JPH10250091A - Liquid discharge head, liquid storage container and their distribution cap - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a logistics cap having a special structure for avoiding printing deterioration and an unusable state of an ink jet head or the like by preventing erroneous mounting of a distribution cap beforehand. SOLUTION: Distribution cap C for ink jet head
P denotes a cap body 1, a wing 3 having an engaging claw 2, a protection portion 5 which comes into contact with and protects the head face surface, and a resin arm 7 as a stopper protruding toward the head face surface. And a leaf spring 6 for restricting the rotation of the arm 7 to prevent the cap CP from being reattached.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet type liquid discharge head for forming an image by discharging a liquid such as ink containing a color material onto a recording medium such as paper, and stores the liquid to be supplied to the head. The present invention relates to a protective cap for a liquid storage container.

Such a protective cap is an indispensable part for safely placing a replacement head or the like in a distribution process because the above-described liquid discharge head and liquid storage container can be replaced with a liquid discharge device. is there.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art As the above-described liquid ejection apparatus, for example,
2. Description of the Related Art A color printer or the like that can be connected to a word processor or a personal computer is known.

Among the ink jet heads as liquid discharge heads that can be mounted on the printer, a so-called head unit type integrated with an ink tank as a liquid storage container is in circulation.

[0005] In such a head unit, an adhesive tape is adhered to the head face surface in close contact with the head face surface for the purpose of protecting the head face surface including the discharge port and preventing the liquid from evaporating or leaking from the discharge port. In addition, measures have been taken to press a distribution cap having a sponge to reduce external impact. Such a distribution cap is fixed to the head unit by an arm having a claw-shaped tip.

[0006] Ink jet heads for color printers are roughly classified into two types.

[0007] First, black ink (K), yellow ink (Y), magenta ink (M), and cyan ink (C) are used to discharge a plurality of ink orifices in one head for each color. This type is divided into exit groups. This type has a small number of discharge ports per color, but has the advantage of low cost.

The second is an independent separation type for each color, which has an advantage that the number of discharge ports per color can be increased although the cost is high. When an image is formed using this type, it is necessary to arrange each head in parallel.

In any type of head, basically, a set of protective members is attached to each head in consideration of cost, handling of a user, and the like, and the shape and removal method are unified. It is the current situation. Further, the head unit once attached to the printer and removed is usually stored in a dedicated storage box.

On the other hand, the ink tank alone is also in the distribution process. During the distribution, a dedicated distribution cap is used to prevent evaporation and leakage of the ink from the supply port of the ink tank. The distribution cap has an elastic portion made of resin, rubber, or the like for closing the supply port, and an engaging portion for securely pressing the elastic portion against the supply port of the ink tank.

However, since any of the distribution caps described above can be reused, the following inconveniences may occur.

First, in the case of a distribution cap for a color ink jet head, if a used cap is erroneously used on the head face surface of a head that ejects ink of a different color, color mixing may occur. In this case, if the mixed color state is left for a long time, the print quality deteriorates.

Next, in the case of a distribution cap for a black ink jet head, although there is no possibility of causing the above-described color mixing, the distribution cap attached at the time of purchase is directly placed without being put in a dedicated storage box after being removed from the printer. It may be worn. In this case, the soft sponge of the cap may damage the periphery of the head face surface which is relatively more delicate than the sponge. In addition, if the ink absorbed by the sponge is fixed on the sponge surface, the fixed portion may damage the periphery of the head face, and the fixed ink may block the discharge port. In this case, a discharge warpage or the like occurs, which causes a deterioration in discharge characteristics.

By the way, when the color mixture of the inks including the above-described color materials occurs, it is considered that the head is not in an unusable state although the ejection characteristics may be reduced. However, in the case of using a printability improving liquid containing a substance that insolubilizes or aggregates the coloring material in the ink in order to improve the image quality or image fastness of the ink with respect to the ink containing the ordinary coloring material, The following inconveniences may occur. That is, if the distribution cap for the ink ejection head is erroneously attached to the head that ejects the printability improving liquid, the ejection port on the head face surface is covered with an insoluble substance or agglomerate, and the ejection becomes substantially impossible. I fall.

[0015] Also, the same disadvantages as described above may occur in the tank for storing the printability improving liquid. In this case, the supply port of the tank or the filter inside the tank is blocked by the insoluble substance or the aggregate, and the ink supply to the head becomes insufficient, and the normal ejection performance of the head cannot be maintained. there is a possibility.

[0016]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to prevent a user from erroneously installing a physical distribution cap, thereby avoiding deterioration of printing or an unusable state of an ink jet head or the like. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a specially structured logistics cap.

[0017]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a distribution cap for a liquid discharge head for discharging a liquid from a liquid discharge head onto a recording medium. Protection means for protecting the ejection port of the liquid ejection head, means for coupling the protection means to the ejection port, and means for preventing the coupling by the coupling means once the coupling by the coupling means is released. It is characterized by including.

