JP2001328276A - Liquid container - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a liquid container for preventing detection of absence of liquid despite a large amount of liquid remaining.
Provided is a liquid container in which a means for detecting a liquid can be easily attached at the time of manufacturing the liquid container, and the positioning for attaching the means for detecting the liquid is easy. A liquid container is provided wherein the means for detecting liquid between the liquid containers after manufacture of the liquid container is substantially co-located. SOLUTION: The liquid container according to the present invention contains a liquid, has a container having a corner portion below a liquid surface of the liquid, a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid to the outside of the container, and a liquid consumption state. A piezoelectric device for detecting and deploying at or near the corner. The piezoelectric device detects at least the acoustic impedance of the liquid, and detects the consumption state of the liquid based on the acoustic impedance.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of detecting a change in acoustic impedance, and more particularly, a change in resonance frequency, thereby detecting a state of consumption of a liquid in a liquid container containing the liquid. More specifically, the present invention is applied to an ink jet recording apparatus that prints by ejecting ink droplets from nozzle openings by pressurizing ink in a pressure generating chamber by pressure generating means in accordance with print data by a pressure generating means. The present invention relates to a liquid container provided with a piezoelectric device for detecting a consumption state of ink in the ink cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet recording apparatus has a carriage equipped with an ink jet recording head having pressure generating means for pressurizing a pressure generating chamber and a nozzle opening for discharging the pressurized ink from the nozzle opening as ink droplets. The ink jet recording apparatus is configured to be able to continue printing while supplying ink from an ink tank to a recording head via a flow path. The ink tank is configured as a detachable cartridge so that the user can easily replace the ink tank when the ink is consumed.

Conventionally, as a method of managing ink consumption of an ink cartridge, a method of integrating the number of ink droplets ejected from a recording head and the amount of ink sucked by maintenance by software to manage ink consumption by calculation,
There is a method of managing the point in time when a predetermined amount of ink is actually consumed by attaching an electrode for liquid level detection to the ink cartridge.

[0004]

However, the method of integrating the number of ink droplets ejected and the amount of ink by software and managing the ink consumption in the calculation by software causes an error due to the printing form on the user side, etc. There is a problem that a large error occurs when the same cartridge is remounted. Also, depending on the use environment, for example, the room temperature is extremely high or low,
Another problem is that the pressure inside the ink cartridge and the viscosity of the ink change due to the elapsed time after opening the ink cartridge, etc., causing a non-negligible error between the calculated ink consumption and the actual consumption. there were.

On the other hand, in the method of managing the time when ink is consumed by the electrodes, the presence or absence of ink can be managed with high reliability because the liquid level of ink can be actually detected. However, to detect the liquid level of the ink, the conductivity of the ink must be conductive, which limits the type of ink used. Further, there is a problem that a liquid-tight structure between the electrode and the ink cartridge is complicated. Further, since a noble metal having high conductivity and high corrosion resistance is usually used as a material of the electrode, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the ink cartridge is increased. Further, since it is necessary to mount the two electrodes in different places of the ink cartridge, there is a problem that the number of manufacturing steps is increased and the manufacturing cost is increased as a result.

More specifically, depending on the position where the means for detecting the ink is provided in the ink cartridge, it is difficult to attach the means for detecting the ink at the time of manufacturing the ink cartridge, or the means for detecting the ink may be difficult. In some cases, the positioning for mounting is difficult.
Further, after the ink cartridge is manufactured, a unit for detecting the ink may be arranged at a different position between the ink cartridges.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid container which can solve the above-mentioned problems, can accurately detect the remaining amount of liquid, and does not require a complicated sealing structure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid container which has a small number of steps for manufacturing the liquid container, has a low manufacturing cost, and can accurately detect the consumption of the liquid in the liquid container regardless of the type of the liquid. With the goal.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid container capable of preventing the detection of the absence of liquid even though the liquid remains in the liquid container, and of consuming the liquid in the liquid container to the last.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a liquid container in which a means for detecting a liquid can be easily attached at the time of manufacturing the liquid container, and the positioning for attaching the means for detecting the liquid is easy.

It is still another object of the present invention to accurately position a means for detecting a liquid at a specific position of a liquid container in manufacturing a liquid container.

[0012] These objects are achieved by a combination of features described in the independent claims. The dependent claims define further advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0013]

That is, according to an embodiment of the liquid container according to the present invention, a container for containing a liquid and having a corner portion below a liquid surface of the liquid, and a container for storing the liquid. A liquid supply port to be supplied to the outside and a piezoelectric device disposed at or near a corner portion for detecting a liquid consumption state are provided. Preferably, the container has a bottom wall below the liquid level, and the piezoelectric device is arranged on the bottom wall.

The corner portion may include an inclined portion inclined with respect to the liquid surface of the liquid, and the piezoelectric device may be provided on the inclined portion.
Preferably, the inclined portion extends to the liquid supply port, and the piezoelectric device is disposed above the liquid level when the liquid level reaches the liquid supply port. The piezoelectric device can be provided near the liquid supply port.

According to another embodiment of the liquid container according to the invention, at least two piezoelectric devices are provided near the corner. The at least two piezoelectric devices may be arranged at substantially the same height with respect to the liquid level. Further, at least two piezoelectric devices may be provided at different heights with respect to the liquid level.

According to still another embodiment of the liquid container according to the present invention, the container has at least two liquid storage chambers in which different types of liquids are stored, and the liquid storage chamber is provided in each of the liquid storage chambers. The liquid is supplied from each liquid storage chamber to the outside of the container via the supply port. A piezoelectric device is provided in each liquid storage chamber.

The piezoelectric device may be provided as a mounting module including a piezoelectric device and a mounting structure for mounting the piezoelectric device to the liquid container.

Preferably, the piezoelectric device is provided as a substrate on which a storage device for storing information on a consumption state of the liquid detected by the piezoelectric device and the piezoelectric device are integrally provided.

Preferably, the piezoelectric device detects at least the acoustic impedance of the liquid, and detects the consumption state of the liquid based on the acoustic impedance. Further, preferably, the piezoelectric device has a vibrating portion that generates vibration, and detects a liquid consumption state based on a back electromotive force generated by residual vibration remaining in the vibrating portion.

