Cartridge and printing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a cartridge and a printing apparatus. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cartridge capable of preventing air bubbles from entering an ejection unit thereof and maintaining ejection performance to a greater extent than in the prior art. A cartridge mountable to a printing apparatus includes: a first accommodation chamber capable of accommodating a liquid; and a first channel connecting the first accommodation chamber and a printing element plate, the printing element plate including an element configured to apply energy for ejecting the liquid to the liquid. In a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, the first channel includes a first horizontal portion extending in a horizontal direction, a first connection portion connected to the printing element plate and extending in a vertical direction, and a first reservoir portion capable of storing bubbles. The first reservoir portion is wider than the first connection portion when viewed along an extension direction in which the first horizontal portion extends.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge and a printing apparatus. Background Art

[0002] A printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting liquid onto a printing medium sometimes uses a cartridge in which a liquid containing chamber and a liquid ejecting unit are integrated with each other and which is detachably attachable to the printing apparatus.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-260199 discloses an inkjet printing cartridge (cartridge), which includes a storage unit (accommodation chamber) storing liquid and an inkjet printing head (jet unit) that performs printing by jetting liquid. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-260199 also discloses that a supply path (channel) through which liquid is supplied from the storage unit is formed between the accommodation chamber and the jet unit, and those supply paths are connected to the jet unit.

[0004] The passage in the box of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.2008-260199 needs to be included in the horizontal part that extends horizontally when the box is installed to the state of printing equipment.When bubbles are produced in the liquid in the supply path, the bubbles may stay in those horizontal parts and can not be easily released from the horizontal parts.When the bubbles are supplied to the ejection unit together with the liquid, this will cause ejection failure.In order to keep the ejection performance, a maintenance operation can be performed, in which the bubbles are discharged to the outside of the box together with the liquid.Here, when liquid is frequently discarded together with the bubbles, liquid will be wasted. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cartridge capable of preventing air bubbles from entering its ejection unit and maintaining ejection performance to a greater extent than the conventional art.

[0006] A box that can be installed to a printing device, the printing device can perform printing by ejecting liquid onto a printing medium, the box comprising: a first storage chamber that can accommodate the liquid; and a first channel, the first channel connecting the first storage chamber and a printing element board, the printing element board including an element configured to apply energy for ejecting the liquid to the liquid, wherein, when the box is installed to the printing device, the first channel includes a first horizontal portion extending in a horizontal direction, a first connecting portion connected to the printing element board and extending in a vertical direction, and a first reservoir portion that can store bubbles, and when viewed along an extension direction extending along the first horizontal portion, the width of the first reservoir portion is greater than the width of the first connecting portion.

[0007] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an inkjet printing apparatus in one embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing one example of a cartridge in the one embodiment;

[0010] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing one example of a cartridge in the one embodiment;

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a channel in the one embodiment;

[0012] Figure 5A is a top view of the channel portion;

[0013] Figure 5B is a side view of the channel portion;

[0014] Figure 5C is a front view of the channel portion;

[0015] Fig. 6A It is a top view of the channel;

[0016] Figure 6B is a side view of the channel;

[0017] Figure 6C is the front view of the channel;

[0018] Fig. 7A It is a top view of the channel;

[0019] Figure 7B is a side view of the channel;

[0020] Figure 7C is the front view of the channel;

[0021] Fig. 8A It is a top view of the channel;

[0022] Figure 8B is a side view of the channel;

[0023] Figure 8C is the front view of the channel;

[0024] Fig.8D It is along Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view of the line VIIID-VIIID in FIG.

[0025] Fig.9Ais a top view showing the housing without the absorber and the filter accommodated therein;

[0026] Fig. 9B is along Fig.9A A cross-sectional view of the IXB-IXB line in FIG.

[0027] Fig.10 is a plan view showing an example of a housing in the one embodiment;

[0028] Fig.11 is a plan view showing an example of a storage chamber in the one embodiment;

[0029] Fig.12 is a plan view showing an example of a channel in the one embodiment;

[0030] Fig.13A is a diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing a cartridge in the one embodiment;

[0031] Fig. 13B is a diagram showing the one example of the method for manufacturing the cartridge in the one embodiment;

[0032] Fig. 13C is a diagram showing the one example of the method for manufacturing the cartridge in the one embodiment;

[0033] Fig.13D is a diagram showing the one example of the method for manufacturing the cartridge in the one embodiment;

[0034] Fig.14A is a schematic transparent view of the top of a box in one embodiment;

[0035] Fig. 14B is a schematic transparent view of the side of the box in one embodiment;

[0036] Fig. 14C is a schematic transparent view of the front side of the box in one embodiment;

[0037] Fig.15 is a perspective view showing an example of a channel in the one embodiment;

[0038] Fig.16A is a top view of the channel portion in one embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 16B is a side view of a channel portion in one embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 16C is a front view of a channel portion in one embodiment;

[0041] Fig.17A is a top view of a box in one embodiment;

[0042] Fig. 17B is along Fig.17A Cross-sectional view along line XVI I-XVI I in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] [First embodiment]

[0044] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0045] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing an inkjet printing apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as a "printing apparatus") 102 to which the first embodiment can be applied.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the X direction indicates the sweeping direction of the carriage. The Y direction indicates the conveying direction of the print medium. The Z direction indicates the vertical upward direction. Figure 1 The same X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis in FIG. 1 are used to describe a single box assuming that the box is installed to the printing device. Here, in the state where the box is installed to the printing device, the longitudinal direction (depth direction) of the box is the Y direction. The transverse direction (width direction) of the box is the X direction. The vertical direction (height direction) of the box is the Z direction.

[0047] The printing device 102 is configured so that the box 100 can be mounted on the carriage 101. The box 100 mounted on the carriage 101 ejects liquid (hereinafter also referred to as "ink") onto the print medium to perform printing while moving relative to the print medium 103. In other words, the printing device 102 is a serial printing device. During ejection, the box 100 ejects liquid while the carriage 101 reciprocates along the X direction. Synchronously with ejecting liquid from the box 100, the print medium 103 is conveyed at intervals of a predetermined distance in a direction (Y direction) intersecting (in this embodiment, perpendicularly intersecting) the reciprocating direction of the carriage 101 to form an image on the print medium 103.

[0048] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of one of the cartridges 100 . Figure 32 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 100. The cartridge 100 includes a printing element board 303 for ejecting liquid, a housing 200 formed with a receiving chamber 302 for receiving liquid, and a cover 201. The absorber 300 and the filter 301 for holding the liquid to be received are stored in the receiving chamber 302. The liquid held in the absorber 300 is discharged through a channel portion ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 302) is supplied to the ejection ports in the printing element board 303. In the present embodiment, the absorber 300 is inserted into the accommodating chamber 302 as a unit for generating negative pressure to hold the liquid, but the liquid can be similarly held using a configuration using a negative pressure generating unit such as a pressure control unit or a circulation unit.

[0049] The storage chamber 302 in this embodiment includes a first storage chamber 302A capable of storing a first liquid, a second storage chamber 302B capable of storing a second liquid of a type different from the first liquid, and a third storage chamber 302C capable of storing a third liquid of a type different from the first liquid and the second liquid. The first storage chamber 302A, the second storage chamber 302B, and the third storage chamber 302C are arranged linearly adjacent to each other in the depth direction (Y direction) of the box 100.

