CN1081545C - Ink container, ink and ink jet recording apparatus using ink container - Google Patents

Abstract

An ink containing apparatus for containing ink includes a negative pressure producing material; a first container for containing the negative pressure producing material, the first container having an air vent and a supply port for supplying the ink out; a second container for containing ink; a communication part for communication between bottom portions of the first and second containers; and ribs for introducing ambient air adjacent the air vent for introducing air into the communication part.

Description

The print cartridge that is used for ink jet print head

The present invention relates to be used for the print cartridge of ink jet print head.

With the ink tank that ink-jet recording apparatus uses, supply quantity of ink rightly according to the quantity of ink that record-header sprays in recording process, simultaneously, printing ink can not leaked by the injection orifice of record-header.

When ink tank is a kind of removable pattern, require between ink tank and the pen recorder dismounting easily and do not leak printing ink, and printing ink infeeds in the record-header infalliblely.

Can with the common examples of the ink tank of ink-jet recording apparatus logotype, be disclosed among the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application file No.87242/1988 (first prior art), in this application file, the ink jet record ink tape has an ink tank, and foamed material and many jet orifice are arranged on the ink tank.For example therefore the foamed polyurethane material can produce negative pressure by the capillary force in the foamed material, prevents that printing ink from spilling from ink tank.

Japan publication No.522/1990 (second prior art) discloses a kind of ink-vapor recording print cartridge, estimates in this print cartridge, and first ink tank and second ink tank are connected together with porosint, and second ink tank links to each other with ink jet print head with porosint.In this prior art, porosint is not contained in the ink tank, but only is arranged in the oil ink passage, can improve the printing ink utilization factor like this.Because the second printing ink storage part is set, so because of temperature in first ink tank rises (pressure decline), air expansion is just stored from the printing ink that wherein flows out, like this, the vacuum tightness of record-header in recording process keeps certain basically.

But, in first prior art, require foamed material to occupy whole spaces in the ink tank substantially, so ink volume capacity has been limited.In addition, remaining obsolete quantity of ink is more relatively, that is, the printing ink utilization factor is low.Prior art that Here it is existing problems.In addition, be difficult to measure remaining quantity of ink, simultaneously, also be difficult in and keep substantially invariable vacuum tightness when printing ink is consumed.These are accessory problems.

In second prior art, when not writing down, because vacuum material is arranged on the oil ink passage.Therefore, have abundant printing ink in the porosint, but not enough by the negative pressure that capillary force produced of porosint, the result need only have a little little impact and so on situation to take place, and printing ink just spills by the aperture on the ink jet print head.This is a problem.If print cartridge is replaceable, its ink jet print head and printing ink break makes integral body, and ink tank is contained on the ink jet print head, and this just can not use second prior art.This is again another problem.

Jap.P. No.67269/1981 and No.98857/1984 disclose a kind of ink tank that adopts spring loaded oil sac, and its advantage is to utilize spring force, so the internal negative pressure that is produced in ink guide part is stable.But this device has such problem, that is, limited spring profile will provide the internal negative pressure that requires, and the method that ink tank is fixed on the ink sac is very complicated, so, the cost height.In addition, for thin ink tank, the conservation rate of printing ink is little.

Jap.P. No 214666/1990 discloses a kind of ink tank of separating cavate, and its inner space is separated into many ink cavity, can provide the aperture of negative pressure to be connected by one between each chamber.In separating the cavate ink tank, the internal negative pressure of ink guide part is that the capillary force by the microstome that is communicated with black chamber produces.In this device, the texture ratio elastomeric bladder device of ink tank simple is so it is favourable to say so from manufacturing cost.And the ink tank profile is not subjected to the restriction of structure yet.But separating cavate has such problem, that is, and and when the ink tank position changes, according to the difference of remaining quantity of ink, aperture can't reach printing ink, the result, and internal negative pressure is then unstable, even can reach the degree that printing ink spills, so this ink tank in use just is restricted.

Therefore, fundamental purpose of the present invention provides a kind of ink tank of being convenient to operate, a kind of ink jet print head and a kind of ink-jet recording apparatus that uses this ink tank that uses this ink tank.

Another purpose of the present invention provides a kind of very high ink tank of printing ink conservation rate that makes, a kind of ink jet print head and a kind of ink-jet recording apparatus that uses this ink tank that uses this ink tank.

Changed even another object of the present invention provides a kind of working environment, printing ink can be from ink tank yet oil spill China ink jar, a kind of ink jet print head and a kind of ink-jet recording apparatus that uses this ink tank that uses this ink tank.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of vacuum tightness of supplying printing ink and is not subjected to influence that environmental baseline changes, stable,, the printing ink of being supplied do not influence the ink tank of the jet performance of printing ink so can entering record-header, a kind of ink jet print head and a kind of ink-jet recording apparatus that uses this ink tank that uses this ink tank.

Still a further object of the present invention provides a kind of ink tank, printing ink, record-header and ink-jet recording apparatus that printing ink is effectively utilized by means of using vacuum utensil.

Still a further object of the present invention provides a kind of ink tank, and printing ink, a kind of ink jet print head are subjected to as vibrating the mechanical impact of a class, or the temperature acute variation, even or ink tank in use, or ink-jet recording apparatus prevents reliably that all printing ink from spilling when transportation.

The invention provides a kind of print cartridge that is connected to the ink jet print head of ink jet recording device, comprise that contains first chamber that negative pressure produces material, and be provided with the China ink outlet in the bottom of print cartridge, and can be connected to ink gun, from print cartridge to the ink gun ink supply, and an airport is used to allow ambient air to enter in the print cartridge, one second chamber, the connected entrance of the bottom by being arranged on print cartridge is communicated with first chamber, and for first chamber provides black storeroom, and air gatherer, comprise and do not contain the path that negative pressure produces material substantially, has an inlet in first chamber, producing material by negative pressure separates with described air hole, and one be provided with to such an extent that be lower than the outlet of described inlet in the middle of print cartridge uses, and makes can pass negative pressure generation material and air flue is provided to second chamber when China ink air when the China ink outlet is return.

With reference to accompanying drawing, understand some most preferred embodiments of following the present invention, just can more understand above-mentioned and other purpose, characteristics and advantage of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is being connected between record-header and the ink tank according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is another embodiment of the present invention record-header and ink tank.

Fig. 3 is the ink tank of one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 is the upright part figure of pen recorder.

Fig. 5 is further embodiment of this invention ink tank.

Fig. 6 is another embodiment of the present invention ink tank.

Fig. 7 is further embodiment of this invention ink tank.

Fig. 8 is further embodiment of this invention ink tank.

Fig. 9 is further embodiment of this invention ink tank.

Figure 10 is a kind of ink supply mode.

Figure 11 is an internal pressure change curve in the ink guide part in one embodiment of the invention ink tank.

Figure 12 is the ink supply mode in the comparative example.

Figure 13 is the curve map that the ink guide part internal pressure changes in the comparative example.

Figure 14 is ink tank virgin state when being full of printing ink.

Figure 15 is the state of gas-begin to form with regard to the liquid interface.

Figure 16 is the state of printing ink when soon using up.

Figure 17 is the state of printing ink when having used up.

Figure 18 has 4 head devices of combining, and is used for this and installs corresponding ink tank stereographic map.

Figure 19 is further embodiment of this invention ink tank.

Figure 20 is a kind of ink supply mode.

Figure 21 is vertical sectional drawing of the toner cartridge main body used of further embodiment of this invention ink-vapor recording.

Figure 22 is the cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge main body on the ink-jet recording apparatus among Figure 21.

Figure 23 is the toner cartridge main body sectional drawing, has represented the surface of floor among Figure 21 especially.

Figure 24 is the toner cartridge main body sectional drawing, the surface of expression another embodiment of the present invention floor.

Figure 25 is another embodiment of the present invention one floor amplification profile diagram.

Figure 26 is the vertical sectional drawing of the toner cartridge main body of a kind of replaceable ink-jet recording apparatus of further embodiment of this invention.

Figure 27 is a kind of toner cartridge main body cross-sectional view that changes ink-jet recording apparatus that is listed as of further embodiment of this invention.

Figure 28 is further embodiment of this invention toner cartridge main body sectional drawing, represents the surface of its floor.

Figure 29 is the vertical sectional drawing of toner cartridge main body that the ink-jet recording apparatus of a comparative example is used.

Figure 30 is the sectional drawing of the toner cartridge main body that ink-jet recording apparatus is used in this comparative example.

Figure 31 is the toner cartridge main body sectional drawing, represents the surface of floor in the comparative example.

Figure 32 is an amplification profile diagram, represents the transversal section of floor in this comparative example.

Figure 33 is horizontal print position.

Figure 34 is the buffer action of compressed absorption of inks material ink permeation in the ink cavity.

Figure 35 is a compressibility distribution example in the compressed absorption of inks material of further embodiment of this invention.

Figure 36 is another example that compressed absorption of inks material compressibility distributes among Figure 35 embodiment.

Figure 37 is the another example that compressed absorption of inks material compressibility distributes among Figure 35 embodiment.

Figure 38 is the example that compressed absorption of inks material compressibility distributes in the comparative example.

Figure 39 is the another example that compressed absorption of inks material compressibility distributes in the comparative example.

Figure 40 is the example of an additional ink cavity of further embodiment of this invention.

Figure 41 is the example of an additional ink cavity among Figure 40 embodiment.

Figure 42 is the compressed absorption of inks examples of material of separating in further embodiment of this invention.

Figure 43 is the example that the absorption of inks material is arranged in ink cavity in further embodiment of this invention.

Figure 44 is the existing problems when device among assembling Figure 43 embodiment.

Figure 45 is the consumption of printing ink in the comparative example.

Figure 46 is the spilling of the printing ink when pressure descends in Figure 45 comparative example.

Figure 47 is the improvement example of further embodiment of this invention.

Figure 48 is the improvement example of the embodiment of Figure 47.

Figure 49 is one embodiment of the invention sectional drawing, represents that removable ink tank and record-header are contained on the print cartridge.

Figure 50 is the consumption of printing ink in the device of Figure 49 embodiment.

Figure 51 is the principle that exchanges between air and the printing ink.

Figure 52 is the internal pressure of further embodiment of this invention ink guide part.

Figure 53 is a printing ink buffer action in the device of Figure 52 embodiment.

Figure 54 is the example that is used for this apparatus control system block scheme.

State when Figure 55 is further embodiment of this invention detection residual ink amount.

Figure 56 is the internal pressure of ink guide part in Figure 55 embodiment ink tank.

Figure 57 is the example of makeup oil method for ink.

Figure 58 is further embodiment of this invention ink consumption situation.

Figure 59 is that Figure 58 embodiment printing ink further consumes situation.

Figure 60 is the situation that detects the residual ink amount in Figure 58 embodiment device.

Figure 61 re-injects the printing ink state after printing ink uses up in the ink cavity.

Figure 62 is the detection of further embodiment of this invention residual ink amount.

Figure 63 is the detection of the improved residual ink amount of Figure 62 embodiment.

Figure 64 is the method that further embodiment of this invention is replenished printing ink.

Printing ink flow when Figure 65 is pressure decline.

Figure 66 is the relation between residual ink amount and the resistance between electrode.

Fig. 1 is according to record-header in the ink-jet recording apparatus of one embodiment of the invention, the sectional drawing that is connected between ink tank and support.Among this embodiment, record-header 20 is ink jet types, and it utilizes electrothermal transducer to produce heat energy according to electric signal, causes the thin layer boiling in printing ink.Among Fig. 1, record-header 20 major parts are connected with record-header base plate 111 with 111-2 with the positioning reference projection 111-1 of band on the record-header base plate 111 or are pressed into a kind of stepped construction.On perpendicular to Fig. 1 page, sprocket bit is to realize by record-header localization part 104 and a protruding 111-2 on the support HC.Along on the vertical direction of Fig. 1 transversal section, the part of protruding 111-2 protrudes, and the localization part 104 of record-header is covered, and is used for correct location but protruding 11-2 cuts the (not shown) part with 104 of record-header localization parts.Heating plate 113 is to make with film-forming process, and comprising being placed in on-chip thermal cross over part of Si (jet heater) and being the power circuit of its power supply, this power circuit can be made with the metal that resembles aluminium one class.This circuit is done to such an extent that adapt with the record-header flexible plate that holds this circuit (PCB of record-header), the electric signal pad that the flexible plate end has an acceptance to transmit from main frame.These elements all connect with electric wire.Make on the whole top board 112 with polysulfones one class, all wallboard arranged, be used for separating and corresponding many oil ink passages of jet heater.One common flow body cavity is arranged, be used for accepting failing the printing ink of coming by a passage from replaceable ink tank, and, printing ink is infeeded many oil ink passages of making a slip of the tongue, also have many apertures as injection orifice.Top board 112 by among the figure not the spring of expression press to heating plate 113, heating plate compressed and separate with a seal element, like this, just can constitute the ink-jet exit portion.

In order to be connected with removable ink tank 1, the passage 115 that is combined in the top board 112 with sealing means passes many holes and the record-header base plate 111 of record-header PCB113, and leads to the relative side of record-header base plate 111.In addition, record-header PCB113 connects and is fixed on the record-header substrate 111 at penetrating component.An end that links to each other with ink tank 1 at passage 115 is provided with filtrator 25, enters the ink-jet part to prevent foreign matter or bubble.

Removable ink tank is linked to each other with record-header 20 with pressue device 103 by a constraint guide rail, and the blotting material then contacts with filtrator 25 at passage 115 1 ends in the ink guide part, like this, can finish mechanically connection.After this connection, utilize record-header suction recovery pump 5015 in the pen recorder main frame, force printing ink, supply printing ink in this way from removable ink tank 1 input record-header 20.

In this embodiment, by the pressue device effect, record-header 20 is linked to each other mutually with removable ink tank 1, simultaneously, record-header 20 and support HC also can be on same directions, mechanically with electric on be connected, like this, just reliably realize location between backing plate on the record-header PCB105 and the drive electrode of record-header 102.

O-ring seal among this embodiment is a quite thick bullet bamboo rings of material, so, just there are enough width that ink guide part is sealed up with removable ink tank outer wall coupling part.

