CN1297406C - Ink jet recording equipment and ink box - Google Patents

Abstract

An ink jet recording equipment and ink box. A recessed portion is formed in an ink cartridge 1 to define a three-dimensional space. Each of axes in the three-dimensional space containing one side surface of the ink cartridge in which an ink supply port 14 is formed is divided into a plurality of sections to obtain a plurality of coordinate points. Identification protruded portions 31-1 to 31-3 which serve as identification pieces are disposed selectively at the coordinate points in accordance with identification items.

Description

Ink jet recording device and print cartridge

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of skill that is used to discern print cartridge, described print cartridge provides printing ink with suitable negative pressure to the record head that sprays ink droplet in response to printing signal.

Background technology

A kind of ink jet recording device is usually configured to, and the ink jet print head that will spray ink droplet in response to printing signal is installed in one along on the reciprocating carriage on the recording paper width, and printing ink is provided to record head from the oil outer ink container.In the record head of small size type, for example ink tank or similar articles are removably mounted on the carriage with the ink containment container.On the other hand, in the record head of large scale type, the ink containment container is arranged on the framework or shell of recording equipment, and links to each other with record head by ink supply tube.

Usually construct the ink tank that is installed on the carriage like this, thereby multihole device for example sponge or similar articles is comprised in the ink tank and floods printing ink, change so that reduce pressure, cause described pressure variation because carriage moves back and forth printing ink fluctuation of being caused or the like.

Even provide printing ink by ink supply tube to record head from the jumbo Printing ink bag that is arranged on the framework, be used to stop because the following oil tank (sub tank) of the pooling feature of the variation of the ink pressure that the reciprocating motion of carriage causes provides printing ink to record head by having, so that stop the variation owing to the caused ink pressure of canal curvature, carriage moves back and forth and causes above-mentioned canal curvature.

Therefore, the former has a problem, promptly owing to be included in the volume of the multihole device in the ink tank and the ratio of the volume that can be included in the printing ink in the ink tank, has increased the size or the weight of ink tank.The latter has such problem, promptly owing to need a kind of machinery that stops ink pressure to change owing to vibration, the complex structure of recording equipment.

In order to improve printing quality, improved record head and printing ink, the employed printing ink of record head is by also the producer is specified.

On the other hand, owing to structure or similar angle from recording equipment, print cartridge is formed the parallelepiped container of rectangle, has such problem, is difficult to distinguish the print cartridge that is applicable to recording equipment, may select print cartridge owing to slip up mistakenly.

In order to address this problem, on the print cartridge clamper of recording equipment, form boss, on print cartridge, form recessed portion, thereby be suitable for described boss.That is to say that only when being assembled to boss on the recessed portion, the inking pin just passes ink supply port.

If the weight capacity minimizing of print cartridge just with print cartridge just makes high speed printing become possibility, yet has such problem, it is limited allowing the kind quantity of the recessed portion of formation on the narrow bottom of print cartridge.

Summary of the invention

The invention solves this problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a kind of ink jet recording device, wherein can be increased, and a kind of print cartridge that is applicable to ink jet recording device is provided by the kind of utilizing relative narrow space, be applicable to the shape of distinguishing.

In order to obtain above-mentioned purpose, the invention provides a kind of ink jet recording device that is used for providing to record head printing ink from least one print cartridge, described print cartridge have a diapire and by diapire be connected to each other together and mutually towards a first side wall and one second sidewall, described print cartridge also has a ink supply port on diapire, one first locking member and from the first side wall extension is arranged near the recess second sidewall, this locking member have one can near and leave first bonding part that the direction of the first side wall moves, described recording equipment comprises: one has the balladeur train that at least one is suitable for holding the print cartridge installation region of print cartridge; A plurality of identification parts, it, and is positioned and configuration along being parallel to the direction projection that print cartridge inserts balladeur train from the bottom of print cartridge installation region, makes that those discern parts when print cartridge and print cartridge installation region adapt to be accommodated in the recess of print cartridge; One is positioned at the inking pin of bottom, print cartridge storage area, and it is configured to the ink supply port that is used to be connected to print cartridge; And one be positioned and be configured to first bonding part that engages in order to the bonding part of print cartridge.

The present invention also provides a kind of print cartridge, and it comprises: a diapire and by diapire be connected to each other together and mutually towards a first side wall and one second sidewall; One ink supply port on diapire; One first locking member that extends from the first side wall, this locking member have one can near and leave first bonding part that the direction of the first side wall moves; A near and recess that is arranged on second sidewall.

Owing to use three dimensions, thereby the identification part is set at three dimensions, in conjunction with quantity increase.

The present invention relates to be included in the theme in the following Japanese patent application:

2001-104526 (applying date is April 3 calendar year 2001);

2001-147418 (applying date is May 17 calendar year 2001);

2001-149315 (applying date is May 18 calendar year 2001);

2001-264896 (applying date is August 31 calendar year 2001); With

2001-320197 (applying date is October 18 calendar year 2001);

The present patent application is introduced foregoing in the present patent application by reference.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A and 1B are front view and the rearviews that meets a kind of print cartridge of preferred exemplary of the present invention;

Fig. 2 A and 2B show a kind of state, and the side surface that is used to seal print cartridge shown in Figure 1 this moment forms element and is removed;

Fig. 3 has shown the structure of the basal surface of print cartridge shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 4 is the view of an amplification, has shown that wrong insertion that prevent that is formed on the print cartridge shown in Figure 1 forms the zone;

Fig. 5 A is a sectional drawing, has shown to constitute the valve closure state that a kind of negative pressure generates the differential valve of mechanism, and Fig. 5 B is a sectional drawing, has shown the opening of valves state of differential valve;

Fig. 6 A is partly cut-away's view, has shown the print cartridge clamper that is applicable to print cartridge shown in Figure 1, and Fig. 6 B shows the state that print cartridge has been placed on the print cartridge clamper;

