JP4158833B2 - Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus that can supply ink in a proper negative pressure state to a recording head that discharges ink droplets in response to a print signal.

  In general, an ink jet recording apparatus is equipped with an ink jet recording head that ejects ink droplets in response to a print signal on a carriage that reciprocates in the paper width direction of recording paper, and supplies ink to the recording head from an external ink tank. It is configured. An ink storage container such as an ink tank is detachably mounted on a carriage in a small recording apparatus, and is installed in a box in a large recording apparatus and connected to a recording head by an ink supply tube. Has been.

  The ink cartridge mounted on the carriage contains a porous material such as sponge inside, and a type in which this porous material is impregnated with ink, or a differential pressure valve in the vicinity of the supply port of the ink containing portion containing only ink. There is a type of arrangement.

  In these ink cartridges, the ink pressure applied to the nozzle opening of the recording head can be set to a predetermined value by the porous material and the differential pressure valve, and ink leakage from the nozzle opening can be prevented. In these ink cartridges, filters are arranged in the vicinity of the ink supply port so that foreign matters and bubbles in the ink can be trapped by these filters. The filter is designed in consideration of flow path resistance considering the ability of supplying ink to the recording head, trapping ability of foreign matter and bubbles, and the like.

The present invention relates to a filter used in the ink cartridge, and has the following objects.
First, it is to provide an ink cartridge having a small desired flow path resistance, a high degree of design freedom, a simplified manufacturing process, and excellent recyclability.
Second, it is to provide an ink cartridge having a filter that can be selected according to the type of ink and required characteristics.

In order to achieve the above object, an ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention comprises:
A container body open on one side;
A lid for sealing the opening;
An ink chamber provided on the one surface side;
An ink supply port for supplying ink in the ink chamber to the ink jet recording apparatus;
By repeating the operation of distributing ink to the ink supply port and the operation of blocking the distribution of ink to the ink supply port, the ink is discharged from the ink supply port while maintaining a constant negative pressure. Differential pressure valve,
A differential pressure valve storage chamber provided on the other surface side of the container body, for storing the differential pressure valve;
An ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus comprising:
A block-shaped first filter is disposed upstream of the differential pressure valve,
On the one surface side of the container body, a first filter housing chamber for housing the first filter, a flow path for guiding the ink to the first filter housing chamber, and the first filter A region for guiding the passed ink to the differential pressure valve housing chamber through an ink circulation port; and
The first filter storage chamber, the flow path, and the region are formed by providing a wall having a predetermined height in the ink chamber,
On the other surface side of the container body, a hole for communicating the channel and the region is formed,
The ink in the ink chamber provided on the one surface side flows into the first filter housing chamber through the flow path, passes through the first filter, flows into the other surface side, and the hole. After flowing into the region provided on the one surface side through the ink, the ink flows through the ink circulation port and flows into the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber provided on the other surface side.

  In other words, in the first ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the block-shaped first filter is disposed on the upstream side of the differential pressure valve. Thus, since ink can be filtered with a block-like first filter instead of filtering ink with a plate-like filter, the filtration area becomes smaller and the flow path resistance becomes lower. Therefore, since it is not necessary to secure the filter area as in the prior art, the cartridge itself can be miniaturized, restrictions on the flow path design are reduced, and the degree of design freedom is increased. In addition, since the block-shaped first filter can be sufficiently captured by a foreign substance simply by being loaded into the flow path, a process for welding the filter as in the case of using a plate-shaped filter is not required, and a manufacturing process is also possible. It can be simplified.

  In the ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that a second filter mounting portion for fixing a plate-like second filter is provided in the region. This makes it possible to use different filters depending on the type of ink used.

  In the ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that a plate-like second filter is attached to the second filter attaching portion. At this time, it is preferable that the first filter storage chamber and the region are adjacent to each other. Thereby, it is possible to effectively trap foreign matter with two types of filters having different characteristics.

  In the ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, when at least one of the first filter and the second filter is formed of the same kind of material as at least one of the container main body and the lid, it is used. When this cartridge is recycled, it can be pulverized as waste plastic as it is, and is excellent in recyclability.