As previously mentioned, in the present embodiment, removable ink tank 1 and record-header be complete combination together, so, can be listed as the ink tank of changing by pushing, just can make balladeur train and record-header with the reliable mutually location of simple structure, simultaneously, record-header and removable ink tank are connected together, so just be contained in them on the balladeur train in the main frame outside with simple structure so long.So, replacing simple to operation.In this embodiment, be connected simultaneously on electric between balladeur train (the main frame spare of pen recorder) and the record-header and realize.So the operating performance of changing record-header and removable ink tank is fine.A kind of substitute mode that may adopt is to finish electric go up to connect with an independent terminal box, but the structure width of this mode will increase, with the location that guarantees record-header with being connected of removable ink tank.Fig. 4 represents a kind of horizontal pen recorder.The layout and the course of work of record-header in the present embodiment ink-jet recording apparatus are described below in conjunction with Fig. 4.Among Fig. 4, recording chart P is upwards sent to by a plain-barreled roll 5000, and presses to plain-barreled roll 5000 by a pressboard 5002 in the gamut of sledge movements direction.The balladeur train moving pin of balladeur train HC is engaged in the helicla flute 5004.Balladeur train is by leading screw 5005 (actuator) and feed rod 5003 supportings parallel with leading screw, and it can be along to-and-fro movement on the surface of the recording chart P on the plain-barreled roll 5000.Leading screw 5005 comes driven in rotation by driven roller that can positive and negative rotation by motion gear 5011 and 5009, label 5007 and 5008 refer to photosensitive unitor, whether just in the presence of to be used for detecting wayrod 5006, with the rotation direction (final position sensor) of switching motor 5013.The signal of recording picture according to and be transferred to record-header with the time relationship between the sledge movements of record-header, and ink dot is ejected on the suitable position, finish writing task with this.Label 5016 refers to and is used for being bearing in the part that covers part 5002, and the gland part is used to cover the front surface of record-header.Label 5015 refers to the aspirator that is pumped in the inner usefulness of lid.Its dependence realizes refreshing of record-header by the suction in the aperture 5023 that covers or restores like this.Cleaning rubbing board 5017 is by making reciprocating supporting member 5019 supportings of rubbing board, and these two parts all are bearing on the support plate 5018 of main frame.Load is inhaled device, and rubbing board or similar part also can be other type known.Be used for determining 5012 the moving of lever of the time of suction and restoring action with the cam 5020 that contacts with balladeur train.Control by the known gearing of for example clutch coupling and so on from the driving force that drive motor transmits.For balladeur train enters the final position or during near final position regional, restoring means just realizes giving fixed operating process being given on the relevant position by leading screw 5005 in the time of determining earlier.

As shown in figure 33, the ink-jet recording apparatus of this embodiment is worked on vertical print position.Under the upright position, the writing scan operation is to realize under the situation of the bottom surface of record-header 2010 at recording materials P.The sending to of paper looked for seal and unloaded and can carry out on the same plane basically this moment, therefore just can for example look for seal on postcard and the OHP paper at thick and recording materials that rigidity is big.The shell of definite removable ink-jet recording apparatus of present embodiment is provided with 4 rubber blankets on the bottom surface of Fig. 4, and is provided with two ribs and telescopic auxiliary supporting leg 5018 at right flank.This looks for printing device like this, and just can be stable be placed on accordingly looked on the position.Vertically looking under the seal position, removable ink tank 2001 be towards the ink-jet of the record-header 2010 of recording materials P partly above, therefore, just need support the hydrostatic head that printing ink produces, keep very little malleation simultaneously, preferably make the printing ink in the ink-jet part keep very little internal negative pressure, thereby make the meniscus of the printing ink in the ink-jet part can keep stable.

Pen recorder shown in Fig. 4 and Figure 33 can be used among the of the present invention various embodiment that will be described below.

For ink tank of the present invention, will be described in detail, the structure and the course of work of ink tank at first will be described.

(structure)

As shown in Figure 2, there is one to be used for the opening 2 that is communicated with ink gun on the main body of ink tank, one is used for laying vacuum material 3, vacuum material chambers (or jar) 4, and a printing ink that is used for containing printing ink holds chamber or ink tank 6, ink tank 6 is adjacent with vacuum material tank, separates with floor 5, and communicates with vacuum material tank 4 at 11 places, ink tank bottom.

The course of work (1)

Fig. 2 is the ink tank constructed profile, and the web member 7 that wherein is used for printing ink is infeeded ink jet print head is inserted in the ink tank, and protrudes in the vacuum material, and like this, ink-jet recording apparatus is just in running order down.End at web member can be provided with filtrator, to remove the foreign material in the ink tank.

When ink-jet recording apparatus was worked, printing ink ejected by one or several aperture of ink jet print head, so, just in ink tank, produce the printing ink suction force.Printing ink 9 is pumped into from the space 8 suction web members 7 that ink tank 6 is passed through between floor end and the print cartridge base plate 11, and says that by vacuum material 3 in the material tank 4 of living vacuum, then, printing ink just infeeds ink jet print head.Afterwards, except that space 8, all be that the internal pressure of the ink tank 6 of sealing descends, the result has had pressure reduction between ink tank 6 and vacuum material tank 4.Along with the continuation of writing task process, pressure reduction constantly increases.Because vacuum material tank 4 communicates with atmosphere by an air hole, so air just enters ink tank 6 by the space 8 between vacuum material and floor end 5 and the print cartridge base plate 11.At this moment, the pressure reduction between ink tank 6 and the vacuum material tank 4 has just disappeared.In whole ink-vapor recording process, said process constantly repeats, so keep substantially invariable vacuum in print cartridge.Printing ink in the ink tank can all utilize basically, except being bonded at except the printing ink on the ink tank inner wall surface, so, improved the utilization factor of printing ink.

The course of work (2)

Ink tank groundwork process is to describe in further detail according to model shown in Figure 10.

Among Figure 10, ink tank 106 is corresponding with ink tank 6 among Fig. 2, and printing ink is equipped with in the inside.Label 102,103-1 and 103-2 are meant the kapillary suitable with vacuum material 3.By surface tension capillaceous, in ink tank, produce vacuum.Element 107 is corresponding to web member 7, and it is connected with not shown ink jet print head, from ink tank supply printing ink.Printing ink ejects by aperture, and flows along arrow Q direction.

Represented state on this figure is a state of having exported a small amount of printing ink from vacuum material, so, also be from ink tank, from the state that the fine jade under the printing ink state goes out a small amount of oil mass that is full of of ink tank and vacuum material.Hydrostatic head at the aperture place of record-header, the pressure that descends in the ink tank 106, and kapillary 102, build-up pressure balance between this three of the surface tension among 103-1 and the 103-2.When state from then on down during output printing ink, the ink level height among kapillary 103-1 and the 103-2 is almost constant, printing ink then from ink tank 106 by with space 8 corresponding spaces 108 outputs.Like this, just, can increase the vacuum tightness in the ink tank 106.So the meniscus of kapillary 102 just changes, produce one or a lot of bubble.Because the destruction of meniscus, bubble just enters in the ink tank 106.Used up quantity of ink just replenishes from ink tank 106 by this way, and do not make the liquid level among kapillary 103-1 and the 103-2 that significant variation is arranged, just do not make printing ink in vacuum material, be distributed with significant change, promptly keep the internal pressure of balance.

When total supply was the printing ink of Q, the variation of this volume showed as the variation of meniscus height in the kapillary 102, and the variation of this meniscus surface energy improves the negative pressure of ink guide part.But the destruction of meniscus can enter in the ink tank air, the result, and air has replaced printing ink, so meniscus is got back to the origin-location again.Like this, the internal pressure of ink guide part is just remained on the predetermined internal pressure by the capillary force of kapillary 102.

Figure 11 represents the internal pressure in the ink guide part of this embodiment ink tank of the present invention, with the variation of ink supply total amount (consumption).As above-mentioned, when initial state (Figure 14), ink supply is from vacuum material tank.In particular, before 8 places, space in the ink tank bottom formed meniscus, being of supply was contained in the interior printing ink of vacuum material tank.So, with according to the same with the ink tank that is full of the blotting material of line prior art, internal pressure in the ink guide part is to be gone up the surface tension of printing ink by compressed end face (gas-liquid interface) of chewing material in the vacuum material tank, and between the statical head of printing ink itself balance produced.When as described above,, that is, when forming gas-liquid interface (Figure 15, the X point of Figure 11), just begin from ink tank supply printing ink in the ink tank bottom because the printing ink in vacuum material tank reduces to such state with the consumption (ink supply) of printing ink.The internal pressure of ink guide part is that the capillary force of the material of the compressed absorption printing ink bottom contiguous ink cavity keeps.As long as from the ink tank ink supply, it is constant that internal pressure just keeps basically.When printing ink further consumes, when making level of ink in the ink tank drop to the end that is lower than the ink cavity wall, the printing ink in the ink tank runs out of (the Y point of Figure 16 and Figure 11) basically.Because ink tank and ambient atmosphere communicate, so air can enter in the ink tank immediately.So, remain in a small amount of printing ink in the ink tank, be installed in the vacuum material tank, the material of compressed absorption printing ink absorbs, and like this, the quantity of ink that is contained in the vacuum material tank has just increased.This just makes the internal pressure of ink guide part change towards positive direction with the amount that ink top face (gas-liquid interface) rises slightly.When printing ink further consumes, just consume the printing ink in the vacuum material tank.But, when being reduced to ink guide part on the gas-liquid interface, just record-header begins to suck air, so ink-feeding device reaches the limit of (Figure 17).During to this state, just need change ink tank.The inventor finds through the investigation back, aspirator with the main frame of pen recorder is aspirating recovery operation with the record-header junction, the bubble that is produced in being communicated with the course of work in the oil ink passage is removed, and make a small amount of ink flow go out ink tank, just can just can keep stable printing ink internal pressure from the incipient stage.In addition, even in the incipient stage, just to change ink tank in the stage before, outwards supply printing ink from vacuum material tank, as long as within during this of stable supply printing ink shown in Figure 11, can be to the performance generation adverse influence of record, so writing task just can carry out smoothly yet.In order to set up ink supply mode, note following each point according to above-mentioned mechanism:

Need on 8 positions, the most close space, between printing ink and atmosphere, form stable meniscus.Otherwise, for being moved in the ink tank, goes meniscus, and printing ink must be depleted to big like this degree, in extremely producing very high vacuum tightness at ink guide part.Like that, pen recorder is difficult to work under high-frequency, so, from improving writing task speed viewpoint, be disadvantageous.

Figure 11 represents that internal pressure is with the variation of ink supply amount (consumption) in the ink guide part of ink tank.Represent so-called static pressure P111 and so-called dynamic pressure P112 under the ink supply state just under the not ink supply state among the figure.

The pressure loss δ p when pressure reduction between dynamic pressure P112 and the static pressure P111 is ink supply.The negative pressure that is produced when meniscus moves is influential.

So, must make that meniscus is without delay to break on this position.For this purpose, the air introduction channel is set, air is imported near 8 places, space so that force.This several embodiment on the one hand will be described below.

Embodiment 1

Fig. 3 represents first embodiment.Vacuum material 3 is a kind of materials that absorb printing ink in ink tank, for example the material of polyurethane foam plastics one class.In the time of in absorbing material being put into vacuum material tank 4, reserve a space A32, make it work the channeling that imports air in the part of vacuum material tank.This space extends near the space 8 between 11 ends of ink tank and floor 5 ends 8.Like this, just, be communicated with atmosphere by blow vent.When beginning, consume the printing ink in the absorbing material 3 earlier, so the internal pressure of ink guide part just reaches predetermined value from ink guide part supply printing ink.Then, in absorbing material 3, stably form ink pellet surface A31 shown in Figure 3, and form the meniscus between printing ink and the atmosphere at 8 places, contiguous space.Space 8 highly preferably is not more than 1.5mm, and is long as much as possible at its length direction.After setting up such state, what the meniscus at 8 places, space was not just delayed is destroyed by ink consumption continuously.So, just can stably supply printing ink and non-pressure boost loss δ p.Therefore, just can be when looking at a high speed seal and obtain ink-jet stably.

When not carrying out writing task, the surface tension of vacuum material itself (or the surface tension on the interface of printing ink and vacuum material) remains unchanged, so, can prevent that just printing ink from spilling from ink jet print head.

In order in the color ink-jetting record device, to utilize ink tank of the present invention, the printing ink of the different colours of can in separated several ink tank, packing into, (for example: Huang, black, deep red red and blue green).Each print cartridge can be unified into an ink tank.Another kind of mode is, for the most frequently used black ink is provided with a removable print cartridge and the removable print cartridge that several color ink reservoir are joined together.Also can adopt other array mode according to the requirement of the ink device that uses.

Following more detailed description the present invention.

When adopting ink tank of the present invention, in order to control the vacuum tightness in the ink jet print head, preferably preferred following various parameters: the material of vacuum material 3, profile and size; The profile of floor end 8 and size; The profile and the size in the space 8 at the bottom of floor end 8 and the ink tank between 11; Volumetric ratio between vacuum material tank 4 and the ink tank 6; The profile of web member 7 and size, and it inserts the degree of depth in the ink tank; The profile of filtrator, size and quantity; The surface tension that also has printing ink.

Vacuum element material can be any material known, as long as it can bear liquid (printing ink) weight and the little vibration that is stored in wherein.For example with fiber and the spongy material that has the porosint of continuous micro-pore to make.The sponge plastics that the most handy polyurethane foamed material is made is because of its ability that is easy to regulate vacuum tightness and keeps storing printing ink.Specifically, use this foamed material, can in manufacture process, regulate the density of its micropore.Handle when regulating its pore density when foamed material carries out hot compression, heat can make it decompose, and the result can change the performance of printing ink, and, may cause therefore, also need clearing up to recording quality generation harmful effect.In order to satisfy the requirement of the various print cartridges that various ink-jet recording apparatus use, need the foamed material of corresponding pore density.Had better not handle foamed material with hot compression, but a kind of foamed material that pre-determines mesh count (number cells of each inch) is cut into required size, and then put in the vacuum material tank, provide required pore density and capillary force with this.

The variation of environmental baseline in the ink-jet recording apparatus.