The liquid container is mounted on an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording head for discharging ink droplets, and supplies the liquid in the container to the recording head. Preferably, the liquid container is detachably mounted on a carriage that moves together with the recording head in the scanning direction when printing in the ink jet recording apparatus. Further, the liquid container may be fixedly provided at a predetermined position in the ink jet recording apparatus. Further, the liquid container may communicate with an ink cartridge detachably mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus, and may be provided near the recording head.

The above summary of the present invention does not enumerate all of the necessary features of the present invention, and sub-combinations of these feature groups can also constitute the present invention.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the present invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention and have the features described in the embodiments. Not all combinations are essential to the solution of the invention.

The basic concept of the present invention is to utilize the vibration phenomenon to determine the state of the liquid in the liquid container (the presence or absence of the liquid in the liquid container, the amount of the liquid, the level of the liquid, the type of the liquid, and the composition of the liquid). ). There are several methods for detecting the state of the liquid in the liquid container using a specific vibration phenomenon. For example, the elastic wave generating means generates an elastic wave to the inside of the liquid container and receives a reflected wave reflected by the liquid surface or an opposing wall to detect a medium in the liquid container and a change in its state. There is a way. Alternatively, there is a method of detecting a change in acoustic impedance from the vibration characteristics of a vibrating object. As a method of utilizing the change in acoustic impedance, a vibrating portion of a piezoelectric device or an actuator having a piezoelectric element is vibrated, and then, a back electromotive force generated by residual vibration remaining in the vibrating portion is measured, thereby obtaining a resonance frequency or a reverse frequency. A method of detecting the change in acoustic impedance by detecting the amplitude of the electromotive force waveform, or measuring the impedance characteristic or admittance characteristic of the liquid by using a measuring instrument, for example, an impedance analyzer such as a transmission circuit, and measuring the change in the current value or voltage value or There is a method of measuring a change in current value or voltage value with frequency when vibration is applied to a liquid.

The actuator according to the present embodiment is used as a device for detecting at least a change in acoustic impedance.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of an ink cartridge for a single color, for example, black ink to which the present invention is applied. The ink cartridge of FIG. 1 includes at least a change in acoustic impedance by vibrating the vibrating portion of the piezoelectric device and then measuring a back electromotive force caused by residual vibration remaining in the vibrating portion. Is based on a method of detecting An actuator 106 is used as a piezoelectric device.

The ink cartridge shown in FIG. 1 contains ink and has a corner portion 1001 below the ink level.
, An ink supply port 2 that supplies ink to the outside of the container 1, and an actuator 106 that detects an ink consumption state and is provided in the corner portion 1001. The actuator 106 is provided at the corner portion 1001 so as to be inclined with respect to the ink level. The ink supply port 2 is joined to an ink supply needle of the recording apparatus (see FIG. 6).
The corner portion 1001 is opposed to a supply port forming wall 1010 in which the ink supply port 2 is provided, and opposes a side wall 1015 extending substantially perpendicular to the ink surface, and a bottom wall 1 a of the container 1.
And at the border of. The actuator 106 is attached so as to be able to come into contact with ink inside through a through hole 1c provided in the corner portion 1001. The actuator 106 is provided so that the medium in contact with the actuator 106 changes from ink to gas when the ink K is completely consumed. Note that an oscillator may be separately provided, and the actuator 106 may be simply used as a medium detector.

The ink supply port 2 has a packing 4 and a valve body 6.
Is provided. As shown in FIG. 6, the packing 4 is engaged with the ink supply needle 32 communicating with the recording head 31 in a liquid-tight manner. The valve body 6 is elastically contacted with the packing 4 by a spring 5. When the ink supply needle 32 is inserted, the valve 6 is pushed by the ink supply needle 32 to open the ink flow path,
The ink in the container 1 is supplied to the recording head 31 via the ink supply port 2 and the ink supply needle 32. On the upper wall of the container 1, a semiconductor storage means 7 for storing information on the ink in the ink cartridge is mounted.

The actuator 106 is connected to the bottom wall 1a of the container 1.
When the actuator 106 is disposed at a position distant from the ink, the ink remains between the actuator 106 and the bottom wall 1a when the actuator 106 detects the gas or ink level. On the other hand, when the actuator 106 is provided at a corner of the bottom wall 1a, the actuator 106 can be provided near the bottom wall 1a. Therefore, when the actuator 106 detects the gas or the liquid level of the ink, the water level of the liquid level of the ink is substantially equal to that of the bottom wall 1a. Therefore, by disposing the actuator 106 at the corner portion 1001 on the bottom side of the container 1, it is not detected that there is no ink even though the ink remains in the ink cartridge. Thereby, the actuator 106 can consume the ink in the ink cartridge to the end. Further, in the manufacture of the ink cartridge, the positioning at the time of mounting the actuator 106 becomes easy. Further, it is possible to prevent the actuator 106 from being disposed at a different position between the ink cartridges after the manufacture of the ink cartridge. Thereby,
An electrical connection between the outside of the ink cartridge and the actuator 106 can be stably obtained. Also,
Since the actuator 106 provided in the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment is provided in the corner portion 1001, the outside of the ink cartridge and the actuator 106 are provided.
Can be visually recognized as to whether or not they are electrically connected.

FIG. 2 shows still another embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention. The ink cartridge according to the present embodiment has an inclined surface 1040 in which the corner portion 1001 is inclined with respect to the ink surface. The actuator 106 is provided on the inclined surface 1040. Therefore, the actuator 106 is provided to be inclined with respect to the ink level. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the through hole 1c is formed on a plane. Therefore, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, it is relatively easy to provide the through hole 1c in the embodiment of FIG.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably, the actuator 106 is disposed substantially at the center of the opposing side wall 1015 in the width direction.

Generally, in an ink jet recording apparatus, when an ink cartridge is mounted on a cartridge holder, an ink supply needle is inserted into an ink supply port,
Further, printing is performed with the ink supply needle inserted into the ink supply port. Therefore, when the ink cartridge is displaced with respect to the cartridge holder, the displacement usually occurs around the axis of the ink supply port.

