JP2584937B2 - Ink jet ink tank and ink jet recording apparatus - Google Patents

Ink jet ink tank and ink jet recording apparatus

Info

Publication number
JP2584937B2
JP2584937B2 JP4198680A JP19868092A JP2584937B2 JP 2584937 B2 JP2584937 B2 JP 2584937B2 JP 4198680 A JP4198680 A JP 4198680A JP 19868092 A JP19868092 A JP 19868092A JP 2584937 B2 JP2584937 B2 JP 2584937B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
ink
ink chamber
chamber
absorber
tank
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
JP4198680A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JPH0640041A (en
Inventor
弘光 平林
昌彦 日隈
雅実 池田
規文 小板橋
重泰 名越
仁 杉本
雅哉 植月
美由紀 松原
史博 後藤
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Priority to JP4198680A priority Critical patent/JP2584937B2/en
Priority to US08/094,317 priority patent/US5509140A/en
Priority to CA002290698A priority patent/CA2290698C/en
Priority to CA002100977A priority patent/CA2100977C/en
Priority to CA002290700A priority patent/CA2290700C/en
Priority to ES93305789T priority patent/ES2120484T3/en
Priority to EP93305789A priority patent/EP0581531B1/en
Priority to AT02077935T priority patent/ATE327896T1/en
Priority to DK02077936T priority patent/DK1254778T3/en
Priority to GB9315236A priority patent/GB2268911B/en
Priority to AT97201211T priority patent/ATE212290T1/en
Priority to EP02077934A priority patent/EP1253016B1/en
Priority to DE69334027T priority patent/DE69334027T2/en
Priority to DE69319188T priority patent/DE69319188T2/en
Priority to EP97201211A priority patent/EP0791466B1/en
Priority to DE69332487T priority patent/DE69332487T2/en
Priority to ES02077936T priority patent/ES2256405T3/en
Priority to GB9625750A priority patent/GB2305397B/en
Priority to DE69334034T priority patent/DE69334034T2/en
Priority to SG9902951A priority patent/SG83729A1/en
Priority to AT93305789T priority patent/ATE167435T1/en
Priority to ES02077934T priority patent/ES2261591T3/en
Priority to DE69333968T priority patent/DE69333968T2/en
Priority to DE69331500T priority patent/DE69331500T2/en
Priority to SG1996008742A priority patent/SG55169A1/en
Priority to DK93305789T priority patent/DK0581531T3/en
Priority to EP02077936A priority patent/EP1254778B1/en
Priority to GB9607472A priority patent/GB2297724B/en
Priority to AT02077934T priority patent/ATE329762T1/en
Priority to EP02077935A priority patent/EP1254777B1/en
Priority to ES97201211T priority patent/ES2170914T3/en
Priority to EP97201212A priority patent/EP0791467B1/en
Priority to AT02077936T priority patent/ATE316471T1/en
Priority to AT97201212T priority patent/ATE227650T1/en
Priority to SG9902952A priority patent/SG83730A1/en
Priority to ES02077935T priority patent/ES2260385T3/en
Priority to AU42160/93A priority patent/AU660820B2/en
Priority to CNB021062579A priority patent/CN1246155C/en
Priority to CNB2005100669609A priority patent/CN100343064C/en
Priority to CN2005100045253A priority patent/CN1657294A/en
Priority to KR1019930014117A priority patent/KR0145341B1/en
Priority to CNB021062560A priority patent/CN1236921C/en
Priority to CNB021062544A priority patent/CN1246154C/en
Priority to CN93117093A priority patent/CN1081545C/en
Priority to TW082108181A priority patent/TW261682B/zh
Publication of JPH0640041A publication Critical patent/JPH0640041A/en
Priority to US08/612,299 priority patent/US6012808A/en
Priority to US08/612,439 priority patent/US6394590B1/en
Priority to US08/612,429 priority patent/US6299298B1/en
Priority to US08/612,498 priority patent/US5742311A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP2584937B2 publication Critical patent/JP2584937B2/en
Priority to KR97035496A priority patent/KR0144746B1/en
Priority to KR1019970035495A priority patent/KR0152492B1/en
Priority to HK98107068A priority patent/HK1007718A1/en
Priority to HK98107067A priority patent/HK1007717A1/en
Priority to HK98107069A priority patent/HK1007990A1/en
Priority to CN98118573A priority patent/CN1089065C/en
Priority to CN98118574A priority patent/CN1120091C/en
Priority to US09/184,038 priority patent/US6390578B1/en
Priority to US09/184,039 priority patent/US6095642A/en
Priority to US09/184,032 priority patent/US6231172B1/en
Priority to US09/414,892 priority patent/US6332675B1/en
Priority to CNB011255455A priority patent/CN1171730C/en
Priority to HK04108023A priority patent/HK1065283A1/en
Priority to HK04108024A priority patent/HK1065284A1/en
Priority to HK04108025A priority patent/HK1065285A1/en
Priority to HK05109827A priority patent/HK1075639A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【産業上の利用分野】本発明は記録ヘッドと、記録ヘッ
ドにインクを供給するインクタンクとを用いて記録を行
うインクジェット記録装置及び、インクタンクに関す
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus for performing recording using a recording head and an ink tank for supplying ink to the recording head, and an ink tank.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来、記録ヘッドとインクタンクとを保
持して記録媒体上を走査して記録を行うインクジェット
記録装置は、記録ヘッドのインク吐出部で安定したイン
クのメニスカスを維持するために、インクタンクに毛細
管力を調整した吸収体を充填してインクを保持させる全
吸収体インクタンク方式が取られていた。全吸収体イン
クタンク方式は、吸収体が最大保持可能なインク量より
もやや少ないインクを保持させて大気連通部側の吸収体
内部にメニスカスを発生させることにより、インクタン
ク供給部で所定の内部負圧を発生させているので、記録
ヘッド及びインクタンクに振動などの機械的衝撃や温度
変化などの熱的衝撃が附与された場合でも記録ヘッドの
吐出部やインクタンクの大気連通部からのインクの漏出
がなく、また、吐出部でのインク内部圧力が複数の印字
姿勢においても所定の範囲になるように、インクタンク
の毛細管力を大気連通部側の吸収体内部のメニスカスと
記録ヘッドの吐出部とのインク水頭差を考慮して調整し
ておくことにより吐出部での安定したメニスカスを維持
することが可能であり安定したインクの吐出が可能であ
る。しかしながら、従来公知の全吸収体インクタンク方
式はインクタンク容積に対する保持可能なインク量（イ
ンク保持比率）が少なく、インクタンクが記録ヘッドと
ともに記録紙に対向して記録走査することを考えると記
録装置本体の小型化やランニングコストの低減化の上で
問題となっていた。特に印字姿勢可変型のインクジェッ
ト記録装置では小型化が重要な要素であり、安定した内
部負圧を発生でき、かつ、インク保持比率の高い方式が
必要となっている。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet recording apparatus which performs recording by scanning over a recording medium while holding a recording head and an ink tank has been employed in order to maintain a stable ink meniscus at an ink ejection portion of the recording head. An all-absorber ink tank system has been adopted in which an ink tank is filled with an absorber adjusted for capillary force to hold ink. In the all-absorber ink tank system, a predetermined amount of ink is supplied to the ink tank supply unit by holding ink slightly smaller than the maximum amount of ink that the absorber can hold and generating a meniscus inside the absorber on the air communication side. Since a negative pressure is generated, even when a mechanical shock such as vibration or a thermal shock such as a temperature change is applied to the print head and the ink tank, the print head and the ink tank may be discharged from the discharge part of the print head or the air communication part of the ink tank. The capillary force of the ink tank and the meniscus inside the absorber on the side of the atmosphere communication section and the recording head are adjusted so that there is no ink leakage and the ink internal pressure in the ejection section is within a predetermined range even in a plurality of printing postures. By performing the adjustment in consideration of the ink head difference from the ejection unit, it is possible to maintain a stable meniscus in the ejection unit, and it is possible to eject ink stably. However, in the conventionally known all-absorber ink tank method, the amount of ink that can be held (ink holding ratio) with respect to the ink tank volume is small. This has been a problem in reducing the size of the main body and the running cost. In particular, miniaturization is an important element in an ink jet recording apparatus of a variable printing attitude, and a system that can generate a stable internal negative pressure and has a high ink holding ratio is required.

【０００３】一方、特開昭５６−６７２６９号あるいは
特開昭５９−９８８５７号には、インクタンク内にバネ
で付勢したインク袋を用いたバネ袋インクタンク方式が
開示されている。バネ袋方式はバネ力を用いてインク供
給部での内部負圧を安定して発生させている点で優れて
いるが、所定の内部負圧を得るためのバネ形状の制約
や、インクタンクに袋を固定する工程がやや複雑になり
製造コストが高いこと、さらには薄型のインクタンクで
はインク保持比率が小さくなるなどの問題点も多い。On the other hand, JP-A-56-67269 or JP-A-59-98857 discloses a spring bag ink tank system using an ink bag urged by a spring in an ink tank. The spring bag method is excellent in that the internal negative pressure in the ink supply unit is generated stably using the spring force.However, there are restrictions on the spring shape to obtain a predetermined internal negative pressure, There are many problems that the process of fixing the bag is slightly complicated and the manufacturing cost is high, and the ink holding ratio is small in a thin ink tank.