In the print cartridge with sealing ink tank, printing ink may spill.This be because, when the environmental baseline of the ink tank in being contained in ink-jet recording apparatus changed (temperature raise or pressure raise), air expansion in the ink tank (printing ink also expands) outwards pushed the printing ink that is contained in the ink tank, the result, printing ink just spills.In the print cartridge of present embodiment, the volume of air expansion in the closed ink tank (comprises the volume that printing ink expands, though this amount is very little) be that according to expectation the worst environmental baseline is considered, and, the printing ink of respective numbers is formulated to the vacuum material tank from ink tank goes.The position of blow vent is that it is than the aperture position height that is used for linking to each other with vacuum material tank without limits.For printing ink can also can be flow to leave in the connection opening locational vacuum material far away and go when the changes in environmental conditions, blow vent is preferably opened on the far position of connection opening.The quantity of blow vent, profile, parameters such as size can be decided by the situation of present technique field those of ordinary skill according to the printing ink evaporation.

The transportation of print cartridge itself.

In the transportation of print cartridge own, connection opening and/or the most handy seal of blow vent or encapsulant seal up, and expand in print cartridge with the evaporation that prevents printing ink or printing ink and air.The single layer separator that seal preferably uses in the packet industry, by multi-layer sealed or the composite diaphragm material that single layer separator and plastic sheeting are made, single layer separator, plastic sheeting and aluminium foil or for example paper and the such reinforcement material of cloth are arranged in the composite diaphragm material.The same or the similar tack coat of material that preferably adds layer of material and toner cartridge main body again, and adopt heating means that it is bonding to, so that improve the gas-tight seal performance.

In order to prevent that air from entering the evaporation with printing ink, it is effective that print cartridge is wired up.From the inside air is taken away then, again its good seal.As for wrappage, consider air penetrability and saturating liquid rate, preferably choose from above-mentioned separator material.

By the top said correct selection of carrying out like that, just can in transportation print cartridge process, highly reliably prevent leaking outside of printing ink.

Manufacture method.

The material of toner cartridge main body can be any well known materials.But, wish that this material can not influence the ink-jet of record-header, or through the processing for avoiding this class to influence.Simultaneously, also wish to consider the throughput rate of print cartridge.For example, toner cartridge main body is divided into bottom 11 and top, and uses the resin material monolithic molding respectively, after being put into vacuum material, bottom 11 and top are bonded together, so just make print cartridge.If this resin material is transparent, or translucent, just therefore the printing ink in can be from the visual observation to the ink tank, just can be easy to judge the time of changing print cartridge.The bonding of above-mentioned encapsulant one class for convenience press among the figure represented like that, and it is desirable that a projection is set.From the outward appearance angle, the outside surface of print cartridge can be granular.

Printing ink can inject with pressurization or decompression method.Be preferably in and be equipped with ink filling port on the ink tank, like this, injecting the printing ink operation, can not pollute other opening.After injecting printing ink, the most handy plastics or metal stopper cover oiling China ink mouth.

The structure of print cartridge and profile can change in inventive point scope of the present invention.

Other.

Ink tank in the foregoing description (print cartridge) can be a changeable type, also can join together with record-header.

When ink tank was changeable type, preferably main frame can detect the replacing of ink tank, and cuttling (for example aspirating operation) is implemented by the operator.

As shown in Figure 4, this ink tank can be used for an ink-jet and looks for the seal machine, in this machine, 4 record-headers be unified into one can with 4 color ink reservoir Bkla, Clb, Mlc, the record-header 20 that Yld connects.

Comparative example 1

The following describes a comparative example, in this comparative example, the internal pressure of ink tank ink guide part changes with ink supply face.

On ink tank, do not import the passage of air, and, in vacuum material tank, adorn be have micropore, the equally distributed basically absorbing material of size.

As shown in figure 14, in the incipient stage, ink tank 6 is filled printing ink basically, and, a certain amount of printing ink also is housed in vacuum material tank.When this state begins ink supply, printing ink is outwards output from vacuum material tank 4, so, balance in statical head by printing ink and the vacuum material tank 4 between the capillary force of the ink top face (gas-liquid interface) of absorbing material 3 has produced internal pressure at ink guide part.Along with printing ink is constantly exported, the end face of printing ink descends.So negative pressure is wired obvious increase with the height of printing ink, arrive the state of representing with symbol a among Figure 13.The negative pressure of ink guide part constantly increases, and forms gas-liquid interface (meniscus) up to ink supply face in the gap of ink cavity bottom.

Ink pellet surface in the sorbing material descends greatly, and till forming the state of meniscus in the gap, and as the case may be, ink pellet surface may drop to the coupling part that surpasses with record-header.

In this way like this, air just enters in the record-header, causes unsettled ink-jet or not ink-jet.

Even without reaching this degree, the internal pressure in the ink guide part also may be increased to above determined by the pore size of gap absorbing material, predetermined negative pressure, shown in b among Figure 13.It is the reasons are as follows: the compression of the vacuum material tank inwall of absorbing material around more or less being subjected to, but, going there is not wall in the gap, absorbing material is not compressed, the result, compressibility herein is than other parts point slightly.So this situation as shown in figure 12.

Represent this situation in the figure, at this moment, printing ink has consumed a part in the vacuum material tank 4.As continuing to consume printing ink in this case, so, corresponding to R2, just the distance that the meniscus R4 of maximum pore size moves among R3 and the R4 is greater than the meniscus among R3 and the R4 in absorbing material 3.When meniscus during near the space, surface tension reduces suddenly, and the result makes meniscus enter ink tank, and meniscus just breaks, so air just enters ink tank.At this moment, has only few printing ink from R ₃And R ₄This two part is confessed, rather than from R ₂This part output.When meniscus moved, pressure loss δ P was quite big.

But the meniscus that was once breaking is formed in the place near the origin-location by inertia again when restoring again again, so the state of high pressure loss has continued a period of time.

Has pore size R up to meniscus ₁That part of settling out, all repeating same course of action.In case meniscus settles out in the gap, bubble just enters ink tank, up to by the pore size R in the gap ₁Determined negative pressure is established, and just reaches steady state (SS).

Said process is represented in Figure 13 .b, in this section, both can also can export printing ink from absorbing material from ink tank.As the air introduction channel not being set especially, just the internal pressure of ink guide part is unstable, the pressure loss δ p of ink supply makes increase, and therefore, inkjet performance is bad, and the result is difficult to carry out flying print.

Embodiment 2

Fig. 5 represents another embodiment device.

In this embodiment, on the separation floor 5 of vacuum material tank 4, be provided with two ribs 61.Between these two ribs and absorbing material 3, form air introduction channel A51.The position of rib 61 bottom A is higher than floor 5 bottom B, like this, as long as simply the parallelepipedon absorbing material 3 of a rectangle, is put in the vacuum material tank 4, and space 8 just is absorbed material 3 and covers.Therefore, that air introduction channel A51 just can be very easy and very firmly extend to very position near space 8.Arrow A 52 expression air-flow directions.

Adopt this ink tank, can effectively print operation, and, confirm that ink pellet surface shown in Fig. 5 and meniscus can be owing to the very fast formation of the ink supply face that writing task caused, and, replace rapidly between air and the printing ink, also can realize by breaking of meniscus.Therefore, as long as the pressure loss seldom just can be supplied printing ink, thereby also just can stably realize the flying print operation.

Embodiment 3

Fig. 6 represents the device of the 3rd embodiment, and the quantity of its middle rib 71 has increased, thereby increases air introduction channel quantity.Rib 71 is arranged to vacuum material tank is separated.According to this embodiment, many air introduction channels, can be from blow vent 13 to the space 8 near stable air-flow is provided, so, the same with first and second embodiment, can under the very little pressure loss, realize ink supply, and can stably realize the flying print operation.

In the present embodiment, even passway 13 is arranged in the place away from space 8, also can successfully import air.

Embodiment 4

Fig. 7 represents the device of the 4th embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, similar to the 2nd with 3 embodiment, on the isolation floor, be provided with rib 81, to form air introduction channel A71.Rib 81 is asymmetric with respect to floor 5, so, the passage that printing ink flows into the vacuum material tank 4 by space 8 from ink tank 6, correspond to this ink flow A72's, enter the passage of the airflow A73 of ink tank 6 by space 8 along air introduction channel A71, just can form independently of each other with respect to center line A, like this, because the pressure loss of exchange just can reduce.

More particularly, this structure needed pressure loss δ p of exchange that can be reduced to effectively between printing ink and the air is only about half of.

So what printing ink just can be stable ejects from record-header.

Embodiment 5

Fig. 8 is another embodiment device, and this device is provided with rib 91.In embodiment 2～4, the top of rib 91 extends to the top of the inside surface of the wall that holds vacuum material tank 4, and in the present embodiment, rib 91 does not extend to such degree.Like this, the top of assimilate just is not subjected to the compression of rib 91, so, but just grind or sharpen produces surface tension in this part that is compressed, thus further stablized vacuum control.

In particular, before the ink pellet surface A81 in absorbing material 3 (vacuum material 3) moves to and begins to confess the stable ink pellet surface A82 of printing ink in the ink tank of initial state, all by absorbing material 3 supply printing ink.This be because, advance too soon if import the air 82 that admittance carries out the exchange of gas one liquid by air, in the absorbing material 3 consumption of printing ink just slack-off, printing ink is confessed from ink tank.Therefore just limited in changes in environmental conditions, for example pressure change the time, can flow into the quantity of ink that vacuum material tank 4 is gone from ink tank 6.So the buffer action that absorbing material 3 opposing printing ink leak will variation.And in the present embodiment, because air introduction channel A83 is provided with in the manner described above, so only the ink consumption in absorbing material 3 just imports air after to a certain degree, controls the ink pellet surface of sorbing material 3 in this way, thereby improved the effect that opposing printing ink leaks.

Embodiment 6

Fig. 9 represents another embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the air introduction channel is formed by fluting 100 on isolation floor or wall.

According to present embodiment, the not What for that is contained in the absorbing material compressibility in the vacuum material tank has reduced, and therefore, is easy to control vacuum tightness, so just can stably supply printing ink.

Embodiment 7

Figure 20 represents another embodiment.

Its structure is similar to the embodiment among Fig. 6, and but, the air introduction channel extends to the bottom of floor, and these are different with Fig. 6.

Similar with 6 to embodiment 5, promptly the absorbing material in ink tank 3 moves in the ink pellet surface of ink consumption initial period before the stable ink pellet surface position on the end C of air introduction channel A201, all is the printing ink that consumes in the absorbing material 3.Thereby, consumption be printing ink in the ink tank 6, and the solution-air exchange realizes by the air introduction channel.Because the air introduction channel extends to the bottom of floor, so the pattern shown in this structure and Figure 21 is suitable.To be described in detail during pattern in describing Figure 21.

Can think that absorbing material 3 is exactly the hair reins pipe shown in Figure 20.Air introduction channel A201 leads to the bottom of floor from C portion, and can think, air introduction channel A201 is communicated with kapillary at the upper section of C portion again.

As previously mentioned, at the initial period of ink supply, the ink pellet surface in the absorbing material 3 is on a certain height.Yet along with the consumption of printing ink, this surface descends gradually.Internal pressure in the ink guide part (negative pressure) increases gradually.

When ink consumption arrives the height C place on air introduction channel A201 top, on D capillaceous position, formed meniscus.When printing ink further replenishes and consumes, the meniscus of printing ink, promptly ink pellet surface descends again.If drop to the position of E, the surface tension of ink pellet surface reduces suddenly in the air introduction channel, so with regard to the printing ink in the direct consumed cabin air introduction channel of energy.After this, just from ink tank, consume printing ink, to keep this position.In other words, appeared the solution-air exchange suddenly.In the consumption process of printing ink, ink pellet surface just is stabilized on the position a little less than height C, thereby the internal pressure of ink guide part is stable by this way.When stopping ink supply, the meniscus in the kapillary returns to position D from position E, thereby has kept stable.

As previously mentioned, the ink pellet surface in the sorbing material moves around between position D and E, until the printing ink in the ink tank exhausts.Among the figure, A202 represents ink supply period, and A203 represents non-ink supply period.

After this, printing ink is to confess from the material of absorption printing ink.Thereby the internal pressure of ink guide part (vacuum) has increased, and has just become not ink supply.

The internal pressure of ink guide part makes and causes a pressure differential between the capillary force (height that sorbing material can be drawn into printing ink) of absorbing material 3 and the ink pellet surface height in the absorbing material 3, therefore, height setting is on respect to the fixed height of giving of ink guide part 6.It seems that from this viewpoint it is suitable little that the pore size of wishing absorbing material 3 is wanted.

Why will be set in height C with respect to the reason on the fixed height of giving of ink guide part 6 is that if ink pellet surface is lower than ink guide part 6, air will enter, and causes ink-jet undesired.

But, do not wish to be higher than yet and give fixed height, because, the internal pressure in the ink tank is changed, thereby, when ink tank flows into the settling off that goes the absorbing material, buffer action is reduced.Consider above-mentioned situation, so the volume of absorbing material more than height C roughly should be elected the ink tank volume half as.

To explain top said mechanism in detail below.

It is generally acknowledged that absorbing material has uniform density.Internal pressure in the ink guide part (vacuum or negative pressure) is decided by height difference H ₁-H ₂, H wherein ₁Be the height that the capillary force of absorbing material can be drawn into printing ink from ink guide part, and H ₂It is the height that printing ink has been reached by pumping up from the height for ink guide part.

For example, the suction force of absorbing material is 60mm (H ₁), and air introduction channel A is 15mm (H from containing black height of partly starting at ₂), so the internal pressure of ink guide part is 45mm water column height=60mm-15mm=H ₁-H ₂

At initial period, with produce the rich printing ink that consumes from absorbing material, the height of liquid level correspondingly descends, and reduces widely and internal pressure is linearly.

When adopting the ink tank of said structure, can stably supply printing ink by means of vacuum.

The structure of this ink tank itself is so simple, and it can be made with mould and so on easily, so can stably make a large amount of ink tank.

When ink consumption arrives such degree, be that the height of ink pellet surface is among the air introduction channel A201 in the absorbing material, in the time of just on the C position, in other words, ink pellet surface is on the E position time, meniscus among the air introduction channel A201 just can not have been kept, so printing ink is absorbed in the absorbing material, and the air introduction channel has also just formed.Then, the gas-liquid exchange takes place immediately.On the other hand, the liquid level in the absorbing material has raise, because absorbed printing ink from ink tank, has formed liquid level D thus, so the solution-air exchange stops.In this state, be provided with printing ink in the air introduction channel A201, and the absorbing material above model hollow conductance is gone into passage plays a valve simply.