Fig. 7 is a front view, has mainly shown the filter chamber's side ink flow passage that is formed on the print cartridge shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 8 has shown the example of another kind of print cartridge according to the invention;

Fig. 9 A and 9B have shown the forward and backward outward appearance of the print cartridge that meets another example of the present invention;

Figure 10 A～10D is respectively vertical view, front view, upward view and the side view of print cartridge shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a sectional drawing, has shown a kind of carriage, and print cartridge shown in Figure 9 is connected on the described carriage;

Figure 12 A and 12B have shown print cartridge have been placed in process on the carriage shown in Figure 9;

Figure 13 is a perspective view, has shown the structure of the open surfaces of the tank body that constitutes print cartridge shown in Figure 9;

Figure 14 is a perspective view, has shown the structure of the basal surface of the tank body that constitutes print cartridge;

Figure 15 A is a perspective view, has shown the structure of the front surface of the tank body that constitutes print cartridge shown in Figure 9, and Figure 15 B has shown the through hole that is formed on the groove that communicates;

Figure 16 is a view that amplifies, and has shown that negative pressure generates the section structure of mechanism's storage chamber;

Figure 17 is a view that amplifies, and has shown the section structure of gas communication valve storage chamber;

Figure 18 A and 18B are respectively a kind of perspective view and front views of identification block, and Figure 18 C has shown the coordinate points that is arranged on the identification block;

Figure 19 A and 19A '～Figure 19 F and 19F ' are respectively perspective view and front view, have shown the form of the discernible bossing of identification block;

Figure 20 is a perspective view, has shown a kind of carrier structure that can hold a plurality of print cartridges;

Figure 21 is that a perspective view has shown carriage, and this moment, the direction of carriage was transformed;

Figure 22 A and 22B are the views that amplifies, and have shown the neighborhood of the inking pin on the carriage and the neighborhood in the inking hole on the carriage respectively;

Figure 23 A～23C has shown the shape that is suitable for discerning part, and Figure 23 D～23F has shown the shape that is not suitable for discerning part;

Figure 24 A～24C has shown the restriction site that is formed on the identification block, thereby utilizes identification block identification identification part;

Figure 25 A～25D has shown another kind of identification part;

Figure 26 A～26D has shown the restriction site that is formed on the identification block, recognizes so the identification part is identified piece;

Figure 27 A～27C is respectively perspective view and upward view, has shown the print cartridge that meets another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 28 A and 28B have shown the hermetically-sealed construction of the printing ink hand-hole on the print cartridge shown in Figure 27;

Figure 29 is a perspective view, has shown another kind of identification block.

The specific embodiment

Hereinafter will on the basis of the shown different examples of accompanying drawing, introduce the present invention.

Figure 1A and 1B have shown the print cartridge 1 that meets an example of the present invention.Fig. 2 A and 2B have shown the forward and backward structure that constitutes the tank body 8 of print cartridge 1.Fig. 3 is a upward view, has shown the structure of tank body 8.The wall 2 that tank body 8 is extended by substantial horizontal (Fig. 2 B) is divided into upper and lower zone.First ink cavity 3 is formed on lower area.With being used as of introducing hereinafter differential valve storage chamber 4 (Fig. 2 A) that negative pressure generates mechanism, the filter chamber 5 and the second and the 3rd ink cavity 15 and 16 that are used to store filter be formed on upper area.

Wall 6 is separated from each other differential valve storage chamber 4 and filter chamber 5 at the thickness direction of tank body 8.The valve seat 6a (Fig. 2 A) that is made of bossing is formed on differential valve storage chamber one side of wall 6, and through hole 6b passes wall 6.The framework 10 (Fig. 2) that is used for fixing filter 18 is formed on filter chamber's one side of wall 6.

Shown in Fig. 2 B, by by the circuitous flow channel of determining at the vertically extending wall 11a of print cartridge (Fig. 7) sidepiece and 11b and horizontally extending wall 11c and 11d (one along vertical plane and the flow channel opened), upper and lower chamber communicates with the upper area opening 5a of filter chamber 5.

On the other hand, the differential valve storage chamber 4 that links to each other with filter chamber 5 by through hole 6b utilizes flow channel 13 to communicate with ink supply port 14, and the described feed path 13 and first ink cavity 3 are isolated. Ink cavity 15 and 16 is so arranged, thereby differential valve storage chamber 4 and filter chamber 5 are arranged between ink cavity 15 and 16.The bubble that is comprised in the printing ink from first ink cavity 3 is collected in ink cavity 15 and 16.

Wall 20 flatly extends, and has therefore formed small gap between the outer wall of wall 20 and tank body 8, is used for determining a space or gas flow channel 21.Wall 20 is formed on the upper area of tank body 8.Flow channel 21 (just space or gas flow channel) communicates with gas vent 17 by gas-permeable film 24a and capillary 22 (Fig. 2 A).Flow channel 21 also communicates with first ink cavity 3 by barrel portion 25.Just first ink cavity 3 links to each other with gas vent 17 with capillary 22 by barrel portion 25, gas-permeable film 24a.

The groove that wriggles that is formed on the differential valve storage chamber 4 one side side surfaces of tank body 8 is sealed by gas impermeable membrane 37 (Figure 1A), thus formation capillary 22.An end 22a of capillary 22 links to each other with gas vent 17, and the other end communicates with the zone that is formed between gas impermeable membrane 24b and the gas permeable membrane 24a by groove 23c.Gas-permeable film 24a extends at recessed portion 23 half degree of depth place on tank body 8.Specifically, film supporting part 23a (Fig. 2 A) is formed on half degree of depth place of recessed portion 23, thereby gas-permeable film 24a adopts a kind of elongation state to be connected on the film supporting part 23a.On the other hand, gas impermeable membrane 24b (Figure 1A and 1B) adopts a kind of elongation state to be connected on the upper surface 23b of recessed portion 23, thereby at this position, gas in the tank body 8 and outside air are isolated.

