JPH1191132A - Ink tank and ink jet cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an ink tank having a section for storing an ink absorber formed by laminating fibers in which planar ribs formed on the wall face at the storing section are not embedded into the ink absorber and a ventilation path is ensured in the storing section. SOLUTION: A section 4 for storing an ink absorber 20 is formed in an ink tank case 10 constituting an ink case. A plurality of planar ribs 1 are arranged on the wall face of the storing section 4 while projecting vertically therefrom. Each rib 1 is provided, at the forward end thereof, with a planar part 5 substantially parallel with the wall face of the storing section 4 on which the ribs 1 are formed. The ink absorber 20 is formed by laminating fibers and storing in the storing section 4 such that the laminating direction of the fibers is substantially perpendicular to the rib 1. Since the planar part 5 presses the ink absorber 20, the planar part 5 and the ribs 1 are not embedded into the ink absorber 20.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink tank used in an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink jet cartridge including the ink tank and an ink jet head.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional ink tank used in an ink jet recording apparatus, the pressure of a recording liquid held in an ink tank is adjusted to improve the supply of ink from the ink tank to an ink jet head. Configuration. As one configuration of such a conventional ink tank, an ink absorber is housed in the ink tank. By using an ink tank in which such an ink absorber is housed, a negative pressure is generated in the recording liquid when the recording liquid is ejected from the inkjet head, and the pressure of the recording liquid is adjusted.

[0003] In most cases, the ink absorber contained in the ink tank is formed of a foam such as a urethane sponge. However, as an ink absorber,
Instead of a foam such as urethane sponge, a fiber formed by thermoforming into a certain shape is also used. When fibers are used as the material of the ink absorber, the film removal process required when forming the ink absorber with a foam is unnecessary, and when the degree of freedom of the shape of the ink absorber is a foam. There is an advantage that there is more.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a conventional ink tank, and FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the ink tank. As shown in FIG. 5, inside the ink tank 110, a storage portion that stores the ink absorber 120 is formed. The ink absorber 120 is formed of a foam such as a urethane sponge. Also, the ink tank 110
A plurality of plate-shaped ribs 101 are formed in parallel on the wall surface of the storage section so as to project vertically from the wall surface.

[0005] The ink absorber 1
20 comes into contact with the surface of the wall of the storage portion of the ink tank 110 on which the rib 101 is formed, and the ink absorber 1
20, a space for a ventilation path is secured. This allows the ink tank 110 to pass through the reserved air passage.
The air is uniformly fed into the storage section of the
The recording liquid held by 0 can be used efficiently.

[0006] As the ink absorber accommodated in the accommodating portion of the ink tank 110, a foamed material such as urethane sponge may be used instead of a foamed material. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which an ink absorber made of fiber is stored in the storage section of the conventional ink tank 110 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 also shows a cross section of the ink tank 110.

[0007] In an accommodating portion of the ink tank 110 shown in FIG. 6, an ink absorber 121 formed by laminating fibers is formed.
Is stored. The ink absorber 121 is housed in the housing so that the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber 121 is perpendicular to the rib 101. In such a case,
Since the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber 121 is perpendicular to the ribs 101, each rib 101 is buried in the ink absorber 121.

[0008]

However, as described with reference to FIG.
When the ink absorber 121 is stored in the storage section 10 such that the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber 121 is perpendicular to the plate-like rib 101, the rib 101 is buried in the ink absorber 121. As a result, a ventilation path cannot be secured in the storage section of the ink tank 110. This allows
There is a problem that the air is not evenly fed into the storage portion of the ink tank 110 and the use efficiency of the recording liquid in the ink tank 110 is deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide an ink absorbing member to be housed in an ink tank housing, in which an ink absorber formed by laminating fibers is used. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink tank in which a plate-like rib formed on a wall surface of a storage section for securing a ventilation path is not buried in an ink absorber, and a ventilation path is secured in the storage section.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a storage portion for storing an ink absorber formed by laminating fibers, and a wall portion of the storage portion is provided on the wall portion of the storage portion. In an ink tank in which a plate-shaped rib is formed so as to protrude vertically, a plate-like portion substantially parallel to a wall surface on which the rib is formed is formed at a tip end of the plate-shaped rib. It is characterized by being.

