JP2003251826A - Liquid container, liquid supply unit and recorder, and inkjet cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink tank in which ink does not leak from an air introducing section under any use environment and storage environment and stabilized negative pressure characteristics can be sustained regardless of the liquid consumption stage. <P>SOLUTION: In an arrangement comprising an ink containing section (10) having at least a deformable part (11), a spring (40) for generating a required negative pressure in the container by applying a force for enlarging the deformable part, and a section (16) for introducing air into the container depending on the increase of negative pressure in the container in order to sustain the negative pressure within an appropriate range, outflow of ink from an enclosed space (S) for containing ink is blocked using a one-way valve (30) and inflow of gas into the containing space is allowed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, a liquid storage container, a liquid supply device and a recording device for supplying a liquid such as ink to a pen as a recording unit or a recording head in a stable manner without waste. It also relates to an inkjet cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet recording apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium by applying a liquid ink to the recording medium using a liquid using apparatus, for example, an ink jet recording head, has a recording head for the recording medium. An image is formed by ejecting ink in the process while moving, or an image is formed by ejecting ink in the process while moving the recording medium to a fixed recording head, in contrast to this. Etc.

As a method of supplying ink to a recording head applied to such an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink tank is inseparably or separably attached to a recording head mounted on a carriage or the like and reciprocally moved (main scanning). There is a so-called on-carriage system in which ink is directly supplied from the ink tank to the recording head. In addition, an ink tank is fixedly installed on another part of the recording apparatus separately from the recording head mounted on the carriage, and the ink tank and the recording head are connected via a flexible tube to transfer ink. There is a so-called tube supply system in which a second ink tank that functions as an intermediate tank (sub tank) between the ink tank (main tank) and the print head is mounted on the print head or carriage. In addition, a configuration in which ink is directly supplied from the second ink tank to the recording head is also included.

In these systems, in the ink tank for directly supplying the ink to the recording head, ink leakage from the ink discharging portion is balanced with the holding force of the meniscus formed in the ink discharging portion of the recording head. A mechanism is provided to generate an appropriate negative pressure that is sufficient to prevent this and is within a range where the ink ejection operation of the recording head is possible.

As such a negative pressure generating mechanism, there is one in which a porous member such as a sponge for impregnating and holding ink is housed in an ink tank, and an appropriate negative pressure is generated by the holding force of the ink.

In addition, ink is filled as it is in a bag-shaped member formed of a material such as rubber which has elastic force and generates tension in the direction of expanding the volume, and the internal tension is generated by the bag-shaped member. There is also a system in which a negative pressure is applied to the ink.

Further, a bag-shaped member is formed of a flexible film, and a spring or the like for urging the film in the direction in which the bag-shaped member expands the volume is joined to the inside or the outside thereof to apply a negative pressure. Some have been set to generate.

However, in any of the above mechanisms, the negative pressure tends to become stronger as the ink remaining amount in the ink tank becomes smaller, and when the negative pressure level exceeds a predetermined value, the recording head is On the other hand, it becomes impossible to stably supply the ink. As a result, there is a problem that the ink tank becomes unusable before the ink is completely consumed.

[0009] For example, there is Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-163242 which discloses a structure in which a spring member is provided in a flexible closed bag-like member that directly accommodates ink and can be deformed according to the amount of the ink accommodated. In the ink tank of this publication, the negative pressure is basically determined so that the spring force and the force due to the negative pressure (the difference between the atmospheric pressure) are balanced, so that the bag-shaped member is deformed due to ink consumption. As the spring deforms, the negative pressure inside the bag-shaped member increases. As a result, it is impossible to form an appropriate meniscus at the ink ejection portion of the recording head, because the range of the appropriate negative pressure at which the recording head can eject ink is exceeded.
There may occur a problem that ink cannot be satisfactorily supplied to the recording head. In this case, it also means that not all the ink can be used.

Further, while the ink is stored in the bag-shaped member of which material and shape are appropriately selected, the bag-shaped member itself generates a negative pressure, while the ink is completely consumed, there is no space inside the flat member. Although there is an ink tank that is configured to be in a state, there is a restriction on the shape of such a bag-shaped member. Therefore, when configuring an ink tank that is housed in a box-shaped housing, the bag-shaped member does not have a shape that completely fits in the housing even when it is filled with ink, and the space of the entire ink tank is reduced. On the other hand, it is inferior in volumetric efficiency. Further, even with such a bag-shaped member, since the negative pressure becomes high when the ink is completely consumed, there is a problem that the ink supply performance to the recording head deteriorates or the ink ejection operation of the recording head becomes unstable. .

Therefore, in order to prevent the negative pressure level from becoming much higher than a predetermined level, the following several mechanisms have been proposed.

For example, in Patent Document 2 or Patent Document 3, when a tank is provided with a hydrophobic membrane and a tubular vent, and a sphere is provided inside the tube, when the negative pressure inside increases, A mechanism for taking in air into the tank is disclosed. That is, in these publications, a tubular vent hole (boss) communicating from the outside to the inside of the container is provided, and a spherical body having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the boss is attached to a plurality of protruding ribs provided on the inner wall of the boss to thereby form a spherical body. There is disclosed a configuration in which the substantially annular orifice is formed by the boss and the boss. Such an orifice is sized so that the capillarity of the ink holds a small amount of ink in the orifice as a liquid seal. Further, when the negative pressure in the container approaches the limit of the operating range of the recording head, the negative pressure overcomes the capillarity of the ink and the liquid seal is invalidated.

Further, in Patent Document 4, a plate with holes and a plate with protrusions are arranged to face each other in an ink bag made of a flexible sheet, and a spring member is arranged between them to reduce the ink remaining amount. A mechanism is disclosed in which when the ink bag is contracted and the internal negative pressure exceeds a predetermined value, a protrusion is inserted into the hole to separate the plate with a hole and the flexible sheet so that air is taken into the tank. . In this mechanism, when air is taken in, the perforated plate and the flexible sheet come into close contact with each other, and the meniscus holding force of the ink therebetween, in other words, the liquid seal prevents ink leakage.

However, in these methods,
The part that takes in air requires a plurality of parts, and the structure at that part is complicated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, when the air is introduced into the storage container T to some extent, the pressure inside the container is extremely changed due to environmental changes (such as a decrease in external atmospheric pressure and a rise in temperature). When it becomes higher, as shown in FIG. 1B, the ink is pushed out of the container, and when applied to the inkjet recording head, the ink may leak through the ink discharge port N or the vent hole A. is there. When a liquid is stored in a bag-shaped member made of a flexible sheet, some buffer effect for allowing the reduced pressure expansion of air to alleviate the rise in internal pressure can be expected, but there is also a limit. .

In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2 or Patent Document 3, a closed system is established by the balance between the force (liquid seal) due to the meniscus of the ink formed in the annular orifice portion and the negative pressure due to the spring. Although the mechanical structure is relatively simple, it lacks stability in maintaining a closed system. That is, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the container, the decrease in viscosity due to the rise in ink temperature,
There is a problem that the liquid seal is broken and ink contained leaks out under various conditions such as shock and drop when the ink tank is handled by itself, and acceleration particularly during main scanning in the serial recording system. Further, the liquid seal is easily affected by changes in humidity such as drying, which causes variations in the introduction of air bubbles, resulting in deterioration of the ink supply performance to the recording head and thus the recording quality.

In order to prevent these inconveniences, it is considered that the above publication discloses a structure in which an inlet labyrinth for functioning as an overflow container and for ensuring a humidity gradient is provided continuously to the boss. Minute configuration becomes complicated. Moreover, since the other end of the maze-like passage is always in communication with the atmosphere, some degree of ink evaporation cannot be avoided.

Further, when the ink in the container is exhausted, the outside air is introduced at once, and the negative pressure in the container is released, so that the ink remaining in the recording head portion leaks from the ejection port or the meniscus. There is a risk that residual ink may leak from the annular orifice where no ink is formed.

Further, in these conventional examples, since the ink tank is provided with the opening for directly introducing the atmosphere,
Depending on the size of the opening and the installation location, near the ink in the ink tank is almost consumed and the ink in the ink tank is exhausted, the amount of gas in the tank becomes relatively large, and the negative pressure due to the introduction of air into the tank increases. In some cases, maintenance of the meniscus at the ink ejection port or the opening (ventilation port) may be incomplete at the time of elimination, which may lead to ink leakage and incomplete introduction of air to the ink.

In addition, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the container, the temperature rise and fall, the impact and drop when the ink tank is handled alone,
Also, especially in the serial recording method, the liquid seal is broken by various conditions such as acceleration that acts during main scanning, and air is introduced even if the internal pressure does not reach a predetermined value, or ink leaks on the contrary. It causes inconvenience.
Further, these conditions can be variously changed depending on the design of the recording head or the ink tank, the physical properties of the ink, and the like, and the shape and size of the opening, the basic configuration of the negative pressure generating mechanism, etc., according to the form used. There is also a problem that it is necessary to optimize the design according to each.

The above-mentioned ink tank using the liquid seal for introducing the air has a problem that the degree of freedom in designing the recording apparatus is reduced in addition to the problem inherently described above. Let

That is, it is not easy to form the liquid seal portion as a separate body from the ink tank, such as by making it attachable to and detachable from the ink tank. If this liquid seal part is provided as a separate body, when the liquid seal part is directly attached to the ink tank or indirectly connected via a tube or the like, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the ink is taken into consideration. A complicated process or device configuration is required to form a good meniscus in the annular portion.

When the liquid seal portion is provided at a position apart from the ink tank via a tube or the like, it is necessary to fill the inside of the tube with ink in order to form the meniscus of the liquid seal portion. The ink in the tube is returned to the ink tank by the introduction of air through the section, and then refilling the ink in the tube requires a complicated process or configuration as described above.

Further, since the technique disclosed in Patent Document 4 has a structure in which air is introduced through a minute gap between the thin plate member and the flexible sheet, the capillary force generated when liquid enters the gap. As a result, the force for causing the above peeling changes, and as a result, there is a problem in that the negative pressure when introducing air is not stable.

Further, when the pressure of the gas (air) inside the container increases due to temperature rise or the like, the volume inside the container is substantially increased by the deformation of the flexible member, and the internal pressure is relaxed. As the flexible member, in order to exert a sufficient buffer function, a member having extremely low rigidity and easily deformed is used.

However, since the material having low rigidity used as such a flexible member is generally thin and has high gas permeability, the gas is easily permeated into the container by the osmotic pressure of the gas. Therefore, when the liquid is stored in the container for a long period of time, an amount of gas that cannot be supported by the buffer function that absorbs the expansion of the gas (air) in the container permeates into the container, and the buffer function cannot be fully exerted. There was a fear. Therefore, as a material for the flexible member, an extremely high-cost material such as a metal vapor-deposited must be used in order to achieve both low rigidity and low gas permeability.

[0027]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-24900

[0028]

[Patent Document 2] JP-A-7-125240

[0029]

[Patent Document 3] JP-A-7-125241

[0030]

[Patent Document 4] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-1823023

[0031]

[Patent Document 5] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-267483

[0032]

[Patent Document 6] US Pat. No. 6,186,620

[0033]

From the above, it is not preferable that the present inventors first introduce the air into the liquid storage container so that the negative pressure in the container is completely eliminated. It was found that it is important to return to a predetermined negative pressure value. The inventors also determined that the amount of air introduced should be appropriate for that purpose.

In particular, when the liquid container is applied to an ink tank for directly supplying ink to an ink jet recording head, in order to speed up recording and improve image quality,
It is indispensable to supply the ink at a stable flow rate and flow rate, and for that purpose, it is strongly desirable that the resistance in the ink supply path when the ink flows is kept substantially constant. Therefore, stabilization of the negative pressure in the ink tank is an important factor, and more specifically, it is important to maintain the negative pressure within a predetermined range. For this purpose, it is necessary that the part for introducing air operates reliably.

Further, in order to reduce the permeation of gas into the container, it is possible to store the liquid in an appropriate state by reducing the chance that gas osmotic pressure is applied to those members.
It is also important to be able to stably supply the stored liquid.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to achieve at least one of the following matters.

A means for generating a required negative pressure in a storage portion for a liquid (ink or the like) to be supplied to the outside (such as a recording head) and air is introduced into the storage portion in response to an increase in the negative pressure in the storage portion due to the liquid supply. With a configuration having an air introduction part for keeping the negative pressure within an appropriate range by enabling the liquid to leak from the air introduction part in any use environment and storage environment. And to maintain stable negative pressure characteristics regardless of the stage of liquid consumption.

By introducing the outside air into the inside of the liquid container to keep the negative pressure constant, it is possible to obtain a higher reliability for stabilizing the negative pressure by performing surely and at appropriate timing. , A liquid storage container (ink tank, etc.) and this liquid storage container that prevent liquid from leaking from the liquid supply port even when the environment changes suddenly and ultimately prevent wasteful liquid consumption To provide a liquid using device (inkjet recording device, etc.) using the liquid crystal display device.

An ink tank equipped with a negative pressure adjusting mechanism capable of solving the problems inherent in the above ink tank using a liquid seal and improving the degree of freedom in the design of the recording apparatus, To provide an inkjet recording head, an inkjet cartridge integrally provided with the inkjet recording head and the ink tank, and an inkjet recording device.

Despite the simpler structure, the negative pressure in the liquid storage container is absorbed by the change in liquid consumption to stabilize the negative pressure, and the liquid supply port can be used for sudden environmental changes. (EN) Provided are a liquid container which can be manufactured at a low cost so as to prevent liquid leakage, and a liquid ejection recording apparatus using the liquid container.

When a part of the liquid container is composed of a flexible member or a member having a high gas permeability, an opportunity for gas osmotic pressure to be applied to these members in order to reduce gas permeation into the container. (EN) Provided are a liquid storage container capable of storing a liquid in an appropriate state and stably supplying the stored liquid, and a recording apparatus using the liquid storage container.

[0042]

To this end, in the first aspect of the present invention, a storage part defining a liquid storage space and a liquid provided in the storage part are supplied to the outside. A liquid supply unit for forming a liquid supply port and the storage unit are provided, allow introduction of gas from the outside into the storage space, and prevent discharge of liquid and gas from the storage space to the outside. And a mechanism having the function of maintaining or expanding the volume of the storage space.
There is provided a liquid storage container in which the one-way valve adjusts a negative pressure in the storage space that occurs due to liquid consumption of the storage unit.

Here, the mechanism includes a movable portion which is displaceably or deformably provided in at least a part of the storage portion.
Urging means for urging the movable portion in a direction of increasing the volume of the accommodation space.

Further, the accommodating portion has a partially deformable flexible member as the movable portion, and the liquid is present inside the flexible member in contact with the external space. Can be

Further, there is provided a liquid using apparatus which is connectable to the liquid storage container according to the first embodiment and uses the liquid supplied from the storage space.

Further, there is provided a recording apparatus having means for recording using a liquid using apparatus having a form of a recording head for recording using ink supplied from the liquid container containing ink as the liquid. To be done.

Further, there is provided an ink jet head cartridge comprising an ink jet head for ejecting ink and a liquid container according to the first embodiment for storing the ink to be supplied to the ink jet head as the liquid. To be done.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the liquid supply for supplying the contained liquid to the outside from the accommodating portion defining the liquid accommodating space through the supply port formed in the accommodating portion. A method for maintaining the volume of the storage space by providing a one-way valve for allowing the introduction of gas from the outside into the storage space and preventing the discharge of liquid and gas from the storage space to the outside. Alternatively, there is provided a liquid supply method, characterized in that a mechanism having a function of expanding is provided, and the negative pressure in the storage space generated due to liquid consumption of the storage section is adjusted by the one-way valve.

In the third aspect of the present invention, a liquid supply portion for defining a liquid storage space, which is a liquid supply port for forming a liquid supply port for supplying the stored liquid to the outside, and A storage part having a gas introduction part for introducing gas into the storage space from the outside, a mechanism having a function of maintaining or expanding the volume of the storage space, and a gas attachable to the gas introduction part A one-way valve that has an introducing member, allows the introduction of the gas through the gas introducing portion in the mounted state, and prevents the liquid and the gas from being discharged from the storage space to the outside. A liquid supply device is provided.

Further, the ink tank for constituting the liquid supply apparatus according to the third embodiment, wherein the storage portion for storing the ink as the liquid and the volume of the storage space are maintained or expanded. An ink tank including a mechanism having a function is provided.

Furthermore, an ink jet recording apparatus for ejecting ink onto a recording medium for recording by using this ink tank and a recording head for ejecting ink supplied from the ink tank, in which a holder for mounting the ink tank is provided. And a one-way valve that permits the flow of fluid in one direction and blocks the flow of fluid in the direction opposite to the one direction, and a flow passage connected to the one-way valve and opened and closed by the one-way valve And the holder includes a member communicating with the flow passage, and the ink tank includes a mounting portion to which the member of the holder can be removably mounted,
There is provided an inkjet recording device capable of introducing gas into the inside through the one-way valve and the member of the holder.

Further, an ink tank for constituting a liquid supply apparatus for constituting the liquid supply apparatus according to the third embodiment, the accommodating section for accommodating ink as the liquid, and the accommodating section An ink tank having a mechanism having a function of maintaining or expanding the volume of space; and a recording head which is formed integrally with the ink tank and discharges ink supplied from the ink tank through a communication passage. An inkjet cartridge is provided.

Further, there is provided an ink jet recording apparatus which uses this ink jet cartridge to eject ink onto a recording medium for recording, and a holder to which the ink cartridge is mounted and a fluid which is allowed to flow in one direction. The holder includes a one-way valve that blocks the flow of fluid in a direction opposite to one direction, and a flow passage that is connected to the one-way valve and that is opened and closed by the one-way valve. In addition, the ink tank of the cartridge includes a mounting portion to which the member of the holder can be removably mounted, and introduces gas into the inside through the one-way valve and the member of the holder. An inkjet recording device is provided, which is characterized in that it is possible.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the liquid is installed in a storage part that defines a liquid storage space, allows the introduction of gas into the storage space from the outside, and allows the liquid to flow from the storage space to the outside. And a one-way valve for preventing the derivation of gas, the hollow gas introducing member protruding into the storage space, and an opening communicating with the gas introducing member and allowing the introduction of gas from the outside. And a valve chamber provided with the valve chamber, which is urged in a direction to close the opening, and opens the opening when the pressure in the storage space becomes a predetermined value or less. A one-way valve having an opening / closing member that operates accordingly is provided.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a movable portion that defines a liquid storage space in at least a part thereof and is displaceable with the supply of the liquid to the outside, and the stored liquid to the outside. A liquid storage chamber having a liquid supply port for supplying to the storage space, and communicating with the storage space, permitting introduction of gas from the outside into the storage space, and of liquid and gas from the storage space to the outside. A valve chamber having a one-way valve for preventing the liquid from coming out, and the liquid storage chamber has a biasing force F1 in a direction of increasing the internal volume of the storage space.
An elastic member for generating the force, means for receiving the biasing force F1 and biasing the movable part in the direction with an area S1.
The valve chamber has a valve restricting member that generates an urging force F2 for restricting the opening operation of the one-way valve, and the urging force F2 acts on the area S2 to close the one-way valve. And a means for controlling the pressure caused by the meniscus of the liquid formed in the communication portion when the liquid is present in the communication portion that communicates the storage space and the valve portion with PM from the meniscus. Negative pressure PV = − (F acting on the valve portion when the height of the ink up to the top of the ink in the storage space is h, the density of the liquid is ρ, and the acceleration of gravity is g.
1 / S1) + h × ρ × g + PM The liquid storage configured to open the one-way valve to introduce the atmosphere from the outside when the absolute value of the following equation | PV |> | F2 | / S2 is satisfied. A container is provided.

Here, the valve chamber is constructed so as to communicate with the storage space in the portion of the liquid storage chamber where the introduced gas is stored, and the following equation | F1 | / S1> | F2 | / S2 When satisfying, the one-way valve may be opened to introduce the atmosphere from the outside.

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, a movable portion that defines a liquid storage space and is displaceable with the supply of the liquid, and a liquid supply port that supplies the stored liquid to the outside. A one-way valve having an opening capable of introducing gas into the storage space, and a sealing member for sealing the opening, the displacement of the movable part accompanying the supply of the liquid. There is provided a liquid storage container configured such that the one-way valve is opened and the gas is introduced when the internal volume of the storage space decreases and the internal volume becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. It

In the seventh aspect of the present invention, the liquid supply port for supplying the stored liquid to the outside, the introduction of gas from the outside into the storage space, and the outside from the storage space are allowed. And a valve portion having a one-way valve for preventing the discharge of liquid and gas to the liquid storage container, the liquid storage container being substantially sealed except for the liquid supply port and the one-way valve, Negative pressure adjusting means for applying a negative pressure to the liquid supply from the supply port, and negative pressure adjusting means for adjusting the negative pressure by introducing the gas. There is provided a liquid storage container having a function of interrupting the discharge of liquid or gas from the outside to the outside.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a movable part which defines a liquid storage space and is displaceable with the supply of the liquid, and a liquid supply port for supplying the stored liquid to the outside. The liquid containing the opening capable of introducing gas into the storage space, and the valve body for sealing the opening, wherein the storage space is substantially filled with the liquid. The inner volume decreases with the supply of the liquid, and after the inner volume is equal to or less than the predetermined value and the gas is introduced, the storage is performed even if the liquid is supplied and the gas is introduced. There is provided a liquid container in which the space is configured to hold the internal volume near the predetermined value.

Further, there is provided a liquid using device which is connectable to the liquid storage container according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects and uses the liquid supplied from the storage space.

Further, a recording apparatus for recording with ink supplied from the storage space by using the liquid storage container according to any one of the fifth to eighth embodiments, which stores ink as a recording agent as the liquid. Will be provided.

In addition, a liquid storage container according to any one of the fifth to eighth embodiments for storing ink as a recording agent as the liquid, and a liquid storage container connected to the liquid storage container and supplied from the storage space. There is provided an inkjet cartridge including a recording head capable of ejecting the generated ink from an ink ejection port.

In the above, the ink as the liquid may contain a pigment as a coloring material.

In this specification, "record" means
Not only when forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also when it is significant or insignificant, and whether it is manifested so that it can be visually perceived by humans, it is widely used on images on recording media. , A pattern, a pattern, or the like, or a case of processing a recording medium.

The "recording medium" is not limited to paper used in a general recording apparatus, but is widely used as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood,
Although a material such as leather that can accept ink is also referred to as a "paper" or simply "paper" in the following.