Flow channel 21 communicates with first ink cavity 3 by barrel portion 25.An opening 26 is set above barrel portion 25 tops, and the gas impermeable membrane 27 that can flexibly be out of shape (Figure 1A and 1B) seals this opening.In addition, normal draught excluder not shown in the figures is set in the barrel portion 25.

In this structure, when print cartridge 1 was connected on the recording equipment, by a control stick that contacts with film 27, film 27 flexibly was out of shape, thereby opens valve.Thereby first ink cavity 3 communicates with flow channel 21.

Shown in Fig. 2 A and 3, below differential valve storage chamber 4, form recessed portion 30, and lead to lower surface one side that is provided with ink supply port 14.The identification projection 31 that is used to discern print cartridge is formed on recessed portion 30.When making print cartridge, the inkjet mouth 33 and 34 that is used to spray printing ink also is formed on the lower surface of tank body 8.

As shown in Figure 4, at recessed portion 30, length of tank direction X is divided into three parts, and tank body width Y is divided into two parts, and tank body short transverse Z is divided into six parts.The coordinate of a plurality of identification bossing 31-1,31-2,31-3 and 31-4 be respectively (X1, Y2, Z1), (X1, Y1, Z6), (X3, Y2, Z3) and (Y2 Z5), by suitably selecting coordinate points, thereby constitutes the identification assembled portion for X3, Y1.When selecting one to one and coordinate points be set, for example a kind of print cartridge and/or a kind of printing ink, this is an a matter of course, promptly stops mistakenly the print cartridge different with ink type to be installed on the recording equipment.

Fig. 5 A and 5B have shown the differential valve that is used as negative pressure generation mechanism.Fig. 5 A shows that valve is in closed condition.Fig. 5 B shows that valve is in opening.On the excircle of membrane valve 40, have a ring-like thick part 40a, at the center of membrane valve 40, the thick part 40c with a through hole 40b is set, the sweep 40d of a generally'S '-shaped is set near thick part 40a place.Membrane valve 40 is fixed on the column type clamper 41 that is assembled in the differential valve storage chamber 4.Disc spring 42 is inserted in (in this embodiment, between center thickness portion 40c and the column type clamper 41) between thick part 40c in center and the tank body 8.Adjust the elastic force of disc spring 42, thereby when making predetermined negative pressure act on the ink supply port 14 (Fig. 5 B) owing to the ink consumption in the record head, membrane valve 40 can separate with valve seat 6, and when stopping when record head provides printing ink, membrane valve 40 flexibly contacts (Fig. 5 A) with valve seat 6.

By being attached to the surface of differential chamber one side, with tank body 8 sealings that are configured like that as mentioned above with the surface of lid 36 (Figure 1B) sealing filter chamber one side and with gas impermeable membrane 37 (Figure 1A).With ink supply port 14 sealings, by inserting the inking pin, can make described film rupture with film this moment, and a kind of ink-jet apparatus links to each other with 34 with the inkjet mouth 33 of lower surface, is full of printing ink in the tank body of sealing.After being full of printing ink in the tank body of sealing, utilize embolism or gas impermeable membrane jet of sealed mouth 33 and 34.Therefore, sealed tank body is as print cartridge 1 processed finishing.

Fig. 6 A has shown a kind of print cartridge clamper 50 that is applicable to above-mentioned print cartridge 1.Print cartridge clamper 50 has a bottom 51; Be arranged on the wall 52,53 and 54 on the bottom 51, corresponding to the front surface of print cartridge and two side surfaces adjacent with front surface; Be arranged on the bossing 55 on the bottom 51, described protruding position is corresponding with the vertical recessed portion of print cartridge; The identification part 56 that extends on the insertion/disassembly direction of print cartridge is used to detect the print cartridge kind.

Specifically, identification part part 56 is made of a plurality of element 56-1,56-2 and 56-3, the length of these elements can arrive the lower surface that is formed on identification bossing 31-1,31-2,31-3 and 31-4 in the print cartridge recessed portion 30 from the surface of carriage, just when receiving suitable print cartridge, these size of component can stop identification bossing 31-1,31-2,31-3 and the 31-4 of recognition component 56 collisions as the identification assembled portion.

Therefore, in the time will being installed on the clamper 50 with the print cartridge that carriage (clamper 56) is complementary, identification part 56 allows print cartridge to be installed on the clamper 50.On the contrary, when unmatched print cartridge is installed on the clamper 50, the identification part 56 of carriage (clamper) cooperates with the identification bossing 31 of print cartridge, stops the inking pin to enter ink supply port 14.In addition, do not show the inking pin among Fig. 6 A and the 6B, but the inking pin is set on the bottom 51 of clamper 50, is positioned at wall 52,53 and 54 area surrounded, just relative with bossing 55 and with identification part 56 relevant zone.

In this example, when being installed to print cartridge 1 on the clamper 50, the recessed portion C (Fig. 6 B) of three surfaces, the front side of print cartridge 1 and print cartridge 1 is respectively by wall 52,53 and 54 and bossing 55 guiding, thereby print cartridge 1 is positioned at the precalculated position shown in Fig. 6 B.In addition, the action bars (not shown) of recording equipment is exerted pressure to film 27, so that open the valve element that is arranged in the barrel portion 25.Thereby first ink cavity 3 communicates with air by flow channel 21, gas-permeable film 24a, capillary 22 etc.

When record head consumed printing ink under this kind condition, suction function was in ink supply port, and membrane valve 40 is accepted differential pressure and separated with valve seat 6a against the elastic force of disc spring 42.Printing ink in first ink cavity 3 enters differential valve storage chamber 4 by filter 18 and through hole 6b.Printing ink further flows through the through hole 40b of membrane valve 40 and enters ink supply port 14 through flow channel 13.

