Cartridge and liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a cartridge and a liquid discharge device which can suppress increase in size of a device.SOLUTION: In a cartridge, a plurality of storage chambers are linearly arranged in an arrangement direction of discharge ports in a discharge port array.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for use in a liquid ejection device and for storing liquid, and to a liquid ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] A configuration as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a conventional ink cartridge. The ink cartridge of Patent Document 1 includes a case for storing ink and a recording element substrate for ejecting ink. The inside of the case is partitioned into three adjacent regions, and an absorber for holding a different ink is stored in each of the regions. The ink held in the absorber is supplied to the recording element substrate provided below the case through a filter and an ink flow path. The recording element substrate is provided with an ejection port array, in which a plurality of ejection ports are arranged in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the ink cartridge, and the plurality of ejection port arrays corresponding to the ink colors are arranged in the scanning direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-260199 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The absorbers housed inside the case of Patent Document 1 are arranged in three mutually adjacent regions, with a configuration in which a plurality of absorbers are arranged in the scanning direction. In such a configuration, the width of the case in the scanning direction becomes wider, and there is a concern that the size of the device will increase.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a cartridge and a liquid ejection apparatus that can prevent the apparatus from becoming large in size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Therefore, the cartridge of the present invention is a cartridge comprising a recording element substrate having a first row of ejection ports in which a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting a first liquid are arranged in a first direction, and a second row of ejection ports arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the first row of ejection ports, and in which a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting a second liquid are arranged in the first direction, a first storage chamber for storing the first liquid, a second storage chamber for storing the second liquid, a first flow path capable of supplying the first liquid from the first storage chamber to the first row of ejection ports, and a second flow path capable of supplying the second liquid from the second storage chamber to the second row of ejection ports, wherein the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber have the same width in the second direction, and the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are arranged along the first direction. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge and a liquid ejection apparatus that can prevent the apparatus from becoming large in size. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an inkjet recording apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the cartridge. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a model of a space that serves as a flow path. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a model of a space that serves as a flow path. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a model of a space that serves as a flow path. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a model of a space that serves as a flow path. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a model of a space that serves as a flow path. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 13 is a top view showing the case to which the filter is welded. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the case with an absorbent body inserted. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a model in which the space of a flow path is extracted. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 shows a conventional cartridge. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a top view showing a model in which the space of a conventional flow channel is extracted. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a model in which the space of a conventional flow path is extracted and an absorbent body. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a part of the model with the space of the flow path extracted and the absorbent body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an inkjet recording device (hereinafter also referred to as a liquid ejection device) 102 to which the present embodiment can be applied. In the figure, the X direction indicates the scanning direction of the carriage, the Y direction indicates the conveying direction of the recording medium, and the Z direction indicates the vertical upward direction. Note that the following figures for explaining the cartridge alone also show the same XYZ axes as in this figure, based on the case where the cartridge is mounted on the recording device. The liquid ejection device 102 is configured so that the cartridge 100 can be mounted on the carriage 101, and the cartridge 100 mounted on the carriage 101 ejects liquid (hereinafter also referred to as ink) while moving relative to the recording medium 103, thereby performing recording. In other words, the liquid ejection device 102 is a serial type recording device. In ejection, the carriage 101 ejects liquid from the cartridge 100 while moving back and forth in the X direction. In accordance with the ejection of liquid from the cartridge 100, the recording medium 103 is conveyed by a predetermined amount in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the carriage 101 moves back and forth, thereby forming an image on the recording medium 103.

[0011] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the cartridge 100, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 100. The cartridge 100 includes a recording element substrate 303 for ejecting liquid, a case 200 in which a storage chamber 302 for storing liquid is formed, and a lid 201. A filter 301 and an absorbent 300 for storing the stored liquid are stored in the storage chamber 302. The liquid stored in the absorbent 300 is supplied to the ejection port of the recording element substrate 303 through a flow path portion (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) communicating with the storage chamber 302. In this embodiment, the absorbent 300 is inserted into the storage chamber 302 as a negative pressure generating means for holding the liquid, but the liquid can be similarly held in a configuration in which a negative pressure generating unit such as a pressure control unit or a circulation unit is adopted.

[0012] The liquid contained in the storage chambers 302 is generally color ink, with cyan, magenta, and yellow inks contained in each storage chamber. Note that, in this embodiment, the cartridge 100 is described as having three storage chambers 302, but this is not limited thereto, and this embodiment can also be applied to a cartridge having three or more colors. For example, the concept is the same for a four-color cartridge including black.