[0050] The liquid contained in the containing chamber 302 is usually color ink. Cyan ink, magenta ink and yellow ink are contained in the containing chamber. Incidentally, although the configuration that the box 100 includes three containing chambers 302 will be described exemplarily in the present embodiment, the present embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and can be applicable to the situation with two or more containing chambers. For example, the following conception is also applicable to the box containing ink (including black ink in addition) of four colors.

[0051] exist Figure 3 , three absorbers 300A, 300B and 300C for cyan, magenta and yellow are shown. In order to easily supply liquid, the shape of the absorber 300 is ideally close to a cube. Here, in the case of changing the size of the absorber 300 in consideration of the liquid capacity, it is preferred to extend the absorber 300 in the vertical direction under the posture when in use. Increasing the size of the absorber 300 in the sweeping direction widens the box 100, which in turn increases the size of the entire device. In addition, increasing the size of the absorber 300 in the array direction (Y direction) of the ejection port makes the channel from the absorber 300 to the printing element plate 303 longer, and increases the flow resistance when the liquid is supplied, which is not preferred.

[0052] The absorber 300 is made of a fiber material, a porous material, etc., and can hold the ink inside by using a capillary force acting on the ink. The absorber 300 is stored in a storage chamber 302 of the housing 200, abuts against a corresponding filter 301 used as a dust catcher, and the liquid inside the absorber 300 is supplied to the printing element board 303 through the filter 301 and the channel portion.

[0053] The printing element plate 303 is a jetting unit for jetting ink, and is arranged on the bottom surface of the housing 200 on the lower side in the vertical direction. The printing element plate 303 is arranged near the bottom of the absorber 300A and the absorber 300B, and away from the absorber 300C. The housing 200 has a box portion 307 formed with a accommodating chamber 302 and a channel forming portion 306 protruding downwardly from the box portion 307 in the vertical direction. The printing element plate 303 is attached to the lower side of the channel forming portion 306 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the printing element plate 303 includes an element (e.g., a heater, a piezoelectric element, etc.) that applies energy for jetting liquid to the liquid. The printing element plate 303 is attached to the printing element placement portion formed at the member forming the channel forming portion 306. Specifically, the printing element plate 303 is arranged on the bottom surface of the entire box 100, and when jetting liquid, the liquid is jetted from a distance closer to the print medium 103.

[0054] The cover 201 is arranged to close the opening of the housing 200 and defines a housing chamber 302 for housing the absorber 300. The cover 201 includes an unillustrated atmosphere communication port through which external air can be sucked in an amount of liquid inside the absorber 300 consumed by ejection.

[0055] Figure 4 4 is a perspective view of a space serving as a passage for liquid inside the housing, which is extracted, modeled, and illustrated as a passage portion 400 . Figure 5A is a top view of the channel portion 400, Figure 5B is a side view of the channel portion 400, and Figure 5C 400 is a front view of the channel portion 400. Figure 5A Horizontal portions 708 and 808 are shown in FIG. The channel portion 400 is a model obtained by drawing out the channel of ink, and includes channels (400A, 400B, and 400C) for three colors. These channels are independent of each other. Specifically, as Figure 5A As shown, the channels 400A, 400B and 400C are arranged in this order along the Y direction. Therefore, the channel portion 400 is configured to be able to accommodate the accommodation chamber 302 (see Figure 3 ) is supplied to the printing element board 303 (see Figure 3 ).

[0056] Fig. 6A is a top view of channel 400A, Figure 6B is a side view of channel 400A, and Figure 6C is a front view of channel 400A. Fig. 7A is a top view of channel 400B, Figure 7B is a side view of channel 400B, and Figure 7C is a front view of channel 400B. Fig. 8A is a top view of channel 400C. Figure 8B is a side view of channel 400C, Figure 8C is a front view of channel 400C, and Fig.8D It is along Fig. 8A Cross-sectional view along line VIIID-VIIID in FIG.

[0057] like FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C As shown, the channel 400A includes a filter 301A (see Figure 3 ) and the first reservoir portion 601. The channel 400A includes a second reservoir portion 602, a second opening portion 609 connecting the first reservoir portion 601 and the second reservoir portion 602, and a portion to be connected to the printing element board 303 (see Figure 3 ) connection channel 607.

[0058] In the present embodiment, a space capable of storing bubbles and having a width greater than the width of a connection portion (e.g., connection passage 607, 707, or 807) when viewing the cartridge along an extending direction in which a horizontal portion (described later) extends will be referred to as a "reservoir portion." For example, the first reservoir portion 601 and the second reservoir portion 602 are wider than other regions and are capable of storing bubbles generated above the liquid surface during ejection or the like.

[0059] The first reservoir portion 601 has a tapered portion 604 having an opening 633 at an upper end in the vertical direction and an opening 634 at a lower end in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, the opening 633 being larger than the opening 634. In a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, the second reservoir portion 602 is arranged to extend in the vertical direction.

[0060] The second reservoir portion 602 has a tapered portion (a first tapered portion 605 and a second tapered portion 606) having a first opening portion 600 located at an upper end in the vertical direction and a second opening portion 609 located at a lower end in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, the first opening portion 600 being larger than the second opening portion 609. The first reservoir portion 601 is disposed between the connecting passage 607 and the second reservoir portion 602. The second reservoir portion 602 is disposed between the first reservoir portion 601 and the first accommodating chamber 302A (see Figure 3 )between.

[0061] The first opening portion 600 is an opening for receiving the liquid having passed through the filter 301A, and is located in the housing chamber 302 (see Figure 3 ). The first reservoir 601 and the second reservoir part 602 are formed as a space that becomes wider as it goes up in the vertical direction. Specifically, in order to form a space that becomes wider as it goes up in the vertical direction, the first reservoir part 601 is provided with a tapered part 604, and the second reservoir part 602 is provided with a first tapered part 605 and a second tapered part 606. Such a configuration can collect bubbles generated inside the channel by utilizing buoyancy and prevent the bubbles from approaching the injection port.

[0062] In the present embodiment, a plurality of partitions 603 are provided in the second reservoir portion 602. Each of the plurality of partitions 603 divides the interior of the second reservoir portion 602 into a plurality of spaces connected to each other. Every two adjacent partitions 603 are preferably spaced apart from each other by more than 1 mm. In addition, the interior of the second reservoir portion 602 is preferably divided into more than two spaces. It is preferred to form a plurality of spaces inside the second reservoir portion 602.

[0063] By dividing the interior of the second reservoir portion 602 into a plurality of spaces, bubbles will be prevented from moving to another section. By dividing the interior of the second reservoir portion 602 into a plurality of spaces, even if one space is closed for some reason, the other spaces will maintain passage. This will prevent liquid supply failure in the case of supplying liquid to the downstream side (lower side in the vertical direction).

[0064] In order to move the bubbles toward the filter through the narrow space, two cones, namely the first cone portion 605 and the second cone portion 606, are formed at the second reservoir portion 602. In order to move the bubbles upward while preventing the formation of a meniscus, the angle of the first cone portion 605 relative to the horizontal direction (X direction) is preferably 10 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less, more preferably 20 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and further preferably 30 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less. At the second reservoir portion 602, the distance from each space in the second reservoir portion 602 to the filter 301A needs to be short in order to increase the flow rate of the ink flowing in the recovery operation such as suction. For this reason, the angle of the second cone portion 606 relative to the horizontal direction is preferably 45 degrees or less, more preferably 30 degrees or less, and further preferably 20 degrees or less.

