AU2003200319B2 - An Ink Jet Recording Head, an Ink Jet Head Cartridge, and an Ink Jet Recording Apparatus - Google Patents

Description

30.JAN.2003 17:01 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 1212 P. S&FRef: 387710D1

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIACAION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha 30-2, Shinomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku Tokyo 146 Japan Osanu Morita, Toshiaki Hirosawa, Shogo Kawamura Spruson Ferguson St Martins TowerLevel 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 (CCN 3710000177) An Ink Jet Recording Head, an Ink Jet Head Cartridge, and an Ink Jet Recording Apparatus The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it mown to me/us:- 584e JAN. 2003 17:01 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 1212 P. 6 AN INK JET RECORDING HEAD, AN INK JET HEAD CARTRIDGE, AND AN INK JET RECORDING

APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the ink jet recording heed of an ink jet recording apparatus. More particularly, the invention relates to an ink jet recording head that scans across a recording medium, such as a paper sheet.

Related Background Art An ink jet recording apparatus is the recording apparatus of the so-called non-impact type recording apparatus, which is capable of recording at high speeds on various kinds of recording media. This apparatus is characterized in that it makes almost no noises at the time of recording. Because of this feature, the ink jet recording apparatus is widely adopted for an apparatus to serve as a printer, a word processor, a facsimile, a copying machine, and others that operate recording system.

As a typical method applicable to the ink jet recording, there is the one that uses electrothermal transducing devices to perform recording on a recording sheet by discharging fine droplets from fine discharge ports. This method is generally structured by an ink jet recording head that forms dropleta, and a supply JAN. 2003 17:01 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 1212 P. 7- -2system that supplies ink to this head. The ink jet recording head that uses electrothermal transducing devices is provided with the electrothermal transducing devices in the pressurized chambers, and thermal energy is given to recording liquid by applying electric pulses, which serve as recording signals, to the electrothermal transducing devices. In this way, the pressure of bubbles is utilized for discharging recording droplets at the time of foaming of recording liquid (film boiling) generated by change of phases of the recording liquid.

Further, for an ink jet recording head, there is the one having the system that allows its ink tanks to be separated or does not allow them to be separated from the head.

Figs. 10A and 10B are views which show the outer appearances of the conventional ink jet. recording head of a system that allows its ink tanks to be separated from it. Fig. 10A is a Cross-sectional view showing the principal part on the front thereof. Fig. 10B is a side view of such recording head. As shown in Figs.

and 10B, the recording unit 1 comprises a recording device substrate (not shown) fixed to a base plate 3, and an iLk supply member 4 connected with the recording device substrate, among some others. The wiring substrate 5 that supplies recording signals to the recording device Substrate is adhesively bonded to the JAN. 2003 17:02 SPRIJSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 10. 1212 P. 8 -3base plate 3. Also, a holder member 25 is provided with an ink supply path 7 for supplying ink from the Ink tank when it is connected with the ink supply member 4 of the recording unit 1. For the joint portion between the ink supply path 7 and the ink tank, a filter 9 is provided to remove dust particles, bubbles, and the like In ink.

Then, the recording unit 1 and the holder member are fixed by thermally caulking the caulking pin of the holder member 25 to couple it with the base plate of the recording unit 1. At this juncture, the ink supply member 4 of the recording unit 1 and the ink supply path 7 of the holder member 25 are connected by the application of sealing rubber 26 or a bonding agent (silicone sealant, for instance).

However, in accordance with the conventional Ink jet recording head described above, it is necessary to connect the ink supply paths when the recording unit and holder member are coupled, which requires the provision of sealing members, adhesive bonding, or the like. in some cases, therefore, the problem may be encountered that air enters the ink relief or ink supply path or bubbles are trapped at the joint between ink supply paths, among some others.

As a result, the number of manufacturing processes is increased, together with the increased costs of parts, as well as additional inapection processeu JAN. 2003 17:02 SPRLJSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 1212 P. 9 -4required, among other related operations that lead to producing unfavorable effect on heads costwise, and also, lead to disadvantages with respect to reliability of the head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is designed with a view to solving the problems described above. The objectives of the invention are to simplify the structure of junction between the recording unit and holder member, thus providing an ink jet recording head at lower costs with higher reliability.