【０００４】また、特開平２−２１４６６６（ＨＰ社：
対応ＵＳＰ４９２０３６２）には、インクタンク内を複
数のインク室に区切り、互いに負圧発生可能な細孔で互
いに連通させた区分インク室インクタンク方式が開示さ
れている。上述件開示の区分インク室方式はインク室を
互いに連通させている細孔の毛細管力によってインク供
給部での内部負圧を発生させている方式である。区分イ
ンク室方式はバネ袋方式に比べてインクタンクの構成が
簡略化できるので製造コストの面で有利であることと、
インクタンクの形状に機構的な制約が少ない点で有利で
ある。しかしながら、上述件開示の区分インク室方式で
はインクタンクの保持姿勢を変えるとインク残量によっ
ては細孔部のインクがない状態となることがあり、細孔
による内部負圧が不安定となりインク漏れが発生する場
合もあり、インクタンク取り扱い上の制約が大きい。[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-214666 (HP:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,362) discloses a divided ink chamber ink tank system in which the inside of an ink tank is divided into a plurality of ink chambers and communicated with each other through pores capable of generating a negative pressure. The divided ink chamber system disclosed in the above-mentioned disclosure is a system in which an internal negative pressure in the ink supply unit is generated by the capillary force of pores that connect the ink chambers to each other. The divided ink chamber system is advantageous in terms of manufacturing cost because the configuration of the ink tank can be simplified as compared with the spring bag system, and
This is advantageous in that there are few mechanical restrictions on the shape of the ink tank. However, in the divided ink chamber system disclosed in the above-mentioned disclosure, if the holding posture of the ink tank is changed, depending on the remaining amount of ink, there may be a state in which ink is not present in the pores, and the internal negative pressure due to the pores becomes unstable and ink leakage occurs. May occur, which greatly restricts the handling of the ink tank.

【０００５】[0005]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】本発明は、上述した従
来の区分インク室インクタンク方式を改良して、取り扱
い性の優れた、インク保持比率の高いインクタンク方式
を実現することを目的としている。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to improve the above-described conventional ink tank system of the divided ink chambers and realize an ink tank system having excellent handleability and a high ink holding ratio. .

【０００６】[0006]

【課題を解決するための手段】そこで本発明は、記録ヘ
ッドへの供給部及び大気連通部とを具備するとともに毛
細管力を調整したインク吸収体を内包する供給部インク
室と、それに連通しインクを貯蔵するひとつないしは複
数のインク室とからなるインクタンクであって、インク
室との連通部のインク吸収体の毛細管力よりも、少なく
とも記録ヘッドへの供給部上部のインク吸収体の毛細管
力を強くすることで、安定した吐出を維持するとともに
インクの不如意な漏出を防止して取り扱い性に優れかつ
インク保持比率の高いインクタンクを実現することがで
きた。さらに、記録ヘッドとインクタンクとを分離交換
可能な構成にすることにより経済性に優れ地球環境に優
しいインクジェット記録装置とすることができた。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a supply unit ink chamber which includes a supply unit to a recording head and an air communication unit and which contains an ink absorber with adjusted capillary force, and an ink communication unit connected to the ink chamber. An ink tank comprising one or more ink chambers for storing ink, wherein at least the capillary force of the ink absorber above the supply section to the recording head is smaller than the capillary force of the ink absorber in the communication section with the ink chamber. By strengthening the ink tank, it was possible to realize an ink tank excellent in handleability and having a high ink holding ratio while maintaining stable ejection and preventing unintentional leakage of ink. Further, by making the recording head and the ink tank separable and replaceable, an ink jet recording apparatus which is economical and environmentally friendly can be obtained.

【０００７】[0007]

【実施例】【Example】

（実施例１）図１は本発明のインクジェット記録装置の
記録ヘッド、インクタンク、キャリッジの結合の状態を
示す断面図である。 本実施例における記録ヘッド１０
は電気信号に応じて膜沸騰をインクに対して生じせしめ
るための熱エネルギーを生成する電気熱変換体を用いて
記録を行うバブルジェット方式のものである。 図１に
おいて記録ヘッド１０の主たる構成はすべてヘッドベー
スプレート１１に設けた位置決め用の突起１１−１，１
１−２を位置決め基準としてヘッドベースプレート１１
上に接着ないしは圧着して積層配置されて成る。ここ
で、図１の面内上下方向はキャリッジＨＣのヘッド位置
決め部１０４と突起１１−２とで位置決めされる。更に
図１の横断面図の垂直方向は、突起１１−２の一部がヘ
ッド位置決め部１０４を覆うように突出し、該突起１１
−２の切り欠き部（不図示）とヘッド位置決め部１０４
とで位置決めされる。ヒータボード１３はＳｉ基板上に
複数の列状に配された電気熱変換体（吐出ヒータ）と、
これに電力を供給するＡｌ等の電気配線とが成膜技術に
より形成されてなり、本体装置からの電気信号を受け取
るパッドを端部に配した配線を有するヘッドフレキシブ
ル基板（以下、「ヘッドＰＣＢ」という。）１０５に対
して、それぞれの配線を対応させてワイヤボンディング
により接続されている。 吐出ヒータに対応して複数の
インク流路を各々区分するための隔壁や流路を介して交
換インクタンク１からインクを導入してインク流路に供
給する共通液室と複数の吐出口を形成するオリフィスと
をポリサルフォン等で一体成型した溝天板１２をヒータ
ボード１３に不図示のバネで押圧するとともに封止剤を
用いて圧着固定及び封止してインク吐出部を形成してい
る。(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a recording head, an ink tank, and a carriage of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention are connected. Recording head 10 in the present embodiment
Is a bubble jet type in which recording is performed using an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy for causing ink to cause film boiling according to an electric signal. In FIG. 1, the main components of the recording head 10 are all positioning projections 11-1, 1 provided on a head base plate 11.
Head base plate 11 using 1-2 as a positioning reference
It is laminated and arranged by bonding or crimping on it. Here, the in-plane vertical direction in FIG. 1 is positioned by the head positioning portion 104 of the carriage HC and the projection 11-2. Further, in the vertical direction of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, a part of the protrusion 11-2
-2 notch (not shown) and head positioning unit 104
And are positioned. The heater board 13 includes electrothermal transducers (discharge heaters) arranged in a plurality of rows on a Si substrate,
An electric wiring such as Al for supplying electric power is formed by a film forming technique, and a head flexible substrate (hereinafter, referred to as a “head PCB”) having a wiring in which an pad for receiving an electric signal from the main body device is arranged at an end portion. The wires 105 are connected to each other by wire bonding. Forming a common liquid chamber and a plurality of discharge ports for introducing ink from the replacement ink tank 1 and supplying the ink to the ink flow path through partition walls and flow paths for partitioning the plurality of ink flow paths corresponding to the discharge heaters; The orifice to be formed is integrally molded with polysulfone or the like, and the groove top plate 12 is pressed against the heater board 13 by a spring (not shown), and is pressed and fixed with a sealant to form an ink discharge portion.

【０００８】溝天板１２に結合封止された流路１５は、
交換インクタンク１と結合可能とするために本実施例に
おいてはヘッドＰＣＢ１３及びヘッドベースプレート１
１に設けた穴を通ってヘッドベースプレート１１の反対
側へ貫通させるとともに、貫通部でヘッドベースプレー
ト１１に接着固定されている。 また、流路１５のイン
クタンク１と結合する側の端部には吐出部へのゴミや不
如意の気泡などの流入を防止するためのフィルタ８が設
けてある。交換用インクタンクは係合ガイド５及び加圧
手段１０３とにより記録ヘッド１０と結合され、インク
供給部のインク吸収体が流路１５の先端に設けたフィル
タ８と接することにより機械的に結合がなされる。結合
後、記録装置本体の記録ヘッド吸引回復ポンプ５０１５
などを用いて、記録ヘッド１０に交換インクタンク１か
ら強制的にインクを供給充填することでインク結合を行
う。The flow path 15 joined and sealed to the groove top plate 12 is
In this embodiment, the head PCB 13 and the head base plate 1
1 and penetrates to the opposite side of the head base plate 11 and is fixed to the head base plate 11 by a penetrating portion. Further, a filter 8 is provided at an end of the flow path 15 on the side connected to the ink tank 1 to prevent dust or unwanted bubbles from flowing into the discharge section. The replacement ink tank is coupled to the recording head 10 by the engagement guide 5 and the pressurizing means 103, and is mechanically coupled when the ink absorber of the ink supply unit contacts the filter 8 provided at the end of the flow path 15. Done. After coupling, the print head suction recovery pump 5015 of the printing apparatus main body
The ink is combined by forcibly supplying and filling the recording head 10 with ink from the replacement ink tank 1 using a method such as the above.

【０００９】本実施例では加圧手段による係合時に記録
ヘッド１０及び交換用インクタンク１が結合されるとと
もに、同一方向で記録ヘッド１０とキャリッジＨＣとが
機械的及び電気的接続がなされることになるのでヘッド
ＰＣＢ１０５上のパッドとヘッド駆動電極１０２との位
置決めも確実に行われる。In this embodiment, the recording head 10 and the replacement ink tank 1 are connected when the pressing means is engaged, and the recording head 10 and the carriage HC are mechanically and electrically connected in the same direction. Therefore, the positioning between the pad on the head PCB 105 and the head drive electrode 102 is also reliably performed.

【００１０】リングシール９はインク供給部４のガタを
許容できるように交換インクタンク外壁との接合部を広
めに取れるように、本実施例ではやや太い弾性体リング
で構成している。In this embodiment, the ring seal 9 is formed of a somewhat thick elastic ring so that the joint portion with the outer wall of the replacement ink tank can be made wider so as to allow backlash of the ink supply unit 4.

