JPH11309876A - Liquid supply system, communication part used for the same, ink jet cartridge, head cartridge, and liquid supply container provided with the communication part - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A liquid supply operation is performed more reliably and stably when a negative pressure generating member storage chamber and a liquid storage chamber can be separated. SOLUTION: An ink container 53 whose inner wall 54 is deformable.
Is provided with an ink supply port 12 for supplying ink to the recording head 60, and is detachably provided in the negative pressure generating member storage chamber 10 in which the negative pressure generating member 13 is stored. The negative pressure generating member storage chamber 10 is provided with a communication pipe 71 connected to the ink tank 50, and the ink tank 50 is provided with an ink supply unit 52 into which the communication pipe 71 is inserted. An ink derivative 75 is inserted into the communication pipe 71, and an air introduction path 72 is formed between the ink derivative 75 and the inner wall of the communication pipe 71.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid supply system that uses a negative pressure to supply a liquid to the outside, and more specifically, a liquid that supplies a liquid to a recording head to print and record on a recording medium. The present invention relates to a liquid supply system, an ink jet cartridge, a head cartridge, and a liquid supply container in an ejection recording apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a liquid supply method using a negative pressure to supply a liquid to the outside, for example, in the field of ink jet recording apparatuses, an ink tank for applying a negative pressure to an ink discharge head has been proposed. A configuration (ink-jet cartridge) that can be integrated with a head has been implemented. The ink-jet cartridge is further classified into a structure in which a recording head and an ink tank (ink storage unit) are always integrated, a structure in which a recording unit and an ink storage unit are separate, and both can be separated from a recording apparatus. It can be divided into a configuration to be used integrally.

One of the easiest methods for generating a negative pressure in such a liquid supply system is a method utilizing the capillary force of a porous body. In this method, the ink tank is housed inside the ink tank for the purpose of ink storage, preferably a porous body such as a sponge which is housed in a compressed state, and air is taken into the ink storage section for smooth ink supply during printing. And a possible air communication port.

However, as a problem when using a porous member as an ink holding member, the ink storage efficiency per unit volume is low. In order to solve this problem, the present applicant has disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-226990 a negative pressure generating member which has a substantially closed ink storage chamber except for a communicating part with a capillary force generation member storage chamber. An invention has been proposed in which an ink storage chamber is replaceable for an ink tank used with the storage chamber open to the atmosphere.

[0005] This ink tank can increase the ink storage efficiency per unit volume and the ink holding capacity as compared with a configuration in which a porous body is inserted into the entire ink tank. Further, the ink tank disclosed in JP-A-6-226990 is technically excellent from the viewpoint of exchangeability.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Perform gas-liquid exchange when using ink in the ink storage chamber,
That is, since ink is supplied from the ink storage chamber to the negative pressure generating member by introducing outside air into the space of the ink storage section, air and ink are present in the ink storage chamber.

[0007] In general, the environment in which a printer is used varies greatly depending on the region, but is often set at a constant temperature.

However, in actuality, there are areas where the temperature changes drastically and areas where the temperature difference of the day is large. Therefore, the outside air expands in the ink storage chamber, and the ink in the ink storage chamber is stored in the negative pressure generating member. It is led out to the room side. Therefore, in the related art, in consideration of the amount of ink movement with respect to the expansion ratio, the internal volume of the ink storage chamber may not be increased as a result.

The present inventors have already filed an application for a liquid container based on a novel operation principle for solving the above-mentioned problem, and the present invention has been conceived based on a more preferable idea of the present inventors. It is.

An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid supply system, an ink-jet cartridge, and a head cartridge which can more reliably and stably perform a liquid supply operation when a negative pressure generating member storage chamber and a liquid storage chamber are made separable. And so on.

Another object of the present invention is to provide related inventions such as an ink jet cartridge to which the above-mentioned liquid supply system can be applied.

[0012]

The specific means of the present invention for achieving the above objects can be understood from the following constitution.

A liquid supply system according to the present invention includes a liquid supply container having a liquid storage portion capable of generating a negative pressure by storing and deforming a liquid in a closed space, and being detachably attached to the liquid supply container. Yes, a capillary force generating member capable of holding a liquid,
An atmosphere communication portion communicating with the atmosphere, and a capillary force generation member storage container including a liquid supply portion for supplying a liquid to the outside,
A communication section for communicating the liquid supply container and the capillary force generating member storage container, wherein a gas priority introduction for preferentially introducing a gas into the liquid supply container is provided. And a liquid discharge path for discharging liquid from the liquid supply container.

According to the liquid supply system of the present invention, the communication portion for connecting the liquid supply container and the capillary force generating member storage container has a liquid outlet path for discharging the liquid from the liquid supply container, and a gas outlet. Since the gas priority introduction path for introducing the gas into the liquid supply container is provided, the gas is easily introduced into the liquid storage section through the gas priority introduction path at the time of gas-liquid exchange. As a result, the liquid is stably led out from the liquid storage section to the capillary force generating member storage container.

The present invention also provides a communication portion used in the liquid supply system. The communication portion of the present invention can generate a negative pressure by storing a liquid in a closed space and deforming the liquid. A liquid supply container having a liquid storage portion, a capillary force generating member detachable from the liquid supply container and capable of holding the liquid, an atmosphere communication portion communicating with the atmosphere, and supplying the liquid to the outside. And a capillary force generating member storage container having a liquid supply portion, and a communication portion between the liquid supply container and the capillary force generation member storage container used in the liquid supply system having the It is characterized by comprising a gas preferential introduction path for introducing the liquid into the liquid supply container, and a liquid discharge path for causing the liquid to be discharged from the liquid supply container.

The present invention is also applicable to ink jet cartridges and head cartridges in the field of ink jet recording.

The ink-jet cartridge of the present invention comprises:
A recording head for discharging liquid to the outside, a liquid supply unit for supplying liquid to the recording head, and an atmosphere communication unit for communicating with the atmosphere, and a capillary force generating member capable of holding liquid inside And a liquid supply part capable of generating a negative pressure by storing and deforming a liquid in a closed space, and supplying and removing liquid to and from the capillary force generation member storage chamber. A liquid preferential introduction path for preferentially introducing gas into the liquid supply container, and a liquid lead-out path for leading liquid out of the liquid supply container. It is provided in a communication part between a supply container and the capillary force generating member storage chamber.

The head cartridge according to the present invention is a head cartridge capable of detachably mounting a liquid supply container having a liquid storage portion capable of generating a negative pressure by storing and deforming a liquid in a closed space. A print head unit for discharging liquid, a liquid supply unit for supplying a liquid to the print head unit, and an air communication unit for communicating with the atmosphere, and house therein a capillary force generating member capable of holding the liquid. A capillary force generating member storage chamber, wherein the capillary force generating member storage chamber is provided integrally with the recording head section, and a communication portion of the capillary force generating member storage chamber with the liquid supply container, A gas preferential introduction path for preferentially introducing gas into the liquid supply container, and a liquid outlet path for allowing liquid to be led out of the liquid supply container are provided.

Further, the present invention provides a liquid supply container applicable to a liquid supply system. The liquid supply container according to the present invention includes a liquid supply part for supplying liquid to the outside and an air communication part communicating with the atmosphere, and a capillary force generation member storage container for storing a capillary force generation member for holding the liquid inside. A liquid supply container that is detachably replaceable and stores liquid to be supplied to the capillary force generating member storage container, the liquid supply container substantially excluding a communication portion with the capillary force generation member storage container. A liquid storage portion that forms a closed space and deforms with the derivation of the liquid stored therein and is capable of generating a negative pressure. The communication portion includes a liquid storage portion for discharging the liquid to the capillary force generation member storage container. A liquid lead-out passage and a gas preferential introduction passage for preferentially introducing gas from the capillary force generating member storage container are formed.

