CN101417540A - Liquid jetting apparatus - Google Patents
Liquid jetting apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CN101417540A CN101417540A CNA200810171623XA CN200810171623A CN101417540A CN 101417540 A CN101417540 A CN 101417540A CN A200810171623X A CNA200810171623X A CN A200810171623XA CN 200810171623 A CN200810171623 A CN 200810171623A CN 101417540 A CN101417540 A CN 101417540A
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- ink
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- print cartridge
- piezo
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Abstract
An objective of the invention is to restrain the noise which passes through conductive liquid and intrudes into a sensor that executes electric detection to the conductive liquid. The invention provides a liquid jetting device which is used for jetting conductive liquid to medium, wherein the liquid jetting device comprises the following components: a liquid containing part for containing liquid; a sensor which is installed in the liquid containing part and executes electric detection to the state of the liquid at the preset position; and a conductive component which contacts the liquid and is electrically connected to a constant electric potential.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates to liquid injection apparatus, relate in particular to liquid injection apparatus to the medium injection conductive liquid.
Background technology
Known have the print cartridge accommodate ink be installed and consumed from this print cartridge supply and the ink-jet printer that the ink that comes prints at printed medium.In this printer, also known have the printer (for example, patent documentation 1) that is used for the consumption state of the ink that held is carried out the sensor of electro-detection has been installed.
Patent documentation 1: the Japanese documentation spy opens the 2001-146030 communique;
Patent documentation 2: the Japanese documentation spy opens the 2001-146019 communique;
Patent documentation 3: the Japanese documentation spy opens the 2004-50824 communique.
Summary of the invention
But, when ink has electric conductivity, exist extraneous noise to invade and worsen the danger of sensor accuracy of detection through ink.This problem does not exist only in the ink-jet printer, but the common problem that exists of liquid injection apparatus, for example, is present in the fluent material that contains metal ingredient by injection to form electrode layer on semiconductor the injection apparatus etc.
The objective of the invention is to, suppress to carry out to state the noise of the sensor intrusion of electro-detection conductive liquids such as inks via conductive liquid.
The present invention is at least a portion in addressing the above problem, can be in the following manner or application examples realize.
[application examples 1] a kind of liquid injection apparatus to the medium injection conductive liquid, is characterized in that, comprising:
Liquid containing portion holds described liquid;
Sensor is arranged in the described liquid containing portion, and the described state that the described liquid of position is set is carried out electro-detection; And
Conductive component contacts with described liquid, and is connected electrically on the stable potential.
According to application examples 1 described liquid injection apparatus,, therefore, can suppress external noise and invade in the sensor through conductive liquid because conductive liquid is connected on the constant potential.Consequently, for example the accuracy of detection of sensor rises.
In application examples 1 described liquid injection apparatus, described conductive component can be configured at least described sensor near.Thus, can suppress the intrusion of external noise more efficiently.
In application examples 1 described liquid injection apparatus, can comprise: liquid injection portion and comprise described liquid containing portion and described sensor and liquid container with respect to described liquid injection portion and removably.In addition, also can comprise: comprise described sensor and described liquid containing portion a part liquid injection portion and comprise other parts of described liquid containing portion and liquid container with respect to described liquid injection portion and removably.
[application examples 2] a kind of liquid injection apparatus to the medium injection conductive liquid, is characterized in that, comprising: liquid containing portion, hold described liquid; Sensor is arranged in the described liquid containing portion, and the described state that the described liquid of position is set is carried out electro-detection; And electrostatic capacitance, be arranged between stable potential and the described liquid for removing noise.
According to application examples 1 described liquid injection apparatus, because exchanging by electrostatic capacitance and with constant potential, conductive liquid is connected, therefore, can suppress the AC compounent of external noise and invade in the sensor through conductive liquid.Consequently, for example the accuracy of detection of sensor rises.
In application examples 2 described liquid injection apparatus, described electrostatic capacitance can be arranged between near the described liquid and described stable potential of described sensor at least.Thus, can suppress the intrusion of external noise more efficiently.
In application examples 2 described liquid injection apparatus, both can comprise: liquid injection portion and comprise described liquid containing portion and described sensor and liquid container with respect to described liquid injection portion and removably also can comprise: comprise described sensor and described liquid containing portion a part liquid injection portion and comprise other parts of described liquid containing portion and liquid container with respect to described liquid injection portion and removably.
In application examples 1 and application examples 2 described liquid injection apparatus, described stable potential can be the framework ground wire.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the key diagram that the summary structure of the print system among first embodiment is shown;
Fig. 2 illustrates the figure that print cartridge is installed in the state on the printhead units;
Fig. 3 is the first stereoscopic figure of the print cartridge among first embodiment;
Fig. 4 is the second stereoscopic figure of the print cartridge among first embodiment;
Fig. 5 is first exploded perspective view of the print cartridge among first embodiment;
Fig. 6 is second exploded perspective view of the print cartridge among first embodiment;
Fig. 7 is the figure that the path from the atmosphere opening hole to liquid supply department conceptually is shown;
Fig. 8 is the figure that box main body 10 is watched from face side;
Fig. 9 is the figure that box main body 10 is watched from rear side;
Figure 10 is with the schematic diagram after Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 simplification;
Figure 11 is the figure that the structure to the sensor portion among first embodiment describes;
Figure 12 is to be the schematic diagram of the electric structure at center with the piezo-electric device in first embodiment;
Figure 13 is to be the schematic diagram of the electric structure at center with the piezo-electric device in comparative example;
Figure 14 is with near the figure from illustrating in the lump to the summary cross section of the summary cross section of the structure of liquid supply department and print head the differential pressure control valve;
Figure 15 is the figure that the structure to the sensor portion among second embodiment describes;
Figure 16 is to be the schematic diagram of the electric structure at center in a second embodiment with the piezo-electric device;
Figure 17 is the exploded perspective view of the print cartridge in the variation of second embodiment;
Figure 18 is to be the schematic diagram of the electric structure at center with the piezo-electric device in the variation of second embodiment;
Figure 19 is the front view and the side view of closed type print cartridge;
Figure 20 is first figure that the B-B cross section among Figure 19 is shown;
Figure 21 is second figure that the B-B cross section among Figure 19 is shown.
The specific embodiment
Below, with reference to the accompanying drawings and based on embodiment embodiments of the present invention are described.
A. first embodiment:
The structure of printer and print cartridge:
With reference to figure 1 and Fig. 2, the structure of the printer among first embodiment is described.Fig. 1 is the key diagram that the summary structure of the print system among first embodiment is shown.Fig. 2 illustrates the figure that print cartridge is installed in the state on the printhead units.
Print system comprises printer 1000 and computer 2000.Printer 1000 links to each other with computer 2000 via connector CN.
As shown in Figure 2, printhead units 6 comprises print head 61 and is configured in bearing 62 above the print head 61.Bearing 62 is constituted as can install a plurality of print cartridges 1.Be formed with in the bearing 62 and be used for projection 63 and recess 64 that print cartridge 1 is positioned and fixes.Have in the peristome 65 of the bindiny mechanism of mount pin (terminal) and X-axis negative direction one side that the box circuit is configured in bearing 62 and (omit diagram).In addition, ink supply pin described later be configured in print head 61 above.
Except that Fig. 2,, further specify print cartridge 1 also with reference to figure 3～Fig. 6.Fig. 3 is the first stereoscopic figure of the print cartridge among first embodiment.Fig. 4 is the second stereoscopic figure of the print cartridge among first embodiment.Fig. 4 shows the figure that watches from the direction opposite with the view direction of Fig. 3.Fig. 5 is first exploded perspective view of the print cartridge among first embodiment.Fig. 6 is second exploded perspective view of the print cartridge among first embodiment.Fig. 6 shows the figure that watches from the direction opposite with the view direction of Fig. 5.