【００１１】以上説明したように、本実施例では交換イ
ンクタンク１と記録ヘッド１０とを十分に結合させた上
で交換インクタンクを付勢することで、キャリッジと記
録ヘッドと位置決めを簡単な構成で確実に行うととも
に、記録ヘッドと交換インクタンクとを本体外で簡単に
結合した上でキャリッジに装着する様にしたので交換操
作を容易にすることができた。 また、本実施例では、
キャリッジ（記録装置本体）と記録ヘッドとの電気的接
続も同時に行うように構成したので、記録ヘッド・交換
インクタンクの交換時の操作性も良好であるが、電気的
接続を別途コネクタ接続方式などにして、記録ヘッドの
位置決めと交換インクタンクとの結合をより確実なもの
とするための構成自由度を高くするのも良い。As described above, in the present embodiment, the replacement ink tank 1 and the recording head 10 are sufficiently connected to each other and then the replacement ink tank is urged, so that the positioning of the carriage, the recording head, and the recording head is simplified. In addition, the recording head and the replacement ink tank are easily connected outside the main body and then mounted on the carriage, so that the replacement operation can be facilitated. In this embodiment,
Since the electrical connection between the carriage (printer main unit) and the printhead is also made at the same time, the operability when replacing the printhead and the replacement ink tank is good, but the electrical connection is made by a separate connector connection method. Then, it is also possible to increase the degree of freedom in the configuration for further assuring the positioning of the recording head and the coupling with the replacement ink tank.

【００１２】ここで、本実施例におけるインクジェット
記録装置における記録ヘッドの配置および動作を説明す
るために、横置き印字姿勢の図４を用いて記録装置の動
作を説明する。 図４で、記録媒体Ｐをプラテンローラ
５０００を用いて紙面下方から上方へ案内し、紙押さえ
板５００２でキャリッジ移動方向にわたってプラテン５
０００に対して押圧する。 キャリッジＨＣは、キャリ
ッジ駆動ピンをそのらせん溝５００４にはめ込んでそれ
自身が回転することで駆動源として動作するリードスク
リュー５００５とリードスクリューに平行に配置された
スライダ５００３とに支持係合されてプラテンローラ５
０００上に案内された記録媒体Ｐの記録面に沿って左右
に往復動する。 リードスクリュー５００５は駆動伝達
ギア５０１１、５００９を介して駆動モータの正逆回転
に連動して回転駆動制御される。５００７、５００８は
フォトカプラでキャリッジのレバー５００６のこの域で
の存在を確認してモータ５０１３の回転方向切換等を行
うためのホームポジション検知手段である。 画像記録
信号は記録ヘッドを搭載するキャリッジの移動にタイミ
ングを計って記録ヘッドに送られ所定の位置でインク滴
を吐出させて記録を行う。 ５０１６は記録ヘッドの前
面をキャップするキャップ部材５０２２を支持する部材
で、５０１５はこのキャップ内を吸引する吸引手段でキ
ャップ内開口５０２３を介して記録ヘッドの吸引回復を
行う。 ５０１７はクリーニングブレードで、５０１９
はこのブレードを前後方向に移動可能にする部材であ
り、本体支持板５０１８にこれらは支持されている。
吸引手段、ブレード等は、この形態でなくとも良く、周
知のものが適用可能なことはいうまでもない。 また、
５０１２は、吸引回復動作のタイミングを決めるための
レバーで、キャリッジと係合するカム５０２０の移動に
伴って移動し、駆動モータからの駆動力がクラッチ切換
等の公知の伝達手段で移動制御される。 これらの回復
手段はキャリッジがホームポジション側領域にきたとき
にリードスクリュー５００５の作用によってそれらの対
応位置で所望の処理が所定のタイミングで行える様に構
成されている。Here, in order to explain the arrangement and operation of the recording head in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, the operation of the recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, the recording medium P is guided upward from the bottom of the paper using a platen roller 5000, and the platen 5 is moved by a paper pressing plate 5002 in the carriage movement direction.
000. The carriage HC is supported and engaged by a lead screw 5005 which operates as a drive source by inserting a carriage drive pin into its spiral groove 5004 and rotates by itself, and a slider 5003 arranged in parallel with the lead screw, thereby causing a platen roller. 5
000 reciprocally moves left and right along the recording surface of the recording medium P guided above 000. The rotation of the lead screw 5005 is controlled via the drive transmission gears 5011 and 5009 in conjunction with the forward / reverse rotation of the drive motor. Reference numerals 5007 and 5008 denote home position detection means for confirming the presence of the carriage lever 5006 in this area by photocouplers and switching the rotation direction of the motor 5013. The image recording signal is sent to the recording head in a timely manner with respect to the movement of the carriage on which the recording head is mounted, and the recording is performed by discharging ink droplets at predetermined positions. Reference numeral 5016 denotes a member that supports a cap member 5022 that caps the front surface of the print head. Reference numeral 5015 denotes suction means that suctions the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the print head through the opening 5023 in the cap. Reference numeral 5017 denotes a cleaning blade.
Are members capable of moving the blade in the front-rear direction, and these are supported by the main body support plate 5018.
It is needless to say that the suction means, the blade, and the like need not be in this form, and well-known ones can be applied. Also,
Reference numeral 5012 denotes a lever for determining the timing of the suction recovery operation. The lever 5012 moves with the movement of the cam 5020 engaging with the carriage, and the driving force from the driving motor is controlled by a known transmission means such as clutch switching. . These recovery means are configured so that when the carriage comes to the home position side area, desired processing can be performed at predetermined positions at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5005.

【００１３】本実施例のインクジェット記録装置は図５
に示すように、縦置き印字姿勢においても印字可能であ
り、縦置き印字姿勢では記録ヘッド１０の下面に記録媒
体Ｐを対向させて記録走査を行うように構成されてお
り、プラテンローラ５０００に巻きつけずに記録媒体Ｐ
をほぼ同一平面内で給紙・印字・排紙を行うことが可能
であるのではがきやＯＨＰ用紙などの厚手の剛性の高い
記録媒体にも印字することができる。 そのため、本実
施例の印字姿勢可変型インクジェット記録装置の外装は
図４の底面に４つのゴム足と左側側面に２か所のリブと
引き出し可能な補助脚５０１８が備えてあり、各々の印
字姿勢で記録装置本体を安定に支持することができる。
縦置き印字姿勢では記録媒体Ｐに対向する記録ヘッド１
０の吐出部よりも交換インクタンク１の方が上部に配置
されるので、その分のインクの水頭圧を支えたうえで吐
出部におけるインク内圧を若干の正圧、好ましくは若干
の負圧に維持して吐出部のインクのメニスカスを安定化
することが必要となる。FIG. 5 shows an ink jet recording apparatus according to this embodiment.
As shown in the figure, printing is possible even in the vertical printing position. In the vertical printing position, printing is performed with the printing medium P facing the lower surface of the printing head 10, and is wound around the platen roller 5000. Recording medium P without attaching
Since it is possible to feed, print, and discharge paper in substantially the same plane, it is possible to print on thick, highly rigid recording media such as postcards and OHP paper. For this reason, the exterior of the variable printing posture type ink jet recording apparatus of this embodiment is provided with four rubber feet on the bottom surface in FIG. 4, two ribs on the left side surface, and an auxiliary leg 5018 which can be pulled out. Thus, the recording apparatus main body can be stably supported.
The recording head 1 facing the recording medium P in the vertical printing orientation
Since the replacement ink tank 1 is arranged at the upper portion than the discharge portion of No. 0, the internal pressure of the ink at the discharge portion is reduced to a slightly positive pressure, preferably a slight negative pressure while supporting the head pressure of the ink. It is necessary to maintain and stabilize the meniscus of the ink in the ejection section.

【００１４】図１に示したインク内圧の条件がやや厳し
い縦置き印字姿勢で、交換用インクタンクの機能説明を
行う。図２は本発明の第１実施例のインクジェット記録
装置のインクタンク部分の説明図である。 本実施例の
インクタンク１は内面を２つのインク室（ａ、ｂ）に仕
切るとともに底部で連通させ、インク供給部のインク室
ａに毛細管力を調整したインク吸収体２をほぼ隙間なく
詰め込むとともに大気連通部３を設けた吸収体併用区分
インク室方式である。The function of the replacement ink tank will be described with reference to FIG. 1 in a vertical printing position in which the condition of the ink internal pressure is somewhat severe. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an ink tank portion of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the ink tank 1 of the present embodiment, the inner surface is partitioned into two ink chambers (a, b) and communicated at the bottom, and the ink absorber 2 with adjusted capillary force is packed into the ink chamber a of the ink supply unit with almost no gap. It is a combined ink chamber system with an absorber provided with an atmosphere communication section 3.

【００１５】図２のインクの状態は、インク室ａ，ｂに
十分に充填された初期状態からインク室ａの供給可能な
インク及びインク室ｂの半分程度のインクを消費した状
態である。図２において、圧縮インク吸収体のインク
は、記録ヘッドの吐出部からの水頭圧とインク室ｂ内の
減圧と圧縮インク吸収体内の毛細管力とが釣り合った高
さで維持されている。インク供給部からインク供給がな
されるとインク室ａのインク量は減らず、インク室ｂの
インクが消費される。すなわち、インク室ａ内のインク
分布は変化せず内圧の平衡を維持したまま、インク室ｂ
からインク供給に見合うだけのインクが消費されるとと
もにその分の大気がインク室ａを介して大気連通部から
導入される。The state of the ink in FIG. 2 is a state in which the ink that can be supplied to the ink chamber a and about half of the ink in the ink chamber b are consumed from the initial state in which the ink chambers a and b are sufficiently filled. In FIG. 2, the ink of the compressed ink absorber is maintained at a height where the water head pressure from the ejection part of the recording head, the reduced pressure in the ink chamber b, and the capillary force in the compressed ink absorber are balanced. When the ink is supplied from the ink supply unit, the amount of ink in the ink chamber a does not decrease and the ink in the ink chamber b is consumed. That is, the ink distribution in the ink chamber a does not change and the ink chamber b
Is consumed as much as the ink supply from the ink supply unit, and the corresponding air is introduced from the air communication unit via the ink chamber a.