  In the ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the ink chamber is divided into two vertically by a wall having a predetermined height extending in a substantially horizontal direction when the surface on which the ink supply port is provided is a bottom surface. Preferably, the flow path, the first filter, and the region are arranged on the upper side of the ink chamber divided into two. As a result, in the ink cartridge in which the internal ink pressure is adjusted by the negative pressure generating means, the flow resistance is small, the design freedom is high, the manufacturing process can be simplified, and the recyclability is excellent. Become. Alternatively, the ink cartridge has a filter that can be selected according to the type of ink and required characteristics.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

  1 and 2 are exploded perspective views showing an embodiment of an ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “cartridge”) of the present invention. The cartridge 1 includes a flat rectangular container body 2 having an opening on one side (right side in FIG. 1) and a lid 3 that seals the opening. Both the container body 2 and the lid 3 are made of synthetic resin.

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which the container body 2 is viewed from the opening side. An ink supply port 4 is formed on the front end surface (the lower surface in this example) of the container main body 2, and locking members 5 and 6 are integrally formed with the container main body 2 on the left and right side surfaces in FIG. Is formed. The ink supply port 4 accommodates a valve body (not shown) that opens when an ink supply needle is inserted. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, reference numeral 2 </ b> B denotes a recess that accommodates storage means (not shown) provided below the locking member 5 on the ink supply port 4 side.

  The interior of the container main body 2 is divided into two vertically by a wall 10 extending so as to be slightly inclined downward toward the ink supply port 4 in a substantially horizontal direction. A region below the wall 10 is formed in a first ink chamber 11 in which ink is stored.

  The region above the wall 10 is partitioned by a frame-like portion 14 including the wall 10 with a substantially constant gap from the inner wall surface of the container body 2. The gap formed between the frame-shaped portion 14 and the inner wall surface of the container body 2 and the wall 12 provided on the valve housing chamber 8 side of the frame-shaped portion 14 through the first through hole 67. Atmospheric communication passages 13 and 13 ′ are formed to communicate the ink chamber 11 with the atmosphere. The lid 3 is fused to the wall 12 and the outer peripheral wall of the container body 2 to form an air communication path 13 ′.

  The inside of the frame-like portion 14 is divided into left and right by a wall 15 extending in the vertical direction in which a communication port 15A through which ink flows is formed at the bottom. An area located on the right side of the figure divided by the wall 15 is formed in the second ink chamber 16 that sucks up the ink in the first ink chamber 11 and temporarily stores it. A region located on the left side of the figure is formed in the third ink chamber 17 in which a differential pressure valve composed of a membrane valve 52, a spring 50, and the like is accommodated.

  A region corresponding to the second ink chamber 16 of the first ink chamber 11 is connected between the second ink chamber 16 and the vicinity of the bottom surface 2A of the container body 2 so that the ink in the first ink chamber 11 is supplied to the second ink chamber 11. A communication channel 18 to be introduced into the chamber 16 is formed. A rectangular region surrounded by a wall 19 is formed in the lower part of the communication channel 18, and communication ports 19 </ b> A and 19 </ b> B are formed in the lower part and the upper surface of the wall 19, respectively.

  The communication channel 18 forms a groove-like recess 18A on the surface of the container body 2 (hereinafter, the surface opposite to the opening side of the container body 2 is referred to as “the surface of the container body 2”). It is formed by sealing with an airtight film (not shown).

  The upper part of the communication channel 18 communicates with the second ink chamber 16 through the communication port 47, and an opening (not shown) is formed in a rectangular region surrounded by the lower wall 19. The first ink chamber 11 communicates with the first ink chamber 11. As a result, the first ink chamber 11 and the second ink chamber 16 communicate with each other via the communication flow path 18 so that the ink in the first ink chamber 11 can be introduced into the second ink chamber 16.

  In addition, an ink injection port 20 used when injecting ink into the first ink chamber 11 is formed on the bottom surface 2 </ b> A of the container body 2 at a location facing the communication flow path 18. Further, an air discharge port 21 for discharging air when ink is injected is formed in the vicinity of the ink injection port 20.