[0020]

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

In each of the following embodiments, ink is described as an example of a liquid used in the liquid supply system of the present invention. However, applicable liquids are not limited to ink. Needless to say, this includes a processing solution for the recording medium.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a diagram for explaining an outline of an inkjet cartridge to which the liquid supply system of the embodiment is applied,
(A) is a perspective view of the liquid supply system, and (b) is a cross-sectional view when a recording head is connected to the liquid supply system of (a).

As shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet cartridge according to the present embodiment includes an ink tank 50 and an ink tank 5 serving as liquid supply containers for storing ink therein.
A recording head 60 that performs recording by discharging ink supplied from the capillary force generation member storage chamber 10 to a liquid supply system including the capillary force generation member storage chamber 10 that temporarily holds ink supplied from 0. Are connected.

The ink tank 50 is provided so as to be detachable from the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10, and has an ink storage section 53 for storing ink therein, and a capillary force generation liquid described later for storing the liquid in the ink storage section 53. An ink supply section 52 is provided for leading out to the member storage chamber 10. The ink tank 50 includes an outer wall 51 forming a chamber (housing) and an outer wall 51.
And an inner wall 54 having an inner surface that is the same as or similar to the inner surface.

The ink supply section 52 is located at the lower end of the ink tank 50 and opens at the side end surface of the ink tank 50. The ink tank 50 is inserted into the capillary force generating member storage chamber 1
Before connecting to 0, the ink supply unit 52 is sealed with a seal member 57, and the ink storage unit 53 is in a sealed state with respect to the atmosphere.

The inner wall 54 has flexibility, and the ink storage portion 53 can be deformed as the ink stored inside is drawn out. The inner wall 54 is a welded portion (pinch-off portion).
The inner wall 54 is supported by the welded portion 56 so as to engage with the outer wall 51. Further, an air communication port 55 is provided in the outer wall 51 so that air can be introduced between the inner wall 54 and the outer wall 51.

On the other hand, the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 has an ink supply port 12 for supplying ink (including a liquid such as a processing liquid) to the outside of a recording head 60 or the like for performing recording by discharging a liquid from a discharge port 61. And a communication pipe 71 that is in contact with the capillary force generating member 13 and that introduces a liquid from the ink tank 50. Inside the housing 11, a capillary force generating member 13 made of a porous member such as polyurethane foam or a fibrous member made of polyethylene or polypropylene is stored. The ink is held by utilizing the ink absorption phenomenon by the capillary force of the force generating member 13. The communication pipe 71 is provided at the lower end of the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 so as to protrude laterally, and the capillary force generation member storage chamber 10 and the ink tank 50 are connected in the lateral direction.

The capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 further includes an air introduction groove 17 and an air communication port 15. The air introduction groove 17 is for promoting gas-liquid exchange, which will be described later, and has a lower end communicating with the inside of the communication pipe 71 at the lower end inside the side wall surface near the communication pipe 71 and the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10. Are formed in the vertical direction toward the upper end side. The air communication port 15 is for communicating the capillary force generating member 13 with the outside air, and is formed at the upper end of the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10. A buffer section 16 formed by a rib protruding from the inner surface of the housing 11 is provided near the atmosphere communication port 15.
Is provided. In the present embodiment, the communication pipe 71
Is in contact with the capillary force generating member 13 and its end is continuous with the air introduction groove 17, so that a liquid supply operation described later can be smoothly realized.

Further, an ink derivative 75 is inserted into the communication pipe 71. The ink derivative 75 is for guiding the ink from the ink tank 50 to the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 satisfactorily. For example, the ink derivative 75 is made of a felt-like material so that the ink can be guided by using the capillary force. A material obtained by bundling fibrous bodies along the axial direction of the communication pipe 71 is used. In addition, the size of the cross section of the ink derivative 75 is smaller than the size of the cross section of the communication tube 71, and a gap is formed between the upper surface of the ink derivative 75 and the inner surface of the communication tube 71. This gap is connected to the air introduction groove 17 and constitutes an air introduction passage 72 through which gas passes preferentially during gas-liquid exchange described later.

In the following cross-sectional views including FIG. 1, the area where the capillary force generating member 13 holds the ink is indicated by hatching. In addition, the ink stored in the space such as the ink storage unit 53, the air introduction groove 17, the gas-liquid exchange passage, and the like is indicated by a shaded portion.

The ink tank 50 of the present embodiment is composed of six planes each having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a cylindrical ink supply section 52 added as a curved surface. The maximum surface area of the rectangular parallelepiped shape is as follows. It is displayed indirectly on FIG. The thickness of the inner wall 54 is smaller at a portion forming a vertex (hereinafter, referred to as a corner, even when the vertex has a minute curved surface shape) than at the central region of each surface of the rectangular parallelepiped. And gradually decreases from the central region toward each of the corners, and has a convex shape inside the ink storage unit. This direction is, in other words, the same as the surface deformation direction, and has the effect of promoting the deformation described later.

Further, since the corner of the inner wall 54 is formed by three surfaces, the strength of the entire corner of the inner wall 54 is relatively higher than the strength of the central region. Also,
When viewed from the extension of the surface, the thickness is smaller than that of the central region, so that the movement of the surface described later is permitted. It is desirable that the portions constituting the corners of the inner wall 54 have substantially the same thickness.

Although FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram, the positional relationship between the outer wall 51 and the inner wall 54 of the ink tank 50 is drawn as if they are separated from each other by a space, but is actually in a separable state. The inner wall 54 and the outer wall 51 may be in contact with each other, or may be configured to be arranged with a small space therebetween.

Next, the operation of the present liquid supply system for supplying the ink liquid will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
Each of FIGS. 6 to 6 mounts the ink tank 50 of the liquid supply system shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 shows a change when ink is ejected from the recording head 60.
FIGS. 7A to 6C are schematic explanatory diagrams showing the order of FIG. 6A, FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the same cross section as FIG. 1, and FIG.
FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the amount of ink derived from the ink supply port 12 shown in FIG. 1 and the negative pressure of the ink supply port.
The vertical axis represents the negative pressure (static negative pressure) at the ink supply port. In FIG. 7, the state of the change of the negative pressure shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 is indicated by an arrow.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are explanatory views showing the capillary force generating member storage chamber and the ink tank before connection.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the ink tank 5
In the ink supply unit 52 of 0, a seal member 57 is provided to prevent the ink stored in the ink storage unit 53 from being led out, and the ink storage unit 53 of the ink tank 50 maintains a sealed state with respect to the atmosphere. ing. In addition, the ink storage unit 5
The inner wall 54 constituting the third wall 3 is formed so that the corner of the inner wall 54 comes at least at the corner of the outer wall 51 along the inner surface shape of the outer wall 51 (this state is referred to as an initial state).

At this time, the ink inside the ink storage section 53 is slightly smaller than the amount of ink that can be stored in the ink storage section 53 so that the ink supply section 52 has a slight negative pressure when the seal member 57 is opened. Is stored, it is possible to more reliably prevent the ink from leaking to the outside when the seal member 57 is opened from external force, temperature change, and pressure change.

From the viewpoint of such environmental changes, it is desirable that the amount of air stored in the ink storage unit 53 before connection is extremely small. In order to reduce the amount of air stored in the ink storage unit 53, for example, Japanese Patent Application No.
A liquid injection method as disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 00126 may be used.

