Cartridge and recording device

Abstract

To provide a cartridge that is able to prevent entry of air bubbles into a discharge portion and maintain discharge performance as compared with a conventional technology.SOLUTION: A cartridge attachable to a recording device includes: a first storage chamber capable of storing a liquid; and a first flow passage connecting the first storage chamber and a recording element substrate including an element for applying energy to the liquid to discharge the liquid. The first flow passage in a state of being attached to the recording device, includes: a first horizontal portion extending along a horizontal direction; a first connection portion connected to the recording element substrate and extending along a vertical direction; and a first storage portion capable of storing air bubbles. When viewed along an extending direction in which the first horizontal portion extends, the first storage portion is greater in width than the first connection portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge and a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In a recording device that performs recording by discharging liquid onto a recording medium, a liquid storage chamber and a liquid discharge portion are integrated, and a cartridge that is detachably attached to the recording device is sometimes used.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet recording cartridge (cartridge) that includes a storage section (storage chamber) that stores liquid, and an inkjet recording head (ejection section) that performs recording by ejecting the liquid. Patent Document 1 also discloses that a supply path (flow path) that supplies liquid from the storage section is configured between the storage chamber and the ejection section, and that the supply path is connected to the ejection section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-260199 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the flow path provided in the cartridge as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a horizontal portion that extends horizontally when the cartridge is attached to the recording device. When air bubbles are generated in the liquid in the supply path, the air bubbles accumulate in the horizontal portion, and it is difficult to release the air bubbles from the horizontal portion. If the air bubbles are supplied to the discharge portion together with the liquid, it may cause discharge defects. In order to maintain the discharge performance, a maintenance operation may be performed in which the air bubbles are discharged to the outside of the cartridge together with the liquid. On the other hand, if the liquid is frequently discarded together with the air bubbles, the liquid will be wasted.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cartridge that can prevent air bubbles from entering the ejection portion and maintain ejection performance better than conventional techniques. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the cartridge of the present disclosure is a cartridge that can be attached to a recording device capable of recording by ejecting liquid onto a recording medium, and includes a first storage chamber capable of storing liquid, and a first flow path connecting the first storage chamber and a recording element substrate including an element that applies energy to the liquid to eject the liquid, and when attached to the recording device, the first flow path includes a first horizontal portion extending along a horizontal direction, a first connection portion connected to the recording element substrate and extending along a vertical direction, and a first storage portion capable of storing air bubbles, and when viewed along the extension direction in which the first horizontal portion extends, the width of the first storage portion is greater than the width of the first connection portion. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the cartridge of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from entering the ejection portion, and to maintain ejection performance better than with conventional techniques. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a cartridge according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a cartridge according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a flow channel according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flow path according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow path according to an embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow path according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow path according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a case according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a case according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a storage chamber according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a flow path according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing the cartridge according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a cartridge according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a flow channel according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flow path according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a cartridge according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an inkjet printing apparatus (hereinafter, also referred to as a printing apparatus) 102 to which this embodiment can be applied.

[0012] In the figure, the X direction indicates the scanning direction of the carriage. The Y direction indicates the transport direction of the recording medium. The Z direction indicates the vertical upward direction. Note that in the following figures which explain the cartridge alone, the same XYZ axes as in this figure are shown based on the case where the cartridge is mounted in a recording device. Note that the longitudinal direction (depth direction) of the cartridge when mounted in the recording device is the Y direction. The lateral direction (width direction) of the cartridge is the X direction. The vertical direction (height direction) of the cartridge is the Z direction.

[0013] The recording device 102 is configured so that the cartridge 100 can be mounted on the carriage 101, and performs recording by discharging liquid (hereinafter also referred to as ink) while the cartridge 100 mounted on the carriage 101 moves relative to a recording medium 103. In other words, the recording device 102 is a serial type recording device. In discharging, the carriage 101 moves back and forth in the X direction while discharging liquid from the cartridge 100. In synchronization with the discharge of liquid from the cartridge 100, the recording medium 103 is transported by a predetermined amount in a direction (Y direction) that intersects (in this example, perpendicular) with the direction in which the carriage 101 moves back and forth, thereby forming an image on the recording medium 103.

[0014] 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.

[0015] The storage chamber 302 of this embodiment includes a first storage chamber 302A capable of storing a first type of liquid, a second storage chamber 302B capable of storing a second type of liquid different from the first type of liquid, and a third storage chamber 302C capable of storing a third type of liquid different from the first and second types of liquid. The first storage chamber 302A, the second storage chamber 302B, and the third storage chamber 302C are linearly arranged adjacent to each other along the depth direction (Y direction) of the cartridge 100.