Here, the recombination preventing means does not regulate the distance between the coupling means and the liquid ejection head when coupling by the coupling means, and the coupling is once released when the coupling is released. The liquid ejecting head may include means for regulating a distance between the liquid ejecting head and the liquid ejecting head. The restricting means may include an elastic member and a projecting member projecting toward the ejection port of the liquid ejection head by the elastic member.

Further, the present invention is a distribution cap for a liquid discharge head for externally blocking a discharge port of a liquid discharge head for discharging a liquid to a recording medium, wherein the protection means protects the discharge port of the liquid discharge head. And means for connecting the protection means to the discharge port, wherein the connection means includes a weakened portion which is deformed so that reconnection is disabled by releasing the connection. Here, the weakened portion may be a groove with reduced strength.

Since the distribution cap for a liquid ejection head of the present invention cannot be reattached after it has been removed from the head face, erroneous mounting of the ink color and damage to the head face can be prevented. For this reason, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent a drop in the discharge characteristics such as a discharge misalignment due to color mixing due to erroneous mounting or damage to the head face surface. In particular, when a printability improving liquid containing a substance that insolubilizes or aggregates the coloring material in the ink is used for the purpose of improving the image quality and image fastness, careless mixing of the ink and the printability improving liquid is performed. Therefore, there is also an advantage that the head does not fall into an unusable state.

Furthermore, a liquid discharge head according to the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned cap is mounted. Here, the discharge port is an opening of a nozzle having a thermal energy generator that generates thermal energy as energy required for discharging the liquid, and the thermal energy generator causes film boiling in the liquid. An electrothermal converter that generates heat energy may be used.

The liquid may include a liquid containing a low molecular component and a high molecular component cationic substance, and a liquid containing an anionic dye. The liquid may contain a low molecular component and a high molecular component cation. And a liquid containing at least an anionic dye and a pigment. The discharge ports may be arranged in a plurality of rows.

Further, the present invention is a distribution cap for a liquid storage container for shutting off a supply port of a liquid storage container for storing liquid used for image formation from the outside, and protects the supply port of the liquid storage container. Protection means, means for connecting the protection means to the supply port, and recombination prevention means for preventing reconnection by the connection means once the connection by the connection means is released. I do.

Here, the recombination preventing means does not restrict the distance between the coupling means and the liquid storage container at the time of coupling by the coupling means, and the coupling is once released when the coupling is released. The liquid storage container may include a means for regulating a distance between the means and the liquid storage container. The regulating means may include an elastic member and a projecting member projecting toward the supply port of the liquid storage container by the elastic member.

Further, the present invention is a distribution cap for a liquid storage container for shutting off a supply port of a liquid storage container for storing liquid used for image formation from the outside, and protects the supply port of the liquid storage container. A protection means, and means for connecting the protection means to the supply port, wherein the connection means includes a weakened portion which is deformed so that reconnection is impossible by releasing the connection. I do. Here, the weakened portion may be a groove with reduced strength.

The distribution cap for a liquid storage container according to the present invention also includes
Similarly to the above-described head cap, since it cannot be attached again after it has been removed from the ink supply port, it is possible to prevent erroneous attachment relating to the ink color. In particular, when the above-described printability improving liquid is used, it is possible to reliably prevent inadvertent mixing of the ink and the printability improving liquid. There is also an advantage that the ink can be sufficiently supplied to the head without clogging, and the normal ejection performance of the head can be maintained.

Further, a liquid storage container according to the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned cap is mounted. Here, the liquid may include a liquid containing a cationic substance of a low molecular component and a high molecular component, and a liquid containing an anionic dye,
The liquid may include a liquid containing a low molecular component and a high molecular component cationic substance, and a liquid containing at least an anionic dye and a pigment.

[0028]

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

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 and FIGS.
FIG. 1C is a view showing one embodiment of a distribution cap for a liquid ejection head of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view, and FIG.
FIG. 2A is a plan view seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG.
FIG. 2B is a front view seen from the direction of arrow B in FIG.
(C) is a side view seen from the direction of arrow C in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 1, CP is a distribution cap,
Reference numeral 1 denotes a substantially rectangular cap body. Cap body 1
Are provided at both ends with a pair of wings 3 having upper claws 2 for engaging with the vicinity of a discharge port surface of an ink jet head as a liquid discharge head described later. The wing 3 has a leg 3a rising from the cap body 1, a seat 3b projecting outward from the upper portion of the leg 3a, and a back 3c rising from the outer edge of the seat 3b in the same manner as the leg 3a. It is schematically composed of The claws 2 are provided in pairs at the inside of the upper end of the back 3c of the wing 3, and the tips of the claws have an acute angle so that they do not easily come off due to vibration or impact during distribution. In the present embodiment, a reinforcing portion 3d is provided from the outside of the leg 3a of the wing 3 to the lower side of the seat 3b. Wing 3
A pulling portion 4 used to release the engagement between the claw 2 and a head, which will be described later, is provided at one of the distal ends. Nail 2
The wing 3 and the wing 3 constitute a connecting means in the present embodiment.