As shown in Figure 7, when printing ink flows out ink supply port 14, suction function is in filter chamber 5, through the flow channel A of wall 11 formed perpendicular extensions, at the flow channel B of the top part of horizontal extension, by the wall that forms filter chamber 5 and horizontally extending wall 2 formed flow channel C, a perpendicular flow passage D and bottom horizontal flow sheet passage E, the printing ink in first ink cavity 3 are sucked into the upper area of filter chamber 5.Use this mode, the printing ink in first ink cavity 3 is through two ink cavity 15 and 16 and flow out the bottom of first ink cavity 3.Thereby the bubble that is comprised in the printing ink is captured (stop) in the upper area of ink cavity 15 and 16, before printing ink flows to filter chamber 5 bubble is discharged from printing ink as much as possible.

When aforesaid way consumed printing ink, the printing ink that is positioned at first ink cavity 3 of bottom upwards was drawn onto superposed filter chamber 5, and by differential valve mechanism printing ink is provided to ink supply port 14.

Printing ink in print cartridge 1 is consumed, because the printing ink in the print cartridge is used up fully or when changing different types of printing ink and dismantle print cartridge 1, be used to make that first ink cavity 3 and flow channel are 21 that communicate, the supporting that action bars provided of the valve element forfeiture recording equipment in the barrel portion 25, thereby valve is closed.In addition, the elastic force of spring 42 forces membrane valve 40 flexibly to contact with valve seat 6a.Thereby stop printing ink from ink supply port 14, to leak.

In above-mentioned example, the identification projection is formed as a whole with print cartridge.As shown in Figure 8, another kind of scheme is, recessed portion 60 can be formed on the tank body 8 that constitutes print cartridge 1, can be inserted and secured on the element that framework 61 on the inner rim of recessed portion 60 can be formed a separation.In addition, identification bossing 31 can be formed on the inner surface of framework 61, thereby framework 61 has formed identification block 62.

The print cartridge of this embodiment according to the present invention has the identification block 62 of identification bossing 31 by preparation, and the position of wherein discerning bossing 31 changes according to the kind of print cartridge 1, and tank body 8 itself goes for various types of printing ink.

Fig. 9 A and 9B and Figure 10 A～10D have shown the outward appearance of another embodiment of the present invention.Print cartridge 71 mainly has the tank body 72 of a flat rectangular box type, and described tank body 72 has an open side and a closed side; A lid 73 that is used to seal open side.Ink supply port 74 is set at the front on print cartridge insertion carriage (in this example, the lower surface of the tank body 72) direction, and is offset from the center on the length direction.The top that locking member 75 and 76 is formed on tank body 72 is not on the ipsilateral.

The memory device 77 that will have an electrode 77a is set in place in the recessed portion 77b of locking member 75 belows of ink supply port one side.Valve storage chamber 78 is formed on the below of another locking member 76.The breach part 79 that extends on the print cartridge insertion/disassembly direction be formed on ink supply port 74 near and be positioned at the central area of tank body 72.

As shown in figure 11, so be configured to install the carriage 200 of print cartridge 71, thereby record head 201 is arranged on the basal surface.Inking pin 202 is arranged on the carriage 200, is used for communicating with record head 201.The print cartridge extrusion element is arranged on zone away from inking pin 202 places, in this example, with sheet spring or leaf spring 203 as the print cartridge extrusion element.Positioning convex spare 204 is arranged between inking pin 202 and the sheet spring 203, and extends along the insertion/disassembly direction of print cartridge 71.

Electrode 206 is arranged on the sidewall 205 of inking pin 202 1 sides.Be formed on the top of electrode 206 with the recessed portion 207 of the protruding 75a engagement of locking member 75.Be formed on the sidewall 208 relative with the recessed portion 209 of the protruding 76a engagement of print cartridge 71 locking members 76 with sidewall 205.

In said structure, shown in Figure 12 A, when inserting print cartridge 71 against the elastic force of leaf spring 203, ink supply port 74 is positioned at the bottom side of print cartridge 71, and breach part 79 is subjected to the restriction of projection piece 204.Thereby the leaf spring 203 that be arranged on deviation post this moment provides rotatory force, thereby overturns under ink supply port 74 1 side direction, makes the state of print cartridge parallel with specific insertion/disassembly direction, promptly in this example, is parallel to vertical direction.

Shown in Figure 12 B, when the elastic force against leaf spring 203 continues to push away print cartridge 71, utilize whole elasticity of locking member 75, the protruding 75a of locking member 75 is sagging and enter recessed portion 207.Locking member 76 also is mounted in the recessed portion 209.

On the other hand, owing to changing or similar reason, for print cartridge 71 is disassembled from carriage 200, when when tank body 72 direction elasticity are pressed locking member 75, the projection 75 of locking member 75 is separated with recessed portion 207.Thereby, when under this condition, when print cartridge 71 is pulled out, print cartridge 71 can be pulled out, and not have bending force or similar masterpiece to be used on the inking pin 202.

Figure 13 and 14 has shown a kind of example that is formed on the flow channel on the tank body 72 that constitutes print cartridge 71.The wall 80 that substantial horizontal is extended is divided into upper and lower two parts with tank body 72, and specifically, wall 80 adopts this mode to extend, and promptly ink supply port 74 1 sides are low a little.

First ink cavity 81 is formed on lower area.Upper area is separated by framework 84, thereby wall 80 is used as basal surface, has predetermined space, spacing or distance between the wall 82 of framework 84 and tank body 72, is used for determining air duct 83.The bottom has the vertical wall 85 of port 85a separates framework 84 inside, thereby second ink cavity 86 is used as in a zone, and the 3rd ink cavity 87 is used as in another zone.