[0013] In FIG. 3, three absorbers 300A, 300B, and 300C are shown for cyan, magenta, and yellow. The absorber 300 is preferably shaped like a cube in terms of liquid supply. However, when changing the size of the absorber 300 in consideration of the amount of liquid to be contained, it is preferable to stretch it in the direction of gravity (Z direction). If the size of the absorber 300 is increased in the scanning direction (X direction), the width of the cartridge 100 increases, leading to an increase in the size of the entire device. Furthermore, if the size of the absorber 300 is increased in the arrangement direction of the ejection ports (Y direction), the flow path from the absorber 300 to the recording element substrate 303 becomes longer, which is undesirable because it increases the flow resistance when supplying liquid.

[0014] The absorber 300 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and is capable of retaining ink inside by exerting capillary force. The absorber 300 is housed in the housing chamber 302 of the case 200 in contact with a filter 301 for trapping dust, and the liquid in the absorber 300 is supplied to the recording element substrate 303 via the filter 301 and the flow path.

[0015] The recording element substrate 303 is an ejection portion that ejects ink, and is disposed on the bottom surface of the case 200 below the direction of gravity. The recording element substrate 303 is disposed near the lower portions of the absorber 300A and the absorber 300B, and is located away from the absorber 300C. The case 200 has a box portion 307 in which the storage chamber 302 is formed, and a flow path forming portion 306 that protrudes from the box portion 307 in the -Z direction, and the recording element substrate 303 is attached to the -Z direction side of the flow path forming portion 306. In other words, the recording element substrate 303 is disposed on the bottom surface of the entire cartridge 100, and ejects liquid in a state close to the recording medium 103 during liquid ejection.

[0016] The lid 201 is disposed so as to close the opening of the case 200, and defines a storage chamber 302 in which the absorbent 300 is stored. The lid 201 is provided with an air communication port (not shown), and air can be taken in from the outside to compensate for the amount of liquid consumed by the absorbent 300 through discharge.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flow path section 400, which is a model of a space in the case 200 that serves as a liquid flow path. FIG. 5(a) is a top view of the flow path section 400, FIG. 5(b) is a front view of the flow path section 400, and FIG. 5(c) is a side view of the flow path section 400. The flow path section 400 is a model of an ink flow path, and includes flow paths (400A, 400B, 400C) for three colors. Each flow path is independent, and specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the flow path 400A, the flow path 400B, and the flow path 400C are arranged in this order in the Y direction. Such a flow path section 400 is configured to be able to supply the liquid in the storage chamber 302 to the recording element substrate 303.

[0018] Fig. 6(a) is a top view of the flow path 400A, Fig. 6(b) is a side view of the flow path 400A, and Fig. 6(c) is a front view of the flow path 400A. Fig. 7(a) is a top view of the flow path 400B, Fig. 7(b) is a side view of the flow path 400B, and Fig. 7(c) is a front view of the flow path 400B. Fig. 8(a) is a top view of the flow path 400C, Fig. 8(b) is a side view of the flow path 400C, and Fig. 8(c) is a front view of the flow path 400C.

[0019] 6, flow path 400A includes a first opening 600 in which filter 301A is provided, a first storage section 601, a second storage section 602, a second opening 609 connecting first storage section 601 and second storage section 602, and a connection flow path 607 connected to recording element substrate 303. First storage section 601 and second storage section 602 are larger than other regions and can store air bubbles generated by ejection or the like.

[0020] The first opening 600 is an opening for receiving the liquid that has passed through the filter 301A, and is located on the bottom surface of the storage chamber 302 that stores the absorber 300A. The first storage section 601 and the second storage section 602 are configured so that the space becomes wider as it goes vertically upward. Specifically, the first storage section 601 is provided with a tapered section 604 so that the space becomes wider as it goes vertically upward, and the second storage section 602 is provided with tapered sections 605 and 606. With this configuration, air bubbles generated in the flow path can be collected by utilizing buoyancy and prevented from approaching the discharge port.

[0021] In order to move the air bubbles to the filter side in a narrow space, the second storage section 602 is formed with a two-stage taper of a first taper section 605 and a second taper section 606. In the first taper section 605, the angle is preferably 10 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less, more preferably 20 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and even more preferably 30 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less, relative to the horizontal direction so as to move the air bubbles upward while preventing the meniscus from stretching. In addition, in the second storage section 602, it is necessary to shorten the distance from the space of the second storage section 602 to the filter 301A to increase the flow rate of the ink flowing during a recovery operation such as suction. Therefore, the angle of the second taper section 606 is preferably 45 degrees or less, more preferably 30 degrees or less, and even more preferably 20 degrees or less, relative to the horizontal direction.

[0022] The first reservoir 601 is connected to a connection flow path 607 , and the connection flow path 607 is connected to an ejection port array in the recording element substrate 303 .