On the other hand, the capillary force generating member 13 of the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 holds ink in a part thereof. In the present embodiment, the atmosphere introduction groove 17 communicates with the atmosphere via the capillary force generating member 13.

Here, the amount of ink stored in the capillary force generating member 13 depends on the amount of ink stored in the capillary force generating member 13 when the ink tank 50 described later is replaced.
There may be some variation. In addition, the air introduction groove 17
The communication pipe 71 does not necessarily need to be filled with a liquid, and may contain air as shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B,
The ink tank 50 is connected to the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10. At this time, until the pressures of the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 and the ink tank 50 become equal, the ink moves as shown by the arrow in FIG. (This state is referred to as a use start state).

Therefore, the ink movement for achieving the equilibrium state will be described in detail.

When the communication pipe 71 of the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 is inserted into the ink supply section 52 of the ink tank 50, the sealing by the seal member 57 is released. Then, the ink in the ink storage section 53 flows to the communication pipe 71 and an ink path is formed between the ink and the capillary force generation member 13 in the capillary force generation member storage chamber 10. When air is present in the communication pipe 71 in the state shown in FIG.
(The air is omitted in FIG. 3).

When the ink path is formed, the movement of the ink from the ink storage section 53 to the capillary force generating member 13 is started by the capillary force of the capillary force generating member 13. At this time,
The inner wall 54 starts to deform in the direction in which the volume of the ink storage unit 53 decreases from the center of the surface having the largest area.

Here, since the outer wall 51 functions to suppress the displacement of the corners of the inner wall 54, the ink storage unit 53 has the function of deforming due to ink consumption and the function of returning to the initial state (FIG. 2). The force acts to generate a negative pressure according to the degree of deformation without a sudden change.
Since the space between the inner wall 54 and the outer wall 51 communicates with the outside air through the atmosphere communication port 55, air is introduced between the inner wall 54 and the outer wall 51 according to the deformation. The ink is introduced into the air introduction groove 17 by the negative pressure generated by the ink storage section 53 as in the present embodiment.
When the capillary force of No. 7 is large, ink is filled.

The movement of the ink is started, and the capillary force generating member 1 is moved.
As the ink 3 is filled, the ink is also filled above the upper end of the air introduction groove 17, and the air introduction groove 17 stops communicating with the atmosphere. Then, the ink tank 50 exchanges the ink and the atmosphere only via the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10, so that the static negative pressure in the gas-liquid exchange passage of the ink tank 50 and the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 Further ink movement is performed such that the static negative pressure in the communication passage 71 becomes equal.

That is, since the negative pressure on the capillary force generating member housing chamber 10 side at this time is higher than the negative pressure on the ink tank 50 side, the ink tank 50 is kept until the negative pressures on both sides become equal.
Then, the ink is further moved to the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 and the amount of ink held by the capillary force generating member 13 in the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 increases accordingly. As described above, the movement of the ink from the ink tank 50 to the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 is performed without introducing the gas into the ink tank 50 via the capillary force generating member 13. The static negative pressure of the ink tank 50 and the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 when in the equilibrium state depends on the type of the recording head 60 so that the ink does not leak from the recording head 60 connected to the ink supply port 12. The value may be set to an appropriate value (α in FIG. 7) accordingly.

The lower limit of the amount of ink that can be moved from the ink tank 50 is the amount of ink when the capillary force generating member 13 is filled with ink to the upper limit level of the air introduction groove 17 (gas-liquid interface described later). This is the amount of ink when the force generating member 13 is completely filled with ink. Therefore, considering the variation in the amount of ink held in the capillary force generating member 13 before connection, and determining the amount of ink to be moved to the capillary force generating member 13 from these upper and lower limits, the ink amount The material and thickness of the ink storage portion 53 corresponding to the capillary force generating member 13 can be appropriately selected based on the negative pressure value α in the equilibrium state.

Further, since there is a variation in the amount of ink held by the capillary force generating member 13 before connection, even when the state of equilibrium is reached as shown in FIG.
In some cases, a region not filled with ink remains.
This area, together with the buffer section 16, can be used as a buffer area for changes in temperature and pressure described later.

Conversely, when there is a possibility that the pressure of the ink supply port when the equilibrium state is reached may become positive due to the influence of the variation, the suction recovery means provided in the main body of the liquid discharge recording apparatus suctions the ink. The recovery may be performed and a small amount of the ink may be caused to flow out.

The formation of the ink path in the communication pipe 71 at the time of connection may be performed by using an impact at the time of connection, and the ink storage section 53 may be pressed together with the outer wall 51 at the time of connection. May be performed by applying pressure. In addition, the ink storage section 53 before connection is set to a very slight negative pressure state, and the communication pipe 71 is used by utilizing this negative pressure.
The movement of the gas inside the ink storage unit 53 may be promoted.

Next, as shown in FIG.
To discharge ink and start consuming ink. At this time, the ink held by both the ink storage unit 53 and the capillary force generating member 13 is balanced while increasing the value of the static negative pressure generated by both the ink storage unit 53 and the capillary force generating member 13. Is consumed. That is, when the ink is consumed from the ink supply port 12, the liquid level position of the capillary force generating member 13 in the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 decreases, and the ink is stored. The portion 53 is further deformed, and the central portion of the ink storage portion 53 is kept in a stable inwardly crushed state.

Here, the welded portion 56 also serves as a deformation restricting portion of the inner wall 54, and the surface adjacent to the surface having the largest area is relatively larger than the region having the welded portion 56.
Are not deformed first, and the inner wall 54 is separated from the outer wall 51. In the present embodiment, the opposing surfaces having the largest surface area are deformed almost simultaneously, so that more stable deformation is realized.

The ink supply port 1 in the state shown in FIG.
The change of the static negative pressure with respect to the ink derivation amount from No. 2 is such that the static negative pressure gradually increases in proportion to the ink derivation amount, as shown in a region A of FIG. Even in the first ink supply state, air does not enter the ink storage section 53 via the communication pipe 71.

As the derivation of the ink from the ink supply port 12 further proceeds, as shown in FIG. 5, a gas is introduced into the ink storage section 53 (hereinafter referred to as a gas-liquid exchange state or a second ink state). Referred to as a supply state).

At this time, the liquid level position of the capillary force generating member 13 is substantially constant (gas-liquid interface) at the upper end of the air introduction groove 17, and the air introduction groove 17 and the communication pipe 71
When the air that has passed through the air introduction passage 72 enters the ink tank 50, ink flows from the ink tank 50 to the communication pipe 71.
Capillary member generating chamber 10 through ink derivative 75 of
To the capillary force generating member 13 of FIG.

Therefore, even if ink is consumed by the recording head 60 as the liquid discharge recording means, the ink is filled in the capillary force generating member 13 in accordance with the consumed amount, and the capillary force generating member 13 holds a certain amount of ink. In addition, since the air is introduced into the ink storage section 53, the negative pressure of the ink tank 50 is kept almost constant while almost maintaining the shape at the time of gas-liquid exchange. Stabilize.
The change in the static negative pressure with respect to the amount of ink derived from the ink supply port 12 in the state shown in FIG. 5 has a substantially constant value with respect to the amount of ink derived, as shown in a region B of FIG.