The basal surface 72a of second ink cavity 86 and tank body 72 is connected with each other by suction channel 88, and the lower end of described suction channel 88 communicates with first ink cavity 81, and the upper end communicates with the bottom of second ink cavity 86.

Wall 89 with port 89a and 89b is formed on the bottom of suction channel 88.The opening 90 that is used for printing ink is injected tank body 72 from the outside be formed in the zone relative with opening 91 that first ink cavity 81 communicates with the lower end of suction channel 88, when injecting the inside of print cartridge 71 when ink jet or with printing ink, described opening 91 is used to discharge gas.

The 3rd ink cavity 87 is separated by wall 92,94,96 and 85, and described wall 92 has preset space length with the upper surface 84a of framework 84.The 4th ink cavity 93 is separated by wall 94,96 and 97.Filter chamber 104 is separated by wall 94 and continuously to wall 92, is used to store filter 125 (Figure 16), and on the another side relative with filter chamber 125, differential valve storage chamber 103 (Figure 15 A) is separated by wall 95.Through hole 95a is set on the wall 95, thereby the printing ink that flows through filter 125 is directed into differential valve storage chamber 103.Filter chamber 104 and differential valve storage chamber 103 are with respect to common wall 95 and toward each other.

The partition wall 96 that has port 96a between wall 80 and wall 96 is set at the bottom of wall 94.The partition wall 97 that the bottom has port 97a is used to determine an ink flow passage 98 between wall 97 and framework 84.The top of ink flow passage 98 communicates with the front surface side of print cartridge 71 by through hole 99.

As shown in figure 14, through hole 99 is separated up to wall 100 by wall 97, and communicates with the top of filter chamber 104 by the recessed portion 100a (Figure 15 A) of wall 100.Specifically, through hole 99 by recessed portion 100a with communicated by wall 100,94 and 92 zones of being separated 101, and further communicate with 104 tops, filter chamber by the port 94a that is formed on wall 94 tops that are used to separate filter chamber 104.

Shown in Figure 15 A, by covering the flow channel that the gas impermeable membrane on the recessed portion 105 is constituted by being formed on tank body 72 lip-deep recessed portions 105 and, differential valve storage chamber 103 and ink supply port 74 are connected with each other.In Figure 15 A, Reference numeral 105a represents to enter the deep of ink supply port one side.

Narrow groove 106, be formed on the front surface of tank body 72,, thereby can form high as much as possible flow resistance because narrow groove 106 wriggles around the wide groove 107 of narrow groove 106 with rectangle recessed portion 108 in second ink cavity, 86 opposed area.Framework 109 and rib 110 are formed in the rectangle recessed portion 108, thereby its position is than low step of open edge of recessed portion 108.Have the infiltrative gas-permeable film of the printing ink repulsion gentle body of performance and be attached on framework 109 and rib 110, thereby determined gas phase cavity with elongation state.With respect to gas-permeable membrane, narrow groove 106 communicates with the side surface area of recessed portion 108.Through hole 111 is formed on the basal surface of recessed portion 108 and with an end of the elongated area of being separated by the wall 112 of second ink cavity 86 113 (Figure 13) and communicates.Shown in Figure 15 B, the other end of elongated area 113 communicates with valve storage chamber 78 through through hole 114, communicate groove 115 and through hole 116.

On the direction of insertion of print cartridge, at the front end of valve storage chamber 78, the bottom of valve storage chamber 78 just in this example is provided with a window 78a and opens wide as shown in Figure 14.The identification block 140 that will describe hereinafter is installed to the recessed portion 150 of tank body 72, thereby a plurality of identification part 210,211 and 212 (Figure 11) and the valve-operating lever that is set on the carriage 200 of recording equipment can enter described window 78a.

Figure 16 has shown near the structure the differential valve storage chamber 103.Spring 120 and membrane valve 122 are set in the differential valve storage chamber 103.By elastic deformable material for example elastomer or similar material form membrane valve 122, the heart has a through hole 121 therein.Having a thick part 122a of annular and one on the periphery of membrane valve 122 is the frame part 124 of one with described thick part 122a.By frame part 124, membrane valve 122 is fixed on the tank body 72.One end of spring 120 is supported by the spring section 122b that holds of membrane valve 122, and the spring section 123a that holds that the other end is used to the lid 123 of enclosed cavity 103 supports.

In Figure 16, Reference numeral 125 expressions are arranged on the filter in the filter chamber 104, and 126 and 127 represent to stick on the gas impermeable membrane on tank body 72 front surfaces and the open surfaces side respectively.As shown in figure 14, by welding or similar approach, film 126 is connected on framework 84 and wall 80,85,92,94,96,97,100 and 112, thereby has formed the top of ink cavity 86,87 and 93.

In said structure, the printing ink of the filter 125 of flowing through is still stopped by membrane valve 122 by ink flow passage 95a.When the pressure of ink supply port 74 was reduced with this understanding, membrane valve 122 separated with valve seat part 95b against the elastic force direction of spring 120.Thereby printing ink flows through through hole 121 and flows to ink supply port 74 by recessed portion 105 formed flow channels.

When the pressure in the ink supply port 74 was increased to a predetermined value, the elastic force of spring 120 forced membrane valve 122 to move, thereby, membrane valve 122 and valve seat part 95b Elastic Contact, thereby stopped ink flow.When repeating aforesaid operations, when ink pressure being remained on a constant negative pressure value, printing ink can be provided in the ink supply port 74.

Figure 17 has shown the communicate structure of valve storage chamber 78 of gas.Through hole 130 is formed on the wall of separator valve storage chamber 78.By flexible member for example the press member 131 formed of rubber insert through hole 130 movably, the periphery of press member 131 is supported by tank body 72 simultaneously.Elastomer is sheet spring 132 supporting valve bodies 135 for example, and by the bottom of protruding 133 stator springs 132, its centre is subjected to projection 134 restrictions, thereby always forces valve body 135 to trend towards through hole 130.Valve body 135 is arranged on the front end approaching side of press member 131.