[0023] As shown in FIG. 7, flow path 400B includes a first opening 700 in which filter 301B is provided, a first storage section 701, a second storage section 702, a second opening 709 connecting first storage section 701 and second storage section 702, and a connecting flow path 707.

[0024] The first opening 700 is an opening that receives the liquid that has passed through the filter 301B, and is located on the bottom surface of the storage chamber 302 that stores the absorber 300B. The first storage section 701 provided near the nozzle row and the second storage section 702 provided near the storage chamber are connected via the second opening 709 and a horizontal section 708 extending in the Y direction. The first storage section 701 and the second storage section 702 are configured so that the space becomes wider as it goes vertically upward. The first storage section 701 is provided with a tapered section 704 to make the space wider as it goes vertically upward, and the second storage section 702 is provided with tapered sections 705 and 706. With this configuration, air bubbles generated in the flow path can be collected by utilizing buoyancy and prevented from approaching the discharge port.

[0025] In order to move the air bubbles to the filter side in a narrow space, the second storage section 702 is formed with a two-stage taper of a first taper section 705 and a second taper section 706. In the first taper section 705, the angle is preferably 10 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less, more preferably 20 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and even more preferably 30 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less, relative to the horizontal direction so as to move the air bubbles upward while preventing the meniscus from stretching. In addition, in the second storage section 702, it is necessary to shorten the distance from the space of the second storage section 702 to the filter 301B to increase the flow rate of the ink flowing during a recovery operation such as suction. Therefore, the angle of the second taper section 706 is preferably 45 degrees or less, more preferably 30 degrees or less, and even more preferably 20 degrees or less, relative to the horizontal direction.

[0026] The first reservoir 701 is connected to a connection flow path 707 , and the connection flow path 707 is connected to an ejection port array in the recording element substrate 303 .

[0027] As shown in FIG. 8, the flow path 400C includes a first opening 800 in which the filter 301C is provided, a first storage section 801, a second storage section 802, a second opening 809 connecting the first storage section 801 and the second storage section 802, and a connecting flow path 807.

[0028] The first opening 800 is an opening that receives the liquid that has passed through the filter 301C, and is located on the bottom surface of the storage chamber 302 that stores the absorber 300C. The first storage section 801 provided near the nozzle row and the second storage section 802 provided near the storage chamber are connected via the second opening 809 and a horizontal section 808 extending in the Y direction. The first storage section 801 and the second storage section 802 are configured so that the space becomes wider as it goes vertically upward. The first storage section 801 is provided with a tapered section 804 to make the space wider as it goes vertically upward, and the second storage section 802 is provided with tapered sections 805 and 806. With this configuration, air bubbles generated in the flow path can be collected by utilizing buoyancy and prevented from approaching the discharge port.

[0029] In order to move the air bubbles to the filter side in a narrow space, the second storage section 802 is formed with a two-stage taper of a first taper section 805 and a second taper section 806. In the first taper section 805, the angle is preferably 10 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less, more preferably 20 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and even more preferably 30 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less, relative to the horizontal direction so as to move the air bubbles upward while preventing the meniscus from stretching. In addition, in the second storage section 802, it is necessary to shorten the distance from the space of the second storage section 802 to the filter 301C to increase the flow rate of the ink flowing during a recovery operation such as suction. Therefore, the angle of the second taper section 806 is preferably 45 degrees or less, more preferably 30 degrees or less, and even more preferably 20 degrees or less, relative to the horizontal direction.

[0030] The first reservoir 801 is connected to a connection flow path 807 , and the connection flow path 807 is connected to an ejection port array in the recording element substrate 303 .

[0031] 9 is a top view showing the case 200 without accommodating the absorber 300 and the filter 301. In the case 200, an opening 900A connected to the first opening 600 of the flow path 400A, an opening 900B connected to the first opening 700 of the flow path 400B, and an opening 900C connected to the first opening 800 of the flow path 400C are provided on the same line extending in the Y direction. The openings 900A, 900B, and 900C are provided toward the -Y direction so that the lengths of the flow paths 400A, 400B, and 400C in the Y direction are shortened. In addition, a rib 901 is provided in each storage chamber 302 so that the chambers can communicate with the atmosphere even when the absorber 300 is inserted. The accommodation chamber 302 corresponding to the opening 900A is provided with a rib 901A, the accommodation chamber 302 corresponding to the opening 900B is provided with a rib 901B, and the accommodation chamber 302 corresponding to the opening 900C is provided with a rib 901C.

[0032] In the storage chamber 302, the ribs 901 are disposed at positions close to the openings 900A, 900B, and 900C. This makes it possible to prevent liquid from leaking out of the lid 201 even if the air in the flow path portion 400 or the air in the gap between the absorber 300 and the storage chamber 302 expands due to environmental changes (temperature, air pressure).