A pair of rectangular parallelepiped protective portions (protective means) 5 are attached to the upper surface of the cap body 1. The protection unit 5 is a sponge made of urethane foam or the like that can absorb a liquid such as ink. In the present embodiment, the pair of the protection portions 5 is for individually protecting two ejection port arrays of the head unit described later.

The cap body 1 is provided between the pair of protection portions 5.
Is provided with a leaf spring 6 made of a metal or the like having elasticity and low creep deformation. One end of the leaf spring 6 is fixed to one end of the cap body 1 by screwing, and is bent so as to have a constant elevation angle from the center to the other end with the center as a fulcrum. It is shaped like a letter. A resin arm 7 is rotatably fixed to the other end of the cap body 1, and when the resin arm 7 comes into contact with a bent end portion of the leaf spring 6, the rotation is restricted. In the present embodiment, the leaf spring 6 and the resin arm 7 constitute a recombination preventing unit and a restricting unit.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an ink jet head as a liquid discharge head to which the above-mentioned distribution cap CP according to the present embodiment can be attached. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a head unit in which the ink jet head and the ink tank shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are integrated.

In FIG. 3, HD is an ink jet head, and 10 is a base on which the head HD is mounted. The head HD according to the present embodiment includes a first head 12 having a row of ink ejection ports 11,
A second line having an independent row of ink ejection ports 13
And a head 14. Here, the two heads 12 and 14 are substantially the same except that their structures are only mirror images of each other. Therefore, as a representative of the two heads, only the configuration of the first head 12 will be described. The description of the configuration of the second head 14 is omitted.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, reference numeral 15 denotes a top plate having a flat surface constituting a part of the head face. The material for forming the top plate 15 is selected by comprehensively judging whether the moldability is good or not, and whether or not it is hard to be eroded by the ink used, and the like. Generally, polysulfone or the like is preferably used. Can be Reference numeral 15a denotes a window formed on a part of the plane of the top plate 15.
The ink ejection port 11 or 13 is exposed through the line a. 1
Reference numeral 7 denotes a heater as a heat energy generator that generates heat energy used for discharging ink on the Si substrate, and a heater board formed with an aluminum wiring portion thereof by a film forming technique. The heater board 17 includes a TA
In order to reduce the number of pads for B, a shift register and a driving transistor are provided. Also, top plate 1
5, a recess serving as an ink flow path 18 and an ink liquid chamber 19 is formed between the heater board 17 and the heater board 17 by molding or laser processing. The ink liquid chamber 19 communicates with the ink tank TA shown in FIG. Usually, a sealant is used between the top plate 15 and the heater board 17 in order to prevent leakage of ink. One end of a wiring board 21 is connected to a terminal of the heater board 17 by wire bonding or the like. Also in this connection, a sealant is used to prevent and protect the connection portion from adhering ink. The other end of the wiring board 21 is curved and fixed to the base 10. The first head 12 thus assembled is bundled and held by the elastic member 22 from the outside. The heater as a heat energy generator will be further described later.

The head HD having such a structure forms a head unit integrally with the ink tank TA as shown in FIG. This head unit includes a head H
In the vicinity of the D fixing position, there is formed a concave portion 23 with which the claw 2 of the distribution cap CP can be engaged.

Here, the distribution cap CP for the head HD of the head unit described above with reference to FIGS.
The attachment and detachment will be described.

First, the mounting will be described. Head HD
The protection section 5 of the distribution cap CP is brought into contact with the head face surface of the first head 12 including the top plate 15 and the like.
At this time, the bent portion of the leaf spring 6 provided between the protection portions 5 is brought down by the portion between the two head face surfaces so as to contact the upper surface of the cap body 1 against its restoring force. Since the rotation of the resin arm 7 is not restricted by the inclination of the leaf spring 6, the resin arm 7 can also be tilted to the upper surface of the cap body 1. While maintaining such a state, the claw 2 at the tip of the wing 3 of the cap CP is guided into the recess 23 of the head unit and engaged therewith. This completes the mounting of the cap CP.

Next, the removal will be described. The pulling portion 4 provided at the upper end of the wing 3 is pulled in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 1 to release the engagement of the claw 2 with the concave portion 23. Thereby, the protection part 5 of the cap CP can be separated from the head face surface of the head HD, and the cap CP can be removed.

Next, the remounting will be described. Normal,
When the user attempts to engage the claw 2 of the wing 3 with the recess 23 of the head unit HU,
Is not tilted, the rotation of the resin arm 7 is restricted, and the resin arm 7 is projected from the head unit HU. Can not. In this case, since the protection portion 5 of the distribution cap CP is not brought into contact with the head face surface of the head HD, the head face surface is not damaged by the ink adhered, solidified, or fixed to the protection portion 5.

The head unit HU shown in FIG.
In addition, the head HD and the ink tank TA shown in FIG. 4 are integrated, but the above-described head HD and the ink tank TA may be detachably connected to each other. Also, the cap C according to the present embodiment
P can be applied to the head HD.

