Inkjet printer

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of inkjet printers, including ink cartridge, ink cartridge includes ink storage part, print head with nozzle row, vertical partition is provided in ink storage part, partition separates the space in ink storage part into first cavity and second cavity, first cavity is provided with the ink inlet for ink, second cavity is provided with sponge;Partition is vertically provided with strip-shaped slit, the width of slit is k, thickness is t, length is h, 0.5mm≤k≤3mm, 0.5mm≤t≤5mm, h≥10mm;The surface tension of ink used in ink cartridge is F, F>30mN / m.The inkjet printer, ink can be based on capillary action and immerse into the sponge in slit, inhibit the speed of supplying ink to sponge, while the amount of ink in sponge is small, can always maintain the adsorption of ink, inhibit the ink leakage of nozzle position.Even if ink viscosity increases due to evaporation, density increases, ink surface tension decreases, so that the capillary action of nozzle position is weakened, ink leakage can also be overcome.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet printer. Background Art

[0002] Inkjet printers spray colored or colorless ink through a nozzle, turning it into a fine liquid and depositing it onto paper. Inkjet printers are available in a variety of formats, including industrial, commercial, and home use. Among commercial and home printers, continuous-supply inkjet printers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to increasing print volumes. Inkjet printers typically include an ink cartridge, which contains an ink reservoir and a printhead with an array of nozzles located at the ink outlet. To ensure a stable ink supply, a sponge is placed inside the cartridge to control the ink flow rate.

[0003] In the prior art, ink typically enters the ink cartridge directly from the top of the sponge. This allows the ink to quickly fill the sponge, which in turn weakens the sponge's attraction to the ink. This causes the ink to leak directly from the nozzle due to gravity, making it prone to ink leakage. Furthermore, after prolonged use, the water in the ink evaporates, increasing the ink's viscosity and density, which in turn reduces the ink's surface tension. These increased viscosity, density, and reduced surface tension all weaken the capillary action, potentially causing ink leakage from the nozzle. Inkjet printers, in particular, have a large ink capacity, so the ink is stored inside the printer for extended periods. This increased evaporation of the ink makes ink leakage more likely. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is an inkjet printer in the above-mentioned prior art, which can suppress the speed of ink supply to the sponge, thereby suppressing the problem of ink leakage from the nozzle, and at the same time suppressing ink leakage from the nozzle when the water in the ink evaporates.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problem by adopting the following technical solution: an inkjet printer, comprising an ink cartridge, the ink cartridge including an ink storage portion and a print head having a nozzle array, a partition vertically provided in the ink storage portion, the partition separating the space in the ink storage portion into a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being provided with an ink inlet for ink entry, and the second cavity being provided with a sponge;

[0006] A strip-shaped gap is vertically opened on the upper edge of the partition, and the width of the gap is k, the thickness is t, and the length is h, wherein 0.5mm≤k≤3mm, 0.5mm≤t≤5mm, and h≥10mm;

[0007] The surface tension of the ink used in the ink cartridge is F, and F>30mN / m.

[0008] In order to allow the ink to enter the sponge more evenly, the gap is preferably located at the center position of the partition in the left-right direction.

[0009] In order to ensure that the air pressure in the two cavities is balanced, it is preferred that there is a gap between the top end of the partition and the top surface of the ink cartridge.

[0010] In order to suppress the foaming of ink during the printing process and affect the ink supply effect, the ink used in the ink cartridge preferably includes a surfactant that can suppress foaming, and the surfactant is at least one of an acetylene glycol surfactant, a silicon-based surfactant, and a fluorine-based surfactant.

[0011] Preferably, the surfactant in the ink used in the ink cartridge is an acetylene glycol surfactant, and the acetylene glycol surfactant is of the general formula (1);

[0012]

[0013] In the general formula (1), m+n≤15.

[0014] Preferably, the mass ratio of the surfactant in the ink is greater than or equal to 0.1 wt %.

[0015] Furthermore, the ink preferably contains a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether compound represented by general formula (2);

[0016]

[0017] In formula (2), k is 10 to 25, and R3 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 12 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0018] In order to improve the dissolution recovery ability of the ink after drying and reduce the amount of ink adhering to the inner wall of the ink cartridge, the ink used in the ink cartridge preferably includes a polyol as a humectant, and the mass ratio of the polyol in the ink is preferably in the range of 10wt% to 35wt%.