[0033] Second opening 609 of flow path 400A is provided on center line C in the X direction of case 200. Second opening 709 of flow path 400B is provided offset from the center line in the -X direction, and rib 901B is arranged closer to second opening 709 (left side in the figure). Second opening 809 of flow path 400C is provided offset from the center line in the +X direction, and rib 901C is arranged closer to second opening 809 (right side in the figure).

[0034] The amount of deviation of the second opening 709 and the second opening 809 from the center line is preferably in the range of 5% to 30% of the width of the filter 301 in the X direction, more preferably 10% to 25% and even more preferably 15% to 20%. In this embodiment, the second opening 709 and the second opening 809 are shifted by ±1 mm (8.3%) in the X direction for a filter width of 12 mm. If the amount of deviation of the second opening 609 is too large, it is not desirable because it becomes difficult to supply liquid from the side opposite to the direction in which the second opening 609 is shifted. Therefore, as in this embodiment, it is desirable to provide the second openings 609, 709, and 809 at a position close to the center line. In this embodiment, the shape of the second openings 609, 709, and 809 is a vertically long slit shape, but other shapes are also acceptable. For example, the shape of the second openings 609, 709, and 809 may be a circle, an ellipse, or the like.

[0035] 10 is a top view showing case 200 to which filters 301 are welded. Three filters 301 are welded to case 200 so as to cover second openings 609, 709, 809 in order to prevent dust from entering second openings 609, 709, 809. Filters 301 and case 200 may be fixed to each other by adhesion or the like instead of by welding. Furthermore, case 200 and filters 301 may be formed integrally.

[0036] Fig. 11 is a top view showing the case 200 with the absorber 300 inserted therein. The absorber 300, which is made of a fibrous or porous material, is inserted into the storage section 302 of the case 200, and is configured to be able to hold liquid. The liquid held in the absorber 300 is supplied to the recording element substrate 303 through the flow path section 400. In Fig. 11, the recording element substrate 303 and the ejection port array 1101 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0037] The liquid held in the absorber 300A is supplied to the ejection port array 1101A of the recording element substrate 303 via the flow path 400A. The liquid held in the absorber 300B is supplied to the ejection port array 1101B of the recording element substrate 303 via the flow path 400B. The liquid held in the absorber 300C is supplied to the ejection port array 1101C of the recording element substrate 303 via the flow path 400C.

[0038] In the cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the inside of the case 200 is divided into three storage chambers 302 so that the absorbers 300A, 300B, and 300C are arranged in the Y direction along a center line C in the X direction. When the cartridge 100 is mounted on the carriage 101 and scans, it moves in the +X direction or the -X direction. The recording element substrate 303 is provided with an ejection port array 1101 in which ejection ports are arranged in the Y direction. In other words, the absorbers 300A, 300B, and 300C are arranged in the same direction as the ejection port array direction, and are arranged in a direction intersecting (orthogonal in this embodiment) the scanning direction.

[0039] The case 200 is formed by molding resin. In forming the case 200, the flow path forming portion 306 (see FIG. 3) and the box portion 307 are molded separately (primary molding), and then the flow path forming portion 306 and the box portion 307 are joined together by secondary molding. In the secondary molding, a method of forming a space between the box portion 307 and the flow path forming portion 306 by abutting them and pouring resin into the space may be adopted, or other connection methods such as adhesion may be adopted. In this way, the flow path forming portion 306 and the box portion 307 are molded separately, and then the flow path forming portion 306 and the box portion 307 are joined together to form a flow path in the case 200. In this embodiment, the storage chambers 302 are arranged at equal intervals, but they do not need to be at equal intervals.

[0040] The width of the cartridge 100 in the X direction is preferably 25 mm or less. In this embodiment, since the three storage chambers 302 are linearly arranged in the Y direction, it is possible to make the width of the cartridge 100 narrower than that of conventional cartridges. However, from the viewpoint of ink supply and ink injection, the width of the absorber 300 is preferably 5 mm or more. The width of the storage chambers 302 in the X direction is also preferably 5 mm or more.

[0041] The width of the cartridge 100 is preferably 10 mm to 25 mm, more preferably 13 mm to 23 mm, and even more preferably 15 mm to 21 mm. Regarding the ratio of the width in the X direction to the length in the Y direction of the case 200, the closer the cross section of the absorber 300 in the XY plane is to a square, the better the ink supply performance, so when three storage chambers are formed as in this 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. The cartridge 100 of this embodiment has a width in the X direction of 20 mm and a depth in the Y direction of 70 mm.