Here, an example in which the head HD and the ink tank TA are detachably connected will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing a head cartridge HC capable of separating the head HD and the ink tank TA, wherein FIG. 6A is a front view and FIG. 6B is a side view. FIGS. 7A and 7B show FIG.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing a state in which a distribution cap CP is attached to the head HD of the head cartridge HC shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, wherein FIG. 7A is a front view and FIG. 7B is a side view.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the head cartridge HC is a box-shaped body having an open upper part.
In the upper opening, an ink tank TA is mounted with an ink supply port (not shown) facing downward. A head HD is fixed outside the bottom of the head cartridge HC. A distribution cap CP can be attached to the head HD from below. This logistics cap CP
The head cartridge HC can be removed from the head HD by pulling the pulling portion 4 outward, but the mounting is prevented again by the leaf spring 6 and the resin arm 7 shown in FIGS. In addition, the face surface of the head HD is reliably protected, and inconveniences such as color mixing and insolubilization on the face surface and the like are prevented from occurring.

Next, an example of an ink jet recording apparatus as a liquid ejection apparatus to which such a head unit HU or a head cartridge HC can be detachably attached will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 30 denotes a carriage on which two head units HU described above can be mounted at the same time. The carriage 30 is supported by scanning rails 32 and 33 extending parallel to each other on the chassis 31 so as to be reciprocally movable in the extending direction. In this carriage 30,
A drive belt 34 for transmitting a drive from a drive motor (not shown) and a flexible cable 35 for transmitting an image signal to a head portion of a head unit HU to be mounted are connected to each other. Scan rails 32 and 33
A suction or protection cap 36 for recovering the ejection characteristics of each head of the head unit HU mounted on the carriage 30 is provided at a home position HP provided at one end of the carriage 30. By setting the space between the cap 36 and the head unit to a negative pressure by the pump, it is possible to positively eliminate clogging of the discharge port of the head unit or the ink flow path (nozzle) communicating therewith. .

Here, since two head units HU can be mounted on the carriage 30 at the same time, one of them is used for normal ink ejection, and the other is used to insolubilize or coagulate the color material of the ink to obtain image quality or image robustness. It can also be used for discharging a printability improving liquid for improving the printing quality.
The printability improving liquid will be further described later.

(Embodiment 2) FIGS. 9 and 10A-
(C) is a diagram showing an embodiment of the distribution cap for a liquid ejection head of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a perspective view, and FIG.
FIG. 10A is a plan view seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG.
0 (b) is a front view as viewed from the direction of arrow B in FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 (c) is a side view as viewed from the direction of arrow C in FIG.
In addition, among the components of the present embodiment, components common to the components of the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals,
The description of that part is omitted.

A feature of this embodiment is that instead of the leaf spring and the resin arm in the previous embodiment, a weakened groove (weakened portion) 40 is formed in the leg 3a of the wing 3 having the tensile portion 4 in which the strength is reduced. That is the point. Strength reduction groove 4
0 is not limited to the leg portion 3a of the wing 3, but can effectively receive the outward force of the cap CP applied to the wing 3 when the pulling portion 4 is pulled. In a position where the wing 3 is broken and the tip of the wing 3 cannot be connected to the head or the like by the claw 2, the strength reduction groove 40 can be formed in any other part of the wing 3. In the present embodiment, no reinforcing portion 3d is formed on the wing 3 on which the strength reduction groove 40 is formed.

In this embodiment, when the tension portion 4 is pulled,
Since the wing 3 is separated outward and the wing 3 is broken at the position of the strength-reducing groove 40, it is impossible to connect the tip of the wing 3 to the head or the like by the claw 2 even if an attempt is made to reconnect. . Therefore, the head face surface is reliably protected, and inconveniences such as color mixing and insolubilization on the face surface and the like are prevented from occurring.

The cap CP according to this embodiment is also applicable to any of the heads HD of the head unit HU shown in FIG. 5 and the head cartridge HC shown in FIG. The head cartridge HC can be removably mounted on the carriage 30 of the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a distribution cap for a liquid storage container according to the present invention, and FIG. 12 is an ink tank to which the distribution cap shown in FIG. 11 can be applied. It is a perspective view which shows an example. FIGS. 13A and 13B are views showing a state in which the distribution cap shown in FIG. 11 is attached to the ink tank shown in FIG. 12, wherein FIG. 13A is a front view and FIG. ) Is a plan view. Note that among components of the present embodiment, components common to the components of the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of those portions will be omitted.

In FIG. 11, the distribution cap CP includes a substantially rectangular cap body 50, a pair of wings 51 rising from both ends of the cap body 50, the claw 2 provided inside the tip of the wing 51, and the cap body 50. The upper surface is schematically constituted by three protection portions 52 for closing an ink supply port of an ink tank TA described later, and a hook portion 53 provided on the upper outer side of one wing 51.