If in this state, continue to consume printing ink again, the liquid level in the absorbing material is only grand slightly down a bit to be equivalent to open valve, so the solution-air exchange takes place immediately, makes to consume printing ink from ink tank 6.When having finished ink consumption, liquid level is owing to the capillary force of absorbing material rises in the sorbing material.When rising to the D position, the solution-air exchange stops, so liquid level stabilizing is on this position.

Therefore, the liquid level of printing ink can be in this way by the height of air introduction channel A201, promptly (part control highly stablely, and the capillary force of absorbing material, be that the suction of printing ink is highly then given earlier and being adjusted, just can control the internal pressure of ink guide part in this way at an easy rate.

When being changed, the internal pressure of printing ink cause settling off ground from ink tank 6 inflow absorbing materials 4, the capillary force of absorbing material, the suction that is printing ink has highly increased, just can prevent that thus printing ink from overflowing from ink tank, and can also prevent to produce normal pressure at ink guide part.

Embodiment 8

Figure 21 is used for the longitudinal diagram of the printing ink support of ink-jet recording apparatus according to the 8th embodiment of the present invention.Figure 22 is its drawing in side sectional elevation, and Figure 23 is the sectional drawing on a surface of expression floor.

On floor 1005, form the conditioning chamber 1032 of an air lead-in groove 1031 and a vacuum material as the dividing wall between ink tank 1006 and the vacuum material tank 1004.Air lead-in groove 1031 forms in vacuum material groove 1004, and extends to an end of floor 1005 from the core of floor 1005,, extends to the common neutral 1008 that forms in the ends 1011 with print cartridge that is.Go near the conditioning chamber 1032 that path 10 31 forms the generation vacuum material contacted in vacuum material 1003 and floor 1005 overhead conductances, this conditioning chamber is recessed form.

Because vacuum material 1003 contacts with the inside surface of vacuum material tank 1004, therefore, that is, making vacuum material 1003 is to be pressed into unevenly in the tree batch can 1004, and also some has been alleviated for vacuum material 1003 former contact pressures (compression).Shown in Figure 21 and 22.Therefore, when record-header begins to consume printing ink, consume the printing ink that exists in the vacuum material 1003 earlier, and be depleted to conditioning chamber 1032.If continue to consume printing ink again, contact pressure that air just can break through vacuum material 1003 at an easy rate that a part of meniscus because of existing conditioning chamber 1032 to reduce, enter air introduction channel 1031 soon, thereby make and to be easier to control vacuum.

In the present embodiment, need to use resilient porosint as vacuum material 1003.

When not carrying out writing task, vacuum material 1003 capillary forces (surface tension on the interface of printing ink and vacuum material) own can be used for preventing that printing ink from letting out from ink jet print head.

Figure 29-31 is as a comparative example, represents the example of the print cartridge of a conditioning chamber that does not produce vacuum material.

Even comparative example be print cartridge under general state, by following described mechanism, also can realize the normal course of work without a doubt.Because be provided with the air introduction channel, so can reach stable work.

Yet, for steady operation process further, perhaps for the porous resin material that can use continuous micropore as the material that produces negative pressure, just require further to control the stability of its work.

Shown in the sectional drawing that Figure 32 has amplified, the material 1003 that produces vacuum (or negative pressure) contacts with floor 1005, and some has entered air lead-in groove 1031.If like this, do not reduce for the contact pressure (force of compression) of material 1003 at contact portion A so.This is with regard to making air be difficult to break through the meniscus of printing ink and enter air introduction channel 1031.If like this, even continue to consume printing ink, the solution-air exchange can not take place yet, the air introduction channel does not just play effect.Exist the adverse condition that from the material of absorption printing ink, to supply printing ink.

Compare with comparative example 2 described above, present embodiment has preferred property on this problem.

Embodiment 9

Figure 24 is vertical sectional drawing of two ribs 1005, and they have different transversal section partly.Figure 25 is the enlarged cross sectional view of a rib.

As shown in the figure, vacuum produces thing and adjusts the shape in chamber 1032 and air and enter groove 1031 and be different from embodiment 8:

Be around carrying out particularly, thereby further pointed out voltage supply power to contact and the effect of compression variation with stepping position that vacuum produces the rib 105 that thing 1003 contact.

Near rib 1005, in abutting connection with container 1004 places, a curved surface R is arranged, air is introduced in the printing ink by material 1003, and the air that enters enters into ink tank 1006 again.The printing ink that enters in the ink tank with air is fed in the material chamber 1006.In the scope of air-fluid exchange, air is imported in the printing ink in the material 1003.

In order to make air-fluid exchange more smooth, preferably the contact of the pressure between material 1003 and the material container cavity is positioned at the bottom of air-fluid exchange scope, rather than top.

This is because air is more smooth from flowing of gas phase printing ink phase, and this is that the contact force of this pipe is released and reaches by the capsule pipe of air by generation vacuum pressure thing 1003 smoothly.

For example, desired effect can be introduced the part at middle part of rib 1005 of the end of parts and produces the vacuum thing and adjust the form in chamber and obtain by being positioned at air.

Adjust chamber 1032 for the generation vacuum material that makes present embodiment and reach identical functions, can change the shape that produces the vacuum thing, reaching under the situation of above-mentioned requirements, shape and size can be done multiple variation.

By aforementioned, according to present embodiment, it is smooth that the printing ink in air and the ink tank is sent into process with printing ink, and stable exchanges, consequently, the control that printing ink provides interior pressure energy partly to be stabilized, this just makes record-header can carry out high speed, and is stable, ink jet.

In addition, ink tank can not produce weeping, even its pressure inside is because the change of external condition changes also is like this.

Embodiment 10

Ink tank 2001 in the present embodiment is forms of a kind of combination, its inside is divided into a and two chambeies of b, two chambeies communicate in the bottom, be characterized in having absorption of inks material 2002 very close to each other being placed among a of controlled capsule Guan Li, thereby air duct 2003 is provided.

Under situation shown in Figure 15, the printing ink that can be provided is admitted to from chamber 4, is depleted to half under the situation that the printing ink in chamber 6 has all been filled with from 4 and 6.Among Figure 15, the printing ink in compressed absorption of inks material 3 is maintained at certain altitude, and with the static head of ink jet part on the record-header, the capsule Guan Li of the vacuum place in the chamber 6 and the absorption of inks material of compression is in identical height.When printing ink provides when partly being replenished from printing ink, quantity of ink in the chamber 4 does not reduce, and the printing ink among the b of chamber is consumed, promptly-and the quantity of ink that is fed to the ink cavity 4 from ink cavity 6 is corresponding according to the amount that provides away from ink cavity 4, this corresponding replenishing by keeping the internal pressure balance realized.With above-mentioned corresponding, air is introduced into by ink cavity 4 and air duct.

This moment as shown in figure 15, air and printing ink exchange in the ink cavity bottom, and along with air enters chamber 6, the falcate that absorption of inks material in the chamber 4 forms is stopped the position by the part near chamber 6, pressure in the chamber 6 and above-mentioned bent moon maintenance energy balance by the absorption of inks material production of compression.With reference to Fig. 2, replenish and this generation in conjunction with the internal pressure in the kind of printing ink will be by finer descriptions.When the printing ink in chamber 4 is depleted to when giving fixed degree, the part that compression ring absorption of inks material is made nearly this chamber wall will communicate with air duct, produce falcate at the antagonism atmospheric pressure as the time spent thus.Press in printing ink provides partly printing ink by the absorption of inks thing material near the compression of ink cavity wall and keep, this pressure is adjusted to giving of being caused by suitable compression decides capsule pipe dynamic balance.Before printing ink flowed out, the enclosure space at 6 tops, chamber and capsule pipe dynamic balance in abutting connection with the compression printing ink absorbing material of cavity wall were stayed the bent moon that static head of printing ink among the ink cavity b and compression printing ink absorbing material form and are kept by the pressure of reduction.When printing ink is provided part to be fed to record-header in this case by printing ink, ink flow goes out ink cavity 6, pressure in the chamber 6 is further pressed the consumption attenuating of printing ink, this moment, the formed falcate of absorption of inks material bottom the ink cavity wall was by destruction partly, air can enter into ink cavity from destruction, and the pressure that has consequently excessively been reduced in the chamber 6 is that static by printing ink itself among the bent moon maintenance energy of the absorption of inks material of compression and the chamber b comes balance.In this manner, printing ink provides the capsule Guan Li of the absorption of inks material of the compression of internal pressure partly bottom close ink cavity wall to be maintained at one and gives fixed level.

Figure 34 shows the function of compressed oily absorbing material as cushion.The state that shows among the figure is, under the situation that Figure 15 shows, because temperature rises or atmospheric pressure reduces, or similar reason causes the air expansion in the ink cavity 2006, and the printing ink in the ink cavity 2006 flows out, and enters into ink cavity 2004.Printing ink in the inflow chamber 2004 is retained in the absorbing material 2003 of compression in this embodiment, and the determining of the absorption of inks amount of the absorption of inks material of compression and the mutual relationship of ink cavity is not as the criterion not produce the printing ink water clock when environment or the temperature variation.Maximum printing ink uptake in the ink cavity 2004 be with reference under the worst possible situation from the chamber 2006 quantity of ink that flow out, and set at 2006 quantity of ink that in 2004, keep in 2004 chambeies during inflow printing ink.Ink cavity 2004 should have the absorbing material that only holds compression less the space of absorbent printing ink.The coordinate that Figure 65 shows, among the figure solid line be illustrated in pressure reduce before the initial spatial accommodation of cavity 2006 and the relation between the quantity of ink that when pressure drops to 0.7 atmospheric pressure, flows out.In this figure, dotted line represents that the situation when being 0.5 atmospheric pressure falls in maximum pressure.About estimating exhaust chamber 2006 quantity of ink under the worst case, the 2006 maximum quantity of ink that flow out are to reduce under the 0.7 maximum atmospheric situation at pressure from the chamber, and also leave 30% the printing ink that holds basement in the chamber 2006 this moment.If the printing ink below wall bottom, chamber is also absorbed by the assimilate of the compression in the chamber 2004, can think that all printing ink of staying in 2006 (30% capacity) are gone out by water clock.When the worst situation was 0.5 atmospheric pressure, 50% of chamber 2006 volumes flowed out.If it is more little that quantity of ink stays, cause that by the pressure reduction expansion of air in the chamber 2006 is big more.Can release more printing ink thus.Therefore yet the maximum quantity of ink of exhaust chamber 2006 is lower than the ink volume capacity in the chamber 2006, and under 0.7 atmospheric pressure situation of hypothesis, the quantity of ink in staying the chamber is no more than 30% the time, and this quantity of ink is lower than the air expansion volume.The result is that the quantity of ink that flow in the chamber 2004 reduces.30% of chamber 2006 volumes is maximum oil ink droplet leakage quantity (when 0.5 atmospheric pressure is 50%) thus.The above-mentioned situation that is applicable to temperature variation, still, even temperature increases by 50 ℃, the quantity of ink of outflow is also less than the discharge under the above-mentioned pressure reduction situation.

If opposite, under the situation that atmospheric pressure rises, the difference of the low-pressure air that is caused by the static ink head that is positioned at 2006 tops, chamber and the environmental pressure of increase is very big, therefore exist a kind of by air or printing ink hole being gone in chamber 2006, the pressure difference is turned back to give the practice trend of deciding difference.In this case, be similar to the practice that printing ink is provided from chamber 2006, the formation falcate of the absorption of inks thing 2003 of the compression of close wall 2005 bottoms, chamber is destroyed, thereby air mainly is introduced into ink cavity 2006 and forms pressure balance, printing ink provides internal pressure partly to be difficult to change when influence by other pen recorder not being applied thus, in aforesaid example, when environmental pressure turns back to virgin state, from chamber 2006, flow in the chamber 2004 corresponding to the quantity of ink that is introduced into chamber 2006 air.Be similar to aforesaid embodiment thus, the quantity of ink in the chamber 2004 is along with the temporary transient increase of the rising of air-liquid surface.Therefore be similar to original state, a little higher than its interior pressure when being in steady state (SS) that the interior pressure of printing ink is also temporary transient, still, this influence for the ink jet characteristic of record-header is little of ignoring.Above-mentioned problem is created in this case, for example is moved to the low altitude area at the higher local pen recorder that uses of environment under low pressure such as height above sea level.Even in this case, the variation of invention also is that air enters in the chamber 2006.When pen recorder moved on to the higher area of height above sea level again, the just printing ink that is taken place provided interior pressure partly that increase is arranged slightly.Because install infeasible in the use that too is higher than under the atmospheric pressure situation, so there is not problem in the practicality.

Bringing into use before change, printing ink is retained in the ink cavity 2004 reliably by the absorption of inks thing 2003 of compression, because ink cavity 2006 is closed, does not exist from the leakage situation of opening (air duct and printing ink provide partly), thereby be easy to use.

Desirable condition of work for the absorption of inks thing of the ink cavity structure of the ink tank of this mixed species and described compression will be described as follows:

The absorption of inks amount of absorption of inks thing 2003 of compression and the relation between the ink cavity structure are based on and do not produce printing ink leak and take in when surrounding environment change.The quantity of ink of determining to be based on exhaust chamber 2006 under the worst case of the maximum printing ink uptake in chamber 2004 and when chamber 2006 provides printing ink in chamber 2004 left quantity of ink in chamber 2004.Ink cavity 2004 should have the assimilate that can hold compression at least the space of absorbent maximum oil mass.The estimation of the oil mass that can flow out about ink cavity 2006 under worst case when pressure drops to 0.7 atmospheric pressure, is flowed out the quantity of ink maximum of printing ink 2006, and still leave 30% space in the chamber 2006 this moment.Also absorbed if be lower than the printing ink of the bottom of chamber wall, can think that the left printing ink that has in ink cavity 2006 (30% space) lets out by the assimilate of the compression in the chamber 2004.When the worst condition reached 0.5 atmospheric pressure, the printing ink in 50% space in chamber 2006 flowed out.If the quantity of ink that the cost of living stays is few more, the air in the chamber 2006 is big more owing to pressure reduces the expansion that produces.A large amount of thus printing ink are discharged from.But the maximum that flows out printing ink is less than the quantity of ink that contains in the ink cavity 2006.Therefore suppose under 0.7 atmospheric pressure that no more than 30% the time when left printing ink, the remaining quantity of ink space more shared than the air that expands is littler, thereby the new quantity of ink that plays the chamber 2004 of stream reduces.Therefore the printing ink in 30% space is the maximum leakage amount (when 0.5 atmospheric pressure is 50%) of printing ink in the chamber 2006.

