JP4508223B2 - ink cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus that supplies ink to a recording head that ejects ink droplets in response to a print signal.

  In general, an ink jet recording apparatus is equipped with an ink jet recording head that ejects ink droplets in response to a print signal on a carriage that reciprocates in the paper width direction of recording paper, and supplies ink to the recording head from an external ink tank. It is configured. An ink storage container such as an ink tank is detachably mounted on a carriage in a small recording apparatus, and is installed in a box in a large recording apparatus and connected to a recording head by an ink supply tube. Has been.

  The ink cartridge mounted on the carriage contains a porous material such as sponge inside, and a type in which this porous material is impregnated with ink, or a differential pressure valve in the vicinity of the supply port of the ink containing portion containing only ink. There is a type of arrangement.

  In these ink cartridges, the ink pressure applied to the nozzle openings of the recording head can be set to a predetermined value by a porous material or a differential pressure valve, and ink leakage from the nozzle openings can be prevented.

  The present invention relates to an ink cartridge as described above, and an object thereof is to provide an ink cartridge capable of easily forming a relatively complicated flow path such as an ink flow path or an atmosphere communication path. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, an ink cartridge according to the present invention is an ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus in which ink is contained in a container having an ink supply port, and an ink serving as an ink flow path on the surface of the container. A concave portion for air and a concave portion for communicating with the atmosphere to be an atmospheric communication passage, and the opening of the concave portion for ink and the concave portion for atmospheric communication on the surface of the container is sealed with a film, so that the concave portion for ink becomes the ink flow path, The gist is that the atmosphere communication recesses are respectively formed in the atmosphere communication passage.

  That is, the ink cartridge of the present invention forms a flow path by forming a concave portion for ink and a concave portion for air communication on the container surface, and sealing these openings with a film. It is possible to easily form a container in which a relatively complicated flow path is formed, and it becomes easy to design and process a mold, and to manufacture the container at a low cost.

  In the ink cartridge of the present invention, when the openings for the ink recesses and the air communication recesses are sealed with the same film, the number of films does not increase more than necessary. But it is advantageous.

  In the ink cartridge of the present invention, when the film is welded to the container surface and the openings of the ink recess and the atmosphere communication recess are sealed, the ink recess and the atmosphere communication recess are formed by the film welding. Since the sealing is performed, the manufacture becomes easy.

  The ink cartridge of the present invention is an ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus in which ink is stored inside a container having an ink supply port, and the ink stored in the container is supplied to the ink supply port via a differential pressure valve. An ink recess serving as an ink flow path communicating with the differential pressure valve housing chamber housing the differential pressure valve and an air communication recess serving as an air communication path are formed on the surface of the container with a virtual straight line as a boundary. The ink recesses are formed in the first region and the second region, respectively, and the openings of the ink recesses and the atmosphere communication recesses are sealed with a sealing member, so that the ink recesses are in the ink flow path and the atmosphere communication recesses are The gist is that each is formed in the atmosphere communication path.

  That is, the atmosphere communication recess opening serving as the atmosphere communication path requires welding height accuracy, and the ink recess opening serving as the ink flow path requires welding strength, but the virtual straight line is the boundary. Since the first region and the second region are respectively formed, the height accuracy of the region in which the atmospheric communication recess is formed or the welding strength of the region in which the ink recess is formed is controlled. Becomes easier. In addition, since it is only necessary to control the welding state of a relatively small area, it is possible to determine the welding conditions relatively easily.

  In the ink cartridge of the present invention, when the virtual straight line is in the same direction as the direction in which the cartridge is inserted into the recording apparatus, the air communication recess, the ink recess, and other components can be efficiently arranged.

  In the ink cartridge of the present invention, when the differential pressure valve storage chamber for storing the differential pressure valve is formed in the first region where the ink recess is formed, the differential pressure valve storage chamber is sealed with high welding strength. A highly reliable ink cartridge that can be welded to the stop member and does not leak ink can be realized.

  In the ink cartridge of the present invention, when the vent chamber recess that forms the atmosphere vent chamber connected to the atmosphere communication passage is formed in the second region in which the atmosphere communication passage is formed, The atmosphere communication recess can be formed by the same sealing member, and can be easily manufactured.

  In the ink cartridge of the present invention, when the second region is a region mainly requiring the management of the welding height accuracy, and the first region is a region requiring the management of the welding strength, the welding height is determined. It is possible to manage the height of welding accurately in an area where accuracy is required, and to increase the welding strength in an area where welding strength is required.