Each protection section 52 is a rubber member pressed against the ink supply port to protect the ink supply port of the ink tank TA. A wall portion 54 is provided around each of the protection portions 52 in order to prevent leakage of ink from the ink supply port, improve the reliability of positioning the protection portion 52 with respect to the ink supply port, and the like.

The distribution cap CP according to this embodiment is
Is applied to an ink tank TA in which three containers for storing three types of inks of yellow ink (Y), magenta ink (M), and cyan ink (C) are integrated. As shown in the figure, a protection part 52 and a surrounding wall part 54 corresponding to the ink supply port 55 of the ink tank TA provided for each ink are provided in one distribution cap CP.

Further, a concave portion 23 with which the claw 2 of the distribution cap CP is engaged is formed on the side of the ink tank TA.

In this embodiment, after the distribution cap CP attached to the ink tank TA is removed by hooking the hook portion 53, and then reattached, a leaf spring provided between the adjacent protection portions 52 is used. 6 and the resin arm 7 prevent re-attachment. Accordingly, the ink supply port is reliably protected, and inconveniences such as color mixing and insolubilization at the ink supply port and the like are prevented from occurring.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the distribution cap for a liquid storage container of the present invention. Note that among components of the present embodiment, components common to the components of the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of those portions will be omitted.

The feature of this embodiment is that the strength reduction groove 40 in the liquid discharge head distribution cap shown in FIG. 9 is provided in one wing 51 having a hooking portion 53.

In this embodiment, when the hook portion 53 is pulled, the wings 51 move outward and the strength-reducing grooves 4
Since the wing 51 is broken at the position of 0, it is impossible to connect the tip of the wing 51 to the ink tank TA by the claw 2 even if the connection is attempted again. Accordingly, the ink supply port is reliably protected, and inconveniences such as color mixing and insolubilization at the ink supply port and the like are prevented from occurring. In the present embodiment, instead of the leaf spring and the resin arm as recombination preventing means in the above-mentioned cap CP, a partition wall 60 for dividing the protection portion 52 and the surrounding wall portion 54 for each ink type is provided. I have.

The above-mentioned printability improving liquid includes:
The following can be used.

The colorless printability improving liquid for insolubilizing the ink dye can be obtained, for example, as follows.

That is, after mixing and dissolving the following components,
Further, after filtration under pressure with a membrane filter having a pore size of 0.22 μm (trade name: Fluoropore Filter, manufactured by Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.), the pH was adjusted to 4.8 with NaOH, and the colorless printability improving liquid A1 was used. Can be obtained.

[Component of A1] Low molecular weight component of cationic compound Stearyl trimethyl ammonium salt 2.0 parts (trade name: Electrostripper QE, manufactured by Kao Corporation) or stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (trade name: Eutamine 86P, Kao) High molecular component of cationic compound Copolymer of diallylamine hydrochloride and sulfur dioxide 3.0 parts (average molecular weight: 5000) (trade name: polyamine sulfone PAS-92, manufactured by Nitto Boseki Co., Ltd.) Thiodi Glycol 10 parts Water Remaining In addition, the following can be mentioned as a preferred example of the ink which is mixed with the above-mentioned colorless printability improving liquid and insolubilized.

That is, the following components were mixed, and the mixture was filtered under pressure through a membrane filter having a pore size of 0.22 μm (trade name: Fluoropore Filter, manufactured by Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.), and yellow, magenta, cyan, and black were filtered. Inks Y1, M1, C1, and K1 can be obtained.

Y1 C.I. I. Direct Yellow 142 2 parts Thiodiglycol 10 parts Trade name; acetylenol EH 0.05 part (manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.) Water balance M1 I. Acid Red 289; the same composition as Y1 except that 2.5 parts were used. I. Acid Blue 9: Same as Y1 except that 2.5 parts were used. I. Food Black 2: Same composition as Y1 except that 3 parts are replaced. In the present invention, the above-mentioned colorless printability improving liquid (liquid composition) is mixed with the ink. As a result of the ink being mixed on the material to be printed or at a position where the ink has penetrated into the material to be printed, a low molecular weight component or a cationic component among the cationic substances contained in the colorless printability improving liquid as the first stage of the reaction. The oligomer and the water-soluble dye having an anionic group used in the ink are associated with each other by ionic interaction, and instantaneously separate from the solution phase.

Next, as the second stage of the reaction, the association between the above-mentioned dye and the low molecular weight cationic substance or cationic oligomer is adsorbed by the polymer component contained in the colorless printability improving liquid. The size of the aggregates of the dyes generated in the association is further increased, making it difficult to enter the gaps between the fibers of the printing material, and as a result, only the liquid portion that has been solid-liquid separated penetrates into the recording paper,
Both print quality and fixability are achieved. At the same time, the aggregate formed by the low molecular weight component of the cationic substance or the cationic oligomer and the anionic dye formed by the mechanism described above increases in viscosity and does not move with the movement of the liquid medium, so that a full-color image is obtained. Even when adjacent ink dots are formed of different color inks as in the case of formation, they do not mix with each other, and bleeding does not occur. Also, the agglomerates are essentially water-insoluble and the formed images have perfect water resistance. Further, it also has an effect of improving the light fastness of an image formed by the shielding effect of the polymer.