[0042] As for the absorbent 300, as described above, it is preferable that the cross section in the XY plane is close to a square, and one side is preferably 5 to 25 mm, more preferably 10 to 23 mm, and even more preferably 15 to 21 mm. Regarding the height in the Z direction of the absorbent 300, considering the liquid retention capacity, it is better to extend the length in the Z direction than in the X direction or Y direction in order to use up the liquid. However, extending in the Z direction increases the cartridge size, and the size of the device body also increases accordingly. Therefore, the height in the Z direction of the absorbent 300 is preferably 4 times or less than the width in the X direction or the length in the Y direction, more preferably 3 times or less, and even more preferably 2 times or less. The absorbent 300 of this embodiment has a width in the X direction of 17 mm, a depth in the Y direction of 21 mm, and a height in the Z direction of 33 mm.

[0043] 12 is a top view showing the flow path 400B and the flow path 400C, that is, a view showing a state in which the flow path portion 400 shown in FIG. 5(a) is removed from the flow path 400A. The second opening 709 of the flow path 400B and the second opening 809 of the flow path 400C are each disposed at a position shifted from the center in the X direction of the case 200. That is, the second opening 709 of the flow path 400B is disposed shifted in the -X direction from the center in the X direction of the case 200, and the second opening 809 of the flow path 400C is disposed shifted in the +X direction from the center in the X direction of the case 200. By disposing the second opening 709 in this manner, the length of the horizontal portion 708 extending in the Y direction to the discharge port row in the flow path 400B can be shortened, and further the width in the X direction of the horizontal portion 808 of the flow path 400C can be widened. Moreover, by disposing second opening 809 offset from the center in the direction opposite to second opening 709, the length of horizontal portion 808 of flow channel 400C can be shortened.

[0044] The storage chambers 302 each accommodate an absorbent 300, and a filter 301 is provided between the absorbent 300 and the flow path 400 (see Figs. 10 and 11). The filter 301 is preferably large in size to reduce flow resistance. The size of the filter 301 is preferably more than half the cross-sectional area of ​​the absorbent 300 in the XY plane, and the shape of the filter 301 is more preferably close to a square. This can increase the contact between the absorbent 300 and the filter 301, and can improve the use of liquid. Specifically, the size of the filter 301 is preferably 30% to 90% or less of the cross-sectional area of ​​the absorbent 300 in the XY plane, more preferably 40% to 80%, and even more preferably 50% to 70%. In this embodiment, the size of the filter 301 is 12 mm wide in the X direction and 12 mm deep in the Y direction (40% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the absorbent in the XY plane).

[0045] A flow path 400A is formed below filter 301A, a flow path 400B is formed below filter 301B, and a flow path 400C is formed below filter 301C (see FIGS. 9 and 10). Although the flow path 400B will be described below, the same applies to flow paths 400A and 400C.

[0046] 7 again, the liquid that has passed through filter 301B passes through first opening 700 of flow path 400B and enters second opening 709. Second opening 709 is desirably provided near the center of filter 301 in the X direction so that stagnation is unlikely to occur in the space below filter 301B.

[0047] The space from the first opening 700 to the second opening 709 is the second storage section 702 that stores air bubbles. In the second storage section 702, the width of the second opening 709 in the X direction is narrower than the width of the first opening 700 in the X direction so that the air bubbles can easily move upward. However, if the width of the second opening 709 in the X direction is too narrow, the flow resistance increases. Therefore, the width of the second opening 709 in the X direction is preferably 10% to 60% of the width of the filter 301B in the X direction, more preferably 10% to 40%, and even more preferably 10% to 20%. In this embodiment, the width of the second opening 709 in the X direction is 1.3 mm (10.8% of the width of the filter in the X direction).

[0048] Here, the configuration of a conventional cartridge will be described as a comparative example for this embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a conventional cartridge 133 disclosed in Patent Document 1. Three absorbers 130 are arranged inside the cartridge 133, and liquid is held in the absorbers. The cartridge 133 is mounted on a carriage (not shown) and ejects liquid while moving in the X direction. The liquid is supplied from the absorbers 130 containing the liquid to a recording element substrate 132 (shown by a broken line) through a flow path. The inside of the cartridge 133 is divided into a T-shape, and an absorber 130 is provided in each divided section. In the cartridge 133, the absorbers 130B and 130C are arranged side by side in the X direction, which is the scanning direction. The liquid held in the absorbers 130B is ejected from the ejection port array 131B, and the liquid held in the absorbers 130C is ejected from the ejection port array 131C.

[0050] There is a deviation in the X direction between the position of the center of gravity 134B of absorber 130B and the position of the outlet array 131B, and there is a deviation in the X direction between the position of the center of gravity 134C of absorber 130C and the position of the outlet array 131C.