  The ink cartridge of the present invention has a first welding range including the first region and a second welding range including the second region, and a boundary between the first welding range and the second welding range. When a groove that does not constitute a flow path is formed, the welding pressure surface for welding the film can be overlapped between the divided welding ranges, and the degree of freedom in designing the welding apparatus is improved. .

  The ink cartridge of the present invention is an ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus in which ink is stored inside a container having an ink supply port, and the ink stored in the container is supplied to the ink supply port via a differential pressure valve. A differential pressure valve accommodating chamber for accommodating the differential pressure valve formed in the container, and sealing the opening of the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber in a state where the membrane valve is accommodated therein and communicating with the inside of the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber. A lid formed with an ink recess serving as an ink flow path, and the surface of the container and the lid bonded to the ink recess formed on the lid to seal the ink flow path. The gist of the present invention is to provide a sealing member to be formed.

  That is, it is possible to easily manufacture a container in which a relatively complicated flow path such as an ink flow path communicating with the differential pressure valve storage chamber is formed.

  The ink cartridge of the present invention is an ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus in which ink is contained in a container having an ink supply port, and an ink recess serving as an ink flow path on the surface of the container; An air communication recess serving as a communication path is formed, and the ink recess on the container surface and the opening of the air communication recess are sealed with a film, whereby the ink recess is in the ink flow path, and the air communication recess is A gist is that a second oversheet is formed on each of the air communication paths and covers the film.

  That is, when an oversheet that covers the film is attached to the surface of the container, the film is protected by the oversheet to prevent ink leakage due to film breakage and to prevent ink evaporation. .

  In the ink cartridge of the present invention, when the oversheet has an extended region that covers a surface other than the surface of the container, or when the extended region covers the ink injection port, one sheet up to the ink injection port This is advantageous for simplifying the process and reducing the number of parts.

  In the ink cartridge of the present invention, when the thickness of the film is set to be smaller than the thickness of the oversheet, when the film is welded to seal the ink recess and the atmosphere communication recess, the film Therefore, it is advantageous for improving the welding strength and welding accuracy. In addition, the film can be effectively protected by a relatively thick oversheet.

In the present invention, the “welding range” refers to a range where welding can be performed on the same welding pressure surface.
The present invention also relates to an ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus having a container having an ink chamber for containing ink, the first surface of the container having an ink supply port and the ink chamber to the atmosphere. An opening of an atmosphere release valve accommodating chamber for accommodating an atmosphere release valve for communication is provided, and an ink flow serving as an ink flow path is provided in the first area on the second surface intersecting the first surface. A recess for a passage is provided, and an atmosphere communication recess serving as an atmosphere communication passage is provided in the second region, and a groove is provided at a boundary between the first region and the second region. The opening of the recessed portion and the opening of the recessed portion for the atmospheric communication passage are sealed with the same film welded to the second surface, and a notch portion is provided in a portion corresponding to the groove of the film. , in the first face, an end portion of the groove is the And ink supply port, and being located between the opening of the air release valve accommodating chamber.
Further, when the ink cartridge is mounted for the ink jet recording apparatus, the air release valve is opened when an operating rod of the ink jet recording apparatus is inserted into the air release valve housing chamber, so that the ink chamber Is characterized in that it communicates with the atmosphere.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an ink jet recording apparatus in which the ink cartridge of the present invention is used. This apparatus includes an ink cartridge (hereinafter referred to as “cartridge”) 1 to which the present invention is applied and a carriage 75 to which a recording head 73 is attached.

  The carriage 75 is connected to a stepping motor 79 via a timing belt 77, and is guided by a guide bar 78 to reciprocate in the paper width direction (main scanning direction) of the recording paper 76. The carriage 75 has a generally box shape that opens to the top, and is attached so that the nozzle surface of the recording head 73 is exposed on the surface (the lower surface in this example) facing the recording paper 76, and the cartridge 1 is mounted. It is like that.

  Then, ink is supplied from the cartridge 1 to the recording head 73 and ink droplets are ejected onto the upper surface of the recording paper 76 while moving the carriage 75 to print images and characters on the recording paper 76 in a dot matrix. .

  2 and 3 are exploded perspective views showing an embodiment of the cartridge 1 of the present invention. 4 and 5 show the container body 2 as viewed from the opening side, the container body 2 is on the surface side (hereinafter, the surface opposite to the opening side of the container body 2 is “the surface of the container body 2”). It shows the state seen from.

  The cartridge 1 includes a flat rectangular container body 2 having one side (left side in FIG. 2) opened, and a lid 3 that is welded to the opening and seals the opening. Both the container body 2 and the lid 3 are made of synthetic resin.