When the derivation of the ink from the ink supply port 12 further proceeds, as shown in FIG.
The ink of No. 3 is almost completely consumed, and the ink remaining in the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 is consumed. FIG.
The change in the negative pressure with respect to the amount of ink drawn out from the ink supply port 12 in the state shown in FIG. 7 has a form in which the negative pressure increases in proportion to the amount of ink drawn out, as shown in a region C of FIG. In such a state, even if the ink tank 50 is removed, there is little risk of ink leaking from the communication pipe 71. Therefore, the ink tank 50 may be removed and replaced with a new ink tank.

The liquid supply operation of the ink tank in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is as described above.

That is, when the ink tank 50 is connected to the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10, the ink moves until the pressures of the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 and the ink tank 50 become equal, and the ink tank 50 starts to be used. Recording head 6
When the ink consumption is started by 0, first, the ink storage unit 53 and the capillary force generation member 13 are balanced while increasing the value of the static negative pressure generated by both the ink storage unit 53 and the capillary force generation member 13. The ink held by both members 13 is consumed. After that, the gas is introduced into the ink storage section 53, and the capillary force generating member 13 passes through a gas-liquid exchange state in which a substantially constant negative pressure is maintained for ink ejection while maintaining the gas-liquid interface. The ink remaining in the storage chamber 10 is consumed.

As described above, in the present invention, the ink storage unit 5
In this ink supply step (first ink supply state), the inner volume of the ink tank 50 is limited by the ink storage at the time of connection since the ink storage section 53 has a step of using ink without introducing outside air to the ink storage section 3. Only the air introduced into the part 53 has to be considered. That is,
There is an advantage that even if the restriction on the internal volume in the ink tank 50 is relaxed, it is possible to respond to environmental changes.

According to the present invention, the ink tank 50
Not only can the ink inside the ink tank be completely consumed, but also the communication pipe 71 may contain air at the time of replacement, and the ink tank 50 can be replaced regardless of the ink holding amount of the capillary force generating member 13. Therefore, it is possible to provide an ink supply system capable of replacing the ink tank 50 without providing a remaining amount detection mechanism unlike the related art.

In particular, the ink derivative 75 is provided in the communication pipe 71.
Is formed, the air that has passed through the air introduction groove 17 during the above-described gas-liquid exchange preferentially passes through the air introduction passage 72 in the communication pipe 71. The air passage can be secured. As a result, the air easily passes through the communication pipe 71 and the air is easily introduced into the ink storage section 53. Accordingly, the ink is also led out from the ink storage section 53 to the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 by the ink derivative. 75 and the capillary force generating member storage chamber 1
Gas-liquid exchange can be easily performed irrespective of the ink holding amount within zero.

As shown in FIG. 7, the negative pressure increases in proportion to the amount of ink derivation (area A), and thereafter maintains a constant value (area B). In order for the negative pressure to increase (region C), air introduction is performed before the opposite deformed surfaces of the ink storage unit come into contact with each other, that is, the region A moves to the region B from the region A. desirable. This is because the ratio of the change in the negative pressure to the amount of ink drawn out in the ink storage chamber is different before and after the opposing maximum area surface comes into contact.

Further, according to the configuration of the present invention, even in the case where air is contained in the ink storage section such as the second ink supply state, it is possible to cope with environmental changes by a solution different from the conventional method. It has a possible configuration.

Next, the mechanism of stable liquid holding of the ink tank shown in FIG. 1 when environmental conditions are changed will be described with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory views for explaining the function of the capillary force generating member as a buffer absorber and the buffer function of the ink storage section, and are shown in FIG. 5 (gas-liquid exchange state). 4 shows changes in the ink storage unit when the air in the ink storage unit expands due to a decrease in atmospheric pressure or a rise in air temperature.

That is, when the air in the ink tank 50 expands due to the reduced pressure of the atmospheric pressure (or the rise in the temperature), the wall surface of the ink storage section 53 (FIG. 8A,
(B)) and the liquid surface (of FIG. 8 (a)) are pressed,
As the internal volume of the ink storage section 53 increases, some of the ink flows out of the ink storage section 53 to the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 through the communication pipe 71. Here, since the internal volume of the ink storage portion 53 increases, the amount of ink flowing out to the capillary force generating member 13 (the rise in the liquid level of the capillary force generating member 13 shown in FIG. This is significantly less than when the part 53 cannot be deformed.

Here, the amount of ink flowing out through the communication pipe 71 is accompanied by the deformation of the wall surface when the inner volume of the ink storage unit 53 is increased by pressing the wall surface when the air in the ink storage unit 53 expands. It is determined by the magnitude of the resistance and the resistance for moving the ink and causing the capillary force generating member 13 to absorb the ink. In particular, in the case of this configuration, since the flow resistance of the capillary force generating member 13 is larger than the resistance to the restoration of the inner wall 54, the inner volume of the ink storage portion 53 first increases with the expansion of the air, and When the volume increase due to the expansion of the air is large, the ink flows from the inside of the ink storage section 53 to the capillary force generation member storage chamber 10 through the communication pipe 71. Therefore, since the wall surface of the ink storage section 53 functions as a buffer against environmental changes, the movement of the ink in the capillary force generating member 13 becomes gentle, and the negative pressure characteristic at the ink supply port is stabilized.

In this embodiment, the ink that has flowed into the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 is held by the capillary force generating member 13. In this case, the ink amount in the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 temporarily increases, and the gas-liquid interface moves rightward in the figure. Although the internal pressure is reached, the recording head 6
The effect of 0 on the ejection characteristics is small, and there is no problem in practical use. When the atmospheric pressure is restored to the level before the pressure reduction (returned to 1 atm) (or returned to the original temperature), it leaks into the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10 and the capillary force generating member 13
Is returned to the ink storage section 53 again, and the volume of the ink storage section 53 returns to the original state.

In the present invention, the relationship between the amount of ink absorbed by the capillary force generating member and the ink tank is determined from the viewpoint of preventing ink from leaking from the air communication port at the time of pressure reduction or temperature change. The maximum amount of ink absorbed in the capillary force generating member storage chamber is determined in consideration of the amount of ink flowing out under worst conditions and the amount of ink held in the capillary force generating member storage chamber when supplying ink from the ink tank. It is sufficient that the capillary force generating member storage chamber has a volume enough to store the corresponding capillary force generating member.

FIG. 8C assumes that the ink storage section 53 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B does not deform at all due to the expansion of air. The relationship with the amount of ink flowing out when the pressure was reduced to 0.7 atm is shown by a dashed line.

As is clear from this graph, the ink derivation amount ΔV at this time is obtained by setting the pressure at the time of pressure reduction to P (0 <P <
1) The ratio of the initial amount of air in the ink tank 50 is a (0 ≦
a ≦ 1), assuming that the volume of the ink storage unit 53 before expansion is V _B , it is approximately represented by the following equation.

(1) When 0 ≦ a <P The air in the ink tank 50 that expands under reduced pressure becomes larger as the remaining ink amount becomes smaller and a large amount of ink is pushed out. ΔV = ((1−P) / P) × a × V _B (Equation 1)

(2) When P ≦ a ≦ 1 Since the ink does not flow out beyond the amount of ink in the ink tank 50, it depends on the amount of ink stored initially, and ΔV = (1−a) × V _B (Equation 2).

Therefore, the worst conditions for estimating the amount of ink flowing out of the ink tank 50 are as follows. For example, when the maximum pressure reduction condition of the atmospheric pressure is set to 0.7 atm, the amount of ink flowing out of the ink tank 50 becomes maximum. is given to the case where 30% of the ink volume V _B of the ink tank 50 is remaining in the ink tank 50, the capillary force generating member 13 of the ink chamber ink below the wall lower portion also capillary force generating member accommodating chamber 10 should been absorbed, any ink which is remaining in the ink tank 50 (30% of V _B) may be considered to be leakage.