[0065] The first reservoir portion 601 is connected to a connection channel 607, and the connection channel 607 is connected to an ejection port array in the printing element board 303 (see Figure 3 ).

[0066] In the present embodiment, the second reservoir portion 602 includes an opening 631 located at the upper end of the first tapered portion 605 and an opening 632 located at the lower end of the first tapered portion 605. The area of ​​the opening 631 is larger than the area of ​​the opening 632. For example, the area of ​​the opening 631 is preferably at least 1.5 times the area of ​​the opening 632. This is to store the generated bubbles and prevent the bubbles from flowing into the ejection port array.

[0067] The first reservoir portion 601 includes an opening 633 located at an upper end portion of the first reservoir portion 601 and an opening 634 located at a lower end portion of the first reservoir portion 601. The area of ​​the opening 633 is larger than the area of ​​the opening 634. For example, the area of ​​the opening 633 is preferably at least 1.2 times the area of ​​the opening 634. This is to store the generated bubbles and prevent the bubbles from flowing into the ejection port array.

[0068] like 7A to 7C As shown, the channel 400B includes a first opening portion 700 covered with a filter 301B, a first reservoir portion 701, a second reservoir portion 702, a second opening portion 709 connecting the first reservoir portion 701 and the second reservoir portion 702, and a connecting channel 707. The first reservoir portion 701 having a tapered portion 704 is arranged to be lower than the horizontal portion 708.

[0069] In the channel portion 400B, the first reservoir portion 701 and the second reservoir portion 702 are wider than other regions, and are capable of storing bubbles generated above the liquid surface during ejection or the like.

[0070] The first reservoir portion 701 has a tapered portion 704 having an opening 733 at the upper end in the vertical direction and an opening 734 at the lower end when the cartridge is mounted to the printing device, the opening 733 being larger than the opening 734. When the cartridge is mounted to the printing device, the second reservoir portion 702 is arranged to extend in the vertical direction. The first reservoir portion 701 is arranged between the connecting passage 707 and the horizontal portion 708. The second reservoir portion 702 is arranged between the horizontal portion 708 and the first accommodating chamber 302A (see Figure 3 )between.

[0071] In the state where the box is mounted to the printing device, the second reservoir part 702 is arranged to extend in the vertical direction. The second reservoir part 702 has a tapered portion (a first tapered portion 705 and a second tapered portion 706), and the tapered portion has a first opening portion 700 at the upper end in the vertical direction and a second opening portion 709 at the lower end when the box is mounted to the printing device, and the first opening portion 700 is larger than the second opening portion 709.

[0072] A plurality of partitions 703 are provided in the second reservoir portion 702. Each of the plurality of partitions 703 divides the interior of the second reservoir portion 702 into a plurality of spaces connected to each other. Every two adjacent partitions 703 are preferably spaced at least 1 mm apart from each other. In addition, the interior of the second reservoir portion 702 is preferably divided into two or more spaces. It is preferred to form a plurality of spaces inside the second reservoir portion 702.

[0073] By dividing the interior of the second reservoir portion 702 into a plurality of spaces, bubbles will be prevented from moving to another section. By dividing the interior of the second reservoir portion 702 into a plurality of spaces, even if one space is closed for some reason, the other spaces will maintain passage. This will prevent liquid supply failure in the case of supplying liquid to the downstream side (lower side in the vertical direction).

[0074] The first opening portion 700 is for receiving the liquid having passed through the filter 301B (see Figure 3 ) of the liquid and is located in the receiving absorber 300B (see Figure 3 ) of the receiving chamber 302 (see Figure 3 ) at the bottom of the nozzle array. The first reservoir portion 701 disposed near the nozzle array and the second reservoir portion 702 disposed near the accommodating chamber are connected by a second opening portion 709 and a horizontal portion 708 extending in the Y direction. In addition, the first reservoir portion 701 and the second reservoir portion 702 are formed into a space that becomes wider as it goes up in the vertical direction. Specifically, in order to become a space that becomes wider as it goes up in the vertical direction, the first reservoir portion 701 is provided with a tapered portion 704, and the second reservoir portion 702 is provided with a first tapered portion 705 and a second tapered portion 706. Such a configuration can collect bubbles generated inside the channel by utilizing buoyancy and prevent the bubbles from approaching the injection port.

[0075] In order to move the bubbles toward the filter through the narrow space, two cones, namely the first cone portion 705 and the second cone portion 706, are formed at the second reservoir portion 702. In order to move the bubbles upward while preventing the formation of a meniscus, the angle of the first cone portion 705 relative to the horizontal direction (X direction) is preferably 10 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less, more preferably 20 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and further preferably 30 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less. At the second reservoir portion 702, the distance from each space in the second reservoir portion 702 to the filter 301B needs to be short to increase the flow rate of the ink flowing in the recovery operation such as suction. For this reason, the angle of the second cone portion 706 relative to the horizontal direction is preferably 45 degrees or less, more preferably 30 degrees or less, and further preferably 20 degrees or less.

[0076] The first reservoir portion 701 is connected to a connection channel 707 , and the connection channel 707 is connected to an ejection port array in the printing element board 303 .

[0077] In the present embodiment, the second reservoir portion 702 includes an opening 731 located at the upper end of the first tapered portion 705 and an opening 732 located at the lower end of the first tapered portion 705. The area of ​​the opening 731 is larger than the area of ​​the opening 732. For example, the area of ​​the opening 731 is preferably at least 1.5 times the area of ​​the opening 732. This is to store the generated bubbles and prevent the bubbles from flowing into the ejection port array.

[0078] The first reservoir portion 701 includes an opening 733 located at an upper end portion of the first reservoir portion 701 and an opening 734 located at a lower end portion of the first reservoir portion 701. The area of ​​the opening 733 is larger than the area of ​​the opening 734. For example, the area of ​​the opening 733 is preferably at least 1.2 times the area of ​​the opening 734. This is to store the generated bubbles and prevent the bubbles from flowing into the ejection port array.

[0079] like FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D As shown, channel 400C includes a filter 301C (see Figure 3 ) includes a first opening portion 800, a first reservoir portion 801, a second reservoir portion 802, a second opening portion 809 connecting the first reservoir portion 801 and the second reservoir portion 802, and a connecting channel 807.

[0080] In the channel 400C, the first reservoir portion 801 and the second reservoir portion 802 are wider than other regions, and are capable of storing bubbles generated above the liquid surface during ejection or the like.

[0081] The first reservoir portion 801 has a tapered portion 804 having an opening 833 at an upper end in the vertical direction and an opening 834 at a lower end in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, the opening 833 being larger than the opening 834. In a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, the second reservoir portion 802 is arranged to extend in the vertical direction.

[0082] The first reservoir portion 801 is disposed between the connecting passage 807 and the horizontal portion 808. The second reservoir portion 802 is disposed between the horizontal portion 808 and the third receiving chamber 302C (see Figure 3). When the box is installed to the printing device, the second reservoir part 802 is arranged to extend in the vertical direction. The second reservoir part 802 has a tapered portion (a first tapered portion 805 and a second tapered portion 806), and the tapered portion has a first opening portion 800 at the upper end in the vertical direction when the box is installed to the printing device, and a second opening portion 809 at the lower end, and the first opening portion 800 is larger than the second opening portion 809.