In this embodiment, the actuator 106
Is disposed substantially at the center in the width direction of the opposing side wall 1015, so that when the ink cartridge and the cartridge holder are displaced so as to rotate in the axial direction of the ink supply port 2, the cartridge holder of the actuator 106 Can be relatively small.
Therefore, the electrical connection between the electrode terminals of the actuator 106 and the electrode terminals provided outside is more reliable.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in a lateral direction of another embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention. The container 1 of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment includes interposed side walls 1020a and 1020b interposed between the supply port forming wall 1010 (see FIG. 2) and the opposing side wall 1015 (see FIG. 2).
Having. Also, the ink supply port 2 is located at the corner 1001.
a. In the present embodiment, the actuator 106 is provided at a corner 1001a at the boundary between the bottom wall 1a and the intervening side wall 1020a. Therefore, even if the ink cartridge is inclined in the width direction (the direction of arrow Z) in FIG.
06 can detect when the ink has been consumed and the ink has run out in the container 1. Note that the actuator 106 may be provided at the corner 1001b. Thereby, even when the ink cartridge is inclined in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow Z, the actuator 106 can detect when the ink has been consumed and the ink has run out in the container 1. .

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which two actuators are used in the ink cartridge according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the actuator 106a and the actuator 106b
15 corner portions 1001a and 1001
b. The actuator 106a and the actuator 106b are provided at substantially the same height with respect to the ink level of the container 1. Thus, the actuators 106a and 106b detect the ink level almost at the same time when the ink level reaches a predetermined water level. Therefore, the ink consumption state is detected with high reliability.

When the ink in the container 1 is gradually consumed when the ink cartridge is inclined in the width direction, one of the actuators 106a or 106b detects that there is no ink beforehand. To detect. Therefore, the actuator 106
If the ink cartridge a and the actuator 106b detect the absence of ink in time, or if any one of them detects the absence of ink, it may be determined that the ink cartridge is inclined. it can. still,
The actuators 106a and 106b may be provided at different heights from each other, instead of being provided at substantially the same height with respect to the ink level as in the present embodiment. By disposing the actuators 106a and 106b at different heights with respect to the ink level, the ink in the container 1 can be detected in a stepwise manner. Further, the ink consumption state is detected with high reliability.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view seen from the back side showing an embodiment of an ink cartridge containing a plurality of types of ink. The container 8 is divided into three ink chambers 9, 10 and 11 by partition walls. Ink supply ports 12, 13 and 14 are formed in each ink chamber. Actuators 15, 16 and 17 are attached to the bottom walls 8a of the respective ink chambers 9, 10 and 11 so that the actuators 15, 16 and 17 can come into contact with the ink contained in the respective ink chambers via the container 8.

In this embodiment, the actuators 15, 16
And 17 are opposed side walls 10 opposed to the supply port forming wall 1012 where the ink supply ports 12, 13 and 14 are disposed.
It is provided near a corner 1001c at the boundary between the base 17 and the bottom wall 8a. As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the actuators 15, 16 and 17 are provided with respective corners 1001 of the ink chambers 9, 10 and 11.
c or each opposing side wall 1017.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a main part of an ink jet recording apparatus using the ink cartridge shown in FIG. The carriage 30 that can reciprocate in the width direction of the recording paper has a sub-tank unit 33, and the recording head 31
Is provided on the lower surface. The ink supply needle 32 is provided on the ink cartridge mounting surface side of the sub tank unit 33.

As shown in FIG. 6, the ink cartridge 1
Of the ink supply needle 32 of the sub tank 33
, The valve element 6 is retracted against the spring 5, an ink flow path is formed, and the ink in the ink cartridge 1 flows into the ink chamber 34. At the stage where the ink is filled in the ink chamber 34, a negative pressure is applied to the nozzle openings of the recording head 31 to fill the recording head 31 with the ink, and then the recording operation is performed.

When ink is consumed in the recording head 31 by the recording operation, the pressure on the downstream side of the membrane valve 36 decreases, and the membrane valve 36 is opened. When the membrane valve 36 is opened, the ink in the ink storage chamber 34 flows into the recording head 31 via the ink supply path 35. As the ink flows into the recording head 31, the ink in the ink cartridge 1 flows into the sub tank 33 via the ink supply needle 32.

By attaching the actuator 106 to the container 1, a function of detecting the remaining amount can be provided to the ink cartridge. According to the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to embed an electrode for detecting the liquid level at the time of molding the container 1, the injection molding process is simplified, liquid leakage from the region where the electrode is embedded is eliminated, and ink The reliability of the cartridge can be improved.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of another embodiment different from FIG. 1 of an ink cartridge for a single color, for example, black ink to which the present invention is applied. The ink cartridge according to the present embodiment includes a container 2001 that stores ink and has a corner 2100 below the liquid level of the ink.
Ink supply port 2 for supplying ink to the outside of container 2001
002, the ink consumption state is detected, and the corner portion 21 is detected.
00 and an actuator 106 disposed at the same time. In this embodiment, the container 2001 has an ink supply port 2002.
Is disposed on the bottom wall 3a below the liquid level of the ink. The ink supply port 2002 is provided at a position offset from the center of the bottom wall 3a. The container 2001 has a supply port side wall 2010 that is relatively close to the ink supply port 2002 and an opposing side wall 2020 that faces the supply port side wall 2010 among the side walls that extend substantially perpendicular to the ink surface. The actuator 106 is provided at a corner 2100 at the boundary between the bottom wall 3a and the supply port side wall 2010 so as to be inclined with respect to the ink level. Actuator 10
6 is a corner portion 210 near the ink supply port 2002.
0, it is possible to accurately detect whether or not there is ink near the ink supply port 2002.

When the ink cartridge is displaced from the cartridge holder, the ink cartridge is usually displaced about the axis of the ink supply port 2002. Therefore, when the cartridge holder is provided with a terminal that is electrically connected to the actuator 106, the position where the actuator 106 is provided is determined by the ink supply port 2002.
, It is possible to prevent poor contact between the actuator 106 and the terminal of the cartridge holder.

Further, on the inner wall of the ink supply port 2002,
A packing 2030 is provided. When the ink cartridge is not used, the packing 2030 seals the ink from leaking from the container 2001 to the outside.
On the other hand, when an ink supply needle (not shown) provided in the ink jet recording apparatus breaks through the packing 2030 and is inserted into the ink supply port 2002, ink is transferred from the ink cartridge to the recording head (not shown) via the ink supply needle. ). Preferably, the packing 2030 is
For example, it is formed of an elastic body such as rubber. Thereby,
The space between the ink supply needle and the packing 2030 can be kept liquid-tight.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an ink cartridge according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment, the actuator 106 is provided on the bottom wall 3 a between the supply port side wall 2010 and the ink supply port 2002 in the vicinity of the corner 2100.