Shown in Figure 18 A～18C, identification block 140 is connected on the tank body 72, the valve storage chamber 78 thereby identification block 140 contiguous gases communicate, the press member 131 of valve element 135 can displacement.Utilize pawl 140a and 140b, the bottom of identification block 140 is fixed on the recessed portion 150 of tank body 72 (Figure 15 A).The bottom of identification block 140 has a plurality of grooves (for example three grooves 141,142 and 143 among this embodiment), and each groove is parallel with the direction of insertion of print cartridge 71, and on the width of print cartridge 71, it has predetermined width.In addition, the arm 144 that is used to press member 131 is moved is integrally formed in the precalculated position of (in the inherent groove 142 of this example) in the specific region of groove.

Identification part approaching side (downside of Figure 18 A～18C) at groove 142, the open section of being represented by D is broadened, and arm 144 is set in the groove 142, thereby, one of the open section of groove 142 and adjacent recess (for example in this example, groove 141) are one.Thereby when being installed to print cartridge 71 on the carriage 200, even action bars 213 (Figure 21) changes the position a little, action bars 213 can be held by wide open section D and lead, thereby enters groove 142.

Arm 144 can rotate around rotating fulcrum 144a, thereby inside a little.Form arm 144, thus pull out side for example in this example the upside of arm 144 enter the access path of action bars 213 (Figure 21) on the bias.In addition, identification bossing 141a, 142a and 143a are respectively formed in the groove 141～143, thereby relative with the identification part 210,211 and 212 of carriage 200.

For said structure, it is constant that the position of arm 144 keeps, and the position of bossing 141a, 142a and 143a changes in groove 141～143 respectively, shown in Figure 19 and 19 '～19F and 19F '.In addition, according to bossing 141a, 142a and the 143a of print cartridge 71, determine the front position of identification part 210,211 and 212.Thereby, stop the do not match print cartridge 71 of printing ink of storage is installed on the carriage 200.

Because the position of bossing 141a, 142a and 143a not only can change on the insertion/disassembly direction of print cartridge 71, but also can change on the thickness direction of print cartridge 71.Bossing 141a, 142a and 143a can be set three-dimensionally.Thereby, need not enlarge identification and form the zone, just can discern multiple inks.If set the degree of depth (length in tank body 72 thickness directions) of each groove in the groove 141～143 like this, promptly a plurality of identification parts 210,211 and 212 can insert each groove, can discern the printing ink of a large amount of kinds.

Figure 20 and 21 has shown a kind of example that the carriage of print cartridge has been installed.A plurality of print cartridges can be installed.This example is constructed like this, thereby a kind of black ink print cartridge and three kinds of colored ink print cartridges can be installed.

Just first installation region 220 side is wideer a little.Second, third and the 4th installation region 221～223 with same widths are separated by the rib 227～229 of rib 224～226 and end opposite, thereby contiguous first installation region 220.

As above described in conjunction with Figure 11, each print cartridge installation region has for example being set at leaf spring or sheet spring 203 away from inking pin 202 regions, being formed on the positioning convex spare 204 between sheet spring 203 and the inking pin 202 in this example of the inking pin 202 that communicates with record head 201, a press member, and described positioning convex spare extends on the insertion/disassembly direction of print cartridge.

In addition, electrode 206 is set on the wall 205 of inking pin 202 1 sides.Be formed on the top of electrode 206 with the recessed portion 207 of the protruding 75a coupling of locking member 75.

In this example, shown in Figure 22 A, positioning convex spare 204 has the sidepiece 204a that an edge is parallel to the front surface extension of print cartridge 71, is used to guarantee the intensity of locating and strengthen thin and long projection piece 204 reliably of print cartridge.In order to deal with this structure, on the insertion/disassembly direction of print cartridge 71, the front end of the breach part 79 of print cartridge 71 extends to front surface one side, simultaneously recessed portion 79a be formed at least one with side part 204a is relative shown in Fig. 9 A, 10B and 22B zone in.The print cartridge that just has the breach part 79 of recessed portion 79a at least inserts leading end and is formed, to stop the type of the L basically cross section that mates with projection piece 204 and sidepiece 204a.

Shown in Figure 22 B, rib 74a, the 74b of a pair of U of having type cross section is formed on the print cartridge 71, between described rib 74a, 74b, ink supply port 74 is set, thereby, be used for being formed (Figure 22 A) round inking pin 202 with the coupling rib 202a of rib 74a, 74b engagement.These ribs can keep inking pin 202 to be in this state, and promptly inking pin 202 inserts ink supply port 74.

When print cartridge 71 being placed on the carriage 200 with said structure, the identification part 210,211 and 212 on the carriage 200 enters the groove 141,142 and 143 on the identification block 140 respectively.In addition, action bars 213 enters groove 142.When print cartridge 71 was suitable for the installation region, the ink supply port 74 of print cartridge 71 can be mounted on the inking pin 202.In this process, action bars 213 is pressed the arm 144 of identification blocks 140, thereby the communicate valve element 135 of valve storage chamber 78 of gas is opened.Thereby first ink cavity 81 of print cartridge 71 communicates with air, thereby as mentioned above printing ink is provided to record head.

On the other hand, when installation is not suitable for the print cartridge of installation region, any one identification bossing 141a, 142a in the groove 141,142 and 143 and any one identification part 210,211 and 212 collisions on 143a and the carriage 200, thereby before ink supply port 74 is assembled in inking pin 202, stop the motion of print cartridge 71.Thereby, before ink supply port 74 is assembled in inking pin 202 and before the arm 144 of action bars 213 pressure identification blocks 140, find setup error.

Hereinafter will introduce the function of identification block in detail.