【００１６】この際、図２に示すようにインク室壁下端
部でインクと大気の交換が生じ、インク室ａの圧縮イン
ク吸収体に形成されたメニスカスはインク室ｂに近接し
た部分から一部破断され、インク室ｂの圧力が圧縮イン
ク吸収体のメニスカス保持力等と釣り合うようにインク
室ｂに大気が導入される。 図２を用いて本発明の吸収
体併用区分インク室方式のインク供給及びインク内圧の
発生原理をさらに説明すると、インク室壁近傍の圧縮イ
ンク吸収体はインク室ａのインクが所定量消費された状
態では大気連通部と連通されているため大気圧に対して
メニスカスを形成している。すなわち、インク供給部の
インク内圧は圧縮されて所定の毛細管力に調整されてい
るインク室壁近傍の圧縮インク吸収体によって維持され
ている。インクが流出する前のインク室ｂの上部の閉塞
された空間はインク室壁近傍の圧縮インク吸収体の毛細
管力及びインク室ｂに残っているインクの水頭圧と釣り
合い、圧縮インク吸収体の形成するメニスカスを保持す
るように減圧されている。この状態からインク供給部を
介して記録ヘッドにインクが供給されると、インク室ｂ
からインクが流出し、インクが消費されたインク室ｂは
その分だけさらに減圧されることになる。その際、イン
ク室壁下端部の圧縮されたインク吸収体に形成されたメ
ニスカスが一部破断されて、過剰に減圧されたインク室
ｂの圧力が圧縮されたインク吸収体のメニスカス保持力
及びインク室ｂ内のインク自身の水頭圧と釣り合うよう
に消費中のインク室に大気が導入される。すなわち、イ
ンク供給部の内圧は、インク室壁下端部近傍の圧縮され
たインク吸収体の毛細管力によって所定の値に維持され
る。At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the ink and the atmosphere are exchanged at the lower end of the ink chamber wall, and the meniscus formed on the compressed ink absorber of the ink chamber a is partially removed from the portion adjacent to the ink chamber b. The air is introduced into the ink chamber b such that the ink chamber b is broken and the pressure in the ink chamber b is balanced with the meniscus holding force of the compressed ink absorber. With reference to FIG. 2, the principle of ink supply and the generation of ink internal pressure in the ink-combined partitioned ink chamber system of the present invention will be further described. In the compressed ink absorber near the ink chamber wall, a predetermined amount of ink in the ink chamber a has been consumed. In the state, since it is communicated with the atmosphere communication portion, a meniscus is formed with respect to the atmospheric pressure. That is, the ink internal pressure of the ink supply unit is maintained by the compressed ink absorber near the ink chamber wall, which is compressed and adjusted to a predetermined capillary force. The closed space above the ink chamber b before the ink flows out is balanced with the capillary force of the compressed ink absorber near the ink chamber wall and the water head pressure of the ink remaining in the ink chamber b to form the compressed ink absorber. The pressure is reduced so as to maintain the meniscus. When ink is supplied to the recording head via the ink supply unit from this state, the ink chamber b
And the ink chamber b in which the ink has been consumed is further reduced in pressure. At this time, the meniscus formed in the compressed ink absorber at the lower end of the ink chamber wall is partially broken, and the pressure of the ink chamber b, which has been excessively reduced, is reduced to the meniscus holding force of the compressed ink absorber and the ink. Atmosphere is introduced into the ink chamber being consumed so as to balance the head pressure of the ink itself in chamber b. That is, the internal pressure of the ink supply unit is maintained at a predetermined value by the capillary force of the compressed ink absorber near the lower end of the ink chamber wall.

【００１７】図３は本実施例の交換インクタンクのイン
ク供給部における内圧がインク供給量（消費量）に応じ
て変化する様子を示すものである。初期状態（図６）で
は、上述のようにインク室ｂからのインク供給が始ま
る、すなわち、インク室壁下端部にメニスカスが形成さ
れるまでインク室ａに存在しているインクが供給される
ので、従来の全吸収体方式のインクタンクと同様にイン
ク室ａ内の圧縮インク吸収体のインク上面（気液界面）
の毛細管力とインク自身の水頭圧とのバランスによって
インク供給部の内圧が発生している。インク供給（消
費）に伴ってインク室ａのインクが減少して上述のごと
くインク室下端部に気液界面が形成される状態（図２）
となるとインク室ｂからのインク供給が始まり、インク
室下端部近傍の圧縮インク吸収体の毛細管力によってイ
ンク供給部の内圧が維持されるようになり、インク室ｂ
からインクが供給されている間はほぼ一定の内圧を保持
する。インクが更に消費されてインク室ｂのインクがほ
ぼ消費されてインク室壁下端部よりインク室ｂのインク
液面が低くなると（図７）、インク室ｂに大気が一気に
供給されインク室ｂが大気と完全に連通し、インク室ｂ
に残余していた若干のインクがインク室ａの圧縮インク
吸収体に吸収されてインク室ａ内のインクが増量するた
めインク上面（気液界面）がやや上昇する分だけインク
供給部の内圧がやや正方向に変化する。さらにインクが
消費されるとインク室ａのインクが再び消費されはじめ
るが、インク供給部より気液界面が下がると記録ヘッド
に大気が供給され始めるのでインク供給の限界となり
（図８）、インクタンクの交換が必要となる。本発明者
の検討では、記録ヘッドへの結合時に前述の記録装置本
体の吸引手段で吸引回復を行い、結合時に発生するイン
ク流路中の気泡を除去するとともに若干のインクをイン
クタンクから流出させることで初期から安定したインク
内圧を維持することが可能であり、インク室ａのインク
を初期及び交換直前に消費する場合においても、図３に
示したインク安定供給期間で記録特性になんら問題はな
く、良好な記録が行えた。FIG. 3 shows how the internal pressure in the ink supply section of the replacement ink tank according to the present embodiment changes according to the ink supply amount (consumption amount). In the initial state (FIG. 6), the ink supply from the ink chamber b starts as described above, that is, the ink existing in the ink chamber a is supplied until a meniscus is formed at the lower end of the ink chamber wall. In the same manner as the conventional all-absorber type ink tank, the upper surface of the ink of the compressed ink absorber in the ink chamber a (gas-liquid interface)
The internal pressure of the ink supply unit is generated by the balance between the capillary force of the ink and the water head pressure of the ink itself. A state where the ink in the ink chamber a decreases with the supply (consumption) of the ink, and the gas-liquid interface is formed at the lower end of the ink chamber as described above (FIG. 2).
Then, the ink supply from the ink chamber b starts, and the internal pressure of the ink supply section is maintained by the capillary force of the compressed ink absorber near the lower end of the ink chamber.
A substantially constant internal pressure is maintained while the ink is supplied from. When the ink is further consumed and the ink in the ink chamber b is almost consumed and the ink liquid level in the ink chamber b becomes lower than the lower end of the ink chamber wall (FIG. 7), the air is supplied to the ink chamber b at a stretch and the ink chamber b is filled. Complete communication with the atmosphere, ink chamber b
The ink remaining in the ink chamber a is absorbed by the compressed ink absorber in the ink chamber a and the amount of ink in the ink chamber a increases. Changes slightly in the positive direction. When the ink is further consumed, the ink in the ink chamber a starts to be consumed again. However, when the gas-liquid interface is lowered from the ink supply unit, the supply of air to the recording head is started, so that the ink supply is limited (FIG. 8). Need to be replaced. According to the study of the present inventor, when the head is connected to the print head, suction recovery is performed by the suction unit of the main body of the printing apparatus described above to remove bubbles in the ink flow path generated at the time of connection and to cause a small amount of ink to flow out of the ink tank. This makes it possible to maintain a stable ink pressure from the beginning, and even when the ink in the ink chamber a is consumed at the initial stage and immediately before replacement, there is no problem in the recording characteristics during the stable ink supply period shown in FIG. And good recording was possible.