Hold liquid with electric conductivity in the inside of print cartridge 1.Under print cartridge 1 was installed in state on the bearing 62 as shown in Figure 2, ink was fed in the print head 61 through the ink supply pin.
As Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, print cartridge 1 has approximate rectangular shape, and comprises: the face 1h of the face 1f of the face 1e of Z axle positive direction one side, Z axle negative direction one side, the face 1g of X-axis positive direction one side, X-axis negative direction one side, the face 1i of Y-axis positive direction one side, the face 1j of Y-axis negative direction one side.Below, for convenience of explanation, 1e is called end face with face, and 1f is called the bottom surface with face, and face 1f is called the right flank face, and 1h is called left surface with face, and 1i is called the front with face, and 1j is called the back side with face.And, residing that side of these faces 1e～1j is called top surface side, bottom surface side, right flank side, left surface side, face side, rear side.
Be provided with liquid supply department 50 on the 1f of bottom surface, this liquid supply department 50 has the supply orifice that is used for to ink-jet printer supply ink.On the 1f of bottom surface, also offer the atmosphere opening hole 100 (Fig. 6) that is used for importing atmosphere to the inside of print cartridge 1.
On left surface 1h, be provided with clamping rpole 11.On clamping rpole 11, be formed with protruding 11a.When print cartridge 1 was installed on the bearing 62, the recess 64 by protruding 11a and bearing 62 fastened, and print cartridge 1 is fixed on (Fig. 2) on the bearing 62.
Below the clamping rpole 11 of left surface 1h, be provided with circuit substrate 34 (Fig. 4).Be formed with a plurality of electrode terminal 34a on the circuit substrate 34, these electrode terminals 34a is electrically connected with the box circuit via being arranged at the bindiny mechanism's (omitting diagram) on the box 6.
On the end face 1e of print cartridge 1 and back side 1j, post appearance facial mask 55.
In addition, with reference to figure 5, Fig. 6, internal mechanism, the modular construction of print cartridge 1 described.Print cartridge 1 comprises box main body 10 and the cover 20 that covers the face side of box main body 10.
Face side at box main body 10 is formed with floor (rib) 10a (Fig. 3) with different shape.The film 80 that covers the face side of box main body 10 is arranged between box main body 10 and the cover 20.Film 80 is attached on the end face of face side of floor 10a of box main body 10, so that do not produce the space densely.By these floors 10a and film 80 internal separation of print cartridge 1 is formed a plurality of cells, ink accommodating chamber for example described later, surge chamber.About these each chambers, will be described in detail in the back.
Rear side at box main body 10 is formed with differential pressure control valve accommodating chamber 40a and the 70a of gas-liquid separation chamber (Fig. 6).Differential pressure control valve accommodating chamber 40a holds differential pressure control valve 40, and this differential pressure control valve 40 comprises valve member 41, spring 42 and spring base 43.Form dykes and dams 70b on the inwall of the bottom surface that surrounds the 70a of gas-liquid separation chamber, gas-liquid separation membrane 71 is attached on these dykes and dams 70b, thereby integral body has constituted gas-liquid separation filter 70.
Rear side at box main body 10 also is formed with a plurality of groove 10b (Fig. 6).When having pasted appearance facial mask 55 in roughly whole mode of the rear side that covers box main body 10, these grooves 10b forms various streams described later between box main body 10 and appearance facial mask 55, for example be used to make the stream of ink or Atmospheric Flow.
Then, the structure around the foregoing circuit substrate 34 is described.Side below the left surface of box main body 10 is formed with sensor accommodating chamber 30a (Fig. 6).Liquid residue sensor assembly 31 and fixing spring 32 are accommodated among the sensor accommodating chamber 30a.Fixing spring 32 presses liquid residue sensor assembly 31 and be fixed on the inwall of following side of sensor accommodating chamber 30a.The opening of the right flank side of sensor accommodating chamber 30a is covered by cover 33, has fixed above-mentioned circuit substrate 34 at the outer surface of cover 33.Sensor accommodating chamber 30a, liquid residue sensor assembly 31, fixing spring 32, cover 33, circuit substrate 34 and sensor stream described later are formed the chamber be referred to as sensor portion 30.
On circuit substrate 34, be provided with EEPROM (Electronically Erasable andProgrammable Read Only Memory, EEPROM) etc. rewritable nonvolatile memory is used to exhausted amount of ink that writes down ink-jet printer etc.
At the bottom surface side of box main body 10, be provided with aforesaid liquid supply department 50 and atmosphere opening hole 100, and be provided with vent 110, sensor stream formation chamber 30b and labyrinth stream formation chamber 95a (Fig. 6).When in the manufacturing process of print cartridge 1, injecting ink, use vent 110 sucking-off air so that the inner pressure relief of print cartridge 1.The sensor stream forms chamber 30b and the labyrinth stream forms the part that chamber 95a constitutes ink accommodating chamber described later.
After print cartridge 1 had been made, liquid supply department 50, atmosphere opening hole 100, vent 110, labyrinth stream formed respectively sealed film 54,90,98,95,35 sealings of peristome of chamber 95a and sensor stream formation chamber 30b.Wherein, diaphragm seal 90 was peeled off by the user before print cartridge 1 is installed on the carriage 6 of ink-jet printer as mentioned above.Thus, atmosphere opening hole 100 and external communications, atmosphere is imported into the inside of print cartridge 1.In addition, diaphragm seal 54 is constituted as when print cartridge 1 is installed on the carriage 6 of ink-jet printer and is poked by the ink supply pin on the box 6.
Inside in liquid supply department 50 begins to accommodate successively seal member 51, spring base 52, spring blocking 53 from following side.When having inserted ink supply pin 66 in liquid supply department 50, seal member 51 seals so that do not produce the space between the outer wall of the inwall of liquid supply department 50 and ink supply pin 66.When print cartridge 1 was not installed on the carriage 6, spring base 52 was connected to the inwall of seal member 51, to stop up liquid supply department 50.Spring blocking 53 is towards the direction application of force to the inwall butt spring base 52 of seal member 51.In case the ink supply pin is inserted in the liquid supply department 50, the upper end of ink supply pin with regard on push away spring base 52, thereby between spring base 52 and seal member 51, produce the space, ink is supplied to the ink supply pin from this space.
Then, in order to should be readily appreciated that,, the path from atmosphere opening hole 100 to liquid supply department 50 is described conceptually with reference to figure 7.Fig. 7 is the figure that the path from atmosphere opening hole 100 to liquid supply department 50 conceptually is shown.
Path from atmosphere opening hole 100 to liquid supply department 50 is divided into the atmosphere introduction part of upstream side and the ink accommodation section in downstream substantially.
The atmosphere introduction part begins to comprise successively from upstream side: the path 310 that wriggles, the above-mentioned 70a of gas-liquid separation chamber that holds gas-liquid separation membrane 71, link the linking part 320～360 of 70a of gas-liquid separation chamber and ink accommodating chamber.The upstream extremity of sinuous path 310 is communicated with atmosphere opening hole 100, and its downstream is communicated with the 70a of gas-liquid separation chamber.The path 310 of wriggling is elongated to be formed sinuously, to prolong the distance of 100 to first ink accommodation sections, atmosphere opening hole.Thus, can suppress water evaporates in the ink in the ink accommodation section.Gas-liquid separation membrane 71 is by allowing gas permeation but do not allow that the material that liquid sees through constitutes.By gas-liquid separation membrane 71 is configured between the upstream side and downstream of the 70a of gas-liquid separation chamber, can suppress from ink accommodation section adverse current and the ink that comes enters upstream side by the 70a of gas-liquid separation chamber.The concrete structure of linking part 320～360 will be described hereinafter.