[0016] 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 taking as an example a configuration having three storage chambers 302, but this is not limited thereto, and this embodiment can also be applied to cases in which there are two or less, four or more storage chambers. For example, the concept is the same for a four-color integrated cartridge including black.

[0017] 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 vertically in the position during use. If the size of the absorber 300 is increased in the scanning 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 as it increases the flow resistance during liquid supply.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The recording element substrate 303 is an ejection portion that ejects ink, and is disposed on the bottom surface of the case 200 in the vertical direction. The recording element substrate 303 is disposed near the lower portion 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 vertically downward from the box portion 307, and the recording element substrate 303 is attached to the negative vertical direction lower side of the flow path forming portion 306. Specifically, the recording element substrate 303 includes an element (e.g., a heater or a piezoelectric element) that applies energy to the liquid to eject the liquid. The recording element substrate 303 is attached to a recording element arrangement portion formed on a member that constitutes the flow path forming portion 306. That is, the recording element substrate 303 is disposed on the bottom surface of the entire cartridge 100, and ejects the liquid in a state close to the recording medium 103 during liquid ejection.

[0020] 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.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the flow path section 400, which is a model of the space in the case 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 side view of the flow path section 400, and FIG. 5(c) is a front view of the flow path section 400. The horizontal section 708 and the horizontal section 808 shown in FIG. 5(a) will be described later. The flow path section 400 is a model of the ink flow path, and includes flow paths (400A, 400B, and 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 along the Y direction. In this way, the flow path section 400 is configured to be able to supply the liquid in the storage chamber 302 (see FIG. 3) to the recording element substrate 303 (see FIG. 3).

[0022] 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, Fig. 8(c) is a front view of the flow path 400C, and Fig. 8(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIID-VIIID in Fig. 8(a).

[0023] 6(a) to 6(c), the flow path 400A includes a first opening 600 covered with a filter 301A (see FIG. 3) and a first storage portion 601. The flow path 400A includes a second storage portion 602, a second opening 609 connecting the first storage portion 601 and the second storage portion 602, and a connection flow path 607 connected to the recording element substrate 303 (see FIG. 3).

[0024] In this embodiment, it is possible to store air bubbles, and when the cartridge is viewed along the direction in which the horizontal portion (described later) extends, a space having a width larger than the width of the connection portion (e.g., connection flow paths 607, 707, and 807) is called a "storage portion." For example, the first storage portion 601 and the second storage portion 602 are wider than other regions, and can store air bubbles generated by ejection or the like above the liquid surface.

[0025] When the cartridge is attached to the recording device, the first storage section 601 has a tapered section 604 in which an opening 633 at an upper end in the vertical direction is larger than an opening 634 at a lower end. When the cartridge is attached to the recording device, the second storage section 602 is disposed so as to extend along the vertical direction.

[0026] When the cartridge is attached to the recording device, the second storage section 602 has a tapered section (first tapered section 605 and second tapered section 606) in which a first opening 600 at an upper end in the vertical direction is larger than a second opening 609 at a lower end. The first storage section 601 is disposed between the connection flow path 607 and the second storage section 602. The second storage section 602 is disposed between the first storage section 601 and the first storage chamber 302A (see FIG. 3).

[0027] 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 (see FIG. 3) 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 a first tapered section 605 and a second tapered section 606. With this configuration, air bubbles generated in the flow path can be collected by utilizing buoyancy and prevented from approaching the discharge port.

[0028] In this embodiment, second storage section 602 is provided with a plurality of partition walls 603. Each of the plurality of partition walls 603 divides the interior of second storage section 602 into a plurality of spaces that are connected to each other. Two adjacent partition walls 603 are desirably disposed with a distance of 1 mm or more. Also, the interior of second storage section 602 is desirably divided into two or more spaces. It is more preferable that the number of spaces formed inside second storage section 602 is large.

[0029] By dividing the inside of the second storage section 602 into a plurality of spaces, the movement of air bubbles to another compartment is suppressed. By dividing the inside of the second storage section 602 into a plurality of spaces, even if one space is blocked for some reason, a flow path is secured by the other spaces. This makes it possible to suppress poor liquid supply when liquid is supplied downstream (vertically downward).

[0030] 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, with respect to the horizontal direction (X direction) so that the air bubbles are moved upward while the meniscus is not stretched. 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, with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0031] 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 (see FIG. 3).