According to this embodiment, the actuator 106 can be provided at a position relatively close to the ink supply port 2002 as compared with the embodiment of FIG. Therefore,
It is possible to more accurately detect whether or not there is ink near the ink supply port 2002.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an ink cartridge according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment, the actuator 106
Is the supply port side wall 2 in the vicinity of the corner 2100.
010.

The actuator 106 is connected to the supply port side wall 20.
10, the actuator 106
Are arranged substantially perpendicular to the liquid level of the ink.
Therefore, the process of gradually lowering the ink level can be detected by the actuator 106 having a vibration region that is long in the direction substantially perpendicular to the ink level.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an ink cartridge according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment, the actuator 106
Is provided on the bottom wall 3a between the opposing side wall 2020 and the ink supply port 2002 in the vicinity of the corner 3100 at the boundary between the outer wall of the ink supply port 2 and the bottom wall 3a.

According to the present embodiment, the actuator 106 is different from the embodiment of FIGS.
002. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately detect whether or not there is ink near the ink supply port 2002.

The actuator 106 shown in FIGS.
May have a cavity (see FIG. 11) for holding ink. By holding the ink in the cavity of the actuator 106, the following effects can be obtained. Container 1
The case where there is no ink inside and the ink remains in the cavity of the actuator 106 is set as the threshold value of the presence or absence of ink. That is, when there is no ink around the cavity and the amount of ink in the cavity is less than this threshold, it is determined that there is no ink. When there is ink around the cavity and there is more ink than this threshold, it is determined that there is ink. .
For example, when the ink in the container 1 is below the mounting position of the actuator, it is determined that there is no ink, and when the ink in the container 1 is above the mounting position of the actuator, it is determined that there is ink. By setting the threshold value in this manner, it is determined that there is no ink even when the ink in the cavity is dried and the ink is exhausted, and the ink is re-entered in the cavity where the ink has been exhausted due to shaking of the carriage or the like. Even if it adheres, it does not exceed the threshold,
It can be determined that there is no ink. Therefore, regardless of the amount of ink erroneously attached to the cavity, the actuator 106 can detect the presence or absence of ink.

Incidentally, by designing the actuator 106 so that the capillary force acts on the cavity of the actuator 106, even if the actuator 106 is arranged almost perpendicularly to the liquid level of the ink, the ink is applied to the cavity. Can be left.

On the other hand, the actuator 106 may be designed so that the ink does not come into contact with the vibration area of the actuator 106 when the ink is exhausted in the container. That is, no cavity is provided in the actuator 106. Alternatively, even when a cavity is provided in the actuator 106, the actuator 106 may be designed so that capillary force does not act on the cavity, and the actuator 106 may be arranged so that the cavity does not hold ink.

By not allowing ink to remain in the cavity of the actuator 106, the following effects are obtained.
That is, when there is ink in the container 1, the ink in the cavity of the actuator 106 and the actuator 106
Is filled with ink, and when there is no ink inside the container 1, there is no ink inside the cavity of the actuator 106 and around the actuator 106. Therefore, a change in at least the acoustic impedance detected by the piezoelectric device between the case where ink is present in the container 1 and the case where ink is not present in the container 1 becomes significant. Therefore, the actuator 106 can detect the presence or absence of the ink more remarkably and easily.

When the ink in the container 1 is consumed, whether or not the ink remains in the cavity of the actuator 106 is determined based on the conditions and purpose of using the actuator 106 in consideration of the respective effects. . For example, in an off-carriage type ink jet recording apparatus in which an ink cartridge does not scan with a recording head during printing and is fixed at a predetermined position, a method of detecting the presence or absence of ink by not leaving ink in a cavity may be adopted. preferable.

FIG. 11 shows details of an actuator 106 which is an embodiment of the piezoelectric device. The actuator referred to here is used in a method of detecting at least a change in acoustic impedance and detecting a consumption state of the liquid in the liquid container. In particular, it is used in a method of detecting a resonance frequency by residual vibration to detect at least a change in acoustic impedance to detect a consumption state of a liquid in a liquid container. FIG. 11A is an enlarged plan view of the actuator 106. FIG. 11B shows the state of B of the actuator 106.
3B shows a cross section. FIG. 11C shows the actuator 10.
6 shows a CC section.

The actuator 106 includes a substrate 178 having a circular opening 161 at substantially the center, a vibration plate 176 provided on one surface (hereinafter referred to as a surface) of the substrate 178 so as to cover the opening 161, and a vibration plate. A piezoelectric layer 160 disposed on the side of the surface of 176; an upper electrode 164 and a lower electrode 166 sandwiching the piezoelectric layer 160 from both sides;
Upper electrode terminal 168 electrically coupled to upper electrode 164
And lower electrode terminal 1 electrically coupled to lower electrode 166
70 and an auxiliary electrode 17 disposed between the upper electrode 164 and the upper electrode terminal 168 and electrically coupling the two.
And 2. Each of the piezoelectric layer 160, the upper electrode 164, and the lower electrode 166 has a circular portion as a main part. Piezoelectric layer 160, upper electrode 164 and lower electrode 1
Each circular portion of 66 forms a piezoelectric element.

The vibration plate 176 is formed on the surface of the substrate 178 so as to cover the opening 161. Cavity 162
Is the portion of the diaphragm 176 facing the opening 161 and the substrate 17
8 is formed by the opening 161 on the surface. Substrate 17
The surface opposite to the piezoelectric element 8 (hereinafter referred to as the back surface) faces the liquid container side, and the cavity 162 is configured to be in contact with the liquid. The vibration plate 176 is attached to the substrate 178 in a liquid-tight manner so that even if the liquid enters the cavity 162, the liquid does not leak to the surface side of the substrate 178.