【００１８】図９は圧縮インク吸収体のバッファ吸収体
としての機能を説明するもので、図２の状態から大気圧
の減圧ないしは温度上昇によるインク室ｂ内の空気の膨
張などでインク室ｂのインクが溢れだした様子を示して
いる。本実施例ではインク室ａに溢れだしたインクを圧
縮インク吸収体で保持させているが、０．７気圧の場合
は最大でもインク室ｂの容積の約３０％のインク量の漏
出と前述のごときインク室ｂからのインク供給時のイン
ク室ａ内の残余インク量とを考慮して、インク室ａの圧
縮インク吸収体のインク吸収容量を決めれば良い。上記
の例ではインク室ｂからインク室ａにインクが流出する
ので、インク室ａのインク量が一時的に増加して気液界
面が上昇するので、使用初期と同様にインク内圧の安定
期より一時的にやや正側の内圧になるが記録ヘッドの吐
出特性への影響は小さく実使用上の問題はない。 ま
た、大気圧が減圧前のレベルに回復（１気圧に戻ったと
する）した場合は、インク室ａに漏出して圧縮インク吸
収体に保持されていたインクが再びインク室ｂに戻り、
気液界面が元の状態に戻るまでインク室壁下部での気液
交換は生じないので、インクタンク内でのインクの分布
は元のままである。上記の現象はインクタンクの温度変
化の場合でも同様であるが、５０ｄｅｇ程度の温度上昇
があっても漏出量は上記減圧時よりも少ない。逆に、大
気圧が上昇すると、インク室ｂの上部のインク水頭圧分
だけ元々減圧されている空気と上昇した大気圧との差が
大きくなり過ぎるのでインクないしは大気をインク室ｂ
に引き込んで所定の圧力差に戻ろうとするが、そうした
場合には、インク室ｂからのインク供給時と同様に、イ
ンク室壁下端部近傍の圧縮インク吸収体のメニスカスが
破断して主に空気がインク室ｂに導入されて圧力平衡と
なるので、インク供給部のインク内圧はほとんど変化せ
ず、記録特性に対する影響はほとんどない。上記の例で
大気圧が元に戻った場合はインク室ｂに導入された空気
の分だけインク室ｂからインク室ａにインクが流出する
ので、前記例と同様にインク室ａのインク量が一時的に
増加して気液界面が上昇するので、使用初期と同様にイ
ンク内圧の安定期より一時的にやや正側の内圧になるが
記録ヘッドの吐出特性への影響は小さく実使用上の問題
はない。上記の問題は、たとえば高地の減圧下で使用さ
れていた記録装置を標準大気圧の低地に移動して使用す
る場合などに生ずるが、その場合でもインク室ｂへの空
気導入が生ずるだけで、また、再び高地へ移動して使用
する際にややインク供給部のインク内圧が若干上昇する
だけであり、さらに、標準大気圧よりも著しく高い状態
での使用はあまり考えられないので、上述のごとく実使
用上大きな問題とはならない。FIG. 9 illustrates the function of the compressed ink absorber as a buffer absorber. In FIG. 9, the ink chamber b is expanded due to the expansion of air in the ink chamber b due to a decrease in atmospheric pressure or a rise in temperature from the state shown in FIG. This shows that the ink has overflowed. In the present embodiment, the ink overflowing into the ink chamber a is held by the compressed ink absorber. However, in the case of 0.7 atm, the leakage of the ink amount of at most about 30% of the volume of the ink chamber b and the aforementioned The ink absorption capacity of the compressed ink absorber in the ink chamber a may be determined in consideration of the remaining ink amount in the ink chamber a when the ink is supplied from the ink chamber b. In the above example, since the ink flows out of the ink chamber b to the ink chamber a, the amount of ink in the ink chamber a temporarily increases, and the gas-liquid interface rises. Although the internal pressure temporarily becomes slightly positive, the effect on the ejection characteristics of the print head is small and there is no problem in practical use. When the atmospheric pressure is restored to the level before the decompression (returned to 1 atm), the ink leaked to the ink chamber a and held in the compressed ink absorber returns to the ink chamber b again,
Since gas-liquid exchange does not occur at the lower portion of the ink chamber wall until the gas-liquid interface returns to the original state, the distribution of ink in the ink tank remains unchanged. The above phenomenon is the same even when the temperature of the ink tank changes, but even if the temperature rises by about 50 deg, the amount of leakage is smaller than when the pressure is reduced. Conversely, when the atmospheric pressure rises, the difference between the air that has been depressurized by the ink head pressure above the ink chamber b and the atmospheric pressure that has risen becomes too large, so that the ink or air is removed from the ink chamber b.
In such a case, the meniscus of the compressed ink absorber near the lower end of the ink chamber wall is broken and the air is mainly discharged, as in the case of supplying the ink from the ink chamber b. Is introduced into the ink chamber b and pressure equilibrium is established, so that the ink internal pressure of the ink supply unit hardly changes, and there is almost no influence on recording characteristics. In the above example, when the atmospheric pressure returns to the original level, the ink flows out of the ink chamber b into the ink chamber a by the amount of the air introduced into the ink chamber b. As the gas-liquid interface rises temporarily and rises, the internal pressure temporarily becomes slightly positive from the stable period of the ink internal pressure as in the initial stage of use. No problem. The above problem occurs, for example, when a recording apparatus used under reduced pressure at a high altitude is moved to a low altitude at a standard atmospheric pressure and used, and even in that case, only air is introduced into the ink chamber b. In addition, when the ink is moved to a high altitude again and used, the ink internal pressure of the ink supply unit slightly increases only slightly.In addition, it is unlikely that the ink will be used in a state significantly higher than the standard atmospheric pressure. This is not a major problem in practical use.

【００１９】また、インクタンク使用初期から交換直前
まで、インク室ａの圧縮インク吸収体によってインク室
ａ内のインクは確実に保持されており、また、インク室
ｂは閉塞されているので開口部（大気連通部及びインク
供給部）からのインクの漏出はなく、取り扱い性に優れ
る。From the initial stage of use of the ink tank to immediately before replacement, the ink in the ink chamber a is securely held by the compressed ink absorber in the ink chamber a, and the ink chamber b is closed because the ink chamber b is closed. There is no leakage of ink from the (air communication unit and ink supply unit), and the handleability is excellent.

【００２０】次に、本発明の吸収体併用区分インク室方
式における圧縮インク吸収体及びインク室構成のの必要
条件について詳細に説明する。Next, the necessary conditions for the structure of the compressed ink absorber and the ink chamber in the combined ink chamber system of the present invention will be described in detail.

【００２１】まずインク室の構成としては、圧縮インク
吸収体のインク吸収容量とインク室の容積との関係につ
いては、前述の減圧時ないしは温度変化時のインクの漏
出を防止するという観点から、インク室ｂからの最悪条
件下でのインク漏出量とインク室ｂからのインク供給時
にインク室ａに保持させるインク量とを考慮してインク
室ａの最大インク吸収容量を決めて、圧縮インク吸収体
のインク吸収率を考慮して少なくともその分の圧縮イン
ク吸収体を収納するだけの容積をインク室ａに持たせれ
ば良い。インク室ｂからのインク漏出量の最悪条件での
見積もりは、たとえば、大気圧の最大減圧条件を０．７
気圧とした場合、インク室ｂからのインク流出量が最大
となるのは、インク室ｂの容積の約３０％のインクがイ
ンク室ｂに残余している場合で、インク室壁下端部より
下のインクも前述のようにインク室ａの圧縮インク吸収
体に吸収されるとすれば、その場合インク室ｂに残余し
ているすべてのインク（インク室ｂの容積の約３０％）
が漏出すると考えれば良い。大気圧の最大減圧条件を最
悪条件を０．５気圧とすれば、同様にインク室ｂの容積
の約５０％のインクが漏出することになる。すなわち、
減圧下ないしは温度上昇時に膨張するインク室ｂ内の空
気は残余インク量が少ないほど大きくなり大量のインク
が押し出されるが、インク室ｂ内の残余インク量以上に
漏出することはないので、残余インク量が減るにしたが
って漏出インク量は増大していくが、前者の０．７気圧
の場合には残余インクが３０％を越えると、空気の膨張
量よりも残余インク量が小さくなるので、漏出インク量
は減少することになり、インク室ｂの容積の約３０％
（０．５気圧では約５０％）が最大漏出インク量であ
る。First, regarding the structure of the ink chamber, the relationship between the ink absorption capacity of the compressed ink absorber and the volume of the ink chamber is determined from the viewpoint of preventing the ink from leaking at the time of pressure reduction or temperature change. The maximum ink absorption capacity of the ink chamber a is determined in consideration of the amount of ink leakage from the chamber b under the worst conditions and the amount of ink held in the ink chamber a when ink is supplied from the ink chamber b. It is sufficient that the ink chamber a has at least a capacity for accommodating the compressed ink absorber corresponding to the ink absorption rate. Estimation of the amount of ink leakage from the ink chamber b under the worst condition is performed, for example, by setting the maximum pressure reducing condition of the atmospheric pressure to 0.7.
When the pressure is set to the atmospheric pressure, the amount of the ink flowing out from the ink chamber b becomes the maximum when about 30% of the volume of the ink chamber b is left in the ink chamber b, and is lower than the lower end of the ink chamber wall. Is absorbed by the compressed ink absorber of the ink chamber a as described above, in that case, all the ink remaining in the ink chamber b (about 30% of the volume of the ink chamber b)
May leak out. If the maximum pressure reduction condition of the atmospheric pressure is set to 0.5 atm for the worst condition, about 50% of the ink in the ink chamber b leaks. That is,
The air in the ink chamber b, which expands when the pressure is reduced or the temperature rises, increases as the amount of the remaining ink decreases, and a large amount of ink is pushed out. However, the air remaining in the ink chamber b does not leak more than the amount of the remaining ink in the ink chamber b. As the amount decreases, the amount of leaked ink increases. However, in the former case of 0.7 atm, if the remaining ink exceeds 30%, the amount of leaked ink becomes smaller than the amount of air expansion. The amount will be reduced, about 30% of the volume of the ink chamber b.
(About 50% at 0.5 atm) is the maximum leaked ink amount.

【００２２】次にインク室壁下端部に形成されるインク
室間の連通部の大きさは、上部が閉塞されているインク
室ｂ内のインクが連通部でメニスカスを形成できない程
度の大きさ以上であることが第１条件であり、さらにイ
ンク供給部からの最大インク供給速度（記録装置本体で
の吸引時やベタ印字時のインク供給速度）に応じて、イ
ンクの粘度などの特性を考慮して円滑な気液交換がなさ
れるだけの開口を持たせれば良い。ただし、前述のごと
くインク室インク室ｂの残余インクのインク上面がイン
ク室壁下端部よりも下がった場合は、インク供給部のイ
ンク内圧がその分一時的に正方向に変化するので、その
際の記録ヘッドのインク吐出特性への影響が少なくなる
ように設定すれば良い。Next, the size of the communication part between the ink chambers formed at the lower end of the ink chamber wall is at least as large as the ink in the ink chamber b whose upper part is closed cannot form a meniscus at the communication part. Is the first condition, and furthermore, the characteristics such as the viscosity of the ink are taken into consideration in accordance with the maximum ink supply speed from the ink supply unit (the ink supply speed at the time of suction by the recording apparatus body or at the time of solid printing). It is only necessary to provide an opening for smooth gas-liquid exchange. However, as described above, when the ink upper surface of the remaining ink in the ink chamber ink chamber b is lower than the lower end of the ink chamber wall, the ink internal pressure of the ink supply unit temporarily changes in the positive direction accordingly. May be set so that the influence on the ink ejection characteristics of the recording head is reduced.