[0032] In this embodiment, the second storage section 602 includes an opening 631 located at the upper end of the first tapered section 605 and an opening 632 located at the lower end of the first tapered section 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 1.5 times or more the area of ​​the opening 632. This is to store the generated air bubbles and suppress the air bubbles from flowing into the ejection port array.

[0033] The first storage portion 601 includes an opening 633 located at an upper end of the first storage portion 601 and an opening 634 located at a lower end of the first storage 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 1.2 times or more the area of ​​the opening 634. This is to store the generated air bubbles and suppress the air bubbles from flowing into the ejection port array.

[0034] 7(a) to 7(c), flow path 400B includes first opening 700 covered by filter 301B, first storage portion 701, second storage portion 702, second opening 709 connecting first storage portion 701 and second storage portion 702, and connecting flow path 707. First storage portion 701 having tapered portion 704 is disposed below horizontal portion 708.

[0035] In flow channel 400B, first storage section 701 and second storage section 702 are larger than other regions, and can store air bubbles generated by ejection or the like above the liquid surface.

[0036] When the cartridge is attached to the recording device, the first storage section 701 has a tapered section 704 in which an opening 733 at an upper end in the vertical direction is larger than an opening 734 at a lower end. When the cartridge is attached to the recording device, the second storage section 702 is disposed so as to extend along the vertical direction. The first storage section 701 is disposed between the connection flow path 707 and the horizontal section 708. The second storage section 702 is disposed between the horizontal section 708 and the first storage chamber 302A (see FIG. 3).

[0037] When the cartridge is attached to the recording device, the second storage section 702 is disposed so as to extend along the vertical direction. When the cartridge is attached to the recording device, the second storage section 702 has tapered sections (first tapered section 705 and second tapered section 706) in which the first opening 700 at the upper end in the vertical direction is larger than the second opening 709 at the lower end.

[0038] Second storage section 702 is provided with a plurality of partition walls 703. Each of the plurality of partition walls 703 divides the interior of second storage section 702 into a plurality of spaces that are connected to each other. Two adjacent partition walls 703 are desirably disposed with a distance of 1 mm or more. Also, the interior of second storage section 702 is desirably divided into two or more spaces. It is more preferable that the number of spaces formed inside second storage section 702 is large.

[0039] By dividing the inside of the second storage section 702 into a plurality of spaces, the movement of air bubbles to another compartment is suppressed. By dividing the inside of the second storage section 702 into a plurality of spaces, even if one space is blocked for some reason, a flow path is secured by the other spaces. This makes it possible to suppress poor liquid supply when liquid is supplied downstream (vertically downward).

[0040] The first opening 700 is an opening that receives the liquid that has passed through the filter 301B (see FIG. 3), and is located on the bottom surface of the storage chamber 302 (see FIG. 3) that stores the absorber 300B (see FIG. 3). 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 a first tapered section 705 and a second tapered section 706. With this configuration, air bubbles generated in the flow path can be collected by utilizing buoyancy and prevented from approaching the discharge port.

[0041] 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, with respect to the horizontal direction (X direction) so that the air bubbles are moved upward while the meniscus is not stretched. 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, with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0042] 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 .

[0043] In this embodiment, the second storage section 702 includes an opening 731 located at the upper end of the first tapered section 705 and an opening 732 located at the lower end of the first tapered section 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 1.5 times or more the area of ​​the opening 732. This is to store the generated air bubbles and prevent the air bubbles from flowing into the ejection port array.

[0044] The first storage portion 701 includes an opening 733 located at an upper end of the first storage portion 701 and an opening 734 located at a lower end of the first storage 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 1.2 times or more the area of ​​the opening 734. This is to store the generated air bubbles and prevent the air bubbles from flowing into the ejection port array.

[0045] As shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(d), the flow path 400C includes a first opening 800 covered by a filter 301C (see Figure 3), a first storage portion 801, a second storage portion 802, a second opening 809 connecting the first storage portion 801 and the second storage portion 802, and a connecting flow path 807.

[0046] In flow channel 400C, first storage section 801 and second storage section 802 are larger than other regions, and can store air bubbles generated by ejection or the like above the liquid surface.

[0047] When the cartridge is attached to the recording device, first storage section 801 has a tapered section 804 in which an opening 833 at an upper end in the vertical direction is larger than an opening 834 at a lower end. When the cartridge is attached to the recording device, second storage section 802 is disposed so as to extend along the vertical direction.