The size of the passage between the ink cavity of ink cavity wall 2005 bottoms formation is not less than the size that the printing ink in chamber 2006 can not form at the passage place.2006 tops, chamber are sealed.First kind of situation as described.Described size is provided for use by the character that printing ink will will be provided according to the exchange that provides the Peak Flow Rate (printing ink of the printing of pen recorder positive stabilization or absorption running time provides speed) that is partly provided to carry out air-liquid smoothly from printing ink by the passway time, as viscosity.But this consideration will be noted the following fact, promptly when left printing ink upper surface in chamber 2006 is lower than the bottom of ink cavity wall 2005, address as the front, the interior pressure that printing ink provides the position temporarily changes to positive dirction, will avoid the influence of this factor to record-header ink jet quality during size Selection thus.

By description to this ink tank course of work, contain in the ink tank of type this mixing, provide internal pressure partly to keep at printing ink by compression printing ink assimilate near the ink cavity wall, therefore, for keeping the desired internal pressure when from chamber 2006, providing printing ink, can suitably adjust capsule Guan Li near the absorption of inks thing 2003 of ink cavity 2005 bottoms compression partly.Especially, ratio of compression of selecting for use or initial aperture should make the capsule pipe power near the compression printing ink assimilate 2003 of ink cavity wall 2005 bottoms can produce the required internal pressure of recording process.For example, when printing ink provides partly inside ink pressure be-h (mmaq) if the time can produce absorption hmm near the pressure of the absorption of inks thing 2003 of the compression of wall 2005 bottoms, chamber capsule pipe power get final product.If simplify the structure of the absorption of inks material of compression, its fine pore P ₁Can satisfy P ₁The relation of=2 γ cos θ/ρ gh.ρ represents printing ink proportion or density, and γ is its surface tension, and θ represents the angle that absorbing material contacts with printing ink, and g represents gravity.

During printing ink was provided away from chamber 2006, when the air-liquid surface of printing ink in the chamber 2004 was lower than printing ink partly upper end is provided, air just entered into record-header.Therefore above-mentioned interface should be maintained at and be higher than the upper end that printing ink provides part.So being positioned at printing ink provides the absorption of inks thing 2003 of the partly compression of top just to obtain a capsule Guan Li that can absorb (h+i) level of ink, wherein i represent air-liquid surface be higher than printing ink provide the part top apart from imm.Similar to the above, if the structure of the absorption of inks thing of compression is simplified its fine pore P ₂Should satisfy P ₂=2 γ cos θ/ρ g (h+i).

Height i (mm) in the above-mentioned equation is as long as be higher than the top that printing ink provides portion.Absorption of inks power (capsule Guan Li) reduce gradually (if the assimilate material is identical, its fine pore P ₃Increase gradually) (Figure 35), or the homogeneous tube power of the absorption of inks thing of compression is reduced to only near ink cavity wall 2005 places (Figure 36), thereby described air-liquid surface also reduces gradually to ink cavity wall direction, and described chamber wall is positioned at the inside of assimilate 2003, is arranged in chamber 2004.The variation of capsule Guan Li (if material therefor is the same, is satisfied P with the capsule pipe power unanimity of the bottom of chamber wall 2005 ₁).

If this ink tank does not suffer that collision tilts, temperature sharply changes or other special external power, and the capsule pipe power that assimilate 2003 is positioned at the part of air-liquid surface below may be any number.But for the left printing ink in the chamber 2004 is provided, even such external force is conducted or the printing ink in chamber 2006 exhausts fully, described capsule Guan Lichao printing ink provides and partly increases (the aperture P of pore gradually ₄), this increase is capsule Guan Li (the fine pore P than the bottom of ink cavity wall 2005 ₁) provide part to reach bigger (fine pore P at printing ink ₅) (Figure 37).The adjustment that is capsule Guan Li should be suitable for: the capsule Guan Liying of wall end, chamber provides the partly capsule Guan Li of tight top less than printing ink, preferably, the relation of (the capsule Guan Li at place, wall bottom, chamber)＜(the capsule Guan Li of bottom, ink cavity middle part)＜(capsule Guan Li on top, ink cavity middle part)＜(the partly capsule Guan Li of tight top is provided)＜(printing ink provides the place).

If what the structure of absorption of inks thing 2003 of compression was simplified the hole satisfies P through i ₁=P ₂, P preferably ₁＞(P ₃P ₄)＜(P ₂P ₅).

P ₃And P ₄Relation and P ₂And P ₃Relation can be according to the ratio of compression unanimity, as P ₃＜P ₄, P ₂＜P ₅, or P ₃=P ₄Or P ₂=P ₅

With reference to Figure 35,36 and 37, there is shown the ratio of compression example of selecting for use.By this example, above-mentioned all relations can be by selecting identical printing ink assimilate 2003 for use and adjusting compression and recently satisfy.In the drawings, A351, A361, A371, expression air-liquid surface, and arrow A 352, A362 and A372 represent the ratio of compression of the absorption of inks thing of the compression of rising.

Figure 38 has shown a comparative example 3, wherein near the capsule Guan Li of Ya Suo the absorption of inks thing 2003 capsule Guan Li at the printing ink place of providing is not more than the chamber wall.This figure has shown a kind of printing ink to be provided from chamber 2004 and has been shown a part of situation.Gas-liquid interface A381 is formed near position partly, ink cavity wall 2005 bottoms in this comparative example, and the conducting position between chamber 2004 and 2006 is positioned at air mutually on one side.In this case, printing ink can not be provided away from chamber 2006 again, and provides part directly to be sent on the record-header through air duct part 2013 air that are introduced into by printing ink, and the ink tank of this moment can not work on.

What Figure 39 showed is a comparative example 4, and in the example, (the capsule Guan Liyu printing ink of the compression printing ink assimilate 2003 of Figure 39 (A) provides power partly to compare opposite with the embodiment of the invention near bottom part (Figure 39 (B)) or wall limit, chamber.Be similar to comparative example 3, when gas-liquid interface A391 before forming near wall 2005 bottoms, chamber places, gas-liquid interface drops to printing ink provides below, top partly, thereby printing ink can not be provided from chamber 2006, the air that enters through air duct 2013 directly is sent to record-header thus, and this moment, ink tank also can't be worked.

The description of front is about having single bag pen recorder of a record-header.But described embodiment also is applicable to the pen recorder with 4 record-headers that colored ink sprays (for example BK, C, M, and Y), and this device can spray the printing ink of different colours; Also be applicable to a record-header simultaneously, spray the pen recorder of 4 kinds of color inks.In this case, need to increase link position and the direction that facility is placed restrictions on removable ink tank.

In the foregoing embodiments, ink tank is removable, but these examples are applicable to a record cephalic disc, and it makes record-header and ink tank integrated.

Embodiment 11

Figure 40 and 41 has shown a kind of device by the 11st embodiment.Two ink cavity 2008 that increase and 2009 are positioned to the form that communicates with chamber 2006.In the example of this version, the consumption of printing ink is in proper order: ink cavity 2006,2008 and 2009.In the example of this variation, ink cavity is divided into 4 cavitys, with better prevent to describe in the previous examples by environment, pressure reduces the leakage phenomenon that causes with temperature variation.Expand under the situation of Figure 41 as the air in fruit caving 2006 and 2008, the expansion of air partly is released by chamber 2004 and air duct 2013 in the chamber 2006, and the expansion in the chamber 2008 partly by printing ink flow into chamber 2006 and to the chamber 2004.So chamber 2004 has the function of a buffering.The printing ink hold facility of the absorption of inks thing in the chamber 2004 can be according to determining from the leakage rate in a chamber thus.Therefore the volume energy of the absorption of inks thing 2003 of compression is reduced to less than its volume in embodiment 10, thereby the printing ink maintenance dose can increase.

Embodiment 12

Figure 42 has shown the 12nd embodiment, and wherein, the compression printing ink assimilate in ink cavity 2004 is divided into 3 partly, and every part has special function.Among Figure 42, provide the ratio of compression of the compression printing ink assimilate of (it accounts for the most space in 2004) partly higher relatively near printing ink, to increase capsule Guan Li.The ratio of compression of the assimilate of close end, chamber is lower, but fully to required enough capsule Guan Li can be provided, provides printing ink required interior the pressure (A423 represents relatively low ratio of compression) with generation.In addition, put even had the substance A 424 of littler ratio of compression, to promote the formation of air-liquid surface A421 at the chamber bottom part along the chamber wall.In this embodiment, the absorption of inks thing 2003 of compression is divided into 3 parts, compresses in advance, settles then.Make like this ink tank manufacture craft a little complexity a bit, but ratio of compression (causing capsule Guan Li thus) can be adjusted to suitable degree in the relevant position.In addition, above-mentioned low capsule pipe power assimilate is disposed on the transverse wall in chamber, makes printing ink provide interior pressure partly to be raised to the fixed level of giving faster thus.

Embodiment 13

Figure 43 has shown the 13rd embodiment.Be similar to the 12nd embodiment, the absorption of inks thing 2003 of compression is divided into 3, and A432 partly has high compression ratio, and A434 partly has low compression ratio, and small reduction ratio partly (middle capsule Guan Li) A433 is positioned at the bottom in chamber 2006.In the present embodiment,, also can suppress printing ink and enter into chamber 2004 even the ink level in the chamber 2006 becomes the bottom that is lower than chamber wall 2006.Reducing printing ink thus provides the interior pressure at position to change.Thus, the admittance degree between the cavity also can increase, thereby the aspect of placing restrictions in the ink tank is reduced a little.In this figure, A431 represents air-liquid surface.But in this embodiment, resemble shown in Figure 44ly, if the absorption of inks thing when mounted, (P441) compresses its part on wall bottom, chamber further partially, near the ratio of compression at 2006 places, chamber the part uprised, and causes that the part of capsule Guan Li increases.The possibility of Cun Zaiing is then, and air is blocked between near the position in chamber 2004 with normal ratio of compression, and more folliculus Guan Li causes bent moon to form thus, and having prevented provides printing ink from chamber 2006.Therefore these should be avoided.

As foregoing description, according to embodiment 10,11,12 and 13, the mixed type ink tank is improved, and the air duct that the position is provided to record-header is provided.And further provide a printing ink that has the compression printing ink assimilate of adjusting capsule Guan Li that the chamber is provided, and one or more ink cavity of leading to it.The capsule Guan Li of described absorption of inks thing, being positioned at least to the printing ink of record-header provides the homogeneous tube power on top, position to be greater than to be positioned at communicate assimilate capsule Guan Li on the position of cavity, can keep stable injection thus, prevents to leak.Thus, the ink tank easy operating, its printing ink conservation rate is also high.

Embodiment 4

Fall test period in that the ink tank of addressing is previously carried out pressure, found a problem, promptly when printing ink had the synthetic component of the comparison printing ink 3 that will describe the back, printing ink produced leakage phenomenon.Therefore, leak the means that prevent, change according to individual ink tank.Inventor's various investigation and test have enlightened, and the buffering effect of printing ink is subjected to the influence of sympathetic response between printing ink and the jar.

Figure 14,45 and 46 have shown the ink tank that produces leakage compares.Among Figure 45, (I) scope of expression, in this scope, the absorption of inks thing is also not contacted with printing ink, the scope of (II) expression is to have absorbed printing ink one time, (III) is a scope that contains printing ink.Figure 14 has shown the original state of ink tank, and Figure 45 has shown the state that the available printing ink in a kind of chamber 3004 has been consumed, and have only 1/5 printing ink in the chamber 3006 this moment.Figure 46 has shown, and the environmental pressure that takes place under Figure 45 state increases or temperature variation causes air expansion in the chamber 3006.Thereby make printing ink in the chamber 3006 be discharged to time in the chamber 3004.The part that a part of printing ink was once absorbed the assimilate of a printing ink absorbs, but other printing ink is not partly absorbed by this, but along gap and absorption of inks thing between printing ink tank skin or this wall, lets out by 303 from air.

The reason of above-mentioned phenomenon can be considered like this: never absorbed receptivity that the absorption of inks thing of printing ink shows a little less than.The absorption of inks material that absorbed printing ink has surface state different, that be beneficial to absorption printing ink.These are all confirmed by following manner.Do not have used compression assimilate (polyurethane foam material) and the compression assimilate that absorbed a printing ink to be immersed in the printing ink with a kind of, and measure the absorption of inks height.(found that the former almost can not absorb printing ink (several millimeters), and the latter can absorb several centimetres, thereby confirm their tangible absorption characteristic difference.On the stamping ink pad of present embodiment, printing ink can be injected in the chamber 3006, to the volume limit of its original state.In addition, printing ink also can be injected in the chamber 3004, to the amount limit of its maintenance.Therefore consider above-mentioned viewpoint, printing ink is injected chamber 3006 by its volume limit, again printing ink is injected in the chamber 3004, so that before using, make assimilate moistening.After this, give fixed vacuum tightness after stamping ink pad separates, can from the chamber, discharge the printing ink of appropriate amount, thereby make the quantity of ink in the chamber 3004 be less than reservation amount limit in order to maintain.

After oil tank separated, the oil in the chamber 3004 was consumed, and after this consumes the oil in the chamber 3006 again.When oily in the chamber 3006 that has pooling feature in consumption, the absorption of inks thing in chamber 3004 is soaked, and thus, it can be easy to absorb printing ink, and buffer action also is accomplished simultaneously, thereby effectively prevents the outflow of printing ink from air duct.Such oil tank is installed on the ink jet recording device, and tests its pressure and fall.It found that oil leakage phenomenon does not appear in any oil tank, and the record print result is high-quality.

For making has the ink tank of above-mentioned functions, should consider that light carries out ink wetted with the absorption of inks thing and handles, or with other, have the medium that will soak character and soak processing, the oil tank of packing into then.But this may need dry step or similar step, if with the material medium beyond the printing ink, should be taken into account whether this medium that is dissolved in the printing ink can be to the hurtful possibility of well heater.What also should consider is to use the printing ink that can better cooperate with assimilate.But such printing ink generally has and oozes paper preferably, therefore stamps low printing ink and irregularly permeates along the fiber on the paper, has reduced print quality.