[0083] A plurality of partitions 803 are provided in the second reservoir portion 802. Each of the plurality of partitions 803 divides the interior of the second reservoir portion 802 into a plurality of spaces connected to each other. Every two adjacent partitions 803 are preferably spaced apart from each other by more than 1 mm. In addition, the interior of the second reservoir portion 802 is preferably divided into more than two spaces. It is preferred to form a plurality of spaces inside the second reservoir portion 802.

[0084] By dividing the interior of the second reservoir portion 802 into a plurality of spaces, bubbles will be prevented from moving to another section. By dividing the interior of the second reservoir portion 802 into a plurality of spaces, even if one space is closed for some reason, the other spaces will maintain passage. This will prevent liquid supply failure in the case of supplying liquid to the downstream side (lower side in the vertical direction).

[0085] The first opening portion 800 is an opening for receiving the liquid that has passed through the filter 301C, and is located at the bottom of the storage chamber 302 that accommodates the absorber 300C. The first reservoir portion 801 disposed near the nozzle array and the second reservoir portion 802 disposed near the storage chamber are connected by the second opening portion 809 and the horizontal portion 808 extending in the Y direction. In addition, the first reservoir 801 and the second reservoir portion 802 are formed into a space that becomes wider the further it goes up in the vertical direction. In order to become a space that becomes wider the further it goes up in the vertical direction, the first reservoir portion 801 is provided with a tapered portion 804, and the second reservoir portion 802 is provided with a first tapered portion 805 and a second tapered portion 806. Such a configuration can collect bubbles generated inside the channel by utilizing buoyancy and prevent bubbles from approaching the injection port.

[0086] In order to move the bubbles toward the filter through the narrow space, two tapers, namely the first taper portion 805 and the second taper portion 806, are formed at the second reservoir portion 802. In order to move the bubbles upward while preventing the formation of a meniscus, the angle of the first taper portion 805 relative to the horizontal direction is preferably 10 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less, more preferably 20 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and further preferably 30 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less. At the second reservoir portion 802, the distance from each space in the second reservoir portion 802 to the filter 301C needs to be short in order to increase the flow rate of the ink flowing in the recovery operation such as suction. For this reason, the angle of the second taper portion 806 relative to the horizontal direction is ideally 45 degrees or less, more ideally 30 degrees or less, and further ideally 20 degrees or less.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the horizontal portion 808 is arranged to be lower than the second opening portion 809. The first reservoir portion 801 having the tapered portion 804 is arranged to be lower than the horizontal portion 808. The horizontal portion 808 extends along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the box. The end of the horizontal portion 808 is connected to the third opening portion 810C. The third opening portion 810C is connected to the ejection port array in the printing element board through the first reservoir portion 801 and the connecting channel 807. The configuration provided with such a horizontal portion 808 improves the degree of freedom of the layout in the accommodating chamber 302.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the second reservoir portion 802 includes an opening 831 located at the upper end of the first tapered portion 805 and an opening 832 located at the lower end of the first tapered portion 805. The area of ​​the opening 831 is larger than the area of ​​the opening 832. For example, the area of ​​the opening 831 is preferably at least 1.5 times the area of ​​the opening 832. This is to store the generated bubbles and prevent the bubbles from flowing into the ejection port array.

[0089] The first reservoir portion 801 includes an opening 833 located at an upper end portion of the first reservoir portion 801 and an opening 834 located at a lower end portion of the first reservoir portion 801. The area of ​​the opening 833 is larger than the area of ​​the opening 834. For example, the area of ​​the opening 833 is preferably at least 1.2 times the area of ​​the opening 834. This is to store the generated bubbles and prevent the bubbles from flowing into the ejection port array.

[0090] The first reservoir portion 801 is connected to a connection channel 807 , and the connection channel 807 is connected to an ejection port array in the printing element board 303 .

[0091] Fig.8D is a cross-sectional view of the horizontal portion 808. Fig.8DAs shown, the cross-sectional shape of the horizontal portion 808 has a corner 808C at a portion thereof. Specifically, the corner 808C is provided at the bottom of the horizontal portion 808. In the event of bubbles being generated, the corner 808C will capture the bubbles at the corner 808C by capillary force and allow liquid to be supplied to the third opening portion 810C.

[0092] Bubbles naturally tend to accumulate on the upper side of the channel. Therefore, the corner 808C is ideally present on the lower side in the vertical direction. In addition, the number of corners 808C can be at least one as long as bubbles can be captured.

[0093] Nevertheless, it is desirable to form many corners 808C. The width w of the horizontal portion 808 is greater than the height h of the horizontal portion 808. This reduces the height of the box as a whole and also ensures the fluidity of the liquid in the case where bubbles are generated. In other words, making the width w of the horizontal portion 808 greater than its height h ensures the ease of supplying liquid through the horizontal portion 808. For example, the ratio of the height h of the horizontal portion 808 to the width w of the horizontal portion 808 is ideally 1:1.5 or more.

[0094] Note that the corners may be provided at the horizontal portion 708 (see 7A to 7C ) at the bottom. In this case, the corners of the horizontal portion 708 can also capture bubbles and allow liquid to be supplied to the downstream side.

[0095] Fig.9A 2 is a top view showing the housing 200 in which the absorber and the filter are not accommodated. In the housing 200, the openings 900A, 900B and 900C are arranged on the same line extending in the Y direction. The opening 900A is connected to the first opening portion 600 ( FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The opening 900B is connected to the first opening portion 700 ( 7A to 7C ). The opening 900C is connected to the first opening portion 800 ( FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C ). The openings 900A, 900B, and 900C are all arranged on the upstream side in the Y direction to shorten the passage 400A (see Figure 4 )、400B(See Figure 4 ) and 400C (see Figure 4 ) in the Y direction. In addition, a rib 901 is provided in each accommodation chamber 302 to allow communication with the atmosphere even when the absorber is inserted. Rib 901A is provided in the accommodation chamber 302 having opening 900A. Rib 901B is provided in the accommodation chamber 302 having opening 900B. Rib 901C is provided in the accommodation chamber 302 having opening 900C.

[0096] In the storage chamber 302, the ribs 901 are arranged at positions close to the openings 900A, 900B and 900C, respectively. This will prevent liquid from leaking from the cover 201 even if the air inside the channel portion 400 and the air in the gap between the absorber 300 and the storage chamber 302 expands due to environmental changes (changes in temperature and / or atmospheric pressure).

[0097] like Fig.9A As shown, the second opening portion 609 of the channel 400A is disposed on the center line C of the housing 200 in the X direction. The second opening portion 709 of the channel 400B extends from the center line C in the -X direction ( Fig.9A ), and the rib 901B is arranged on a side closer to the second opening portion 709 ( Fig.9A The second opening portion 809 of the channel 400C extends from the center line C along the +X direction ( Fig.9A ), and the rib 901C is arranged on a side closer to the second opening portion 809 ( Fig.9A on the right side of the image).