Further, the term "ink" should be broadly construed in the same manner as the definition of "recording", and when applied to a recording medium, it forms an image, pattern, pattern, etc. Processing or ink treatment (eg,
A liquid used for coagulation or insolubilization of the coloring material in the ink applied to the recording medium.

[0067]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

In the following, various embodiments in which the present invention is applied to an ink jet recording apparatus will be described. That is, the liquid storage container stores the ink to be supplied to the inkjet recording head, and therefore, in the following description, “liquid” may be expressed as “ink”. In particular, the present invention is effective for an ink containing a coloring material, and is more preferable for an ink containing a pigment as a component because a more excellent ink supply property can be secured.

1. Basic Configuration Example 1.1 First Example of Basic Configuration FIGS. 2 to 6 are diagrams for explaining a first example of the basic configuration of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, 10 is a cartridge type ink tank (also called “ink cartridge”) capable of containing ink, and 20 is a recording head capable of ejecting ink supplied from the ink tank 10. The ink ejection method in the recording head 20 is not specified, and for example, thermal energy generated from the electrothermal converter may be used as the energy for ejecting the ink. In that case, the heat of the electrothermal converter causes film boiling in the ink, and the foaming energy at that time allows the ink to be ejected from the ink ejection port. By connecting the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 of this example in a separable or inseparable manner, an inkjet cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the inkjet recording apparatus can be configured. Therefore, the cartridge type ink tank 10 or the recording head 20
Can be replaced individually or the entire inkjet cartridge can be replaced.

Inside the ink tank 10, the movable member 1
An ink storage space S is formed by 1. The upper space of the movable member 11 in the ink tank 10 is opened to the atmosphere by the atmosphere communication port 12, and is equalized to the atmospheric pressure. The exterior 13 of the ink tank 10 serves as a shell that protects the movable member 11 from external force. The movable member 11 of this example is formed of a deformable flexible film (sheet member), and the central portion thereof is a plate 14.
The shape is regulated by, and the peripheral portion is deformable. The movable member 11 has a convex central portion and a trapezoidal side surface. The movable member 11 has a storage space S, as will be described later.
It deforms in response to changes in the amount of ink inside and pressure fluctuations. At that time, the peripheral portion of the movable member 11 is elastically deformed in a well-balanced manner, and the central portion of the movable member 11 moves up and down while maintaining a substantially horizontal posture. Since the movable member 11 is smoothly deformed (moved) in this manner, no shock is generated due to the deformation, and no abnormal pressure fluctuation occurs in the storage space S due to the shock.

In the ink storage space S, the plate 14 is
By applying a force that pushes the movable member 11 outward through the negative pressure, a negative pressure within a range in which the ink ejection operation of the recording head is possible in equilibrium with the holding force of the meniscus formed in the ink ejection portion of the recording head. A spring member 40 in the form of a compression spring for generating The state of FIG. 2 shows a state in which the storage space S is almost completely filled with ink. However, even in this state, the spring member 40 is in a compressed state, and an appropriate negative pressure is generated in the ink tank. It has occurred.

Rubber plugs 17, 18 are provided on the recording head 20 side.
Hollow needles 21 and 22 capable of piercing a needle are provided.
The one hollow needle 21 pierces the rubber plug 17 to form a supply path L1 for supplying the ink in the storage space S to the recording head 20. A filter 23 is provided in the supply path L1. Reference numeral 24 is a seal member made of rubber or the like that is in close contact with the rubber plug 17. The other hollow needle 22
The storage space S
A communication path L2 is formed to open the inside to the atmosphere. A one-way valve 30 schematically shown in FIG. 2 is provided in the communication passage L2. Reference numeral 25 is a seal member made of rubber or the like that comes into close contact with the rubber plug 18. The rubber needles 17 and 18 have hollow needles 2
The slits 17A and 18A may be formed in advance in order to facilitate the piercing of the 1 and 22. These slits 17A and 18A are closed by the elastic force of the rubber stoppers 17 and 18 themselves when the hollow needles 21 and 22 are not pierced. An ink supply port 15 and a communication port 16 are formed below the ink tank 10, and they are closed by rubber stoppers 17 and 18. Therefore, the ink storage space S becomes a completely closed space when the hollow needles 21 and 22 are not pierced, and is substantially a closed space when the hollow needles 21 and 22 are pierced except for the ink supply port 15 and the communication port 16. There is.

The one-way valve, which is schematically shown as shown in the figure, symbolically shows its function, and the state of the figure does not show the open state or the closed state of the valve as it is. . The same applies to the other drawings in which the one-way valve is symbolically shown.

FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are diagrams for explaining the specific structure and operation of the one-way valve 30 according to the present invention, which is applied to the structure of FIG. It goes without saying that this configuration can be similarly applied to other examples described later in performing the operation.

In FIG. 3A, the one-way valve 30 is connected via a hollow needle (tube) 22 that is directly connected to and communicates with the ink tank 10. In this example,
It is configured as a diaphragm valve using the diaphragm 31. That is, the diaphragm 31 has a housing 36.
An opening 31A is formed at a fixed position opposite to the seal member 32 fixedly provided at. Normally, the opening 3
1A is sealed by a seal member 32. The diaphragm 31 is urged downward by a spring member 33 in FIG. 3A via a support plate 34 described later. The housing 36 having the diaphragm 31 and the spring member 33 and forming the valve chamber R has an opening 36A communicating with the atmosphere.
Is provided, and the seal member 32 is fixed to a portion facing the opening 31A. As shown in FIG. 3A, by pressing the opening 31A against the seal member 32, the opening 31A is closed and the communication passage L2 between the valve chamber R and the atmosphere is shut off. Support plate 34
Is in close contact with the diaphragm 31 and the opening 31
It has an opening 34A corresponding to A. When communicating with the ink tank 10 through the hollow needle 22, the hollow needle 22
The ink in the ink tank 10 is present up to the end portion or any part of the hollow portion, and as a result, the valve chamber R has the same internal pressure as the ink storage space S.

When ink is supplied from the ink tank 10 to the recording head 20 and the amount of ink in the storage space S decreases, the pressure (internal pressure) in the storage space S decreases (negative pressure increases).
To do. Then, when the inside of the storage space S becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure (equal to or higher than a predetermined negative pressure), as shown in FIG.
1A separates from the seal member 32, and the opening 31A communicates with the atmosphere. That is, as the pressure in the storage space S is reduced, the air in the valve chamber R is supplied, and as a result, the negative pressure in the valve chamber R also increases. When the negative pressure in the valve chamber R reaches a predetermined value, the diaphragm 31 and the support plate 34 have a bias between the spring member 33 and the pressure in the valve chamber R and the atmospheric pressure (outside the room). By being superior, it moves to the valve chamber R side against, and the opening 31A is separated from the seal member 32. As a result, the opening 31A is opened, and the outside air having a higher pressure than that in the valve chamber R is introduced into the valve chamber R. The introduction of the outside air relaxes the inside of the valve chamber R and the inside of the storage space S, and the opening 31A is closed again by the biasing force of the spring member 33. By this time, the pressure in the valve chamber R rises to near atmospheric pressure, but the diaphragm 31 is displaced toward the seal member 32 by the urging force of the spring 33, and is brought into close contact with this to be maintained at a predetermined negative pressure. Therefore, the one-way valve 30
Serves as a negative pressure generating means for both the ink tank and the recording head 20.

Due to the opening / closing function of the one-way valve 30 as described above, the inside of the valve chamber R and the ink storage space S are maintained at a predetermined pressure (a pressure smaller than the atmospheric pressure).

On the other hand, the valve chamber R and the ink storage space S communicate with each other through the hollow needle 22, but the opening 22A at the tip of the hollow needle 22 is in contact with the ink, and the ink storage space S is in the opening 22A. A meniscus 22B that is an interface between the ink and the gas that is convex toward the side is formed.

When the negative pressure in the storage space S becomes larger than a predetermined value due to the ink being supplied to the recording head 20, a pressure difference is first generated between the storage space S and the valve chamber R. At the moment when this pressure difference exceeds the holding force of the meniscus, air is taken into the storage space S and the pressure difference is eliminated. Next, when the pressure in the storage space S continues to decrease, the diaphragm 31 receives the pressure and the spring member 3
By compressing 3 and displacing it upward in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the opening 31A is opened and air is introduced into the valve chamber R. As a result, the negative pressure in the valve chamber R is alleviated, and at the same time, a pressure difference is generated between the storage space S and the valve chamber R, and the meniscus at the tip of the opening 22A at the tip of the hollow needle 22 is breached so that air is stored in the storage space S. Is taken into.

Here, the opening 31A is opened and the air flow may be disturbed at the moment when the air is introduced, but in the present example, the valve chamber R and the ink storage space S are connected to the hollow needle 22. Since the meniscus is formed in the opening 22A at the tip of the hollow needle 22,
A large amount of ink does not flow into the valve chamber R side.

Even if ink may enter the valve chamber R due to changes in the environment, swinging during transportation, etc., the ink may be introduced with the air introduction operation for adjusting the negative pressure in the ink storage space S. Is returned to the storage space S side, so that the ink tank 10 and the one-way valve 30 finally return to a preferable state.

In consideration of the above operation, the hollow needle has a holding force of the meniscus at the gas-liquid interface formed therein in the opening portion 3.
It is preferable that the cross-sectional dimension of the hollow portion is determined so that it is smaller than the opening force of 1A. That is, in the illustrated example, the opening 22A at the tip of the hollow needle 22 is preferably set to have an opening dimension a so that the meniscus holding force is smaller than the force of opening the opening 31A to the valve chamber R, Although depending on the physical properties of the ink and the like, for example, a circular shape having an opening diameter of 5 mm or less, and more preferably a circular shape having an opening diameter of 1 mm or less is preferable. Also, the hollow needle 22
Also for the length L of the ink, even when the movement of the ink toward the valve chamber R side due to the turbulence of the air flow described above occurs,
It is preferable to make it difficult to reach the valve chamber R, specifically 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm.
The above is preferable.

These configurations are extremely effective under conditions other than the actual use, such as rocking during transportation and environmental changes, and with regard to the operation of the one-way valve and the stability of negative pressure with respect to the recording head. It provides very favorable performance.

FIGS. 4A to 4C are views for explaining the ink supply operation of the ink tank 10 connected to the recording head 20.

FIG. 4A shows a state in which the storage space S is filled with the ink from the initial state (FIG. 2) of the ink tank 10.
It shows a state where the ink is consumed a little. Figure 4 (b)
Shows a state in which the movable member 11 is displaced downward (a direction in which the spring member 40 is compressed) as the ink is consumed. In the state of FIG. 4B, the free downward displacement of the movable member 11 is maximized, and when ink is further consumed, the flexible film as the movable member 11 is tensioned, and further the spring member 40 is used. The load is applied, and the negative pressure in the storage space S increases. When the negative pressure in the storage space S exceeds a predetermined air introduction pressure, the one-way valve 30 opens as described above, and the outside air is introduced into the storage space S as shown in FIG. 4C. . Therefore, the pressure in the storage space S does not decrease below a predetermined pressure, and the storage space S is maintained at a constant pressure. As a result, it is possible to stably supply the ink to the recording head 20 and execute the intended recording operation. Therefore, in order to make the effects of the present invention more appropriate, the ink tank having the above-described configuration is preferable.

FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the ink supply amount and the pressure change in the storage space S when the ink tank according to this embodiment is used. Patent Document 2 or Patent Document 3 described above
In the configuration like the one disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,096,861, the closed system is established by the balance between the force (liquid seal) of the ink meniscus formed in the annular orifice portion and the negative pressure of the spring. Before and after, the liquid seal is broken and reformed, and the level in the tank is unstable. Therefore, the responsiveness of air introduction and shutoff is poor, and the pressure in the tank fluctuates greatly. On the other hand, in this embodiment, air introduction (see FIG.
(C)) and interruption (Fig. 4 (b)) are carried out promptly and stably, and as shown in Fig. 5, in a wide area until the ink is completely consumed, a stable negative pressure state, that is, stable ink Supply will be secured. When the air in the storage space S expands due to a decrease in the external pressure or an increase in the environmental temperature in a state where the air is stored in the storage space S, the movable member 11 moves upward as shown in FIG. Displace. That is, the movable member 11 absorbs the pressure change due to the expansion of the air by being displaced upward in accordance with the expansion of the air in the storage space S. Further, the spring member 4
A load acts in a direction in which 0 urges the movable member 11 toward information. Therefore, the storage space S is reliably maintained at a constant pressure. As a result, it is possible to stably supply the ink to the recording head 20 and execute the intended recording operation. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, even when the air in the storage space S expands, the one-way valve 30 remains closed as shown in FIG. 3A, and the ink in the ink tank 10 leaks to the outside. There is nothing to do.

In order to allow the volume increase of the air introduced into the storage space S, the volume increase amount (Vs) due to the deformation (upward displacement) of the movable member is determined to be larger than the increase amount (ΔVi). It is desirable that

As described above, by introducing the outside air into the ink tank 10 through the one-way valve 30, the ink consumption amount in the ink tank 10 (ink removal amount).
Accordingly, since the liquid level of the ink in the ink tank 10 is lowered, the ink in the ink tank 10 can be almost completely taken out through the supply port 15. Moreover, since the one-way valve 30 prevents the ink from being drawn out of the ink tank 10 to the outside, the ink in the ink tank 10 is discharged from the communication port 16 regardless of the posture when the ink tank 10 is used. Does not leak outside. Therefore, the posture of the ink tank 10 when it is used is not particularly limited.

The one-way valve 30 is not limited to the configuration using the diaphragm as in this example, and is, for example, a general check valve in which the valve body is pressed against the valve seat by the urging force of the spring member. Various configurations such as a similar configuration can also be used. That is, the one-way valve 30 blocks the derivation of ink or gas (fluid) from the inside of the ink tank 10 to the outside, and also air (gas) from the outside to the inside of the ink tank 10.
Any material that allows the introduction of ink or ink (fluid) may be used.
Given the structure of the ink tank 10, the outside of the one-way valve 30 outside the ink tank 10 (for example, FIG. 3B).
When ink is present on the lower side of the diaphragm 31 in (1), the one-way valve 30 allows the introduction of the ink outside the one into the ink tank 10.

Further, the communication port 1 in the ink tank 10
The position of 6 is arbitrary, not limited to the bottom of the ink tank 10. For example, the communication port 16 may be provided so that the air introduced into the storage space S is located at an upper portion or a side portion in the ink tank 10.

1.2 Second Example of Basic Configuration FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the basic configuration of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a force that pushes the movable member 11 outward is applied to the outside of the ink storage space S to balance the holding force of the meniscus formed in the ink ejecting portion of the recording head and the ink of the recording head. There is provided a spring member 42 in the form of a tension spring that generates a negative pressure within a range where the discharge operation is possible.

That is, the function of the spring member 42 is substantially the same as the function of the spring member 40 according to the first example described above. However, in this example, since the spring member 42 does not come into direct contact with the ink, long-term storage and durability of the spring member itself are improved, and the degree of freedom in selecting the material of the spring and the ink is increased.

1.3 Third Example of Basic Configuration In the first example, the spring member is provided to generate the negative pressure, but the deformable flexible film itself forming the movable member is a spring. It is also possible to omit the arrangement of the spring member by forming the spring member. That is, by using the flexible film as a member having a habit of displacement in the direction of increasing the volume of the accommodation space S, the flexible film itself can be used as a spring member as a biasing means.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the structure. The movable member 11 'is formed by using a flexible film having an appropriate spring property, and is substantially the same as the spring member 40 according to the first embodiment. It realizes the function. In this embodiment, since no special spring member is provided, the efficiency of containing ink is improved, and the manufacturing cost of the ink tank is reduced.

As an ink tank having such a flexible film, an ink tank outer wall and an ink accommodating inner wall which can be deformed separately from the outer wall are disclosed, for example, in the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-242242. You may use what was simultaneously formed in one process by direct blow molding.

Such an ink tank is appropriate to the extent that there is a negative pressure on the recording head from the relationship of the head difference due to the positional relationship between the ink tank and the recording head and the magnitude of the negative pressure generated in the recording head. It can be used when there is no problem in ink ejection to the recording head without using a spring.

1.4 Fourth Example of Basic Configuration In the first example, the spring member has been described as a coil spring shape, but a leaf spring shape can also be used.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the ink storage unit according to the configuration, which is a rectangular frame 115.
The upper and lower openings of the upper and lower spring / seat unit 114
Has a sealed structure with attached. The spring / seat unit 114 includes the spring 107 and the pressure plate 10 as described later.
9 and a flexible tank sheet (flexible member) 106. An ink supply port 15 and a communication port 16 are formed in the frame 115.

10 to 14 are views for explaining a method of manufacturing such an ink tank 127.

First, FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a process of molding the flexible tank sheet 106 into a convex shape.

The sheet material 101 as a forming material of the tank sheet 106 is formed from a raw material into a large size sheet, and the sheet material 101 occupies an important factor of the ink tank performance. This sheet material 101 has low permeability of gas and ink components,
In addition, it is required to have flexibility and durability against repeated deformation. Suitable materials include PP, PE, PV
It may be DC, EVOH, nylon or the like, and as the composite material, a material such as aluminum or silica vapor-deposited may be used, and these may be laminated and used. Particularly, by stacking and using PP or PE having excellent chemical resistance and PVDC having excellent gas / water vapor barrier performance, excellent ink tank performance can be exhibited.
Further, the thickness of such a sheet material 101 is preferably about 10 μm to 100 μm in view of flexibility and durability.

Such a sheet material 101 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), the convex portion 103 and the vacuum hole 10
4 and a convex mold using a molding die 102 having a temperature adjusting mechanism (not shown). That is, the sheet material 101 is adsorbed to the vacuum holes 104, and the molding die 1
It is molded into a convex shape along the convex portion 103 by the heat from 02. The sheet material 101 is molded into a convex shape as shown in FIG. 10B, and then cut into a predetermined size as a tank sheet 106 as shown in FIG. 10C. The size may be any size suitable for the manufacturing device in the next step,
It can be set according to the volume of the ink tank 127 that stores the ink.

FIG. 11A is an explanatory view of the manufacturing process of the spring unit 112 used to make the inside of the ink tank 127 negative pressure. The spring 107 formed in the shape of a semicircle in advance is attached to the spring receiving jig 108, and the pressure plate 109 is attached thereto by spot welding using the welding electrode 111. The pressure plate 109 has a thermal adhesive 11
0 is attached. These spring 107 and pressure plate 10
9 and 9 form a spring unit 112.

FIG. 11B is an explanatory view of a process of attaching the spring unit 112 to the tank seat 106. The spring unit 112 is positioned and arranged on the inner surface of the tank seat 106 placed on a receiving jig (not shown).
Then, the heat adhesive 113 is heated by using the heat head 113, so that the spring unit 112 and the tank sheet 106 are bonded to each other to form the spring / seat unit 114.

FIG. 12A shows the spring / seat unit 1
It is explanatory drawing of the process of welding 14 to the frame 115.
The frame 115 is fixed to the frame receiving jig 116. Sheet suction jig 117 surrounding the frame 115
After the frame 115 is positioned and arranged, the spring / seat unit 114 is attracted to the vacuum hole 117A to hold the unit 114 and the frame 115 relatively without displacement. Then, the heat head 118 heat-welds the annular joint surfaces of the peripheral portion of the frame 115 on the upper side in the drawing and the tank seat 106 of the spring / seat unit 114. The sheet suction jig 117 is connected to the upper edge of the frame 115 in FIG.
By uniformly facing the peripheral portion of the tank seat 106 of the seat unit 114, the joint surface between them is
It will be heat-welded and sealed extremely uniformly. Therefore, the sheet suction jig 117 is important for heat welding so as to ensure uniform sealing.

FIG. 12B is an explanatory view of a step of cutting off the portion of the tank sheet 106 protruding outside the frame 115 by a cutter (not shown). In this way, the spring / seat / frame unit 119 is completed by cutting off the portion of the tank seat 106 that protrudes from the frame 115.

FIGS. 13 and 14 (a) and (b) show such a spring / seat / frame unit 119 in which another spring / seat unit 1 manufactured by the above-described steps is manufactured.
It is explanatory drawing of the process of heat-welding 14.

As shown in FIG. 13, the spring / seat / frame unit 119 is attached to a receiving jig (not shown), and the spring / sheet frame unit 119 is attached to the receiving jig by a suction jig 120 whose position is defined relative to the receiving jig. Seat frame unit 11
The outer peripheral portion of 9 is surrounded. The receiving jig is in surface contact with the flat surface portion 106A of the outer surface of the tank seat 106 of the spring / seat / frame unit 119, and the flat surface portion 10A.
6A is held as shown in FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b). The other spring / seat unit 114 has its tank seat 106
The flat portion 106A of the outer surface of the spring is sucked and held by the pressing jig 121, and the pressing jig 121 is lowered, whereby the tip portions 107A and 107B of the spring 107 on the spring / seat unit 114 side and the spring / seat / frame unit. Tip portions 107A and 107 of the spring 107 on the 119 side
B and M fit at almost the same time. That is, one tip portion 107A of the spring 107 has a convex shape and the other tip portion 107B has a concave shape so that they are fitted into each other by self-alignment. One spring member is formed by joining as a structure.

Further, the holding jig 121 is lowered to
As shown in FIG. 14A, the pair of springs 107 are compressed. At that time, the pressing jig 121 is provided with the flat portion 106A of the spring / seat unit 114 on the upper side in FIG.
That is, the flat region on the upper side of the tank sheet 106 formed on the convex portion is widely pressed. As a result, the position of the flat portion 106A of the tank seat 106 is regulated, and the spring / seat unit 114 approaches the lower unit 119 and the jig 120 while being kept in parallel. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14B, the spring / seat unit 11
The peripheral portion of the tank sheet 106 of No. 4 is the suction jig 120.
Surface of the frame 115 is sucked and held in the vacuum hole 120A, and the welding surface of the frame 115 (the upper bonding surface in the figure).
You will face each other evenly. In this state, the heat head 122 causes the upper edge of the frame 115 of the spring / seat / frame unit 119 in the figure and the tank seat 10 of the spring / seat unit 114.
The annular joint surfaces of 6 and 6 are heat-welded to each other.