【００２３】インクタンクの動作説明で述べたように、
本吸収体併用区分インク室方式では、インク室壁近傍の
圧縮インク吸収体でインク供給部のインク内圧を保持し
ているので、インク室ｂからのインク供給時に所望の内
圧を維持するためには、インク室壁下端部近傍の圧縮イ
ンク吸収体の毛細管力の調整が必要である。すなわち、
インク室壁下端部近傍の圧縮インク吸収体の毛細管力は
記録時に必要なインク内圧を発生できるように圧縮率な
いしは初期ポアサイズを設定すれば良い。たとえば、イ
ンク供給部で必要とされるインク内圧がマイナスｈ（ｍ
ｍａｑｕａ）、インク室壁下端部近傍の圧縮インク吸収
体はインクをｈｍｍ引き上げられる毛細管力を有してい
れば良く、圧縮インク吸収体の構成を簡略化して考えれ
ば、インクの密度をρ、インクの表面張力をγ、インク
吸収体とインクの接触角をθ、重力加速度をｇとすれ
ば、圧縮インク吸収体の細孔部半径Ｐ１は、 Ｐ１＝２γｃｏｓθ／ρｇｈ であれば良い。As described in the description of the operation of the ink tank,
In this combined ink chamber type ink chamber system, the compressed ink absorber near the wall of the ink chamber holds the ink internal pressure of the ink supply unit, so in order to maintain a desired internal pressure when ink is supplied from the ink chamber b, It is necessary to adjust the capillary force of the compressed ink absorber near the lower end of the ink chamber wall. That is,
As for the capillary force of the compressed ink absorber near the lower end of the ink chamber wall, the compression ratio or the initial pore size may be set so as to generate the necessary ink internal pressure during recording. For example, the ink internal pressure required in the ink supply unit is minus h (m
maqua), the compressed ink absorber near the lower end of the ink chamber wall only needs to have a capillary force capable of pulling up the ink by hmm. Considering a simplified structure of the compressed ink absorber, the ink density is ρ, the ink density is ρ, Is the surface tension of γ, the contact angle between the ink absorber and the ink is θ, and the gravitational acceleration is g, the pore radius P1 of the compressed ink absorber may be P1 = 2γcos θ / ρgh.

【００２４】インク室ｂからインクを供給している間、
インク室ａ内でのインクの気液界面がインク供給部で、
インク供給部の上端よりも低くなると記録ヘッド側へ大
気が供給されるので、インク供給部近傍の気液界面は少
なくともインク供給部上端よりも高い位置に維持されて
いなければならない。すなわち、インク供給部上部の圧
縮インク吸収体は、インク供給部で必要とされるインク
内圧に相当するｈｍｍに加えてインクタンク下面からイ
ンク供給部上端よりも高い気液界面設定位置（ｉｍｍ）
の高さ、すなわち、（ｈ＋ｉ）ｍｍの高さまでインクを
引き上げる毛細管力を持たせれば良い。上記と同様に圧
縮インク吸収体の構成を簡略化して考えれば、インク供
給部上部の圧縮インク吸収体の細孔部半径Ｐ２は、 Ｐ２＝２γｃｏｓθ／ρｇ（ｈ＋ｉ） であれば良い。上式でインク供給部直上の気液界面の高
さ（ｉｍｍ）はインク供給部上端よりも高い位置であれ
ば良く、インク室ａの更に内側の圧縮インク吸収体では
インク室壁に向かって徐々に低く気液界面が設定される
ように、インクの引き上げ力（毛細管力）を徐々に小さ
く（同一の吸収体であれば、細孔部半径Ｐ３を徐々に大
きく）するか（図１０）、インク室壁近傍のみで圧縮イ
ンク吸収体の毛細管力を小さくして（図１１）、インク
室壁下端部の毛細管力（同一の吸収体であればＰ１）に
つなげれば良い。While ink is being supplied from the ink chamber b,
The gas-liquid interface of the ink in the ink chamber a is an ink supply unit,
When the temperature is lower than the upper end of the ink supply unit, the atmosphere is supplied to the recording head. Therefore, the gas-liquid interface near the ink supply unit must be maintained at least at a position higher than the upper end of the ink supply unit. That is, the compressed ink absorber at the upper part of the ink supply unit has a gas-liquid interface setting position (imm) higher than the upper end of the ink supply unit from the lower surface of the ink tank in addition to hmm corresponding to the ink internal pressure required in the ink supply unit.
, That is, a capillary force for pulling up ink to a height of (h + i) mm. Assuming that the configuration of the compressed ink absorber is simplified in the same manner as described above, the pore radius P2 of the compressed ink absorber above the ink supply unit may be P2 = 2γcosθ / ρg (h + i). In the above equation, the height (imm) of the gas-liquid interface immediately above the ink supply unit may be higher than the upper end of the ink supply unit, and the compressed ink absorber further inside the ink chamber a gradually faces toward the ink chamber wall. To gradually lower the ink pulling force (capillary force) (for the same absorber, gradually increase the pore radius P3) so that the gas-liquid interface is set lower (FIG. 10); It is sufficient to reduce the capillary force of the compressed ink absorber only in the vicinity of the ink chamber wall (FIG. 11), and connect it to the capillary force at the lower end of the ink chamber wall (P1 for the same absorber).

【００２５】インク室ｂからの安定したインク供給がな
されている場合の圧縮インク吸収体内の気液界面より下
側になる部分の圧縮インク吸収体の毛細管力は、インク
タンクに衝撃や傾斜、あるいは急激な温度変化など特別
な外力が作用しなければどのように毛細管力が調整され
ていても良いが、そうした外力やインク室ｂのインクが
すべて消費された後もインク室ａの残余インクを供給す
るためには、インク室壁下端部の毛細管力（細孔部半径
Ｐ１）よりもインク供給部に向かって徐々に毛細管力を
大きく（細孔部半径Ｐ４）なるように設定し、インク供
給部の毛細管力をもっとも大きく（細孔部半径Ｐ５）す
れば良い（図１２）。すなわち、毛細管力の調整は、少
なくとも （インク室壁下端部）＜（インク供給部直上部） であれば良く、更に好ましくは、 （インク室壁下端部）＜（インク室中間下部）＜（イン
ク室中間上部）＜（インク供給部直上部）＜（インク供
給部） であれば良い。When the ink is supplied stably from the ink chamber b, the capillary force of the portion of the compressed ink absorber below the gas-liquid interface in the compressed ink absorber may cause impact, inclination, or The capillary force may be adjusted as long as no special external force such as a rapid temperature change acts, but the remaining ink in the ink chamber a is supplied even after all of the external force and the ink in the ink chamber b are consumed. To achieve this, the capillary force at the lower end of the ink chamber wall (pore radius P1) is set to gradually increase toward the ink supply unit (pore radius P4). Should be maximized (pore portion radius P5) (FIG. 12). That is, the adjustment of the capillary force should be at least (lower end of the ink chamber wall) <(directly above the ink supply unit), and more preferably (lower end of the ink chamber wall) <(lower middle part of the ink chamber) <(ink) It suffices if (room upper part) <(directly above ink supply part) <(ink supply part).

【００２６】また、同一の圧縮インク吸収体を用いて簡
略化して考えると細孔部半径は少なくとも、 Ｐ１＞Ｐ２ であれば良く、更に好ましくは、 Ｐ１＞（Ｐ３、Ｐ４）＞（Ｐ２、Ｐ５） であれば良い。Ｐ３とＰ４、Ｐ２とＰ５の関係は圧縮率
の分布設定に応じてＰ３＞Ｐ４、ないしはＰ２＞Ｐ５と
しても、また、Ｐ３＝Ｐ４、Ｐ２＝Ｐ５としても良い。When the same compressed ink absorber is used for simplicity, the pore radius may be at least P1> P2, and more preferably, P1> (P3, P4)> (P2, P5 ). The relationship between P3 and P4, and the relationship between P2 and P5 may be P3> P4 or P2> P5, or P3 = P4 and P2 = P5 according to the distribution setting of the compression ratio.

【００２７】図１０〜１２に、上述の関係を同一の圧縮
インク吸収体で圧縮率の調整により実現するための例と
して、本発明で好ましい圧縮率分布を示す。FIGS. 10 to 12 show a preferred compression ratio distribution in the present invention as an example for realizing the above relationship by adjusting the compression ratio with the same compressed ink absorber.

【００２８】図１３は比較例としてインク供給部側の圧
縮インク吸収体の毛細管力をインク室壁近傍よりも強く
しない場合にインク室ａからインクをある程度消費させ
た状態を示す。本比較例では、インク室壁下端部近傍に
気液界面が形成される前にインク供給部上端よりも気液
界面が低下してしまうので、インク室ｂのインクを供給
できず、大気連通部から導入された大気が直接インク供
給部から記録ヘッドへ供給されてしまい、その時点でイ
ンクタンクは使用不能となる。FIG. 13 shows, as a comparative example, a state in which the ink is consumed from the ink chamber a to some extent when the capillary force of the compressed ink absorber on the ink supply section side is not stronger than that near the ink chamber wall. In this comparative example, before the gas-liquid interface is formed near the lower end of the ink chamber wall, the gas-liquid interface is lower than the upper end of the ink supply unit. Atmospheric air introduced from the ink supply unit is directly supplied from the ink supply unit to the recording head, and the ink tank becomes unusable at that time.

【００２９】図１４は第２の比較例として、本発明とは
逆にインク供給部よりもインク室壁側（図１４−１）な
いしは下端部近傍（図１４−２）の圧縮インク吸収体の
毛細管力を大きくした場合の例を示すが、前記比較例と
同様に、インク室壁下端部近傍に気液界面が形成される
前にインク供給部上端よりも気液界面が低下してしまう
ので、インク室ｂのインクを供給できず、大気連通部か
ら導入された大気が直接インク供給部から記録ヘッドへ
供給されてしまい、その時点でインクタンクは使用不能
となる。FIG. 14 shows a second comparative example of a compressed ink absorber on the ink chamber wall side (FIG. 14-1) or near the lower end (FIG. 14-2) of the ink supply unit, contrary to the present invention. An example in which the capillary force is increased is shown. However, as in the comparative example, the gas-liquid interface is lower than the upper end of the ink supply unit before the gas-liquid interface is formed near the lower end of the ink chamber wall. The ink in the ink chamber b cannot be supplied, and the air introduced from the air communication portion is directly supplied from the ink supply portion to the recording head, and the ink tank becomes unusable at that time.