[0051] 14 is a top view showing a flow path section 140 modeled by extracting the flow path space formed from the absorber 130 to the ejection port array 131. The liquid held by the absorber 130 is supplied to the ejection port array 131 of the recording element substrate 132 via the flow path section 140. The flow path section 140 includes three flow paths. In the figure, flow path 140B connecting the absorber 130B and the ejection port array 131B is arranged on the far left, flow path 140C connecting the absorber 130C and the ejection port array 131C is arranged on the far right, and flow path 140A connecting the absorber 130A and the ejection port array 131A is arranged so as to be sandwiched between them.

[0052] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing flow paths 140B, flow paths 140C, absorbers 130B, and absorbers 130C. In Fig. 15, the extensions of outlet arrays 131B and 131C are indicated by dotted lines.

[0053] With respect to center of gravity 134B of absorber 130B that holds liquid to be supplied to flow path 140B, ejection port array 131B (see FIG. 13) that ejects liquid supplied from flow path 140B is provided so as to be shifted in the +X direction. Also, with respect to center of gravity 134C of absorber 130C that holds liquid to be supplied to flow path 140C, ejection port array 131C (see FIG. 13) that ejects liquid supplied from flow path 140C is provided so as to be shifted in the -X direction.

[0054] Here, consider the case where the cartridge 133 mounted on the carriage scans in the +X direction. In this case, when the carriage accelerates, an inertial force acts on the liquid held in the absorber 130B and absorber 130C in the direction opposite to the scanning direction (-X direction). Also, when the carriage decelerates, an inertial force acts on the liquid held in the absorber 130B and absorber 130C in the direction opposite to the above (+X direction). Furthermore, when the carriage scans in the -X direction, an inertial force acts in the direction opposite to the above during acceleration and deceleration. That is, in the absorber 130B and absorber 130C, a force in the +X direction and a force in the -X direction act alternately every time the carriage scans, and the liquid held in the absorber 130 oscillates in the ±X direction every time. As a result, the pressure of the liquid supplied to the flow path 140B and flow path 140C also fluctuates, and this pressure change affects the ejection state of the ejection port arrays 131B and 131C. Such a pressure change becomes larger as the deviation between the center of gravity of the absorber 130 and the outlet array 131 in the scanning direction (X direction) becomes larger. Furthermore, when a force in the +X direction acts on the cartridge 133, the ejection port array 131B is in a pressurized state, and the ejection port array 131C is in a depressurized state. When a force in the -X direction acts on the cartridge 133, the ejection port array 131B is in a depressurized state, and the ejection port array 131C is in a pressurized state. In this way, since the pressurized and depressurized states differ depending on the ink color, there is a risk that the quality of the image represented on the recording medium will be impaired.

[0055] The pressure that the liquid in the flow path receives from the liquid held in the absorbent body in this way is hereinafter referred to as the fluctuation pressure.

[0056] Fig. 16 is a top view showing the flow paths 400B, the flow paths 400C, the absorber 300B corresponding to the flow paths 400B, and the absorber 300C corresponding to the flow paths 400C in the cartridge 100 of this embodiment. In Fig. 16 as well, the extensions of the ejection port arrays 1101B and 1101C (not shown) are indicated by dotted lines.

[0057] The following describes an example in which a force in the +X direction acts on the cartridge 100 due to the movement of the carriage 101. The ejection port array 1101B that ejects liquid supplied from the flow path 400B is offset in the -X direction with respect to the center of gravity 160B of the absorber 300B that holds the liquid to be supplied to the flow path 400B. Liquid is supplied to the ejection port array 1101B from the absorber 300B via the flow path 400B. The center of gravity 160B and the ejection port array 1101B are offset in the X direction, but the amount of offset is smaller than in the conventional example described in FIG.

[0058] Furthermore, the outlet array 1101C that ejects liquid supplied from the flow path 400C is offset in the +X direction with respect to the center of gravity 160C of the absorber 300C that holds the liquid to be supplied to the flow path 400C. Liquid is supplied to the outlet array 1101C from the absorber 300C via the flow path 400C. The center of gravity 160C and the outlet array 1101C are offset in the X direction, but the amount of offset is smaller than in the conventional example described in FIG.

[0059] When the cartridge is subjected to a force in the X direction, as shown in Fig. 16, a oscillating pressure 161B acts on the outlet array 1101B in a direction toward the center of gravity 160B of the absorber 300B. This puts the outlet array 1101B in a reduced pressure state. Also, a oscillating pressure 161C acts on the outlet array 1101C in a direction from the center of gravity 130C of the absorber 300C. This puts the outlet array 1101C in a pressurized state.