  The container body 2 has ink grooves 35 and 18A serving as ink flow paths formed on the surface thereof, and an air communication groove 36 serving as an air communication path. Then, a single first film 57 having air-tightness is welded to the surface of the container body 2 to seal the openings of the ink grooves 35 and 18A and the atmosphere communication groove 36, so that the ink grooves 35 and 18A are formed. Atmospheric communication grooves 36 are formed in the air flow path in the ink flow path.

  By doing so, the cartridge 1 of the present invention forms the flow path by sealing the opening of the ink groove 35 and the atmosphere communication groove 36 formed on the surface of the container body 2 with the first film 57. A container in which a relatively complicated flow path such as a flow path or an air communication path is formed can be easily formed, and the design and processing of the mold can be easily performed, and can be manufactured at low cost.

  Hereinafter, the flow channel structure of the container body 2 will be described in detail.

  An ink supply port 4 is formed on the front end surface (lower surface in this example) of the container body 2 in the carriage 75, and the front and back surfaces (left and right in FIG. 4) are respectively gripped when the cartridge 1 is attached or detached. The gripping arms 5 and 6 are formed integrally with the container body 2. The ink supply port 4 accommodates a valve body (not shown) that opens when an ink supply needle is inserted. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 49 denotes storage means provided at the lower part of the grip arm 6 on the ink supply port 4 side.

  The inside of the opening side of the container body 2 is formed with a frame-like portion 14 including a wall 10 extending so as to be slightly inclined downward toward the ink supply port 4 in the substantially horizontal direction. The frame-like portion 14 is formed with a substantially constant gap from the ceiling surface and both side surfaces of the container body 2. A region below the frame-like portion 14 is formed in the first ink chamber 11 in which ink is stored.

  A gap formed between the frame-shaped portion 14 and the outer peripheral wall of the container body 2 and a wall 12 provided on the valve housing chamber 8 side of the frame-shaped portion 14 through a through hole 67. Atmospheric communication paths 13 and 13A are formed for communicating the first ink chamber 11 with the atmosphere.

  The lid 3 is fused to the wall 12 and the outer peripheral wall of the container body 2 to form an air communication path 13A. Further, the upper end portion of the wall 12 forming the atmospheric communication passage 13A extends to the vicinity of the ceiling portion of the container body 2 so as to protrude upward from the liquid level in the first ink chamber 11 in use. As a result, the opening of the atmospheric communication passage 13A is opened above the liquid level in the first ink chamber 11, and the backflow of ink to the through hole 67 is prevented as much as possible.

  The inside of the frame-like portion 14 is divided into left and right by a wall 15 extending in the vertical direction in which a communication port 15A through which ink flows is formed at the bottom. An area located on the right side of the figure divided by the wall 15 is formed in the second ink chamber 16 that temporarily stores the ink sucked up from the first ink chamber 11. A third ink chamber 17, a fourth ink chamber 23, a fifth ink chamber 34, and the like are formed in a region located on the left side of the figure, and a differential pressure valve including a membrane valve 52, a spring 50, and the like is formed. It is to be accommodated.

  The portion of the first ink chamber 11 below the second ink chamber 16 is communicated between the second ink chamber 16 and the vicinity of the bottom surface 2A of the container body 2 so that the ink in the first ink chamber 11 is second. A suction channel 18 for sucking into the ink chamber 16 is formed. A rectangular region whose periphery is surrounded by a wall 19 is formed in the lower part of the suction channel 18, and communication ports 19 </ b> A and 19 </ b> B are formed in the lower part and the upper surface of the wall 19, respectively.

  The suction channel 18 is formed by forming a groove-shaped ink groove 18 </ b> A on the surface of the container body 2 and sealing the ink groove 18 </ b> A with the first film 57.

  The upper part of the suction channel 18 communicates with the second ink chamber 16 via the communication port 47, and an opening 48 is formed in a rectangular region surrounded by the lower wall 19 to open the lower end. 18B (see FIG. 9) communicates with the first ink chamber 11. As a result, the first ink chamber 11 and the second ink chamber 16 are communicated with each other via the suction channel 18, and the ink in the first ink chamber 11 is introduced into the second ink chamber 16.

  In addition, an ink injection port 20 used when injecting ink into the first ink chamber 11 is formed on the bottom surface of the container body 2 at a location corresponding to the suction channel 18. Further, an air discharge port 21 for discharging air when ink is injected is formed in the vicinity of the ink injection port 20.