However, since the ink storage section 53 is actually deformed by the expansion of the air, the ink storage section 5 before expansion is deformed.
Since the internal volume of the ink storage unit 53 after expansion is larger than the internal volume of No. 3, the relationship between the initial space volume of the ink tank 50 before decompression and the ink outflow amount when the pressure is reduced to 0.7 atm is shown by a solid line. become that way.

That is, the expansion ratio at this time is represented by t (t
> 1), and if t is a constant, the amount of ink derivation ΔV
Is approximately represented by the following equation.

(3) When 0 ≦ a <P × t The ink derivation amount ΔV is proportional to the initial air amount, but ΔV = (((1−P) / P) × a− (t−1)) × V _B (Equation 3) However, in Equation 3, when ΔV <0, ΔV =
It becomes 0. That is, in this state, the ink does not move through the communication pipe 71, and only the inner volume of the ink storage unit 53 expands.

(4) When P × t ≦ a ≦ 1 Since the ink does not flow out more than the amount of ink in the ink tank 50, it depends on the amount of ink initially stored, and ΔV = (1−a ) × V _B (Equation 4).

As is apparent from this figure, the worst-case estimation of the amount of ink flowing out of the ink tank 50 can be made smaller than the case where it is assumed that the ink storage section 53 is not deformed at all by the expansion of air. Monkey For example, 0.7 atm maximum pressure reduction condition of atmospheric pressure, when the t = 1.2, 16% of the ink volume V _B of the ink tank 50 to the ink outflow amount is maximum from the ink tank 50 is a case that remaining in the ink tank 50, the outflow is 16% of the volume V _B of the ink containing amount.

Since t actually has a relationship with the flow resistance of the ink moving through the communication tube 71, it actually becomes a function of a and may not be a constant value. It goes without saying that the amount of ink flowing out is smaller than when the ink storage unit 53 is not deformed. Also,
The upper limit of t can be determined by the size of the inner surface of the outer wall 51 and the inner volume of the ink storage unit 53 before the gas is expanded in the state shown in FIG.

The above phenomenon is the same even when the temperature is changed. However, even when the temperature rises by about 50 deg, the outflow amount is smaller than that at the time of the pressure reduction.

As described above, according to the present invention, the outer shape of the ink storage portion is restored until it becomes substantially equal to the shape of the inner surface of the outer wall. It is possible to provide an ink supply system capable of responding to environmental changes even if the ink storage amount of the ink is greatly increased. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the materials of the capillary force generating member and the ink storage section to be used, the volume ratio between the capillary force generating member storage chamber and the ink storage chamber can be arbitrarily determined. However, it can be used practically.

When importance is placed on the buffer effect of the ink tank, the amount of deformation of the ink storage section in the gas-liquid exchange state with respect to the start of use may be increased within a range where elastic deformation is possible.

In order for the buffer effect of the ink storage section to function effectively, the amount of air present in the ink storage section in a state where the deformation of the ink storage section is small, that is, the gas-liquid It is desirable that the amount of air existing in the ink storage unit before the replacement state is as small as possible.

As described above, using the first embodiment of the present invention,
Although the main part of the present invention has been described, other embodiments to which the present invention can be applied will be described below. In addition,
It goes without saying that in the following embodiments and the above-described embodiments, arbitrary combinations are possible for elements that can be combined.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an ink jet cartridge to which the liquid supply system is applied according to the embodiment, and shows a cross-sectional view before an ink tank is mounted on a holder with a head. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a connection portion regarding an ink passage between the ink tank and the holder with a head shown in FIG.

The ink jet cartridge of this embodiment has an ink tank 150 for storing ink therein, a tank holder 111 for holding the ink tank 150, and a capillary force generating member for temporarily holding ink supplied from the ink tank 150. Holder with integrated recording head 160 for discharging ink supplied from storage chamber 110 and capillary force generating member storage chamber 110 to perform recording
And

The ink tank 150 is the holder 1 with the head.
30 is provided detachably with respect to the outer wall 151.
And an inner wall 154, the ink storage unit 153 for storing ink therein, and an ink supply unit 152 for leading the liquid in the ink storage unit 153 to the capillary force generating member storage chamber 110. This is the same as the embodiment.

However, in this embodiment, the ink tank 15
Reference numeral 0 denotes an ink supply unit mounted on the upper portion of the capillary force generating member storage chamber 10, and accordingly, the ink supply unit 152
50 is open at the lower end surface. In addition, the ink tank 15
0 to attach the tank holder 111 to the outer wall 151.
A latch lever 180 having a latch claw 181 is integrally provided on the wall surface on the side where the ink supply unit 152 is located.

On the other hand, as described above, the holder with head 130 is the tank holder 1 for holding the ink tank 150.
11, a capillary force generating member storage chamber 110 provided at the bottom of the tank holder 111, and a recording head 160 that discharges ink (including a liquid such as a processing liquid) from a discharge port 161 to perform recording on a recording medium. And these are integrated.

The ink tank 1 is placed in the tank holder 111.
In a state where the latch 50 is mounted, an engagement hole 108 with which the latch claw 181 of the latch lever 180 is engaged, and a retaining hole 184 with which a retaining claw 182 provided on the outer wall 151 of the ink tank 150 is formed. The ink tank 150 is held by the tank holder 111 by these engagement structures.

A communication tube 171 connected to the ink supply unit 152 of the ink tank 150 and communicating with the ink storage unit 153 is provided on the upper wall of the capillary force generation member storage chamber 110, and the communication head 171 is provided on the lower wall with the recording head 160. An ink supply port 112 for supplying ink is open. The ink supply port 112 is located below the communication pipe 171. In addition,
A filter 170 is provided at the ink supply port 112 to prevent foreign matter from entering the recording head 160.

The capillary force generating member storage chamber 110 further includes an air introduction groove 117 for promoting gas-liquid exchange as in the first embodiment, and an atmosphere communication for communicating the capillary force generating member 113 with the outside air. A mouth 115 is provided. The air introduction groove 117 is formed on the inner side of the upper wall near the communication pipe 171 in a horizontal direction toward the other end of the capillary force generating member storage chamber 110, and communicates with the inside of the communication pipe 171. The atmosphere communication port 115 is formed in the upper part of the other end wall of the capillary force generating member storage chamber 110.

Here, the structure near the ink supply section 152 of the ink tank 150 and the structure near the communication pipe 171 of the holder with head 130 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The ink derivative 1 is provided inside the communication pipe 171.
75 is inserted. An air introduction passage 172 communicating with the air introduction groove 117 is provided on an inner wall of the communication tube 171.
1 is formed from the upper end to the lower end. Further, the communication pipe 171 has a slit 173 formed by removing a part of the pipe wall of the communication pipe 171 along the axial direction. Communication pipe 17
The upper end surface 1 is inclined so that the height of the portion where the air introduction passage 172 opens is the lowest.

On the upper wall of the capillary force generating member storage chamber 110,
Bellows 17 as a sealing member surrounding communication pipe 171
4 is fixed. The bellows 174 is for preventing ink leakage when the communication pipe 171 is inserted into the ink supply section 152 of the ink tank 150, and has a height higher than the height of the communication pipe 171. The bellows 174 can be formed of an elastic body such as rubber. The ink leaking between the communication pipe 171 and the bellows 174 when the communication pipe 171 is inserted into the ink supply unit 152 is supplied to the capillary force generating member storage chamber 11 through the slit 173.
It can flow into zero.