In order to achieve such objectives, the ink jet recording head of the present invention is structured by coupling the recording unit, which is provided with all the functions of discharging ink, and the holder member, which is pravided only with the function of holding and fixing ink tanks. Unlike the conventional art, the recording unit is provided with all the functions of discharging ink, making it unnecessary to connect ink supply paths or the like. Consequently, there is no need for any provision of sealing members.

Also, the inspection Of the recording beads can be made only in accordance with the recording unit. The number of parts is made smaller for an easier manufacture.

Therefore, not only the reliability of heads become higher, but also, the recording heads are provided at JAN. 2003 17:02 SPRIJSON FERGUSON 61 29215486. 10. 1212 P. lower costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a Perspective view which shows an ink jet recording head in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view which shows the ink jet recording head represented in Fig. 1.

Figs. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D are views which illustrate the ink jet recording head represented in Fig. 1, observed in the directions indicated by arrows A to D in Fig. 1, respectively.

Figs. 4A and 4B3 are perspective views which illustrate the states where an ink tank is mounted on the ink jet recording head of the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view which shows the ink jet recording head, taken along line 5 -5 in Fig.

4B.

Figs. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are views which illustrate the outer appearance of an ink jet recording head in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D are views which illustrate the outer appearance of another ink jet recording head in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 8A and BR are perspective views which JAN. 2003 17:02 SPRIJSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 1212 P. 11 -6 illustrate an ink jet recording head in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view which shows the ink jet recording head of the third embodimsnt.- Figs. 10A and 1OB are cross-sectional views which illustrate the principal part of the conventional ink jet recording head.

Figs. IIA and 112 are psrspective views which illustrate an ink tank in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 110 is a cross-seotionel view of this ink tank.

Figs. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D are cross-sectional views which illustrate the state where the ink tanks represented in Figs. 11A, 119 and lic are being 1s installed.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view which shows an ink tank and an ink jet head cartridge., Fig. 14 is a perspective view which shows an ink tank in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view which shows an ink tank in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view which shows a color ink jet recording apparatus.

Figs- 17A and 178 are perspective views which illustrate an ink jet head cartridge.

JAN. 2003 17:03 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 926154B6 NO. 1212 P. 12 7- Figs. 18A and 185 are perspective views which illustrate an ink tank. Fig. 18C is a cross-sectional view of this ink tank.

Figs. 19A, 198 and i9C are cross-sectional views which illustrate the state where an ink tank is being mounted on an ink jet head cartridge.

Figs. 20A and 20S are cross-sectional views which illustrate the state where an ink tank is being mounted on an ink jet head cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The ink jet recording head of the present invention that enables its ink tank to be separated from or coupled with the head comprises a recording device substrate having a plurality of recording devices arranged thereon for discharging ink; a wiring substrate to apply electrical recording signals to the recording device substrate from the outside; an ink supply member that holds and fixes the recording device substrate and wiring substrate, and supplies ink to the recording device substrate; and a filter member to remove dust particles and the like in ink. This ink jet recording head is characterized in that it is structured by the recording unit having all thin functions of discharging ink therefor, which is coupled with the holder member having only the function of holding and fixing ink tanks.

JAN. 2003 17:03 SPRIJSOII FERGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 1212 P. 13 Further, the recording unit and the holder member are fixed by means of screws or by the application of bonding agent.

Further, the recording unit Is provided with a part of fixing unit that holds and fixes each of the ink tanks.

Further, the holder member is provided with apertures for positioning ink tanks, apertures for holding and fixing ink tanks, apertures for reading the ink remains in the ink tanks optically, and apertures for reading the ink remains visually by ayeskight., (Embodiments) Hereinafter 1 with reference to the accompanying drawings, the description will be made of the embodiments in accordance with the present invention.

(Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an ink jet recording head in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the ink jet recording heed shown in Fig. 1. Figs. 3A to 3D are views of the head, observed in the directions indicated by arrows A to D in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4A is a perspective view showing the state before the ink tank is mounted on the ink jet head.

Fig. 4B is also a perspective view showing the state after the ink tank is mounted on the head. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5 5 in Fig. 48.

JAN. 2003 17:03 SPRIJSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 1212 P. 14 Now, in Figs. 3A to 3D, a reference numeral 2 designates a recording device substrate having a plurality of recording devices being arranged thereon; a wiring substrate having signals lins provided therefor to give recording Signals to the recording device substrate 2; and 4, an ink supply member to supply ink to the recording device substrate 2. B~oth the recording device substrate 2 and the wiring substrate 5 are held and fixed to the ink supply member 4. Further, as shown in Fig. 2, the ink supply opening 8 of the ink supply member 4 is provided with a filter 9 to remove and trap dust particles and bubbles in ink.

With the structure thus arranged, the recording unit I. is formed. Ink is supplied from the ink supply opening 8 of the recording unit 1. Recording signals are given to the wiring substrate 5 from outside.

Thus, ink Jet recording is performed. In other words, all the functions of discharging ink are incorporated in this recording unit 1.

In Fig. 1, a reference numeral 6 designates the holder member having the function of holding and fixing ink tanks. The holder member 6 is provided only with ink tunic fixing holes 13a and 13b and partition walls 11 between each of the ink tanks, serving as the fixing unit that holds and fixes the ink tanks, and ink tank positioning holes (apertures) 1-2, apertures 21 for detecting the ink remains in the ink tanks optically as JAN.2003 11:03 SPRIJSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 1212 P. 10 shown in Figs. 3A to 3D, and apertures 22 for reading the ink remains in the ink tanks visually by eyesight (see Figs. 4A and 4B). In other words, the holder member 6 has only the functions of coupling it with the recording unit 1. in order to hold and fix the ink tanlks, anid the function of detecting ink remains.

Now, in conjunction with Figs. 4A, 4B and 5, the description will be made of the mounting of ink tanks on the holder member 6 with which the recording unit 1 has been coupled. In this respect, three tanks 14a, 14b,, and 1.4c are adopted. However, the number of ink tanks is not necessarily limited. Any numbers thereof may be adoptable. When the ink tanks 14 are inserted into the holder member 6, the ink tank fixing ribs 18 and 19 arranged on the sides, and the ink tank positioning knobs 20 arranged on the bottom of the ink tanks engage with the ink tank fixing boles 13a and 13b, and the ink tank positioning holes 12-arranged on the holder member 6, respectively, thus fixing the ink tanks 14. At this juncture, the surface of the ink supply opening 17 of the ink tanks 14 and the surface of the filter 9 arranged for the ink supply opening 6 of the recording unit 1. are positioned precisely.

The first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the ink jet head is structured by coupling together the recording unit 1 which Is provided with all the functions of discharging ink, and 2003 17:04 SPIISON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 10. 1212 P. 16 -the holder member 6 which is provided only with the function of holding and fixing ink tanks- Therefore, in accordance with the present embodiment, when coupling the recording unit 1 with th-e holder member 6, there is no need for any joints between ink supply paths or the like as in the conventional art, because the recording unit I is provided with all the functions of discharging ink, which makes it unnecessary to arrange sealing members.

Also, the inspection of recording head is possible only in accordance with the recording unit. The number of parts becomes smaller for an easier manufacture accordingly- As a result, recording heads can be provided at lower costs with higher reliability. In is addition, by changing the configuration of the holder member 6, it may be possible to provide ink jet recording heads corresponding to various sizes of ink tanks 14.

(Embodiment 2) Figs. 6A to 6D and Figs. 7A to 7D2 are views showing the outer appearance of an ink jet recording head in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

In Figs. BA to 6D2 and Figs. 7A to 7D, each of the reference marks is the same as each of those applied to the first embodiment shown in Pigs- 3A to 3D.

Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

JAN. 2003 17:4 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 29215486 NO. 1212 P. 17 what differs in the present embodiment from the first embodiment is that the recording unit 1 and the holder member 6 are coupled and fixed by means of screws (see Figs- 6A to 6D) or by the application of bonding agent 16 (see Figs. 7A to 71D).

The ink jet recording head should be prevented from being broken even when the recording head falls off onto a floor or the like by mistake. Particularly, it is necessary to prevent the recording unit I and the holder member 6 from being separated in such a case- However, when the capacity of each ink tank is large or when the numbers of ink tanks are many, shock is considerably strong if such recording head falls oft onto a floor or the like with ink tanks being mounted on it. Therefore, as described above, the engagement between the recording unit 1 and the holder member 6 is arranged by means of screws 15 and/or by the application of bonding agent 16 so as to make the mechanical strength of the coupling portion stronger for them.

(Embodiment 3) Figs. 8A and 8B show an ink jet recording head in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. BA is a perspective view showing the ink jet recording head; and Fig. 8B is an exploded perspective view thereof.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the state JAN. 2003 17:04 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 10. 1212 P. 18 13 where the ink tank is mounted on the ink jet recording head of the third embodiment.

In Figs. BA, RB and Fig. 9, each of the reference marks is the same as each of those applied to the first embodiment shown in Figs. a, 2 and 5. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted. What differs i.n the present embodiment from the first embodiment is that the recording unit 1 is provided with ink tank fixing holes 13 to hold and fix ink tanks 14.

As shown in Fig. 9, when the ink tanks 14 are mounted on the holder member 6, the positioning precision between the surface of the ink supply opening 17 of the ink tanks 14 and the surface of the filter 9 provided for the ink supply opening 8 of the recording is unit 1 is most important with respect to the ink supply. However, if all the portions that regulate the position of the ink tanks 14 are provided only for the holder member 6 as in the first embodiment-, it tends to lower the positioning precision between the surface of the ink supply opening 17 and the surface of the filter 9 of the ink supply opening B due to the accumulated errors of the coupling play between the holder member 6 and the recording unit 1 and the dimensional errors of the holder member 6 and the recording unit 1. Here, therefore, the ink tank fixing holes 13a are arranged for the recording unit 1 to hold and fix the ink tanks 14 by allowing them to engage with the ink tank fixi~ng JAN. 2003 17:05 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 1212 P. 19 14 ribs 18 arranged on the side nearer to the surface of the ink supply opening 17 of the ink tank 14. In this way, it is made possible to improve the positioning precision between the surface of the ink supply- opening 17 of the ink tanks 14 and the surface of the filter 9 of the ink supply opening B of the recording unit 1.

(Embodiment 4) Now, the description will be made of a preferable mode in which the ink tanks are mounted on the ink jet head cartridge described earlier.

The ink tanks described in accordance with the first embodiment are fixed when the ink tank fixing ribs 18, 19, and 20 engage with the holder. With reference to Figs. 18A to 18C and Figs. 19A to 19C, the description will be made of the state of the ink tank being mounted on the holder.

In Figs. 18A to 18C and Figs. 19A to 190, it is usually practiced that when the ink tank 14- enters the holder 6, the ink tank fixing rib 18 is at first fitted into the first hole 13a. In this state, the ink tank is pressed into the holder. Then, the movablea lever is caused to bend inward, thus allowing the ink tank fixing rib 19 to enter the second hole 13b. in this way, the ink tank 14 is mounted on and fixed to the ink jet head.

However, with the structure described above, there is a posaibility that the filter portion is damaged JAl. 2003 17:05 SPRIJSOII FERGUSON 61 29215486 NO. 1212 P. depending on the directions in which the ink tank is inserted.

In other words, when the configuration is such that the ink supply opening of the ink tank extrudes outward, the edge of this ink supply opening abuts upon the joint portion as shown in Figs. 20A and 209 if the ink tank is inserted in a posture in which the ink tank is unnaturally inclined at the timfe of mounting it. if the ink tank is in contact with the joint portion by a strong force in this state, such portion may be damaged. As a result, there is a fear that ink is not supplied to the head.