Thus, the flat portion 106A of the tank seat 106 of the upper unit 114 and the lower unit 1
The flat portions 10 of the pair of tank seats 106 are compressed by compressing the pair of springs 107 while maintaining parallelism with the flat portion 106A of the tank seat 106.
The ink tank 127 having a high parallelism of 6 A can be stably mass-produced. Also, a pair of springs 107
14A and 14B are symmetrically compressed and deformed in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a force that tilts the spring / seat unit 114 is not generated, and the parallelism of the flat surface portions 106A of the pair of tank seats 106 is reduced. The high ink tank 127 can be produced more stably. Further, as the volume inside the ink tank 127 changes, a pair of springs 107 is formed.
14A and 14B are symmetrically compressed and deformed, the flat portions 106A of the pair of tank sheets 106 change the facing distance while maintaining high parallelism. As a result, the ink Can be stably supplied. In addition, the flat portion 106 of the flexible tank sheet 106
Since an unreasonable force such as tilting A is not applied, the ink tank 127 has improved sealability, pressure resistance, and durability.

Then, the ink tank 127 shown in FIG. 7 is completed by cutting off the portion of the tank sheet 106 protruding to the outside of the frame 115. Ink tank 12
The inside of 7 has a sealed structure that communicates with the outside only through the ink supply port 15 and the communication port 16.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an ink storage chamber provided with an ink tank manufactured through the above steps.

Ink can be stored in the ink tank 127, and the ink is supplied from the ink supply port 15 of the ink tank 127 through the filter 137 to the supply path 1.
To the head chip 133. In the head chip 133 of this example, a heater board 134 is bonded so as to form the ink jet recording head 20, and the ink discharge flow path and the orifice are formed in the heater board 134, and the electrothermal converter ( A heater is provided so that the ink supplied from the ink tank 127 can be ejected. In the ink tank 127, the communication port 16 is provided as in the above-described embodiment.
It is possible to introduce air via. Furthermore, the ink tank storage chamber 130, which has a semi-closed structure with the lid 132, communicates with the outside only through the communication port 12 having a small hole.

The ink tank storage chamber for storing only a single ink tank can be constructed, or the ink tank storage chamber for storing a plurality of ink tanks can be constructed.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the structure of the storage chamber 130.
A plurality of ink tanks 127 are attached inside. The ink tank 127 is attached to the attachment portion 131 by welding or adhesion. After that, the lid 132 can be attached to the opening of the containing chamber 130 by welding or adhesion to make the inside of the ink tank containing chamber 130 a semi-closed space.

1.5 Application Example to Inkjet Recording Device FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an inkjet recording device as a liquid using device to which the present invention can be applied.

The recording apparatus 50 of this example is a serial scan type ink jet recording apparatus, and includes guide shafts 51 and 5.
The carriage 53 is guided by 2 to be movable in the main scanning direction of arrow A. The carriage 53 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by a driving force transmission mechanism such as a carriage motor and a belt that transmits the driving force of the carriage motor. On the carriage 53, the recording head 20 (not shown in FIG. 17) and the ink tank 10 that supplies ink to the recording head 20 are mounted. The recording head 20 and the ink tank 10 are configured similarly to the above-described embodiment,
It may constitute an inkjet cartridge. The sheet P as a recording medium is inserted through an insertion port 55 provided at the front end of the apparatus, the transport direction thereof is reversed, and then the transport roller 56 transports the sheet P in the sub-scanning direction of arrow B. The recording device 50 includes the recording head 20.
The paper P on the platen 57 while moving the paper in the main scanning direction.
A recording operation of ejecting ink toward the recording area of
Images are sequentially recorded on the paper P by repeating the carrying operation of carrying the paper P in the sub-scanning direction by a distance corresponding to the recording width.

The recording head 20 may utilize the thermal energy generated from the electrothermal converter as the energy for ejecting the ink. In that case,
Film boiling occurs in the ink due to the heat generated by the electrothermal converter, and the bubbling energy at that time allows the ink to be ejected from the ink ejection port. Further, the ink ejection method in the recording head 20 is not limited to the method using such an electrothermal converter, and may be, for example, the method in which ink is ejected using a piezoelectric element.

FIG. 17 shows the movement area of the carriage 53.
A recovery system unit (recovery processing means) 58 is provided at the left end of the inside of the recording head 20 facing the ink ejection port formation surface of the recording head 20 mounted on the carriage 53. The recovery system unit 58 is provided with a cap capable of capping the ink ejection port of the recording head 20, a suction pump capable of introducing a negative pressure into the cap, and the like. By introducing a negative pressure, the ink is sucked and discharged from the ink discharge port, and the recording head 20
The recovery process (also referred to as “suction recovery process”) is performed in order to maintain a good ink ejection state of Further, by ejecting ink from the ink ejection port toward the inside of the cap, a recovery process (also referred to as “ejection recovery process”) can be performed to maintain a good ink ejection state of the recording head 20.

In the recording apparatus of this example, the recording head 2
0 and the ink tank 10 mounted on the carriage 53
Therefore, the ink is supplied to the recording head 20.

1.6 Modifications The inner wall of the storage space S in the ink tank 10 is composed of at least a part of the movable member 11 such as a deformable flexible film, and is entirely composed of such a member. Good. In this case, the step of joining the movable member 11 to the exterior 3 can be omitted, and the number of parts can be reduced,
This has the effect of reducing manufacturing costs. Further, instead of providing such a deformable member, the storage space S
It may have a part of a member that is displaced according to the inner volume of the.

In addition, the planned positions of the ink supply port 15 and the communication port 16 are set in the ink tank 10, and when the ink tank 10 is used, those ink supply port 15
The communication port 16 may be formed. Further, the ink tank 10 only needs to be able to store ink, and may not be stored in advance.

In the above example, the recording head and the recording head cannot be separated.
Alternatively, the configuration of the ink tank that is separably integrated and is used for main scanning has been described, but it is provided separately from the recording head and supplies ink to the recording head via a tube or the like, and a required negative pressure. The present invention can be applied to an ink tank provided with a means for generating.

2. Various Examples of Connection of Ink Tank, One-Way Valve, and Recording Head Ink cartridge that is attachable to and detachable from an inkjet recording apparatus by connecting the recording head 20 and the one-way valve 30 to the ink tank 10 inseparably from each other. Alternatively, both or one of them may be separable.

In this section, some examples of the combination of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head will be described.

2.1 First Example of Coupling Mode of Ink Tank, One-Way Valve and Recording Head FIG. 18 shows that the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 are coupled inseparably from each other, and the ink tank 10 and the one-way valve are coupled in one direction. This is a configuration in which the valve 30 is separably coupled. In the case of this example, the combination of the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 can be replaced, only the one-way valve 30 can be replaced, or the entire inkjet cartridge can be replaced.

In this case, since each functional member can be exchanged, even if the function deteriorates during long-term use, it is possible to reduce the maintenance cost by replacing only that part. Furthermore, the same ink tank 1 is used for different recording heads and different recording devices.
When 0 is mounted or when the same print head is used in different ways, the optimum negative pressure value applied to the print head may differ, but the same ink tank 1
Even if 0 is used, it is possible to freely set the negative pressure value by replacing only the one-way valve 30, and the system configuration becomes extremely versatile.

2.2 Second Example of Coupling Mode of Ink Tank, One-Way Valve and Recording Head FIG. 19 shows that the ink tank 10 and the one-way valve 30 are connected so as not to be separated from each other, and the ink tank 10 and the recording head are connected. The head 20 is separably coupled to the head 20. In the case of this example, the combination of the ink tank 10 and the one-way valve 20 can be replaced, only the recording head 20 can be replaced, or the entire inkjet cartridge can be replaced. The filter 23 is
It may be provided on the ink tank 10 side.

In this case, a component for separating the ink tank 10 and the one-way valve 30 from each other is not required, which is effective in reducing the manufacturing cost as a whole.

Further, the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20
By detachably connecting the ink tank 10 and the one-way valve 30 to each other, it is possible to replace only the ink tank 10, only the recording head 20, and only the one-way valve 30. It will be possible. In that case, the filter 23 may be provided on the ink tank 10 side.

By making the ink tank 10 separable from the one-way valve 30, it is not necessary to distribute the ink tank 10 while paying attention to the protection of the one-way valve 30, which is a relatively precise component, and it is simpler. It becomes possible to carry out physical distribution with various packages.

2.3 Third Example of Connection Mode of Ink Tank, One-Way Valve and Recording Head FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing a third example of connection mode of an ink tank, one-way valve and recording head.

In this example, as shown in the figure, the one-way valve 30 is provided integrally with a recording head chip (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a recording head). The ink tank is detachably attached to the one-way valve 30 that is provided integrally with the recording head 20.

The one-way valve 30 is provided in a part of the holder 22 for holding the recording head 20, and a hollow joint needle 238 communicating with the opening / closing passage is attached to this valve. The one-way valve 30 mainly includes a movable member 231 having a seal elastic body 233 attached to the tip thereof and a spring 232 for urging the operation of the movable member 231 in a valve closing direction. That is, the movable member 231 has both sides
When the spring 232 urges the seal elastic body 233 downward in the drawing in accordance with the pressure difference acting on both sides in the vertical direction of the drawing, the seal elastic body 233 of the other side is provided around the hole forming the atmosphere communication hole. It abuts the seal elastic body 234 to close the valve.
On the other hand, when the pressure difference urges the movable member 231 upward in the figure, and the force is larger than the urging force of the spring 232, the movable member 231 moves upward to open the valve. .

Although the needle valve type is shown as an example of the one-way valve in the drawing, it goes without saying that the diaphragm valve as described above may be used. This also applies to the fourth and subsequent examples of the connection mode of the ink tank, the one-way valve, and the recording head.

The holder 22 of the recording head is also provided with a joint needle 228 for supplying ink. The hollow interior communicates with the ink flow path 227 including the filter 225 of the recording head 20. The recording head 20 has a plurality of ink ejection ports (not shown), and an electrothermal conversion element (not shown) for generating thermal energy in ink passages (not shown) communicating with the ejection ports to generate bubbles in the ink. (Not shown) is provided, and ink is supplied to these ink passages from the ink tank via the ink passage 227.

The ink tank 10 is roughly provided with a flexible movable member 11 forming a part of the ink storage portion thereof, and a spring 215 for urging the movable member 11 upward in the drawing. With this configuration, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 21A to 21C, it is possible to generate a negative pressure within an appropriate range for forming an appropriate meniscus at the ink ejection port of the recording head 20. More specifically, the upper space of the movable member 11 in the ink tank 10 is covered with the exterior 13, and the atmosphere communication port 12 is provided in the exterior 13 so that the atmospheric pressure can be applied to the movable member 11. In addition, the exterior 13 serves as a shell that protects the movable member 11 from external force. The movable member 11 of the present embodiment is formed of a deformable flexible film (sheet member), the central portion of which is regulated in shape by the pressure plate 14, and its peripheral portion is deformable. . That is, the pressure plate 14 can transmit the biasing force of the spring 215 to the flexible film having a relatively large area. The movable member 11 has a convex central portion, and has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the side. As is clear from the above, the movable member 11 can be deformed according to the change of the ink amount and the pressure change of the storage space. In addition, at that time, the peripheral portion of the movable member 11 expands and contracts in a well-balanced manner, and the central portion of the movable member 11 moves up and down while maintaining a substantially horizontal posture. Since the movable member 11 is smoothly deformed (moved) in this manner, no shock is generated due to the deformation, and it is possible to prevent abnormal pressure fluctuation in the storage space due to the shock. is there. Further, for example, even if the pressure or temperature of the outside air is relatively large, it can be absorbed by the displacement of the movable member.

At the bottom of the ink tank 10, the one-way valve 3
No. 0 joint needle 238 and ink supply joint needle 228 are provided with rubber stoppers 18 and 17, respectively. As a result, when the ink tank is not attached to the holder 22 and is in a single state, it is possible to completely prevent the ink from leaking by forming the ink storage portion as a completely closed space. In addition, the ink tank 10 is attached to the holder 22.
First, the operation of attaching to each of the above is performed by inserting each of the above-mentioned joint needles into the corresponding rubber stopper.
Then, by this insertion, air or ink can be circulated through the joint needle holes 239 and 229 of each joint needle.

As described above, by using the one-way valve for introducing the atmosphere, the extreme atmospheric pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the container, the impact and the drop when the ink tank is handled, as in the above-mentioned conventional example using the liquid seal. For example, the liquid seal can be broken under various conditions, and the contained ink does not leak, so that the air can be satisfactorily introduced from the outside. Further, in order to properly form the meniscus in the liquid seal of the conventional example, it is necessary to design the annular orifice according to the specifications such as the capacity of the ink tank using the liquid seal. It is practically impossible to use the general purpose in various ink tanks. On the other hand, the one-way valve can be applied to a relatively wide range with respect to the specifications of the ink tank because it does not need to form a meniscus, although it depends on the elastic coefficient of the spring used.

Further, as described above, even when the one-way valve is provided separately from the ink tank, for example, when the ink tank and the one-way valve are connected, processing such as forming an ink meniscus is performed. In many cases, an ink meniscus is formed at the joint needle portion depending on the pressure at that time, and the valve operation thereafter is appropriately performed. As described above, even if the one-way valve is provided separately from the ink tank, there is no particular problem. Therefore, the position where the valve for introducing the atmosphere is provided is not restricted by the position of the ink tank, and the design of the recording apparatus is not restricted. It is possible to improve the degree of freedom in.

Further, the recording head 20 and the one-way valve 3 are provided by the above-mentioned degree of freedom in design regarding the arrangement position of the valve.
The holder 22 provided with 0 can be fixed to the carriage of the inkjet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 17 or can form a part of the carriage. That is, the ink jet recording apparatus uses a recording head that is sufficiently durable for the substantial life of the apparatus, or
By using the ink capable of maintaining the performance of the recording head for such a period, only the ink tank can be replaced. As a result, the running cost can be reduced to only the cost for tank replacement, except for recording media such as paper.

The newly used ink tank in the initial state is completely filled with ink and the spring 215 is fully extended within the allowable range. In this state, negative pressure is generated in the ink storage chamber. It is considered that the normal state is the one in which the pressure is at the minimum or, on the contrary, slightly positive.
However, due to environmental conditions, transportation conditions, etc., it is possible that the product is in a high negative pressure state when mounted. When the ink tank 10 in that state is mounted, the joint needle 228 on the recording head side 20 is temporarily moved to the one-way valve 3
When the ink enters into the storage space prior to the 0-side joint needle 238, the ink meniscus held at the ink ejection port of the recording head is held before the air is introduced from the one-way valve 30 to obtain a negative pressure of an appropriate value. It is conceivable that an excessive negative pressure exceeding the force acts on the recording head 20 and sucks ink from the recording head 20 side.

In such a case, it is conceivable that after the ink tank is completely installed, an operation of discharging ink through the ejection port by the suction recovery device provided in the recording device is considered. From the viewpoint of omitting the processing and suppressing the ink consumption, the joint needle 238 on the one-way valve 30 side is the joint needle 2 on the recording head side 20.
It is preferable to be configured to enter the storage space prior to 28. That is, the joint needle holes 239 and 2
If 29 is provided at the tips of the joint needles 238 and 228, respectively, the joint needle 238 on the one-way valve 30 side is made longer than the joint needle 228 on the recording head side 20. According to such a configuration, the joint needle 238 on the one-way valve 30 side enters the storage space, so that air is introduced from the one-way valve 30 to obtain an appropriate negative pressure, and then the recording head 20 is obtained. Will be formed.

21 (a), (b) and (c) show, in particular,
It is a figure for demonstrating adjustment of the negative pressure in the ink tank accompanying the ink supply operation in the ink tank 10 shown in FIG.

FIG. 21A shows a state in which the ink is slightly consumed from the initial state of the ink tank 10 in which the ink storage space is fully filled with the ink. With such ink consumption, a pressure drop occurs in the storage space according to the space corresponding to the volume of the consumed ink, and accordingly, the movable member 11 is displaced downward. The displacement of the movable member 11 causes the displacement of the spring 215 at the same time, and the spring 215 produces an elastic force corresponding to the displacement to finally reach the equilibrium state. The negative pressure corresponding to the elastic force of the storage space in this equilibrium state then becomes the negative pressure corresponding to the ink amount.

FIG. 21B shows a state in which the movable member 11 is displaced downward due to the consumption of ink and the free downward displacement of the movable member 11 is maximized. That is, when ink is further consumed from this state, tension acts on the flexible film as the movable member 11 between the flexible film and the holding portion, and the displacement of the movable member 11 is prevented.

When the ink is further consumed from this state, a negative pressure is generated according to the sum of the elastic force of the spring 215 and the tension (of which only the tension changes according to the ink amount). In this process, if the predetermined negative pressure is exceeded, as shown in FIG. 21 (c), the one-way valve 30
The movable member 231 is moved upward against the elastic force of the spring 232 due to the relationship between the negative pressure and the atmospheric pressure to open the valve, and the outside air enters the storage space through the hole 239 of the joint needle 238. be introduced. As a result, the negative pressure is maintained at an appropriate value, and the ink can be satisfactorily supplied according to the subsequent ink ejecting operation of the recording head, and almost all the ink in the ink tank 10 can be used up.

As described above, the pressure in the accommodating space does not become lower than the predetermined pressure, whereby the negative pressure in the accommodating space can always be maintained within a constant range, and the recording head 20 It is possible to stably supply the ink and execute the intended recording operation.

If the air in the storage space expands due to a decrease in the outside air pressure or an increase in the environmental temperature while the air is stored in the storage space, the movable member 11 is displaced upward. That is, the movable member 11
Is displaced upward in response to the expansion of the air in the storage space, and absorbs the pressure change due to the expansion of the air. Therefore, the pressure in the storage space does not rise above a predetermined pressure, and the storage space is more reliably maintained at a constant pressure. Further, even when the air in the storage space expands in this way, the one-way valve 30 remains closed, and the ink in the ink tank 10 does not leak outside.

The one-way valve 30 is used for the ink tank 10
Since the ink is prevented from being drawn out from the inside, the ink in the ink tank 10 does not leak to the outside from the communication port 16 regardless of the posture of the ink tank 10 when it is used. Therefore, the posture of the ink tank 10 when it is used is not particularly limited.

2.4 Fourth Example of Connection Mode of Ink Tank, One-Way Valve and Recording Head FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing a fourth example of connection mode of an ink tank, one-way valve and recording head.

In this example, the ink tank, the recording head and the one-way valve are separate components. As shown in the figure, the ink tank 10 is held by a holder 22A integrally provided with the recording head 20, and the recording head 20 is mounted together with the holder 22A on a carriage 22B provided on the ink jet recording apparatus.
Also in this configuration, as in the above example, the joint needle 238 of the one-way valve 30 and the joint needle 228 for supplying ink to the recording head 20 when the ink tank 10 is mounted.
Are inserted into the rubber stoppers 18 and 17 of the ink tank 10, respectively.

By providing the one-way valve of this example separately from the ink tank, it is of course possible to obtain the same effect as the effect described in the above example.
The arrangement position has the following advantages. This is a case where a one-way valve having a life longer than that of the recording head is used as the one-way valve of the present example, which allows the valve to be further used even if the recording head is replaced. It becomes possible to use it for the same period as the life of the recording apparatus. As a result, the running cost can be reduced for the one-way valve.

2.5 Fifth Example of Connection Mode of Ink Tank, One-Way Valve and Recording Head FIG. 23 is a sectional view showing a fifth example of connection mode of an ink tank, one-way valve and recording head.

In this embodiment, the ink tank and the recording head are integrally formed, and the one-way valve and the one-way valve are separate bodies. As shown in the figure, the ink tank 1
0 and the recording head 20 are integrally formed. That is, the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 are connected via the ink flow path 227 provided with the filter 225. The unit in which the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 are integrated is mounted on the holder 22C. On the other hand, one-way valve 3
0 is provided integrally with this holder 22C. With this configuration, only the joint needle 238 of the one-way valve 30 is inserted into the rubber stopper 18 of the ink tank 10 when the ink tank 10 is mounted.

By providing the one-way valve of this example separately from the ink tank, it is of course possible to obtain the same effect as in the above example, and further, the arrangement position thereof has the following advantages. Have For example, when using a special ink that affects the deterioration of the durability of the recording head or the ink tank, it is desirable to replace the recording head at the same time when the ink is exhausted and the ink tank is replaced. On the other hand, the one-way valve is fixed to the carriage of the inkjet recording apparatus or forms a part of the carriage, like the holder 22 of the example shown in FIG. That is, by using the one-way valve of this embodiment having a life longer than that of the recording head,
This valve can be further used even if the recording head is replaced, and it can be used for a period substantially equivalent to the life of the recording apparatus. As a result, the running cost can be reduced for the one-way valve.

2.6 Sixth Example of Connection Mode of Ink Tank, One-Way Valve and Recording Head FIG. 24 is a sectional view showing a sixth example of connection mode of an ink tank, one-way valve and recording head.

As shown in FIG. 24, this embodiment is different from the above-mentioned three examples in that the one-way valve 30 is fixedly provided at a predetermined position of the recording apparatus, and the joint needle 238 and the valve 30 are connected by the tube 235. In addition to being connected, the joint needle 238 is fixed to the carriage-shaped holder 22D. On the other hand, the ink tank 10 and the recording head 20 are integrally formed, and this integrated unit is attached to the holder 22D. Then, at the time of this mounting, the joint needle 238 fixed to the holder 22D is inserted into the rubber stopper 18 of the ink tank 10.

By providing the one-way valve of this example separately from the ink tank, it is of course possible to obtain the same effect as the effect described in the example relating to FIG. About has the following advantages. For example, if a highly accurate one-way valve is used and its size is relatively large,
If it is provided on the carriage, the space for it also becomes large and the recording apparatus may become large. On the other hand, by providing the one-way valve at a predetermined position where the space of the device can be effectively used, it is possible to use a highly accurate valve without increasing the size of the device.

Although the present embodiment using the tube relates to an example in which the ink tank and the recording head are integrated, the shape of the tube is not applied only in such an integrated case, and FIGS. It is apparent from the above description that the ink tank and the recording head shown in FIG. 2 can be applied even if they are separate bodies.

2.7 Seventh Example of Connection Mode of Ink Tank, One-Way Valve, and Recording Head FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the example according to FIG.