On the other hand, a sealing member 157 welded to the ink supply section 152 of the ink tank 150 has an opening groove 187.
Is formed, and the ink supply unit 152 is pushed into the communication pipe 171 so that the seal member 157 is opened.
7, the communication pipe 171 is inserted into the ink supply unit 152.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the ink tank 150 is mounted above the capillary force generating member storage chamber 110, in addition to the same effects as in the first embodiment, the ink tank 150 The ink supply direction up to the supply port 112 can be a direction according to gravity,
A stable supply state can always be maintained. Moreover, by providing the air introduction groove 117 connected to the communication pipe 171 in the horizontal direction, gas-liquid exchange can be performed smoothly. Further, since the upper end surface of the communication pipe 171 is formed obliquely as described above, when the connection pipe 171 is inserted into the ink supply section 152 of the ink tank 150, the ink derivative 175 first communicates with the ink storage section 153. The ink in the ink storage unit 153 is preferentially
75, the ink in the ink storage section 163 can be efficiently supplied to the capillary force generating member 113.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a liquid supply system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
(A) shows a state before connection between the capillary force generating member storage chamber and the ink tank, and (b) shows a state after connection.

In each of the above-described embodiments, an example was described in which the ink derivative and the air introduction path were provided on the capillary force generating member storage chamber side. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. The derivative 275 and the air introduction path 272 are provided on the ink tank 250 side. That is, the ink supply unit 252 of the ink tank 250 has a tubular shape, and the ink derivative 275 is inserted into the ink supply unit 252. The space above the ink derivative 275 in the ink supply unit 252 is an air introduction passage. 272. In addition, a film-shaped seal member 257 is attached to the tip end surface of the ink supply unit 252 so as to be peelable. On the other hand, the connection pipe 271 of the capillary force generation member storage chamber 210 is configured to receive the ink supply unit 252 of the ink tank 250. In addition, the sealing member 257
As shown in FIG. 11B, the ink supply unit 252 is connected to the communication pipe 2 with the seal member 257 still attached.
When inserted into the ink tank 257, the end of the ink tank 257 is exposed at the outer wall surface of the ink tank 257. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the recording head shown in FIG. 1B is omitted.

When connecting the ink tank 250 and the capillary force generating member storage chamber 210, first, as shown in FIG. 11B, the ink supply to the ink tank 250 is performed with the seal member 257 attached. The part 252 is inserted into the communication pipe 271 of the capillary force generation member storage chamber 210. Then
The exposed portion of the seal member 257 is pinched and pulled. As a result, the seal member 257 is peeled off from the ink supply unit 252 and pulled out from the connection pipe 271. in this way,
The seal member 257 connects the ink supply unit 252 to the communication pipe 27.
Since the seal member 257 is pulled out from the communication tube 271 after being inserted into the ink supply unit 252, it is desirable that the seal member 257 be attached only to the tip end surface of the ink supply unit 252 in order to facilitate the pulling out of the seal member 257. .

By pulling out the seal member 257 as described above, the ink supply section 252 is opened, the ink supply section 252 and the connecting pipe 271 communicate with each other, and the ink tank 2
The ink in the 50 ink storage sections 253 can be supplied to the capillary force generation member 213 in the capillary force generation member storage chamber 210.

The subsequent supply operation (including gas-liquid exchange) and the operation of the ink tank 250 due to environmental changes are the same as those in the first embodiment. As described above, the ink derivative 275 and the air introduction path 272 are connected to the ink tank 25.
Even if it is provided on the 0 side, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, such a liquid lead-out path and a gas preferential introduction path may be provided in not only one of the ink tank 250 or the capillary force generating member storage chamber 210 but also both of them. In the present embodiment, the ink tank 25
0 and the capillary force generating member storage chamber 210 are described as being connected from the horizontal direction as in the first embodiment. However, as in the second embodiment, the connection is also possible from above and below. This embodiment is applicable.

<Other Embodiments> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Hereinafter, other embodiments applicable to each embodiment and modifications of each embodiment will be described. In the following description, the embodiments are applicable to the above-described embodiments unless otherwise specified.

<Structure of Communication Portion> The structure of the communication portion in each embodiment will be supplementarily described.

In any of the embodiments of the present invention, the ink tank is detachable from the capillary force generating member storage container, and the communicating portion of the present invention may be provided anywhere as long as it has the above-described function. Further, a structure in which the communication portion is completely separated from the ink tank and the capillary force generating member storage container may be employed.

In the above-described modified example in which the communication portion is completely separated, the ink tank, the communication portion, and the capillary force generation member storage container are connected when the ink tank and the capillary force generation member storage container are attached or detached. , Non-coupled. Regarding the timing of the connection of the communication portion with the ink tank and the capillary force generating member storage container, the connection with the ink container and the capillary force generation member storage container may be performed substantially simultaneously, or either may be performed first. More preferably, the connection with the capillary force generating member storage container is performed first, and then the connection with the ink tank is performed.

Further, the method of fixing the communicating portion to the ink tank and the capillary force generating member storage container in the above-described modified example may be fitting by unevenness or a fixing member (for example, a material such as an adhesive material). ) May be used.

Further, as another modified example, a liquid outlet path,
Assuming that the gas priority introduction paths are respectively solid, a structure provided in each of the ink tank and the capillary force generating member storage container may be used. In the case of this mode, by connecting the ink tank and the capillary force generating member storage container, it is possible to configure a communication section including the liquid outlet path and the gas priority inlet path. The timing of the connection may be such that the liquid outlet path and the gas priority inlet path are substantially simultaneous, but it is preferable that the liquid outlet path be connected first.

<Structure of Capillary Force Generating Member Storage Chamber> First, a supplementary description will be given of the structure of the capillary force generating member storage chamber in each of the above-described embodiments.

As the capillary force generating member housed in the capillary force generating member storage chamber (capillary force generating member storage container), in addition to a porous member such as a polyurethane foam, a member in which fibers are made into a felt shape or a fiber mass is heated. A molded product can be used.

The communication pipe has been described as a tubular one, but any form may be used as long as it does not inhibit gas-liquid exchange in a gas-liquid exchange state.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the space (buffer portion) having no capillary force generating member is provided near the upper surface. However, this space is eliminated, and instead, the capillary force that does not hold the liquid in a normal state is used. The generating member may be filled. As described above, the presence of the capillary force generating member that does not hold the liquid in the buffer space makes it possible to hold the ink that has moved to the capillary force generating member storage chamber during the above-described environmental change.

<Structure of Ink Tank> The structure of the ink tank in each of the above embodiments will be supplementarily described.

When the ink tank is detachable from the capillary force generating member, the communicating portion of the ink tank with the capillary force generating member storage chamber prevents leakage of liquid and air from the communicating portion at the time of connection. A seal member is provided as a member for preventing ink from being led out of the ink storage unit before coupling. In each of the embodiments, the sealing member is in the form of a film, but a ball-shaped stopper or the like may be used.

Further, the ink tank of each of the above embodiments is formed by a direct blow manufacturing method. That is, the casing (outer wall) and the ink storage section (inner wall) which can be separated from each other are formed by uniformly inflating a cylindrical parison by air blow with respect to a substantially polygonal column mold. Alternatively, a negative pressure may be generated as the ink is drawn out by providing a metal spring or the like in a flexible bag, for example.