[0060] However, in this embodiment, the absorbers 300A, 300B, and 300C are arranged linearly in the Y direction. By arranging the absorbers linearly in this manner, the amount of deviation in the X direction between the centers of gravity of the absorbers 300B and 300C and the ejection port arrays 1101B and 1101C can be reduced compared to the conventional configuration. This can reduce the oscillation pressure applied to the ejection port arrays, suppressing ejection from becoming unstable and suppressing a decrease in recording quality.

[0061] In order to further reduce the oscillation pressure, a narrow portion may be provided in each of the flow paths 400B, 400C. By narrowing the width, resistance is generated, and the oscillation pressure can be reduced. If the width of the narrow portion is too narrow, flow resistance increases when ink is supplied. Therefore, if the length of the flow path is about 50 mm, it is preferable that the width is 1 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 2 mm or more. Furthermore, if the flow path width is made wider in the narrow portion, the cartridge width will become wider, so it is preferable that the width is at most 3 mm or less.

[0062] In addition, since the longer the path from the absorber 300 to the ejection port array 1101, the greater the effect of the oscillation pressure, a narrow section may be provided only in the flow path 400C that is far from the recording element substrate 303. This reduces the variation in the oscillation pressure in each of the flow paths 400A, 400B, and 400C, stabilizes ejection, and suppresses deterioration of recording quality.

[0063] In this way, in the cartridge, the center of gravity of the plurality of absorbers is linearly arranged in the direction of the arrangement of the ejection ports in the ejection port array. This makes it possible to provide a cartridge and a liquid ejection device that can prevent the device from becoming large. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the ejection from becoming unstable and to prevent a decrease in recording quality.

[0064] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0065] (Configuration 1) a recording element substrate including a first ejection port array in which a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting a first liquid are arranged in a first direction, and a second ejection port array arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the first ejection port array, and in which a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting a second liquid are arranged in the first direction; a first storage chamber that stores the first liquid; a second chamber for containing the second liquid; a first flow path capable of supplying the first liquid in the first storage chamber to the first ejection port array; a second flow path capable of supplying the second liquid in the second storage chamber to the second ejection port array; A cartridge comprising: The first storage chamber and the second storage chamber have the same width in the second direction, A cartridge, wherein the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are arranged along the first direction.

[0066] (Configuration 2) The cartridge described in configuration 1, characterized in that the center of gravity of the first storage chamber containing liquid and the center of gravity of the second storage chamber containing liquid are located between an extension line of the first ejection outlet row and an extension line of the second ejection outlet row in the second direction.

[0067] (Configuration 3) 3. The cartridge according to configuration 2, wherein the cartridge moves in the second direction while ejecting the first liquid and the second liquid from the recording element substrate.

[0068] (Configuration 4) the recording element substrate further includes a third ejection port array between the first ejection port array and the second ejection port array, the third ejection port array including a plurality of ejection ports arranged in the first direction for ejecting a third liquid; a third chamber for containing the third liquid; a third flow path capable of supplying the third liquid in the third storage chamber to the third ejection port array; 4. The cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:

[0069] (Configuration 5) The first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the third storage chamber have the same width in the second direction, 5. The cartridge according to configuration 4, wherein the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the third storage chamber are arranged along the first direction.

[0070] (Configuration 6) 6. The cartridge according to configuration 4 or 5, wherein the center of gravity of the third storage chamber that stores liquid is on a vertical line in the third ejection port row.

[0071] (Configuration 7) A cartridge described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the first flow path and the second flow path have at least one storage portion capable of storing air bubbles when the cartridge is in an in-use position.

[0072] (Configuration 8) 8. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein, when the cartridge is in an in-use position, the storage section has a shape such that the space expands toward the top in the vertical direction.

[0073] (Configuration 9) The cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path have a horizontal portion that moves liquid horizontally when the cartridge is in an in-use position.

[0074] (Configuration 10) The cartridge according to any one of configurations 4 to 6, wherein the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the third storage chamber are provided with an absorbent body formed of a fibrous body or a porous body for holding a liquid therein.

[0075] (Configuration 11) 11. The cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the width in the second direction is 25 mm or less.

[0076] (Configuration 12) 7. The cartridge according to any one of configurations 4 to 6, wherein the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the third storage chamber each have a width in the second direction of 5 mm or more.

[0077] (Configuration 13) The cartridge of any one of configurations 4 to 6, characterized in that filters are provided between the first storage chamber and the first flow path, between the second storage chamber and the second flow path, and between the third storage chamber and the third flow path.

[0078] (Claim 14) a case including a box portion in which the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are formed, and a flow path forming portion in which the first flow path and the second flow path are formed, 14. The cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the case is formed by joining the box portion and the flow path forming portion.

[0079] (Configuration 15) 15. The cartridge according to configuration 14, wherein the joining is performed by pouring a resin into a gap that is formed when the box portion and the flow path forming portion are abutted against each other.