As shown in the figure, a buffer tank 236 is provided in the middle of the path of the tubes 35A and 35B connecting the one-way valve 30 and the joint needle 238. This is because when ink enters the tube via the joint needle 238 due to a relatively large change in the environment of the ink tank or an impact applied to the device, when it reaches the one-way valve 30, it adversely affects the valve operation. This is to prevent things from happening. That is, temporarily, the joint needle 23
Even if the ink enters into the tube 235A via No. 8, the ink can be prevented from remaining in the buffer tank 236 and entering the tube 235B directly connected to the one-way valve 30. Although FIG. 25 shows a state in which the lower end of the tube 235A is immersed in the ink stored in the buffer tank 236, the ink in this buffer tank is introduced into the outside air via the one-way valve 30. At this time, the ink tank 1 is adjusted according to the pressure inside and outside the ink tank 10.
Returned to 0.

As described above, the movable member 11 is constructed so as to be able to be displaced so as to absorb the increase in the pressure of the ink tank 10, when the pressure rapidly increases.
The buffer configuration of the present embodiment deals with the case where ink enters the tube due to pressure fluctuation or ink vibration that cannot be absorbed even by its displacement.

2.8 Ink Tank or Recording Head Mounting Mechanism FIGS. 26 (a) and 26 (b) are diagrams schematically showing a configuration for mounting the ink tank or recording head described above.

FIG. 26A shows a structure in which the ink tank 10 of the form shown in FIG. 20 is mounted and fixed. Specifically, the claw 23 provided on the upper end of the holder 22 is the ink tank 10. The ink tank is fixed by engaging with the upper end of the ink tank.

On the other hand, FIG. 26B shows a structure in which the ink tank 10 of the form shown in FIG. 23 is mounted and fixed, and the claw 23 provided on the upper end of the holder 22C is near the upper end of the ink tank 10. The ink tank is fixed by engaging with the groove 10a formed in the.

2.9 Modification It is also possible to adopt a structure in which the atmosphere is forcibly introduced from the outside of the ink tank through the one-way valve to pressurize, and this also keeps the pressure inside the ink tank within an appropriate range. It becomes possible to keep.

Further in relation to this, at least a part of the inner wall of the storage space in the ink tank may be formed of a movable member such as a flexible film, or the entire inner wall may be formed of a rigid member that does not move.

3. Examples of Ink Tank Using One-Way Valve According to Other Embodiments In the above examples, the atmosphere communicating portion or the one-way valve is arranged on the side of the ink tank connected to the recording head. The positions where they are arranged are not limited to those examples, and they can be provided at appropriate portions. In the following, the atmosphere communicating portion is provided on the movable member of the ink tank,
Various examples will be described in which a mechanism that functions as a one-way valve is provided in a container that accommodates an ink tank.

3.1 First Example FIGS. 27A to 27C show the first example. The ink tank 127 according to this example has a configuration substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 9, and a container 13 substantially similar to that shown in FIG.
It is housed in 0. However, the ink tank of this example is
Instead of providing the communication port 16 on the same side as the ink supply port 15 of the frame 115, the atmosphere introduction opening 2 is provided through the tank seat portion 106 and the pressure plate 109, which is different from the configuration of FIG. ing. Further, in the illustrated example, the container 130 is shown as containing a single ink tank, and the inside of the containing space is open to the atmosphere through the atmosphere communication port 3.

FIG. 27A shows a state where the ink tank 127 is filled with the ink 7 and the ink tank 127 is inflated. Here, the ink 7 is supplied to the supply path 136 via the filter 137, and is further supplied to the heater board 134 installed in the head chip 133 as an ink using portion.

In FIG. 27A, the ink tank 12
7, the tank seat portion 106 and the pressure plate 109
An opening 2 for introducing the atmosphere is formed at the joint portion. The atmosphere introduction opening 2 is closed with a sealing rubber 1 that acts as a sealing member attached to a position corresponding to the atmosphere introduction opening 2 of the tank storage chamber 130. Here, when the air introduction opening 2 is closed by the sealing rubber 1, the flatness around the air introduction opening 2 is required, and the ink tank 12
Considering that it is necessary to prevent the relative positional relationship with the sealing rubber 1 from shifting due to the contraction or expansion of 7, the pressure plate 109 serving as a movable member provided with the atmosphere introduction opening 2 is It is preferably a flat plate-shaped member having rigidity that does not deform due to contraction and expansion of the tank 127. In this example, the pressure plate 109 uses a plate-shaped member made of SUS304.

The atmosphere introduction opening 2 is a hole that penetrates the joined body of the tank sheet 106 and the pressure plate 109 to communicate the inside and outside of the ink tank 127 as described above, and has a size. The ink may have a size capable of forming a meniscus, and further capable of taking in air from this portion when separated from the sealing rubber 1, that is, when the sealed state is released. Specifically, the diameter is 0.
A size of about 01 mm to 2 mm is preferable. An appropriate size may be selected in consideration of the physical properties such as surface tension and viscosity of the ink used and the rigidity and elasticity of the tank sheet 106.
Further, the shape of the air introduction opening 2 is not limited to a circular shape, and may be an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape having the same area, and the shape is not particularly limited. Also,
As the sealing rubber 1 that is in close contact with the atmosphere introducing opening 2, it is necessary to obtain perfect adhesion when the atmosphere introducing opening 2 comes into contact with this portion, and therefore, rubber, an elastomer, or a resin having elasticity, etc. It is preferable to use the above member. Here, when the ink tank 127 is inflated, the sealing rubber 1 is in a state of being compressed to some extent by the expansion thereof. That is, the sealing rubber 1 is in a state of being pushed in from a predetermined size in an unloaded state (a state where it is not compressed). Therefore, the expansion force of the ink tank 127 and the repulsive force due to the compression of the sealing rubber 1 ensure the sealing of the atmosphere introduction opening 2. Further, if necessary, the air introduction opening 2 at the portion where the sealing rubber 1 and the tank sheet 106 are in close contact with each other.
It is also effective to apply grease or the like having excellent ink resistance to the outer peripheral portion to improve the airtightness.

Next, the ink is consumed and the ink tank 1
The operation when the amount of ink in 27 decreases will be described. FIG. 27B shows a state in which the volume inside the ink tank 127 decreases and contracts as the ink is consumed. This occurs because the volume of ink in the ink tank decreases, and accordingly, the pressure plate 109 as a movable member moves in the directions of arrows A1 and A2. The movement of the pressure plate 109 also pushes the spring 107 in the same direction, and the repulsive force of the spring appears as a negative pressure on the ink. Therefore, as the contraction of the ink tank 127 progresses, the negative pressure on the ink gradually increases.

Further, as the contraction operation of the ink tank 127 progresses, the sealing rubber 1 gradually returns to its original predetermined size due to the elasticity of the rubber because the compressing force gradually weakens. FIG. 27 (b) shows a state immediately before being separated from the atmosphere introduction opening 2 in a state where the sealing rubber 1 is expanded to its maximum (a state where it is returned to the original predetermined size) in this process. In this state, the ink tank 1 for the sealing rubber 1 is in a state where the sealing rubber 1 is not compressed.
It is also a state where the pressing force from 27 starts to be generated.

After that, when the ink consumption is further continued, the ink tank 127 tries to shrink further,
The pressing force of the ink tank 127 against the sealing rubber 1 becomes almost 0, and the sealing rubber 1 is momentarily separated from the atmosphere introduction opening 2 as shown in FIG. Due to this separation, the air 4 is introduced into the ink tank 127 from the atmosphere introduction opening 2. By introducing this air 4, the volume in the tank increases, whereby the tank seat 106 is again moved outward, that is, the arrow B1.
And B2, the opening 2 for introducing the atmosphere comes into contact with the sealing rubber 1 again and is instantly sealed.
Return to the state of (b). However, it goes without saying that in this state, the liquid surface 7a of the ink stored therein is lower than that in the state of FIG. This FIG. 27 (b)
27C is repeated, the negative pressure in the tank can always be kept within a certain range even if the ink consumption progresses. In addition, the volume is approximately the same as the ink consumed through the inkjet head,
Air is introduced into the ink tank. Therefore, it is possible to completely replace the ink in the ink tank with the introduced air and supply most of the ink to the head side, and the ink in the tank can be consumed without waste.

Further, since the sealing rubber 1 is installed so as to be capable of expanding and contracting, even if the temperature inside the ink tank 127 rises or the outside air pressure decreases and the air in the ink tank 127 expands, the expansion amount of the expansion is reduced. The ink tank 127 rapidly expands and absorbs by the action of the spring 107 and the movable member 109, and the expanded portion of the ink tank 127 is absorbed by the expansion and contraction operation of the sealing rubber 1. by this,
The negative pressure in the ink tank 127 is maintained as it is, and since it acts to enhance the airtightness between the air introduction port 2 and the sealing rubber 1, ink leakage does not occur from the air introduction port 2.

In the structure of this embodiment, the mechanism functioning as a one-way valve is arranged in the container for accommodating the ink tank, so that not only the ink tank and the one-way valve can be made compact, but also By using the movable member of the ink tank, the number of parts of the one-way valve can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

3.2 Second Example FIGS. 28A to 28C show an example in which the sealing member in FIGS. 27A to 27C is applied in another form. Here, instead of the sealing rubber 1 in FIGS. 27A to 27C, a sealing member 311 that is movable in the direction of contraction of the ink tank 127 is provided. This sealing member 311 is
As shown in FIG. 28 (d), it is composed of two disks 311A and 311C formed of a resin material, and a shaft 311B connecting them. First, disk 311A and shaft 311B
And are joined with screws or adhesive, and this joined body is
The hole 9 provided in the wall of the ink containing chamber 130 is passed from the inside.
At this time, the coil spring 8 having a shape wound around the shaft 311B is interposed between the disk 311A and the wall of the ink containing chamber 130. After that, the shaft 311B and the disk 311C are joined by screws or adhesive to form the sealing member 311 and the sealing member 311 is attached to the wall of the ink containing chamber 130. Here, the spring constant of the coil spring 8 is set to a value lower than the spring constant of the spring 107 in the ink tank. Although the sealing member 311 is formed of a resin material in this embodiment, the sealing member 311 is not limited to this. For example, you may form with a metal material.

In this example, the coil spring 8 is used as the member for generating the sealing force, so that FIG.
As compared with the case where the sealing property is secured by using the sealing rubber as in (c), more precise negative pressure adjustment becomes possible and the durability is also improved.

The operation of the ink supply apparatus of the present embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

FIG. 28A shows a state where the ink tank 127 is inflated. Ink tank 1 here
The sealing member 311 is pushed out of the ink containing chamber by the pressing force of the pressure plate 109 associated with the bulge of 27. At this time, the coil spring 8 is in a contracted state.

Then, when the ink is consumed, FIG.
The state of (b) is reached. 27A to 27C, the ink tank 127 is contracted and the pressure plate 10 is compressed.
9 moves in the directions of arrows A1 and A2. At the same time, the spring force of the coil spring 8 causes the sealing member 311 to follow the movement of the pressure plate 109 in the direction of arrow A2. During this time, the air introduction opening 2 remains sealed by the disk 311A of the sealing member 311. And this sealing member 311 is
Since it is a substantially hard molded part and can move only by the length of the shaft 311B, the disk 311C finally becomes the ink storage chamber 1.
Hit the outer wall of 30. This state is the state shown in FIG. This state is shown in FIG.
This is substantially the same as the state shown in (b).

Further, as ink consumption continues,
The sealing member 311 and the atmosphere introducing opening 2 are separated from each other, and the atmosphere introducing opening 2 is unsealed. Then, immediately, as shown in FIG. 28C, air is introduced through the air introduction opening 2, and the tank internal volume increases. As a result, the tank sheet 106 expands outward again, that is, in the directions of the arrows B1 and B2, the atmosphere introducing opening 2 is instantly resealed by the sealing member 311, and the state shown in FIG. 28B is restored. However, it goes without saying that in this state, the liquid level of the ink stored therein is lower than that in the state of FIG. By repeating the operation of the states shown in FIGS. 28B and 28C, the negative pressure in the tank can be kept within a certain range even when the consumption of ink progresses.

The opening 2 for introducing the atmosphere and the sealing member 311
In order to enhance the sealed state between the tank 11 and the tank sheet 106, a rubber sheet is attached to the contact surface of the disk 11A in the sealing member 11 or the ink resistance around the portion corresponding to the air introduction opening 2 is increased. It is also effective to apply grease or the like having excellent properties.

3.3 Third Example FIG. 29 shows an embodiment in which the spring installed in the ink tank 127 is changed from a leaf spring shape to a coil spring shape, and other configurations are the same as in FIG. 27 (a). is there. Also in this example, the coil spring 5 causes contraction / expansion of the ink tank 127 in the same manner as in the above-described first embodiment, the sealing rubber 1 also operates in the same manner, and the negative pressure in the ink tank 127 falls within a predetermined range. Can be maintained.

In this example, since the coil spring is used as the spring in the ink tank 127, the pressure plate 109
It is easy to follow the displacement in the tilt direction. Thereby, even if the sealing surface of the sealing rubber 1 and the pressure plate 109 are not in parallel, the pressure plate 109 can easily follow the sealing surface of the sealing rubber 1 and the sealing performance can be further improved.

3.4 Fourth Example FIG. 30 shows that an ink tank 227 is constituted by a tank sheet 206 in which a part of the tank sheet is adhered to the inner wall of the tank storage chamber 130 and only one surface is contracted / expanded. It is an example. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of the pressure plate 109 acting as the movable member is one. Further, here, the spring installed inside the ink tank is a conical coil spring 6. Even with such a configuration, the tank sheet 206 contracts toward the inside of the tank, that is, in the direction of arrow C as the ink is consumed, and at the same time, the pressure plate 109 is contracted.
Moves toward the inside of the tank to act as a movable member. As a result, the air introduction opening 2 is separated from the sealing rubber 1, and air is introduced through the air introduction opening 2 as described in the first embodiment. By the introduction of this air, the tank again expands to the outside, that is, in the direction of the arrow D, whereby the volume in the ink tank 227 increases, and the atmosphere introduction opening 2 and the sealing rubber 1 come into close contact with each other again. By repeating these operations, the negative pressure in the ink tank can be maintained within a predetermined range.

3.5 Fifth Example FIG. 31 shows that the air introduction opening 12 is provided above the ink tank 127 having the same shape as the example according to FIGS. 27 (a) to (c).
Further, as a shape of the sealing rubber that closes the atmosphere introducing opening 12, a portion in contact with the atmosphere introducing opening 12 is a steeper rubber 21. By taking such a structure, the following advantages are produced. First, since the atmosphere introduction opening 12 is located above, the opportunity for the air to pass through the ink when the air is introduced from here is when the amount of ink in the tank is large, that is, when the liquid surface 7A of the ink is introduced into the atmosphere. This is the case above the working opening 12. Therefore, when the ink volume is consumed and the ink level becomes low,
The air introduced from the air introduction opening 12 does not pass through the ink and directly advances to the portion where the air is accumulated. This makes it possible to suppress foaming caused by the bubbles passing through the ink. In particular, the bubbling of ink has a greater effect as the amount of ink in the ink tank 127 decreases, so that it is desirable to adopt the configuration of this example.

Further, since the sealing rubber 21 has a steeple shape, it is possible to achieve more reliable sealing than when the air introducing opening 12 is closed by two flat shapes.

3.6 Sixth Example FIG. 32 shows a tank in which a pressure plate 309 and a coil spring 25 are adhered to a part of the tank seat on the inner wall of the tank housing chamber 130, and only one surface is contracted / expanded. Sheet 3
It is installed outside the ink tank 327 constituted by No. 06. The coil spring 25 is used for the ink tank 3
It is urged in the direction of expanding 27, that is, in the direction of arrow F in the figure. Here, as for the joint between the pressure plate 309 and the coil spring 25, spot welding can be applied similarly to the method described in FIG. 11A, and the joint between the pressure plate 309 and the tank seat 306 is possible. Also in the same manner as the method described with reference to FIG. Ink storage chamber 1
For the joining between the inner wall portion of 30 and the coil spring 25, a known method such as adhesion or fitting can be applied. Even in this case, when the ink consumption progresses, the ink tank 327
The tank sheet 306 forming the part contracts toward the inside of the tank, that is, in the direction of arrow E, and at the same time, the pressure plate 3
The 09 moves toward the inside of the tank to act as a movable member. As a result, the atmosphere introducing opening 2 is separated from the sealing rubber 31, and air is introduced from the atmosphere introducing opening 2 in the same manner as described in the example relating to FIG. Due to the introduction of the air and the action of the coil spring 25, the tank again expands to the outside, that is, in the direction of the arrow F, whereby the volume inside the ink tank 327 increases, and the atmosphere introduction opening 2 and the sealing rubber 31 come into close contact with each other again. To do. By repeating these operations, the negative pressure in the ink tank can be maintained within a predetermined range.

In each of the above embodiments, the spring as the elastic member is provided inside or outside the ink tank, but depending on the rigidity of the film used for the tank sheet, this spring may be installed. If the shrinkage / expansion of the sheet can be achieved only by the rigidity of the film, it is not always necessary to provide the elastic member. Further, when two pressure plates as movable members are provided at opposite positions, the elastic member is provided between them, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the elastic member is provided on the outside of the sheet at each movable member attachment position and the ink storage chamber. It may be installed between the inner wall.

Further, in each of the embodiments, as the sealing member, a sealing member made of rubber or a shaft and a spring that can be displaced within a predetermined range is mentioned. Can be introduced, and if the structure is like a one-way valve that prevents the outflow of ink from the atmosphere introduction opening even if the air in the ink storage portion expands, the sealing member is always composed of a displaceable elastic member. do not have to.
Specifically, the ink tank housing chamber 13 shown in each embodiment
You may use the wall surface of 0. When using the configuration in which the sealing member is not displaced in this way, it is better to have a configuration in which a plurality of movable members are provided as in the first, second, and fourth examples, in the case where air is present inside. It is more desirable because the movable member having no opening for introducing the atmosphere can move with respect to the change.

Further, in the liquid container using the elastic member for urging the movable member and the elastic member as the sealing member in the present invention, the elastic force of the sealing member is the elastic force of the elastic member for urging the movable member. A weaker one can increase the amount of ink that can be initially filled when the pressure in the ink tank is below a predetermined pressure, and the movable amount (buffer space) of the movable member when air is introduced into the tank. Is more desirable because it can secure

Further, the air introduction opening may be provided anywhere except the ink supply port as the liquid supply port as long as it is a portion forming the ink containing portion, but as in the above-mentioned embodiments, the rigid body is movable. When the member forms the ink containing portion, it is preferable to provide the movable member on the movable member in order to more stably introduce the atmosphere.

In the above description, the ink tank is 1
As an example, one ink of one color is stored, but three to four ink tanks that store different colors of ink are arranged in the ink tank storage chamber, and each ink tank has a different nozzle group. If you connect
It goes without saying that an inkjet printhead for color can be constructed. For example, when accommodating a plurality of ink tanks as shown in FIG. 16, partition walls may be arranged between the ink tanks, and a member that functions as a one-way valve may be arranged in this partition wall.

4. Preferable Example of Movable Member Structure Next, what kind of structure is preferable for preventing external gas from entering the inside of the ink tank will be described.

This is based on the following knowledge on the gas permeation mechanism in the membrane.

4.1 Mechanism of Gas Permeation There are roughly two mechanisms for gas molecules to permeate a certain material. One is a capillary flow mechanism and the other is an activated diffusion flow mechanism. The former is a mechanism that flows through capillaries such as pinholes, and is not a mechanism solved by the present invention. On the other hand, the latter activated diffusion flow mechanism is a flow mechanism when gas molecules permeate through a plastic film having substantially no pores, and is an important mechanism. The activated diffusion flow mechanism through the membrane is described below.

In the case of the activated diffusion flow, the gas in the first region permeates the membrane M and enters the second region as described below.

First, the gas molecules in the first region are condensed on the surface of the film and dissolved inside. Its dissolved concentration is the first
Proportional to the partial pressure of the gas in the region. After that, the gas molecules dissolved inside the film diffuse toward the second region where the concentration is low, using the concentration gradient in the film as a driving force, and reach the surface on the second region side before evaporating. Is released. That is, gas molecules permeate the membrane in three steps: dissolution, diffusion and desorption.

In the present invention, for example, a situation is considered in which gas molecules such as oxygen and nitrogen permeate from the region outside the container toward the region inside the container through the flexible material (membrane) forming the liquid storage container. ing.

First, consider the case where a negative pressure gas is present in the second region of the container. In this case, the driving force with which the gas permeates from the first region toward the second region is the negative pressure inside the container and the osmotic pressure of the gas. Even if there is almost no difference in the partial pressure of oxygen molecules or nitrogen molecules between the first region outside the container and the second region inside the container, the liquid component (for example, water) in the second region is almost saturated. Therefore, there is a difference in the concentration of the liquid component between the first region and the second region. Therefore, the osmotic pressure of the gas is generated as a driving force for permeating the gas from the first region to the second region in order to dilute the concentration of the liquid component in the second region. Therefore, the permeation amount of oxygen molecules and nitrogen molecules from the first region to the second region is, as described later, the pressure difference between the first and second regions to which these two pressures (negative pressure and osmotic pressure) are applied. , Film area, and elapsed time, and inversely proportional to film thickness.

Next, consider the case where only the liquid exists in the second region. In this case, in the activated diffusion flow mechanism, 3
The attachment / detachment mechanism of the step is greatly different. Normally, oxygen molecules and nitrogen molecules are not very soluble in a liquid, and when they are normally used, they are already saturated in the liquid.
That is, even if gas molecules reach the surface of the film on the second region side, the gas molecules cannot be desorbed from the film because the gas molecules are already saturated in the second region in the liquid. Therefore, when the region B is a liquid, the permeation of oxygen molecules and nitrogen molecules is extremely strongly suppressed.

Therefore, in order to effectively prevent the permeation of gas in the liquid storage container, it is sufficient to consider the part of the container located between the gas region inside the container and the atmospheric region outside the container.

The mechanism of gas permeation through the membrane is generally represented by the following equation. Q = G · Δp · S · t / T Here, Q [g]: Transfer amount of gas G [g · m / atm · m ² · s]: Gas permeability coefficient Δp [atm] peculiar to the material of the membrane : Pressure difference S [m ² ] in a region partitioned by the material: Surface area T [m] of film: Thickness t [s] of film: Elapsed time.