  The third ink chamber 17 is formed with a wall 22 that extends in the lateral direction with a predetermined distance from the upper surface 14 </ b> A of the frame-like portion 14. The third ink chamber 17 is partitioned by a substantially arc-shaped wall 24 that is continuous with the wall 22, and a portion surrounded by the wall 24 includes a differential pressure valve storage chamber 33 and a second filter storage chamber 34. It is a region to be formed.

  The wall 25 forms the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 on the surface side in the thickness direction of the region facing the region surrounded by the substantially arcuate wall 24 and forms the second filter housing chamber 34 on the opening side. It is divided into two in the thickness direction. A cylindrical filter mounting portion 31 for fixing the second filter 55 by welding the second filter 55 is formed inside the second filter housing chamber 34. The wall 25 is provided with an ink circulation port 25 </ b> A that guides the ink that has passed through the second filter 55 to the differential pressure valve storage chamber 33.

  A partition wall 26 having a communication port 26 </ b> A is formed between the lower wall of the substantially arc-shaped wall 24 and the wall 10, and a downstream side (left side in FIG. 3) from the wall 26 is a fourth ink chamber 23. Is formed. Further, between the substantially arc-shaped wall 24 and the frame-shaped portion 14, a partition wall 27 having a communication port 27A at the lower portion and extending in the vertical direction and communication ports 32A and 32B at the upper and lower sides are extended in the vertical direction. A partition wall 32 is provided, and ink flow paths 28A and 28B are formed.

  Further, an arcuate wall 30 is formed which is continuous with the upper end of the wall 27 and is connected to the substantially arcuate wall 24 and the wall 22. A region surrounded by the arc-shaped wall 30 is formed in the first filter housing chamber 9 in which the block-shaped (columnar in this example) first filter 7 is housed.

  A through hole 29 having a shape in which a large circle and a small circle are connected is formed across the arcuate wall 30 forming the first filter housing chamber 9. The large circle side of the through hole 29 communicates with the upper portion of the ink flow path 28 </ b> A, and the small circle side of the through hole 29 communicates with the second filter via the communication port 24 </ b> A provided at the tip of the substantially arcuate wall 24. It communicates with the upper part of the storage chamber 34. Thereby, the ink flow path 28 </ b> A and the second filter storage chamber 34 communicate with each other through the through hole 29.

  Then, the ink that has flowed from the second ink chamber 16 through the communication ports 15A, 26A, 32B, 27A, etc. into the ink flow path 28A is filtered by the first filter 7 in the first filter housing chamber 9 and is passed through the through hole 29. Flows into the great circle side. Next, the ink that has flowed into the through hole 29 flows from the small circle side of the through hole 29 into the second filter housing chamber 34 via the communication port 24A.

  On the other hand, the lower portion of the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 and the ink supply port 4 are formed by a flow path including a groove-like recess 35 formed on the surface side and an air-tight film (not shown) covering the recess 35. It is communicated. As a result, the ink that has flowed into the second filter housing chamber 34 is filtered by the second filter 55, passes through the ink circulation port 25 </ b> A, passes through the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33, and is supplied from the flow path formed by the recess 35. It flows into the mouth 4.

  Here, a state where the first filter 7 is loaded in the first filter housing chamber 9 is shown in FIG. As described above, in the cartridge 1, it is possible to filter the ink with the block-shaped first filter 7 instead of filtering the ink with the plate-shaped second filter 55.

  As the block-shaped first filter 7, for example, a filter in which synthetic fibers such as polyethylene and polypropylene are integrated in a block shape can be used. In this way, as the material constituting the first filter 7, the used cartridge 1 is recycled by forming it from the same kind of synthetic resin material as the material constituting the cartridge 1 such as the container body 2 and the lid 3. In this case, it can be pulverized as waste plastic as it is, and is excellent in recyclability.

  FIG. 5 shows a state in which the second filter 55 is loaded in the second filter storage chamber 34. Thus, in the cartridge 1, the block-shaped first filter 7 and the plate-shaped second filter 55 can be selectively disposed on the upstream side of the differential pressure valve.