  The third ink chamber 17 is formed with a wall 22 that extends in the lateral direction with a predetermined distance from the upper surface 14 </ b> A of the frame-like portion 14. The third ink chamber 17 is partitioned by a substantially arc-shaped wall 24 continuous with the wall 22, and a portion surrounded by the wall 24 is formed by a differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 and a fifth ink chamber 34. It has become an area.

  The region surrounded by the arc-shaped wall 24 is divided into two in the thickness direction by the wall 25 so as to form the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 on the surface side of the region facing the fifth ink chamber 34. The wall 25 is provided with an ink circulation port 25 </ b> A that guides the ink flowing into the fifth ink chamber 34 to the differential pressure valve storage chamber 33.

  A partition wall 26 having a communication port 26 </ b> A is formed between the lower wall of the substantially arc-shaped wall 24 and the wall 10, and the fourth ink chamber 23 is located downstream of the partition wall 26 (left side in FIG. 4). Is formed. Further, between the substantially arc-shaped wall 24 and the frame-shaped portion 14, a partition wall 27 having a communication port 27A at the lower portion and extending in the vertical direction and communication ports 32A and 32B at the upper and lower sides are extended in the vertical direction. A partition wall 32 is provided, and ink flow paths 28A and 28B are formed.

  Further, the container body 2 is formed with an arcuate wall 30 that is continuous with the upper end of the partition wall 27 and is connected to the substantially arcuate wall 24 and the wall 22. A region surrounded by the arc-shaped wall 30 is formed in a filter housing chamber 9 in which a block-like (columnar in this example) filter 7 is housed.

  A through hole 29 having a shape in which a large circle and a small circle are connected is formed across the arcuate wall 30 forming the filter housing chamber 9. The large circle side of the through hole 29 communicates with the upper portion of the ink flow path 28 </ b> A, and the small circle side of the through hole 29 communicates with the fifth ink through the communication port 24 </ b> A provided at the tip of the substantially arcuate wall 24. It communicates with the upper part of the chamber 34. Thereby, the ink flow path 28 </ b> A and the fifth ink chamber 34 communicate with each other through the through hole 29.

  The ink that has flowed from the second ink chamber 16 through the communication ports 15A, 26A, 32B, 27A and the like into the ink flow path 28A is filtered by the filter 7 in the filter housing chamber 9 and is then on the great circle side of the through hole 29. Flow into. Next, the ink flowing into the through hole 29 flows from the small circle side of the through hole 29 into the fifth ink chamber 34 through the communication port 24A. The opening of the through hole 29 on the surface side of the container body 2 is also sealed with the first film 57.

  Here, an airtight second film 56 is welded to the opening side of the frame-like portion 14. That is, the second film 56 is welded to the frame-like portion 14, the walls 10, 15, 22, 24, 30, 42, and the partition walls 26, 27, 32 to form an ink chamber and a flow path.

  On the other hand, the surface of the container body 2 is divided into a first region and a second region by a virtual straight line XX ′ in a direction parallel to the arrow Y that is the cartridge insertion direction. A differential pressure valve storage chamber and an ink groove 35 are formed, and at least an air vent chamber and an air communication groove are formed in the second region.

  The lower part of the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 and the ink supply port 4 are communicated with each other by a flow path including an ink groove 35 formed on the front surface side and an airtight first film 57 covering the ink groove 35. . The upper and lower ends of the ink groove 35 communicate with the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 and the ink supply port 4, respectively. As a result, the ink that has flowed into the fifth ink chamber 34 passes through the ink circulation port 25A, flows through the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33, and flows from the flow path formed by the ink groove 35 to the ink supply port 4. Yes.

  Further, the surface of the container body 2 has a meandering atmosphere communication groove 36 that prevents ink evaporation as much as possible, and communicates with the atmosphere communication groove 36 and has a wide width surrounding the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 and the atmosphere communication groove 36. A groove 37 is formed. A rectangular recess 38 is formed on the surface of the container body 2 in a region corresponding to the second ink chamber 16.

  A frame portion 39 and a rib 40 are formed in the rectangular recess 38 in a state of being lowered one step. Further, the air-permeable sheet 55 having ink-like properties is stretched on these, so that the inside of the rectangular recess 38 is formed in an air vent chamber communicating with the atmosphere via the air communication groove 36 and the groove 37. ing.

  A through hole 41 is formed in the inner surface of the recess 38 and communicates with an elongated region 43 defined by an oval wall 42 in the second ink chamber 16. An air communication groove 36 communicates with a region of the concave portion 38 on the surface side of the air permeable sheet 55. Further, a through hole 44 is formed at the end of the elongated region 43 opposite to the through hole 41. The through hole 44 is a valve housing chamber 8 that is an atmosphere release valve chamber through a communication groove 45 formed on the surface side of the container body 2 and a through hole 46 that is formed to communicate with the groove 45. It is communicated to.