The upstream side of ink accommodation section comprises the first ink accommodating chamber 370, accommodating chamber connecting path 380 and the second ink accommodating chamber 390 successively.The upstream side of accommodating chamber connecting path 380 is communicated with the first ink accommodating chamber 370, and the downstream of accommodating chamber connecting path 380 is communicated with the second ink accommodating chamber 390.
The ink accommodation section also comprises successively since the downstream of the second ink accommodating chamber 390: labyrinth stream 400, first flow passage 410, above-mentioned sensor portion 30, second flow passage 420, surge chamber 430, above-mentioned differential pressure control valve accommodating chamber 40a, the 3rd flow passage 450 that holds differential pressure control valve 40.Labyrinth stream 400 comprises by above-mentioned labyrinth stream and forms the space that chamber 95a forms, and forms three-dimensional labyrinth shape.Catch the bubble of sneaking in the ink by labyrinth stream 400, sneak in the ink in labyrinth stream 400 downstreams thereby can suppress bubble.First flow passage 410 is communicated with upstream extremity, and its downstream forms chamber 30b with the sensor stream of sensor portion 30 and is communicated with.The upstream extremity of second flow passage 420 forms chamber 30b with the sensor stream of sensor portion 30 and is communicated with, and its downstream is communicated with surge chamber 430.Thereby disappear and detect ink and also store the ink of scheduled volume can carry out the cell of scheduled volume printing after using up even if surge chamber 430 is inks in the sensor portion 30.Surge chamber 430 is communicated with differential pressure control valve accommodating chamber 40a.In differential pressure control valve accommodating chamber 40a, by differential pressure control valve 40, the ink pressure in differential pressure control valve accommodating chamber 40a downstream is adjusted to the ink pressure that is lower than upstream side, thereby the ink in downstream becomes to be in negative pressure state.The upstream extremity of the 3rd flow passage 450 is communicated with differential pressure control valve accommodating chamber 40a, and its downstream is communicated with liquid supply department 50.
The ink supply pin 66 that is configured in above the print head 61 is inserted in the liquid supply department 50.The ink that is contained in the liquid supply department 50 is supplied in the print head 61 through ink supply pin 66.Print head 61 is under the control of master control part 2, and the nozzle NZ of ink below being formed at it that supply is come is ejected on the paper P.
When making print cartridge 1, as conceptually illustrating the liquid level with dotted line ML1 among Fig. 7, ink is filled to till the first ink accommodating chamber 370 that is positioned at the upstream side in ink accommodation section.When the ink of print cartridge 1 inside is printed 61 when consuming gradually, liquid is towards downstream flow, liquid level side shifting downstream thereupon, and replace it, atmosphere flows into the ink accommodation section from the upstream by the atmosphere introduction part.And when ink is further consumed, as conceptually illustrating the liquid level with dotted line ML2 among Fig. 7, liquid level will arrive sensor portion 30.So atmosphere enters in the sensor portion 30, use up thereby detect ink by liquid residue sensor assembly 31.Use up in case detect ink, in the stage of print cartridge 1 before the ink that is present in sensor portion 30 downstreams (surge chamber 430 etc.) is consumed fully, stop printing, and use up to the user notification ink.This is because following reason: if also print after ink is used up fully, will have air to sneak in the print head 31, thereby have the danger that produces defective.
Explanation according to above with reference to figure 8～Figure 10, describes the structure that has of each structure member on atmosphere opening hole 100 to the path of liquid supply department 50 in print cartridge 1.Fig. 8 is the figure that box main body 10 is watched from face side.Fig. 9 is the figure that box main body 10 is watched from rear side.(a) of Figure 10 is the ideograph after Fig. 8 is simplified.(b) of Figure 10 is the ideograph after Fig. 9 is simplified.
In the ink accommodation section, the first ink accommodating chamber 370 and the second ink accommodating chamber 390 are formed on the face side of box main body 10.The first ink accommodating chamber 370 and the second ink accommodating chamber 390 are represented with unidirectional hacures and cross-hauling respectively in (a) of Fig. 8 and Figure 10.Accommodating chamber connecting path 380 is formed on the position shown in (b) of Fig. 9 and Figure 10 in the rear side of box main body 10.Intercommunicating pore 371 is to make the upstream extremity of accommodating chamber connecting path 380 and the hole that the first ink accommodating chamber 370 is communicated with, and intercommunicating pore 391 is to make the downstream of accommodating chamber connecting path 380 and the hole that the second ink accommodating chamber 390 is communicated with.
In the atmosphere introduction part, wriggle path 310 and the 70a of gas-liquid separation chamber are respectively formed at the position shown in (b) of Fig. 9 and Figure 10 in the rear side of box main body 10.Intercommunicating pore 102 is to make the upstream extremity of the path 310 that wriggles and the hole that atmosphere opening hole 100 is communicated with.The downstream of sinuous path 310 runs through the sidewall of the 70a of gas-liquid separation chamber and is communicated with the 70a of gas-liquid separation chamber.
In more detail, the linking part 320～360 of atmosphere introduction part shown in Figure 7 comprises first space 320, the 3rd space 340, the 4th space 350 (referring to (a) of Fig. 8 and Figure 10) of the face side that is configured in box main body 10 and second space 330, the 5th space 360 (referring to (b) of Fig. 9 and Figure 10) that is configured in the rear side of box main body 10, and each space begins from the upstream to form a stream according to the series connection of symbol order.Intercommunicating pore 322 is the holes that are communicated with the 70a of gas-liquid separation chamber and first space 320.Intercommunicating pore the 321, the 341st is communicated with the hole in first space 320 and second space 330 and second space 330 and the 3rd space 340 respectively.The 3rd space 340 and the 4th space 350 are communicated with by formed otch 342 on the floor that the 3rd space 340 and the 4th space 350 are separated.Intercommunicating pore the 351, the 372nd is communicated with the hole of the 4th space 350 and the 5th space 360 and the 5th space 360 and the first ink accommodating chamber 370 respectively.
In the ink accommodation section, labyrinth stream 400, first flow passage 410 are formed on the position shown in (a) of Fig. 8 in the face side of box main body 10 and Figure 10.Intercommunicating pore 311 is arranged on the floor that the second ink accommodating chamber 390 and labyrinth stream 400 are separated, and is used to be communicated with the second ink accommodating chamber 390 and labyrinth stream 400.As illustrated with reference to figure 6, sensor portion 30 is configured in following side (Fig. 8～Figure 10) of the left surface of box main body 10.Second flow passage 420 and the above-mentioned 70a of gas-liquid separation chamber are respectively formed at the position shown in (b) of Fig. 9 and Figure 10 in the rear side of box main body 10.Surge chamber 430 and the 3rd flow passage 450 are formed on the position shown in (a) of Fig. 8 and Figure 10 in the face side of box main body 10.Intercommunicating pore 312 is the holes that are communicated with labyrinth stream formation chamber 95a (Fig. 6) with the upstream extremity of second flow passage 420 of sensor portion 30, and intercommunicating pore 431 is to be communicated with the downstream of second flow passage 420 and the hole of surge chamber 430.Intercommunicating pore 432 is the holes that directly are communicated with surge chamber 430 and differential pressure control valve accommodating chamber 40a.Intercommunicating pore 451 and intercommunicating pore 452 are the holes that are communicated with the ink supply aperture of differential pressure control valve accommodating chamber 40a and the 3rd flow passage 450 and the 3rd flow passage 450 and liquid supply department 50 inside respectively.