As used herein, the term “insolubilization” or “aggregation” refers to a phenomenon that occurs only in the first step or a phenomenon that includes both the first step and the second step.

In practicing the present invention, it is not necessary to use a cationic polymer substance having a high molecular weight or a polyvalent metal salt as in the prior art. Since it is only necessary to use it supplementarily to further improve the effect, the amount of use can be minimized. As a result, another problem of the present invention is that the decrease in the coloring property of the dye, which has been a problem in the case of using a conventional cationic polymer substance or a polyvalent metal salt to obtain a water resistance effect, is eliminated. This can be mentioned as an effect.

The printing material used in carrying out the present invention is not particularly limited, and so-called plain paper such as copy paper and bond paper conventionally used can be suitably used. Of course, a coated paper or a transparent film for OHP specially prepared for inkjet printing can be suitably used, and general high-quality paper or glossy paper can also be suitably used.

In practicing the present invention, the ink used is not particularly limited to a dye ink, but a pigment ink in which a pigment is dispersed may be used. Can be used. The following can be mentioned as an example of the pigment ink which causes aggregation by mixing with the above-mentioned colorless liquid A1. That is, as described below, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color inks containing a pigment and an anionic compound, respectively,
2, M2, C2 and K2 can be obtained.

Black ink K2 Anionic polymer P-1 (styrene-methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate, acid value 400, weight average molecular weight 6,0
00, an aqueous solution having a solid content of 20%, a neutralizing agent: potassium hydroxide) was used as a dispersant, and the following materials were charged into a batch-type vertical sand mill (manufactured by Imex Corporation).
Glass beads having a diameter of mm were filled as a medium, and a dispersion treatment was performed for 3 hours while cooling with water. The viscosity after dispersion is 9 cp
s, pH was 10.0. The dispersion was centrifuged to remove coarse particles, thereby producing a carbon black dispersion having a weight average particle diameter of 100 nm.

(Composition of Carbon Black Dispersion) ・ 40 parts of P-1 aqueous solution (solid content: 20%) ・ 24 parts of carbon black (trade name: Mogul L, manufactured by Cablack Co., Ltd.) ・ 15 parts of glycerin ・ ethylene glycol mono Butyl ether 0.5 part ・ Isopropyl alcohol 3 parts ・ Water 135 parts Next, the dispersion obtained above is sufficiently diffused to contain the pigment.
Obtained black ink K2 for inkjet
Was. The solids content of the final preparation was about 10%. Yellow ink Y2 Anionic polymer P-2 (styrene-acrylic acid-methyl
Methacrylate, acid value 280, weight average molecular weight 1
1,000, 20% solids aqueous solution, Neutralizer: Dietano
Amine) as a dispersant and the following materials
In the same manner as in the case of producing the black ink K2,
And a yellow color dispersion having a weight average particle diameter of 103 nm.
Was prepared.

(Composition of Yellow Dispersion) 35 parts of P-2 aqueous solution (solid content: 20%) I. Pigment Yellow 180 24 parts (trade name: Nova Palm Yellow PH-G, manufactured by Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft)-Triethylene glycol 10 parts-Diethylene glycol 10 parts-Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether 1.0 parts-Isopropyl alcohol 0.5 parts-Water 135 parts The yellow dispersion obtained above was sufficiently diffused to obtain a yellow ink Y2 for inkjet containing a pigment. The solids content of the final preparation was about 10%.

The same dispersion treatment as in the case of the carbon black dispersion described above was performed using the anionic polymer P-1 used in the preparation of the cyan ink C2 and the black ink K2 as a dispersant, and using the following materials. Was carried out to produce a cyan dispersion having a weight average particle size of 120 nm. (Composition of cyan color dispersion) 30 parts of P-1 aqueous solution (solid content 20%) C.I. I. Pigment Blue 15: 3 24 parts (trade name: Fastgenble-FGF, manufactured by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc.)-Glycerin 15 parts-Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether 0.5 parts-Isopropyl alcohol 3 parts-Water 135 parts Above The obtained cyan dispersion was sufficiently stirred to obtain a cyan ink C2 for inkjet containing a pigment. The solids content of the final preparation was about 9.6%.

Magenta ink M2 Anionic polymer P-1 used in the production of black ink K2 was used as a dispersant, and the following dispersion treatment was carried out by using the following materials and using the following materials. Was carried out to produce a magenta color dispersion having a weight average particle size of 115 nm.

(Composition of magenta color dispersion) 20 parts of P-1 aqueous solution (solid content: 20%) I. Pigment Red 122 24 parts (manufactured by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc.) 15 parts of glycerin 3 parts of isopropyl alcohol 135 parts of water The magenta color dispersion obtained above is sufficiently diffused to obtain an ink jet containing a pigment. Magenta ink M2
I got The solids content of the final preparation was about 9.2%.