In the above invention, when the ink absorber is stored in the storage section such that the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber is substantially perpendicular to the plate-like rib on the wall surface of the storage section, The surface of the plate portion opposite to the rib side is in pressure contact with the ink absorber, and the ink absorber is pressed down by the plate portion at the tip of the rib. Therefore, unlike the conventional ink tank, the rib is not buried in the ink absorber,
The space for the air passage is secured by the rib between the wall surface on which the rib is formed and the ink absorber. Thereby, air is uniformly fed into the storage section through the secured ventilation path, and the recording liquid held in the ink tank can be used efficiently.

Further, the present invention has a storage portion for storing an ink absorber formed by laminating fibers, and a plate-like rib is formed on a wall surface of the storage portion so as to project vertically from the wall surface. In the formed ink tank, the plate-shaped rib has a portion substantially parallel to a laminating direction of the fibers of the ink absorber.

[0013] In the above invention, when the ink absorber is stored in the storage portion, the ribs on the wall surface of the storage portion that are substantially parallel to the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber are pressed against the ink absorber. Since the ribs and the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber are substantially parallel to each other, the ribs hold down the ink absorber and the ribs are not buried in the ink absorber. Therefore, a space for a ventilation path is secured between the rib-formed wall surface of the storage section and the ink absorber. As a result, air is uniformly fed into the storage section through the secured ventilation path, and the recording liquid held in the ink tank can be used efficiently.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that an ink jet cartridge is provided with the above-mentioned ink tank and an ink jet head for discharging a recording liquid held by an ink absorber inside the ink tank. .

In the above invention, as described above, the space for the ventilation path is secured in the storage section of the ink tank, and the air is uniformly fed into the storage section through the ventilation path, so that the ink tank is stable from the ink tank to the ink jet head. Thus, an ink jet cartridge for supplying the recording liquid can be obtained.

[0016]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view for explaining an ink tank according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the ink tank of the present embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a storage section 4 for storing an ink absorber 20 is formed inside an ink tank case 10 constituting an ink tank. A plurality of plate-like ribs 1 are provided on one plane of the wall surface of the storage portion 4 so as to project perpendicularly from the one plane.
Are formed in parallel. At the tip of each rib 1, a plate-like portion 5 of the storage section 4 which is substantially parallel to the wall surface on which the rib 1 is formed is formed. Plate part 5
Are formed so as to protrude from one surface of the rib 1. An air communication port 2 and an ink supply port 3 are formed on a surface of the ink tank case 10 different from the surface on which the ribs 1 are formed. One side of the storage section 4 is open, and the storage section 4
The ink tank is formed by attaching a member (not shown) to the ink tank case 10 so as to close the opening of the ink tank.

The ink absorber 20 is formed by laminating fibers. The ink absorber 20 is stored in the storage part 4 such that the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber 20 is substantially perpendicular to the rib 1. The recording liquid is held in the ink tank by absorbing the recording liquid into the ink absorber 20 stored in the storage section 4.

The ink tank and the ink jet head unit 30 constitute an ink jet cartridge. The inkjet head unit 30 is provided with an inkjet head for discharging the recording liquid absorbed by the ink absorber 20.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view showing the rib 1 and the plate-like portion 5 in a state where the ink absorber 20 is stored in the storage section 4 of the ink tank case 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink absorber 20 is stored in the storage portion 4 such that the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber 20 is substantially perpendicular to the rib 1.
Is stored, the ink absorber 20 is pressed against the surface of the plate-shaped portion 5 on the side opposite to the rib 1 side. Since the plate-shaped portion 5 is in contact with the ink absorber 20 on the largest area surface of the plate-shaped portion 5,
The plate portion 5 presses down the ink absorber 20, and the plate portion 5
Also, the ribs 1 are not buried in the ink absorber 20.
Therefore, a space for the air passage is secured between the surface of the storage section 4 on which the ribs 1 are formed and the ink absorber 20. As a result, air is uniformly fed into the storage section 4 through the secured ventilation path, and an ink tank with good ink use efficiency can be obtained.