[0098] The amount of each of the second opening portions 709 and 809 offset from the center line C is ideally in the range of 5% to 30% of the width of the filter in the X direction, more ideally in the range of 10% to 25%, and further ideally in the range of 15% to 20%. In the present embodiment where the filter width is 12mm, the second opening portions 709 and 809 are offset by ±1mm (8.3%) in the X direction, respectively. It is not ideal to offset the second opening portions 709 and 809 by too much offset, because this leads to a situation where liquid cannot be easily supplied from the side opposite to the side toward which the second opening portions 709 and 809 are offset. Therefore, it is ideal to set the second opening portions 709 and 809 at a position close to the center line C as in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the shape of the second opening portions 609, 709 and 809 is a longitudinally elongated slit shape, but it can also be other shapes. For example, the shape of the second opening portions 609, 709 and 809 can be circular, elliptical, etc.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the shape of the second opening part 609 is a slit shape with two parallel long sides extending along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the box. The second opening part 609 has a corner 902A at the four corners of the opening. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the second opening part 609 includes a corner 902A at least at a part thereof. The second opening part 609 is formed into a slit shape as described above to ensure a certain cross-sectional area for passage, while also preventing relatively large bubbles from entering passage. In other words, the second opening part 609 is formed into a slit shape so that liquid can be supplied to the ejection port more stably.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the shape of the second opening part 709 is a slit shape with two parallel long sides extending along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the box. The second opening part 709 has a corner 902B at the four corners of the opening. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the second opening part 709 includes a corner 902B at least in a part thereof. The second opening part 709 is formed into a slit shape as described above to ensure a certain cross-sectional area for passage, while also preventing relatively large bubbles from entering passage. In other words, the second opening part 709 is formed into a slit shape so that liquid can be supplied to the ejection port more stably.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the shape of the second opening part 809 is a slit shape with two parallel long sides extending along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the box. The second opening part 809 has a corner 902C at the four corners of the opening. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the second opening part 809 includes a corner 902C at least at a part thereof. The second opening part 809 is formed into a slit shape as described above to ensure a certain cross-sectional area for passage, while also preventing relatively large bubbles from entering passage. In other words, the second opening part 809 is formed into a slit shape so that liquid can be supplied to the ejection port more stably.

[0102] Fig. 9B is along Fig.9A 9B-IXB line in FIG. Horizontal portions 708 and 808 are formed by joining a first member forming the channel forming portion 306 and a second member forming the box portion 307, wherein a recess formed in the first member and a recess formed in the second member are aligned with each other. Specifically, resin 920 is poured into a space formed between the channel forming portion 306 and the box portion 307 by recesses other than the recesses forming the horizontal portions 708 and 808. Thus, the horizontal portions 708 and 808 are sealed, and the channel forming portion 306 and the box portion 307 are fixed to each other.

[0103] By this joining method, a channel including a horizontal portion 708 is formed in the first member forming the channel forming portion 306 and the second member forming the box portion 307. A channel including a horizontal portion 808 is formed in the first member forming the channel forming portion 306 and the second member forming the box portion 307. The horizontal portions 708 and 808 include a portion of the first member forming the channel forming portion 306 and a portion of the second member forming the box portion 307, at which the two members are joined. By joining the channel forming portion 306 and the box portion 307 as described above, a channel is formed without generating welding burrs on the inner wall of the horizontal portion 708 or leaving adhesive protruding from the inner wall.

[0104] Fig.10 1 is a top view showing the housing 200 to which the filter 301 is welded.

[0105] In order to prevent dust from entering the second opening portion 609 (see Figure 6B and Figure 6C ), the filter 301A is welded to the housing 200 so as to cover the second opening portion 609. In order to prevent dust from entering the second opening portion 709 (see Figure 7B and Figure 7C ), the filter 301B is welded to the housing 200 so as to cover the second opening portion 709. In order to prevent dust from entering the second opening portion 809 (see Figure 8B and Figure 8C ), the filter 301C is welded to the housing 200 so as to cover the second opening portion 809. Note that the filter 301 may be fixed to the housing 200 by bonding or the like instead of welding. In addition, the housing 200 and the filter 301 may be formed integrally with each other.

[0106] Fig.11 2 is a top view showing the housing 200 in which the absorber 300 is inserted. The absorber 300 is inserted into the housing chamber 302 in the housing 200, and liquid can be held in the absorber 300. The liquid held in the absorber 300 is transferred to the housing 200 through the channel portion 400 (see FIG. Figure 4 ) is supplied to the printing element board 303. Fig.11 In FIG. 1 , the printing element board 303 and the ejection port array 1101 are shown by dotted lines.

[0107] Located in the first storage chamber 302A (see Figure 3 ) of the first opening portion 600 at the bottom (see FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C ) is arranged directly above the printing element board 303. Located in the second storage chamber 302B (see Figure 3 ) of the first opening portion 700 at the bottom (see 7A to 7C ) is not arranged directly above the printing element board 303. Located in the third storage chamber 302C (see Figure 3 ) of the first opening portion 800 at the bottom (see FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C ) is not arranged directly above the printing element board 303.

[0108] The liquid held in the absorber 300A passes through the channel 400A (see Figure 4 ) is supplied to the ejection port array 1101A in the printing element board 303. The liquid held in the absorber 300B passes through the channel 400B (see Figure 4 ) is supplied to the ejection port array 1101B in the printing element board 303. The liquid held in the absorber 300C passes through the channel 400C (see Figure 4) is supplied to the ejection port array 1101C in the printing element board 303.

[0109] In the box 100 in the present embodiment, the inside of the housing 200 is divided to form three accommodating chambers 302 so that absorbers 300A, 300B and 300C can be arranged along the Y direction along the center line C in the X direction. When the box 100 is mounted on the carriage 101 and the carriage is used to sweep, the box moves along the +X direction or the -X direction. The printing element plate 303 includes a jet array 1101 formed by arranging the jets along the Y direction. In a word, absorbers 300A, 300B and 300C are arranged along the direction identical with the array direction of the jets, and intersect (in the present embodiment, vertically intersect) with the sweeping direction.

[0110] The housing 200 is formed by molding resin. When the housing 200 is formed, the channel forming portion 306 (see Figure 3 ) and the box portion 307 are separately molded (primary molding), and then the channel forming portion 306 and the box portion 307 are joined (secondary molding). Note that the secondary molding may use a method including forming spaces between adjacent portions of the box portion 307 and the channel forming portion 306 and pouring resin into these spaces, or using other connection methods such as bonding. By separately molding the channel forming portion 306 and the box portion 307 as described above, and then joining the channel forming portion 306 and the box portion 307, a channel can be formed in the housing 200. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the accommodating chambers 302 are arranged at equal intervals, but the intervals do not have to be equal.

[0111] Box 100 (see Figure 1 ) is preferably less than 25mm in width in the X direction. In the present embodiment, three receiving chambers 302 are arranged linearly along the Y direction. This makes the width of the box 100 smaller than that of a conventional box. Here, from the perspective of easy ink supply and easy introduction of ink, the width of each absorber 300 is preferably more than 5mm. Similarly, the width of each receiving chamber 302 in the X direction is preferably more than 5mm.

[0112] Note that the width of box 100 is 10mm to 25mm, more preferably 13mm to 23mm, and further preferably 15mm to 21mm. As for the ratio of the width of housing 200 in the X direction to its length in the Y direction, the closer the cross section of each absorber 300 in the XY plane is to a square, the easier it is to supply ink. Therefore, when three accommodation chambers are formed as in the present embodiment, the ratio of the width in the X direction to the length in the Y direction is preferably about 2:5 to 2:7. Box 100 in the present embodiment has a width of 20mm in the X direction and a depth of 70mm in the Y direction.