However, the use of blow molding not only facilitates the manufacture of an ink storage section having an outer shape that is the same as or similar to the inner shape of the housing. There is an advantage that a negative pressure easily generated by changing the thickness can be set. further,
By using a thermoplastic resin for the material of the inner wall and the outer wall, an ink tank with high recyclability can be provided.

Here, the structure of the “outer wall” and the resulting structure that the “outer wall” exerts on the “inner wall” in each of the above-described embodiments will be additionally described.

In each of the embodiments described above, since the ink tank is manufactured by blow molding, the thickness of the inner wall near the corner portion is smaller than the thickness near the center of the surface constituting the container. . Similarly, the outer wall is formed to be thinner in the vicinity of the corner than in the vicinity of the center of the surface constituting the container. Furthermore, the inner wall is formed by being laminated on the outer wall having a thickness distribution that gradually decreases from the center of each surface toward the corners of each surface.

As a result, the inner wall has an outer surface coinciding with the inner surface of the outer wall. The outer surface of this inner wall
Since it follows the thickness distribution of the outer wall, it becomes convex toward the ink storage section formed by the inner wall. Since the inner surface of the inner wall has the above-described thickness distribution of the inner wall, the inner surface is further convexed toward the ink storage portion. Since these structures exhibit the above-mentioned functions particularly in the maximum area, the present invention only needs to have such a convex shape at least in the maximum area, and the convex shape also has an inner wall surface of 2 mm or less. And it may be 1 mm or less on the outer surface of the inner wall. This convex shape may be within the measurement error range in the small area part,
This is one of the preferable factors for the present invention because it is one factor that gives rise to the deformation priority on each surface of the substantially polygonal prism ink tank.

In addition, the structure of the outer wall will be supplemented. One of the functions of the outer wall described above is to regulate the deformation of the corners of the inner wall. However, as a structure exhibiting this function, the shape can be maintained against the deformation of the inner wall and the periphery of the corners can be maintained. What is necessary is just to have a structure (corner surrounding member) which covers. Therefore, the outer wall or the inner wall may be covered with a material such as plastic, metal, or cardboard. The outer wall may be the entire surface, or only the corners may have a surface structure, and the surface structure may be connected with a rod of metal or the like. Further, the outer wall may have a mesh structure.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the ink storage section has a substantially polygonal prism shape, but is not limited to this form, and can be deformed at least as the ink is drawn out. The object of the present invention can be achieved in any form as long as a negative pressure can be generated.

Further, in order to obtain the buffer effect by the ink storage section described above, the ink storage section can be elastically deformed, and the ink storage section can return to the shape before deformation by expansion of the internal storage. It is required to deform within the range of elastic deformation. If there is a state where the rate of change of the negative pressure due to the deformation due to the ink derivation changes rapidly (for example, when the deformed portions come into contact with each other), even if the deformation is within the range of the elastic deformation, It is desirable that the first ink supply state be completed before the change state, and the second ink supply state be started.

The material used for the liquid storage container of the present invention may be any material as long as the inner wall and the outer wall can be separated from each other. Is also good. Further, it is possible to use a highly elastic inner wall as compared with the case where the ink storage chamber is used alone as a negative pressure generation type liquid storage container. Considering the effect on the ink and the like housed inside, for example, a polyethylene resin, a polypropylene resin or the like can be suitably applied.

<Liquid supply operation and ink supply system>
Next, a supplementary explanation regarding the liquid supply operation and the ink supply system will be given.

The ink supply operation in the ink supply system according to each of the above-described embodiments includes an initial state in which the ink tank and the capillary force generating member storage chamber are not connected, a use start state when the ink tank and the capillary force generating member storage chamber are connected, a first state, and a first state. This is through the second ink supply state.

Here, as a first modified example of each of the above-described embodiments, even in an ink supply system without a gas-liquid exchange state, that is, without a second ink supply state, ink is introduced without introducing outside air into the ink storage unit. Since the method includes the step of using the ink in the storage unit, the inner volume of the liquid storage container is limited only by considering the air introduced into the ink storage unit at the time of coupling. That is, there is an advantage that it is possible to cope with an environmental change even if the limitation of the internal volume in the ink tank is relaxed, and the configuration can achieve the object of the present invention. However, in consideration of the efficiency of use of the ink storage unit, it is easier to consume the ink in the ink storage unit by having the gas-liquid exchange state after the first ink supply state as in the above-described embodiments. can do.

As a second modification, in the state shown in FIG. 2, the liquid level of the capillary force generating member storage chamber before connection may be higher than the gas-liquid interface. At this time, of the ink movement for achieving the use start state described with reference to FIG. 3, there is no one-way ink movement to the capillary force generating member storage chamber due to the capillary force.

As a third modification, there is a case where the consumption speed when consuming the ink from the recording head is extremely large. At this time, in the first supply state, the negative pressures of the two do not always balance, and the ink in the capillary force generating member storage chamber has priority until the difference between the two negative pressures exceeds a predetermined value. When the negative pressure difference exceeds a certain value, the ink in the ink storage chamber may move to the capillary force generation member storage chamber side.

<Liquid Discharge Recording Apparatus> Finally, an ink jet recording apparatus which performs recording by mounting an ink jet cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an inkjet recording apparatus equipped with an inkjet cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 12, a tank holder 4010 and an ink tank 4100 are fixedly supported by a positioning means (not shown) on a carriage 5010 of the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus, and are detachably mounted on the carriage 5010. You. As shown in the above-described embodiment, the tank holder 4010 has a unitary recording head for discharging ink, and the carriage 5010 mounts the tank holder 4010 with the discharge port of the recording head facing downward.

The forward / reverse rotation of the drive motor 5130 is connected to the lead screw 504 via the drive transmission gears 5110 and 5090.
0 to rotate the carriage 501
Reference numeral 0 has a pin (not shown) that engages with the spiral groove 5050 of the lead screw 5040. Thus, the carriage 5010 is reciprocated in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus.

On the other hand, the recording material P is fed by a paper feed motor 506.
The sheet is sent below the carriage 5010 by the rotation of the transport roller 5000 by the drive of 0. At this position, recording is performed on the recording material P by ejecting ink from the recording head while moving the carriage 5010.

The cap 5020 for capping the front surface of the recording head is used for performing suction recovery of the recording head through an opening in the cap by suction means (not shown). The cap 5020 can be moved by the driving force transmitted via the gear 5080 or the like to cover the ejection port surface of the recording head. In the vicinity of the cap 5020, a cleaning blade (not shown) is provided, and this blade is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction in the figure. The blade is not taken in this form, and it goes without saying that a known cleaning blade can be applied to this example.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 5040 when the carriage moves to the home position.
If a desired operation is performed at a known timing, any of the embodiments can be applied.

[0139]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The liquid storage section is configured to be capable of generating a negative pressure by deforming, or to be elastically deformable, so that when the liquid supply container and the capillary force generation member storage container are connected via the communication section, one of the liquid in the liquid storage section is removed. By deforming the liquid storage portion by holding the portion by the capillary force generating member, the deformation can serve as a buffer to mitigate the influence of air expansion in the liquid storage portion due to environmental changes. Therefore, the efficiency of storing and using the liquid can be improved, and the size of the container can be further reduced and the running cost can be reduced. In addition, since the communication section is provided with a liquid lead-out path and a gas preferential introduction path, a gas passage during gas-liquid exchange is secured, and as a result, the liquid is guided out into the capillary force generating member storage container. And it can be performed stably. Further, by securing the gas passage at the time of gas-liquid exchange in this manner, gas-liquid exchange can be easily performed regardless of the amount of liquid held in the capillary force generating member storage container.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an inkjet cartridge to which a liquid supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ink jet cartridge shown in FIG.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are explanatory views illustrating a state before the ink tank and the capillary force generating member storage chamber are connected to each other, wherein FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the same cross section as FIG. 1, and FIG. -A
It is a line sectional view.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory views for explaining a use start state of the ink jet cartridge shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the same cross section as FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A.