  The valve storage chamber 8 is formed with a through hole 60 that communicates with a through hole 67 formed in the atmosphere communication path 13 </ b> A formed in the first ink chamber 11. As a result, the air that has entered the recess 38 through the air communication groove 36 and the groove 37 reaches the valve housing chamber 8 through the through hole 41, the elongated region 43, and the through holes 44, 46 and penetrates from the valve housing chamber 8. The first ink chamber 11 is reached through the hole 60, the through hole 67, and the atmospheric communication passages 13 and 13 </ b> A.

  Further, the valve housing chamber 8 is opened on the cartridge insertion side (lower side in this embodiment), so that an identification piece and an operating rod provided in the recording apparatus main body can enter as will be described later. In the upper part, an air release valve that is opened by the entry of the operating rod and maintains the normally open valve state is accommodated.

  FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional structure in the vicinity of the fifth ink chamber 34 and the differential pressure valve storage chamber 33 described above. The right side in the figure is the surface side of the container body 2 where the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 is located. The differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 contains a spring 50 and a membrane valve 52 made of an elastically deformable material such as an elastomer and having a through hole 51 in the center. The membrane valve 52 has an annular thick portion 52A around it, and is fixed to the container body 2 via a frame portion 54 formed integrally with the thick portion 52A. One end of the spring 50 is in contact with the spring receiving portion 52B of the membrane valve 52, and the other end is in contact with and supported by the spring receiving portion 53A of the lid 53 that covers the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33. .

  With such a configuration, the ink that has passed through the ink circulation port 25 </ b> A from the fifth ink chamber 34 is blocked by the membrane valve 52. When the pressure of the ink supply port 4 decreases in this state, the negative pressure causes the membrane valve 52 to move away from the valve seat portion 25B against the urging force of the spring 50, and the ink passes through the through hole 51 and passes through the ink groove 35. The ink flows into the ink supply port 4 through the formed flow path.

  When the ink pressure at the ink supply port 4 rises to a predetermined value, the membrane valve 52 is elastically contacted with the valve seat portion 25B by the urging force of the spring 50, and the ink flow is blocked. By repeating such an operation, the ink can be discharged from the ink supply port 4 while maintaining a constant negative pressure.

  FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional structure of the valve accommodating chamber 8 for air communication. The right side in the figure is the surface side of the container body 2. A through hole 60 is formed in a wall defining the valve housing chamber 8, and a pressing member 61 made of an elastic member such as rubber is inserted into the container body 2 so as to be movable around the periphery. Yes. A valve body 65 supported by the elastic member 62 and constantly urged to the through hole 60 is disposed at the front end of the pressing member 61. In this example, the elastic member 62 is a plate spring whose lower end is fixed by a projection 63 and whose central portion is regulated by a projection 64.

  On the other hand, an arm 66 is disposed on the opposite side of the pressing member 61. The arm 66 is fixed to the container body 2 via a rotation fulcrum 66A located on the inner side of an operating rod 70 described later on the side in which the cartridge 1 is inserted (the lower end in this example). The arm 66 has an extraction side (upper side in this example) that protrudes obliquely into the entry path of the operating rod 70. A convex portion 66 </ b> B for repressing the pressing member 61 is formed at the tip of the arm 66. With such a configuration, when the valve body 65 is opened, as described above, the through hole 67 provided in the upper portion of the first ink chamber 11 has the through hole 60, the valve storage chamber 8, the through hole 46, and the groove 45. , Through hole 44, elongated region 43, and through hole 41 are connected to a recess 38 for communicating with the atmosphere.

  Further, the valve accommodating chamber 8 is provided with an identification convex portion 68 for judging whether the cartridge 1 is appropriate for the recording apparatus on the insertion side (lower side in this example) from the arm 66. The identification protrusion 68 can be determined by the identification piece (operating rod) 70 before the ink supply port 4 is communicated with the ink supply needle 72 (see FIG. 8) and before the valve element 65 is opened. In the position.

  With such a configuration, when the cartridge 1 is loaded in the cartridge holder 71 having the operating rod 70 standing on the lower surface as shown in FIG. 8, the operating rod 70 contacts the inclined arm 66 and the cartridge 1 The pressing member 61 is inclined toward the valve body 65 along with the pressing. As a result, the valve body 65 is separated from the through hole 60, and the atmospheric communication recess 38 is opened to the atmosphere through the through hole 46, the groove 45, the through hole 44, the region 43, and the through hole 41 as described above.

