of the apparatus main body 1 and cost reduction.

  The air introduction unit 70 allows passage of air introduced into the ink storage unit 2b as the ink 2c is consumed in the communication path that allows the ink storage unit 2b of the ink cartridge 2 to communicate with outside air. By providing the restriction filter 75 that blocks the passage of the ink liquid in the direction opposite to the air introduced into the portion 2b, the restriction filter 75 performs the introduction of air accompanying the ink consumption and the prevention of the ink outflow. Smooth ink supply by air introduction and inadvertent ink outflow from the ink reservoir 2b are prevented, and a highly reliable ink jet recording apparatus 1 can be obtained.

  The air introduction unit 70 includes resistance channels 78, 83, 84, etc., in which the gas channel resistance is set to a predetermined value, in a communication path that allows the ink storage unit 2b of the ink cartridge 2 to communicate with outside air. Therefore, the flow resistance of the vapor of the ink 2c can be set high to suppress the outflow of the water vapor of the ink. In addition, the resistance flow paths 78, 83, 84, etc. can set the gas pressure in the air introduction unit 70 to be high to suppress the evaporation of the ink 2c, and change in physical properties such as a change in viscosity of the ink 2c. Is suppressed and waste is prevented.

  A pressure control valve 28 that selectively allows ink supply by being operated in accordance with ink consumption is disposed on the downstream side of the ink reservoir 2b of the ink cartridge 2 to reduce ink consumption. Accordingly, the valve is opened only when the pressure on the downstream side of the pressure control valve 28 becomes lower than a certain value, and normally the valve is closed, so that the outflow of ink is prevented and the function of the air introduction unit 70 is performed well.

  Since the air introduction part 70 is formed in the carriage 3 to which the ink cartridge 2 is mounted, the air introduction part 70 can be formed at a position very close to the ink cartridge 2, and the function of the air introduction part 70 is faithful. Can be reflected in the ink reservoir 2b of the ink cartridge 2. Further, at the same time that the ink cartridge 2 is attached to the carriage 3, the ink storage portion 2 b of the ink cartridge 2 can be communicated with the air introduction portion 70, and the air introduction portion 70 can be connected to the ink by a simple operation of mounting the ink cartridge 2. It can be made to communicate with the storage part 2b.

  The carriage 3 includes a base member 71 arranged in a substantially horizontal direction and a support member 72 standing upright from the base member 71. The carriage 3 communicates with the ink reservoir 2b. An ink supply needle 52 that is a first connection member and an air flow needle 66 that is a second connection member that communicates the ink storage portion 2b with the air introduction portion 70 are disposed, whereby the ink cartridge 2 is connected to the base member. When the ink supply needle 52 is attached to the air supply needle 71, the communication between the ink supply needle 52 and the air flow needle 66 is established, so that the functions of the ink cartridge 2 and the air introduction unit 70 can be achieved with a simple mounting operation on the carriage 3.

  The first connecting member and the second connecting member are an ink supply needle 52 and an air flow needle 66 that are relatively inserted into the ink cartridge 2 by the operation of mounting the ink cartridge 2 on the carriage 3, respectively. Since the insertion of the ink supply needle 52 and the air flow needle 66 is completed by the mounting operation, the ink supply to the target location through the ink supply needle 52 and the communication to the air introduction unit 70 through the air flow needle 66 are made one. Sometimes it can be achieved. Therefore, a connection without ink leakage or gas leakage is established with a simplified mounting operation, and the ink jet recording apparatus 1 with high reliability can be obtained.

  An atmospheric valve 55 that opens when the ink cartridge 2 is attached to the apparatus main body 1 and closes when the ink cartridge 2 is removed from the apparatus main body 1 is provided at a connection portion between the ink cartridge 2 and the air introduction unit 70. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 2 is removed from the apparatus main body 1, the ink 2 c does not leak from the connection portion between the ink cartridge 2 and the air introduction unit 70. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the apparatus main body 1 from being stained with the ink 2c. Also, since ink leakage does not occur when carrying the removed ink cartridge 2, it can be handled easily.

  Further, in the ink cartridge 2 used in the ink jet recording apparatus 1, the supply port 31 and the introduction port 54 are opened downward in the lower part of the ink cartridge 2, so that, for example, the ink cartridge 2 is attached to the carriage 3. In the case of attachment, the structure corresponding to the supply port 31 and the introduction port 54 on the carriage 3 side can be simplified, and the ink cartridge 2 can be easily attached and detached. Since the atmospheric valve 55 is disposed, the atmospheric valve 55 is opened and closed so that outside air is reliably introduced along with ink consumption, smooth ink supply is performed, and stable ink ejection performance is obtained.

  The introduction port 54 is provided on the apparatus main body 1 side and is configured to communicate with an air introduction unit 70 that introduces outside air as the ink is consumed. Thus, air is introduced to the recording head 10 from the supply port 31 smoothly, and stable ink ejection performance is obtained.