  On the other hand, on the surface of the container body 2, a narrow groove 36 that meanders so that the flow resistance is as high as possible, and a wide groove 37 that communicates with the narrow groove 36 and surrounds the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 and the narrow groove 36. And are formed. A rectangular recess 38 is formed on the surface of the container body 2 in a region corresponding to the second ink chamber 16.

  A frame portion 39 and a rib 40 are formed in the rectangular recess 38 in a state of being lowered one step. An air ventilation chamber in which the inside of the rectangular recess 38 communicates with the atmosphere via the narrow groove 36 and the groove 37 by stretching a gas-permeable air-permeable film (not shown) on them. Is formed.

  A through hole 41 is formed in the inner surface of the recess 38 and communicates with an elongated region 43 defined by a wall 42 in the second ink chamber 16. Further, a narrow groove 36 communicates with a region of the concave portion 38 on the surface side of the air permeable film. Further, a through hole 44 is formed at the end of the elongated region 43 opposite to the through hole 41. The through hole 44 is a valve housing chamber 8 that is an atmosphere release valve chamber through a communication groove 45 formed on the surface side of the container body 2 and a through hole 46 that is formed to communicate with the groove 45. It is communicated to.

  The valve storage chamber 8 is open on the cartridge insertion side (lower side in this embodiment), and is formed so that an identification piece and a valve operating rod provided in the recording apparatus main body can enter, and an upper portion of the operating chamber is An air release valve that opens by an approach and maintains a normally open valve state is accommodated.

  FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional structure in the vicinity of the second filter accommodation chamber 34 and the differential pressure valve accommodation chamber 33 described above. The right side in the figure is the surface side of the container body 2 where the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 is located. The differential pressure valve housing chamber 33 contains a spring 50 and a membrane valve 52 made of an elastically deformable material such as an elastomer and having a through hole 51 in the center. The membrane valve 52 has an annular thick portion 52A around it, and is fixed to the container body 2 via a frame portion 54 formed integrally with the thick portion 52A. One end of the spring 50 is in contact with the spring receiving portion 52B of the membrane valve 52, and the other end is in contact with and supported by the spring receiving portion 53A of the lid 53 that covers the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33. .

  In the figure, reference numerals 56 and 57 denote air-tight films attached to the surface side and the opening surface side of the container body 2. The air barrier film 56 is welded to the walls 10, 15, 22, 24, 30, 42, the frame-like portion 14, and the partition walls 26, 27, 32.

  With such a configuration, the ink that has passed through the ink circulation port 25 </ b> A through the second filter 55 is blocked by the membrane valve 52. When the pressure of the ink supply port 4 decreases in this state, the negative pressure causes the membrane valve 52 to move away from the valve seat portion 25B against the biasing force of the spring 50, and the ink passes through the through hole 51 and is formed in the recess 35. The ink flows into the ink supply port 4 through the flow path.

  When the ink pressure at the ink supply port 4 rises to a predetermined value, the membrane valve 52 is elastically contacted with the valve seat portion 25B by the urging force of the spring 50, and the ink flow is blocked. By repeating such an operation, the ink can be discharged from the ink supply port 4 while maintaining a constant negative pressure.

  FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional structure of the valve accommodating chamber 8 for air communication. A through hole 60 is formed in a wall defining the valve housing chamber 8, and a pressing member 61 made of an elastic member such as rubber is inserted into the container body 2 so as to be movable around the periphery. Yes. A valve body 65 supported by the elastic member 62 and constantly urged to the through hole 60 is disposed at the front end of the pressing member 61. In this example, the elastic member 62 is a plate spring whose lower end is fixed by a projection 63 and whose central portion is regulated by a projection 64.

  On the other hand, an arm 66 is disposed on the opposite side of the pressing member 61. The arm 66 is fixed to the container body 2 via a rotation fulcrum 66A located on the inner side of an operating rod 70 described later on the side in which the cartridge 1 is inserted (the lower end in this example). The arm 66 has an extraction side (upper side in this example) that protrudes obliquely into the entry path of the operating rod 70. A convex portion 66 </ b> B for repressing the pressing member 61 is formed at the tip of the arm 66. With such a configuration, when the valve body 65 is opened, the through hole 67 provided in the upper portion of the first ink chamber 11 is connected to the recess 38 for communicating with the atmosphere through the through hole 60.