(Others) It should be noted that the present invention includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for discharging ink, particularly in an ink jet recording system. An excellent effect is obtained in a recording head and a recording apparatus of a type in which the state of ink is changed by the thermal energy. This is because according to such a method, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording. For the representative configuration and principle, see, for example, US Pat. No. 4,723,129,
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4740796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to a sheet or a liquid path holding a liquid (ink). Applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recording information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling to the electrothermal transducer, thereby causing the electrothermal transducer to generate thermal energy, thereby causing the recording head to emit heat energy. This is effective because a film in the liquid (ink) corresponding to the driving signal can be formed one by one by causing film boiling on the heat acting surface. The liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble to form at least one droplet.
When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of a liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat.
A configuration using the specification of Japanese Patent No. 59600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters. The effect of the present invention is effective even if the configuration is based on JP-A-59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to a discharge unit. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be reliably and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

Further, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium on which a recording apparatus can record. Such a recording head may have a configuration that satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as one integrally formed recording head.

In addition, even in the case of the serial type as described above, the recording head fixed to the apparatus main body or the electric connection with the apparatus main body or the ink from the apparatus main body is attached to the apparatus main body by being attached to the apparatus main body. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be supplied or a cartridge-type recording head in which an ink tank is provided integrally with the recording head itself is used.

It is preferable to add a recording head ejection recovery unit, a preliminary auxiliary unit, and the like as the configuration of the recording apparatus of the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. If these are specifically mentioned, the recording head is heated using capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, an electrothermal transducer, another heating element or a combination thereof. Pre-heating means for performing the pre-heating and pre-discharging means for performing the discharging other than the recording can be used. Regarding the type or number of print heads to be mounted, for example, in addition to one provided for single color ink, a plurality of print heads are provided corresponding to a plurality of inks having different print colors and densities. May be used. That is, for example, the printing mode of the printing apparatus is not limited to a printing mode of only a mainstream color such as black, but may be any of integrally forming a printing head or a combination of a plurality of printing heads. The present invention is also very effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of the recording modes of full color by color mixture.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid. However, an ink which solidifies at room temperature or lower and which softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used. In general, the ink jet method generally controls the temperature of the ink itself within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. Sometimes, the ink may be in a liquid state. In addition, in order to positively prevent temperature rise due to thermal energy by using it as energy for changing the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or to prevent evaporation of the ink, the ink is solidified in a standing state and heated. May be used. In any case, the application of heat energy causes the ink to be liquefied by the application of the heat energy according to the recording signal and the liquid ink to be ejected, or to start solidifying when it reaches the recording medium. The present invention is also applicable to a case where an ink having a property of liquefying for the first time is used. In such a case, the ink
JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-7
As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1260, it is also possible to adopt a form in which the sheet is opposed to the electrothermal converter in a state where it is held as a liquid or solid substance in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

Further, the form of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is not limited to those used as image output terminals of information processing equipment such as computers, copying apparatuses combined with readers and the like, and facsimile apparatuses having a transmission / reception function. It may take a form.

[0084]

As described above, since the distribution cap for a liquid discharge head of the present invention cannot be re-attached after being removed from the head face, erroneous mounting relating to ink color and damage to the head face are performed. Can be prevented. For this reason, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent a drop in the discharge characteristics such as a discharge misalignment due to color mixing due to erroneous mounting or damage to the head face surface. In particular, when a printability improving liquid containing a substance that insolubilizes or aggregates the coloring material in the ink is used for the purpose of improving the image quality and image fastness, careless mixing of the ink and the printability improving liquid is performed. Therefore, there is also an advantage that the head does not fall into an unusable state.

Also, the distribution cap for a liquid storage container of the present invention cannot be reattached after being removed from the ink supply port, similarly to the head cap described above.
Erroneous mounting related to the ink color can be prevented. In particular, when the above-described printability improving liquid is used, it is possible to reliably prevent inadvertent mixing of the ink and the printability improving liquid. There is also an advantage that the ink can be sufficiently supplied to the head without clogging, and the normal ejection performance of the head can be maintained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a distribution cap for a liquid ejection head of the present invention.

2 (a) to 2 (c) are plan views as viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 (b) is a front view as viewed from the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view as viewed from the direction of arrow C.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an ink jet head as a liquid ejection head to which a distribution cap according to the embodiment can be attached.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of one head taken along line XX of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a head unit in which the ink jet head and the ink tank shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are integrated.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing a head cartridge capable of separating a head and an ink tank,
(A) is a front view, (b) is a side view.

FIGS. 7 (a) and (b) show FIGS. 6 (a) and (b)
3A and 3B are views showing a state in which a distribution cap is attached to the head of the head cartridge shown in FIG. 3A, wherein FIG. 3A is a front view and FIG. 3B is a side view.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a liquid ejection apparatus to which a head equipped with a liquid ejection head distribution cap of the present invention can be attached.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a distribution cap for a liquid ejection head of the present invention.