[0080] (Configuration 16) A cartridge described in any one of configurations 4 to 6, characterized in that the first liquid is one of cyan, magenta, or yellow ink, the second liquid is one of cyan, magenta, or yellow ink different from the first liquid, and the third liquid is one of cyan, magenta, or yellow ink different from the first liquid and the second liquid.

[0081] (Configuration 17) a recording element substrate including a first ejection port array in which a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting a first liquid are arranged in a first direction, and a second ejection port array arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the first ejection port array, and in which a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting a second liquid are arranged in the first direction; a first storage chamber that stores the first liquid; a second chamber for containing the second liquid; a first flow path capable of supplying the first liquid in the first storage chamber to the first ejection port array; a second flow path capable of supplying the second liquid in the second storage chamber to the second ejection port array; A liquid ejection device capable of mounting a cartridge comprising: The first storage chamber and the second storage chamber have the same width in the second direction, A liquid ejection device, wherein the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are arranged along the first direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100 cartridges 130 Absorbent 200 cases 201 Lid 300 Absorber Containment Room 302 303 Recording element substrate 400 Flow passage 400A flow path 400B flow path 400C Flow Path 1101 Discharge port row

Claims

1. a recording element substrate including a first ejection port array in which a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting a first liquid are arranged in a first direction, and a second ejection port array arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the first ejection port array, and in which a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting a second liquid are arranged in the first direction; a first storage chamber that stores the first liquid; a second storage chamber that stores the second liquid; a first flow path capable of supplying the first liquid in the first storage chamber to the first ejection port array; a second flow path capable of supplying the second liquid in the second storage chamber to the second ejection port array; A cartridge comprising: The first storage chamber and the second storage chamber have the same width in the second direction, A cartridge, wherein the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are arranged along the first direction.

2. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the center of gravity of the first storage chamber containing liquid and the center of gravity of the second storage chamber containing liquid are located between an extension line of the first ejection port row and an extension line of the second ejection port row in the second direction.

3. 3. The cartridge according to claim 2, which moves in the second direction while ejecting the first liquid and the second liquid from the recording element substrate.

4. the recording element substrate further includes a third ejection port array between the first ejection port array and the second ejection port array, the third ejection port array including a plurality of ejection ports arranged in the first direction for ejecting a third liquid; a third chamber for containing the third liquid; a third flow path capable of supplying the third liquid in the third storage chamber to the third ejection port array; The cartridge of claim 2 further comprising:

5. the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the third storage chamber have the same width in the second direction, 5. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the third storage chamber are arranged along the first direction.

6. 5. A cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the center of gravity of the third storage chamber that stores liquid is on a vertical line in the third ejection port array.

7. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the first flow path and the second flow path each include at least one storage portion capable of storing air bubbles when the cartridge is in an in-use position.

8. The cartridge according to claim 7 , wherein, when the cartridge is in an in-use position, the storage portion has a shape such that the space increases in the vertical direction upward.

9. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the first flow path and the second flow path each include a horizontal portion that moves liquid in a horizontal direction when the cartridge is in an in-use position.

10. 5. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber and the third storage chamber each include an absorbent body formed of a fibrous or porous material for retaining liquid therein.

11. 2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the width in the second direction is 25 mm or less.

12. 5. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein each of the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the third storage chamber has a width in the second direction of 5 mm or more.

13. The cartridge according to claim 4 , further comprising a filter provided between the first storage chamber and the first flow path, between the second storage chamber and the second flow path, and between the third storage chamber and the third flow path.

14. a case including a box portion in which the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are formed, and a flow path forming portion in which the first flow path and the second flow path are formed, 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the case is formed by joining the box portion and the flow path forming portion.

15. 15. The cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the joining is performed by pouring a resin into a gap that is formed when the box portion and the flow passage forming portion are brought into contact with each other.

16. 5. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the first liquid is one of cyan, magenta, and yellow ink, the second liquid is one of cyan, magenta, and yellow ink different from the first liquid, and the third liquid is one of cyan, magenta, and yellow ink different from the first liquid and the second liquid.

17. a recording element substrate including a first ejection port array in which a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting a first liquid are arranged in a first direction, and a second ejection port array arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the first ejection port array, and in which a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting a second liquid are arranged in the first direction; a first storage chamber that stores the first liquid; a second storage chamber that stores the second liquid; a first flow path capable of supplying the first liquid in the first storage chamber to the first ejection port array; a second flow path capable of supplying the second liquid in the second storage chamber to the second ejection port array; A liquid ejection device capable of mounting a cartridge comprising: The first storage chamber and the second storage chamber have the same width in the second direction, A liquid ejection device, wherein the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are arranged along the first direction.

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