  Further, the valve accommodating chamber 8 is provided with an identification convex portion 68 for judging whether the cartridge 1 is appropriate for the recording apparatus on the insertion side (lower side in this example) from the arm 66. The identification convex portion 68 is provided at a position where the identification piece (operating rod) 70 can make a determination before the ink supply needle 72 communicates with the ink supply port 4 and before the valve body 65 is opened. Yes.

  With such a configuration, when the cartridge 1 is loaded in the cartridge holder 71 having the operating rod 70 standing on the lower surface as shown in FIG. 8, the operating rod 70 contacts the inclined arm 66 and the cartridge 1 The convex portion (pressing member) 61 is inclined toward the valve body 65 together with the pressing. As a result, the valve body 65 is separated from the through hole 60, and the atmospheric communication recess 38 is opened to the atmosphere through the through hole 46, the groove 45, the through hole 44, the region 43, and the through hole 41 described above.

  When the cartridge holder 71 is pulled out, the arm 66 loses the support of the operating rod 70, so that the valve body 65 blocks the through hole 60 by the urging force of the elastic member 62, and the ink containing area and the atmosphere Cut off communication. In the figure, reference numeral 72 denotes an ink supply needle for supplying ink to the ink jet recording head 73.

  Next, in a state where all members such as valves are incorporated in the container main body 2 as described above, an air-tight film is pasted on the surface so as to cover at least the region where the recess is formed. As a result, a capillary serving as an air communication path is formed on the surface side by the recess and the film.

  In addition, an airtight film 56 is attached to the opening of the container body 2 by heat welding or the like so as to be airtight with respect to each wall described above. Then, the lid 3 is placed on the top and fixed by welding or the like. Thereby, it seals so that the area | region divided by each wall may communicate only through a communicating port or opening.

  Further, the opening side of the valve accommodating chamber 8 is similarly sealed with an air-shielding film 56 ′ by thermal welding, and the cartridge 1 is finished. By adopting a structure in which the ink containing area is sealed with the air-shielding film 56 or the like in this way, not only the container body 2 can be easily molded, but also the ink-swinging film 56 can prevent the ink from swinging due to the reciprocating movement of the carriage. It is possible to maintain the ink pressure as constant as possible by absorbing it by the film deformation.

  Next, an ink injection tube is inserted into the ink injection port 20, and sufficiently deaerated ink is injected with the air discharge port 21 opened. After the injection is completed, the ink injection port 20 and the air discharge port 21 are sealed with a film or a plug.

  Since the cartridge 1 configured as described above is stored after being disconnected from the atmosphere by a valve or the like, the degree of deaeration of the ink is sufficiently maintained.

  When the cartridge 1 is loaded into the cartridge holder 71, if the cartridge 1 is suitable for the cartridge holder 71, the ink supply port 4 enters the position where the ink supply needle 72 is inserted, and as described above. In addition, the through hole 60 is opened by the operating rod 70, the ink containing area communicates with the atmosphere, and the valve of the ink supply port 4 is also opened by the ink supply needle 72.

  On the other hand, when the ink supply port 4 does not match the holder, before the ink supply port 4 reaches the ink supply needle 72, the identification convex portion 68 abuts on the identification piece 70 ′ of the holder 71 and is prevented from entering. In this state, since the operating rod 70 cannot reach the arm 66, the valve body 65 is maintained in a sealed state, and the ink containing area is prevented from being released to the atmosphere to prevent the ink solvent from evaporating.

  When the cartridge 1 is normally mounted on the cartridge holder 71, printing is performed and ink is consumed by the recording head 73, the pressure of the ink supply port 4 drops below a specified value. Is released. Further, when the pressure of the ink supply port 4 increases, the membrane valve 52 is closed. In this way, the ink maintained at a predetermined negative pressure flows into the recording head 73.

  When the consumption of ink in the recording head 73 proceeds, the ink in the first ink chamber 11 flows into the second ink chamber 16 through the communication channel 18. The bubbles that have flown here rise due to buoyancy, and only ink flows into the third ink chamber 17 via the lower communication port 15A.