[0019] In order to reduce the amount of ink adhering to the inner wall of the ink cartridge, it is preferred that the viscosity of the ink used in the ink cartridge be less than or equal to 5 cP at 25°C.

[0020] In order to improve the dissolution recovery ability of the ink after drying, it is preferred that the solid content of the colorant in the ink used in the ink cartridge is less than or equal to 10 wt %.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: the inkjet printer of the present invention divides the space within the ink cartridge into two chambers by a partition, and a vertical gap is provided on the partition. During use, the ink first enters the first chamber and then, based on capillary action, penetrates horizontally and upward through the gap into the sponge in the second chamber. Compared with the ink directly penetrating into the sponge of the ink cartridge due to gravity, the speed of ink supply to the sponge can be effectively suppressed. At the same time, based on the capillary action generated by the gap, the ink penetrates upward from the bottom of the sponge. The ink storage in the sponge is small, so that the sponge always maintains its adsorption capacity for ink, thus effectively suppressing ink leakage at the nozzle position. Even if the ink evaporates, causing the ink viscosity and density to increase and the ink surface tension to decrease, thereby weakening the capillary action at the nozzle position, the negative pressure of the ink cartridge itself and the adsorption capacity of the sponge can effectively overcome the ink leakage problem caused by the weakened capillary action at the nozzle position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram of an ink cartridge carrying four types of ink in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge carrying four types of inks in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of another section of the ink cartridge carrying four types of inks in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of another section of the ink cartridge carrying four types of inks in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the inkjet printer in this embodiment includes an ink cartridge, which includes an ink storage portion 1 and a print head 2 having a nozzle array. The number of ink storage portions 1 is determined based on the functional requirements of the printer, and the print head 2 can be the print head 2 used in existing inkjet printers.

[0028] A partition 3 is vertically installed within the ink reservoir 1, separating the space within the ink reservoir 1 into a first cavity 11 and a second cavity 12. The first cavity 11 is provided with an ink inlet 111 for ink entry, while the second cavity 12 houses a sponge 4. Ink enters the first cavity 11 through the ink inlet 111, then flows into the second cavity 12, where it is immersed in the sponge 4. An ink outlet is located at the bottom of the second cavity 12, and the print head 2 is positioned at the bottom, corresponding to the ink outlet. The print head is optimized for optimal performance when ink leaks from the nozzles of the print head 2. This ensures print quality and prevents nozzle clogging.

[0029] In order to allow the ink entering the first cavity 11 to flow smoothly into the second cavity 12, a strip-shaped gap 31 is vertically opened on the partition 3. Preferably, the gap 31 extends from the bottom to the top of the partition 3. In order to allow the ink to enter the second cavity 12 more evenly and be evenly immersed in the sponge 4, the gap 31 is preferably located at the center position of the partition 3 in the left and right directions.

[0030] Due to the structure of the slit 31, ink can enter the second cavity 12 at a low speed under capillary action and slowly soak into the sponge 4. The slit 31 effectively suppresses the speed of ink supply to the sponge 4, so the ink usually does not soak into the upper part of the sponge 4, and the upper part of the sponge 4 can remain unsoaked with ink, effectively maintaining the sponge 4's ability to absorb ink. At the same time, after the ink enters the first cavity 11, it moves upward under the capillary action of the slit 31 and soaks into the sponge 4, increasing the contact area with the sponge 4 in the second cavity 12 and ensuring sufficient ink supply capacity.

[0031] To ensure normal ink supply and printing, while also preventing ink from filling up the sponge 4 and leaking from the nozzles of the print head 2, the dimensions of the gap 31 must be constrained to generate an appropriate capillary force for the ink. The gap 31 has a width k, a thickness t, and a length h, where 0.5 mm ≤ k ≤ 3 mm, 0.5 mm ≤ t ≤ 5 mm, and h ≥ 10 mm.