The lower electrode 166 is located on the surface of the diaphragm 176, that is, on the surface opposite to the liquid container.
It is attached so that the center of the circular portion which is the main part of 66 and the center of the opening 161 substantially coincide with each other. The area of the circular portion of the lower electrode 166 is set to be smaller than the area of the opening 161. On the other hand, the lower electrode 1
The piezoelectric layer 160 is formed on the surface side of the substrate 66 such that the center of the circular portion substantially coincides with the center of the opening 161. The area of the circular portion of the piezoelectric layer 160 is
, And larger than the area of the circular portion of the lower electrode 166.

On the other hand, on the front surface side of the piezoelectric layer 160, an upper electrode 164 is provided at the center of the circular portion which is the main portion thereof and the opening 1
61 are formed so as to substantially coincide with the center. The area of the circular portion of the upper electrode 164 is smaller than the area of the opening 161 and the circular portion of the piezoelectric layer 160, and the lower electrode 1
The area is set to be larger than the area of the circular portion 66.

Therefore, the main part of the piezoelectric layer 160 is sandwiched by the main part of the upper electrode 164 and the main part of the lower electrode 166 from the front side and the back side, respectively. The deformation driving can be performed effectively. The circular portions that are the main parts of the piezoelectric layer 160, the upper electrode 164, and the lower electrode 166 form the piezoelectric element of the actuator 106. As described above, the piezoelectric element is in contact with the vibration plate 176. Of the circular portion of the upper electrode 164, the circular portion of the piezoelectric layer 160, the circular portion of the lower electrode 166, and the opening 161, the opening 161 has the largest area. With this structure, the vibration area of the vibration plate 176 that actually vibrates is determined by the opening 161. The circular portion of the upper electrode 164, the circular portion of the piezoelectric layer 160, and the lower electrode 16
Since the circular portion 6 has a smaller area than the opening 161, the diaphragm 176 is more likely to vibrate. Further, the piezoelectric layer 16
Of the circular portion of the lower electrode 166 and the circular portion of the upper electrode 164 electrically connected to 0, the circular portion of the lower electrode 166 is smaller. Therefore, the circular portion of the lower terminal 166 determines a portion of the piezoelectric layer 160 where the piezoelectric effect occurs.

The upper electrode terminal 168 is formed on the surface of the diaphragm 176 so as to be electrically connected to the upper electrode 164 via the auxiliary electrode 172. On the other hand, the lower electrode terminal 17
0 is formed on the surface side of diaphragm 176 so as to be electrically connected to lower electrode 166. Since the upper electrode 164 is formed on the surface side of the piezoelectric layer 160, the upper electrode terminal 16
8, it is necessary to have a step equal to the sum of the thickness of the piezoelectric layer 160 and the thickness of the lower electrode 166. It is difficult to form this step only with the upper electrode 164, and even if possible, the connection between the upper electrode 164 and the upper electrode terminal 168 is weakened, and there is a risk of disconnection. Therefore, the upper electrode 164 and the upper electrode terminal 16 are formed by using the auxiliary electrode 172 as an auxiliary member.
8 is connected. By doing so, both the piezoelectric layer 160 and the upper electrode 164 have a structure supported by the auxiliary electrode 172, so that a desired mechanical strength can be obtained, and the connection between the upper electrode 164 and the upper electrode terminal 168 is ensured. It becomes possible to.

Note that the piezoelectric element and the vibrating region of the vibrating plate 176 facing the piezoelectric element correspond to the actuator 106.
Is a vibrating part that actually vibrates. Further, the members included in the actuator 106 are preferably integrally formed by firing each other. By forming the actuator 106 integrally, handling of the actuator 106 becomes easy. Further, the vibration characteristics are improved by increasing the strength of the substrate 178. That is, by increasing the strength of the substrate 178, only the vibrating portion of the actuator 106 vibrates, and portions of the actuator 106 other than the vibrating portion do not vibrate. Also, in order to prevent portions other than the vibrating portion of the actuator 106 from vibrating, it is possible to increase the strength of the substrate 178 while making the piezoelectric element of the actuator 106 thinner and smaller and the diaphragm 176 thinner.

As a material for the piezoelectric layer 160, it is preferable to use lead zirconate titanate (PZT), lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT), or a lead-free piezoelectric film not using lead. Alternatively, it is preferable to use alumina. It is preferable that the same material as the substrate 178 be used for the diaphragm 176. For the upper electrode 164, the lower electrode 166, the upper electrode terminal 168, and the lower electrode terminal 170, a conductive material such as a metal such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, aluminum, or nickel can be used.

The actuator 106 configured as described above can be applied to a container for storing a liquid. For example, it can be mounted on an ink cartridge or ink tank used for an ink jet recording apparatus, or a container containing a cleaning liquid for cleaning a recording head.

The actuator 106 shown in FIG.
Is mounted at a predetermined location of the liquid container such that the cavity 162 contacts the liquid contained in the liquid container.
When the liquid is sufficiently stored in the liquid container, the inside and outside of the cavity 162 are filled with the liquid. On the other hand, when the liquid in the liquid container is consumed and the liquid level falls below the mounting position of the actuator, no liquid exists in the cavity 162, or liquid remains only in the cavity 162 and gas exists outside the cavity 162. State. The actuator 106 detects at least a difference in acoustic impedance resulting from the change in the state, and accordingly, the state in which the liquid is sufficiently contained in the liquid container, or the state in which the liquid has been consumed for a certain amount or more. Can be detected. further,
The actuator 106 can also detect the type of liquid in the liquid container.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views showing still another embodiment of the actuator. In the present embodiment, the actuator 670 is connected to the recess forming substrate 80.
And a piezoelectric element 82. A concave portion 81 is formed on one surface of the concave portion forming substrate 80 by a technique such as etching, and a piezoelectric element 82 is mounted on the other concave portion forming substrate surface. Of the 80, the bottom of the concave portion 81 functions as a vibration region. Therefore, the vibration region of the actuator 670 is defined by the periphery of the concave portion 81. Further, the actuator 670 is the actuator 1 according to the embodiment of FIG.
06, it is similar to the structure in which the substrate 178 and the diaphragm 176 are integrally formed. Therefore, the manufacturing process when manufacturing the ink cartridge can be shortened, and the cost is reduced. Further, the side surface of the actuator 670 has a tapered surface 83 inclined at an inclination angle θ1.

As shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the actuator 670 closes the through hole provided in the container 1. Therefore, the vibration area of the actuator 670 can come into contact with the ink in the container 1. Also, the recess 81 can function as a cavity.