  The ink in the third ink chamber 17 passes through the communication port 26A of the wall 26 that defines the second filter housing chamber 34, passes through the fourth ink chamber 23, and flows into the ink flow paths 28A and 28B.

  The ink flowing through the ink flow path 28 </ b> A flows into the first filter storage chamber 9, and is filtered by the first filter 7 if the first filter 7 is loaded. The ink that has passed through the first filter storage chamber 9 flows from the large circle side to the small circle side of the through hole 29, passes through the communication port 24 </ b> A, and flows into the upper portion of the second filter storage chamber 34.

  Next, if the second filter 55 is loaded, the ink flowing into the second filter housing chamber 34 is filtered by the second filter 55, passes through the ink circulation port 25A, and flows into the differential pressure valve housing chamber 33, as described above. Thus, the membrane valve 52 flows into the ink supply port 4 at a predetermined negative pressure by the opening / closing operation.

  Here, since the first ink chamber 11 is communicated with the atmosphere via the atmosphere communication passages 13 and 13 ′ and the through hole 67 and is maintained at the atmospheric pressure, a negative pressure is generated and the ink flows. It will not interfere. Even if the ink in the first ink chamber 11 flows backward and flows into the concave portion 38, the ink-permeable film having air permeability is provided here, and this film maintains communication with the atmosphere. However, the outflow of ink is prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconvenience that the atmospheric communication path is blocked due to solidification of the ink flowing into the narrow groove 36.

  Thus, in the cartridge 1, since the ink can be filtered not by the plate-like second filter 55 but by the block-like first filter 7, the filtration area is reduced and the flow path resistance is reduced. Lower. Therefore, since it is not necessary to secure the filter area as in the conventional case, the cartridge 1 itself can be reduced in size, restrictions on the flow path design are reduced, and the degree of design freedom is increased. In addition, the block-like first filter 7 can sufficiently capture foreign matter just by being loaded in the flow path, and therefore a process for welding the filter as in the case of using the second filter 55 is unnecessary, and the manufacturing process. Can also be simplified.

  Further, the cartridge 1 is configured so that the block-shaped first filter 7 and the plate-shaped second filter 55 can be selectively arranged upstream of the differential pressure valve. The filter member can be properly used according to.

  FIG. 9 shows a cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this example, both the columnar first filter 7 and the plate-like second filter 55 are loaded. Other than that, it is the same as that of the said embodiment, and the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part. This cartridge also has the same effects as the above embodiment.

  In each of the above embodiments, an example in which a cylindrical filter is used as the first filter 7 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various shapes and sizes can be used as long as the filter has a block shape. It is intended to include things.

  In each of the above embodiments, the opening of the container body 2 is sealed with an airtight film so that the ink pressure fluctuation can be prevented more reliably. Even when sealed, there is no negative pressure generating means, so there is no practical problem in printing.

  As described above, according to the first ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, since the ink can be filtered with the block-shaped first filter member instead of filtering the ink with the plate filter, the filtration area is reduced. Becomes smaller and the flow path resistance becomes lower. Therefore, since it is not necessary to secure the filter area as in the prior art, the cartridge itself can be miniaturized, restrictions on the flow path design are reduced, and the degree of design freedom is increased. In addition, the block-shaped first filter can sufficiently capture foreign matter just by loading it in the flow path, so that the process of welding the filter as in the case of using a plate-like filter is unnecessary and the manufacturing process is simplified. Can be