[0113] As described above, it is desirable that the cross section of each absorber 300 in the XY plane is close to a square. One side is ideally 5 to 25 mm, more ideally 10 to 23 mm, and further ideally 15 to 21 mm. As for the height of each absorber 300 in the Z direction, considering the ability of the absorber to hold liquid, it is preferred to extend the length in the Z direction in terms of being easy to run out of liquid compared to extending the length in the X or Y direction. However, extending the size in the Z direction will increase the box size, and therefore increase the size of the device as a whole. Therefore, the height of each absorber 300 in the Z direction is ideally at most 4 times the width in the X direction or the length in the Y direction, more ideally at most 3 times, and further ideally at most 2 times. Each absorber 300 in the present embodiment has a width of 17 mm in the X direction, a depth of 21 mm in the Y direction, and a height of 33 mm in the Z direction.

[0114] Fig.12 is a top view showing channels 400B and 400C, i.e., Figure 5A The channel portion 400 shown does not include a view of the state of the channel 400A. The second opening portion 709 of the channel 400B and the second opening portion 809 of the channel 400C are both arranged at a position offset from the center in the X direction of the housing 200. Specifically, the second opening portion 709 of the channel 400B is arranged to be offset in the -X direction from the center in the X direction of the housing 200, and the second opening portion 809 of the channel 400C is arranged to be offset in the +X direction from the center in the X direction of the housing 200. Offsetting the second opening portion 709 as described above shortens the length of the horizontal portion 708 of the channel 400B extending to the corresponding injection port array in the Y direction, and also allows the horizontal portion 808 of the channel 400C to have a larger width in the X direction than in other cases. In addition, offsetting the second opening portion 809 from the center in the direction opposite to the second opening portion 709 shortens the length of the horizontal portion 808 of the channel 400C.

[0115] The absorber 300 is stored in the corresponding accommodation chamber 302, and the filter 301 is provided between the corresponding absorber 300 and the channel portion 400 (see Fig.10 and Fig.11). In order to reduce flow resistance, the size of each filter 301 is ideally larger. It is ideal that the size of each filter 301 is at least half of the cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding absorber 300 in the XY plane, and it is more ideal that the shape of the filter 301 is close to a square. Such a size and shape increases the contact between the absorber 300 and the filter 301, and improves the ease of using up the liquid. Specifically, the size of the filter 301 is ideally at most 30% to 90% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the absorber 300 in the XY plane, more ideally 40% to 80%, and further ideally 50% to 70%. In the present embodiment, the size of each filter 301 is such that the width in the X direction is 12 mm and the depth in the Y direction is 12 mm (40% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the absorber in the XY plane).

[0116] Each time the carriage sweeps, the absorbers 300B and 300C receive alternating forces in the sweeping direction. In each sweep, the liquid held in the absorbers 300B and 300C shakes in the sweeping direction. Therefore, the pressure on the liquid to be supplied to the channels 400B and 400C changes, and these pressure changes may affect the generation of bubbles. The greater the offset between the center of gravity of the absorber 300 and the jet array 1101 in the sweeping direction, the greater the pressure change.

[0117] When the box 100 receives the +X direction ( Fig.11 In the case of a force in the -X direction (right direction), the ejection port array 1101B is pressurized, while the ejection port array 1101C is depressurized. Fig.11 In the case of a force (in the left direction in the middle), the ejection port array 1101B is decompressed, while the ejection port array 1101C is pressurized. Therefore, whether the ink is pressurized or decompressed varies depending on the color of the ink. This results in the possibility of deteriorating the quality of the image to be displayed on the print medium. The pressure that the liquid in each channel receives from the liquid held in the above-mentioned corresponding absorber will be referred to as "shaking pressure" below.

[0118] Note that in this embodiment, the absorbers 300A, 300B, and 300C (see Figure 3 ) are arranged linearly along the depth direction of the box. Compared with the conventional configuration, this linear arrangement of the absorber reduces the offset between the center of gravity of the absorbers 300B and 300C and the ejection port arrays 1101B and 1101C in the X direction. This in turn reduces the shaking pressure to be applied to the ejection port array, thereby reducing the generation of bubbles. Therefore, the degradation of the print quality is reduced.

[0119] In order to reduce the shaking pressure, the opposite ends of the horizontal portion 708 are formed so that the width of the end farther away from the jet array (the length in the lateral direction) is narrower than the width of the end closer to the jet array (the length in the lateral direction). The opposite ends of the horizontal portion 808 are formed so that the width of the end farther away from the jet array is narrower than the width of the end closer to the jet array. Therefore, on the upstream side of the horizontal portion 708 relative to the liquid flow, a narrow portion 1201B narrower than the downstream side is provided, thereby reducing the shaking pressure. On the upstream side of the horizontal portion 808 relative to the liquid flow, a narrow portion 1201C narrower than the downstream side is provided, thereby reducing the shaking pressure.

[0120] In the case where the width of the narrow portions 1201B and 1201C is too narrow, the flow resistance during ink supply will be high. Therefore, for a channel having a length of about 50 mm, the width is desirably 1 mm or more, more desirably 1.5 mm or more, and further desirably 2 mm or more. Since increasing the width of the narrow portion will increase the width of the box, the width is preferably set to a maximum of 3 mm.

[0121] Furthermore, the longer the path from the absorber 300 to the ejection port array 1101 is, the greater the influence of the shaking pressure becomes. Therefore, the narrow portion 1201C may be provided only for the channel 400C located away from the printing element board. This reduces Figure 4 The difference in shaking pressure between the channels 400A, 400B and 400C shown in FIG. 4 and the reduction in the generation of bubbles.

[0122] As described above, in each box, the center of gravity positions of the plurality of absorbers are arranged linearly in the arrangement direction of the ejection ports in the ejection port array. Thus, a box and a printing device can be provided, by which an increase in the size of the device can be avoided. The generation of bubbles can also be reduced.

[0123] In the present embodiment, the horizontal portion 708 is formed so that the width of its base end portion (length in the X direction) is narrower than the width of its terminal portion. The base end portion of the horizontal portion 708 is arranged inside the second storage chamber 302B. The horizontal portion 808 is formed so that the width of its base end portion (length in the X direction) is narrower than the width of its terminal portion. The base end portion of the horizontal portion 808 is arranged inside the third storage chamber 302C.

[0124] The channel 400A is formed below the filter 301A, the channel 400B is formed below the filter 301B, and the channel 400C is formed below the filter 301C (see Fig.9A , Fig. 9B and Fig.10 ). The following description will focus on channel 400B, but is also applicable to channels 400A and 400C.

[0125] 7 again. Liquid having passed through filter 301B enters second opening portion 709 of channel 400B through first opening portion 700. It is desirable to arrange second opening portion 709 near the center of filter 301 in the X direction to reduce the possibility of stagnation at the space below filter 301B.

[0126] The space from the first opening portion 700 to the second opening portion 709 is the second reservoir portion 702 for storing bubbles. The width of the second opening portion 709 in the X direction is narrower than the first opening portion 700, so that bubbles can move upward at the second reservoir portion 702. However, in the case where the width of the second opening portion 709 in the X direction is too narrow, the flow resistance will be high. Therefore, the width of the second opening portion 709 in the X direction is ideally 10% to 60% of the width of the filter 301B in the X direction, more ideally 10% to 40%, and further ideally 10% to 20%. In the present embodiment, the width of the second opening portion 709 in the X direction is 1.3 mm (10.8% of the width of the filter in the X direction).

[0127] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a process for manufacturing each box in this embodiment. FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D As shown, the in-mold forming technology is used as the casting resin 920 (see Fig. 9B The in-mold forming technology will be described step by step.

[0128] In the present embodiment, a first mold 1301 having a contour for forming the channel forming portion 306 and a second mold 1302 having a contour for forming the box portion 307 are used. The first mold 1301 is a fixed mold, and the second mold 1302 is a movable mold.