[0032] When k is less than 0.5 mm, during high-speed printing, the ink supply from the first cavity 11 to the second cavity 12 may be insufficient, which may affect print quality. When k exceeds 3 mm, the capillary action of the gap 31 may be insufficient, and ink leakage from the nozzle may occur. Preferably, k is 0.5 mm ≤ k ≤ 2 mm.

[0033] When t is less than 0.5 mm, the capillary action of the gap 31 may be insufficient, and ink leakage from the nozzle may occur. When t exceeds 5 mm, the ink supply from the first cavity 11 to the second cavity 12 may be insufficient during high-speed printing, which may affect print quality. Preferably, t is 0.5 mm ≤ t ≤ 3 mm.

[0034] When h is less than 10 mm, the capillary action of the gap 31 may be insufficient, and ink may leak from the nozzle. Preferably, h is h≥15 mm.

[0035] The width k, thickness t, and length h of the gap 31 are specifically set according to the volume of the ink storage portion 1 and the volumes of the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12 .

[0036] In order to allow the ink to enter the sponge more evenly, the gap is preferably located at the center position of the partition in the left-right direction.

[0037] In order to ensure that the air pressure in the two cavities is balanced, it is preferred that there is a gap between the top end of the partition and the top surface of the ink cartridge.

[0038] The inkjet printer of the present invention divides the ink storage space within the ink cartridge into two chambers via a partition 3, and a vertical slit 31 is provided in the partition 3. During use, ink first enters the first chamber 11 and then, due to capillary action, flows horizontally and upward through the slit 31 into the sponge 4 within the second chamber 12. Compared to the ink directly flowing from the top of the ink cartridge 1 into the sponge 4 of the ink cartridge 1 due to gravity, the speed of ink supply to the sponge 4 is effectively suppressed. At the same time, due to the capillary action generated by the slit 31, the ink flows upward from the bottom of the sponge 4. The ink storage capacity in the sponge 4 is small, so that the sponge 4 always maintains its adsorption capacity for the ink, thus effectively suppressing ink leakage at the nozzle position. Even if the ink evaporates, causing the viscosity and density of the ink to increase and the surface tension of the ink to decrease, thereby weakening the capillary action at the nozzle 2, the negative pressure of the ink cartridge 1 and the adsorption capacity of the sponge 4 can effectively overcome the ink leakage caused by the weakened capillary action at the nozzle 2.

[0039] On the basis of improving the structure of the ink storage part in the ink cartridge, this embodiment also improves and optimizes the ink components used in the ink cartridge, further suppressing the ink leakage problem in the nozzle column caused by the evaporation of water in the ink, and at the same time suppressing the occurrence of ink precipitates and ink supply performance. The specific contents of the ink optimization are as follows.

[0040] 1. Ink properties

[0041] 1.1 Surface tension

[0042] Ink needs to enter second cavity 12 through capillary action created by gap 31. To ensure the required capillary force, allowing ink to smoothly enter second cavity 12 and reach the designed speed, it is necessary to constrain the surface tension of the ink entering the ink cartridge. The surface tension of the ink used in the cartridge is F, with F ≥ 30 mN / m. This restriction on the ink's surface tension ensures that the ink enters second cavity 12 at the designed speed and soaks into sponge 4. The amount of ink entering both prevents ink leakage from the nozzles of printhead 2 and ensures normal printing.

[0043] The surface tension F of the ink is more preferably F≧32 mN / m.

[0044] 1.2 Viscosity

[0045] The ink used in the ink cartridge is supplied from a separate ink bottle through an ink inlet 111 to the first cavity 11. Because there is no sponge in the first cavity 11, ink adheres to the inner walls of the first cavity 11. To minimize the amount of ink adhering to the inner walls of the first cavity 11, the viscosity of the ink at 25°C is preferably 5.0 cP or less, and more preferably 3.5 cP or less.

[0046] 1.3 pH

[0047] The pH of the ink used in the ink cartridge at a temperature of 25° C. is preferably 5.0 to 10.0, and more preferably 7.0 to 9.5.

[0048] 2. Coloring Materials

[0049] The ink used in the ink cartridge may further include a coloring material, which may be at least one of a pigment and a dye.