The actuator 106 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is replaced with the actuator 670 according to the embodiment shown in FIG.
In the same manner as described above, the container 1 may be formed so as to close the through hole.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12B, the actuator 670 is attached from outside the container 1. However, as in the embodiment of FIG.
The actuator 70 and the container 1 may be designed so that 70 can be attached from the inside of the container 1. Further, the actuator 670 may be provided in the container 1 by being embedded in a through-hole provided in the container 1. In any case, the space between the container 1 and the actuator 670 is kept liquid-tight.

The container 1 in the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 12B has a bottom wall 1a and an opposite side wall 1015.
A corner section 1001 between them has a cut surface 90 inclined at an inclination angle θ2 with respect to the bottom wall 1a. The actuator 670 is attached to the cut surface 90 of the container 1 to allow the vibration region 82 to come into contact with the ink in the container 1 and keep the inside of the container 1 liquid-tight. The inclination angle θ1 of the tapered surface 83 and the inclination angle θ2 of the cut surface 90 are preferably equal. Thereby, the bottom wall 1a or the opposing side wall 1
015 and the tapered surface 83 can be formed to be on the same plane.

The container 1 in the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 12C has a bottom wall 1a and an opposite side wall 1a.
015 has a cut surface 90 inclined at an inclination angle θ2 with respect to the bottom wall 1a. The actuator 670 is connected to the bottom wall 1a and the opposite side wall 10 of the container 1.
It is attached to 15 inner wall surfaces. This allows the vibration area 82 to come into contact with the ink inside the container 1 and keeps the inside of the container 1 liquid-tight. The inclination angle θ1 of the tapered surface 83 and the inclination angle θ2 of the cut surface 90 are preferably equal. Thereby, the cut surface 90 and the bottom surface 91 of the actuator 670 can be formed so as to be on the same plane.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a structure in which the actuator 106 is integrally formed as the mounting module body 100. The module body 100 is mounted at a predetermined position of the container 1 of the ink cartridge. Module body 10
0 is configured to detect a state of consumption of the liquid in the container 1 by detecting at least a change in acoustic impedance of the ink liquid. The module 100 of the present embodiment has a liquid container mounting portion 101 for mounting the actuator 106 to the container 1. The liquid container mounting portion 101 has a structure in which a cylindrical portion 116 containing an actuator 106 oscillated by a drive signal is mounted on a base 102 having a substantially rectangular plane. Module body 100
Is configured such that the actuator 106 of the module 100 cannot be contacted from the outside when the cartridge is mounted on the ink cartridge.
Can be protected from external contact. In addition, the tip side edge of the cylindrical portion 116 is rounded, so that it can be easily fitted when the cylindrical portion 116 is mounted in a hole formed in the ink cartridge.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the module body. Module body 400 of the present embodiment
In the figure, a piezoelectric device mounting portion 405 is formed on a liquid container mounting portion 401. In the liquid container mounting portion 401, a cylindrical column portion 403 is formed on a base 402 having a square plane. Further, the piezoelectric device mounting portion 405 includes a plate-shaped element 406 and a concave portion 413 erected on the columnar portion 403.
The actuator 106 is disposed on the side surface of the concave portion 413 provided on the side surface of the plate-shaped element 406. In addition,
The tip of the plate-shaped element 406 is chamfered at a predetermined angle,
When the ink cartridge is mounted in the hole formed in the ink cartridge, it is easy to fit.

FIG. 15 shows still another embodiment of the module. Like the module 100 shown in FIG. 13, the module 500 shown in FIG. 15 includes a liquid container mounting portion 501 having a base 502 and a column 503. The module 500 further includes lead wires 504a and 504b, an actuator 106, a film 508, and a plate 510. Liquid container mounting part 50
An opening 514 is formed in the center of the base 502 included in 1 to accommodate the lead wires 504a and 504b, and a recess 513 is formed to accommodate the actuator 106, the film 508, and the plate 510. The actuator 106 is fixed to the piezoelectric device mounting portion 505 via the plate 510. Therefore, the lead wires 504a and 504b, the actuator 106, the film 508, and the plate 510 are connected to the liquid container mounting portion 5
01 is integrally attached. In the module 500 of the present embodiment, a column 503 whose upper surface is oblique in the vertical direction is formed on a base having a square plane. Column part 5
The actuator 106 is disposed in a concave portion 513 that is provided obliquely in the vertical direction on the upper surface of the substrate 03.

The distal end of the module 500 is inclined, and the actuator 106 is mounted on the inclined surface. Therefore, when the module 500 is mounted on the bottom or the side of the container 1, the actuator 106 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction of the container 1. The inclination angle of the tip of the module 500 is approximately 30 ° to 60 ° in view of the detection performance.
It is desirable to be between.

The module 500 includes the actuator 1
06 is mounted on the bottom or side of the container 1 so as to be placed in the container 1. When the module 500 is mounted on the side of the container 1, the actuator 106 is attached to the container 1 so as to face the upper side, the lower side, or the side of the container 1 while being inclined. On the other hand, when the module 500 is mounted on the bottom wall 1 a of the container 1, it is preferable that the actuator 106 be attached to the container 1 so as to face the ink supply port side of the container 1 while being inclined.

FIGS. 16 to 18 are cross-sectional views of the vicinity of a corner 1001 of the container 1 when the module 100 shown in FIGS. FIG.
6 to FIG. 18, the actuator 10
In this embodiment, reference numeral 6 is provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to the ink level.

The module 100 shown in FIG. 16 is mounted on the opposing side wall 1015 of the corner 1001 at the boundary between the bottom wall 1a of the container 1 and the opposing side wall 1015.
The joint surface between the side wall of the container 1 and the module 100 has O
A ring 365 is provided, and the module 100 and the container 1 are provided.
And maintain liquid tightness. The module 100 preferably has a columnar portion as described with reference to FIG. 32 so that sealing can be performed with an O-ring. When the tip of the module 100 is inserted into the container 1, the ink in the container 1 comes into contact with the actuator 106 through the through hole 112 of the plate 110. Since the resonance frequency of the residual vibration of the actuator 106 differs depending on whether the surroundings of the vibration region of the actuator 106 are liquid or gas, the module 100
Can be used to detect the ink consumption state.