  When the cartridge holder 71 is pulled out, the arm 66 loses the support of the operating rod 70, so that the valve body 65 blocks the through hole 60 by the urging force of the elastic member 62, and the ink containing area and the atmosphere Cut off communication.

  Next, in a state where all the members such as valves are incorporated in the container main body 2 as described above, the air-tight first film 57 is pasted on the surface so as to cover at least the region where the recess is formed. . As a result, a capillary serving as an air communication path is formed on the surface side by the recess and the first film 57.

  Here, the arrangement of the flow path including the capillary and the formation of the flow path will be described in detail.

  In the cartridge 1, as described above, the ink groove 35, the through hole 29, and the ink groove formed on the surface of the container body 2 by welding one first film 57 to the surface of the container body 2. 18A, the groove 45, the atmosphere communication groove 36 and the opening of the recess 38 are sealed, respectively, and the ink groove 35, the through hole 29, the ink groove 18A and the groove 45 are formed in the ink flow path, respectively, and the atmosphere communication groove 36 and the recess Each 38 is formed in the atmosphere communication path. The cartridge 1 with the first film 57 welded is shown in FIG.

  At this time, for example, the first film 57 is welded to the surface of the container body 2 by, for example, covering the surface of the container body 2 with the first film 57 and pressing it with a heating and pressing plate.

  Here, the air communication groove 36 is formed with a narrow and shallow groove that is bent in a complicated manner so as to prevent ink evaporation as much as possible and not to increase the flow resistance more than necessary. Accordingly, when the atmosphere communication groove 36 is sealed with the first film 57, the atmosphere communication groove 36 may be crushed and hinder air flow unless the height at the time of welding is managed with high accuracy. . On the other hand, it is desirable that the concave portions forming the ink flow path such as the ink grooves 35 are welded with emphasis on the welding strength in order to prevent ink leakage.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the surface of the container body 2 is formed with a region (b) in which concave portions that mainly serve as ink flow paths, such as the ink grooves 35 and the through holes 29, and an air communication groove 36 are mainly formed. The flow path is arranged so as to be roughly divided into the region (a). Further, a groove 31 that does not constitute a flow path is formed in a boundary portion between the region (a) and the region (b) on the surface of the container body 2.

  Then, when the first film 57 is welded to the container body 2, a range (hereinafter referred to as “welding range”) in which pressure is applied at a time by one heating and pressing plate is a region that mainly requires management of the welding height accuracy (a). And the region (b) that mainly requires management of the welding strength, and the welding conditions are controlled independently in each of the regions (a) and (b). By doing so, it is possible to perform both the welding accuracy management and the welding strength management, and it is only necessary to control the welding state of a relatively small area, so that the welding conditions can be set relatively easily. It becomes like this.

  Furthermore, in other words, the welding range of the first film 57 includes the region (b) in which the ink groove 35 serving as the ink flow path downstream of the differential pressure valve that generates the negative pressure in the cartridge 1 is formed, and the like. It is divided into the area (a). That is, in the cartridge 1 having the differential pressure valve, since the shape of the flow path such as the ink flow path and the atmosphere communication path is relatively complicated, the effect of easily forming a complicated flow path is remarkable.

  Moreover, since the groove | channel 31 which does not comprise the said flow path is located in the boundary part of the division | segmentation welding range (a) (b), the welding pressurization surface which welds the 1st film 57 is divided | segmented welding range. (A) It can overlap between (b), and the freedom degree of design of a welding apparatus improves. In FIG. 9, 57 </ b> A is a notch provided in a portion of the first film 57 corresponding to the groove 31.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge 1 has an oversheet 59 that covers the first film 57 attached to the surface of the container body 2. By doing so, the first film 57 is protected by the oversheet 59, ink leakage due to breakage of the first film 57 can be prevented, and ink evaporation can also be prevented. In the figure, reference numeral 59A denotes a notch provided in a portion of the oversheet 59 corresponding to the groove 31.

  The oversheet 59 is thicker than the thickness of the first film 57. That is, in the cartridge 1, the thickness of the first film 57 is set to be thinner than the thickness of the oversheet 59. In this way, when the first film 57 is welded to seal the ink grooves 35, 18A, the atmosphere communication groove 36, etc., the first film 57 is likely to be along the surface of the container body 2. It is advantageous for improving the welding accuracy. Further, the first film 57 can be effectively protected by the relatively thick oversheet 59.

  The oversheet 59 is formed with an extension region 59B that covers the lower surface of the container body 2, and the extension region 59B covers the ink inlet 20 and the air outlet 21. In this way, the ink injection port 20 and the air discharge port 21 can be covered with a single oversheet 59, which is advantageous in simplifying the process and reducing the number of parts.