[0050] 2.1 Dyes

[0051] The ink used in the ink cartridge may contain a dye. The dye is not particularly limited, and acid dyes, basic dyes, direct dyes, reactive dyes, etc. can be used.

[0052] For example, at least one of the following dyes may be used.

[0053] Direct dyes: CIDirect Black 19, CIDirect Black 51, CIDirect Black168, CIDirect Blue 1, CIDirect Blue 86, CIDirect Blue 199, CIDirect Red80, CIDirect Red 227, CIDirect Yellow-12, CIDirect Yellow-86, CIDirectYellow-132, etc.

[0054] Acid dyes: CIAcid Black 2, CIAcid Black 52, CIAcid Black 94, CIAcid Blue 9, CIAcid Blue 45, CIAcid Blue 254, CIAcid Red 1, CIAcid Red 52, CIAcid Red 249, CIAcid Red 289, CIAcid Yellow 17, CIAcid Yellow 23, CIAcid Yellow 71, etc.

[0055] Reactive dyes: CIReactive Black 19, CIReactive Black 39, CIReactiveBlack 154, CIReactive Red 14, CIReactive Red 141, CIReactive Red 221, CIReactive Blue 2, CIReactive Blue 101, CIReactive Blue 217, CIReactiveYellow 2, CIReactive Yellow 77, CIReactive Yellow 163, etc.

[0056] These dyes may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0057] 2.1 Pigments

[0058] The ink used in the ink cartridge may also contain a pigment. The pigment is not particularly limited, and both inorganic and organic pigments may be used. For example, phthalocyanine pigments, quinacridone pigments, dioxazine pigments, diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments, and azo pigments may be used.

[0059] At least one of the following pigments can be used in each color ink.

[0060] Cyan pigment: CIPigment Blue 1, CIPigment Blue 2, CIPigment Blue 3, CIPigment Blue 15:3, CIPigment Blue 15:4, CIPigment Blue 16, etc.

[0061] Magenta pigments: CIPigment Red 5, CIPigment Red 7, CIPigment Red 122, CIPigment Red 150, CIPigment Red 202, CIPigment Violet 19, etc.

[0062] Yellow pigment: CIPigment Yellow 1, CIPigment Yellow 3, CIPigment Yellow74, CIPigment Yellow 128, CIPigment Yellow 129, CIPigment Yellow 155, etc.

[0063] In addition, the ink used in the ink cartridge may also use commercially available self-dispersible pigments, for example: CAB-O-JET200, CAB-O-JET300, CAB-O-JET400, Cab-O-Jet4507C, Cab-O-Jet4607M, Cab-O-Jet4707Y, REGAL250, REGAL330 (manufactured by Cabot Corporation), BONJET BLACK CW-1, BONJET BLACK CW-2, BONJET BLACK CW-3, BONJET BLACK CW-4 (manufactured by Oriental Chemical), Tokai Black, Aritistri Nite DN240 (manufactured by Dupont Corporation), etc.

[0064] These pigments may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0065] Furthermore, in order to improve the redissolution recovery ability or redispersion recovery ability of the ink after drying, the mass ratio of the coloring material is preferably 10 wt % or less.

[0066] 3. Surfactants

[0067] The ink in the ink cartridge preferably contains a surfactant. Examples of surfactants include anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. Nonionic surfactants are particularly preferred. From the perspective of suppressing the generation of bubbles within the ink reservoir 1, preferred nonionic surfactants include acetylene glycol surfactants, fluorine-based surfactants, and silicone-based surfactants.

[0068] As the nonionic surfactant, an acetylene glycol-based surfactant represented by formula (1) is more preferable.

[0069]

[0070] In the general formula (1), m+n≤15.

[0071] Preferably, m+n≤12.

[0072] The content of the surfactant in the ink is 0.01 wt % to 3.0 wt %, preferably 0.05 wt % to 2.0 wt %, and more preferably 0.1 wt % to 1.0 wt %, relative to the total mass of the ink.

[0073] 4. Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether compounds

[0074] The ink of this embodiment preferably contains a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether compound represented by general formula (2).