Here, the space 501 shown in Fig. 8 and Figure 10 (a) is not filled chambers of filling ink not.Not filled chamber 501 not in atmosphere opening hole 100 to the path of liquid supply department 50, but independent existence.Be provided with the air connectivity hole 502 that is communicated with atmosphere in the rear side of filled chamber 501 not.When with decompression collation package print cartridge 1, filled chamber 501 does not become the degas chamber of having accumulated negative pressure.Thus, under the packaged state of print cartridge 1, the air pressure of box main body 10 inside is maintained at below the setting, does not have the molten ink of depositing air thereby can supply.
The structure of sensor portion 30:
With reference to Figure 11 and Figure 12, further the structure to the sensor portion 30 describes.Figure 11 is the figure that the structure to the sensor portion among first embodiment describes.Figure 11 shows the A-A cross section among Figure 10.Figure 12 is to be the schematic diagram of the electric structure at center with the piezo-electric device as sensor in first embodiment.
Aforesaid liquid surplus sensor assembly 31 comprises: as piezo-electric device 210, oscillating plate 204, first substrate 205, metallic plate 206 and second substrate 207 of sensor main body.Piezo-electric device 210 comprises above-mentioned electrode 201, piezoelectric layer 202 and lower electrode 203, and wherein piezoelectric layer 202 is formed by lead zirconate titanate piezoelectrics such as (PZT).The vibration that oscillating plate 204 transmits piezo-electric device 210 to ink, and the vibration of transmitting ink to piezo-electric device 210 on the contrary.Oscillating plate 204 is insulating properties films.First substrate 205, metallic plate 206 and second substrate 207 are the plates with hole, and stacked with this order.First substrate 205 for example uses the pottery that the raw cook sintering is made.Metallic plate 206 for example uses stainless steel etc. to have the metal of electric conductivity.Second substrate 207 for example uses resin.Mode on the surface of first substrate 205 with the hole that covers first substrate 205 disposes oscillating plate 204, and with the hole of first substrate 205 in the middle of dispose piezo-electric device 210 across the mode of oscillating plate 204.Thereby formed by each hole of first substrate 205, metallic plate 206 and second substrate 207 and the chamber that oscillating plate 204 defines.As shown in figure 11, the A of this chamber-A cross section roughly be "
" type.
Liquid residue sensor assembly 31 is configured in the top of the sensor stream formation chamber 30b (Fig. 6) of box main body 10 as shown in Figure 11.Thereby this chamber forms the part of ink accommodation section.Along with printer 1000 consumes inks, the ink in the print cartridge 1 this "
" die cavity is indoor mobile like that shown in the arrow among Figure 11.As seen from the above description, when there are enough inks print cartridge 1 inside, that is to say that when chamber interior shown in Figure 11 was full of ink, the metallic plate 206 of conductor contacted with the ink that is full of chamber interior.
Below, to above-mentioned "
" die cavity chamber (stream of ink) carry out specific description more."
" in the die cavity chamber; will be made as first stream along the part of oscillating plate 204, will be positioned at the upstream side of first stream and be made as second stream, will be positioned at the downstream of first stream and be made as the 3rd stream with the part of the first stream approximate vertical with the part of the first stream approximate vertical.Piezo-electric device 210 disposes along first stream.The part of the inner surface of the part of the inner surface of second stream and the 3rd stream forms (Figure 11) by the metallic plate 206 of conductor respectively.
Further the electric structure of print cartridge 1 is described with reference to Figure 12.In Figure 12, show the electric structure of the print cartridge 1 that comprises piezo-electric device 210 by equivalent circuit.Resistance R 1 and R2 represent the impedance of ink.Electrostatic capacitance C1 is illustrated in the electrostatic capacitance that produces between the lower electrode 203 of ink and piezo-electric device 210, and lower electrode 203 centres of described ink and piezo-electric device 210 are across as the oscillating plate 204 of insulator and toward each other.This electrostatic capacitance plays the effect of capacitor.Node n1 represent ink with as the oscillating plate 204 contacted nodes of insulator.As shown in figure 12, each electrode 201 and 203 of piezo-electric device 210 respectively with a plurality of electrode terminal 34a of circuit substrate 34 in one be electrically connected.Consequently, when print cartridge 1 was installed on the bearing 62, each electrode of piezo-electric device 210 was electrically connected with the carriage circuit 67 of printer 1000.And as shown in figure 12, the ground terminal among a plurality of electrode terminal 34a of the metallic plate 206 of electric conductivity and circuit substrate 34 is electrically connected.Consequently, when print cartridge 1 was installed on the bearing 62, metallic plate 206 was connected on the framework ground wire VSS as stable potential in the printer 1000.Thereby when chamber interior was full of ink, ink contacted with metallic plate 206, thereby was connected with framework ground wire VSS via metallic plate 206.Node n1 among Figure 12 represents the tie point (tie point of ink and metallic plate 206) of ink and framework ground wire VSS.In Figure 12, resistance R 1 is illustrated in the resistance that is in the ink of piezo-electric device 210 1 sides in the chamber when metallic plate 206 is watched, and promptly is in the resistance of metallic plate 206 to the ink of 204 of oscillating plates.In Figure 12, resistance R 2 expression is in the resistance of the ink of a side opposite with piezo-electric device 210 when metallic plate 206 is watched, for example, be in the resistance of the ink in the first ink accommodating chamber 370 shown in Figure 7, the second ink accommodating chamber 390, the surge chamber 430 etc.
In Figure 12, the AC power of representing with symbol NS (noise source) conceptually shows the noise the ink in the outside is delivered to print cartridge 1.
Then, the ink surplus detection that utilizes sensor to carry out is described.In printer 1000, master control part 2 and carriage circuit 67 are constituted as can be via the bus switch signal.Carriage circuit 67 has the sensor drive division M1 as its functional module.Master control part 2 is carried out the processing (ink surplus detect handle) that detect ink surplus by cooperating to each print cartridge 1 with the sensor drive division M1 of carriage circuit 67.Specifically, master control part 2 is sent instruction and being used for that request is used to judge the frequency measurement (describing in the back) of ink surplus to sensor drive division M1 and is determined data as the print cartridge 1 of this frequency measurement object after beginning ink surplus judgment processing.Sensor drive division M1 begins to carry out frequency to the print cartridge 1 as object and determines to handle after receiving instruction and data.Specifically, sensor drive division M1 is via the electrode terminal 34a of correspondence, and one in the upper electrode 201 of piezo-electric device 210 or the lower electrode 203 is connected on the sensor actuation signal line that sensor actuation signal DS takes place.In addition, sensor drive division M1 is via the electrode terminal 34a of correspondence, and the upper electrode 201 of piezo-electric device 210 or in the lower electrode 203 another are connected on the framework ground wire VSS.After the electrode 201 and 203 of piezo-electric device 210 was connected on sensor actuation signal line or the framework ground wire VSS, sensor actuation signal DS was applied on the electrode of piezo-electric device 210 through the sensor actuation signal line.Sensor actuation signal DS for example is the signal that comprises an above trapezoidal pulse.