【００３０】本実施例では、記録ヘッドをひとつ有する
単色記録装置で説明したが、異なる色のインクを吐出可
能な複数の記録ヘッド、例えば、Ｂｋ・Ｃ・Ｍ・Ｙの４
ヘッドを持つカラーインクジェット記録装置にも適用可
能であり、ひとつの記録ヘッドで複数色のインクを吐出
できる様な記録ヘッドでも適用可能であり、その場合は
交換タンクの結合位置・方向を規制する手段を付加すれ
ば良い。In this embodiment, a single-color recording apparatus having one recording head has been described. However, a plurality of recording heads capable of ejecting inks of different colors, for example, four of Bk, C, M, and Y are used.
It can be applied to a color ink jet recording device with a head, and can also be applied to a recording head that can eject multiple colors of ink with one recording head, in which case the means for regulating the coupling position and direction of the exchange tank May be added.

【００３１】また、本実施例ではインクタンクを交換す
る例で説明したが、記録ヘッドと所定量のインクを詰め
たインクタンクとを一体的に形成した、記録ヘッド・イ
ンクタンク一体交換方式に適用することも可能である。In this embodiment, an example in which the ink tank is replaced has been described. However, the present invention is applied to a printhead / ink tank integrated replacement system in which a printhead and an ink tank filled with a predetermined amount of ink are integrally formed. It is also possible.

【００３２】（実施例２）図１５〜図１６は本発明の第
２実施例を示す図であり、インク室ｂに連通させてさら
に２つのインク室ｃ及びｄを設けた例を示す。本変形例
ではインク室ｂ、インク室ｃ、インク室ｄの順でインク
が消費される。本変形例でインク室を４つに分割してい
るのは、前記実施例で説明した減圧環境下及び温度変化
時のインクの漏出を防止することにあり、例えば図２０
の状態でインク室ｂ及びインク室ｃ内の大気が膨張する
場合、インク室ｂの大気膨張分はインク室ａを介して大
気連通部から解放され、インク室ｃの大気膨張分はイン
ク室ｂ及びインク室ａにインクが流出することで解消さ
れる。すなわち、インク室ａにバッファ室としての機能
を持たせており、インク室ａの圧縮インク吸収体のイン
ク保持容量はひとつのインク室からの漏出分を考慮して
設定すれば良いことになる。そのため、圧縮インク吸収
体の占める容積を前記実施例に比べて小さくすることが
可能となり、インク保持比率を高くすることが可能であ
る。(Embodiment 2) FIGS. 15 and 16 show a second embodiment of the present invention, in which two ink chambers c and d are provided in communication with an ink chamber b. In this modification, ink is consumed in the order of the ink chamber b, the ink chamber c, and the ink chamber d. The reason why the ink chamber is divided into four in this modified example is to prevent ink leakage under a reduced pressure environment and a temperature change described in the above embodiment.
When the air in the ink chamber b and the ink chamber c expands in the state of the above, the air expansion in the ink chamber b is released from the air communication portion through the ink chamber a, and the air expansion in the ink chamber c is changed to the ink chamber b. The problem is solved by the ink flowing out into the ink chamber a. That is, the ink chamber a has a function as a buffer chamber, and the ink holding capacity of the compressed ink absorber in the ink chamber a may be set in consideration of leakage from one ink chamber. Therefore, the volume occupied by the compressed ink absorber can be made smaller than that in the embodiment, and the ink holding ratio can be increased.

【００３３】（実施例３）図１７は本発明の第３の実施
例を示す図であり、インク室ａに収納する圧縮インク吸
収体を３分割して各々の圧縮インク吸収体に特定の機能
を持たせている。図１７で、インク室ａの大半を占める
インク供給部側の圧縮インク吸収体は毛細管力を高める
ために予め高い圧縮率で圧縮された部材であり、インク
室下端部の圧縮インク吸収体はそれよりも小さくかつイ
ンク供給部において必要なインク内圧を発生させるため
に十分な毛細管力となるように予めやや低い圧縮率で圧
縮された部材であり、さらにインク室壁に沿う形で圧縮
率のもっとも小さい部材を配してインク室下端部近傍で
の気液界面形成を促進させている。本実施例では、圧縮
インク吸収体を３部材に分割して各々予め圧縮した上で
収納させたので、インクタンクの組み立てのやや工程が
やや複雑になるが、各々の部分で必要な圧縮率（毛細管
力）を安定して実現することが可能となるとともに、イ
ンク室壁横に毛細管力の弱い吸収体を配置したので、上
述のごとく、インク供給部の内圧がより早く所定値に維
持される効果がある。(Embodiment 3) FIG. 17 is a view showing a third embodiment of the present invention, in which a compressed ink absorber accommodated in an ink chamber a is divided into three parts and a specific function is assigned to each compressed ink absorber. Have. In FIG. 17, the compressed ink absorber on the side of the ink supply unit that occupies most of the ink chamber a is a member that has been compressed at a high compression rate in advance to increase the capillary force, and the compressed ink absorber on the lower end of the ink chamber is Is a member that has been compressed at a slightly lower compression ratio so as to be smaller and has a sufficient capillary force to generate the necessary ink internal pressure in the ink supply section, and has the highest compression ratio along the ink chamber wall. A small member is provided to promote the formation of a gas-liquid interface near the lower end of the ink chamber. In the present embodiment, since the compressed ink absorber is divided into three members and compressed beforehand and stored, the assembly process of the ink tank is slightly complicated, but the necessary compression ratio ( Capillary force) can be stably realized, and since the absorber having weak capillary force is arranged beside the ink chamber wall, the internal pressure of the ink supply unit is maintained at a predetermined value earlier as described above. effective.

【００３４】（実施例４）図１８は本発明の第４の実施
例を示す図であり、第３実施例と同様に圧縮インク吸収
体を３部材に分割して、さらにインク室ｂの底部に圧縮
率の小さな（中間の毛細管力）圧縮インク吸収体を伸ば
した構成としている。本実施例ではインク室壁下端部よ
りもインク室ｂのインクが少なくなった場合でもインク
室ａ内へのインクの流出を抑制する効果があるので、イ
ンク供給部のインク内圧変化を少なくできる。そのため
インク室下端部のインク室間連通部の開口を大きくする
ことができ設計上の制約をやや小さくすることができ
る。しかしながら、本実施例で、図１９に示すようにイ
ンク室壁下端部で圧縮インク吸収体を組み上げ時にさら
に部分的に強く圧縮してしまうと、インク室ｂ側の圧縮
率が部分的に高くなり毛細管力も増大し、元々の圧縮率
でそれより弱い毛細管力のインク室ａ側の部分との間で
大気遮断が生じてメニスカスが形成されインク室ｂから
のインク供給ができなくなる場合もあり、注意が必要で
ある。(Embodiment 4) FIG. 18 is a view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As in the third embodiment, the compressed ink absorber is divided into three members, and the bottom of the ink chamber b is further formed. In this configuration, a compressed ink absorber having a small compression ratio (intermediate capillary force) is extended. In the present embodiment, even when the amount of ink in the ink chamber b becomes smaller than the lower end of the ink chamber wall, there is an effect of suppressing the outflow of the ink into the ink chamber a, so that the change in the ink internal pressure of the ink supply unit can be reduced. Therefore, the opening of the communication section between the ink chambers at the lower end portion of the ink chamber can be enlarged, and the restriction on design can be somewhat reduced. However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, when the compressed ink absorber is further partially and strongly compressed at the lower end portion of the ink chamber wall, the compression ratio on the ink chamber b side is partially increased. In some cases, the capillary force is also increased, and air is blocked between the portion having the original compression ratio and the weaker capillary force on the side of the ink chamber a, and a meniscus is formed, so that ink cannot be supplied from the ink chamber b. is required.

【００３５】[0035]

【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明は、区分イ
ンク室インクタンク方式を改良して、記録ヘッドへの供
給部及び大気連通部とを具備するとともに毛細管力を調
整したインク吸収体を内包する供給部インク室と、それ
に連通しインクを貯蔵するひとつないしは複数のインク
室とからなるインクタンクであって、インク室との連通
部のインク吸収体の毛細管力よりも、少なくとも記録ヘ
ッドへの供給部上部のインク吸収体の毛細管力を強くす
ることで、安定した吐出を維持するとともにインクの不
如意な漏出を防止して取り扱い性に優れかつインク保持
比率の高いインクタンクを実現することができた。As described above, according to the present invention, an ink absorber having a supply unit to a recording head and an air communication unit and having an adjusted capillary force is provided by improving the ink tank system of the divided ink chamber. An ink tank comprising a supply unit ink chamber to be contained therein and one or more ink chambers communicating with the ink chamber and storing the ink, wherein at least the recording head is moved to the recording head more than the capillary force of the ink absorber in the communication part with the ink chamber. By strengthening the capillary force of the ink absorber at the upper part of the supply section, stable ink discharge can be maintained and unintentional leakage of ink can be prevented, realizing an ink tank with excellent handleability and a high ink holding ratio. did it.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図１】本発明の第１実施例の記録ヘッドおよび交換イ
ンクタンクのキャリッジへの装着状態を表す断面図。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a recording head and a replacement ink tank are mounted on a carriage according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

【図２】インク室ｂからのインク供給状態の説明図。FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a state of ink supply from an ink chamber b.

【図３】インク供給に伴うインク供給部内圧の説明図。FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an ink supply unit internal pressure accompanying ink supply.

【図４】本発明の適用可能な印字姿勢可変型インクジェ
ット記録装置の１例の斜視図。FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a variable print attitude inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

【図５】縦置き印字姿勢の説明図。FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a vertical printing orientation.

【図６】第１実施例のインク供給初期の説明図。FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an initial stage of ink supply according to the first embodiment.