[0075]

[0076] In the general formula (2), k is 10 to 25, and R3 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 12 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0077] Ink is supplied from a separate ink bottle to the first cavity 11 via the ink inlet 111. Because there is no sponge in the first cavity 11, ink adheres to the inner wall of the first cavity 11. If the printer is not used for a long time, this adhered ink may evaporate and condense, causing the coloring material and other materials to precipitate. If this precipitate forms, it may clog the gaps in the slit 31, potentially preventing ink from being supplied to the print head.

[0078] The polyoxyethylene alkyl ether compound represented by general formula (2) has a polyoxyethylene moiety as a hydrophilic portion and an alkyl moiety as a hydrophobic portion. The alkyl moiety, which is the hydrophobic portion of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether compound represented by general formula (2), adsorbs to the hydrophobic portion of precipitates such as colorants, thereby assisting dispersibility or solubility through the polyoxyethylene moiety, which is the hydrophilic portion. Furthermore, the polyoxyethylene chain is known to chelate metal ions. This can mitigate salt precipitation caused by the increase in salt concentration due to ink concentration, thereby suppressing the formation of precipitates.

[0079] The content of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether compound represented by the general formula (2) in the ink is 0.01 wt% to 3.0 wt%, preferably 0.05 wt% to 2.0 wt%, and more preferably 0.1 wt% to 1.0 wt%, relative to the total mass of the ink.

[0080] 5. Water-soluble organic solvents

[0081] The ink used in the ink cartridge contains a water-soluble organic solvent. Although not particularly limited, examples of the water-soluble organic solvent include at least one of the following substances.

[0082] Monohydric alcohol: methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, etc.

[0083] Polyols: ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, trimethylolpropane, glycerol, etc.

[0084] Polyol ethers: ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, etc.

[0085] Ethylene glycol diesters: ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, methoxybutyl acetate, etc.

[0086] Cyclic esters: β-propiolactone, γ-butyrolactone, δ-valerolactone, etc.

[0087] Nitrogen-containing solvents: urea, ethylene urea, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, substituted pyrrolidones, etc.

[0088] In order to improve the ink's ability to recover after drying and reduce the amount of ink adhering to the inner wall of the ink reservoir 1, the ink preferably contains a polyol as a humectant. The mass ratio of the polyol in the ink is preferably in the range of 10 wt% to 35 wt% relative to the total mass of the ink.

[0089] 6. Other ingredients

[0090] As other ingredients, the ink may contain a pH adjuster, a mildew preventer / preservative, a rust preventer, an antioxidant, a reduction inhibitor, a drying accelerator, and the like.

[0091] As the antifungal agent and preservative, Proxel GXL, Proxel XL2, etc. can be used.

[0092] As the chelating agent, ethylenediaminetetraacetate, citrate, etc. can be used.

[0093] 7. Water

[0094] The water contained in the ink of the present invention is preferably deionized water, pure water, or ultrapure water from which metal ions and the like have been removed.

[0095] Example

[0096] Hereinafter, the present invention will be further described with reference to Examples, Comparative Examples and Reference Examples.

[0097] Ink preparation

[0098] Tables 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 show the inks for the Examples, Comparative Examples, and Reference Examples. The ingredients listed in Tables 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 were mixed, stirred for 30 minutes or longer, and then filtered through a 0.2 μm filter. The values ​​in Tables 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 are percentages by weight of the active ingredients. Water was used as the primary solvent, and was added to make up the balance to 100 wt%.

[0099] Among them, Cab-O-Jet 400K: manufactured by Cabot; Surfynol 420: manufactured by EVONIK; Surfynol 440: manufactured by EVONIK; Surfynol 465: manufactured by EVONIK; Surfynol 485: manufactured by EVONIK; BYK-333: manufactured by BYK; Surflon S-243: manufactured by AGC Qingmei Chemical; Proxel GXL: manufactured by LONZA; polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (k=10): k is the number of repetitions of the polyoxyethylene chain; polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (k=20): k is the number of repetitions of the polyoxyethylene chain; polyoxyethylene oleyl ether (k=20): k is the number of repetitions of the polyoxyethylene chain; polyoxyethylene stearyl ether (k=25): k is the number of repetitions of the polyoxyethylene chain.