For example suppose that three identification of preparation part can insert zone three grooves 141,142 and 143 just on identification block 140, shown in Figure 19 A and 19A '～19F and 19F ', the quantity of identified region just each quantity that can insert area coordinate point is three, shown in Figure 18 C, as shown in table 1, set 27 different patterns that are used to discern.

Table 1

Pattern	a	B	c
					1	1	1	1
2	1	1	2
				3	1	1	3
4	1	2	1
				5	1	2	2
6	1	2	3
				7	1	3	1
8	1	3	2
				9	1	3	3
10	2	1	1
				11	2	1	2
12	2	1	3
				13	2	2	1
14	2	2	2
				15	2	2	3
16	2	3	1
				17	2	3	2
18	2	3	3
				19	3	1	1
20	3	1	2
				21	3	1	3
22	3	2	1
				23	3	2	2
24	3	2	3
				25	3	3	1
26	3	3	2
				27	3	3	3

In table 1, mark a, b and c represent that three identification parts can insert zone (in this example, being exactly groove 141,142 and 143), numerical value 1,2 and the relative position (coordinate points 1～3 in Figure 18 C) of 3 expression identification parts on the insertion/disassembly direction of print cartridge.

In above-mentioned example, the arm 144 that is used to make the press member 132 of gas open valve to move is positioned at each identification part and can inserts the zone side foremost of groove 142 just.Thereby the coordinate points that can be provided with in groove 142 is two, thus in the case, as shown in table 2, can set 18 and be used for recognized patterns.Just in the case, as shown in table 2, can insert regional b, need not set coordinate points 3.

Table 2

Pattern	a	b	c
					1	1	1	1
2	1	1	2
				3	1	1	3
4	1	2	1
				5	1	2	2
6	1	2	3
				7	1	X	1
8	1	X	2
				9	1	X	3
10	2	1	1
				11	2	1	2
12	2	1	3
				13	2	2	1
14	2	2	2
				15	2	2	3
16	2	X	1
				17	2	X	2
18	2	X	3
				19	3	1	1
20	3	1	2
				21	3	1	3
22	3	2	1
				23	3	2	2
24	3	2	3
				25	3	X	1
26	3	X	2
				27	3	X	3

For the identification part that is used for above-mentioned identification block 140 210,211 and 212 of this structure, three kinds of patterns shown in Figure 23 A～23C can be imagined.

Mode A, wherein relative altitude H is 1, the relative length L of depth of groove one side is 3;

Mode B, wherein relative altitude H is 2, the relative length L of depth of groove one side be 2 or Mode B ', wherein relative altitude H is 2, the relative length L1 of depth of groove one side lower part is 2, the relative length L2 of depth of groove one upper lateral part is 1;

Pattern C, wherein relative altitude H is 3, the relative length L of depth of groove one side is 1.

One of preference pattern A～C is used as corresponding to one in the identification part 210,211 and 212 of groove 141,142 and 143.Thereby can discern 18 dissimilar print cartridges.

In addition, when the identification part pattern selected for use shown in Figure 23 D～23F, because these patterns little than Mode A～C, thereby can enter the groove that is designed for recognition mode A～C, can not get rid of unaccommodated print cartridge reliably.If yet appropriate mode combine, can use these patterns.

In addition, in each groove in identification block groove 141～143, corresponding to one of selected identification part Mode A～C, not only be provided for the part (141b in Figure 24 A～24C) that limits the bossing (141a in Figure 24 A～24C) of identification part pattern relative altitude but also be provided for limiting the relative length of identification part pattern.Just also be limited by the represented coordinate points of section line (141b in Figure 24 A～24C), thereby, set the degree of depth of identification block groove 141,142 and 143, make the relative length L ' of numerical value 3 be used for Mode A, make the relative length L ' of numerical value 2 be used for Mode B and B ', make the relative length L ' of numerical value 1 be used for pattern C.Can be reliably one of from groove 141,142 and 143 three kinds of Mode A～C of identification.Thereby, can stop the mistake of print cartridge 71 to be inserted.(in addition, in the case, because identification part Mode B and identification part Mode B ' shape differ from one another, but can insert exactly in the identical identification block groove, identification part Mode B and identification part Mode B ' can be used in combination with other Mode A and C, just in the case, can not differentiate Mode B and Mode B ').

Equally, when four grooves were set on identification block 140, on depth direction, the relative length of each groove in the groove 141～143 was 4, and on insertion/disassembly direction, relative altitude is 4.As the identification part of correspondence, the identification part of preparation shown in Figure 25 A～25D.

Pattern E, wherein, relative altitude H is 1, relative length L is 4;

Model F and F ", wherein, relative altitude H is 2, relative length L is 3;

Pattern G and G ", wherein, relative altitude H is 3, relative length L is 2;

Pattern J, wherein, relative altitude H is 4, relative length L is 1;

Thereby as mentioned above, by the relative altitude and the relative length of the groove shown in the section line in restriction Figure 26 A～26D, can distinguish the identification part at least.

If just on the direction of the depth direction of direction of insertion that is parallel to print cartridge and print cartridge, the quantity N (N is and is not less than 3 integer) of coordinate points is set, the identification part preferably is formed like this:

An end of the first pattern-recognition part arrives first coordinate points in the change in coordinate axis direction that is parallel to the print cartridge direction of insertion, and an end arrives n the interior coordinate points of change in coordinate axis direction that is parallel to the chamber depth direction;

One end of i (i is an integer that satisfies 2≤i≤(n-1)) pattern-recognition part arrives i coordinate points in the change in coordinate axis direction that is parallel to the print cartridge direction of insertion, and an end arrives interior (n-i+1) the individual coordinate points of change in coordinate axis direction that is parallel to the chamber depth direction; With

One end of n pattern-recognition part arrives n coordinate points in the change in coordinate axis direction that is parallel to the print cartridge direction of insertion, and an end arrives the first interior coordinate points of change in coordinate axis direction that is parallel to the chamber depth direction.