Among these parameters, Δp is the pressure difference between the area inside the container and the area outside the container (external environment), and the osmotic pressure caused by the difference in the liquid component concentration and the negative pressure inside the container. The pressure difference caused by and is added. The inside of the container is maintained at a negative pressure so that the liquid in the container does not leak outside. It is difficult to reduce this pressure difference Δp in order to suppress the permeation of gas into the container.
Further, if the thickness T of the film M is increased, when it is used as a flexible member, the rigidity thereof is increased and the flexibility is lowered, so that the function thereof may be impaired.

Therefore, in order to suppress the permeation of gas into the container, it is effective to reduce the surface area S of the inner surface of the container in contact with the gas (air) existing in the container. In other words, regarding the material of the flexible portion and the member having high gas permeability, by not contacting it with the gas in the container as much as possible, it is possible to effectively prevent the permeation of gas from those materials into the container. . The preferable positioning of the movable member in the posture during use is based on such knowledge.

4.2 Configuration Example FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining a liquid storage container (ink tank) constructed based on the above knowledge.

Inside the container 410, a rigid container body 41 is provided.
1 and a flexible sheet (flexible member) 412 form a storage space (storage portion) S1 for the liquid L. The seat 412 is urged by a spring 414 via a rigid pressure plate 413 in the downward direction in FIG. 33, that is, in a direction of expanding the storage space S1. As a result, the storage space S1 is brought into a predetermined negative pressure state. As shown in FIG. 33, in the unused container 410 in which the stored liquid L is not used at all, the sheet 412 has a sheet 412 so as to maximize the storage space S1.
It is deformed downwards in 3. The container 410 is used with the sheet 412 facing down, as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the container 410 is used, the sheet 412 is located on the lower side in the gravity direction. That is, sheet 4
12 is located below the half position of the storage space S1 in the gravity direction. A liquid outlet 415 is provided in the lower part of the storage space S1, and an atmosphere communication port 416 is provided in the upper part of the main body 411. Also, container 4
A space S2 located below the seat 412 is formed in the space 10, and the space S2 is open to the atmosphere through a communication port 417.

In the case of this example, a one-way valve 430 which is an opening / closing mechanism having a spring 421, a pressure receiving plate 422, a flexible member 423, and a sealing member 424 in an atmosphere communication port 416 provided in the upper portion of the main body 411. Installed. Pressure plate 42
2 and the flexible member 423 are formed with vent holes 422A and 423A, and the spring 421 presses the flexible member 423 against the seal member 424 via the pressure receiving plate 422 as shown in FIG. The pores 422A and 423A are closed. This opening / closing mechanism is opened / closed by the pressure difference between the inside of the storage space S1 and the outside air. That is, the storage space S
When the negative pressure in 1 has not reached the specified level,
As shown in FIG. 33, the ventilation holes 422A and 423A are closed to prevent introduction of external air into the storage space S1. On the other hand, when the negative pressure in the storage space S1 exceeds a predetermined value, the spring 4
The pressure receiving plate 422 and the flexible member 423 are displaced downward due to the deformation of the flexible member 423 against the bias of the fourteenth force, and the ventilation holes 422A and 423A are opened. As a result, external air is introduced into the storage space S1 through the atmosphere communication port 416 and the ventilation holes 422A and 423A.

As a result, the negative pressure in the storage space S1 is maintained within a predetermined range. Further, by changing the strength of the spring 421 or the like, the magnitude of the negative pressure when the outside air is introduced into the storage space S1 can be set easily and highly accurately.

The function of the one-way valve 430 will be described in more detail below. In the following description, it is assumed that the ink as the liquid L is stored in the storage space S1 and the ink is supplied from the outlet 15 to the inkjet recording head. The recording head may use thermal energy generated from the electrothermal converter as energy for ejecting ink. In that case, the heat of the electrothermal converter causes film boiling in the ink, and the foaming energy at that time allows the ink to be ejected from the ink ejection port.

As shown in FIG. 33, when the storage space S1 is sufficiently filled with ink, the extension force (reaction force due to compression) according to the compression displacement amount of the spring 414 being compressed.
Acts on the seat 412 via the pressure plate 413. Further, the direction of the extension force at this time acts in the downward direction of FIG. 33, that is, in the direction in which the spring 414 extends. At this time, the pressure toward the inside of the storage space S1 acts on the inside of the storage space S1. That is, the pressure P1 in the storage space S1
Is a value having a negative sign (negative pressure) when the atmospheric pressure is “0”. That is, the negative pressure P1 generated in the storage space S1 is opposite to the direction of the force exerted by the spring 414. Since the negative pressure P1 acts on the storage space S1 as described above, the negative pressure also acts on the meniscus of the ink ejection nozzle in the recording head, and the ink ejection port provided in the recording head. Ink leakage from the printer is prevented.

On the other hand, in this state, the ventilation holes 422A and 423A are arranged in the valve chamber of the one way valve.
It is sealed by 24. Further, the negative pressure P1 of the storage space S1 acts on this valve chamber via the communication port 416.
The extension force of the spring 421 also acts in this valve chamber, and this extension force acts in the upper direction of FIG. 33, that is, in the direction in which the spring 421 extends. That is, the spring 42 in the valve chamber
The direction of pressure applied by 1 is equal to the direction in which the spring 421 extends. Vents 422A and 423A are seal members 424.
The pressure P2 in the valve chamber to be closed by the negative pressure P
Greater than the absolute value of 1. That is, the one-way valve is kept in a sealed state by maintaining a state in which the force of the spring 421 and the flexible member 423 that oppose the negative pressure P1 is large with respect to the negative pressure P1.

Further, when the ink ejection from the recording head progresses and the ink remaining amount in the storage space S1 decreases, the negative pressure P1 in the storage space S1 also increases accordingly.

That is, as the amount of ink remaining in the storage space S1 decreases, the volume in the storage space S1 that is a closed space also substantially decreases, and accordingly, the sheet 412.
Is displaced upwards. The pressure plate is also displaced upward as the seat 412 is displaced, and the compression of the spring 414 progresses. The progress of compression of the spring 414 means that the extension force thereof increases, and the negative pressure P1 in the storage space S1 also increases.

Then, the negative pressure P1 in the rising storage space S1 is increased.
Will eventually balance the pressure P2 in the valve chamber of the one-way valve. Until then, the one-way valve remains sealed. Thereafter, the negative pressure P1 is further increased, and the seal member 424 may cause the vent hole 42 to rise depending on the pressure P2 in the valve chamber.
2A and 423A cannot be hermetically sealed, and at that moment, their hermeticity is released.

As a result, the air flows in through the vent holes 422A and 423A and is taken into the storage space S1 through the communication port 416. By taking in this atmosphere,
The volume of the storage space S1 that had been decreased is increased, and at the same time,
On the contrary, the negative pressure P1 that has been increased decreases. Due to the decrease in the negative pressure P1, the vent holes 422A and 423 in the one-way valve are provided.
A is resealed by the seal member 424.

After that, the change in the negative pressure P1 becomes very small, and the ink consumption proceeds while maintaining a substantially constant negative pressure value. Then, the negative pressure P1 increases again, and the seal member 424 causes the vent holes 422A and 423A depending on the pressure P2 in the valve chamber.
Whenever it is not possible to seal the
Decrease 1. The one-way valve keeps the negative pressure P1 in the storage space S1 within a predetermined range by repeating such an operation. Therefore, the recording head can use up the ink in the storage space S1 to the end while maintaining a stable ejection state.

Thus, in the case of this example, the storage space S1
After the negative pressure in the storage space S1 and the force by which the one-way valve closes the opening balance with the consumption of the ink inside,
At the moment when the ink is further consumed and the negative pressure in the storage space S1 further increases, the one-way valve opens the opening and the atmosphere is taken into the storage space S1. Due to the intake of the atmosphere, the volume in the storage space S1 increases, and at the same time, the negative pressure in the storage space S1 decreases, so that the one-way valve closes the opening.

FIGS. 34 (a) to 34 (c) are views for explaining the above situation of the container 410. As shown in FIG. The one-way valve 430 is schematically shown in these drawings.

The container 410 is used in a posture in which the sheet 412 is located on the lower side in the direction of gravity as shown in FIG. When the liquid L in the container 410 is discharged to the outside through the liquid discharge port 415, first, FIG.
As shown in (b), the sheets 412 are
Deforms upward against the biasing force of the spring 414, and the volume of the storage space S1 decreases while maintaining negative pressure. FIG. 34
In (b), the seat 412 is deformed to the maximum, and the decrease in the volume of the storage space S1 accompanying the deformation of the seat 412 is secured as a buffer region. The buffer area is an area for absorbing the pressure fluctuation in the storage space S1 as the seat 412 is deformed. The pressure fluctuation in the storage space S1 is
Due to thermal expansion of the gas (air) in the.

Further, when the liquid L in the container 410 is discharged to the outside, as shown in FIG. 34 (c), the liquid L to be discharged is not accompanied by further deformation of the sheet 412 that secures the buffer area. Air is introduced from the atmosphere communication port 416 so as to be replaced. That is, as the pressure in the storage space S1 decreases due to the liquid L being discharged, air is introduced from the atmosphere communication port 16 and the negative pressure in the storage space S1 is maintained.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 34 (a), the container 10 is changed from the unused state in which the liquid L stored in the storage space S1 is not contained to the buffer area as shown in FIG. 34 (b). Until the seat 412 is secured
3 is supplied to the outside with the deformation of FIG.
As shown in 4 (c), the liquid L is supplied to the outside with the introduction of air from the atmosphere communication port 416. As a result, the liquid L in the storage space S1 is stably supplied to the outside with a predetermined negative pressure.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram when the air introduced into the storage space S1 is accumulated upward in the usage mode of the container 410. The vapor concentration of the contained liquid in the air in the storage space S1 is close to a saturated state, and the vapor concentration and the vapor concentration of the outside air are significantly different. for that reason,
The above-described osmotic pressure of gas is generated between the air existing portion in the storage space S1 and the outside air, and the storage space S1 is generated.
An osmotic pressure that tries to permeate an external gas into the storage space S1 acts on the main body 411 that is in contact with the internal air, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. Further, since the storage space S1 has a negative pressure so that the liquid L does not leak, a pressure difference occurs between the storage space S1 and the outside air. Due to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the storage space S1, a force is generated that tries to permeate an external gas into the storage space S1 through the main body 411 of the container 410. The gas permeation amount at this time follows the above-mentioned formula.

In the case of this example, since the portion of the container 410 in contact with the gas (air) in the storage space S1 is the rigid (inflexible) main body 411, the main body 411 can be thickened or the main body 411 can be made thicker. By adopting a material having a low gas permeability (for example, metal) as the material of (1), it is possible to suppress the permeation of the external gas into the storage space S1.

As described above, by providing the flexible sheet 412 on the lower side in the direction of gravity so that the osmotic pressure of gas is not applied, a flexible member having a high gas permeability is used as the sheet 412. Even if it is used, the amount of gas permeation can be suppressed to be small. Therefore, even when the liquid L is stored for a long period of time, the buffer mechanism accompanied by the deformation of the sheet 412 can fully function to absorb the pressure fluctuation in the storage space S1, and as a result, the leakage of the liquid L and the container 410 can be prevented. It is possible to prevent damage.

4.3 Modification Note that the liquid storage container does not necessarily need to include the flexible member in the liquid storage portion, and when the liquid storage portion is made of a plurality of materials having different gas permeabilities, A material having a high gas permeability may be arranged below the direction of gravity when the container is used. Further, the liquid storage container of the present invention can be widely applied as a container for storing various liquids other than ink.

Further, a flexible member, which is a material having a higher gas permeability than the rigid (non-flexible) main body 411, is positioned on the lower side in the gravity direction in the posture in use. As shown, the flexible member 412 ′ has a multi-layer (for example, two-layer) configuration, and the ink is spread and held between the layers by the capillary force, that is,
It is possible to prevent gas from entering the inside by making the areas inside and outside the ink tank insulated by the ink layer. According to this, it is possible to alleviate the restrictions on the posture of the ink tank when it is used, and to improve the degree of freedom in designing the ink tank or the recording apparatus. The invasion of gas into the inside can be effectively prevented.

5. Design Conditions of Ink Tank 5.1 Operating Principle of One-Way Valve in Further Embodiment of Present Invention FIG. 37 shows a liquid storage container according to a further embodiment of the present invention, and an ink jet recording head 52 is provided in the liquid storage container.
0 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “recording head”) is integrally attached. Here, the liquid storage container (hereinafter, also referred to as “ink storage container”) is generally an ink storage space 510.
It is composed of two chambers, an ink storage chamber 510 and a valve chamber 530, in which A is defined, and both chambers are internally communicated with each other by a communication passage 517. Then, the ink to be ejected from the recording head 520 is filled in the ink storage chamber 510 and supplied to the recording head 520.

The ink ejection method in the recording head 520 is not particularly limited, and for example, thermal energy generated from the electrothermal converter may be used as the energy for ejecting the ink. In that case,
The heat of the electrothermal converter causes film boiling in the ink, and the bubbling energy at that time allows the ink to be ejected from the ink ejection port.

A movable member 511, which is a movable portion, is disposed in a part of the ink containing chamber 510, and a space for containing ink is defined between this part and the exterior 513.
An outer space with respect to the ink containing space 510A viewed from the movable member 511, that is, a space on the right side of the movable member 511 in the drawing is opened to the atmosphere by an atmosphere communication port 512 and made equal to the atmospheric pressure. Further, in the ink storage space 510A, a communication space 517 between the ink supply port 518 and the valve chamber 530 forming a valve portion provided below is substantially formed as a closed space.

The exterior 513 is the ink storage space 51 described above.
It defines 0A and also serves as a shell that protects the movable member 511 from external forces. Movable member 5 of this example
Reference numeral 11 denotes a deformable flexible film (sheet member), the central portion of which is regulated in shape by a supporting plate 514 which is a flat supporting member, and its peripheral portion is deformable. There is. And this movable member 51
In No. 1, the central portion thereof has a convex shape, and the side surface has a substantially trapezoidal shape. As will be described later, the movable member 511 is deformed according to the change in the ink amount and the pressure change in the ink containing space 510A. At that time, the peripheral portion of the movable member 511 is expanded and contracted in a well-balanced manner, and the central portion of the movable member 511 is moved in parallel in the left-right direction in the drawing while maintaining a substantially vertical posture. In this way, the movable member 511
Since the ink is deformed (moved) smoothly, no shock is generated due to the deformation, and no abnormal pressure fluctuation occurs in the ink storage space due to the shock.

In the ink containing space 510A, a pressing force for urging the movable member 511 in the right direction in the drawing is applied via the support plate 514, so that the meniscus formed in the ink ejecting portion of the recording head 520. There is provided a spring member 515 in the form of a compression spring that generates a negative pressure in a range in which the ink ejection operation of the recording head is possible in equilibrium with the holding force. The state of FIG. 37 shows a state in which the ink storage space 510A is almost completely filled with ink.
Even in this state, the spring member 515 is in a compressed state,
It is assumed that an appropriate negative pressure is generated in the ink storage space.

The recording head 520 and the ink storage chamber 510 are connected to each other by inserting the supply pipe 521 provided in the recording head into the ink storage chamber 510. As a result, the two are fluidly coupled, and ink can be supplied to the recording head 520. In addition, this supply pipe 5
A seal member 524 is attached to the periphery of 21 to ensure the close contact between the supply pipe 521 and the ink storage chamber 510. A filter 523 is provided inside the supply pipe 521 to prevent impurities mixed in the supplied ink from flowing into the recording head 520.

Next, the valve chamber 530 will be described. The valve chamber 530 is connected to the ink storage space 510A through the communication passage 517.
The interior communicates with. In this example, a stainless pipe having an inner diameter of 0.2 mm is used as a member for forming the communication passage 517. Further, in order to improve the airtightness around the communication passage, a rubber seal member 538 is attached around the stainless pipe.

In the valve chamber 530, there is a valve closing plate 53 which has an opening 536 which is a component of a one way valve and serves as a valve closing member.
4 and a valve seal member 537 that seals the opening 536, and the valve closing plate 534 is a flexible sheet 53.
1, the opening 536 penetrates the valve closing plate 534 and the flexible sheet 531. Further, also in the valve chamber 530, the communication passage 517 and the opening 536 are formed.
Except that the closed space is maintained substantially. The space above the flexible sheet 531 in the figure is the atmosphere communication port 512.
It is opened to the atmosphere by and is made equal to atmospheric pressure.
The exterior 33 of the valve chamber 530 also serves as a shell that protects the flexible sheet 531 from external force.

Also, in this flexible sheet 531 as well, the peripheral portion other than the portion joined to the valve closing plate in the central portion is deformable, the central portion is convex, and the side shape is It is almost trapezoidal. With such a configuration, the valve closing plate 534 can be smoothly moved up and down.

Inside the valve chamber 530, a valve regulating spring 535 is provided as a valve regulating member for regulating the opening operation of the valve. Here again, the valve regulating spring 535 is kept in a slightly compressed state, and the valve closing member 5 is caused by the reaction force of this compression.
34 is pushed upward in the figure. By expanding and contracting the valve regulating spring 535, the valve sealing member 537 is brought into close contact with / separated from the opening 536 to have a function as a valve. Further, gas from the atmosphere communication port 532 to the inside of the valve chamber through the opening 536 is provided. The one-way valve mechanism allows only the introduction of

Here, the valve seal member 537 may be any as long as the opening 536 is reliably sealed. That is, the material is not particularly limited as long as at least the portion that comes into contact with the opening 536 has a shape that reliably seals the opening surface, and the contact state can be secured. However, since this close contact is achieved by the extension force of the valve regulating spring 535, it is easy to follow the flexible sheet 531 and the valve closing plate 534 which are moved by the action of this extension force, that is, a rubber having a contracting property. It is more preferable to form the valve seal member 537 with such an elastic body.

The operation of the ink container according to this embodiment having the above-described structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 38 (a) to (e).

FIG. 38 (a) shows a state where the ink containing space is sufficiently filled with ink. At this time, since the spring member 515 is in a compressed state, the extension force F1 (reaction force due to compression) according to the compression displacement amount thereof is applied to the support plate 5.
It acts on the movable member 511 via 14. Further, the direction of the extension force F1 at this time acts in the right direction of FIG. 52, that is, the direction in which the spring member 515 extends, and this direction is indicated by a positive sign in the following description. At this time, the ink storage space 5
The pressure acting in 10A acts towards the inside of the chamber. That is, according to the rule of the above sign, the pressure P1 acting in the ink containing space 510A becomes a value having a negative sign (negative pressure) when the atmospheric pressure is “0”. Therefore, assuming that the area of the support plate 514 to which the spring member 515 is joined is S1, the negative pressure generated in the ink containing space at this time can be expressed as follows. P1 = -F1 / S1 (1) That is, the negative pressure generated in the ink containing space is in the direction opposite to the direction of the force of the spring member 515.

Since the negative pressure acts in the ink containing space as described above, the negative pressure P1 also acts on the meniscus of the nozzle for ejecting ink in the recording head 520, and the negative pressure P1 is provided in the recording head 520. It is possible to prevent the ink from leaking from the existing ink ejection port.

On the other hand, in this state, in the valve chamber 530, the opening 536 is sealed by the valve seal member 537. Also, this valve chamber 5
The negative pressure P1 acts on the pressure inside 30 through the communication passage 517 between the ink storage space 510A and the inside. However, the extension force of the valve regulation spring 535 is also acting inside this valve chamber 530. If this extension force is F2, this extension force F2 is in the upward direction of the drawing, that is, the valve regulation spring 535.
Acts in the direction of extension, and the sign is represented by a positive sign. Then, the valve closing plate 5 to which the valve regulating spring 535 is joined
Assuming that the area of the joint surface of 34 is S2, the force that acts in this valve chamber is the force that acts in this valve chamber 530.
The direction of pressure exerted by is equal to the direction in which the valve restraining spring 535 extends and is indicated by a positive sign. Therefore, if this pressure is P2, then P2 = F2 / S2 (2). The relationship between the pressure P2 and the above-mentioned negative pressure P1 for keeping the opening 536 sealed by the valve seal member 537 is expressed by -P1 <P2 (3), and the equations (2) and (3) are given. Therefore, the relationship of −P1 <F2 / S2 (4) is established. That is, the one-way valve is kept sealed by maintaining a state in which the force against the negative pressure by the valve restricting spring 535 and the valve closing plate 534 against the negative pressure inside is large.

Further, as the ink ejection from the recording head 520 progresses and the ink remaining amount in the ink containing space 510A decreases, the negative pressure in the ink containing space 510A also increases accordingly. FIG. 39 shows an ink storage space 510.
The relationship between the negative pressure in A and the remaining ink amount is shown. FIG. 38 (a)
When the ink consumption continues from the state of FIG. 38, the state becomes as shown in FIG. 38B, and the volume of the ink containing space 510A, which is a closed space, substantially decreases as the ink amount decreases, and accordingly, the movable member 511 moves. Go to the left in the figure. With the displacement of the movable member 511, the support plate 514 also moves to the left, and the compression of the spring member 515 also progresses. The progress of the compression of the spring member 515 means that the extension force F1 increases.
According to the equation (1), the negative pressure P1 also increases from point a to point b in FIG.

When ink consumption further progresses from the state of FIG. 38 (b), the position of the movable member 511 is further displaced to the left, and the state of FIG. 38 (c) is obtained. As a result, the negative pressure in the ink container 510 is further increased, and the negative pressure also changes to point c in FIG. In this state, the negative pressure in the ink storage container 510 and the force acting by the valve regulating member 534 in the valve chamber 530 are in equilibrium, and the relationship −P1 = F2 / S2 (5) is established.

Up to this point, the pressure contact state of the valve seal member 537 by the valve regulating spring 535 has not changed, so F2
Since / S2 shows a constant value, if ink consumption continues after this and the negative pressure further intensifies, at pressure F2 / S2, the opening 536 in the valve chamber 530 is closed by the valve seal member 537. It becomes impossible to completely seal with, and progresses to the relation of -P1> F2 / S2 (6). This is the state of FIG. 38 (d), and also the negative pressure change at point d of FIG. 39. At the moment when this relationship is reached, the sealing member 537 of the opening 536 is
The seal due to is released.

As a result, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 38 (d), the air flows in through the opening 536 and is further taken into the ink containing space 510A through the communication passage 517. The volume in the ink containing space 510A that has decreased due to the intake of the atmosphere increases, and at the same time, the increased negative pressure advances in the opposite direction. The fact that the negative pressure is weakened means that the state of expression (6) returns to the state of (5) again, and in the valve chamber 530, the opening 536 and the valve seal member 5 are released.
37 and again come into close contact. This is the state of FIG. 38 (e), which is a negative pressure change from point d to point e of FIG.