The module 400 shown in FIG. 17 is mounted on the bottom wall 1a of the corner portion 1001 at the boundary between the bottom wall 1a of the container 1 and the opposing side wall 1015. As in the embodiment of FIG. 16, an O-ring 365 is provided to keep the module body 400 and the container 1 liquid-tight.

The module 500 shown in FIG. 18 is mounted on a corner 1001 at the boundary between the bottom wall 1a of the container 1 and the opposing side wall 1015. As in the embodiment of FIG.
An O-ring 365 is provided to maintain liquid tightness between the module 500 and the container 1.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, since the actuator 106 is provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to the ink surface, the vibration area of the actuator 106 is set to be substantially perpendicular to the ink surface. Be positioned.
Therefore, by forming the vibration region of the actuator 106 to be longer in the direction perpendicular to the liquid level of the ink, the actuator 106 can detect a process in which the liquid level of the ink decreases.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the modules 100, 400, and 500 are arranged so that the actuator 106 is substantially perpendicular to the ink surface. However, the modules 100, 400,
500 may be provided such that actuator 106 is substantially parallel to the ink level. That is, FIG.
May be arranged on the bottom wall 1a. Further, the module 400 of FIG. 17 may be provided on the opposing side wall 1015. Further, the module 500 shown in FIG.
The module 500 may be arranged so that the actuator 106 is rotated substantially 180 degrees about the axis X shown in FIG. 18 so that the actuator 106 is substantially parallel to the ink level.

By making the actuator 106 substantially parallel to the ink surface, the ink can be held in the cavity of the actuator 106 even when no capillary force acts on the cavity.

The actuator 106 is connected to the bottom wall 2a.
3001 at the boundary between the side wall 194b and the side wall 194b
Is disposed on the opposing side wall 194b. In the present embodiment, the actuator 106 is provided substantially perpendicular to the ink level.

Unlike the present embodiment, by bending a portion of the circuit board 610 on which the actuator 106 is provided at a predetermined angle, the actuator 106 can be provided at the corner 3001 at an angle.
Thereby, the actuator 106 can obtain the same effect as the ink cartridge in the embodiment of FIG. 1 or FIG.

A modified O-ring 614 is mounted on the side wall 194b so as to surround the periphery of the actuator 106. A plurality of caulking portions 616 for joining the circuit board 610 to the container 194 are formed on the side wall 194b. The circuit board 610 is joined to the container 194 by the caulking portion 616, and the odd-shaped O-ring 614 is pressed against the circuit board 610, so that the vibration area of the actuator 106 can come into contact with the ink, and the outside and inside of the ink cartridge are And liquid tight.

A terminal 612 is formed in the semiconductor storage means 7 and in the vicinity of the semiconductor storage means 7. The terminal 612 exchanges signals between the semiconductor storage means 7 and the outside such as an ink jet storage device. The semiconductor storage means 7 may be constituted by a rewritable semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM. Since the semiconductor storage means 7 and the actuator 106 are formed on the same circuit board 610, only one mounting step is required when mounting the actuator 106 and the semiconductor storage means 7 on the ink cartridge 180C. Further, the working process at the time of manufacturing and recycling the ink cartridge 180C is simplified. Further, since the number of parts is reduced, the ink cartridge 180
The manufacturing cost of C can be reduced.

The actuator 106 detects the state of consumption of the ink in the container 194. The semiconductor storage means 7 stores information on ink such as the remaining amount of ink detected by the actuator 106. That is, the semiconductor storage means 7 stores information on characteristic parameters such as characteristics of the ink and the ink cartridge used for detection. The semiconductor storage means 7 determines the resonance frequency when the ink in the container 194 is full, that is, when the ink is filled in the container 194, or when the ink is in the end, that is, when the ink in the container 194 is consumed. Store as one of the parameters. The resonance frequency when the ink in the container 194 is full or in the end state may be stored when the ink cartridge is first mounted on the inkjet recording apparatus. Also, the resonant frequency of the full or end state of the ink in the container 194 may be stored during manufacture of the container 194. The resonance frequency when the ink in the container 194 is full or end is stored in advance in the semiconductor storage means 7, and the data of the resonance frequency is read out on the ink jet recording apparatus side, so that the variation in detecting the remaining ink amount can be corrected. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect that the remaining amount of ink has decreased to the reference value.

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of an ink cartridge and an ink jet recording apparatus using the actuator 106 shown in FIG. The plurality of ink cartridges 180 are mounted on an inkjet recording apparatus having a plurality of ink introduction portions 182 and holders 184 corresponding to the respective ink cartridges 180. The plurality of ink cartridges 180 store inks of different types, for example, colors. At the bottom of each of the plurality of ink cartridges 180, an actuator 106 as a means for detecting at least acoustic impedance is mounted. By mounting the actuator 106 on the ink cartridge 180, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 180 can be detected.

FIG. 21 shows details around the head of the ink jet recording apparatus. The ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink introduction unit 182, a holder 184, a head plate 1
86, and a nozzle plate 188. A plurality of nozzles 190 for ejecting ink are formed on the nozzle plate 188. The ink introduction section 182 has an air supply port 181 and an ink introduction port 183. The air supply port 181 supplies air to the ink cartridge 180. The ink inlet 183 introduces ink from the ink cartridge 180. The ink cartridge 180 has an air inlet 185 and an ink supply port 187. The air inlet 185 introduces air from the air supply port 181 of the ink inlet 182. The ink supply port 187 supplies ink to the ink introduction port 183 of the ink introduction unit 182. When the ink cartridge 180 introduces air from the ink introduction unit 182, the ink cartridge 180
The supply of ink to 82 is prompted. The holder 184 communicates the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 180 via the ink introduction unit 182 to the head plate 186.
The ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 180 to the ink introduction unit 1.
The ink is supplied to the head via the nozzle 82 and is discharged from the nozzle to the recording medium. Thereby, the ink jet recording apparatus prints on the recording medium.

As described above, the case where the actuator 106 is mounted on the ink cartridge or the carriage in a separate ink cartridge mounted on the carriage has been described. However, the actuator 106 is integrated with the carriage and mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus together with the carriage. The actuator 106 may be mounted on the ink tank to be used. Furthermore, through a tube or the like separate from the carriage,
The actuator 106 may be mounted on an off-carriage type ink tank that supplies ink to the carriage.
Further, the actuator of the present invention may be mounted on an ink cartridge which is configured so as to be exchangeable with the recording head integrally.