[0129] First, if Fig.13A As shown, the fixed first mold 1301 and the movable second mold 1302 are joined to each other, and the molding resin is filled into the cavity formed by these molds from the primary gate arranged in the first mold 1301. Thus, the first member forming the channel forming portion 306 and the second member forming the box portion 307 are molded.

[0130] Then, if Fig. 13B Thus, the first member forming the channel forming portion 306 remains in the first mold 1301 , and the second member forming the box portion 307 remains in the second mold 1302 .

[0131] Then, if Fig. 13C As shown in , the second mold 1302 is moved to position the second member forming the box portion 307 above the first member forming the channel forming portion 306 remaining in the first mold 1301 .

[0132] Then, if Fig.13D , the second mold 1302 is lowered with the position of the channel forming portion 306 and the position of the box portion 307 aligned with each other to close the first mold 1301 with the second mold 1302. By closing the first mold 1301 with the second mold 1302, the first member forming the channel forming portion 306 remaining in the first mold 1301 and the box portion 307 remaining in the second mold 1302 are arranged inside the mold in a combined state.

[0133] Thereafter, the resin 920 in a molten state is poured from the secondary gate arranged in the first member forming the channel forming portion 306 (see Fig. 9B ) to join the channel forming portion 306 and the box portion 307. Finally, the mold is opened again, and the channel forming portion 306 and the box portion 307 joined to each other are taken out from the mold.

[0134] In this in-mold forming technology, the passage forming portion 306 and the box portion 307 are formed and joined inside a mold. The first member forming the passage forming portion 306 and the second member forming the box portion 307 are joined inexpensively and accurately.

[0135] As described above, in the case where bubbles are generated in the liquid inside the channel in the box in the present embodiment, those bubbles are stored in the first reservoir portion or the second reservoir portion, or in both. The bubbles stored in these reservoir portions may reach the liquid surface with buoyancy and disappear. Therefore, compared with the conventional technology, the ejection performance can be maintained without having to frequently discharge the bubbles together with the liquid. Therefore, the box disclosed in the present invention can prevent bubbles from entering the ejection unit and maintain the ejection performance to a greater extent than the conventional technology. Moreover, each channel includes a reservoir portion at some locations, so that the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the channel from the corresponding accommodation chamber to the printing element board is higher than the conventional technology. This makes it possible to obtain Figure 2 The thin header box shown.

[0136] [Second embodiment]

[0137] A second embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The box in the first embodiment differs from the box in the present embodiment in the arrangement of the storage chambers. In the first embodiment, the three storage chambers are arranged linearly. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the three storage chambers are arranged in a T-shape. In the following description, components similar to or corresponding to those in the first embodiment are represented by the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted. The differences will be mainly described.

[0138] Fig.14A is a schematic transparent view of the top of the box 1400 in this embodiment. Fig. 14Bis a schematic transparent view of the side of the box 1400 in this embodiment. Fig. 14C is a schematic transparent view of the front side of the box 1400 in this embodiment.

[0139] like Fig.14A As shown, in this embodiment, the interior of the box 1400 is divided into a T shape. The receiving chambers 1401A, 1401B and 1401C for receiving different types of liquids are respectively arranged in the separated sections. In the box 1400, the receiving chambers 1401B and 1401C are arranged along the width direction (X direction) of the box 1400. The receiving chamber 1401A is arranged at the rear side ( Fig.14A on the upper side of the ).

[0140] The first opening portion 600 is connected to the storage chamber 1401A. The first opening portion 700 is connected to the storage chamber 1401B. The first opening portion 800 is connected to the storage chamber 1401C.

[0141] like Fig. 14B As shown, a continuous passage is formed from the accommodation chamber 1401A to the printing element board 303. Fig. 14C As shown, a continuous passage is formed from the accommodation chamber 1401B to the printing element board 303. A continuous passage is formed from the accommodation chamber 1401C to the printing element board 303.

[0142] Fig.15 1 is a perspective view of a space as a passage for liquid inside the housing in this embodiment, which is extracted, modeled, and illustrated as a channel portion 1500. The channel portion 1500 is a model obtained by extracting a passage for ink. The channel portion 1500 includes channels (1500A, 1500B, and 1500C) for three colors. The channels 1500A, 1500B, and 1500C are independent of each other.

[0143] Fig.16A 15 is a top view of the channel portion 1500 in this embodiment. Fig. 16B 15 is a side view of the channel portion 1500 in this embodiment.

[0144] like Fig.16A and Fig. 16B As shown, channel 1500A is arranged at the rear side in the depth direction (Y direction) of the box. Channels 1500B and 1500C are arranged adjacent to each other along the width direction (X direction) of the box at the front side (ie, channel 1500A) in the depth direction (Y direction) of the box. Fig.16A 1500B includes a horizontal portion 708. Channel 1500C includes a horizontal portion 808.

[0145] Fig. 16C1500 in this embodiment. Fig. 16C As shown, the first reservoir portion 701 disposed near the nozzle array and the second reservoir portion 702 disposed near the receiving chamber are connected through the second opening portion 709 and the horizontal portion 708. The first reservoir portion 801 disposed near the nozzle array and the second reservoir portion 802 disposed near the receiving chamber are connected through the second opening portion 809 and the horizontal portion 808.

[0146] Such a cartridge in the present embodiment can also prevent air bubbles from entering the ejection unit and maintain ejection performance to a greater extent than conventional techniques.

[0147] [Third embodiment]

[0148] The third embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The boxes in the first and second embodiments differ from the boxes in the third embodiment in the arrangement of the storage chambers. In the first embodiment, three storage chambers are arranged linearly. In the second embodiment, the three storage chambers are arranged in a T shape. Different from these, in the third embodiment, four storage chambers are arranged in two rows. In the following description, components similar to or corresponding to those in the first and second embodiments are represented by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted. The differences will be mainly described.

[0149] Fig.17A 17 is a top view showing the box 1700 in this embodiment. Fig. 17B is along Fig.17A The cross-sectional view of the XVI I-XVI I line in FIG. Fig.17A As shown, the interior of the box 1700 is divided into two rows of four containing chambers. In the separated sections, absorbers 1701A, 1701B, 1701C and 1701D containing different types of liquids are respectively arranged. For example, absorber 1701A holds cyan ink. Absorber 1701B holds magenta ink. Absorber 1701C holds yellow ink. Absorber 1701D holds black ink.

[0150] In the box 1700, absorbers 1701A and 1701B are arranged along the X direction as the width direction. Absorbers 1701C and 1701D are arranged along the X direction as the width direction. Absorbers 1701A and 1701C are arranged along the depth direction (Y direction). Absorbers 1701B and 1701D are arranged along the depth direction (Y direction).

[0151] In this embodiment, four ejection port arrays are provided in the printing element board 303. Specifically, in addition to Fig.11In addition to the ejection port arrays 1101A, 1101B, and 1101C shown, in the present embodiment, an ejection port array 1101D is formed in the printing element board 303. The liquid in the absorber 1701C is supplied to the printing element board 303 through the horizontal portion 1702C. The liquid supplied from the absorber 1701C to the printing element board 303 is ejected from the corresponding ejection port array (not shown). The liquid in the absorber 1701D is supplied to the printing element board 303 through the horizontal portion 1702D. The liquid supplied from the absorber 1701D to the printing element board 303 is ejected from the corresponding ejection port array (not shown).