  By mounting the ink cartridge 2 on the carriage 3 while moving in one direction, formation of an ink supply channel from the supply port 31 to the recording head 10 and communication of the introduction port 54 to the air introduction unit 70 are performed. Are made at the same time. Therefore, the ink cartridge 2 can be mounted while the communication between the supply port 31 and the introduction port 54 is established by the simplest mounting operation of the ink cartridge 2 in one direction, and the communication between the air introduction unit 70 and the introduction port 54 is established. Therefore, the ink cartridge 2 can be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, since the mounting operation of the ink cartridge 2 is unidirectional, the structure with respect to the supply port 31 and the introduction port 54 on the carriage 3 side can be easily simplified by arrangement of components such as the ink supply needle 52 and the air flow needle 66, for example. Become.

  Since the atmospheric valve 55 is disposed in the vicinity of the introduction port 54, the atmospheric valve 55 can be opened immediately when the air flow needle 66 for operating the atmospheric valve 55 is inserted into the introduction port 54. Therefore, the opening operation of the atmospheric valve 55 is ensured. Further, since the air valve 55 is closed in the vicinity of the inlet 54, the ink 2c in the ink cartridge 2 is reliably prevented from leaking outside. That is, since the flow path is closed in the vicinity of the introduction port 54, the ink 2 c does not drip from the air introduction unit 70 when the ink cartridge 2 is removed from the apparatus main body 1.

  FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus and the liquid tank for the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the base member 71 and the support member 72 are not bent as shown in FIG. 3, but are expanded for easy understanding.

  In the first embodiment, the flow path from each ink cartridge 2 to the restriction filter 75 is a common space before the restriction filter 75, but in this second embodiment, each ink cartridge 2 To the restriction filter 75 are in an independent state. For this purpose, a partition wall member 86 is provided in each flow path, and the regulation filter 75 is bonded to the end face of the partition wall member 86 in close contact therewith. Other than that, it is the same as that of the said Example, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part.

  With the above configuration, even if the ink in the ink cartridge 2 flows into the air circulation needle 66 for some reason, it does not mix with the ink from other ink cartridges 2 in the flow path to the restriction filter 75. Depending on the type of ink, there is a case where the ink is solidified by such a color mixture. Therefore, by setting such an independent flow path, it is possible to avoid the flow path area from being reduced or clogged.

  Since the flow paths are independent as described above, a restriction filter suitable for the properties of the ink in the flow path can be arranged for each flow path. Further, by changing the position of the partition wall member 86, the area of the restriction filter suitable for each ink cartridge 2 can be set, and the difference in the evaporation rate depending on the ink can be made as uniform as possible with the size of the area. Furthermore, by selecting the area of each restriction filter, the air introduction resistance accompanying ink consumption can be made uniform for each ink cartridge 2, and the ejection characteristics do not vary for each ink color.

When the viscosity is different for each ink color and the flow path resistance is different, the difference in the flow path resistance can be corrected by changing the area of the restriction filter for each color as described above. Also, for example, when the nozzle row is two rows, one row is divided into black, and the other row is divided into three colors, the number of black nozzles is tripled and the ink flow rate is also tripled. become. In such a case, the introduction of air into the black ink cartridge 2 is promoted by a restriction filter having a large area, so that the introduction of air into the black and three-color ink cartridges 2 is balanced. In this case, it is effective to correct in the main body of the recording apparatus 1 to which the recording head 10 is attached, and the significance of disposing the restriction filter on the main body 1 side is improved.

  Furthermore, even if the flow path from each ink cartridge 2 to the restriction filter 75 is independent, the expensive restriction filter 75 is a single component, reducing the assembly cost and reducing the cost increase. Other than that, there exists an effect similar to the said Example.

  FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus and the liquid tank for the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, an elastic foam material 85 is filled in the ink reservoir 2b in order to hold the ink inside the ink reservoir 2b. As the elastic foam material 85, a sponge material made of an elastic material made into open cells is employed. Other than that, it is the same as the above embodiments, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts.

  With the above configuration, when the ink 2c held in the bubbles of the elastic foam material 85 is consumed, the ink is held in the elastic foam material 85, so that the outflow of the ink 2c is prevented and the air introduction unit 70 The function is performed well. Other than that, there exists an effect similar to each said Example.

  Each of the above embodiments is intended for an ink jet recording apparatus. However, the ink cartridge obtained by the present invention and the liquid ejecting apparatus equipped with the ink cartridge are intended only for ink for the ink jet recording apparatus. Instead, it is possible to spray glue, nail polish, conductive liquid (liquid metal) or the like. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ink jet recording apparatus using ink that is one of the liquids has been described. However, the colors used for manufacturing color filters such as recording heads and liquid crystal displays used in image recording apparatuses such as printers. Applied to all liquid ejecting heads for ejecting liquids, such as material ejecting heads, organic EL displays, electrode material ejecting heads used for electrode formation such as FED (surface emitting display), bio-organic ejecting heads used in biochip manufacturing, etc. Is also possible.