I

The ink tank of the present embodiment is arranged so as not to damage the joint portion of the head cartridge when the ink tank is mounted even if the ink supply opening thereof is configured to protrude outward.

Meanwhile, the ink jet head cartridge-houses the ink jet head that discharges ink, and also, through the holding mechanism, the head cartridge detachably houses the ink tanks that retain ink to be supplied to the ink jet head.

Each of the ink tanks comprises the ink supply opening arranged on the bottom thereof; the first nail for fixing the ink tank, which is arranged on the bottom side of the first side: and the second nail arranged to be shiftable by means of a movable lever JAN. 2003 17:05 SPRIJSON FERGUSON 51 292615486 10. 1212 P. 21 16 provided for the second side that faces the first side.

Then, the structure is formed so that the third nail is provided above the first nail on the first side in order to regulate the mounting direction.- Now, with reference to Figs. 11A, 11B, and 110, the present embodiment will be described in detail.

Figs. 11A and liS are perspective ;uiews Showing the ink tank in accordance with the present embodiment.

Fig. 1.1C is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the ink tank is mounted.

Figs. 12A, 12B, 120 and 12D are cross-sectional views which illustrate the stats where the ink tanks represented in Figs. IIA, 11B and 11C are being installed.

In Figs. IIA to iIC, the ink tank 11 is provided with the ink supply opening 211 in a shape that protrudes downward. On the front side Of the ink tank in its mounting direction, the first nail 18 is arranged as the ink tank fixing rib that fixes the ink tank to the tank holdeir- At the same time, the third nail is arranged above the first nail in order to regulate the mounting direction of the ink tank.

Further, on the side opposite to the side where these nails are arranged, there is arranged the second nail 19 serving as an ink tank fixing rib, which can turn out from the fixing position by means of the movable lever JAN. 2003 17:05 SPRIJSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 1212 P. 22 17 on the other hand, for the tank holder 6 of the ink jet head cartridge having the ink tanks 14 mounted thereon, there are arranged the first hole 13a for fixing the ink tank, which engages with the first nail S 18, and the second hole 13b for fixing the ink tank, which engages with the second nail 19. Also, the upper part of the side of the tank bolder 6 where the first hole is arranged is inclined outward. The ink tank is guided by means of this inclined portion, and then, the upper end 43 of this inclined portion is formed to be in contact with the third nail of the tank which is inserted slantly. N~ow, in conjunction with Figs. 12A to 12D, the description will be made of the state where the ink tank is being mounted on the tank holder of the ink jet head cartridge.

When the ink tank 14 is put in thehalder 6 of the ink jet head cartridge in the normal posture, the ink tank is guided by means of the inclined portion so that the first nail 18 engages with the first hole 13a. In this state, the ink tank is pressed in from above.

Then, the movable member 30 is caused to bend inward so that the second nail 19 is inserted into the second hole 13b, and the ink tank 14 is mounted on and fixed to the ink jet head 1. At this juncture, the third nail 33 is retained in the inner side of the tank holder which is inclined outward.

JAN. 2003 17:06 SPRIJSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 1212 P. 23 Also, if the ink tank 14 is mounted on the holder in the inclined posture as shown in Figs. 12Ak to 12D, the third nail 33 abuts upon the upper end 43 of the bolder before the outer circumference of the ink~ supply opening 211 is in contact with the joint portion 204 of the head cartridge. Therefore, the outer circumference of the ink supply opening is prevented from abutting upon the joint portion. After that, the ink tank rotates with the third nail as a fulcrum, and when the side of the ink tank is in contact with the inclined portion of the holder, the third nail is caused to part from the upper end of the holder. At the same time, the first nail 18 engages with the first hole 13a. In this state, when the ink tank is pressed in from above, the movable lever 30 is caused to bend inward, and the second nail 19 is ins erted into the second hole 13b.

Then, the ink tank 14 is mounted on and fixed to the ink jet head 1. In this way, the normal mounting operation is promoted.

With the operation thus promoted for normal mounting, tbe ink tanks are coupled with the ink jet head.