  On the other hand, as described above, the opening of the container body 2 is hermetically sealed with respect to the frame-shaped portion 14, the walls 10, 15, 22, 24, 30, 42, and the partition walls 26, 27, 32. An air-tight second film 56 is attached by heat welding or the like. Then, the lid 3 is placed on the top and fixed by welding or the like. Thereby, it seals so that the area | region divided by each wall may communicate only through a communicating port or opening.

  Further, the opening side of the valve accommodating chamber 8 is similarly sealed with an air-tight third film 58 by heat welding, and the cartridge 1 is finished. By adopting a structure in which the ink containing area is sealed with the air-tight first and second films 56 and 57 and the like in this way, not only the container body 2 can be easily molded, but also the ink caused by the reciprocating movement of the carriage. Is absorbed by the film deformation of the first and second films 56 and 57, and the ink pressure can be maintained as constant as possible.

  Next, an ink injection tube is inserted into the ink injection port 20, and sufficiently deaerated ink is injected with the air discharge port 21 opened. After the injection is completed, the ink injection port 20 and the air discharge port 21 are sealed with a film and an oversheet 59.

  Since the cartridge 1 configured as described above is stored after being disconnected from the atmosphere by a valve or the like, the degree of deaeration of the ink is sufficiently maintained.

  When the cartridge 1 is loaded into the cartridge holder 71, if the cartridge 1 is suitable for the cartridge holder 71, the ink supply port 4 enters the position where the ink supply needle 72 is inserted, and as described above. In addition, the through hole 60 is opened by the operating rod 70, the ink containing area communicates with the atmosphere, and the valve of the ink supply port 4 is also opened by the ink supply needle 72.

  On the other hand, when the ink supply port 4 is not suitable for the holder, before the ink supply port 4 reaches the ink supply needle 72, the identification convex portion 68 contacts the identification piece 70 </ b> A of the holder 71 and is prevented from entering. In this state, since the operating rod 70 cannot reach the arm 66, the valve body 65 is maintained in a sealed state, and the ink containing area is prevented from being released to the atmosphere to prevent ink evaporation.

  When the cartridge 1 is normally mounted on the cartridge holder 71, printing is performed and ink is consumed by the recording head 73, the pressure of the ink supply port 4 drops below a specified value. Is released. Further, when the pressure of the ink supply port 4 increases, the membrane valve 52 is closed. In this way, the ink maintained at a predetermined negative pressure flows into the recording head 73.

  When the consumption of ink in the recording head 73 proceeds, the ink in the first ink chamber 11 flows into the second ink chamber 16 via the suction channel 18. The bubbles that have flown here rise due to buoyancy, and only ink flows into the third ink chamber 17 via the lower communication port 15A.

  The ink in the third ink chamber 17 passes through the communication port 26A of the partition wall 26 formed at the lower end portion of the wall 24 formed in a substantially circular shape, passes through the fourth ink chamber 23, and flows into the ink flow paths 28A and 28B. .

  The ink flowing through the ink flow path 28 </ b> A flows into the filter storage chamber 9 and is filtered by the filter 7. The ink that has passed through the filter housing chamber 9 flows from the large circle side of the through hole 29 to the small circle side, passes through the communication port 24A, and flows into the upper portion of the fifth ink chamber 34.

  Subsequently, the ink that has flowed into the fifth ink chamber 34 passes through the ink circulation port 25A and flows into the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33, and as described above, the ink is supplied to the ink supply port 4 at a predetermined negative pressure by the opening / closing operation of the membrane valve 52. Flows in.

  Here, the first ink chamber 11 communicates with the atmosphere via the atmosphere communication passages 13 and 13A, the through hole 67, the valve storage chamber 8, and the like, and is maintained at atmospheric pressure, so that a negative pressure is generated. This does not hinder the flow of ink. Even if the ink in the first ink chamber 11 flows backward and flows into the concave portion 38, the ink-permeable breathable sheet 55 is provided here. Ink flow is prevented while maintaining. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconvenience that the air communication groove 36 is blocked by the ink flowing into the air communication groove 36 and solidifying.

  As described above, in the cartridge 1, the ink grooves 35 and the air communication grooves 36 formed on the surface of the container body 2 are formed, and the openings are sealed with the first film 57 to form the flow paths. A container in which a relatively complicated flow path such as an ink flow path or an atmospheric communication path is formed can be easily formed, and the design and processing of the mold can be easily performed, and can be manufactured at low cost.