In case sensor actuation signal DS is applied on the electrode of piezo-electric device 210, this piezo-electric device 210 will deform (stretching).In the timing that sensor actuation signal DS end applies, sensor drive division M1 disconnects this holding wire from the electrode that is connected with the sensor actuation signal line of piezo-electric device 210.So piezo-electric device 210 correspondingly vibrates (stretching) with the ink surplus, and piezo-electric device 210 is from exporting and vibration correspondent voltage (answer signal RS) to carriage circuit 67 via electrode terminal 34a with the electrode of sensor actuation signal line disconnection.The sensor drive division M1 of carriage circuit 67 measures the frequency of answer signal RS.
Sensor drive division M1 sends measurement result to master control part 2 after the frequency that is measured to answer signal RS.Master control part 2 is judged the ink surplus as the print cartridge 1 of handling object based on the testing result of the frequency that receives from sensor drive division M1.For example, when the ink surplus is scheduled volume when above, piezo-electric device 210 is with the first eigentone H1 (for example, about 30KHz) vibration, and when ink surplus during less than scheduled volume, piezo-electric device 210 vibrates with the second eigentone H2 (for example, about 110KHz).Promptly, when the ink surplus is that scheduled volume is when above, the chamber interior relative with piezo-electric device 210 sandwich oscillating plates 204 is in the state that is filled with ink, when ink surplus during less than scheduled volume, the chamber interior relative with piezo-electric device 210 sandwich oscillating plates 204 is in and do not have ink and have air state.So, the resonant frequency of piezo-electric device 210 reflects the difference of piezo-electric device 210 ambient state and changes.When master control part 2 equates with the first eigentone H1 substantially in the frequency measurement result who is received, make the ink surplus and be in the above judgement of scheduled volume, when the frequency measurement result who is received equates with the second eigentone H2 substantially, make of the judgement of ink surplus less than scheduled volume.
According to first embodiment of above explanation, apply current potential to the ink of print cartridge 1 inside as the framework ground wire VSS of constant stable potential through metallic plate 206.Consequently, can suppress external noise invades in the piezo-electric device 210 through the electric conductivity ink.Thereby, for example can in the detection of the ink surplus that piezo-electric device 210 is used as the electric sensor, improve its precision.
In order to should be readily appreciated that, with reference to Figure 13, the occasion that ink is not connected on the stable potential describes as a comparative example.Figure 13 is to be the schematic diagram of the electric structure at center with the piezo-electric device in comparative example.In Figure 13, the structure member that is marked the symbol identical with Figure 12 in the printer 1000 in the comparative example and the structure member of print cartridge 1a is identical with the structure member of the prosign that describes in Figure 12, therefore omits its explanation.Among the print cartridge 1a in comparative example, the resistance of resistance R 3 expression electric conductivity inks.In comparative example, the part corresponding, be that the electric conductivity ink plays the antenna effect, thereby receive noise and pass to piezo-electric device 210 from external noise source NS with impedance R3.Consequently, piezo-electric device 210 may be affected by noise and be vibrated.And, might propagate AC noise to carriage circuit 67.Consequently, use the accuracy of detection of the ink surplus of piezo-electric device 210 to have the danger that worsens.In first embodiment, suppressed the intrusion of this external noise.
And as can be seen from Figure 11, metallic plate 206 is configured near the piezo-electric device 210.In other words, ink is being connected near the piezo-electric device 210 on the framework ground wire VSS.Consequently, can suppress the intrusion of external noise more effectively.If ink is connected to position on the stable potential away from piezo-electric device 210, ink antenna effect easily till then from the tie point that is connected with stable potential to piezo-electric device 210, can receive noise, therefore, as first embodiment, preferably near piezo-electric device 210, ink is connected on the stable potential.
In addition, owing to apply constant current potential to ink, so ink self one-tenth masked state, can suppress external noise and invade in the piezo-electric device 210.
In addition, as can be seen from Figure 11, metallic plate 206 form as described above "
" upstream side of die cavity chamber and the part in downstream.That is, metallic plate 206 is positioned in the middle of ink and the piezo-electric device 210 across oscillating plate 204 and upstream side and these both sides, downstream of relative position (the first above-mentioned stream).Thereby ink is that near the upstream side of piezo-electric device 210 inks that flowed and the both sides in downstream are connected on the framework ground wire VSS.Consequently, can more effectively suppress external noise invades in the piezo-electric device 210.
In addition, metallic plate 206 is as being used to guarantee that near the rigidity the piezo-electric device 210 bring into play the parts of function with the pedestal of the vibration attenuation that suppresses piezo-electric device 210, therefore, can suppress just to ink being connected on the framework ground wire VSS and causing component count to increase.
The variation of first embodiment:
The electric conductivity ink is electrically connected to the part that position on the framework ground wire VSS is not limited to the such metallic plate of first embodiment 206.With reference to Figure 14, other examples as variation are described.Figure 14 is with near the figure from illustrating in the lump to the summary cross section of the summary cross section of the structure of liquid supply department 50 and print head 61 differential pressure control valve 40.In Figure 14, for suitably illustrating and should be readily appreciated that, omitted detailed structure, show succinct summary structure.The valve member 41 that the ink accommodation section is configured differential pressure control valve 40 is divided into upstream side stream 213 and downstream stream 214.Upstream side stream 213 is the suitable parts of upstream side with Fig. 6 and differential pressure control valve accommodating chamber 40a shown in Figure 7.Downstream stream 214 is streams that its downstream reaches liquid supply department 50, and comprises the downstream of above-mentioned differential pressure control valve accommodating chamber 40a and the 3rd flow passage 450 shown in Figure 7.Upstream side stream 213 and downstream stream 214 in fact all have more complicated structure.
On the other hand, thus when the ink on effluent road, downstream 214 is consumed the ink pressure of downstream stream 214 inside and 42 applied pressure sums of spring less than the ink pressure of upstream side stream 213 inside, between valve member 41 and valve seat, produce the space.Consequently, upstream side stream 213 is communicated with bypass stream 215, and ink flows into the downstream stream 214 via bypass stream 215 from upstream side stream 213.The inflow of described ink lasts till that always the ink pressure of downstream stream 214 inside and the ink pressure of 42 applied pressure sums of spring and upstream side stream 213 inside reach till the balance.In case the ink pressure of 42 applied pressure sums of the ink pressure of downstream stream 214 inside and spring and upstream side stream 213 inside reaches balance, valve member 41 just withstands on the valve seat, hindered the connection between upstream side stream 213 and the bypass stream 215, thereby upstream side stream 213 separates physically with bypass stream 215.By such structure, the ink pressure in the downstream stream 214 always is held to be lower than the ink pressure in the upstream side stream 213.
In first variation, form valve member 41 with conductor.The conductor of valve member 41 for example uses electroconductive resins such as conducting rubber, electric conductivity synthetic rubber.In addition, in first variation, form the spring 42 that contacts with valve member 41 with conductor.The conductor of spring 42 for example uses stainless steel.And, on spring 42, connect distribution, and spring 42 be electrically connected on the ground terminal among a plurality of electrode terminal 34a of circuit substrate 34.Consequently, when print cartridge 1 was installed on the bearing 62, the framework ground wire VSS as stable potential that valve member 41 is connected in the printer 1000 went up (solid line among Figure 14).When upstream side stream 213 was full of ink, ink was via valve member 41 and spring 42 and be connected electrically on the framework ground wire VSS.
By above structure, also can obtain effect and the effect identical with first embodiment.In addition, because valve member 41 and spring 42 are to make near the inks the liquid supply department 50 be in the necessary parts of negative pressure, therefore, can suppress just to ink being connected on the framework ground wire VSS and causing component count to increase.