In the above-described ink jet head cartridge provided with the ink tank and the ink jet head unit 30, the recording liquid held in the ink tank is efficiently supplied to the ink jet head unit 30.
And it is supplied stably. Further, the ink absorber 20
Is stably pressed by the plate-shaped portion 5, so that even if an impact is given to the ink jet head cartridge such as when the ink jet head cartridge is dropped, the displacement of the ink absorber 20 is prevented.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view showing a modification of the ink tank of the embodiment shown in FIG. In the ink tank shown in FIG. 3, a plate-like portion 5 a of the storage section 4, which is substantially parallel to the wall surface on which the rib 1 is formed, is provided at the tip of each rib 1 of the ink tank case 10. It is formed so as to protrude from both sides.

In the ink tank in which the plate-like portion 5a is formed, the plate-like portion 5a and the rib 1 are pressed by the plate-like portion 5a.
It will not be buried. Therefore, the plate-shaped portion 5a and the rib 1 allow the wall of the storage section 4 on which the rib 1 is formed,
A space for the ventilation path is secured between the ink absorber 20 and the ink absorber 20. As a result, similarly to the case where the plate-shaped portion 5 shown in FIG. 2 is formed, air is uniformly fed into the storage section 4, and an ink tank with good ink use efficiency is obtained.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining an ink tank according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Compared with the first embodiment, the ink tank of the present embodiment does not have a plate-like portion at the tip of a rib formed on the wall surface of the storage portion of the ink absorber, and has a different rib shape. ing. Hereinafter, points different from the first embodiment will be described.

In the ink tank of the present embodiment, a plurality of plate-shaped ribs 41 are provided on the wall surface of the storage section for storing the ink absorber so as to project perpendicularly from the wall surface as shown in FIG. They are formed in parallel. Although not shown in FIG. 4A, the ink absorber formed by laminating fibers is housed in the housing portion of the ink absorber as in the first embodiment. Extend in a direction substantially parallel to the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber in the storage section.
In addition, a concave portion 51 is formed in each rib 41, and the concave portion 51 serves as a ventilation path for a storage portion of the ink absorber.

As described above, since the plate-shaped ribs 41 are substantially parallel to the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber accommodated in the accommodating portion, the ink absorber is provided at the tip of the rib 41. When pressed, the ribs 41 hold down the ink absorber, and the ribs on the wall surface of the storage section do not become buried in the ink absorber as in a conventional ink tank. Therefore, a space for a ventilation path is secured between the wall surface of the storage section where the ribs 41 are formed and the ink absorber. Thus, the air is uniformly fed into the storage section through the ventilation path, and the recording liquid held in the ink tank can be used efficiently.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view for explaining a modification of the ink tank of the present embodiment. Instead of the rib 41 shown in FIG. 4A, a rib 42 as shown in FIG.
a and 42b may be formed. The ribs 42a and 42b are arranged in the laminating direction of the fibers of the ink absorber stored in the storage section. The rib 42a is connected to the plate 5
2a, a plate portion 52b formed at one end of the plate portion 52a, and a plate portion 52c formed at the other end of the plate portion 52b. The plate part 52a,
52b and 52c project almost perpendicularly from the surface of the wall of the storage section where the ribs 42a are formed.
b and 52c extend from the surface of the plate portion 52a on the side of the rib 42b toward the rib 42b.

Therefore, with respect to the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber stored in the storage section, the plate sections 52b and 5b
2c are substantially parallel, and the plate portion 52a is substantially vertical. The shape of the rib 42b is the rib 42a and the rib 4
2b is symmetrical with the shape of the rib 42a with respect to a line passing through the middle of the rib 42a. Then, a pair of ribs 42a and 42b
Are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the laminating direction of the fibers of the ink absorber.

Since the ribs 42a and 42b are formed on the wall surface of the storage section, the ribs 42a and
Since the portions of 2b that are substantially parallel to the laminating direction of the fibers of the ink absorber, for example, the plate portions 52b and 52c hold down the ink absorber, the ribs 42a and 42b are not buried in the ink absorber. Therefore, a space for the ventilation path is secured in the storage section by the ribs 42a and 42b.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view for explaining a modification of the ink tank of the present embodiment. Instead of the ribs shown in FIG. 4A or FIG. 4B, ribs 43 shown in FIG. 4C may be formed on the wall surface of the storage portion of the ink tank according to the present embodiment. . The ribs 43 are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink supply body housed in the housing section, and include a plate section 53a, a plate section 52b formed at one end of the plate section 53a,
Plate portion 53c formed at the other end of plate portion 53a
It is composed of Such ribs 43 are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the laminating direction of the fibers of the ink supply body stored in the storage section.