Figure 47 and 48 has shown alternate embodiment of the present invention.(I) among the figure, (II) and (III), the content class that shows is similar to (I) of Figure 45, (II) and (III).In this example, two ink cavity 3007 and 3008 are arranged, they communicate with chamber 3006.In this embodiment, the consumption of printing ink is in proper order: chamber 3006,3007 and 3008.In the example of this variation, ink cavity is divided into 4 chambeies, reduce and produce oil leakage phenomenon during temperature variation at pressure preventing, this in front embodiment described.When the air in chamber 3006 and 3007 expanded by the represented state of Figure 48, the air expansion amount in the chamber 3006 was by 3004 air duct is released through the chamber.The release of the swell increment in the chamber 3007 is to flow out from chamber 3006 and 3004 by printing ink.In this manner, chamber 3004 becomes cushion chamber.The ability of the maintenance printing ink of the compression printing ink assimilate in the chamber 3004 can be determined by oil spill amount from the chamber.In the case, whole compression printing ink assimilates carries out absorption of inks one time in 3004, thereby can obtain above-mentioned favourable effectiveness.Because cushion chamber (chamber 3004) can be reduced in size, thereby when being transferred after printing ink is filled with in manufacturing process, the quantity of ink of precipitation can reduce again.

Embodiment 15

With reference to Figure 49, embodiment 15 is described.The basic structure of its record-header is with structure shown in Figure 1.The inside of removable ink tank 3001 is divided into 4 chambeies, a, b, c, d, " they at the mutual communications and liaison in bottom, have the absorption of inks thing 3002 of adjusting capsule Guan Li and be loaded into the position that communicates between chamber a and other chamber, described other chamber provides partly as printing ink, does not have the slit.Have among the chamber d of air duct 3003 the buffering assimilate is housed, prevent that printing ink from leaking.This has just constituted a kind of like this stamping ink pad of mixed type.

Under the state of Figure 49, printing ink only about half of in the chamber 3007 is consumed.(when initial state, chamber 3004,3006 and 3007 is marked with the printing ink that fills deal).When printing ink is further consumed, as shown in figure 50, when the printing ink in chamber 3007 exhausts, to consume the printing ink that is provided by chamber 3006, printing ink continues to be consumed behind state shown in Figure 50, and when the printing ink in the chamber 3006 exhausts, absorption of inks thing in the chamber 3004 begins to provide printing ink, when the printing ink in the chamber 3004 is also used up, changes ink tank.

The printing ink that Figure 51 has shown this embodiment 15 provides the principle that reduces with ink pressure.Printing ink 3201 in the ink cavity on the left side of Figure 51 has exhausted, because the communications and liaison between air duct and the chamber cause in the chamber pressure consistent with atmospheric pressure.Printing ink partly is provided on the record-header through the communications and liaison between the chamber, this moment printing ink 3201 by from have the chamber that atmospheric chamber communicates provide, this providing through between the chamber, thus have the absorption of inks thing 3201 of high capsule Guan Li by compression.The pressure of ink cavity falls corresponding to oilconsumption.After this, air breaks through compression printing ink assimilate bent moon between the chamber and enters into because of printing ink flows out and produce the chamber that pressure falls.Printing ink provides interior pressure partly to maintain a predeterminated level by the capsule Guan Li of the compression assimilate between the chamber.

The printing ink that Figure 52 shows the replaceable ink tank of embodiment 15 provides partly interior the pressure to change, and this consumption that changes by printing ink produces.Interior generation of pressing is because the capsule Guan Li of buffering assimilate or absorption of inks thing, but interior pressure is again providing by oil, homogeneous tube power by the absorption of inks thing of the compression on the passage between chamber 3008 and 3007 (compression partly) produces, thereby when printing ink from the chamber 3007 when being provided, stable ink pressure can be kept as aforesaid.When printing ink further consumes, chamber 3006 beginning supplied ink.When supplied ink began, printing ink provided interior pressure partly to change a little.It is relevant with the internal pressure measurement that provides with printing ink that this phenomenon is considered to, and with chamber 3007 and 3006 in brief pressure to fall the generation of state relevant.But this point is confirmed, and promptly this variation such as the work of record-header, does not produce major issue to function.

When the printing ink in the chamber 3006 stably consumed, described interior pressure also was stable.When the printing ink in the chamber 306 was depleted, chamber 3004 began to provide printing ink.The printing ink shown in Figure 52 is stable provide during, to writing task, do not have adverse influence.

Figure 53 has shown the function of buffering absorbing material 3203.Because change of atmospheric pressure and temperature rise, the air in the chamber 3007 expands, thereby the printing ink that flow out in chamber 3007 increases.In this embodiment, the printing ink in the too much inflow chamber 3008 is cushioned the assimilate reservation.Under 0.7 atmospheric situation, the ability that buffering assimilate 3300 keeps printing ink is set at 30% of chamber 3007 maximum oil ink leakage amounts.When atmospheric pressure returns to before the pressure drop level, the chamber 3008 and be retained in the printing ink that buffering Xiao receives in the thing 3203 and turn back in the chamber 3007 bled.This phenomenon occurs in the situation of ink tank temperature variation too.But when temperature variation, even the temperature liter reaches 50 °, the leakage that temperature variation causes is also fallen the leakage that causes less than pressure.

Under this occasion, the buffering assimilate is by the design of maximum leakage amount.But, test period falls at pressure, found a problem, and promptly printing ink releases from some ink tank, therefore, leaks and prevents that measure character from depending on that individual jar is carried out.It has been found that the generation of this situation is because the sympathetic response between the buffering assimilate in printing ink and chamber 3008.

In embodiment 15, buffering assimilate 3203 promptly passes through absorption of inks before use.Verified is, thereby rises or pressure descends when causing that air expansion in the chamber 3007 causes printing ink to be discharged in the chamber 3008 when temperature, and the buffering assimilate in the chamber 3008 absorbs this inflow printing ink, can not produce leakage thus.

As aforementioned, chamber 3008 is printing ink cushion chambers, therefore using the incipient stage, does not preferably inject printing ink.Therefore in the present embodiment, be injected into the printing ink of limiting the quantity of in the chamber 3004,3006 and 3007, also be injected into the printing ink of limiting the quantity of in the chamber 3008, after this, the printing ink in 3008 is removed, to guarantee its surge capability.

Ink tank with forming in such a way installs on the ink jet recording device, carries out pressure then and falls test.Its result confirms not only do not have leakage, and the record print quality is promptly good stable again.

As above-mentioned description to embodiment 14 and 15, a jar dish is housed on it, this dish comprise a printing ink that has the absorption of inks thing of the good capsule Guan Li of adjusted provide the chamber and one or more be used to contain printing ink and with the ink cavity that provides the chamber to communicate.Assimilate in the chamber by ink wetted, thereby does not produce the printing ink leakage phenomenon even the environment for use of pen recorder changes yet, and with this device be in use or halted state irrelevant.Therefore the service efficiency and the print quality of printing ink are all high.

Embodiment 16

In the above embodiments stamping ink pad, when have printing ink inhale thing provide the chamber to become empty the time: in some cases, the work of filling with again has certain difficulty.

Figure 61 has shown, the state in the jar that printing ink be reinjected, and it provides the printing ink in the chamber to exhaust.Even provide the printing ink printing ink in chamber 4006 in the chamber (4004) also to use up after having exhausted, in the absorption of inks thing, the still surplus printing ink that a small amount of is arranged.In each part of assimilate, printing ink forms meniscus.In the time will providing printing ink in the chamber 4006 of not containing absorption of inks thing 4202, the meniscus in the assimilate in the chamber 404 prevents the dense injection of printing ink.And the reservation air pocket, shown in A611.When such ink tank was connected on the record-header, printing ink flowed into because of above-mentioned bubble existence and insufficient, thereby stops easily.

In the case, the operator can not note the change sky in chamber 4006 because printing ink is contained in the assimilate in the chamber 4004, so is still carrying out under the situation of the Fuel Exhausted that writing task can be in 4006.Only when because the oily depleted and writing task in the absorption of inks thing in the chamber 4004 can't carry out the time, the operator can know that just the printing ink in chamber 4004 and 4006 is depleted.At this moment, even chamber 4006 is poured into again, the printing ink that enters does not contact with the contained printing ink of assimilate in the chamber 4004 yet, therefore can not carry out oiling, does not consequently leave bubble in the assimilate 4202 in the chamber 4004.

Be head it off, the printing ink that oil tank comprises provides the chamber will have the printing ink to the record-header fuel feeding and provides partly, the absorption of inks thing of air duct and centering, at least one chamber will provide the chamber to communicate with printing ink, and have printing ink, and in ink cavity, leave and give during the quantitative printing ink, survey the device that left oil mass reduces.

Following description is the device about above-mentioned detection oil mass.

Figure 54 shows by a control system example of the present invention, and it comprises a microcomputer controller, and computing machine has an A/D converter, an electric pressure converter 4300 and a warning device 4400.Label 4010 is represented record-header.Warning device can be LED or similar pattern, or such as buzzer or the pattern of similarly pronouncing, or the combination of above-mentioned pattern.A main sweep mechanism 4500 is used for the mobile carrier HC in scan-type ground, and it comprises a motor that is used to send into recorded information.Label √ represents the detectable signal to the oil tank allowance.Flow between two electrodes of constant in this embodiment electric current in chamber 4006, and the printing ink surplus in the chamber 4006 is determined by resistance between two electrodes.In the case, the relation between left oil mass and the resistance is shown in Figure 66.

Shown in Figure 55: when the pasta in the chamber 4006 was lower than last of two electrodes 410, the resistance between the two poles of the earth increased severely, and produces a correspondent voltage.This voltage is by directly or carry out AD by the A/D converter that an electric pressure converter 4300 is gone to controller and change.When measured value surpasses one when giving surely horizontal R+h, will be by the initiate notification operator of alarm device 4400.Advance the oiling China ink.At this moment, main frame may be stopped work or will quit work at once.

Consumption in printing ink stops, and still leaves in a small amount printing ink thus in the chamber 4006, and therefore, printing ink can be reinjected in the assimilate in the chamber 4004, and ink tank can be reused thus.

Figure 56 has shown, and provides the situation of interior pressure partly according to the ink consumption quantitative changeization by the printing ink of replaceable oil tank that should embodiment.At initial period, press (negative pressure) to produce in it by the capsule pipe power of the absorption of inks thing of the compression in the chamber 4004, but with the consumption of chamber 4004 printing ink, the interior pressure that is produced by capsule pipe power increases gradually, and this variation is that the ratio of compression according to the assimilate 4202 of compression changes and produces.

When printing ink further was consumed, the consumption of printing ink is stable in the chamber 4004 carried out, and the printing ink in the chamber 4006 begins to be consumed, and air enters into chamber 4006 (mode of describing by the front), so kept stable interior pressure.When the ink consumption in 4006 had reached scheduled volume, the 8th amount detector was started working, and execution impels, and carries out the function that oiling and print job stop.Can make the printing ink in the chamber 4004 it be carried out oiling before being no more than predetermined value being consumed thus, oiling is operated in when helping injecting to be carried out.

About injecting the method for printing ink, Figure 57 has shown example.A printing ink in chamber 4006 provides partly the consent on 4005 to open, by manage 4052 and similarly thing printing ink is injected in the chamber 4006.After injection, will fill in 4051 beyond the Great Wall.The method that refills is not limited to this, also available other method, and providing partly, 4005 position also is not limited to above-mentioned.So stamping ink pad can be reused.

In aforementioned, the surplus of printing ink is to detect by the resistance between the electrode in the jar, but is not limited to this, and also available machinery or photoconduction means are surveyed.

In this embodiment, oil tank is removable kind, still, can have record-header and ink tank integratedly on the ink jet record cephalic disc.

Embodiment 17

With reference to scheming: 58,59 and 60, will be described embodiment 17.Fluid communication can be carried out with chamber 4006 in two chambeies 4007 and 4008.In this example, ink consumption is in proper order: chamber 4006,4007 and 4008.Ink cavity among this embodiment is divided into 4 parts, to prevent the printing ink leakage by embodiment 16 described ambient pressures descend and temperature rises and causes.For example: when the air in chamber 4006 and 4007 expanded under the described state of Figure 58, the swell increment in the chamber 4006 was released by air duct and chamber 4004.Shown in Figure 59, the swell increment in the chamber 4007 discharges with printing ink inflow chamber 4006 and 4004.So ink cavity 4004 is given the function of cushion chamber.Therefore, consider that the printing ink from a chamber leaks the printing ink reserve capability that can determine compression printing ink assimilate 4002 in the chamber 4004.

In this example, printing ink regularly is consumed from chamber 4006 and 4007.Ink consumption is taken turns chamber 4008 to the end then, consumes the printing ink in the chamber 4004, until termination.In order to measure the printing ink surplus in the chamber 4008, fill in the chamber 4008 and be equipped with telegram 4100 (shown in Figure 60).Have a filling orifice on the chamber 4006.Among this embodiment, only in chamber 4008, residual ink is measured.Thus, printing ink can be filled with in chamber 4006 and 4007.Be placed in quite height among the embodiment 16 as electrode, when electrode detector to amount in limited time, left quantity of ink in not having the assimilate chamber can be reduced, and effectively utilizes the space.

Among this embodiment, be similar to embodiment 16, during low on fuel in the chamber 4004 of containing assimilate, can refill it.

Embodiment 18

Figure 62 shows embodiment 18, and its oil tank wall is that transparent or semitransparent material is made, and sees thereby the residual ink amount is available optical instrument, sees thereby the residual ink amount is available optical instrument.The reflex reflector lens such as eyeglass is placed on the wall in chamber 4006 in this example, and one comprises: the photosensitive part of a light direct beam spare 4043 and a light receiving piece 4044 is positioned in the oil tank outside.Light emission part 4043 and receiver member 4044 can be placed on the frame or have on the main body position of recovery system.

Among Figure 62,4043 give by one and to decide angle and send light, and light receiver member 4044 receives light by reflex reflector lens.For example, illuminating part 4043 is LED elements, and receiver member 4044 is optotransistor or analog.Among Figure 62, (a) be the printing ink full state, at this moment, 4043 light that send are stopped by the oil in the chamber 4006, thereby 4044 can't accept light, and the output quantity of detection part is little thus.If oil is depleted to (b) state among Figure 62, owing to there is not printing ink that light stopped that the output quantity height of detection part when 4044 luminous energy of accepting (detection part output quantity) surpass predetermined limiting the quantity of, will produce the caution signal of a topping-up.