The same with first variation, in second variation, form valve member 41 with conductor.On the other hand, in second variation, spring 42 is not connected on the framework ground wire VSS.Replace it, ink is electrically connected on the framework ground wire VSS via print head 61.
Here, the ink supply pin 66 that is used for inserting the liquid supply department 50 of print cartridge 1 erect be arranged on print head 61 above.In addition, have nozzle plate 61b in the bottom surface of print head 61, this nozzle plate 61b is made of conductors such as aluminium, stainless steels, and has many nozzle NZ.Nozzle plate 61b is connected (dotted line of Figure 14) by distribution with framework ground wire VSS.The inside of print head 61 is formed with internal flow path 610, and an end of this internal flow path 610 is to the top ends opening of ink supply pin 66, and its other end opening becomes nozzle.Flow through from the end of the ink supply pin 66 1 sides inside of internal flow path 610 of the ink of print cartridge 1 inside, and spue from nozzle.But, because by above-mentioned valve member 41 and spring 42, the ink in valve member 41 downstreams is in negative pressure state, so ink can not spue automatically from nozzle bore.On internal flow path 610 wall midway, dispose piezoelectric element PZT.This piezoelectric element PZT extends under the control of master control part 2, thereby with internal flow path 610 compressions, ink droplet IN spues from nozzle bore thus.Replace the above-mentioned mode that piezoelectric element sprays ink of passing through, for example also can adopt to make to produce the spue method etc. of ink droplet of bubbles (bubble) in the internal flow path 610 by the heaters that utilize configuration in the internal flow path 610.
From above explanation as can be known, the print head in the present embodiment 61 is corresponding to the liquid injection portion in the claim.
Space till the upstream side stream 213 from the downstream of the chamber that disposed piezo-electric device 210 to Figure 14 is full of by ink.And the space from downstream stream 214 to nozzle NZ also is full of by ink.The interior ink of ink in the upstream side stream 213 and downstream stream 214 is electrically connected by the valve member 41 of conductor.And the ink of the downstream part in the downstream stream 214 contacts with nozzle plate 61b, and is connected on the framework ground wire VSS through nozzle plate 61b.Thereby the ink near the chamber the piezo-electric device 210 is on valve member 41 and nozzle plate 61b are connected electrically in framework ground wire VSS as stable potential.
By above structure, also can obtain effect and the effect identical with first embodiment.In addition, because valve member 41 and nozzle plate 61b are print cartridge 1 and printer 1000 necessary parts, therefore, can suppress just to ink being connected on the framework ground wire VSS and causing component count to increase.
But via print head 61 ink being electrically connected to way on the framework ground wire VSS is not limited to nozzle plate 61b is connected method on the framework ground wire VSS.Can adopt the various parts that to contact with ink in the print head 61 to form, and this electroconductive component is connected electrically in the structure on the framework ground wire VSS with conductive material.For example, can be with ink supply pin 66 whole or a part of, specifically top ends that contacts with ink in the ink supply pin 66 or near the part the top ends form with conductive material.And, also can the electric conductivity part be electrically connected with framework ground wire VSS by distribution.Perhaps, also can import the lid of installing on the peristome in the internal flow path 610 with conductive material formation at ink with the head portion of ink supply pin 66.And cover at this opening is set, import in the internal flow path 610 to allow ink.And, also can this lid be electrically connected with framework ground wire VSS by distribution.
Shown in first variation and second variation as described above, be electrically connected to the position that position on the framework ground wire VSS is not limited to the metallic plate 206 shown in first embodiment.That is, if with in the ink accommodation section with inner surface that ink contact at least a portion form with conductor and this conductor be connected on the framework ground wire VSS.
B. second embodiment:
The structure of printer and print cartridge:
With reference to Figure 15 and Figure 16, second embodiment is described.Figure 15 is the figure that the structure to the sensor portion among second embodiment describes.Figure 15 shows the A-A cross section among Figure 10's (a) and the 10B.Figure 16 is to be the schematic diagram of the electric structure at center with the piezo-electric device as sensor in a second embodiment.
The difference of the print cartridge 1 of first embodiment and the print cartridge 1b of second embodiment is the structure of sensor portion.As shown in figure 15, the sensor portion 30 of second embodiment has liquid residue sensor assembly 31b, in order to substitute the liquid residue sensor assembly 31 of first embodiment.
The liquid residue sensor assembly 31b of second embodiment also has insulation film 211 and conductive film 212 except that having the piezo-electric device 210 identical with first embodiment, oscillating plate 204, first substrate 205, metallic plate 206 and second substrate 207.Insulation film 211 and conductive film 212 are configured between piezo-electric device 210 and the oscillating plate 204.Insulation film 211 is configured in piezo-electric device 210 1 sides, and conductive film 212 is configured in oscillating plate 204 1 sides.All the other structures of the liquid residue sensor assembly 31b of second embodiment are identical with the structure of the liquid residue sensor assembly 31 of first embodiment, therefore omit explanation.Between piezo-electric device 210 and ink, begin to have stacked gradually insulating barrier (insulation film 211), conductive layer (conductive film 212) and insulating barrier (oscillating plate 204) from piezo-electric device 210 1 sides.And as shown in figure 16, conductive film 212 is connected electrically on the ground terminal among a plurality of electrode terminal 34a of circuit substrate 34.Consequently, when print cartridge 1 was installed on the bearing 62, conductive film 212 was connected on the framework ground wire VSS as stable potential among the printer 1000b.
Further the electric structure of print cartridge 1b is described with reference to Figure 16.In Figure 16, show the electric structure of the print cartridge 1b that comprises piezo-electric device 210 by equivalent circuit.The same with Figure 13, the resistance of resistance R 3 expression inks.Electrostatic capacitance C3 is illustrated in the electrostatic capacitance that produces between the lower electrode 203 of conductive film 212 and piezo-electric device 210, in the middle of the lower electrode 203 of described conductive film 212 and piezo-electric device 210 across insulation film 211 and toward each other.Electrostatic capacitance C4 represents the electrostatic capacitance that formed by ink and conductive film 212, in the middle of described ink and the conductive film 212 across and toward each other as the oscillating plate 204 of insulator.Node n2 is corresponding with conductive film 212, shows conductive film 212 and is connected on the framework ground wire VSS through 34a.
According to second embodiment of above explanation, in the chamber of liquid residue sensor assembly 31b, ink is connected through electrostatic capacitance C4 and with exchanging as the framework ground wire VSS of stable potential.Consequently, the AC compounent that can suppress electrostatic capacitance C4 is invaded in the piezo-electric device 210 via the electric conductivity ink.Thereby, for example can in the detection of the ink surplus that piezo-electric device 210 is used as the electric sensor, improve its precision.
In addition, because the sheet number that needs only duplexer increases by two, so the manufacturing of liquid residue sensor assembly 31b is also than being easier to.
And, because conductive film 212 directly do not contact with ink, so need not to consider the anti-ink (to the corrosion resistance of ink etc.) of conductive film 212 can adopt cheap material.In addition, there is not the ink leakage that is corroded and causes because of conductive film 212 yet.