[0100] Table 1-1

[0101]

[0102] Table 1-2

[0103]

[0104] Table 1-3

[0105]

[0106] The inks listed in Tables 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 were evaluated as follows.

[0107] Table 2-1

[0108]

[0109] Table 2-2

[0110]

[0111] The following experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the ink cartridges in terms of ink leakage, precipitate generation, and ink supply performance.

[0112] Ink leakage

[0113] The inks listed in Tables 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 were filled into the ink reservoirs having the slits 31 listed in Tables 2-1 and 2-2 in the combinations listed in Tables 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, and 3-4. After printing 100 GB images on plain paper using an inkjet printer, ink leakage from the nozzles was confirmed. This process was repeated 10 times, and evaluation was performed based on the following criteria.

[0114] Good: No ink leakage occurs.

[0115] Not good: Ink leakage has occurred.

[0116] Occurrence of precipitates

[0117] The ink cartridge used in the ink leakage evaluation was left for 2 weeks in an environment of 32° C. and 8% RH. After leaving the ink cartridge, the precipitate in the first cavity 11 was checked and evaluated based on the following criteria.

[0118] Better: No precipitates appear.

[0119] Good: Powdery precipitate appears.

[0120] Not good: Particle-like precipitates appear.

[0121] Ink supply performance

[0122] Using the ink and ink cartridge used in the above evaluation, a solid image was printed on plain paper by printing one drop of ink per 600 dpi grid. Evaluation was performed according to the following criteria.

[0123] Better: Printing was performed without any defects under an environment of 5°C and 8%RH.

[0124] Good: Printing defects occurred due to insufficient ink supply in an environment of 5°C and 8% RH, but printing was performed without defects in an environment of 15°C and 8% RH.

[0125] Bad: Printing defects due to insufficient ink supply occurred in both 5°C and 8% RH environments and 15°C and 8% RH environments.

[0126] Table 3-1

[0127]

[0128] Table 3-2

[0129]

[0130] Table 3-3

[0131]

[0132] Table 3-4

[0133]

[0134] It should be noted that the ink leakage prevention, inhibition of precipitate occurrence, and ink supply performance in Example 1-28 and Comparative Example 01-07 in Table 3-1, Table 3-2, Table 3-3, and Table 3-4 are all compared with the reference example in Table 3-4. From the comparison results, based on the difference in the structure of whether there is a partition 3 in the ink storage part 1 in the ink cartridge, the difference in the parameters of the gap 31 on the partition 3, and the difference in the ink composition used in the ink cartridge, there are also differences in the performance of ink leakage prevention, inhibition of precipitate occurrence, and ink supply performance.

[0135] Specifically, for Examples 1-20, a partition is provided in the ink storage portion 1 of the ink cartridge, and the length, width and height of the gap 31 on the partition 3 are all within the aforementioned preferred distance range, and the ink used in the ink cartridge contains a colorant with a solid content of less than 10 wt%, a polyol with a content between 10 wt% and 35 wt%, an acetylene glycol-type surfactant and a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether compound, so that the properties such as anti-leakage of ink, inhibition of the occurrence of precipitates and ink supply performance are all in the best state.

[0136] For Examples 21-28, a partition was installed within the ink reservoir 1 of the ink cartridge, and the length, width, and height of the gap 31 on the partition 3 were all within the aforementioned preferred distance ranges. Therefore, the ink cartridges exhibited optimal leakage resistance. However, because the solids content of Ink-16 used in Example 21 exceeded the upper limit, the risk of colorant precipitation after water evaporation increased. The polyol content of Ink-18 used in Example 23 was below the lower limit of the aforementioned range, which easily evaporated the water in the ink, increasing the risk of colorant precipitation. Ink-20 used in Example 25 did not contain a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether compound, and the ink had insufficient resolubility after drying and precipitation. Therefore, the precipitate inhibition performance of these three examples was poor, and was rated only good. Furthermore, because the viscosity of Ink-17 used in Example 22 exceeded the upper limit, there was a risk of ink supply shortage when printing high-coverage portraits. The polyol content of Ink-19 used in Example 24 exceeded the upper limit, increasing the viscosity and the risk of ink supply shortage. Therefore, the ink supply performance of Examples 22 and 24 was poor, and was rated only good.