  Further, according to the second ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, it is configured so that the block-like first filter member and the plate-like second filter member can be selectively arranged. Depending on the type of ink to be used, the filter member can be used properly.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the said cartridge. It is a figure which shows the state of the opening part of a container main body. It is a figure which shows the state which loaded the 1st filter in the container main body. It is a figure which shows the state which loaded the 2nd filter in the container main body. It is a figure which expands and shows the cross-section of a negative pressure generation means accommodation chamber. It is a figure which expands and shows the cross-section of the valve | bulb accommodation chamber for air | atmosphere communication. It is a figure which shows an example of the cartridge holder suitable for the ink cartridge of this invention. It is a figure which shows the ink cartridge of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cartridge, 2 ... Container main body, 3 ... Cover body, 4 ... Ink supply port, 5, 6 ... Locking member, 7 ... 1st filter, 8 ... Valve storage chamber, 9 ... 1st filter storage chamber, 10 ... Wall 11, first ink chamber 12, wall 13, atmosphere communication path 14 frame-shaped portion 14 A upper surface 15 wall 15 A communication port 16 second ink chamber 17 third ink Chamber, 18 ... communication flow path, 18A ... recess, 19 ... wall, 19A, 19B ... communication port, 20 ... ink inlet, 21 ... air outlet, 22 ... wall, 23 ... fourth ink chamber, 24,25 ... Wall, 25A ... Ink distribution port, 25B ... Valve seat, 26, 27 ... Partition wall, 26A, 27A ... Communication port, 28A, 28B ... Ink flow path, 29 ... Through hole, 30 ... Wall, 30A ... Recess, 31 ... Filter attachment part, 32 ... Partition wall, 32A, 32B ... Communication port, 33 ... Differential pressure valve accommodating chamber, 4 ... 2nd filter accommodation chamber, 35 ... Recessed part, 35 ... Deep part, 36 ... Thin groove, 37 ... Groove, 38 ... Recessed part, 39 ... Frame part, 40 ... Rib, 41 ... Through-hole, 42 ... Wall, 43 ... Area 44 ... Through hole, 45 ... Groove, 46 ... Through hole, 47 ... Communication port, 50 ... Spring, 51 ... Through hole, 52 ... Membrane valve, 52A ... Thick part, 52B, 53A ... Spring receiving part, 53 ... Lid 54, frame, 55 second filter 56, 56 ', 57 air-tight film 60 through hole 61 pressure member 62 elastic member 63 64 projection 65 valve body , 66 ... an arm, 66 A ... a rotation fulcrum, 66 B ... a convex part, 67 ... a through hole, 68 ... an identification convex part, 70 ... an operating rod, 70 '... an identification piece, 71 ... a cartridge holder, 72 ... an ink supply needle, 73: Recording head.

Claims (7)

A container body open on one side;
A lid for sealing the opening;
An ink chamber provided on the one surface side;
An ink supply port for supplying ink in the ink chamber to the ink jet recording apparatus;
By repeating the operation of circulating ink to the ink supply port and the operation of blocking the flow of ink to the ink supply port, the ink is discharged from the ink supply port while maintaining a predetermined negative pressure. Differential pressure valve,
A differential pressure valve storage chamber provided on the other surface side of the container body, for storing the differential pressure valve;
An ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus comprising:
A block-shaped first filter is disposed upstream of the differential pressure valve,
On the one surface side of the container body, a first filter housing chamber for housing the first filter, a flow path for guiding the ink to the first filter housing chamber, and the first filter A region for guiding the passed ink to the differential pressure valve housing chamber through an ink circulation port; and
The first filter storage chamber, the flow path, and the region are formed by providing a wall having a predetermined height in the ink chamber,
On the other surface side of the container body, a hole for communicating the channel and the region is formed,
The ink in the ink chamber provided on the one surface side flows into the first filter housing chamber through the flow path, passes through the first filter, flows into the other surface side, and the hole. And then flows into the region provided on the one surface side through the ink, then passes through the ink circulation port and flows into the differential pressure valve housing chamber provided on the other surface side. Ink cartridge for the device.   2. The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a second filter mounting portion for fixing the plate-like second filter is provided in the region.   The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a plate-like second filter is attached to the second filter attaching portion.   The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first filter housing chamber and the region are adjacent to each other. 5. The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second filter is formed of the same material as at least one of the container main body and the lid. The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first filter is formed of the same material as at least one of the container body and the lid. The ink chamber is divided into two vertically by a wall having a predetermined height extending in a substantially horizontal direction when the surface on which the ink supply port is provided is a bottom surface.
5. The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow path, the first filter, and the region are arranged on an upper side of the ink chamber divided into two.

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