Here, Fig-. 13 is a cross-sectional view which shows the ink tank and the ink jet head cartridge. As 25 shown in Fig. 13, given the distance from the upper end of the first nail 18 to the lower end of the third nail (in the height direction) as M, eknd the distance from JAN. 2003 17:06 SPRIJSON FERGUSON 61 29215486 NO. 1212 P. 24 -19 the upper end of the first hole 13a of the first hole of the tank holder to the upper end 43 of the side of the holder as n, it is preferable to set the relationship between them as follows: nc<m The tolerance of this play of D0-5 nun is 0.2 rm- Normally, the ink tank cannot be mounted accurately if the play is more or less than this tolerance.

in accordance with the present embodiment, the designed values are: n 39.2 mm and min 39.7 mm.

In this way, the user is able to mount ink tanks smoothly and safely without damaging the joint portion when he replaces ink tanks.

Here, the first nail and the third nail are arranged almost on the central portion of the side of the ink tank. However, it may be possible to arrange them together on one side of the side face of the ink tank as shown in Fig. 15. Also, the nails -may be prepared in plural numbers as shown in Fig. 14. This mode is particularly suitable for a tank having a larger capacity.

Now, the brief description will be made of an ink jet head cartridge mountable on an ink jet head recording apparatus and on a carriage.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view which shows an ink jet head recording apparatus generally in use. Figs.

175A and 17B are perspective views which shows an ink JAN. 2003 17:06 SPRIJSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 10. 1212 P. jet head cartridge to be mounted in a carriage.

For the ink jet head recording apparatus shown in Fig. 16, the carriage 101 travels on a lead screw 104 anid a guide shaft 105 in parallel with them by Mjeans of the lead screw 104 interlocked with a carriage motor (not shown).

Also, on the carriage 101, an ink jet head 102 is fixed as shown in Figs. 17A and 1.7H. Also, a black ink tank 111, a yellow ink tank 112, a magenta ink tank 113, and a cyan ink tank 114 are detachably mounted along the tank holder 103 to supply ink. Fig. 17A shows the ink jet head cartridge before the ink tank are mounted in the tank holder 103 and Fig. 17B shows the ink jet head cartridge after the ink tanks are mounted in the tank holder 103.

Ink discharged from the ink jet head 102 is shot onto a recording medium serving as a recording sheet 106 for the present embodiment, which faces the ink jet head 102 for the formation of images. While being carried for printing by means of a sheet feed roller 107, a sheet exhaust roller 108, and a sheet pressure plate 109, which are interlocked with a sheet exhaust motor (not shown), the recording sheet 105 is exhausted.

Claims (3)

1. An ink jet head cartridge provided with an ink jet head, and ink tanks retaining ink to be supplied to said ink jet head and being attachable and detachable to and from said ink jet head through a holder mechani sm, each of said ink tanks having an ink supply opening on the bottom thereof, a first nail for fixing ink tank arranged on the bottom of a first side, a second nail for fixing ink tank being movable by means of a movable lever arranged on a second side facing said first side, and a third nail arranged above said first nail on said first side for regulating the mounting direction.

2. An ink jet head cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said holder mechanism is provided with an inclined portion on the part thereof facing said first side of said ink tank. 3I An ink jet head cartridge according to claim 2, wherein given the distance from the upper end of the first nail of said ink tank to the lower end of said third nail as m, and the distance from the upper end of the first hold engaging with said first nail of said holder mechanism to the upper end of said inclined portion as n, the relationship between then is: n m n 0.5 mm.

4. An ink tank detachably mountable on an ink jet head cartridge provided wit an ink jet head, and a holder mechanism to detachably couple therewith ink tanks retaining ink to be supplied to said ink jet bead, comprising: MIl JAN. 2003 17:07 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 1212 P, 27 -22- an ink supply opening on the bottom thereof; a first nail for fixing ink tank arranged on the bottom of a first side; a second nail for fixing ink tank being movable by means of a movable lever arranged on a second side facing said first side; and a third nail arranged above said first nail on said first side forregulating the mounting direction. DATED this Thirtieth Day of January, 2003 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha 1o Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON IRL'U Ae.adc uI