The variation of second embodiment:
Ink is connected to position on the framework ground wire VSS across electrostatic capacitance to be not limited near the such liquid residue sensor assembly 31b of first embodiment.With reference to Figure 17 and Figure 18, other examples as variation are described.Figure 17 is the exploded perspective view of the print cartridge in the variation of second embodiment.Figure 18 is to be the schematic diagram of the electric structure at center with the piezo-electric device in the variation of second embodiment.The difference of the print cartridge 1 of print cartridge 1c of this variation shown in Figure 17 and first embodiment shown in Figure 5 is, the structure of the film of the face side of covering box main body 10.In the print cartridge 1 of first embodiment, on the end face of the face side of the floor 10a of box main body 10, pasted a film 80 (Fig. 5).And in this variation, on the end face of the face side of the floor 10a of box main body 10, pasted an insulating film 81, and on this insulating film 81 the overlapping conductive film 82 of having pasted same size.That is, formed the wall of print cartridge 1 by insulating film 81 and conductive film 82, that side (inboard) that this wall contacts with ink is an insulating film 81, and a side (outside) opposite with ink is conductive film 82.Insulating film 81 for example uses the insulative resin film.Conductive film 82 for example uses aluminium foil.
With reference to Figure 18, further the electric structure to print cartridge 1c describes.In Figure 18, show the electric structure of the print cartridge 1c that comprises piezo-electric device 210 by equivalent circuit.Resistance R 4 and R5 represent the resistance of ink.Electrostatic capacitance C1 represents the electrostatic capacitance that the lower electrode 203 by ink and piezo-electric device 210 forms, in the middle of the lower electrode 203 of described ink and piezo-electric device 210 across and toward each other as the oscillating plate 204 of insulator.The electrostatic capacitance that electrostatic capacitance C5 is formed by conductive film 82 and ink, in the middle of described ink and the conductive film 82 across insulating film 81 and toward each other.Shown in equivalent circuit, the resistance R 4 of ink, R5 and electrostatic capacitance C5 are at node n3 fork and constitute the relation that is connected in parallel to each other.As shown in figure 18, conductive film 82 is connected electrically among a plurality of electrode terminal 34a of circuit substrate 34 one.Consequently, when print cartridge 1c was installed on the bearing 62, conductive film 82 was connected electrically on the framework ground wire VSS of printer 1000c.
According to this variation of above explanation, absorb external noise by electrostatic capacitance C5, therefore can suppress the AC compounent of external noise and invade in the piezo-electric device 210 via the electric conductivity ink.Thereby, for example can in the detection of the ink surplus that piezo-electric device 210 is used as the electric sensor, improve its precision.
In addition, in the present embodiment, form the conductive film 82 of electrostatic capacitance C5 and insulating film 81 thus and constituted and the corresponding wall of one side as the print cartridge 1c of the ducted body of approximate cuboid.Consequently, as shown in figure 17, the parallel projection face (Figure 17) when in fact insulating film 81 and conductive film 82 cover ink in Y direction is watched print cartridge 1c.Thereby can from all inks, absorb the AC noise of invading in the ink effectively.
In addition, in above-mentioned variation, covered the whole one side of the print cartridge 1c of approximate cuboid, but be not to cover whole, also can cover a part of face with conductive film 82 and insulating film 81.
C. other variation:
(1) in the foregoing description and variation thereof, used the atmosphere opening type print cartridge that in the ink accommodation section, imports atmosphere along with the consumption of ink, but application of the present invention is not limited thereto.For example, also can be applied in the container that ink is accommodated in sealing and in the closed type print cartridge that container shrinks along with the consumption of ink.With reference to Figure 19～Figure 21, the example of closed type print cartridge is described.Figure 19 is the front view and the side view of closed type print cartridge.Figure 20 is first figure that the B-B cross section among Figure 19 is shown.Figure 21 is second figure that the B-B cross section among Figure 19 is shown.The ink surplus that Figure 20 shows print cartridge 1d is the sectional view under the above situation of scheduled volume, and the ink surplus that Figure 21 shows print cartridge 1d is the sectional view under the following situation of scheduled volume.
As shown in figure 19, print cartridge 1d comprises: the shell 20d of the hollow of approximate cuboid, be accommodated in ink bag 10d, ink supply pipe 51d and liquid residue sensor assembly 31d in the shell 20d.Shell 20d for example makes and is made of resin.For example approximate rectangular two of flexibility is combined into resin molding 10d_u to ink bag 10d and the 10d_b stickup has constituted bag shape by having.The inside of ink bag 10d is filled with the electric conductivity ink.Ink supply pipe 51d is fixed on the face of shell, and the end of ink supply pipe 51d is exposed to the outside.On the outboard end of ink supply pipe 51d, offer ink supply aperture 50d.
When print cartridge 1d being installed in when not having on the illustrated printer, the ink supply pin that is communicated with the print head of printer inserts among the ink supply aperture 50d of print cartridge 1d.Along with ink spues from nozzle by the piezoelectric element in the print head of printer, ink is supplied to the print head by ink supply pipe 51d and from ink supply aperture 50d from ink bag 10d.
Dispose liquid residue sensor assembly 31d midway at ink supply pipe 51d.The same with the liquid residue sensor assembly 31 among first embodiment, it is above still below the scheduled volume that the surplus of the ink that liquid residue sensor assembly 31d is used for judging that print cartridge 1d holds is in scheduled volume.
Liquid residue sensor assembly 31d is the same with first embodiment, has piezo-electric device 210d, and this piezo-electric device 210d comprises upper electrode 201d, piezoelectric layer 202d and lower electrode 203d.In addition, liquid residue sensor assembly 31d is also the same with first embodiment, involving vibrations plate 204d, the first substrate 205d, metallic plate 206d and the second substrate 207d.These structure members 210d, 204d～206d according to the identical sequential cascade of liquid residue sensor assembly 31 among first embodiment.In addition, the same with the metallic plate 206 (Figure 11) of first embodiment, when print cartridge 1d was installed on the printer, metallic plate 206d was connected on the framework ground wire VSS of printer.
Liquid residue sensor assembly 31d is bonded on the film 10d_u of upside of structure pouch ink bag 10d.At liquid residue sensor assembly 31d and constitute between the film 10d_b of downside of ink bag 10d and dispose spring 216d.Spring 216d is towards the direction in the space between the film 10d_b that widens liquid residue sensor assembly 31d and downside, to the film 10d_b stress application of liquid residue sensor assembly 31d and downside.
When the ink surplus of ink bag 10d is scheduled volume when above, ink bag 10d is widened by spring 216d, thereby as shown in figure 20, forms the space of the broad of being filled by ink below piezo-electric device 210d.On the other hand, when the ink surplus of ink bag 10d is scheduled volume when following, spring 216d is owing to the contraction of ink bag is compressed, thereby as shown in figure 21, forms the narrower space of being filled by ink below piezo-electric device 210d.
Detection to the ink surplus among the closed type print cartridge 1d describes.The same with the atmosphere opening type print cartridge in the foregoing description, one side direction piezo-electric device 210d applies sensor actuation signal DS from printer.So the same with atmosphere opening type print cartridge, piezo-electric device 210d vibrates (stretching) according to the ink surplus, and to printer output and vibration correspondent voltage (answer signal RS).Here, in atmosphere opening type print cartridge, be that the frequency of measuring answer signal RS is judged the ink surplus, but in closed type print cartridge 1d, measure the amplitude size of answer signal RS and judge the ink surplus.Specifically, when the ink surplus of ink bag 10d is more than the scheduled volume, when promptly having formed the space of the broad of being filled by ink below piezo-electric device 210d, it is big that the amplitude of answer signal RS becomes.On the contrary, when the ink surplus of ink bag 10d be below the scheduled volume, when promptly below piezo-electric device 210d, having formed the narrower space of being filled by ink, the amplitude of answer signal RS diminishes.Thereby printer is predetermined value when above at the amplitude of answer signal RS, and the ink surplus that is judged as ink bag 10d is more than the scheduled volume, and during less than predetermined value, the ink surplus that is judged as ink bag 10d is below the scheduled volume at the amplitude of answer signal RS.