As described above, the present invention has been described using the embodiments. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. It should be noted that such modified or improved embodiments may be included in the technical scope of the present invention.
It is clear from the description of the claims.

[0094]

According to the liquid container according to the present invention, the remaining amount of liquid can be accurately detected, and a complicated sealing structure is not required.

The liquid container according to the present invention has a small number of liquid container manufacturing steps and a low manufacturing cost.
Further, it is possible to accurately detect the consumption of the liquid in the liquid container regardless of the type of the liquid.

Further, according to the liquid container according to the present invention,
Since the time when the liquid level of the liquid reaches the bottom of the container can be detected, the liquid in the liquid container can be consumed to the end.

Further, in the liquid container according to the present invention, it is easy to attach the means for detecting the liquid during the manufacture of the liquid container, and the positioning for attaching the means for detecting the liquid becomes easy.

[0098]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an ink cartridge for a single color, for example, a black ink.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of an ink cartridge containing a plurality of types of inks, viewed from the back side.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a main part of an ink jet recording apparatus using the ink cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment different from FIG. 1 of an ink cartridge for a single color, for example, a black ink.

8 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of still another embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 7;

11 is a diagram showing details of an actuator 106. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge and the actuator of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a module body.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the module body.

FIG. 15 is a view showing still another embodiment of the module body.

FIG. 16 shows a case where the module 100 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section mounted on the horn.

FIG. 17 shows a case where the module 400 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section mounted on the horn.

FIG. 18 shows a case where the module 500 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section mounted on the horn.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the ink cartridge.

20 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an ink cartridge and an ink jet recording apparatus using the actuator 106 shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing details around a head section of the ink jet recording apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Container 1a ... Bottom surface 1b ... Side wall 1c ... Through-hole 2 ... Ink supply port 3a ... Bottom wall 4 ... Packing 5 ... Spring 6 ... Valve element 7 ... Semiconductor storage means 8 ... Container 8a ... Bottom wall 9,10,11 ... Ink chamber 12,13,14 ... Ink supply port 20 ... Fixed substrate 21,23 ... -Conductive material layer 21a, 23a-Connection terminal 31-Recording head 32-Ink supply needle 33-Subtank unit 34-Ink chamber 35-Ink supply path 36-Membrane valve 37: Filter 38: Valve element 71: Substrate 72, 80, 178: Substrate 73, 82: Piezoelectric vibrating plate 81: Recess 100, 400, 500: Module 104 362: Lead wire 106, 650, 660, 6 70 Actuator 110 Plate 112 412 Through hole 116 Cylindrical part 160 Piezoelectric layer 162 164 Upper electrode 166 Lower electrode 168 Upper electrode Terminal 170 Lower electrode terminal 172 Auxiliary electrode 174 Piezoelectric element 176 Vibrating plate 180 Ink cartridge 181 Air supply port 182 Ink introduction unit 183 Ink inlet port 184: Valve section 185 ... Air inlet port 186 ... Head plate 187 ... Ink supply port 188 ... Nozzle plate 190 ... Nozzle 194 ... Container 194a ... Bottom face 194b ... side wall 194c ... upper surface 402, 502 ... base 403 ... cylindrical base 404, 504 ... lead wire 408 508 film 410, 510 plate 413, 513 recess 414, 514 opening 606 actuator 610 substrate 612 terminal 1001 corner 1010 ··· Supply port forming wall 1012 ··· Supply port forming wall 1015 ··· Opposite side wall 1020 ··· Interposed side wall 2001 ··· Container 2002 ··· Ink supply port 2010 ··· Supply side wall 2030 ··· Packing 2100: Corner K: Ink

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C056 EA29 EB20 EB29 EB39 EB51 EB59 KB05 KB08 KB37 KC05 KC13 KC22 KC30 KD06 2F014 AB01 AB02 AB03 CB01

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A container for containing a liquid and having a corner below a liquid surface of the liquid, a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid to the outside of the container, and detecting a consumption state of the liquid, And a piezoelectric device provided in a portion or near the corner portion. 2. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the container has a bottom wall below a liquid surface of the liquid, and the piezoelectric device is disposed on the bottom wall. 3. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the corner portion includes an inclined portion inclined with respect to the liquid surface of the liquid, and the piezoelectric device is provided on the inclined portion. 4. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the inclined portion extends to the liquid supply port, and the piezoelectric device is provided above the liquid level when the liquid level reaches the liquid supply port. The liquid container according to claim 3, characterized in that: 5. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric device is provided near the liquid supply port. 6. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein at least two piezoelectric devices are provided. 7. The liquid container according to claim 5, wherein the at least two piezoelectric devices are disposed at substantially the same height with respect to the liquid level of the liquid. 8. The liquid container according to claim 5, wherein the at least two piezoelectric devices are provided at different heights with respect to a liquid level of the liquid. 9. The container has at least two liquid storage chambers in which different types of liquids are stored, and each of the liquid storage chambers is provided through the liquid supply port provided in each of the liquid storage chambers. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is supplied to the outside of the container from the liquid container, and the piezoelectric device is provided in each of the liquid storage chambers. 10. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric device is provided by a mounting structure for mounting the piezoelectric device to the liquid container. 11. The piezoelectric device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric device is provided as a substrate on which a storage unit for storing information on a consumption state of the liquid detected by the piezoelectric device and the piezoelectric device are integrally provided. Item 2. The liquid container according to Item 1. 12. The liquid crystal device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric device has a vibrating portion, and detects a consumption state of the liquid based on a back electromotive force generated by residual vibration remaining in the vibrating portion. A liquid container according to claim 11. 13. The liquid according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric device detects at least an acoustic impedance of the liquid, and detects a consumption state of the liquid based on the acoustic impedance. container. 14. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container is mounted on an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording head for discharging ink droplets, and supplies the liquid in the container to the recording head. The liquid container according to any one of the above. 15. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said ink cartridge communicates with an ink cartridge detachably mounted on said ink jet recording apparatus, and is disposed near said recording head.
A liquid container according to claim 1.