【図７】インク室ｂからのインク供給終了時の説明図。FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram at the end of ink supply from an ink chamber b.

【図８】インクの供給限界の説明図。FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an ink supply limit.

【図９】インク室ａの圧縮インク吸収体の漏出インクバ
ッファ機能の説明図。FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a leaked ink buffer function of a compressed ink absorber in an ink chamber a.

【図１０】第１実施例の圧縮インク吸収体の圧縮率分布
の例。FIG. 10 shows an example of a compressibility distribution of the compressed ink absorber of the first embodiment.

【図１１】第１実施例の圧縮インク吸収体の圧縮率分布
の更なる例。FIG. 11 is a further example of the compressibility distribution of the compressed ink absorber of the first embodiment.

【図１２】第１実施例の圧縮インク吸収体の圧縮率分布
の更なる例。FIG. 12 is a further example of the compressibility distribution of the compressed ink absorber of the first embodiment.

【図１３】本発明の比較例の圧縮インク吸収体の圧縮率
分布の例。FIG. 13 is an example of a compressibility distribution of a compressed ink absorber according to a comparative example of the present invention.

【図１４】本発明の比較例の圧縮インク吸収体の圧縮率
分布の更なる例。FIG. 14 is a further example of the compressibility distribution of the compressed ink absorber of the comparative example of the present invention.

【図１５】本発明の第２実施例のインク室付加の構成
例。FIG. 15 is a configuration example of adding an ink chamber according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

【図１６】本発明の第２実施例のインク室付加の更なる
構成例。FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a further configuration example of the second embodiment of the present invention in which an ink chamber is added.

【図１７】本発明の第３実施例の圧縮インク吸収体分割
配置の例。FIG. 17 shows an example of a divided arrangement of a compressed ink absorber according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

【図１８】本発明の第４実施例のインク室ｂへのインク
吸収体配置の例。FIG. 18 is an example of the arrangement of an ink absorber in an ink chamber b according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

【図１９】第４実施例における組み立て上の問題点の説
明図。FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a problem in assembly in the fourth embodiment.

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 小板橋 規文 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤ ノン株式会社内 (72)発明者 名越 重泰 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤ ノン株式会社内 (72)発明者 杉本 仁 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤ ノン株式会社内 (72)発明者 植月 雅哉 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤ ノン株式会社内 (72)発明者 松原 美由紀 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤ ノン株式会社内 (72)発明者 後藤 史博 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号キヤ ノン株式会社内 (56)参考文献 特開 平２−34353（ＪＰ，Ａ) 実開 昭56−171271（ＪＰ，Ｕ) ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Norifumi Kotabashi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Shigetasu Nagoshi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Within Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hitoshi Sugimoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masaya Uezuki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Stock Inside the company (72) Inventor Miyuki Matsubara Within Canon Inc. 3- 30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Fumihiro Goto Within Canon Inc. 3- 30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo (56 References JP-A-2-34353 (JP, A) Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 56-171271 (JP, U)

Claims (3)

(57)【特許請求の範囲】(57) [Claims] 【請求項１】 記録ヘッドへの供給部及び大気連通部と
を具備するとともに毛細管力を調整したインク吸収体を
内包する供給部インク室と、それに連通しインクを貯蔵
するひとつないしは複数のインク室とからなるインクタ
ンクであって、インク室との連通部のインク吸収体の毛
細管力よりも、少なくとも記録ヘッドへの供給部上部の
インク吸収体の毛細管力を強くしたことを特徴とするイ
ンクジェット記録装置のインクタンク。An ink chamber having a supply section to a recording head and an air communication section and containing an ink absorber with adjusted capillary force, and one or more ink chambers communicating with the ink chamber to store ink. Wherein the capillary force of at least the ink absorber above the supply part to the recording head is stronger than the capillary force of the ink absorber in the communication part with the ink chamber. The device's ink tank. 【請求項２】 記録ヘッドとインクタンクとを分離交換
可能に構成したことを特徴とする第１項記載のインクジ
ェット記録装置のインクタンク。2. The ink tank for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head and the ink tank are configured to be separately replaceable. 【請求項３】 記録時におけるインクタンクの保持姿勢
が、インク室との連通部よりも、記録ヘッドへの供給部
が上部となるよう第１項〜第２項記載のインクタンクを
保持するインクジェット記録装置。3. An ink jet holding ink tank according to claim 1, wherein a holding position of the ink tank at the time of printing is such that a supply portion to the print head is located above a communication portion with the ink chamber. Recording device.
JP4198680A 1992-07-24 1992-07-24 Ink jet ink tank and ink jet recording apparatus Expired - Lifetime JP2584937B2 (en)

Priority Applications (65)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP4198680A JP2584937B2 (en) 1992-07-24 1992-07-24 Ink jet ink tank and ink jet recording apparatus
US08/094,317 US5509140A (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-21 Replaceable ink cartridge
CA002290698A CA2290698C (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-21 Ink container, ink and ink jet recording apparatus using ink container
CA002100977A CA2100977C (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-21 Ink container, ink and ink jet recording apparatus using ink container
CA002290700A CA2290700C (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-21 Ink container, ink and ink jet recording apparatus using ink container
ES93305789T ES2120484T3 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 INK CARTRIDGE, INK AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING INKS OF INK USED BY SUCH CARTRIDGE.
EP93305789A EP0581531B1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink container, ink and ink jet recording apparatus using ink container
AT02077935T ATE327896T1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 INK CONTAINER, INK AND INK JET RECORDING APPARATUS HAVING SUCH A CONTAINER
DK02077936T DK1254778T3 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink tank, ink and ink jet printer using ink tank
GB9315236A GB2268911B (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink cartridge and ink jet recording apparatus using such a cartridge
AT97201211T ATE212290T1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 INK TANK AND INKJET RECORDING APPARATUS HAVING SUCH A TANK
EP02077934A EP1253016B1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink container and ink jet recording apparatus using the ink container
DE69334027T DE69334027T2 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Liquid container for a liquid jet recorder
DE69319188T DE69319188T2 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink tank and ink jet recording apparatus with such a tank
EP97201211A EP0791466B1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink container and ink jet recording apparatus using the ink container
DE69332487T DE69332487T2 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink tank and ink jet recording apparatus with such a tank
ES02077936T ES2256405T3 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 INK CONTAINER, INK AND PRINTING APPLIANCE FOR INK JETS USING SUCH INK CONTAINER.
GB9625750A GB2305397B (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 A liquid container, a recording head assembly and an ink jet recording apparatus using such a container
DE69334034T DE69334034T2 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink tank and ink jet recording apparatus with such a container
SG9902951A SG83729A1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Capillary control of ink flow containers for jet printers
AT93305789T ATE167435T1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 INK TANK AND INKJET RECORDING APPARATUS HAVING SUCH A TANK
ES02077934T ES2261591T3 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 INK CONTAINER AND PRINTING DEVICE FOR INK JETS USING SUCH CONTAINER.
DE69333968T DE69333968T2 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink tank, ink and ink jet recording apparatus with such a container
DE69331500T DE69331500T2 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink container and ink jet recording apparatus with such a container
SG1996008742A SG55169A1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Capillary control of ink flow in ink containers for jet printers
DK93305789T DK0581531T3 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink holder, ink and ink jet printer, using ink container
EP02077936A EP1254778B1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink container, ink and ink jet recording apparatus using ink container
GB9607472A GB2297724B (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink container and ink jet recording apparatus using such a container
AT02077934T ATE329762T1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 INK TANK AND INKJET RECORDING APPARATUS HAVING SUCH A TANK
EP02077935A EP1254777B1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink container, ink and ink jet recording apparatus using ink container
ES97201211T ES2170914T3 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 INK CARTRIDGE AND APPLIANCE FOR PRINTING BY INK JETS USING SUCH CARTRIDGE.
EP97201212A EP0791467B1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Ink container and ink jet recording apparatus using the ink container
AT02077936T ATE316471T1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 INK CONTAINER, INK AND INK JET RECORDING APPARATUS HAVING SUCH A CONTAINER
AT97201212T ATE227650T1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 INK TANK AND INKJET RECORDING APPARATUS HAVING SUCH A TANK
SG9902952A SG83730A1 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 Capillary control of ink flow in ink containers for jet printers
ES02077935T ES2260385T3 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-22 INK CONTAINER, INK AND PRINTING APPLIANCE FOR INK JETS USING SUCH INK CONTAINER.
AU42160/93A AU660820B2 (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-23 Ink container, ink and ink jet recording apparatus using ink container
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CNB021062560A CN1236921C (en) 1992-07-24 1993-07-24 Liquid container for liquid jet recorder
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TW082108181A TW261682B (en) 1992-07-24 1993-10-01
US08/612,299 US6012808A (en) 1992-07-24 1996-03-07 Ink container, ink and ink jet recording apparatus using ink container
US08/612,439 US6394590B1 (en) 1992-07-24 1996-03-07 Replaceable liquid container
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US08/612,498 US5742311A (en) 1992-07-24 1996-03-07 Replaceable ink cartridge
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US09/184,032 US6231172B1 (en) 1992-07-24 1998-11-02 Ink container, ink and ink jet recording apparatus using ink container
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HK05109827A HK1075639A1 (en) 1992-07-24 2005-11-04 An ink cartridge for liquid jet head

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP4198680A JP2584937B2 (en) 1992-07-24 1992-07-24 Ink jet ink tank and ink jet recording apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH0640041A JPH0640041A (en) 1994-02-15
JP2584937B2 true JP2584937B2 (en) 1997-02-26

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JPS4956728A (en) * 1972-09-30 1974-06-01
JPH07112736B2 (en) * 1984-07-11 1995-12-06 キヤノン株式会社 Ink tank
US4794409A (en) * 1987-12-03 1988-12-27 Hewlett-Packard Company Ink jet pen having improved ink storage and distribution capabilities

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JPH0640041A (en) 1994-02-15

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