[0137] In Comparative Example 01, when the surface tension is lower than the lower limit, the capillary force decreases, the probability of ink leakage from the nozzle increases, and the ink leakage prevention performance of the ink cartridge is poor.

[0138] In Comparative Example 02, since the gap width exceeds the lower limit, the permeability of the ink decreases, resulting in insufficient ink supply, and the ink supply performance of the ink cartridge is in a poor state.

[0139] For Comparative Example 03, the ink cartridge -8 is used. Although a partition 3 is set in the ink storage part 1 of the ink cartridge, the width of the gap 31 on the partition 3 exceeds the preferred width range, that is, the width of the gap 31 is too large, resulting in an excessively fast ink supply speed. Therefore, the ink leakage prevention performance of the ink cartridge is poor.

[0140] In Comparative Example 04, the ink cartridge exhibited poor ink leakage prevention due to weak capillary force.

[0141] For comparison example 05, the ink cartridge-10 used, although a partition 3 is set in the ink storage part 1 of the ink cartridge, the thickness of the gap 31 on the partition 3 exceeds the preferred thickness range, resulting in a too slow ink supply speed, and therefore the ink supply performance of the ink cartridge is in a poor state.

[0142] For comparison example 06, the ink cartridge -10 is used. Although a partition 3 is set in the ink storage part 1 of the ink cartridge, since the height of the gap 31 on the partition 3 is smaller than the preferred height range, the gap 31 does not slow down the ink supply speed enough, and the ink leakage prevention performance of the ink cartridge is poor.

[0143] In Comparative Example 07, since the ink storage portion 1 of the ink cartridge 12 used does not have a partition 3, the ink is directly absorbed into the sponge, and the ink supply speed is too fast, so the ink cartridge's ink leakage resistance is poor.

[0144] In the present specification and claims, directional terms such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom" are used to describe various exemplary structural parts and components of the present invention. However, these terms are used herein for convenience of description only and are based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Because the embodiments disclosed herein can be arranged in various orientations, these directional terms are intended for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. For example, "up" and "down" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

Claims

1. An inkjet printer comprising an ink cartridge, wherein the ink cartridge comprises an ink storage portion (1) and a print head (2) having a nozzle array, wherein: A partition (3) is vertically provided in the ink storage portion (1), and the partition (3) separates the space in the ink storage portion (1) into a first cavity (11) and a second cavity (12); the first cavity (11) is provided with an ink inlet (111) for ink to enter, and the second cavity (12) is provided with a sponge (4); A strip-shaped gap (31) is vertically formed on the partition (3), wherein the width of the gap (31) is k, the thickness is t, and the length is h, wherein 0.5 mm ≤ k ≤ 3 mm, 0.5 mm ≤ t ≤ 5 mm, and h ≥ 10 mm; the ink in the first cavity (11) enters the second cavity (12) at a low speed under the capillary action of the gap (31) and slowly soaks into the sponge (4); The surface tension of the ink used in the ink cartridge is F, and F>30mN / m.

2. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein: The gap (31) is located at the center of the partition (3) in the left-right direction.

3. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein: There is a gap (32) between the top end of the partition (3) and the top surface of the ink storage portion (1).

4. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The ink used in the ink cartridge includes a surfactant capable of suppressing foaming, and the surfactant is at least one of an acetylene glycol surfactant, a silicon-based surfactant, and a fluorine-based surfactant.

5. The inkjet printer according to claim 4, wherein: The surfactant in the ink used in the ink cartridge is an acetylene glycol surfactant, and the acetylene glycol surfactant is of the general formula (1); General formula (1) In the general formula (1), m+n≤15.

6. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The ink includes a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether compound represented by general formula (2); Formula (2) In formula (2), k is 10 to 25, and R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 12 to 22 carbon atoms.

7. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The ink used in the ink cartridge includes polyol as a humectant, and the mass ratio of the polyol in the ink is in the range of 10wt% to 35wt%.

8. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The viscosity of the ink used in the ink cartridge is less than or equal to 5 cP at 25°C 。 9. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The solid content of the color material in the ink used in the ink cartridge is less than or equal to 10 wt %.

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