10 (a) to 10 (c) are views showing one embodiment of a distribution cap for a liquid ejection head according to the present invention, and FIG. 10 (a) is a plan view seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG. (B) is FIG.
10 is a front view as viewed from the direction of arrow B, and FIG. 10C is a side view as viewed from the direction of arrow C in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a distribution cap for a liquid storage container of the present invention.

12 is a perspective view showing an example of an ink tank to which the distribution cap shown in FIG. 11 can be applied.

13A and 13B are views showing a state in which the distribution cap shown in FIG. 11 is attached to the ink tank shown in FIG. 12, wherein FIG. 13A is a front view and FIG. ) Is a plan view.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the distribution cap for a liquid storage container of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 HD head (liquid ejection head) TA ink tank (liquid storage container) HU head unit HC head cartridge 1 cap body 2 claw 3 wing 4 pulling section 5 protection section 6 leaf spring 7 resin arm 10 base 11 ink ejection port 12 first head Reference Signs List 13 ink discharge port 14 second head 15 top plate 17 heater board 18 ink flow path 19 ink liquid chamber 20 ink introduction path 21 wiring board 22 elastic member 23 concave portion 30 carriage 31 chassis 32 scanning rail 33 scanning rail 34 drive belt 35 flexible cable 36 protection cap 40 strength reduction groove 50 cap body 51 wing 52 protection part 53 hook part 54 wall part 55 ink supply port 60 partition wall

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A cap for shutting off a discharge port of a liquid discharge head which discharges a liquid onto a recording medium from the outside, comprising: a protection means for protecting the discharge port of the liquid discharge head; And a means for preventing the coupling by the coupling means when the coupling by the coupling means is once released. 2. The recombination preventing means does not regulate the distance between the coupling means and the liquid ejection head during coupling by the coupling means, and when the coupling is once released, the coupling means 2. The distribution cap for a liquid ejection head according to claim 1, further comprising means for restricting a distance between the liquid ejection head and the liquid ejection head. 3. The flow for a liquid ejection head according to claim 2, wherein said regulating means includes an elastic member and a projecting member projecting toward an ejection port of said liquid ejection head by said elastic member. cap. 4. A cap for shutting off a discharge port of a liquid discharge head that discharges a liquid onto a recording medium from outside, wherein the protection means protects the discharge port of the liquid discharge head; Means for coupling to the liquid discharge head, wherein the coupling means includes a weakened portion which is deformed so that reconnection is impossible by releasing the connection. 5. The distribution cap for a liquid ejection head according to claim 4, wherein the weakened portion is a groove with reduced strength. 6. A liquid discharge head comprising the cap according to claim 1. 7. The liquid discharge head according to claim 6, wherein the discharge port is an opening of a nozzle having a thermal energy generator that generates thermal energy as energy required for discharging the liquid. 8. The liquid ejection head according to claim 7, wherein the thermal energy generator is an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy that causes film boiling of the liquid. 9. The liquid ejection head according to claim 7, wherein the liquid includes a liquid containing a cationic substance of a low molecular component and a high molecular component, and a liquid containing an anionic dye. . 10. The liquid according to claim 7, wherein the liquid includes a liquid containing a cationic substance of a low molecular component and a high molecular component, and a liquid containing at least an anionic dye and a pigment. Liquid ejection head. 11. The liquid discharge head according to claim 7, wherein the discharge ports are arranged in a plurality of rows. 12. A cap for shutting off a supply port of a liquid storage container for storing liquid used for image formation from the outside, comprising: a protection unit for protecting the supply port of the liquid storage container; A distribution cap for a liquid storage container, comprising: means for coupling to a supply port; and recombination preventing means for preventing reconnection by the coupling means once the coupling by the coupling means is released. 13. The recombination preventing means does not regulate the distance between the coupling means and the liquid storage container at the time of coupling by the coupling means, and when the coupling is once released, the coupling means 13. The distribution cap for a liquid storage container according to claim 12, further comprising means for regulating a distance between the liquid storage container and the liquid storage container. 14. The liquid storage container distribution according to claim 13, wherein said restricting means includes an elastic member and a projecting member projecting toward a supply port of said liquid storage container by said elastic member. cap. 15. A cap for shutting off a supply port of a liquid storage container for storing liquid used for image formation from the outside, comprising: a protection unit for protecting the supply port of the liquid storage container; A distribution cap for a liquid storage container, comprising means for coupling to a supply port, wherein the coupling means includes a weakened portion that is deformed so that reconnection is impossible by releasing the connection. 16. The distribution cap for a liquid storage container according to claim 15, wherein the weakened portion is a groove with reduced strength. 17. A liquid storage container equipped with the cap according to any one of claims 12 to 16. 18. The liquid storage container according to claim 17, wherein the liquid includes a liquid containing a cationic substance of a low molecular component and a high molecular component, and a liquid containing an anionic dye. 19. The liquid storage according to claim 17, wherein the liquid includes a liquid containing a low molecular component and a high molecular component cationic substance, and a liquid containing at least an anionic dye and a pigment. container.