1 is a perspective view showing an entire ink jet recording apparatus. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a recording head. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge and a carriage. It is (4)-(4) sectional drawing of FIG. 3, and has shown the pressure control valve. FIG. 5 is an arrow view of (5) in FIG. 3 and shows an air introduction part. It is (6)-(6) sectional drawing of FIG. It is a front view which shows the modification of a resistance flow path. It is sectional drawing which shows another Example. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification of an ink cartridge.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet recording device, 1a Control apparatus, 2 Ink cartridge, 2a Cartridge case, 2b Ink storage part, 2c Ink, 3 Carriage, 4 Timing belt, 5 Stepping motor, 6 Guide bar, 7 Recording paper, 8 Suction cap, 9 Wiper blade, 9a Waste ink reservoir, 10 Recording head, 11 Nozzle opening, 11a Nozzle row, 12 Pressure generating chamber, 13 Flow path unit, 14 Piezoelectric vibrator, 15 Head case, 15a Flange, 16 Nozzle plate, 16a Nozzle formation Surface, 17 ink storage chamber, 18 ink supply path, 19 pressure generating chamber forming plate, 20 vibration plate, 20a island, 21 base, 22 flexible circuit board, 23 annular protrusion, 24 head flow path, 25 control board, 26 Head cover, 27 Tip surface, 2 Pressure control valve, 29 Outlet, 30 Check valve, 30a Terminal, 31 Supply port, 32 Lid plate, 33 Recess, 34 Lid member, 35 Valve chamber, 36 Bottom plate, 37 Valve, 38 Seat part, 39 Valve membrane, 40 Compression Coil spring, 41 through port, 42 through port, 43 through port, 44 through groove, 45 film material, 46 compression coil spring, 47 valve chamber, 48 valve, 49 seating surface, 50 through port, 51 through groove, 52 ink supply Needle, 53 Seal rubber, 54 Inlet, 55 Air valve, 56 Air flow path, 57 Air hole, 60 Valve chamber, 61 Valve, 62 Seating surface, 63 Compression coil spring, 64 Flow groove, 65 Film member, 66 Air flow needle , 67 Filter, 68 passage, 70 Air introduction part, 71 Base member, 72 Support member, 73 Filter chamber, 74 Step part, 75 Restriction filter, 76 Port, 77 passage, 77a common channel, 77b communication channel, 78 resistance channel, 79 communication port, 80 open port, 81 film material, 82 film material, 83 sintered alloy, 84 wool block, 85 elastic foam material, 86 partition Element

Claims (14)

  A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid in a liquid tank attached to an apparatus main body from a liquid ejecting unit, wherein an air introduction unit that introduces outside air into the liquid storage unit of the liquid tank as the liquid is consumed The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air introduction unit is configured to communicate with a liquid storage unit of each liquid tank so as to be common to a plurality of liquid tanks.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of the air introducing units is one.   The air introduction unit allows passage of air introduced into the liquid storage unit as the liquid is consumed in the communication path that allows the liquid storage unit of the liquid tank to communicate with outside air, and is opposite to the introduced air. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a restriction filter that prevents passage of liquid in a direction.   The air introduction unit includes a resistance channel in which a gas channel resistance is set to a predetermined value in a communication path that allows the liquid storage unit of the liquid tank to communicate with outside air. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to the item.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an elastic foam material for holding a liquid in the liquid reservoir is filled in the liquid reservoir of the liquid tank.   The pressure control valve which selectively accept | permits supply of a liquid by arrange | positioning with the consumption of a liquid downstream from the liquid storage part of the said liquid tank is arrange | positioned. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to the item.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air introduction unit is formed in a mounting member on which a liquid tank is mounted.   The mounting member includes a base member disposed in a substantially horizontal direction and a support member that stands substantially vertically from the base member. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a first connecting member that communicates and a second connecting member that communicates the liquid storage portion with the air introducing portion are disposed.   9. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member are a liquid supply needle and an air flow needle that are relatively inserted into the liquid tank by an operation of mounting the liquid tank on the mounting member.   The liquid tank is provided with an atmospheric valve at a connection point with the air introduction portion, which is opened when the liquid tank is attached to the apparatus main body and closed when the liquid tank is removed from the apparatus main body. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of 1 to 9.   A supply port for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit to the liquid ejection unit; and an introduction port for introducing outside air into the liquid storage unit as the liquid is consumed. A liquid tank for a liquid ejecting apparatus, characterized in that an atmospheric valve that is formed in a state of opening downward at a lower portion of the air inlet and that is opened when air is introduced into the inlet is disposed.   The liquid tank for a liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the introduction port is provided on the apparatus main body side and communicates with an air introduction unit that introduces outside air as the liquid is consumed.   By moving and mounting the liquid tank in one direction with respect to the apparatus main body, formation of the liquid supply flow path from the supply port to the liquid ejection unit and communication of the introduction port with the air introduction unit are performed at the same time. The liquid tank for a liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 12, which is configured to be configured as described above.   The liquid tank for a liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the atmospheric valve is disposed in the vicinity of the inlet.

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