As described above, when viewed in the valve chamber 530, the relationship between the negative pressure in the ink containing space 510A and the pressure pressing the valve seal member in the valve chamber 530 is that the action direction of the pressure is opposite. However, since they can be expressed by the magnitude relation of the respective absolute values, | F1 | / S1> | F2 | / S2 (7) is expressed by the equations (1) and (6).

After that, when the ink is further consumed, the state transits between the state of FIG. 38 (d) and the state of FIG. 38 (e), as shown from the point e in FIG. The change in the negative pressure becomes very small, and the ink consumption progresses while maintaining a substantially constant negative pressure value. That is, even if the ink is continuously consumed in this way, the state of FIG. 38 (d) and the state of FIG. 38 (e) are repeated, so after the ink has been consumed to some extent, the ink storage space 510A. The negative pressure inside does not increase more than necessary, and the ink in the ink storage space 510A can be used up to the end while maintaining a stable ejection state.

5.2 Parameter Setting From the above, the negative pressure adjustment is performed by the balance of the internal pressures in the ink containing space 510A and the valve chamber 530, so that the design of each chamber with respect to the desired negative pressure is performed. Can also be done easily. That is, the expansion forces F1 and F2 of the spring are determined by the compression state of the spring arranged in each chamber, and the expansion force is the spring constant and the distance displaced by compression (the amount of displacement in the initial compression state). And the amount of displacement thereafter) (F = k × x; k is a spring constant, and x is the amount of displacement). Therefore, by appropriately setting these parameters, any desired negative pressure value can be obtained. Also,
Area S of support plate and valve closing plate attached to these springs
It is also possible to easily adjust the negative pressure by setting 1 and S2.

The features of the present invention embodied in the above embodiment are as follows.
F1 and F derived as described above in consideration of various conditions
2, which is a guideline for designing an ink container in which these four parameters are appropriately determined based on the relational expression of S1 and S2.

For example, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 6 as a method for compensating the problem of the technique described in Patent Document 2 or Patent Document 3 described in the section of the prior art, that is, the defect of the liquid seal. This shows a structure in which a spring-loaded plug-like member is arranged on a boss for introducing outside air to perform mechanical sealing. However, there is no consideration of the above relational expression, and no suggestion is given. In that sense, it does not go beyond the scope of the invention in which the liquid seal is replaced with a mechanical seal, and does not serve as a guideline for optimizing the design of the ink container as in the present invention.

The ink container can be properly designed only by the guideline based on the idea of the present invention that the four parameters F1, F2, S1 and S2 are appropriately determined in relation to each other.

For example, consider the relationship of F1: (S1 / S2) × F2 obtained from the equations (1) and (6).

Since the valve restricting spring 535 is hardly displaced, assuming that the spring force F2 thereof is substantially constant, the acting area S2 of the sealing force of the outside air introducing opening is different from the acting area S1 of the spring force for generating the negative pressure. Is relatively small, that is, S1
When / S2 is relatively large, the range of F1 that satisfies the equation (1) that prevents the introduction of outside air is wide, and therefore the initial F1
It is considered that there is a high degree of freedom in designing the spring member 515 for obtaining the above. However, if the initial F1 is designed to be high, a considerably large change in F1 is required to satisfy the equation (6) for introducing the outside air, and accordingly the negative pressure in the ink containing space 510A is also greatly increased. However, the negative pressure in the ink containing space 510A is sufficient to prevent ink leakage from the ink ejecting portion in equilibrium with the holding force of the meniscus formed in the ink ejecting port in the first place, and the ink ejecting operation of the recording head is possible. Should be a reasonable value in the range. Therefore, in order to keep F1 up to the time of introducing the outside air in an appropriate range, the spring force F2 of the valve regulating spring 535 must be relatively small, so that the opening 536 can be easily opened due to impact or environmental changes. There is a risk that it will be released.

On the other hand, when S1 and S2 are appropriately determined, such inconvenience can be avoided. That is, it is not necessary to increase the amount of change in F1 from the state of satisfying the expression (1) to the state of satisfying the expression (6), the degree of freedom in setting F2 is increased, and the opening 536 is increased.
It becomes possible to effectively prevent the undesired opening of the.

Needless to say, the above consideration is only an example, and each part should be properly designed in consideration of various conditions. However, this can be obtained only by considering the above four parameters in relation to each other, and in order to determine whether or not to introduce the outside air, the size relationship between P1 and P2 is considered only by common sense and intuitively. Is not something that can only be obtained.

5.3 Operation Principle of One-way Valve in Still Another Embodiment of the Present Invention In the above embodiments, the spring member 515 for generating a negative pressure in each of the ink containing space 510A and the valve chamber 530, And the spring member 35 and the valve closing plate 534 for the purpose of generating a force for sealing the opening 536,
Both were installed inside each room. However,
As a form of utilizing the acting force of the spring, not only the reaction force at the time of compression but also the reaction force at the time of extending the spring can be used. Therefore, the position of each spring is:
It may be outside each room.

FIG. 40 shows an example in which the positions of the springs for the ink storage chamber and the valve chamber are changed to the outside of each chamber. When this form is adopted, when the ink is sufficiently filled, the spring member 545 connected to the ink storage chamber 540 is to be installed in a slightly extended state, and the valve chamber 550 is likewise installed. The installed valve regulation spring 555 is also installed in a slightly extended state.

Also in this structure, the movable member 541 moves in the leftward direction in the drawing as the ink in the ink containing space 540A is consumed, which causes the spring member 54 to move.
5 is further extended and displaced. The negative pressure is determined by the amount of displacement at this time. However, at this time, the spring member 545
The negative pressure acting in the ink containing space 540A due to the displacement of the spring member 545 is generated by the force in the direction in which the spring member 545 contracts, and the contraction force F1 (reaction force due to the expansion) according to the displacement amount of the expansion of the spring member 545. Of the negative sign) acts on the movable member 541 via the support plate 544. Therefore, if the same rules as those in the above embodiment are used, the negative pressure at this time is expressed by the following equation (8). P1 = F1 / S1 (8)

On the other hand, in the valve chamber 550, the exterior 553.
Regulating spring 5 installed between the valve and the valve closing plate 554.
Since 55 also exerts a force in the direction in which it contracts, the contracting force F2 according to the amount of expansion of the valve regulating spring 555 acts in the upper direction in the figure, which is also the same reference numeral as in the embodiment of FIG. 37 described above. According to the above rule, the pressure inside the movable member 551 is expressed by the following equation (9). P2 = -F2 / S2 (9)

Therefore, when the opening 56 is sealed in the valve chamber 550 by the valve seal member 557, that is, when there is a relationship of -P1 <P2, -F1 / S1 <-F2 / S2, and the ink When the air consumption is increased, the close contact between the opening 556 and the valve seal member 557 is released, and the outside air is introduced from the atmosphere communication port 52 through the opening 556, −F1 / S1> −F2 / S2 (10 ) Is a relationship. However, here, the directions of the forces acting on the spring member 545 and the valve regulating spring 555 are different from those in the embodiment of FIG. 37, and the directions of the negative pressure in the ink storage space 540A and the pressure in the valve chamber 550 are as shown in FIG. Since it is similar to the embodiment of 37, the expression (10) can be expressed as | F1 | / S1> | F2 | / S2 (11). Therefore, as the ink is consumed, the operation of each part and the negative pressure change,
The pressure balance between the inside of the ink storage space 540A and the inside of the valve chamber 550 can be considered as in the embodiment of FIG.

When such a structure is adopted, since each spring does not come into contact with ink, deterioration of the spring due to contact of the members of the spring with ink and elution and mixing of impurities into the ink. There is no need to consider such things. Therefore, there is also an advantage that the degree of freedom of the material forming the spring is expanded.

Here, an example is shown in which the springs are provided outside each chamber for both the ink storage chamber and the valve chamber, but the above (( It will be easily understood that the present invention can be achieved by the relation of the expression (11).

5.4 Buffer Area Against Environmental Change In the configuration of the embodiment of FIGS. 37 and 40 described above, ink consumption proceeds from the initial state where ink is sufficiently filled, and negative pressure in the ink container is reached. Then, at the moment when the ink consumption is further continued from the state where the force acting by the valve regulating member in the valve chamber is balanced and the negative pressure is further strengthened, the air flows into the ink from the opening and the ink is stored in the ink storage space. It is captured. On the contrary, the volume of the ink containing space increases due to the intake of the atmosphere, and at the same time, the negative pressure also weakens, so that the opening is closed.

For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 37, FIG.
Ink consumption progresses from the initial state shown in FIG.
After reaching the state of (c), the state transitions between the state of FIG. 38 (d) and the state of FIG. 38 (e) according to the progress of ink consumption. That is, the volume of the ink storage space 510A, which is a closed space, substantially decreases as the amount of ink from the initial filling state decreases, and the outside air is not released until the movable member 511 is displaced to the left position in FIG. After that, the movable member 511 is near the displacement position to the left, and the internal volume itself of the ink containing space 510A hardly changes thereafter.

That is, in the liquid storage container according to the embodiment of FIG. 37, a movable portion (movable member 511) that defines a liquid (ink) storage space 510A and is displaced with the supply of ink from the supply pipe 521. An ink storage chamber 510 having an opening, and a valve chamber 530 provided with an opening 536 capable of introducing gas into the storage space and a seal member 537 as a sealing member for sealing the opening 536, When the inner volume of the storage space 510A decreases due to the displacement of the movable member due to the consumption of ink, and the inner volume falls below a predetermined value (the state of FIG. 38 (c)), the opening 5 is opened.
36 is opened so that the gas is introduced. Then, an urging force (spring force of the valve regulating spring 535) F2 for sealing the opening 536, an area of its acting surface (area of a joint surface of the valve closing plate 534) S2,
When the pressure P1 inside the storage space 510A and the environmental pressure (atmospheric pressure) of the storage container are P, the following equation P-P1> F2 / S2 (12) is obtained after the state of FIG. 38 (c) is reached. When the above is satisfied, the opening 536 is separated from the seal member 537 and is opened.

Therefore, changes in the surrounding environment of the ink tank,
For example, even if the temperature rises or the pressure decreases, the volume of the movable member from the displaced position to the initial position is allowed to expand and the air taken in the storage space is allowed to expand. Since this space functions as a buffer region, it is possible to mitigate the increase in pressure due to changes in the surrounding environment and effectively prevent ink leakage from the ejection ports.
Moreover, since the flexible sheet 531 is displaced pneumatically in conjunction with the movable member 511, ink leakage may occur due to changes in the surrounding environment of the ink tank, for example, expansion of the ink containing space caused by temperature rise or pressure reduction. It never happens.

Further, since the internal volume of the ink containing space is reduced as the liquid is discharged from the initial filling state, and the outside air is not introduced until the buffer area is secured, abrupt changes and vibrations of the surrounding environment are caused by that time. Ink leakage does not occur even if it drops or drops. Furthermore, since the buffer area is not secured in advance from the unused state of the ink, the volumetric efficiency of the ink storage container is high and a compact structure can be achieved. Further, the area of the acting surface (area of the valve closing plate 534) S2 on which the biasing force (spring force of the valve regulating spring 535) F2 for sealing the opening 536 acts is defined as the opening 536.
Further, by setting the area of the sealing surface by the sealing member 537 to be larger, sufficient sealing performance can be secured. Further, the above-mentioned configuration can achieve these effects with a small number of parts, and in particular, by providing the opening 536 for introducing the outside air in a part of the movable member (flexible seat 531 and valve closing plate 534), It also enables stable introduction of the atmosphere.

The preferable volume and the like of the buffer region that fulfills the above functions will be described below. Note that the description will be given here based on the ink storage container according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 37, but the same applies to the ink storage container according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing how the internal volume of the ink containing space 510A changes with the amount of liquid (ink) derived, in which the horizontal axis represents the amount of ink derived and the vertical axis represents the amount of ink. It is the internal volume of the storage space. The thick solid line shows the internal volume of the ink storage space, and the broken line shows the change in the amount of air in the ink storage space.

In the initial state in which the ink has not been led out yet, the movable member 511 is at the position displaced to the right in the drawing as shown in FIG. 38 (a), and the internal volume is maximum (Vmax). From this state, the movable member 511 deforms as the ink is drawn out, and the internal volume monotonously decreases. In this state (the state corresponding to FIG. 38 (b)), since air is not yet introduced into the container, ink leakage does not occur even if the surrounding environment changes.

When the inner volume decreases to Vair, that is, when the state corresponding to FIG. 38 (d) is reached, the opening 536 is opened and the amount of air corresponding to the ink discharge amount is introduced. , The internal volume reduction stops.

After that, the inner volume itself of the ink containing space 510A hardly changes. That is, (Vmax-V
Since the volume of air) is secured as the buffer area, ink leakage does not occur even when air is introduced. In addition, at this time, if air is not introduced, the ink inside cannot be used up, and the volumetric efficiency of the inside will decrease. However, the above-described operation causes the state of FIG. And the state of FIG. 38E, the ink can be effectively used up to the end.

Next, how to set the volume Vair of the ink containing space will be described.

The maximum amount of air introduced into the container is shown in FIG.
As is clear from the above, it is almost Vair. Further, the atmospheric pressure in the almost standard state is set to 1 atm (absolute pressure), and the atmospheric pressure of the surrounding environment in which the ink storage container is actually placed is P ^*.
Considering (atm), the volume V in which the maximum air amount Vair expands due to decompression is represented by V = (1 / P ^* ) x Vair (13). If this value V is Vmax or less, The pressure does not rise and ink does not leak. Therefore, when the inner volume becomes Vair, the opening is performed by the atmospheric pressure of the surrounding environment such that the relationship of V = (1 / P ^* ) × Vair ≦ Vmax (14) Vair ≦ P ^* × Vmax (15) is satisfied. Ink leakage does not occur if the valve is designed so that the portion 536 is opened.

The minimum atmospheric pressure considered to be the minimum in the actual environment in which the ink container can be placed is, for example, as follows, where the atmospheric pressure in the standard state is 1 atm. Atmospheric pressure environment 0.9atm Used on flat ground. Do not move. 0.8atm Use in a situation where temperature changes are extremely severe. 0.7atm Air transportation. 0.6atm Higher than 4000m (Bolivia, Tibet, etc.) Therefore, for example, in order to satisfy all usage conditions, P ^* = 0.6 atm may be considered. If it is used only on flat ground and not moved, P ^* = 0.9 atm
As a result, an optimum configuration can be achieved.

From the above data, when used only on flat ground, Vair becomes 0.9 × Vmax or less, and the volume at which external air starts to be introduced is 90% of the maximum internal volume.
If However, Vair is 0.8 × Vmax or less when considering use in a situation where the temperature change is extremely severe, and the volume at which external air starts to be introduced is 80, which is the maximum internal volume.
% Or less, Va if considering use in air transport or in aircraft
ir is 0.7 × Vmax or less, and the volume at which the outside air starts to be introduced is 70% or less of the maximum internal volume, and considering that it is used at a high altitude of 4000 m or more, Vair is 0.6 ×.
It is Vmax or less, and it is desirable that the volume of starting introduction of outside air be 60% or less of the maximum inner volume.

As described above, the volume of the required buffer varies depending on the environment. Therefore, by designing to obtain the optimum buffer volume according to the environment, the ink containing efficiency of the container can be improved and It becomes easy to effectively prevent ink leakage.

The spring constant of the spring member 515 is k1,
If the amount of displacement from the initial state is X1, then according to Hooke's law, equation (7) is expressed as follows. | K1 × X1 | / S1> | F2 | / S2 (16)

By the way, in this embodiment, the movable member 5
Since the deformation of 11 is restricted by the spring member 515 via the support plate 514, the volume change due to the deformation of the movable member 511 is determined by the displacement of the spring member 515.
That is, when the displacement of the spring member 515 is Xair when the volume of the container changes from Vmax to Vair, if X1 that satisfies the expression (16) is X1> Xair (17), the spring member 515 must be Xair. After the above displacement, the valve is opened and the outside air is introduced. Therefore, the valve restricting spring 535 and the spring member 51 should satisfy the relationship of | k1 × Xair | / S1> | F2 | / S2 (18).
With the configuration of 5, since the valve is opened and the outside air is introduced by the increase of the negative pressure after the volume of the predetermined buffer volume or more is secured by the deformation, liquid leakage does not occur.

5.5 Other Embodiments for Forming Buffer Area Against Environmental Change Not only the construction of the ink container forming the preferable buffer area is not limited to the construction having the valve chamber as in the embodiments of FIGS. 37 and 40, It can be various.

FIG. 42 (a) is a schematic sectional view showing another embodiment of such an ink container. Container exterior 563
A movable member 561 made of a flexible film (sheet member) that divides the ink storage space is provided inside the container, and the movable member 561 is supported by the spring member 56 via a support plate 564.
It is urged by 5, and the volume of the storage space is maximized in the normal state. The opening 592 of the ink storage space 560A provided in the exterior 563 is the valve body 5 which is a sealing means urged by the valve regulating spring 595.
It is sealed by 90.

In FIG. 42 (b), the ink is (Vmax-Va
It is a figure which shows the state in which only ir) is drawn out from the supply port 568, and the volume of the storage space is reduced to Vair. At this time, due to the deformation of the movable member 561, the support plate 564 comes into contact with the valve body 590, and the valve body 590 is displaced against the biasing force of the valve restricting spring 595 so that the opening 592 can be opened. That is, the buffer area is from the initial position of the movable member 561 shown by the broken line in the figure to the position shown by the solid line at the moment when the support plate 564 contacts the valve element 590. In other words, after the predetermined buffer volume is secured, the valve body 590 is
The support plate 564 is brought into contact with the opening 592 so that the opening 592 can be opened.

In FIG. 43 (a), further ink is derived,
When the support plate 564 presses the valve element 590, the opening 5
92 is a diagram when 92 is instantaneously opened and gas is introduced into the ink storage space 560A. Also, FIG.
(B) is a view in which the support plate 564 and the valve body 590 are separated. That is, as shown in FIG. 43 (a), the introduction of air alleviates the negative pressure inside and weakens the force for displacing the support plate 564 downward, so that the support plate 564 is slightly displaced upward. The support plate 564 and the valve body 5
90 is separated from the valve body 5 by the urging force of the valve regulating spring 595.
90 again seals the opening 592. After that, if the ink is drawn out again, as shown in FIG.
4 and the valve element 590 contact each other, and air is introduced as shown in FIG. 43 (a). In this way, by gradually introducing air, the ink inside the ink containing space 560A is gradually replaced with air while maintaining a predetermined negative pressure,
It becomes possible to use up all of the ink, and it is possible to mitigate the rise in pressure due to changes in the surrounding environment and effectively prevent ink leakage from the ejection ports.

Further, since the valve body 564 is mechanically interlocked with the support plate 564 and is displaced, ink leakage does not occur even when the surrounding environment changes, for example, expansion of the ink containing space caused by temperature rise or pressure reduction. .

Next, an important feature of this embodiment is
Since the opening / closing operation of the valve element 590 is defined by the amount of displacement of the support plate 564, the opening 592 is opened after the buffer area having a volume of (Vmax-Vair) is ensured. As a result, air is not introduced without a sufficient buffer area, and thus ink leakage does not occur. Further, similar to the above-described embodiments, four parameters, that is, the spring force of the spring member 565, the spring force of the valve regulating member 595, the area of the support plate 564, and the valve body 5 are used.
Since all the operations can be controlled by appropriately designing the area of the predetermined portion of 90, it is also a great advantage that there is no need to change the configuration even if the physical properties of the ink change and the viscosity and contact angle change greatly.

Design of four parameters will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows a state in which the support plate 564 and the valve element 590 are in contact with each other and air is introduced.

Here, the force acting on the support plate 564 is the urging force F1 (upward) by the spring member 565 and the negative pressure P1.
Is the sum of the total pressure P1 × S1 (downward) caused by acting on the area S1 of the support plate 564. Also, the valve body 590
Is a biasing force F2 by the valve regulating spring 595.
(Upward), the total pressure P1 × due to the negative pressure P1 acting on the area S2 of the portion where the valve body 590 covers the opening 592.
It is the sum of S2 (upward).

To open the valve element 590, (the force with which the support plate 564 pushes the valve element 590) ≧ (valve element 590
Is a force that closes the opening). That is, (P1 * S1-F1) ≥ (F2 + P * S2) (19), and the negative pressure at that time is P1≥ (F1 + F2) / (S1-S2) (20). That is, the areas of the spring forces F1 and F2, the support plate 564, and the areas S1 and S2 of the valve element 590 may be selected according to the negative pressure that is desired to be maintained during gas-liquid exchange by opening the valve. Note that Vair, these parameters, and the like can be appropriately determined in consideration of various environments, as in the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 45 shows a state immediately before the ink is exhausted from the supply port 568 and used up. At this time, the amount of air introduced into the ink storage space 560A is almost Vai.
Although it is r, the deformed volume of the movable member 561 shown by diagonal lines serves as a buffer, and ink does not leak even if volume expansion occurs due to a change in the external environment.

5.6 Generalization of Ink Tank Design Conditions In the embodiment shown in FIG. 37, the valve chamber 530 is located above the ink storage chamber 510 that defines the ink storage space 510A of the ink tank in the posture during use. It has a form to do. However, it is conceivable that the positional relationship between the ink storage chamber and the valve chamber in the ink tank may be set variously, and in any case, the one-way valve operates well and the proper negative pressure is maintained in the ink storage chamber. It is desirable to design the ink tank as described above. Therefore, the point of generalizing the design condition of the ink tank will be described below.

FIG. 46 (a) shows an ink storage chamber 610 in which an ink supply port 618 to the recording head is provided on the bottom surface in a posture in use, and a communication passage 617 near the bottom portion.
The ink tank of the form comprised with the valve chamber 630 which is connected via. The ink storage chamber 610 has basically the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 37, and is provided with a movable member 611 formed by a deformable flexible film (sheet member). The shape of the central portion is regulated by a supporting plate 614, which is a flat plate-shaped supporting member, and its peripheral portion is deformable. In addition, the movable member 61 is provided in the ink storage space via the support plate 614.
1 is applied in the downward direction of the drawing, the negative pressure is within a range in which the ink ejection operation of the recording head is balanced with the holding force of the meniscus formed in the ink ejection portion of the recording head 520. A spring member 615 in the form of a compression spring that produces pressure is provided.