Say that by the way (structure of Figure 27 A～27C) is substantially similar to the print cartridge 71 that is positioned on second～the 4th installation region 221,222,223 shown in Figure 10～17 to be positioned in the print cartridge 71 ' of wide installation region 220.As shown in figure 27, however the tank body 72 ' of print cartridge 71 ' so formed, thereby the shape of open surfaces does not change, but only increased degree of depth W.Thereby, by changing the degree of depth W of tank body 72 ' simply, can increase the amount of ink that can be stored in the print cartridge 71 '.

Adopt the print cartridge 71 interior identical modes with other example, make the center of ink supply port 74 ' and memory device 77 ' apart from front surface just the distance of the side of the sealing of tank body 72 ' be a steady state value W1.Because identification block 140 ' (Figure 28 A and 28B) is placed in front surface one side of tank body 72 ', certainly, identification block 140 ' is identical with distance in other print cartridge 71 apart from the distance of the front surface of tank body 72 '.

Identical with the deflected position of the ink supply port 74 ' shown in Figure 27 C, locking member 75 ' is offset from the center of tank body 72 ' side, thereby when settling print cartridge 71 ', pressure is applied on the ink supply port 74 ' reliably.

Decorating film 230 can be sticked on the tank body 72,72 ', shown in Figure 28 A.Decorating film 230 can be by forming corresponding to the tongue 230a in inkjet mouth 90,90 ', 91, the 91 ' zone, thereby shown in Figure 28 B, inkjet mouth 90,90 ', 91,91 ' is sealed by tongue 230a.

Though in above-mentioned example, identification bossing and identification block are one, the present invention also is applicable to such situation, and is promptly porose on the identification block, in the pin insertion hole.For example, described pore size distribution can be inserted on the short transverse of groove at each identification part, will sell to insert in the selected hole and extend to small part to constitute highly constrained part across groove from youngster.Certain described hole also can be distributed on the depth direction.In addition, can suitably select the outstanding length of each pin.

Though in above-mentioned example, on identification block, form a plurality of grooves, thereby, the identification bossing in groove, formed, even identification block is formed the piece 220 with recessed portion consistent with the external form of identification part A, B shown in Figure 29 and C, also can obtain effect same as described above.At this moment, if form the gap between piece 220 and print cartridge 71, by this gap, action bars 213 can enter, and is used for open valve element 135, if or recessed portion or through hole be formed on piece originally on one's body, piece can be provided with near the valve element.

If needn't be near opened/closed valve arrangements of elements identification block, the identification part that is made of the lug boss bulk-breaking can offer the tank body that constitutes print cartridge, identification block can be connected and be fixed on the corresponding position of carriage.

In addition, the identification part/identification block and the memory device of print cartridge can be used in combination, and are used to distinguish print cartridge.Between print cartridge, do not cause setup error,, can judge whether print cartridge is suitable for according to the information that is stored in the memory device.

In addition, identification assembled portion (identification bossing) does not need in abutting connection with the identification part.Just gapped between assembled portion and identification part, thereby the identification part can be discerned the part differentiation with other.

Though above-mentioned example uses differential valve to generate mechanism as negative pressure,, can obtain identical effect, thereby the capillary force of the fine holes of multihole device keeps negative pressure when multihole device for example during sponge impregnating printing ink.

The kind of printing ink or want estimative project to comprise a kind of in the projects such as ink colors, colorant type and type of solvent at least.

As mentioned above, according to the present invention, usage space, thereby the identification restricted part is arranged three-dimensionally.Thereby, for identifying purpose, need the quantity of combination to increase, the different types of print cartridge that is suitable for recording equipment can be mounted, and mistake do not occur.

Claims (6)

1. ink jet recording device that is used for providing to record head printing ink from least one print cartridge, described print cartridge have a diapire and by diapire be connected to each other together and mutually towards a first side wall and one second sidewall, described print cartridge also has a ink supply port on diapire, one first locking member and from the first side wall extension is arranged near the recess second sidewall, this locking member have one can near and leave first bonding part that the direction of the first side wall moves, described recording equipment comprises:

One has the balladeur train that at least one is suitable for holding the print cartridge installation region of print cartridge;

A plurality of identification parts, it, and is positioned and configuration along being parallel to the direction projection that print cartridge inserts balladeur train from the bottom of print cartridge installation region, makes that those discern parts when print cartridge and print cartridge installation region adapt to be accommodated in the recess of print cartridge;

One is positioned at the inking pin of bottom, print cartridge storage area, and it is configured to the ink supply port that is used to be connected to print cartridge; And

One is positioned and is configured to first bonding part that engages in order to the bonding part of print cartridge.

2. recording equipment according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, described print cartridge has second locking member from the extension of second sidewall, its be placed on the top of recess and have one can near and leave second bonding part that the direction of second sidewall moves, described recording equipment comprises that also one is positioned and is configured to second bonding part that engages in order to second bonding part of print cartridge.

3. recording equipment according to claim 1 and 2 is characterized in that, also comprises:

Be positioned at the electric contact of the below, first bonding part of recording equipment, its electrode that is configured to and is placed on the first side wall of print cartridge electrically contacts.

4. print cartridge, it comprises:

One diapire and by diapire be connected to each other together and mutually towards a first side wall and one second sidewall;

One ink supply port on diapire;

One first locking member that extends from the first side wall, this locking member have one can near and leave first bonding part that the direction of the first side wall moves; And

One is arranged near the recess second sidewall.

5. print cartridge according to claim 4 is characterized in that, also comprises:

One second locking member that extends from second sidewall, its be placed on the top of recess and have one can near and leave second bonding part that the direction of second sidewall moves.

6. according to claim 4 or 5 described print cartridges, it is characterized in that, also comprise:

Be positioned at the first side wall and the electrode below first locking member.

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