The plate portions 53a, 53b and 53c protrude substantially perpendicularly from the surface of the wall of the storage portion where the ribs 43 are formed. Further, the plate portions 53b and 53c
It extends so as to protrude from both surfaces of the plate portion 53a, and is orthogonal to the plate portion 53a.

Accordingly, with respect to the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber stored in the storage section, the plate sections 52b and 5b
2c are substantially parallel, and the plate portion 53a is substantially vertical.

Since the ribs 43 are formed on the wall surface of the storage portion, the plate portions 53b and 53c of the ribs 43, which are portions substantially parallel to the laminating direction of the fibers of the ink absorber, are formed. Since the absorber is pressed down, the rib 43 is not buried in the ink absorber. Therefore,
The rib 43 secures a space for the ventilation path in the storage section.

The method of forming any one of the ribs as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C is based on the configuration of the mold for forming the ink tank case and the ink supply port. This is effective when it is difficult to form the ribs of the ink tank shown in the first embodiment due to the conditions of the position such as the opening of the ink tank case for storing the ink absorber.

[0035]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plate-like portion substantially parallel to the wall surface on which the rib is formed is formed at the tip end of the plate-like rib formed on the wall surface of the storage portion of the ink absorber. Therefore, when the ink absorber is stored in the storage portion such that the lamination direction of the fibers of the ink absorber is substantially perpendicular to the plate-like rib, the plate-shaped portion presses down the ink absorber, so that the ink absorber The ribs are not buried. Therefore, by the rib and the plate-shaped portion, the surface of the storage portion where the rib is formed,
A space for the air passage is secured between the ink absorber and the ink absorber, and the air is uniformly fed into the storage unit through the air passage. As a result, there is an effect that an ink tank with good ink use efficiency can be obtained.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the plate-like rib formed on the wall surface of the storage portion of the ink absorber has a portion substantially parallel to the laminating direction of the fibers of the ink absorber in the storage portion. Since the portion of the plate-like rib presses down the ink absorber, the rib is prevented from being buried in the ink absorber. Therefore, the rib secures a space for the ventilation path between the surface of the storage section where the rib is formed and the ink absorber, and air is uniformly fed into the storage section through the ventilation path. As a result, there is an effect that an ink tank with good ink use efficiency can be obtained.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet cartridge comprising the above ink tank and an ink jet head for discharging a recording liquid held by an ink absorber in the ink tank. There is an effect that an ink jet cartridge that can supply the liquid efficiently and stably to the ink jet head can be obtained.

Further, in the above-described ink tank and ink jet cartridge, since the ink absorber is stably pressed by the plate-like portion or the rib at the tip of the rib, when the ink tank or the ink jet cartridge is impacted, There is an effect that displacement of the ink absorber is prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view for explaining an ink tank according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view showing a rib and a plate-like portion in a state where an ink absorber is stored in a storage portion of the ink tank shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view showing a modification of the ink tank shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an ink tank according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an ink tank according to a conventional technique.

6 is a perspective view showing a state in which an ink supply body formed of fiber is stored in a storage section of the ink tank shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 41, 42b, 43 Rib 2 Atmospheric communication port 3 Ink supply port 4 Storage part 5, 5a Plate part 10 Ink tank case 20 Ink absorber 30 Ink jet unit 41, 42a, 42b, 43 Rib 51 Recess 52a, 52b, 52c, 53a, 53b, 53c
Plate part

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A storage section for storing an ink absorber formed by laminating fibers, and a plate-like rib is formed on a wall surface of the storage section so as to project vertically from the wall surface. In the ink tank, a plate-like portion substantially parallel to a wall surface on which the rib is formed is formed at an end of the plate-like rib. 2. A storage portion for storing an ink absorber formed by laminating fibers, and a plate-like rib is formed on a wall surface of the storage portion so as to project vertically from the wall surface. In the ink tank, the plate-shaped rib has a portion substantially parallel to a laminating direction of the fibers of the ink absorber. 3. An ink jet cartridge, comprising: the ink tank according to claim 1; and an ink jet head for discharging a recording liquid absorbed by an ink absorber inside the ink tank. .