4A and 4B are explanatory views for explaining a state of the ink jet cartridge shown in FIG. 1 at the time of deriving ink, wherein FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the same cross section as FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B is an ink tank of FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

5A and 5B are explanatory views illustrating a gas-liquid exchange state of the ink jet cartridge shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the same cross section as FIG. 1, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the ink tank of FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of the inkjet cartridge illustrated in FIG. 1 before ink tank replacement.
1A is a cross-sectional view of the same cross section as FIG. 1, and FIG.
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the ink tank taken along line AA of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between an ink discharge amount of the ink jet cartridge shown in FIG. 1 and a negative pressure of an ink supply port.

8 (a) and 8 (b) are illustrations of a stable liquid holding mechanism of the ink jet cartridge shown in FIG. 1 when environmental conditions are changed, and FIG. 8 (c) illustrates the amount of ink flowing out during depressurization. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating an inkjet cartridge to which a liquid supply system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied, and is a cross-sectional view before an ink tank is mounted on a holder with a head.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a connection portion regarding an ink passage between the ink tank and the holder with a head shown in FIG. 9;
Is a sectional view, and (b) is a plan view of a connecting pipe.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a liquid supply system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic explanatory view of an example of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the liquid supply system of the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 110, 210 Capillary force generation member storage chamber 11 Housing 12, 112 Ink supply port 13, 113, 213 Capillary force generation member 15, 115 Air communication port 16 Buffer unit 17, 117 Air introduction groove 50, 150, 250 Ink Tank 51, 151 Outer wall 52, 152, 252 Ink supply unit 53, 153, 253 Ink storage unit 54, 154 Inner wall 55 Atmospheric communication port 56 Welding part 57, 157, 257 Seal member 60, 160 Recording head 61, 161 Discharge port 71 , 171, 271 Communication pipe 72, 172, 272 Air introduction path 75, 175, 275 Ink derivative 111 Tank holder 130 Head holder 170 Filter 173 Slit 174 Bellows 180 Latch lever 181 Latch claw

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A liquid supply container having a liquid storage portion capable of generating a negative pressure by storing and deforming a liquid in a closed space, and being detachably attached to the liquid supply container and capable of holding the liquid. A liquid supply system comprising: a capillary force generating member, an air communication portion communicating with the atmosphere, and a liquid container for supplying a liquid to the outside. A communication portion for communicating the container with the capillary force generating member storage container, a gas priority introduction path for preferentially introducing a gas into the liquid supply container, and a liquid for leading out the liquid from the liquid supply container. And a liquid supply path. 2. The liquid supply system according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing structure that seals the communication portion from the surroundings before communication between the liquid supply container and the capillary force generating member storage container. 3. The liquid supply system according to claim 1, wherein, at the time of the mounting, the liquid lead-out path is communicated before the gas preferential introduction path. 4. The communication section has a tubular member, the liquid outlet path is a capillary force generating member inserted along the axial direction of the tubular member, and the gas preferential introduction path is the capillary. The liquid supply system according to claim 1, wherein the gap is a gap provided between the force generating member and a portion of an inner wall of the tubular member. 5. The liquid supply system according to claim 1, wherein the communicating portion of the capillary force generating member has a tubular member, and is inserted into the liquid supply container when the attachment is performed. 6. The liquid supply system according to claim 1, wherein a communication member of the liquid supply container is provided with a seal member that seals and opens the liquid storage part. 7. A liquid supply container having a liquid storage portion capable of storing a liquid in a sealed space and generating a negative pressure by deforming the liquid supply container, the liquid supply container being detachable from the liquid supply container, and holding the liquid. A capillary force generating member, an air communication part communicating with the atmosphere, and a liquid supply part for supplying a liquid to the outside; A communicating portion between the liquid supply container and the capillary force generating member storage container, wherein a gas priority introduction path for preferentially introducing gas into the liquid supply container; and a liquid leading out of the liquid supply container. A communication section used in a liquid supply system, comprising: 8. A recording head for discharging liquid to the outside, a liquid supply unit for supplying liquid to the recording head,
Capillary force generating member storage chamber for storing a capillary force generating member capable of holding a liquid inside, and a negative pressure generated by storing and deforming the liquid in an enclosed space. A liquid supply container that is capable of being attached to and detached from the capillary force generating member storage chamber, wherein the liquid supply container is detachable with respect to the capillary force generating member storage chamber. An ink-jet cartridge comprising: an introduction path; and a liquid lead-out path for drawing liquid from the liquid supply container, in a communicating portion between the liquid supply container and the capillary force generating member storage chamber. 9. The ink jet cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the liquid storage portion is elastically deformable. 10. The communication section has a tubular member, the liquid outlet path is a capillary force generating member inserted along the axial direction of the tubular member, and the gas preferential introduction path is the capillary. The ink jet cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the gap is a gap provided between the force generating member and a portion of an inner wall of the tubular member. 11. A seal member that can be opened is provided at a communicating portion of the liquid supply container.
The inkjet cartridge according to any one of the above, 12. A recording head for ejecting a liquid to the outside in a head cartridge capable of detachably mounting a liquid supply container having a liquid storage portion capable of generating a negative pressure by storing and deforming the liquid in an enclosed space. A liquid supply unit for supplying liquid to the recording head unit;
An air communication portion for communicating with the atmosphere, and a capillary force generation member storage chamber for storing therein a capillary force generation member capable of holding a liquid therein; wherein the capillary force generation member storage chamber is the recording head section. And a gas priority introduction path for preferentially introducing a gas into the liquid supply container, in a communication portion of the capillary force generation member storage chamber with the liquid supply container, A head cartridge, comprising: a liquid lead-out path for leading the liquid from a liquid supply container. 13. The head cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the communication section has a tubular member inserted into the liquid storage section by mounting the liquid supply container. 14. The liquid outlet path is a capillary force generating member inserted along the axial direction of the tubular member, and the gas preferential introduction path is formed between the capillary force generating member and an inner wall of the tubular member. 14. The ink jet cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the gap is a gap provided between the ink jet cartridge and a part thereof. 15. The hermetic container for sealing the periphery of the tubular member before the liquid container and the capillary force generating member communicate with each other when the liquid supply container is mounted. The head cartridge according to claim 14, further comprising a structure. 16. The head cartridge according to claim 15, wherein a projecting height of the tubular member is higher in the liquid outlet path than in the gas priority inlet path. 17. A capillary force generating member storage container including a liquid supply portion for supplying a liquid to the outside and an atmosphere communication portion communicating with the atmosphere and containing a capillary force generation member for holding a liquid therein. A liquid supply container that can be freely exchanged and stores a liquid to be supplied to the capillary force generation member storage container, wherein a substantially closed space is excluded except for a communication portion with the capillary force generation member storage container. A liquid storage portion that is formed and deforms with the derivation of the liquid stored therein and is capable of generating a negative pressure; and the communication portion includes a liquid discharge path for discharging the liquid to the capillary force generating member storage container. And a gas preferential introduction passage for preferentially introducing gas from the capillary force generating member storage container. 18. The liquid supply container according to claim 17, wherein an openable seal member is provided in the communication portion.