Figure 63 shows the embodiment of a variation, and light is wherein launched the relative both sides that place oil tank with receiver member respectively.Figure 63 (a) is a vertical view, and Figure 63 (b) is a positive view.In this example, the manufacturing materials in chamber 4006 also is transparent or semitransparent.So do not need reflecting optics, and owing to only directly accept, Effect on Detecting is good.

In aforementioned, description all be about single oil tank, but the present invention also is applicable to the colored ink jetting recorder, this device has a plurality of record-headers, to spray black, blue or green blue look, fuchsin and yellow.The present invention is also applicable to using a record-header to spray different colors.

To different colors, can use different boundaries, can use filter paper to choose and give fixed wavelength, so left printing ink can be detected by the light conduction of printing ink according to different printing ink looks.

Aforesaid oil tank is removable, yet, it be one at a kind of record-header and oil tank with one, spray in the form of cephalic disc.

Embodiment 19

Figure 64 has shown, and embodiment 19, and among the figure, the ink cavity among the embodiment 16 is divided into two parts, and one of them (4007) are replaceable.What (a) among Figure 64 showed is the state that residual ink amount detection part is activated, and a replaceable new chamber 4007 that is marked with printing ink replaced and depleted ink cavity 4007 this moment.This just replacing state that Figure 64 (b) shows.The above-mentioned replacing of Figure 64 (c) expression is finished.At this moment, the valve plug 4052 of oil pocket bottom is backed down by 4053 of 4006 tops, chamber, and printing ink is injected in the chamber 4006.This kind situation has not needed pipeline or injector, the operator's finger of yet can not making dirty.Only need to change parts just passable so chamber 4004 and chamber 4006 can also communicate, from but economical.

In embodiment 19, the left amount detection part of printing ink is not limited to the form of resistance between electrode, and it can use light word kind or other kind described in the embodiment 18.Can consider that the method that further whether has continuous stream to cross printing ink between the detection cavity 4004 and chamber 4006 measures.A kind of structure of this method is two electrodes 4100 to be arranged in the both sides of two chamber passages.

In this embodiment, record-header and printing ink are discerptible.But record-header also can become one with the ink tank with chamber 4004 and 4006.

By above-mentioned description to embodiment 16-19, oil tank has one provides part and an air duct of printing ink to record-header, and it comprises that a printing ink that has the absorption of inks thing provides the chamber, has at least a chamber that contains printing ink to communicate with it, contain in the chamber of printing ink at this, detection part is arranged; Whether abundant, the result who is surveyed is apprised of the operator if measuring quantity of ink, thereby recording operation can be stopped, and carries out oiling work.

The inventor investigates the printing ink that is applicable to the aforesaid embodiment of the present invention, and optimal printing ink has shown that its air-fluid exchange partly resists the stability of printing ink vibration, and the stability of opposing changes in environmental conditions.

To address the printing ink that is fit to use in the previous embodiment oil tank below.

The fundamental component of printing ink is to comprise water, pigment and water-soluble organic solvent at least.Organic solvent is low volatilization and the low-viscosity substances with high molten water-based.Be the example of this solvent below.Such as the amide of dimethylformamide and dimethyl acetyl ammonia, as the ketone of acetone; Ethers thing such as diox and tetrahydrofuran: such as the polyglycols of polyglycol and polypropylene glycol; Such as the ethene ethylidene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethylene glycol, thiodiglycol, the alkylidene ethylidene glycol of hexanediol and diglycol; The low alkyl ether of polyvalent alcohol, such as ethene ethylidene glycol methyl ether, diglycol monomethyl ether and triethylene glycol monomethyl ether; Monohydroxy alcohol is such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol; In addition, also has glycerine, 1,2,6 hexyl mercaptans, N-N-methyl-2-2-pyrrolidone N-, 1,3-dimethyl-2 imidazolone, triethanolamine, tetramethylene sulfone and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) etc.Molten water organic solvent composition is had no particular limits.But it accounts for the weight of 1-80%.Colorant used in this invention can be pigment or dyestuff, and dyestuff can be water-soluble acid dyes, toner, basic dyestuff, reactive dye or analog.The dyestuff composition is not limit, but preferably accounts for the 1-20% of ink by weight.

Surfactant is used to adjust liquid level tension force.The example of surfactant is: such as resin acid salt, high ethanol sulfuric acid, and the anion active agent of alkyl benzene sulfonation thing and high ethanol phosphide salt; Cationic active agent such as aliphatics amine salt and quaternary amine; Ethylene oxide adduct such as high ethanol, the ethylene oxide adduct of alkyl phenol, the aliphatics ethylene oxide adduct, the ethylene oxide adduct of high ethanol resin acid ester, the ethylene oxide adduct of high alkyl amine, the ethylene oxide adduct of resin acid acid amides, the ethylene oxide adduct of polypropylene glycol, the high ethanol resin acid ester of polyvalent alcohol and alkanolamine resin acid acid amides, and the anionic surfactant of the amphoteric surfactant of amino acid and the interior lipid of trimethylammonium.Surfactant is not particularly limited, but the anionic surfactant that preferably uses is high oxidation of ethanol ethene addition product the ethylene oxide adduct of alkyl phenol, the multipolymer of ethylene oxide--propylene oxide, the oxidation second of acetylene ethylidene glycol

The alkene addition product.In addition, particularly in ethylene oxide adduct add the molal quantity of oxidation ethene should be in the 4-20 scope.Addition to surfactant additive has no particular limits, but the 0.01-10% capillary energy that preferably accounts for general assembly (TW) is controlled by above-mentioned water-soluble organic solvent.

Remove above-mentioned composition, original liquid can comprise the viscosity-modifying thing as required, and pH adjusts agent, mildewproof agent or polyphenoils.

The viscosity of printing ink is 1-20cp, and surface tension should be 25-50dyne/cm.If ink surface tension is in this scope, record-header becomes liquid level and can not break when machine does not use, thereby printing ink can not go out from the record-header orifice flow yet.

The quantity of ink that is contained in the stamping ink pad can be appropriately determin to being its inner volumetric quantity.In order to be removed instantaneous maintenance vacuum tightness at dish, the printing ink amount of filling with can be limit.But the quantity of ink that vacuum produces in the thing may be lower than its maintenance dose ability, so be meant can retainable amount for the printing ink maintenance dose of vacuum product.

By described printing ink of the embodiment of the invention and comparative example, face is described as follows.

Water and molten water organic solvent mix, and add dyestuff, stir 4 hours, add surfactant then, remove foreign matter through screen then.The printing ink of making is injected in the stamping ink pad among Figure 11, carries out the work of device shown in Figure 12 then.

Be the comparison of ink property and record print result below.

Example 1 example 2 examples 3 examples 4 diglycols 15% 10% 10% 10% ring ethanol 2% glycerine 5% thiodiglycol, 5% 5%Surfron S-145 0.1% (surfactant of fluoridizing) ACETYLENOL EH 2% (acetylene ethylidene glycol-ethylene oxide

Addition product) dyestuff 2.5% 2.5% 0.2% 2.5% water surplus surplus surplus surplus surface tension 31 (dyne/cm) 25 40 40

In use, the printing ink of above-mentioned routine 1-4 is successfully depleted, and printing quality is very desirable.

Comparative example 1 comparative example 2 diethylene glycol (DEG)s 15% glycerine 5% thiodiglycol 5%Surfron S-145 0.1% (surfactant of fluoridizing) ACETYLENOL EH (acetylene ethylidene glycol-ethylene oxide adduct) dyestuff 2.5% 2.5% water surplus surplus surface tension 17.6 (dyne/cm) 57.4

When example 1 printing ink used, color had been analysed a small amount of printing ink clearly and has been oozed from record-header.When example 2 printing ink use, between the face bag diffusion is arranged, a small amount of printing ink oozes record-header.

Yellow color dye is an acid yellow 23, and the blue look of cyanogen is an acid blue 9, and carmetta is an acid red 289, and black dyes is a black 168.

Capillary measurement is carried out under 25 ℃ of conditions by the Wilhelmy method.

Be the surface potential position of typical molten water organic solvent in the time of 20 ℃-25 ℃ below:

Ethanol (22dyne/cm), isopropyl alcohol (22dyne/cm), ring ethanol (34dyne/cm), glycerine (63dyne/cm), diglycol (49dyne/cm), diglycol monomethyl ether (35dyne/cm), triethylene glycol (35dyne/cm), 2-Pyrrolidone (47dyne/cm), N-Methyl pyrrolidone (41dyne/cm).

Desired surface tension is by obtaining with mixing of water.

Below description control is used the method for the ink surface tension of surfactant.

For example, need add single month lauric acid fat of anhydro sorbitol of 1% when the surface tension of 28dyne/cm is provided, mix with water; Need add polyoxyethylene-anhydro sorbitol mono laurate fat of 1% during 35dyne/cm: need be no less than 1% ACETYLENOL EH (acetylene ethylidene glycol-ethylene oxide adduct) during 28dyne/cm.If wish that tension force is smaller, can add the tension force that 0.1% surflons-145 (perfluoroalkyl-ethylene oxide adduct) (can buy from Japanese A Sahi Glass Kabushiki Kaisha) obtains 17dyne/cm.The also available other additive of surface tension produces subtle change, therefore, can carry out suitable adjustment by those skilled in the art.

By above-mentioned, considering design printing ink buffering on the maximum leakage quantity of ink basis.Have been found that buffering effect depends on ink ingredient greatly.

Be the example of a comparison below.

Comparative example 3

Dyestuff 4 parts

Glycerine, 7.5 parts

Thiodiglycol 7.5 parts

Urea 7.5 parts

Pure water 73.5 parts

When printing ink from the chamber 3006 by row during (air the chamber 3006 because pressure shown in Figure 46 reduces or temperature raises expand) to chamber 3004, the problem that produces is not absorbate absorption of printing ink, but by the slit between tank skin and the assimilate, or spilt through air duct.

So will adopt the printing ink that comprises surface-active substance.The advantage of this printing ink is, the fixed characteristic on copy paper, pasted paper or other common paper is very good, the color appropriateness of promptly printing off and (seepage flow or analogue) do not occur mixing, and promptly convenient different colours is also like this when printing off.Therefore, whole colouring becomes possibility.Be the example of this composition below.

Composition example 5

4 parts of dyestuffs

7.5 parts of glycerine

7.5 parts of thiodiglycols

5 parts of acetylene ethylidene glycol ethylene oxides

Addition product (m+n=10)

7.5 parts in urea

68.5 parts of pure water

When using above-mentioned printing ink, when printing ink was discharged in the chamber 2004 because of the air expansion in the chamber 2006, the absorption of inks thing in the chamber 2004 absorbed it, and printing ink can not spill from stamping ink pad.Above-mentioned air expansion is that as shown in figure 34 temperature rises or pressure descends and causes.

By aforementioned, when printing ink 2006 is provided to chamber 2004 space-time solution-air body phase boundaries and is being maintained at a height from the chamber, i.e. the vacuum position of the static head of record-header ejection electrodes and chamber 2006 and compression assimilate capsule Guan Li.Supposing the average height of gas one liquid phase circle in chamber 2004, is H at this moment, and when voltage power, temperature variation caused that printing ink in the chamber 2006 flows out, the solution-air phase boundary in the chamber 2004 can be supposed to maintain on the higher h value.In example of this embodiment, the overall height of printing ink is 3cm in the chamber, respectively there is the capacity of 6cc in chamber 2004 and chamber 2006, in the starting stage, (6cc) filled with in chamber 2006, and containing 4cc printing ink in chamber 2004 (the absorption of inks thing 2003 that compression is wherein arranged is polyurethane foam things), the factor of porosity of assimilate is no less than 95%.Be comprised in fully in the hole of assimilate if suppose printing ink, chamber 2004 can hold the printing ink of 6cc.The consumption of printing ink behind the certain hour, begin to consume the printing ink in the chamber 2006, and the air in the chamber 2004-liquid phase boundary is maintained on the level at first from the chamber 2004.On this level, the capsule Guan Li of the static head of the spout part of record-header, the vacuum tightness in chamber 2006 and compression printing ink assimilate is in a kind of equilibrium state.Fifty-fifty, Ci Shi level height (solution-air phase boundary) is approximately 1.5cm.All contain printing ink if suppose the hole of all assimilates, the quantity of ink in the chamber 2004 is approximately 3cc.This moment, maximum pressure was reduced to 0.7 atmospheric pressure, thereby the 1.8cc printing ink that accounts for chamber 2,006 30% can 2006 outflows from the chamber.Thus, chamber 2004 absorbs and the printing ink of 3cc+1.8cc (ink level of about 2.4cm) that keep having an appointment.When maximum pressure is reduced to 0.5 atmospheric pressure, accounts in the chamber 2,006 50% 3cc printing ink and can be from the chamber 2006 flow out, thereby can absorb and keep the quantity of ink of about 3cc+3cc (liquid side that about 3cm is high) in the chamber 2004.Therefore, ink cavity 2004 has enough spaces to comprise the volume of assimilate, when printing ink volume in its chamber and the printing ink volume that flows to from chamber 2006.This shows that the definite of chamber 2004 capacity will consider the amount that flows into wherein from chamber 2006.

The general tunica Guan Li of level of ink H that poroid assimilate absorbs is by the compression of following equation relation.

H=2 γ cos θ/ρ gr, wherein γ is an ink surface tension, and θ is the contact angle of printing ink and its assimilate, and ρ is the density of printing ink, and g is a strategy, r is the average pore size of assimilate.

Should understand like this,, consider to increase the surface tension of printing ink, or reduce the contact angle (cos θ increase) of printing ink and its assimilate in order to increase the reserve capability of printing ink by the height that increases H.

About capillary increase, comparative example 3 has high relatively surface tension (50dyne/cm ²).But as aforesaid, printing ink does not have absorbate and suitably absorbs.For reducing of angle θ, it means increases the wettability of printing ink to assimilate.In order to finish this purpose, surfactant is used.

Under the situation of example 5 printing ink, the little (30dyne/cm of its surface tension ²), this is four for having added surfactant for a short time, but the wettability between printing ink and the assimilate improves.In order to improve penetrability, it is more effective than increasing the capillary practice to improve the printing ink wettability.