  In each of the above embodiments, an example in which a columnar filter is used as the filter 7 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any filter having a block shape may be used. It is the meaning including.

  As described above, according to the ink cartridge of the present invention, the ink recess and the atmosphere communication groove are formed on the surface of the container, and the openings are sealed with the film to form the channel. A container in which a relatively complicated flow path such as an air communication path is formed can be easily molded, and the design and processing of the mold can be easily performed, and can be manufactured at low cost.

1 is a perspective view showing an ink jet recording apparatus in which a cartridge of the present invention is used. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the cartridge of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the said cartridge. It is a figure which shows the state of the opening part of a container main body. It is a figure which shows the state of the surface of a container main body. It is a figure which expands and shows the cross-section of a differential pressure valve storage chamber. It is a figure which expands and shows the cross-section of a valve storage chamber. It is a figure which shows an example of a cartridge holder. It is a figure which shows the state which welded the 1st film. It is a figure explaining flow-path arrangement | positioning of the cartridge of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state which welded the oversheet.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cartridge, 2 ... Container main body, 3 ... Cover body, 4 ... Ink supply port, 5 ... Holding arm, 6 ... Holding arm, 7 ... Filter, 8 ... Valve storage chamber, 9 ... Filter storage chamber, 10 ... Wall, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... 1st ink chamber, 12 ... Wall, 13 ... Atmospheric communication path, 13A ... Atmospheric communication path, 14 ... Frame-shaped part, 14A ... Upper surface, 15 ... Wall, 15A ... Communication port, 16 ... 2nd ink chamber, 17 3rd ink chamber, 18 ... Suction channel, 18A ... Ink groove, 19 ... Wall, 19A ... Communication port, 19B ... Communication port, 20 ... Ink injection port, 21 ... Air exhaust port, 22 ... Wall, 23 ... 4th ink chamber, 24 ... wall, 24A ... communication port, 25 ... wall, 25A ... ink distribution port, 25B ... valve seat part, 26 ... partition wall, 26A ... communication port, 27 ... partition wall, 27A ... communication port, 28A ... Ink channel, 28B ... Ink channel, 29 ... Through hole, 30 ... Wall, 31 ... 32 ... partition wall, 32A ... communication port, 32B ... communication port, 33 ... differential pressure valve storage chamber, 34 ... fifth ink chamber, 35 ... ink groove, 36 ... atmospheric communication groove, 37 ... groove, 38 ... recess, 39 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Frame part, 40 ... Rib, 41 ... Through hole, 42 ... Wall, 43 ... Elongated area, 44 ... Through hole, 45 ... Groove, 46 ... Through hole, 47 ... Communication port, 48 ... Opening part, 49 ... Memory | storage means , 50 ... Spring, 51 ... Through hole, 52 ... Membrane valve, 52A ... Thick part, 52B ... Spring receiving part, 53 ... Lid, 53A ... Spring receiving part, 54 ... Frame part, 55 ... Breathable sheet, 56 ... 2nd film, 57 ... 1st film, 57A ... Notch, 58 ... 3rd film, 59 ... Oversheet, 59A ... Notch, 59B ... Extension region, 60 ... Through hole, 61 ... Pressing member, 62 ... Elasticity Member 63 ... Projection 64 ... Projection 65 ... Valve body 66 ... Arm 66A Rotation fulcrum, 66B ... convex portion, 67 ... through hole, 68 ... identification convex portion, 70 ... operating rod, 70A ... identification piece, 71 ... cartridge holder, 72 ... ink supply needle, 73 ... recording head, 75 ... carriage 76, recording paper, 77, timing belt, 78, guide bar, 79, stepping motor.

Claims (2)

An ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus having a container having an ink chamber for containing ink,
The first surface of the container is provided with an ink supply port and an opening of an air release valve storage chamber for storing an air release valve for communicating the ink chamber with the atmosphere ,
The second surface intersecting the first surface is provided with an ink flow path recess serving as an ink flow path in the first area, and the second area is used for an air communication path serving as an air communication path. A recess is provided, and a groove is provided at a boundary between the first region and the second region ;
The opening of the ink channel recess and the opening of the atmosphere communication channel recess are sealed with the same film welded to the second surface, and a notch is formed in a portion corresponding to the groove of the film. Provided,
The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein an end of the groove is located between the ink supply port and the opening of the atmosphere release valve housing chamber on the first surface. When the ink cartridge is mounted for the ink jet recording apparatus, the air release valve opens when an operating rod of the ink jet recording apparatus is inserted into the air release valve storage chamber, so that the ink chamber The ink cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the ink cartridge communicates with the ink cartridge.

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