The valve chamber 630 is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 37, and the valve closing plate 634 serving as a valve closing member having an opening which is a component of the one-way valve and the opening are sealed. A valve sealing member 637 is provided, and the valve closing plate 634 is joined to the flexible sheet 631. A valve regulating spring 635 is provided inside the valve chamber 630 as a valve regulating member for regulating the opening operation of the valve.

FIG. 46 (a) is an explanatory diagram of the initial state when the ink tank is not used, and FIGS. 46 (b) to (f) are explanatory diagrams of the state of the ink tank with the progress of ink consumption. Further, FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a change in negative pressure due to ink consumption, and points indicated by reference numerals 60a to 60f in FIGS.
It corresponds to the state of (f).

In the structure of FIG. 46 (a), the communication passage 6
Ink is present inside 17, and due to the capillary force of the communication passage 617, a meniscus is formed at the end of the communication passage 617 on the valve chamber 630 side. Therefore, in designing the ink tank, the pressure derived from the holding force of the meniscus is also taken into consideration.

In the initial state (FIG. 46 (a)) in which the ink storage space is sufficiently filled with ink, the expansion force F1 (reaction force due to compression) of the spring member 615 according to the compression displacement amount is applied to the support plate 614. It acts on the movable member 611 via the. The direction of the extension force F1 at this time is shown in FIG.
It acts in the upper direction of (a), that is, in the direction in which the spring member 615 extends, and this direction is indicated by a positive sign. At this time, the pressure acting in the ink containing space acts toward the inside of the chamber. That is, according to the rule of the above sign, the pressure acting in the ink containing space becomes a value having a negative sign (negative pressure) when the atmospheric pressure is “0”. When the area of the support plate 614 to which the spring member 615 is joined is S1, the negative pressure generated at the ink storage space side opening position of the communication passage 617 at this time can be expressed as follows. PT = − (F1 / S1) + h × ρ × g (21) Here, h is the height (m) from the meniscus position formed in the communication path 617 to the ink uppermost surface in the ink storage chamber,
ρ is the density of the ink (kg / m ³ ), g is the acceleration of gravity (m
/ S ² ).

On the other hand, in this state, in the valve chamber 630, the opening is sealed by the valve seal member 637. Further, the pressure in the valve chamber 630 is equal to the pressure in the communication passage 6 between the ink chamber and the ink storage space.
The negative pressure PT described above acts via 17 as well as the pressure PM resulting from the meniscus holding force formed in the communication passage 617 of the communication passage 617. That is, the valve chamber 63
The pressure within 0 (negative pressure) is PV = PT + PM = − (F1 / S1) + hρg + PM (22). Note that PM is a value that can be positive or negative with respect to atmospheric pressure due to the relationship between the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber and the negative pressure in the valve chamber, and is 0 when both are equal.

The extension force of the valve regulation spring 635 is also acting in the valve chamber 630. If this extension force is F2, this extension force F2 acts in the right direction of the drawing, that is, the direction in which the valve regulation spring 635 extends. However, the sign is expressed as positive. When the area of the joint surface of the valve closing plate 634 to which the valve regulating spring 635 is joined is S2, the direction of the pressure acting by the valve regulating spring 535 in the valve chamber 530 is the force acting in this valve chamber. Is equal to the direction in which the valve restriction spring 535 extends and is indicated by a positive sign. Therefore, this pressure is P
If it is 2, P2 = F2 / S2 (23). The pressure P2 for keeping the opening 636 sealed by the valve sealing member 637 and the negative pressure PV in the valve chamber.
Is expressed by −PV <P2 (24), and from the expressions (22) to (24), the relationship is −PV = (F1 / S1) −hρg−PM <F2 / S2 (25). . That is, with respect to the negative pressure inside the valve chamber, the valve regulating spring 535 and the valve closing plate 534 maintain a large force against the negative pressure, so that the one-way valve is kept sealed. . In other words, the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure generating means in the ink containing chamber, the pressure corresponding to the height from the meniscus forming position of the communication passage 617 to the ink uppermost surface in the ink containing chamber, and the meniscus holding pressure are used. The one-way valve is kept sealed by maintaining a state in which the force against the negative pressure is large due to the valve control spring 535 and the valve closing plate 534 with respect to the negative pressure inside the valve chamber that is determined.

Although the ink ejection from the recording head progresses and the ink remaining amount in the ink containing space decreases, the negative pressure in the ink containing space also increases accordingly. Figure 46
(B) and reference numeral 61b in FIG. 47 indicate a state in which displacement corresponding to the buffer area has been performed, and the negative pressure PT in the ink containing chamber increases while the height h decreases, and thus the negative pressure P in the valve chamber.
V also increases.

If the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber further increases,
As shown in FIG. 46 (c), the movement of air is started from the valve chamber toward the ink storage chamber side, but in this state, the one-way valve is not yet opened. Immediately after the air movement starts,
The meniscus momentarily moves to the valve chamber side due to the capillary force of the communication passage 617, but moves again to the ink containing chamber side due to the negative pressure of the ink containing chamber.

Then, when the negative pressure is further increased and -PV = (F1 / S1) -hρg-PM> F2 / S2 (26), the one-way valve is opened, and the air is fully transferred to the ink storage chamber side. Is introduced to alleviate the negative pressure,
The displacement of the buffer area is slightly mitigated. This is the state of FIG. 46 (d), and 60d of FIG.
It is the change in negative pressure at the point.

The negative pressure that has increased due to the intake of air advances in the opposite direction. The fact that the negative pressure weakens means that the condition of (26) is restored to (25).
It is to return to the state of the formula.

In the valve chamber 630, the valve closing plate 634 is provided.
Moves again in the closing direction (point 61e in FIG. 46 (e) and FIG. 47), but the negative pressure in the valve chamber is smaller than the right side of equation (22) as long as air is introduced. Finally, the opening and the valve sealing member 637 are brought into close contact with each other again to close the opening (point 61 in FIG. 46 (f) and FIG. 47).
f) Even after this closed state is obtained, air moves from the valve chamber side to the ink storage chamber side until the negative pressure in the valve chamber becomes substantially equal to the right side of the expression (22), and the valve chamber and the ink storage chamber are stored. The negative pressure in the chamber is almost equalized.

As described above, when viewed in the valve chamber 630, the conditions for opening the one-way valve are the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber 610, the pressure due to the height h, and the meniscus holding pressure. Since the relationship with the pressure that presses the valve seal member in the valve chamber 530 can be expressed by the magnitude relationship of the respective absolute values, | PV |> | F2 | / S2 (27) According to various positional relationships between the ink storage chamber and the valve chamber in the ink tank, the one-way valve works well in any case so that an appropriate negative pressure is maintained in the ink storage chamber. This is a general expression for the conditions for designing. Although the communication passage between the ink storage chamber and the valve chamber extends in a substantially horizontal direction in the configuration of FIG. 46 (a), for example, the communication passage toward the valve chamber bends upward, Even in the configuration in which the valve chamber is provided ahead of it, the formula (27) can be applied to the height h from the meniscus position formed in the communication passage to the ink uppermost surface of the ink storage chamber.

5.7 Application of General Conditions to Various Positional Relationships between Ink Storage Chamber and Valve Chamber in Ink Tank The above general conditions are considered by applying them to various configurations.

First, let us consider a case in which the internal volume of the valve chamber 630 is increased in the case of adopting a configuration similar to that of FIG. 46 (a). To close the one-way valve, | F
While it is highly desirable that 2 | / S2- | PV | be large enough to deform the end portion of the valve seal member,
It is necessary to introduce a large amount of air in order to reduce the negative pressure in the valve chamber having a large internal volume.

FIG. 48 is a diagram for explaining the negative pressure change in that case, and the negative pressure at the time of introducing air is compared with the negative pressure change (broken line) in the case shown in FIG. Significantly reduced (solid line). Since the negative pressure in the valve chamber is almost equalized with the negative pressure in the ink storage chamber, the one-way valve is not opened until reaching atmospheric pressure (0), but the initial negative pressure determined for the ink tank is set. It is strongly desirable to appropriately set the volume ratio between the valve chamber and the ink storage chamber so that the volume ratio does not decrease and approaches the atmospheric pressure.

That is, assuming that the valve is closed when the valve chamber is completely opened to the atmosphere, the negative pressure in the ink containing chamber at this time is PT≈−F1 / S1 + PM (28). , VV is the internal volume of the valve chamber including the communication passage, and VT is the internal volume of the ink storage chamber, the average negative pressure in both chambers when the one-way valve is closed is (-F1 / S1 + PM) × VT / (VT +
VV). That is, the volume ratio between the valve chamber and the ink storage chamber may be set so that this value is larger than the initial negative pressure.

Next, as shown in FIG. 49 (a), the valve chamber 7 is connected via the communication passage 717 arranged above the ink storage chamber 710.
Consider the case where 30 is provided. In this case, the velocity of the air moving in the communication passage 717 is higher than the velocity of the air introduced from the atmosphere communication port of the valve chamber 730. Note that FIG.
In the form (a), since the air that is a gas is taken into the ink that is a liquid, the speed of the air moving in the communication passage 617 is smaller than the speed of introducing the air from the atmosphere communication of the valve chamber 630. Is.

When the above general conditions are applied to the case of FIG. 49 (a), h = 0 and PM = 0, so that the communication passage 7
Assuming that the air pressure loss at 17 is almost zero, the pressures in the ink storage chamber 710 and the valve chamber 730 are always equal.

Therefore, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 49 (b), compared with the negative pressure change (broken line) in FIG. 46 (a), there is almost no process in which the pressure is non-uniform between the two chambers. Without, the fluctuation of the negative pressure due to the opening and closing of the one-way valve is small.

This case is nothing but the case described in section 5.1 above, and therefore the four parameters F1, F2, and S1.
The ink tank may be designed by considering the relationship between S2 and S2.

Next, let us consider a case where the ink storage chamber 810 and the valve chamber 830 are connected to each other through a communication passage 817 having a large cross-sectional dimension, in the case of adopting a configuration similar to that of FIG. 46 (a).

Here, when the atmosphere communication port of the valve chamber 830 is vertically below the communication passage 817, the atmosphere communication port is always in contact with the ink, and negative pressure control is performed by the meniscus force and the spring force. It will be. In this case, similarly to the liquid seal described above, ink leakage may occur.

After that, when ink consumption progresses and the ink water level drops from the atmosphere communication port, PM = 0 and negative pressure control is performed only by the spring force.

In the case of FIG. 50 (a), since the resistance of air movement in the communication passage 817 is small, the negative pressure difference between the ink storage chamber and the valve chamber is small, and as shown by the solid line in FIG. 50 (b),
Compared to the change in negative pressure (broken line) in the case of FIG. 46 (a), the change in negative pressure due to opening / closing of the one-way valve is small. Further, after the communication passage 817 is no longer filled with ink,
Air in both chambers communicates with each other, and a state similar to that in the case of FIG.

5.8 Consideration on Design Conditions Considering Influence of Vibration on Ink Tank One-way valve has negative pressure of 0 to -200 mmAq to be controlled.
Since it is very small (about -2 kPa), even if a slight movement of ink or air occurs inside due to vibration during transportation or transportation, pressure fluctuation above the control negative pressure will occur and the one-way valve will open. It is also possible that undesired introduction of air is performed.

Then, the inventors conducted a study by adding vibration to the structure of FIG. 46 (a) and found that such introduction of air was not observed and the valve chamber was filled with ink. It was This is considered to be due to the following phenomenon. i) Due to the movement in the ink storage chamber, air moves from the valve chamber to the ink storage chamber side. ii) A relatively large negative pressure is momentarily generated in the valve chamber. iii) The negative pressure causes a force to open the one-way valve. iv) However, the pressure change due to the vibration is momentary, and before the one-way valve is opened and air is introduced, ink enters the valve chamber from the ink storage chamber and the negative pressure in the valve chamber is relieved. v) The force to open the one-way valve is lost and it does not open. vi) The above is repeated until the valve chamber is filled with ink, and if there is no air in the valve chamber, the valve chamber will not be in a negative pressure state.

That is, even if the negative pressure in the valve chamber rises, the ink enters before the air is introduced, so the one-way valve is not opened. Therefore, in the case of the configuration of FIG. 46 (a), it is desirable to determine the cross-sectional dimension of the communication passage such that the ink entry speed into the valve chamber due to the capillary force of the communication passage is higher than the one-way valve opening speed.

Even if the valve chamber is filled with ink, if the one-way valve is activated by increasing the negative pressure of the entire ink tank during use, the ink will return to the ink containing chamber side together with the introduced air. However, since the operating mechanism of the one-way valve functions more effectively, it is preferable that the atmosphere communication port of the valve chamber is located vertically above the end portion of the communication passage on the valve chamber side in the posture during use. .

When the case where the valve chamber was extremely large was examined, it was the same as the case of FIG. 46 (a).

Next, the structure of FIG. 49A was examined. In this case, the ink does not enter the valve chamber as described above. However, even if ink moves in the ink storage chamber, the pressure change is absorbed by the air in the valve chamber and the air chamber on the ink storage chamber side, so the influence of the pressure fluctuation acting on the one-way valve is small. it is conceivable that.
Further, it is considered that if the pressure fluctuation of the air can be absorbed by the displacement of the buffer portion, the undesired introduction of the air can be prevented more effectively.

That is, by setting S1> S2, the pressure absorbing effect by the buffer spring (spring in the ink containing chamber) can be made large even with the same displacement amount, and further, the spring constant K2 of the spring in the valve chamber> ink containing Spring constant K of indoor spring
By setting the value to 1, the buffer spring can be more easily displaced with respect to a slight change in weight.

Next, the structure of FIG. 50A was examined. In this case, the ink easily enters the valve chamber, but on the contrary, the invaded ink is easily returned to the ink storage chamber side, so that the one-way valve may be opened.

Therefore, the dimensions of the communication passage are determined so that the ink is retained in the communication passage by the meniscus force even when the ink tank is inverted and the communication passage is positioned vertically upward. Is strongly desirable. That is, the relationship is obtained such that the meniscus force at the narrowest portion of the communication passage> the gravity of the ink corresponding to the volume of the communication passage.

Further, the case where the cross-sectional area of the communicating passage is extremely small was examined. In this case, the communication passage is always filled with ink even if a pressure change occurs, and the pressure change in the ink storage chamber does not propagate to the valve chamber. However, if the meniscus force in the communication passage is large enough to exceed the negative pressure control range of the one-way valve, the operating mechanism of the one-way valve will not function, so the pressure due to the meniscus holding force in the narrowest part of the communication passage will be less than F2 /
S2 is strongly desirable.

5.9 Modified Example It should be noted that the inner wall of the space forming the ink storage chamber in the ink storage container can be partially modified as in the above-described embodiments as long as an appropriate buffer area is secured. In addition to a flexible member such as a flexible film, it may be entirely configured with such a member. Similarly, instead of providing such a deformable member, a member that is displaced in accordance with the internal volume of the storage space S may be partially provided.

6. Others In the above, the case where the present invention is applied to the ink tank that supplies the ink to the recording head has been described, but it may be applied to the supply unit that supplies the ink to the pen as the recording unit.

Further, the present invention can be widely applied to various recording devices such as these, devices for supplying various liquids such as drinking water and liquid seasonings, or medical fields for supplying chemicals. can do.

Further, the present invention can be applied to recording apparatuses using various methods other than the serial scan method as described above. For example, it may be configured as a so-called full-line type recording apparatus that uses a long recording head extending over the entire length of the recording area of the recording medium.

[0335]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, various forms thereof, and various embodiments as described above, the intended purpose can be achieved. That is, of the following items
You can achieve at least one.

A means for generating a required negative pressure in a storage portion for a liquid (ink or the like) to be supplied to the outside (such as a recording head), and air is introduced into the storage portion in response to an increase in the negative pressure in the storage portion due to the liquid supply. In this configuration, an air inlet is provided so that the negative pressure can be maintained within an appropriate range, and liquid such as ink leaks from the air inlet in any use environment or storage environment. It is possible to maintain stable negative pressure characteristics regardless of the stage of liquid consumption. Further, in that state, since the volumetric efficiency is high and the ink is smoothly supplied,
When used in an inkjet recording system, various advantages such as stable printing quality and compact design can be obtained.

In order to adjust the pressure inside the ink tank or the liquid container by introducing gas, the flow of gas in one direction is allowed and the fluid (liquid and gas) in the opposite direction to that direction is allowed. Since the one-way valve that blocks the circulation can be provided separately from these ink tanks and the like, it is possible to determine the arrangement position of the one-way valve without being restricted by the arrangement position of the ink tank.

As a result, it is possible to obtain the negative pressure adjusting mechanism of the ink tank which can improve the degree of freedom in designing the ink jet recording apparatus and the like.

The ink stored in the ink tank can be supplied to the ink jet head while maintaining a stable negative pressure until it is consumed. Further, since the sealing member expands and contracts or moves in conjunction with the movable member, ink leakage does not occur even when the surrounding environment of the ink tank changes, for example, when the ink tank expands due to temperature rise or pressure reduction.

Further, the present invention can achieve the above-mentioned effects with a small number of parts, and by providing an atmosphere introducing opening in a part of the movable member, it is possible to stably introduce the atmosphere.

This means that stable characteristics can always be obtained when ink is ejected from the ink jet head.
Further, since the ink can be used without being wasted, it also contributes to a reduction in running cost.

For example, by arranging a flexible member or a member having high gas permeability in the lower side of the direction of gravity when the container is in use, the gas permeation into these members is reduced in order to reduce the permeation of the gas into the container. It is possible to reduce the chance of applying osmotic pressure, store the liquid in an appropriate state, and stably supply the stored liquid.

When the buffer area is secured by the deformation of the flexible member, the pressure fluctuation in the container due to temperature rise is buffered by remarkably reducing the amount of gas permeation into the container. It is possible to ensure absorption by the area, and as a result it is possible to prevent leakage of liquid and damage to the container. Moreover, by reducing the permeation amount of the gas, it is not necessary to secure a large buffer area in consideration of the expansion amount of the permeating gas, and the volumetric efficiency of the container can be increased accordingly.

Further, by providing an opening / closing mechanism for introducing outside air into the container when the negative pressure in the container exceeds a predetermined value, the inside of the container is maintained at a predetermined negative pressure and the liquid is stabilized. Can be supplied. As the opening / closing mechanism, a structure using a valve body that opens / closes due to a pressure difference can be adopted.

Until almost all the ink in the container is consumed, the inside of the container can be maintained at a stable negative pressure to supply the ink to the recording apparatus more stably, and It is possible to reduce waste and reduce running costs.

Until the liquid (ink or the like) in the liquid container is completely consumed, the internal negative pressure can be maintained at a stable value and supplied to the outside without being unnecessarily increased. In addition, since the gas introduction to relieve the negative pressure in the liquid storage container can be performed at an appropriate timing, it is easy to set any desired negative pressure in consideration of various conditions, and the negative pressure can be stabilized with high reliability. Pressure setting can be realized. Further, the movable member for exerting a force to generate a negative pressure and the member for opening / closing the opening for introducing gas are controlled by the member having an expansion / contraction force, so that the surroundings of the liquid storage container are controlled. It is possible to absorb the expansion of the gas introduced into the liquid storage container caused by a change in the environment, such as a temperature rise or a pressure reduction, and prevent unintended liquid leakage. In addition, especially, the outside air is introduced only after the liquid has changed by a predetermined amount from the initial position where it has not yet been drawn out, and the space corresponding to the change functions as a buffer region, so that changes in the surrounding environment can be prevented. It is possible to mitigate the accompanying increase in pressure and reliably prevent the liquid from leaking from the lead-out portion or the like of the liquid supply destination (such as the ink ejection port of the inkjet recording head). By doing so, it is possible to prevent wasteful liquid consumption and contribute to a reduction in running cost. Furthermore, the present invention can achieve the above effects with a small number of parts.

In addition, when the present invention is applied to an ink jet recording head, stable ink ejection characteristics can always be obtained, which contributes to stabilization and improvement of recording quality.

[Brief description of drawings]

1A and 1B are views for explaining a problem of a conventional liquid storage container that takes in outside air to reduce an increase in negative pressure caused by consumption of liquid (ink). FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ink tank and a recording head in a first example of the basic configuration of the present invention.

3A and 3B are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of the one-way valve in FIG.

4 (a), (b) and (c) are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of the ink tank in FIG.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between an ink supply amount and a pressure change in a storage space S when the ink tank of FIG. 2 is used.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the ink tank in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an ink tank according to a second example of the basic configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an ink tank according to a third example of the basic configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an ink tank according to a fourth example of the basic configuration of the present invention.

10 (a), (b) and (c) are explanatory views of a process of forming a tank sheet in the ink tank of FIG.

11A is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing process of a spring unit in the ink tank of FIG. 9, and FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram of a manufacturing process of a spring / sheet unit in the ink tank of FIG.

12A and 12B are explanatory views of the manufacturing process of the spring / seat / frame unit in the ink tank of FIG.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a coupling process of the spring / seat unit and the spring / seat / frame unit in the ink tank of FIG.

14 (a) and 14 (b) are cross-sectional views of essential parts in the joining step of FIG.

15 is a cross-sectional view of an ink tank storage unit configured using the ink tank of FIG.

16 is a perspective view of an ink tank storage unit configured by using a plurality of ink tanks of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of an inkjet recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a first example relating to the connection of the ink tank, the one-way valve, and the recording head.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a second example relating to the connection of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a third example relating to the connection of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head.

21A to 21C are diagrams for explaining the adjustment of the negative pressure in the ink tank associated with the ink supply operation in the ink tank shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a fourth example relating to the connection of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head.

FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a fifth example relating to the connection of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head.

FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a sixth example relating to the connection of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head.

FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a seventh example relating to the connection of the ink tank, the one-way valve and the recording head.

26A and 26B are diagrams schematically showing two examples of a mechanism for mounting an ink tank and a recording head.

27A to 27C are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining the configuration and operation of a first example of an ink supply device including a one-way valve according to another embodiment, and FIG. A state in which the air introduction opening is sealed, (b) is a state immediately before the ink tank is contracted and the air introduction opening is separated, (c)
Shows the state where the air introduction opening is opened and air is introduced.