For comparing ink penetration, compressed absorption of inks thing (polyurethane foam thing) is immersed in the printing ink of example 3 and example 5, measures then to absorb height.Example 3 printing ink only are absorbed several millimeters high printing ink, and being absorbed of example 5 printing ink highly reaches more than 2 centimetres.Be appreciated that the interpolation by surfactant thus, the perviousness of printing ink is improved (example 5), thereby printing ink can absorb by absorbate fully.Even cause that the settling off ground in the ink cavity flows out, and also can be absorbed fully because pressure descends or temperature rises.

The bleeding agent of selecting for use comprises anionic surfactant, such as OT class gasoloid, neopelex, lauryl sodium sulfate, high ethanol--ethylene oxide adduct (1 chemical formula of filling a prescription), both sexes ethylene oxide adduct (prescription 2), ethylene oxide propylene oxide copolymer (prescription 3) and acetylene ethylidene glycol ethylene oxide adduct (prescription 4).

Anionic surfactant has strong foam and produces trend, but dyes the poor performance of aspects such as diffusion, color complete sum feathering at look, less than non-ionic surfactant.The non-ionic surfactant of prescription expression is mended and is used below.

4 chemical formulas

Here R is an alkyl

Here R is an alkyl

Here R is a hydrogen or alkyl

In chemical formula (prescription) 1 and 2, the desirable 6-14 value of n, R can have 5-26 carbon atom.In chemical formula 3 and 4, the desirable 6-14 of m+n, and m and n are respectively monomers.

In the ethylene oxide non-ionic surfactant, the absorbability of assimilate, lettering quality and the injection work on the record thing are considered as one, can select acetylene ethylidene glycol ethylene oxide adduct for use.The value of m+n that can be by the ethylene oxide that improve to add is controlled water wettability and perviousness.If should be worth less than 6, good penetrability, and molten water-based is bad.If be worth too greatly, it is too strong that hydrophilic generation becomes, and the perviousness variation.If value is greater than 14, perviousness is fully, but the jet quality variation.So this value is better in the 6-14 scope.

Non-ionic surfactant can account for the 0.1-20% of gross weight, if be lower than 0.1, printing quality and perviousness are insufficient good.If greater than 20%, not only there is not better effect, expense is increased, reliability reduces.

Above-mentioned one or more surfactants can mix use.

Printing ink can contain dyestuff, low volatilization organic solvent, for example polyvalent alcohol stops up preventing, perhaps as ethanol with organic solvent to improve the stability and the stationarity of impression on printed article of foam generation.

The present embodiment printing ink that the organic solvent of molten water constitutes can comprise the polyglycols such as tygon ethylidene glycol and polypropylene glycol; Aklylene glycol has 2-6 carbon atom, such as the ethene ethylidene glycol, and propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,2,6-ethyl mercaptan, hexanediol and diglycol; The low alkyl ether of polyvalent alcohol, such as ethene ethylidene glycol methyl ether, diglycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether and triethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether; Ethanol is as methyl ethanol, ethyl hexanol, n-n-pro-pyl ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, F-butyl alcohol, T-butyl alcohol, isobutyl ethanol, benzyl ethanol and cyclohexanol; Amide such as dimethyl formamide and dimethyl acetamide; Ketone and keto-alcohol are such as acetone and diacetone alcohol; Ethers, such as tetrahydrofuran with diox; And contain azo-cycle, and such as the N-N-methyl-2-2-pyrrolidone N-, 2-Pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolone.

Adding molten water organic solvent can not influence printing quality and spray reliability.Preferably select polyvalent alcohol or its alkyl ether for use.Content can account for the 1-3% of weight, and pure water accounts for 50-90% weight.

Be applicable to that dyestuff of the present invention comprises direct colorant, acid dyes, disperse dyes, vat dyestuffs or analog.Amount of dye depends on ink ingredient and to the characteristic of its requirement, and record-header emitted dose or similar requirement.Usually, amount of dye accounts for the 0.5-15% of weight, also can be 1-7%.

By adding thiodiglycol or urea (or derivatives thereof), the jet quality of printing ink and obstruction (freezing action) prevent that performance from having been improved significantly.This is considered to the solidification phenomenon of dyestuff in printing ink and has been enhanced.Thiodiglycol or urea (or derivatives thereof) can account for the 1-3% of weight in printing ink, also can add on demand.

The principal ingredient of printing ink of the present invention has been described in the above.Other additive also can be used, to reach purpose of the present invention.Described additive can comprise viscosity adjustment agent, such as the resin of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose and molten water; The pH controlling agent is such as diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and buffer solution, germifuge or the like.For the ink type with form of electrical charges that uses in injection record, in use, its oil droplet has electric charge, adjusts agent so can add some opposings, such as lithium chloride, ammonium chloride and sodium chloride.

Introduce comparative example below

43 parts of comparative examples

5 parts of dyestuffs

5 parts of diglycols

3 parts of thiodiglycols

84 parts of pure water

In this example, when printing ink pressure reduce or temperature raise change under, by excessive when being discharged in the absorption of inks thing chamber from oil pocket, the problem of appearance is that printing ink spills by the slit between tank skin and the assimilate or through air duct.

So adopt and to add surfactant with printing ink.Such printing ink has prints the fixing very fast advantage of vestige, no matter on copy paper, sticky paper or other paper.Its advantage that also has is, also do not produce unsuitable colour superimposition even different colours comes in contact in record is printed, and thus, unified colouring can be carried out.Be the example of this printing ink below.

Comparative example 6

3 parts of dyestuffs

5 parts of glycerine

5 parts of thiodiglycols

Ethylene oxide-propylene oxide gathers and 3 parts of things

5 parts in urea

79 parts of pure water

When using this printing ink, it is absorbed by the absorption of inks thing in the chamber, causes a large amount of printing ink to flow in the chamber with assimilate even pressure descends or temperature rises, and it also is sufficient absorbing.

As above-mentioned description, stamping ink pad of the present invention comprises that the printing ink with absorption of inks thing of adjusting capsule Guan Li provides the chamber, and one or more ink cavity, it is characterized in that, contain non-ionic surfactant in the printing ink, thereby when change of external conditions, recording operation carry out or when stopping printing ink can not leaking, improved the printing ink service efficiency thus.

Enterprising embodiment 1-13 has corresponding advantages, if be used in combination, advantage can be bigger.In addition, the combination of the combination of embodiment 14 and 15 processes and embodiment 16-19 structure, above-mentioned in addition printing ink, better effects if of the present invention.

The present invention is applicable to any ink-jet apparatus, uses electromechanical transducer such as those, as the device of piezoelectric element.But be applicable to this pen recorder especially, though the electricity consumption heat conductor, thus laser beam or analog cause that with heat energy the variation of printing ink state is sprayed or the device of discharge printing ink.This is because the record of high density and high-resolution performance has become possibility.

Described typical structure and principle of operation can be same as disclosed corresponding contents in United States Patent (USP) 4723129 and 4740796, and this principle and structure are applicable to a kind of authoritative register system and a kind of continuous recording system of being called as.Yet it is applicable to the reason of injunctive system especially, be that its principle of work is: at least one drive signal is transferred to an electric heating conducting piece, conducting piece is put at printing ink and is held on dish or the passage, drive signal can cause promptly that temperature rises, the deviation that surpasses a nucleogenesis boiling point, thereby provide heat energy by the electric heating transmitter, the heating position on record-header produces film boiling, and each signal can form a bubble in printing ink thus.

By the generation of bubble, development and contraction, at least one oil dripping China ink passes through injection orifice.Because the development of bubble and contraction can be carried out, thereby the injection of printing ink reaction is very fast instantaneously.Described drive signal is the form of pulse, can be according to United States Patent (USP) 4463359 and 4345262 disclosed content-forms.In addition, the temperature rate of rise of the area of heating surface can be with reference to disclosed technology contents in the United States Patent (USP) 4313124.

The structure of record-header also can be as disclosed form in United States Patent (USP) 4558333 and 4459600.Its heating part is positioned on the crooked position, and the integrated structure of the above-mentioned injection orifice of the present invention, fluid passage and electric heating transmitter also is housed on this crooked position.In addition, the present invention also is applicable to Japanese laid-open patent application 123670/1984, has wherein used the injection orifice of common slit as a plurality of electric heating transmitter.The present invention also is applicable to Japanese laid-open patent application 138461/1984 disclosed structure, and wherein, an opening that absorbs the heat energy pressure wave is corresponding with spout part.Why be like this because the present invention can be efficiently, the executive logging work of secure ground, be not subjected to the limitation of record-header kind.

The present invention can be applied to the record-header that is called as complete capable kind effectively, and this journey class record-header has the length corresponding to the dominant record width, and it can comprise an independent record-header and the big combination of a plurality of record, covers the dominant record width.

In addition, the present invention is also applicable to a kind of record-header of kind series, and this record-header is fixed on the main body; A kind of record-header of replaceable circuit chip kind, this record-header by the electricity be connected with main frame, be mounted on the main device after the energy ink jet; The dish class record-header that perhaps has only the unit ink tank.

Recovering means and give the operation attached assistant's section still be used because they can further stablize effect of the present invention.Concrete means comprise record-header sealing, cleaning, pressurization or absorption, can be the hot device of giving of electric heating transmitter, the well heater of an interpolation or the combination of above-mentioned various means.Also have, the means of giving injection can the stable recording operation.

As for the variation pattern of installable record-header, it can be the record-header of an only color in a kind of unit of correspondence, also can be each record-header of the multiple inks of correspondence with different colours or density.The present invention is applicable to this head device effectively, it has following mode, at least a mainly is the panchromatic formula of the monochromatic formula of black, the polychrome formula with different colours printing ink or use color mixture, this device can be to form whole record-header, or by a plurality of record-header be combined intos.

In the aforementioned embodiment, printing ink all is liquid.But also can be to solidify being lower than under the room temperature, and the solid ink of liquefaction at room temperature.Because printing ink being controlled between 30 ℃-70 ℃ in the pen recorder usually, to guarantee viscosity and injection, can use complete liquid printing ink in this scope.The present invention also can use other kind printing ink.A kind of is that this heat that its temperature is risen is absorbed when its temperature is tending towards rising owing to heat conduction, is diverted to make solid ink become liquid printing ink.Other printing ink is cured when not using, and avoids evaporating.Under above-mentioned all situations, the heat energy that tracer signal produces all is used to make printing ink liquefaction, thereby can spray.Another kind of printing ink can be to be cured when it arrives on the recording materials.The present invention also is applicable to the printing ink material that is liquefied by heat, and this material is retained in the liquid or solid form in the hole or hole of porose lamellar body, as Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No 56847/1979 and 71260/1985 disclosed content.The lamellar body that keeps solid or liquid printing ink is in the face of the electric heating transmitter.Above-mentioned is the film boiling system to the most effective type of heating of printing ink.

Ink jet recording device can be used as the end device of information processing device, such as computing machine or analog; Be combined with the reproducing unit of screen reader or analog; Or has a facsimile recorder that function was selected and accepted to information.

Original structure of the present invention has been described fully, but the present invention is not limited to aforesaid content, and present patent application is intended to protect interior version of following claim scope and the version in improvement purpose of the present invention.

Claims (26)

1. print cartridge that can be connected to the ink jet print head of ink jet recording device, comprise that contains first chamber that negative pressure produces material, and be provided with the China ink outlet in the bottom of print cartridge, and can be connected to ink gun, from print cartridge to the ink gun ink supply, and an airport is used to allow ambient air to enter in the print cartridge, one second chamber, the connected entrance of the bottom by being arranged on print cartridge is communicated with first chamber, and for first chamber provides black storeroom, and air gatherer, comprise not containing the path that negative pressure produces material substantially, have an inlet in first chamber, produce material by negative pressure and separate with described air hole, and one be provided with to such an extent that be lower than the outlet of described inlet in the middle of print cartridge uses, and makes can pass negative pressure generation material and air flue is provided to second chamber when China ink air when the China ink outlet is return.

2. print cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said air gatherer are limited at the surface of negative pressure generation material and separate between the wall in first and second chambeies.

3. print cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said air import path and are formed on the partition wall between described first and second chambeies.

4. print cartridge according to claim 3, wherein said air imports path and is provided by a muscle.

5. print cartridge according to claim 3, it is flute profile that wherein said air imports path.

6. print cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said air path is limited by at least one muscle that extends along at least a portion of separating the partition wall between described first and second chambeies, produces in negative pressure and limits a space between material and the wall.

7. print cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said air route at least one along the part of the wall of separating first and second chambeies extend groove limited.

8. print cartridge according to claim 6, wherein at least one muscle extends along the whole height of described wall.

9. print cartridge according to claim 6, the wall of wherein separating first and second chambeies has a step part, and the inlet of next-door neighbour's air flue is prominent to first chamber.

10. print cartridge according to claim 7, the bottom of wherein said groove separates with described connected entrance.

11. print cartridge according to claim 1, wherein air flue comprises at least one groove that extends along the part of the wall of separating first and second chambeies, and near the groove of at least one thickness that passes described wall connected entrance that is broadened.

12. according to the described print cartridge of aforementioned arbitrary claim, the outlet of its China and Mexico is set on the wall with respect to first chamber of the connected entrance between first and second chambeies.

13. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, wherein airport is set on the wall different with the China ink outlet.

14. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, the inlet of wherein said air flue is positioned at the top of China ink inlet when using print cartridge.

15. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, the outlet of wherein said air flue is positioned at the top of connected entrance when using print cartridge.

16. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, described air imports the positive upper position that path extends to connected entrance from the top and a position between the bottom of print cartridge.

17. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, wherein the surrounding air gatherer defines a negative pressure and produces material adjustment space.

18. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, wherein the negative pressure generation device is a porosint.

19. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, wherein said negative pressure produces material and comprises foamed material.

20. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, wherein said negative pressure produces material and comprises the blotting material, near its ratio of compression described connected entrance is less than the ratio of compression of other parts.

21. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, the capillary China ink that comprises water, colorant, water-soluble organic solvent and have the 20-55 dynes per centimeter is contained in wherein said second chamber.

22. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, wherein said second chamber is contained and is comprised at least a non-ionic surface activator.

23. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, China ink is contained in wherein said first chamber and second chamber.

24. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, wherein said second chamber is removably mounted on the ink jet print head.

25. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, wherein said second chamber is provided with the device that is used to detect China ink wherein.

26. according to the print cartridge of claim 1, wherein said second chamber can recharge.

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