[0152] The cartridge in this embodiment can also prevent air bubbles from entering the ejection unit and maintain ejection performance to a greater extent than conventional techniques. Therefore, the cartridge of the present disclosure can prevent air bubbles from entering the ejection unit and maintain ejection performance to a greater extent than conventional techniques.

[0153] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A cartridge that can be mounted to a printing device that can perform printing by ejecting liquid onto a print medium, the cartridge comprising: A first receiving chamber capable of receiving the liquid; and a first channel connecting the first receiving chamber and a printing element plate including an element configured to apply energy for ejecting the liquid to the liquid, wherein In a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, The first channel includes a first horizontal portion extending in a horizontal direction, a first connection portion connected to the printing element board and extending in a vertical direction, and a first reservoir portion capable of storing gas bubbles, and When viewed along an extending direction in which the first horizontal portion extends, a width of the first reservoir portion is greater than a width of the first connecting portion.

2. The box according to claim 1, wherein The first horizontal portion has a corner when viewed in the extending direction in a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus.

3. The box according to claim 1, wherein The first horizontal portion has a shape having a length in the vertical direction longer than a length in the width direction when viewed in the extending direction in a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus.

4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein When viewed from vertically above in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, the width of an end of the first horizontal portion farther from the printing element board is smaller than the width of an end of the first horizontal portion closer to the printing element board.

5. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The end portion of the first horizontal portion which is farther from the printing element board is arranged inside the first accommodation chamber.

6. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The first storage portion has a tapered portion having an opening portion located at an upper end of the tapered portion in the vertical direction when the box is installed to the printing device and an opening portion located at a lower end of the tapered portion, the opening portion at the upper end being larger than the opening portion at the lower end.

7. The box according to claim 6, wherein In a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, the first passage has a second reservoir portion extending in the vertical direction, an area of ​​an opening portion formed at an upper end of the second reservoir portion in the vertical direction is larger than an area of ​​an opening formed at an upper end of the first reservoir portion in the vertical direction, When viewed along the extension direction, the length of the second reservoir portion in the vertical direction is smaller than the length of the first reservoir portion in the vertical direction, The first reservoir portion is arranged between the first connecting portion and the first horizontal portion, and The second reservoir portion is disposed between the first horizontal portion and the first receiving chamber.

8. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein The second storage portion has a tapered portion having an opening portion located at an upper end of the tapered portion in the vertical direction when the box is installed to the printing device and an opening portion located at a lower end of the tapered portion, the opening portion at the upper end being larger than the opening portion at the lower end. 9 . The cartridge according to claim 7 , further comprising a first partition that partitions the interior of the second reservoir portion into a plurality of spaces connected to one another.

10. The cartridge of claim 8, wherein The shape of the opening portion formed at the lower end portion of the second reservoir portion in the vertical direction in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus is a slit shape, and The cross-sectional shape of the opening portion formed at the lower end portion of the second reservoir portion in the vertical direction includes a corner portion at least at a portion thereof.

11. The cartridge according to claim 10, further comprising a first filter which covers the opening portion formed at the upper end in the vertical direction of the second reservoir portion in a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus.

12. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein The box includes The first component, and a second member joined to the first member, The first accommodation chamber is formed in the first member, The first channel is formed in the first member and the second member, and The first horizontal portion is formed at a portion of the first member and the second member where the first member and the second member are joined to each other.

13. The cartridge according to claim 12, wherein The printing element board is arranged at a printing element placement portion formed at the second member.

14. The box according to claim 13, further comprising a second receiving chamber capable of receiving a liquid; and a second passage connecting the second receiving chamber and the printing element board to each other, wherein In a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, The second channel includes a second horizontal portion extending along the extension direction, a second connection portion connected to the printing element board and extending in the vertical direction, and a third reservoir portion capable of storing gas bubbles, and When viewed along the extending direction, the third reservoir portion has a width greater than a width of the second connecting portion.

15. The cartridge according to claim 14, wherein A cross section of the second horizontal portion has a corner when viewed along the extending direction in a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus.

16. The cartridge according to claim 14, wherein The second horizontal portion has a shape having a length in the vertical direction longer than a length in the width direction when viewed in the extending direction in a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus.

17. The cartridge according to claim 16, wherein When viewed in the extending direction in a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, a width of the second horizontal portion is smaller than a width of the first horizontal portion.

18. The cartridge according to claim 17, wherein When viewed from vertically above in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, the width of the end of the second horizontal portion farther from the printing element board is smaller than the width of the end of the second horizontal portion closer to the printing element board.

19. The cartridge according to claim 18, wherein The end portion of the second horizontal portion which is farther from the printing element board is arranged inside the second accommodating chamber.

20. The cartridge of claim 14, wherein: The third storage portion has a tapered portion having an opening portion located at an upper end of the tapered portion in the vertical direction when the box is installed to the printing device and an opening portion located at a lower end of the tapered portion, the opening portion at the upper end being larger than the opening portion at the lower end.

21. The cartridge of claim 20, wherein In a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, the second passage has a fourth reservoir portion extending in the vertical direction, an area of ​​an opening portion formed at an upper end of the fourth reservoir portion in the vertical direction is larger than an area of ​​an opening formed at an upper end of the third reservoir portion in the vertical direction, When viewed along the extension direction, the length of the fourth reservoir portion in the vertical direction is smaller than the length of the third reservoir portion in the vertical direction, The third reservoir portion is disposed between the second connecting portion and the second horizontal portion, and The fourth reservoir portion is disposed between the second horizontal portion and the second receiving chamber.

22. The cartridge of claim 21, wherein The third storage portion has a tapered portion having an opening located at an upper end of the tapered portion in the vertical direction when the box is installed to the printing device and an opening located at a lower end of the tapered portion, and the opening at the upper end is larger than the opening at the lower end. 23 . The cartridge according to claim 22 , further comprising a second partition that partitions the interior of the fourth reservoir portion into a plurality of spaces connected to one another.

24. A box according to claim 23, wherein The shape of the opening portion formed at the lower end portion of the fourth reservoir portion in the vertical direction in a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus is a slit shape, and The cross-sectional shape of the opening portion formed at the lower end portion of the fourth reservoir portion in the vertical direction includes a corner portion at least at a portion thereof.

25. The cartridge according to claim 24, further comprising a second filter which covers the opening portion formed at the upper end of the fourth reservoir portion in the vertical direction in a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus.

26. The cartridge of claim 14, wherein: In a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are linearly arranged along the extending direction.

27. The cartridge of claim 14, wherein The first holding chamber holds a first type of liquid, and The second receiving chamber receives a second type of liquid different from the first type.

28. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein: In a state in which the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, the cartridge can eject the liquid while reciprocating in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and the extending direction.

29. A printing device capable of performing printing by ejecting liquid onto a printing medium, comprising: box; and A mounting unit configured to enable the box to be mounted to the mounting member, wherein The box includes A first receiving chamber capable of receiving the liquid; and a first channel connecting the first receiving chamber and a printing element plate including an element configured to apply energy for ejecting the liquid to the liquid, wherein In a state where the cartridge is mounted to the printing apparatus, The first channel includes a first horizontal portion extending in a horizontal direction, a first connection portion connected to the printing element board and extending in a vertical direction, and a first reservoir portion capable of storing gas bubbles, and When viewed along an extending direction in which the first horizontal portion extends, a width of the first reservoir portion is greater than a width of the first connecting portion.

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