28A to 28D are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining the configuration and operation of a second example of an ink supply device including a one-way valve according to another embodiment, and FIG. A state in which the air introduction opening is closed, (b) is a state immediately before the ink tank is contracted and the air introduction opening is separated, (c)
Is a state where the air introduction opening is opened and air is introduced,
(D) shows the structure of each sealing member.

FIG. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of a third example of an ink supply device including a one-way valve according to another mode.

FIG. 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of a fourth example of an ink supply device including a one-way valve according to another mode.

FIG. 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of a fifth example of an ink supply device including a one-way valve according to another mode.

FIG. 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of a sixth example of an ink supply device including a one-way valve according to another mode.

FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of an ink tank, which is made by paying attention to gas permeation.

34 (a) to 34 (c) are views for explaining the usage status of the ink tank of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of a gas osmotic pressure in the ink tank of FIG. 33.

[Fig. 36] Fig. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining another configuration example of the ink tank made by paying attention to gas permeation.

FIG. 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an ink container which is a liquid container used in still another embodiment and in which an inkjet recording head is integrally attached.

38A to 38E are explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation of the ink storage container shown in FIG. 37.

39 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the negative pressure in the ink storage space of the ink storage container shown in FIG. 37 and the remaining ink amount.

FIG. 40 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of an ink storage container which is a liquid storage container used in yet another embodiment and in which an inkjet recording head is integrally attached.

41 is a diagram showing how the internal volume of the ink storage space changes with the amount of liquid (ink) drawn out in order to explain the function of the pressure fluctuation preventing buffer region formed by the ink storage container shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows whether it does.

42A and 42B are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining a configuration example of another embodiment of an ink storage container forming a preferable buffer region and its operation.

43 (a) and (b) are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining a configuration example of another embodiment of an ink storage container forming a preferable buffer region and its operation.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram for describing design parameters for the configuration of FIG.

45 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state immediately before the ink is discharged from the supply port and used up in the configuration of FIG. 42 (a).

46A to 46F are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining a configuration example and an operation of an ink tank considered for generalizing the ink tank design condition.

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the negative pressure in the ink tank shown in FIG. 46 (a) and the remaining ink amount.

48 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between negative pressure and the remaining ink amount in a modification of the configuration of FIG. 46 (a).

49 (a) and (b) are respectively FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an ink tank different from the configuration of FIG.

50 (a) and (b) are respectively FIG.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between an ink tank according to another modification of the configuration of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Ink Tank (Liquid Storage Container) 11 Movable Member 12 Atmosphere Communication Port 13 Exterior 14 Pressure Plate 15 Ink Supply Port 16 Communication Port 17, 18 Rubber Plug 20 Recording Heads 21, 22 Hollow Needle 23 Filter 24, 25 Sealing Member 30 One Direction Valve 31 Diaphragm 31A Opening 32 Seal member 33 Spring member 34 Support plates 40, 42 Spring member 127 Ink storage unit 215 Spring 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D Holder 225 Filter 227 Ink flow path 228 Joint needle 231 Movable member 232 Spring 233 seal elastic body 234 seal elastic bodies 235, 235A, 235B tube 236 buffer tank 238 joint needle 311 sealing member 410 liquid storage container 411 main body 412 flexible member 413 pressure plate 414 spring 415 liquid outlet 416 atmospheric connection Port 417 Communication port 520 Ink jet recording head 510, 540, 610, 710, 810 Ink storage chamber 510A, 540A, 560A Ink storage space 530, 550, 630, 730, 830 Valve chamber 511, 541, 561, 611 Movable member 512, 542 Air communication port 513,543 Ink storage chamber exterior 514,544,564,614 Support plate 515,545,565,615 Spring member 517,617,717,817 Communication path 521 Supply pipe 523 Filter 531,551,561,631 Flexible sheets 533, 553 Valve chamber exteriors 534, 554 Valve closing plates 535, 555, 595, 635 Valve regulating springs 536, 556, 592, 636 Openings 537, 557, 637 Valve sealing members

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-398214 (P2001-398214) (32) Priority date December 27, 2001 (December 27, 2001) (33) Priority claiming country Japan (JP) (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application 2001-398215 (P2001-398215) (32) Priority date December 27, 2001 (December 27, 2001) (33) Priority claiming country Japan (JP) (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Ishinaga             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Nobuyuki Kuwahara             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Tetsuya Ohashi             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation F term (reference) 2C056 EA26 KB05 KB09 KC01 KC05                       KC14 KC16 KC24                 3E014 PA01 PB03 PB09 PC04 PE09                       PF10                 3E062 AA06 AB01 AC02 BA20 BB06                       BB10 KA04 KB03 KB15 KC02                       KC10

Claims (84)

[Claims] 1. A storage part defining a liquid storage space, a liquid supply part provided in the storage part for forming a liquid supply port for supplying the stored liquid to the outside, and the storage part. And a one-way valve for permitting the introduction of gas from the outside into the storage space and preventing the discharge of liquid and gas from the storage space to the outside, and maintaining or expanding the volume of the storage space. And a mechanism having a function of causing the one-way valve to adjust the negative pressure in the storage space generated by the liquid consumption of the storage section. 2. The mechanism includes a movable portion which is displaceably or deformably provided in at least a part of the storage portion, and a biasing means which biases the movable portion in a direction to increase the volume of the storage space. The liquid container according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The liquid according to claim 2, wherein when the volume of the gas introduced into the storage space increases, the negative pressure in the storage space is maintained by the movable portion and the urging means. Storage container. 4. The liquid container according to claim 3, wherein the volume increase amount due to the deformation of the movable member is set to be equal to or larger than the gas volume increase amount. 5. The movable part has a film-shaped flexible member having a convex shape whose central portion projects outward of the storage space. Liquid storage container. 6. The liquid storage device according to claim 2, wherein the urging means has a compression spring that urges the movable portion in a direction to increase the volume of the storage space. container. 7. The liquid container according to claim 2, wherein the urging means has a tension spring urging the movable portion in a direction to increase the volume of the accommodation space. container. 8. The flexible member is also used as the urging means by providing the flexible member with a habit of displacement in a direction of increasing the volume of the accommodation space. The liquid container according to claim 5, which is characterized in that. 9. The one-way valve includes a closing member capable of closing a communication path leading to the inside of the storage space, and a biasing member for applying a biasing force for closing the storage space. 9. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein the communication passage is opened against the biasing force of the biasing member when the pressure becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value. . 10. A liquid using apparatus, which is connectable to the liquid storage container according to claim 1 and uses a liquid supplied from the storage space. 11. A recording head having a form of recording that uses ink supplied from the liquid storage container that stores ink as the liquid.
The liquid use device according to. 12. A recording apparatus comprising means for recording using the liquid using apparatus according to claim 11, which has the form of the recording head. 13. An ink jet head for ejecting ink, and a liquid container according to claim 1 for storing the ink to be supplied to the ink jet head as the liquid. Inkjet head cartridge. 14. A liquid supply method for supplying a stored liquid to the outside from a storage part that defines a liquid storage space through a supply port formed in the storage part. A mechanism having a function of allowing the introduction of gas into the storage space and providing a one-way valve for preventing the liquid and the gas from being discharged from the storage space to the outside, and having a function of maintaining or expanding the volume of the storage space is provided. A liquid supply method, wherein the one-way valve adjusts the negative pressure in the storage space that is generated as the liquid is consumed in the storage portion. 15. The mechanism comprises a movable portion which is displaceably or deformably provided in at least a part of the storage portion, and a biasing means which biases the movable portion in a direction to increase the volume of the storage space. The negative pressure of the storage space is maintained by the movable part and the urging means when the volume of the gas introduced into the storage space increases. Supply method. 16. The liquid supply method according to claim 15, wherein the volume increase amount due to the deformation of the movable member is set to be equal to or larger than the gas volume increase amount. 17. A storage part defining a liquid storage space, the liquid supply part for forming a liquid supply port for supplying the stored liquid to the outside, and the liquid supply part from the outside to the storage space. An accommodating part having a gas introducing part for introducing gas, a mechanism having a function of maintaining or expanding the volume of the accommodating space, and a gas introducing member attachable to the gas introducing part. A one-way valve for permitting the introduction of the gas through the gas introduction part in the state and for preventing the discharge of the liquid and the gas from the storage space to the outside. Supply device. 18. The one-way valve according to claim 17, wherein the one-way valve allows introduction of gas into the storage space according to a difference between a pressure in the storage space and a pressure of outside air. Liquid supply device. 19. The mechanism includes a movable portion that is displaceably or deformably provided in at least a part of the storage portion, and a biasing unit that biases the movable portion in a direction of increasing the volume of the storage space. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: 20. The liquid supply device according to claim 17, wherein the main body of the one-way valve and the gas introduction member are connected via a tube. 21. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 20, wherein a buffer container is inserted in the middle of the tube. 22. The storage section has an ink supply section to which an ink communication member communicating with an ink flow path of a recording head for ejecting ink can be mounted.
22. The liquid supply device according to any one of 21 to 21. 23. When the gas introducing member and the ink communicating member are mounted, the gas introducing member is mounted prior to the ink communicating member.
2. The liquid supply device according to 2. 24. An ink tank for constructing the liquid supply device according to claim 17, wherein the storage portion stores the ink as the liquid, and the volume of the storage space. An ink tank comprising a mechanism having a function of maintaining or expanding the ink. 25. An ink tank for configuring the liquid supply device according to claim 17, wherein the storage section for storing ink as the liquid, and the volume of the storage space. An ink tank having a mechanism for maintaining or expanding the ink, and a recording head that is formed integrally with the ink tank and that discharges ink supplied from the ink tank through a communication path. Inkjet cartridge characterized by. 26. An ink jet recording apparatus for ejecting ink onto a recording medium to perform recording using the ink tank according to claim 24 and the recording head for ejecting ink supplied from the ink tank. A holder for mounting a tank, a one-way valve that permits the flow of fluid in one direction and blocks the flow of fluid in the opposite direction to the one direction, and is connected to the one-way valve. The holder includes a member communicating with the flow passage, and the ink tank includes a mounting portion to which the member of the holder can be detachably mounted. An ink jet recording apparatus, wherein a gas can be introduced into the interior through a directional valve and a member of the holder. 27. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the holder integrally includes the recording head. 28. An ink jet recording apparatus using the ink jet cartridge according to claim 25 for ejecting ink onto a recording medium to perform recording, wherein a holder for mounting the ink cartridge and a fluid flow in one direction. And a flow passage that is connected to the one-way valve and is opened and closed by the one-way valve. The ink tank of the cartridge includes a mounting portion to which the member of the holder can be detachably mounted, and the member communicating with the flow passage, and the one-way valve and the member of the holder. An ink jet recording apparatus characterized in that gas can be introduced into the inside. 29. To be installed in a storage part that defines a liquid storage space, to permit introduction of gas from the outside into the storage space, and to prevent liquid and gas from being discharged from the storage space to the outside. A one-way valve, a hollow gas introducing member that projects into the storage space, and a valve chamber that communicates with the gas introducing member and that has an opening that allows introduction of gas from the outside, An opening / closing member that is provided in the valve chamber and is urged in a direction to close the opening, and that operates to open the opening when the pressure in the storage space becomes a predetermined value or less, A one-way valve characterized by having. 30. The cross-sectional dimension of the hollow portion of the gas introducing member is determined so that the holding force of the meniscus at the gas-liquid interface formed therein is smaller than the force for opening the opening. The one-way valve according to claim 29, wherein: 31. The length of the gas introducing member is adjusted so that the length of the gas introducing member does not reach the valve chamber even when the liquid moves toward the valve chamber due to the turbulence of the air flow when the gas is introduced into the storage space. The one-way valve according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the one-way valve is dimensioned to be difficult to reach. 32. At least a part of the storage section,
A movable part that can be displaced or deformed with the supply of liquid to the outside is provided, the gas introduction part is an opening provided in the movable part, and the one-way valve presses and seals the opening, and 18. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: a sealing unit for releasing the sealing by displacement or deformation of the movable unit associated with the supply of the liquid in the storage unit. 33. The sealing means has a sealing member that can be displaced within a predetermined range, the movable portion is biased in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the sealing member, and the movable portion is the sealing member. By moving beyond the predetermined range of displacement, the pressure sealing of the opening is released and the gas is introduced into the storage space, and the movable part displaces the sealing member with the introduction of the gas. 33. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the liquid is guided from the opening by moving within a predetermined range and sealing the opening. 34. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the movable portion has a flexible member that is deformable in accordance with the liquid supply operation. 35. The movable part has a rigid flat plate member provided on a part of a wall surface forming the liquid storage part and having a rigidity that does not deform due to a liquid supply operation from the liquid supply port. Claims 32 to 34 characterized in that
The liquid supply device according to any one of 1. 36. The mechanism includes an elastic member that is joined to one surface of the movable portion and applies a reaction force to a displacement or deformation of the liquid storage portion accompanying the discharge of the liquid from the liquid supply port. 36. The liquid supply device according to claim 34 or 35. 37. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the elastic member is formed of a spring. 38. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the sealing member is made of elastic rubber. 39. The sealing member penetrates the housing of the liquid supply apparatus, and the end of the container on the outer side has a diameter larger than the through hole of the container, and the shaft is placed inside the housing. And a biasing means for biasing.
38. The liquid supply device according to any one of 3 to 37. 40. The two movable parts are provided at positions facing each other in the liquid storage part, and the elastic member is installed between the two movable parts.
40. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 39 to 39. 41. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the atmosphere introducing opening is provided above the liquid storage portion. 42. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the elastic force of the elastic member is larger than the elastic force of the sealing member. 43. A liquid supply according to claim 32, wherein an ink for supplying to the recording head is stored as the liquid in an ink jet recording apparatus for recording using a recording head for ejecting ink. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a device. 44. The storage part has a partially deformable flexible member as the movable part, and liquid is present inside the flexible member in contact with an external space. The liquid storage container according to claim 2. 45. The liquid container according to claim 44, wherein the flexible member is located on a lower side in a gravity direction when the liquid container is used. 46. The liquid storage container according to claim 45, wherein the flexible member is located below a half position of the storage portion in the gravity direction. 47. The liquid according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the flexible member forms a buffer region that absorbs a change in the internal pressure of the storage portion as the flexible member deforms. Storage container. 48. The flexible member is located at a bottom portion of the storage portion and is deformable.
The liquid container according to any one of 4 to 47. 49. The liquid container according to claim 48, wherein the flexible member is vertically deformable. 50. The storage part is made of a plurality of materials having different gas permeability, and the material having a large gas permeability is located on the lower side in the gravity direction when the liquid storage container is used. The liquid storage container according to claim 44. 51. The liquid container according to claim 44, wherein the flexible member is composed of at least two layers and holds the liquid between the layers by a capillary force. 52. The liquid storage container according to claim 44, wherein the liquid stored in the storage portion is ink. 53. A movable part that defines a liquid storage space at least in part and is displaceable as the liquid is supplied to the outside, and a liquid supply port that supplies the stored liquid to the outside. One direction for communicating with the liquid storage chamber and the storage space, allowing introduction of gas from the outside into the storage space, and preventing discharge of liquid and gas from the storage space to the outside A valve chamber having a valve, wherein the liquid storage chamber has an elastic member for generating a biasing force F1 in a direction to increase the internal volume of the storage space, and a direction in which the biasing force F1 is received in an area S1. And a means for urging the movable portion, and the valve chamber has a valve restricting member for generating an urging force F2 for restricting the opening operation of the one-way valve, and the urging force F2 in an area S2. By operating with A means for closing a one-way valve, and a pressure caused by a meniscus of the liquid formed in the communication portion when the liquid is present in the communication portion that communicates the storage space and the valve portion with PM , Negative pressure PV acting on the valve portion when the height from the meniscus to the top of the ink in the storage space is h, the density of the liquid is ρ, and the gravitational acceleration is g = − (F1 / S1) + H × ρ × g + P
A liquid container characterized in that when the absolute value of M satisfies the following formula | PV |> | F2 | / S2, the one-way valve is opened to introduce the atmosphere from the outside. 54. The one-way valve is opened when the inner volume of the storage space decreases due to the displacement of the movable portion accompanying the supply of the liquid and the inner volume becomes a predetermined value or less. 54. The liquid container according to claim 53, which is configured to introduce the gas. 55. The following formula | PV | <| F2 | / S2 is satisfied in the initial state in which the liquid is substantially filled in the storage space. 54. The liquid storage container according to 54. 56. Even if the internal volume decreases from the initial state with the supply of the liquid and the internal volume falls below the predetermined value and the gas is introduced, the internal volume remains the initial level. 56. The liquid container according to claim 55, which has an internal volume equal to or less than that in the state. 57. The liquid volume is reduced from the initial state as the liquid volume is supplied, and the internal volume is reduced to the predetermined value or less and the gas is introduced. 57. The liquid storage container according to claim 56, wherein the storage space maintains an internal volume near the predetermined value even when the gas is introduced. 58. The dimension of the communication portion is determined so that the speed at which the liquid enters the valve portion due to the capillary force of the communication portion is higher than the opening speed of the one-way valve. 58. The liquid container according to any one of claims 53 to 57. 59. The gas inlet from the outside of the valve portion is located vertically above the end portion of the communication portion on the valve portion side in a posture during use.
The liquid container according to any one of 3 to 58. 60. The liquid container according to any one of claims 53 to 59, wherein the communicating portion is dimensioned so that the meniscus can hold a liquid amount corresponding to the volume of the communicating portion. . 61. The liquid storage according to claim 53, wherein the communication portion is dimensioned so that the pressure by the holding force of the meniscus is smaller than F2 / S2. container. 62. The valve chamber is configured to communicate with the storage space in a portion of the liquid storage chamber where the introduced gas is stored, and the following equation | F1 | / S1> | F2 | / S2 54. When filling, the one-way valve is configured to open to introduce the atmosphere from the outside.
Liquid storage container described in. 63. The liquid container according to claim 62, wherein the area S1 is larger than the area S2. 64. The liquid container according to claim 63, wherein the elastic member and the valve regulating member are formed of springs having spring constants K1 and K2, respectively, and K2> K1. 65. The liquid storage container according to claim 53, wherein the urging means has a plate-like urging member that is joined to and supports the movable portion. 66. The liquid storage container according to claim 53, wherein the movable part is formed of a flexible sheet. 67. The one-way valve has a flexible sheet partially having an opening for introducing the gas, and a sealing member provided at a position facing the opening, and the closing means. Has an opening continuous to the opening and is joined to the flexible sheet, and receives the biasing force F2 to attach the flexible sheet in a direction in which the opening is closed by the sealing member. The liquid storage container according to any one of claims 53 to 66, further comprising a plate-like valve closing member that urges. 68. The liquid container according to claim 53, wherein at least one of the elastic member and the valve regulating member is formed of a spring. 69. The liquid storage container according to any one of claims 53 to 68, wherein the storage space is substantially sealed except for a communication portion to the liquid supply port and the valve portion. . 70. A movable part which defines a liquid storage space and is displaceable with the supply of the liquid, a liquid supply port for supplying the stored liquid to the outside, and a gas inside the storage space. And a one-way valve having a sealing member for sealing the opening, the internal volume of the storage space being reduced by the displacement of the movable part accompanying the supply of the liquid. The liquid storage container is configured so that the one-way valve is opened and the gas is introduced when the inner volume becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. 71. When the area of the acting surface of the biasing force for closing the opening is S2, the biasing force is F2, the pressure inside the storage space is P1, and the environmental pressure is P, the internal volume is 71. The liquid container according to claim 70, wherein the following expression P-P1> F2 / S2 is satisfied and the one-way valve is opened when the value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value. 72. The liquid container according to any one of claims 67 to 71, wherein an area S2 of the acting surface of the biasing force is larger than an area of the opening. 73. A liquid supply port for supplying the stored liquid to the outside, a gas introduction from the outside to the inside of the storage space, and a discharge of the liquid and the gas from the storage space to the outside. A liquid container comprising a valve portion having a one-way valve for blocking, the liquid storage container being substantially closed except for the liquid supply port and the one-way valve, for liquid supply from the liquid supply port. Negative pressure generating means for applying a negative pressure, and negative pressure adjusting means for adjusting the negative pressure by introducing the gas, wherein the negative pressure adjusting means discharges liquid or gas to the outside. A liquid container having a function of blocking the discharge according to an attempted action. 74. A movable part which defines a liquid storage space and is displaceable with the supply of the liquid, a liquid supply port for supplying the stored liquid to the outside, and a gas inside the storage space. An opening through which the liquid can be introduced, and a valve body for sealing the opening, the internal volume being accompanied by the supply of the liquid from a state where the storage space is substantially filled with the liquid. Is decreased, and after the inner volume is equal to or less than the predetermined value and the gas is introduced, the contents of the storage space near the predetermined value even when the liquid is supplied and the gas is introduced. A liquid storage container configured to hold a product. 75. The maximum internal volume of the storage space is Vma
The liquid storage container according to claim 74, wherein, when x, a predetermined value of the internal volume of the storage space when the gas starts to be introduced is Vair, the following expression Vair ≤ 0.9 x Vmax is satisfied. . 76. The maximum internal volume of the storage space is Vma
The liquid storage container according to claim 74, wherein when the predetermined value of the internal volume of the storage space when the gas starts to be introduced is Vair, the following expression Vair ≤ 0.8 x Vmax is satisfied. . 77. The maximum internal volume of the storage space is set to Vma.
The liquid storage container according to claim 74, wherein when the predetermined value of the internal volume of the storage space when the gas starts to be introduced is Vair, the following expression Vair ≤ 0.7 x Vmax is satisfied. . 78. The maximum internal volume of the storage space is Vma
The liquid storage container according to claim 74, wherein when the predetermined value of the internal volume of the storage space at the time when the gas starts to be introduced is Vair, the following expression Vair ≦ 0.6 × Vmax is satisfied. . 79. A liquid use apparatus, which is connectable to the liquid storage container according to any one of claims 53 to 78 and uses the liquid supplied from the storage space. 80. The liquid container according to any one of claims 53 to 70, wherein ink as a recording agent is contained as the liquid. 81. A recording apparatus, wherein the liquid storage container according to claim 80 is used to perform recording with ink supplied from the storage space. 82. A liquid storage container according to claim 80, and a recording head connected to the liquid storage container and capable of ejecting ink supplied from the storage space from an ink ejection port. Inkjet cartridge characterized by. 83. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein an ink as a recording agent is stored as the liquid. 84. The liquid container according to claim 83, wherein the ink contains a pigment as a coloring material.