In the print cartridge 1d of the variation of above explanation, the ink in the print cartridge 1d is connected electrically on the framework ground wire VSS through metallic plate 206d.Consequently, by the print cartridge 1d of this variation, can obtain effect and the effect identical with first embodiment.
(2) in the foregoing description and variation, be configured in the print cartridge as the piezo-electric device of sensor, but also can be configured in printer one side, for example also can dispose along the ink flow path of the nozzle that arrives at printer print head inside.Specifically, for example as the liquid residue sensor assembly 31m that in Figure 14, is represented by dotted lines, also can be configured in the print head 61 from ink supply pin 66 to nozzle NZ till internal flow path 610.So, as long as sensor is configured in print cartridge inside and ink supply pin to the part in the existing space of ink of nozzle.From above explanation as can be known, the space that can exist of the liquid containing portion in the claim corresponding to the ink inside in the present embodiment and ink supply pin to the ink of nozzle.
(3) in the foregoing description and variation, print cartridge is removably mounted on the printer, but replaces it, also can use the ink tank that is fixed on the printer.Explanation from the foregoing description as can be known, the print cartridge among the embodiment and the combination of printer are corresponding to the liquid injection apparatus in the claim.
(4) the foregoing description has adopted the print cartridge that ink-jet printer and ink-jet printer are used, and sprays or the spue liquid injection apparatus of ink other liquid in addition and the liquid container that this liquid injection apparatus is used but also can adopt.Here said liquid be included in divergent function material in the solvent particle and aqueous body, the stream shape body as gel.For example can be: the liquid injection apparatus that in the manufacturing of LCD, EL (electroluminescent) display, face active display, colour filter etc., uses, be used to spray the liquid that materials such as electrode material or look material are contained with the form that disperses or dissolves; That uses in the manufacturing of biochip is used to spray biological organic liquid injection apparatus; Be used as precise pipet to spray liquid injection apparatus as the liquid of test portion.In addition, also can adopt: the liquid injection apparatus of jet lubrication oil accurately in accurate apparatuses such as wrist-watch or camera; On substrate, spray the liquid injection apparatus of transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet hardening resin for little packaged lens (optical lens) of being formed for optic communication device etc. etc.; Spray the liquid injection apparatus of etching solutions such as acid or alkali for etching substrates etc.And, can apply the present invention to any injection apparatus in these devices and the liquid container that is used for this injection apparatus.
(5) in the above-described embodiments, sensor has adopted piezo-electric device, but also can use the sensor of other types.For example, can use the sensor of the type of the resistance value that in ink, applies electric current and measure ink.In addition, being not limited to the sensor that detects the ink surplus, also can be the sensor that viscosity, kind, concentration etc. to ink are carried out electro-detection.In general, so long as the sensor that the state of liquid such as ink is carried out electro-detection just.
(6) in above-mentioned first embodiment and variation thereof, metallic plate 206, valve member 41, nozzle plate 61b are contacted with ink, and metallic plate 206, valve member 41, nozzle plate 61b be connected on the stable potential, but be not limited to these, can making arbitrarily, conductor contacts with ink and this conductor is connected electrically on the stable potential in the optional position of ink accommodation section.For example, in Fig. 5, the film 80 of cell that also formation can be held the ink of print cartridge 1 inside is made as conductive film, and this conductive film is connected electrically on the framework ground wire VSS.So, because therefore the parallel projection face (Fig. 5) of conductive film when in fact covering ink in Y direction is watched print cartridge 1 can suppress the intrusion of external noise more effectively.
(7) in the variation of above-mentioned second embodiment, cover box main body by duplexer and formed the electrostatic capacitance that is used to remove noise, but be not limited thereto with insulating film 81 and conductive film 82.For example, also can be in box main body, the part of wall of formation being held the cell of ink forms thinlyyer, and form the outside configuration conductor of thin part, then this conductor is connected on the framework ground wire VSS.In general, at least a portion of the inner surface that contacts with ink in the ink accommodation section can be formed with insulator, a side opposite at the inner surface with the contact ink of this insulator disposes conductor, and this conductor is connected on the stable potential.
(8) in the foregoing description and variation, the electrostatic capacitance that ink or be used to is removed noise is connected framework ground wire VSS, but is not limited thereto, as long as be connected on the constant potential.Specifically, also can be connected on signal ground or the ground.
(9) in the above-described embodiments, be the character that the center defines print cartridge particularly with first and second ink accommodating chamber, surge chamber, but these only are example, can in the conspicuous scope of those skilled in the art, be out of shape or improve.
More than, describe the present invention based on embodiment, variation, but above-mentioned working of an invention mode be used for should be readily appreciated that of the present invention, be not be used to limit of the present invention.The present invention can change, improve in the scope of its aim and claims, and the present invention includes its equivalent.
Claims (9)
1. a liquid injection apparatus to the medium injection conductive liquid, is characterized in that, comprising:
Liquid containing portion holds described liquid;
Sensor is arranged in the described liquid containing portion, and the described state that the described liquid of position is set is carried out electro-detection; And
Conductive component contacts with described liquid, and is connected electrically on the stable potential.
2. liquid injection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
Described conductive component be configured at least described sensor near.
3. liquid injection apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein, comprising:
Liquid injection portion; And
Liquid container comprises described liquid containing portion and described sensor, and can load and unload with respect to described liquid injection portion.
4. liquid injection apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein, also comprises:
Liquid injection portion comprises the part of described sensor and described liquid containing portion; And
Liquid container comprises other parts of described liquid containing portion, and can load and unload with respect to described liquid injection portion.
5. a liquid injection apparatus to the medium injection conductive liquid, is characterized in that, comprising:
Liquid containing portion holds described liquid;
Sensor is arranged in the described liquid containing portion, and the described state that the described liquid of position is set is carried out electro-detection; And
Electrostatic capacitance is arranged between stable potential and the described liquid for removing noise.
6. liquid injection apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein,
Described electrostatic capacitance is arranged between near the described liquid and described stable potential of described sensor at least.
7. as claim 5 or 6 described liquid injection apparatus, wherein, also comprise:
Liquid injection portion; And
Liquid container comprises described liquid containing portion and described sensor, and can load and unload with respect to described liquid injection portion.
8. as claim 5 or 6 described liquid injection apparatus, wherein, also comprise:
Liquid injection portion comprises the part of described sensor and described liquid containing portion; And
Liquid container comprises other parts of described liquid containing portion, and can load and unload with respect to described liquid injection portion.
9. as each described liquid injection apparatus in the claim 1 to 8, wherein,
Described stable potential is the framework ground wire.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2007275463 | 2007-10-23 | ||
| JP2007275463 | 2007-10-23 | ||
| JP2008245935 | 2008-09-25 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN101417540A true CN101417540A (en) | 2009-04-29 |
Family
ID=40628622
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA200810171623XA Pending CN101417540A (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2008-10-21 | Liquid jetting apparatus |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2009119857A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101417540A (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP6155556B2 (en) * | 2012-05-31 | 2017-07-05 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Method for manufacturing liquid container |
| JP6458519B2 (en) * | 2015-02-04 | 2019-01-30 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Liquid ejector |
-
2008
- 2008-09-25 JP JP2008245935A patent/JP2009119857A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-10-21 CN CNA200810171623XA patent/CN101417540A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2009119857A (en) | 2009-06-04 |
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Open date: 20090429 |