[0048] First storage section 801 is disposed between connecting flow path 807 and horizontal section 808. Second storage section 802 is disposed between horizontal section 808 and third storage chamber 302C (see FIG. 3). When the cartridge is mounted to the recording device, second storage section 802 is disposed so as to extend along the vertical direction. When the cartridge is mounted to the recording device, second storage section 802 has tapered sections (first tapered section 805 and second tapered section 806) in which first opening 800 at the upper end in the vertical direction is larger than second opening 809 at the lower end.

[0049] Second storage section 802 is provided with a plurality of partition walls 803. Each of the plurality of partition walls 803 divides the interior of second storage section 802 into a plurality of spaces that are connected to each other. Two adjacent partition walls 803 are desirably disposed with a distance of 1 mm or more. Also, the interior of second storage section 802 is desirably divided into two or more spaces. It is more preferable that the number of spaces formed inside second storage section 802 is large.

[0050] By dividing the inside of second storage section 802 into a plurality of spaces, the movement of air bubbles to another compartment is suppressed. By dividing the inside of second storage section 802 into a plurality of spaces, even if one space is blocked for some reason, a flow path is secured by the other spaces. This makes it possible to suppress poor liquid supply when liquid is supplied downstream (vertically downward).

[0051] 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 a 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 they go vertically upward. The first storage section 801 is provided with a tapered section 804 to make the space wider as they go vertically upward, and the second storage section 802 is provided with a first tapered section 805 and a second tapered section 806. With this configuration, air bubbles generated in the flow path can be collected by utilizing buoyancy and prevented from approaching the discharge port.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In this embodiment, a horizontal portion 808 is provided below the second opening 809. The first storage portion 801 having the tapered portion 804 is disposed below the horizontal portion 808. The horizontal portion 808 extends in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the cartridge. The tip of the horizontal portion 808 is connected to the third opening 810C. The third opening 810C is connected to the ejection port array in the recording element substrate via the first storage portion 801 and the connection flow path 807. With such a configuration in which the horizontal portion 808 is provided, the degree of freedom of arrangement in the storage chamber 302 is improved compared to the conventional configuration.

[0054] In this embodiment, the second storage section 802 includes an opening 831 located at the upper end of the first tapered section 805 and an opening 832 located at the lower end of the first tapered section 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 1.5 times or more the area of ​​the opening 832. This is to store the generated air bubbles and prevent the air bubbles from flowing into the ejection port array.

[0055] First storage portion 801 includes an opening 833 located at an upper end of first storage portion 801 and an opening 834 located at a lower end of first storage portion 801. The area of ​​opening 833 is larger than the area of ​​opening 834. For example, the area of ​​opening 833 is preferably 1.2 times or more the area of ​​opening 834. This is to store generated air bubbles and prevent the air bubbles from flowing into the ejection port array.

[0056] 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 .

[0057] Fig. 8(d) is a cross-sectional view of the horizontal portion 808. As shown in Fig. 8(d), a part of the cross-sectional shape of the horizontal portion 808 has a corner 808C. Specifically, the corner 808C is provided at the bottom of the horizontal portion 808. Due to the capillary force of the corner 808C, even if air bubbles are generated, the air bubbles can be trapped in the corner 808C and liquid can be supplied to the third opening 810C.

[0058] Since air bubbles have a tendency to accumulate in the upper part of the flow path, it is preferable that the corner 808C is located vertically downward. Also, it is sufficient to have at least one corner 808C as long as it can trap air bubbles.

[0059] However, it is more desirable to have a larger number of corners 808C. The width "w" of the horizontal portion 808 is larger than the height "h" of the horizontal portion 808. This reduces the overall height of the cartridge and ensures the fluidity of the liquid when air bubbles are generated. In other words, by making the width "w" of the horizontal portion 808 larger than the height "h", the supply of liquid in the horizontal portion 808 can be ensured. For example, it is desirable for the ratio of the height "h" of the horizontal portion 808 to the width "w" of the horizontal portion 808 to be 1:1.5 or more.

[0060] Note that the horizontal portion 708 (see FIGS. 7(a) to 7(c)) may have a corner at its bottom. In this case as well, air bubbles can be trapped at the corner of the horizontal portion 708, and liquid can be supplied downstream.

[0061] FIG. 9(a) is a top view showing the case 200 without accommodating the absorber and the filter. In the case 200, an opening 900A, an opening 900B, and an opening 900C are provided on the same line extending along the Y direction. The opening 900A is connected to the first opening 600 (see FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 6(c)). The opening 900B is connected to the first opening 700 (see FIG. 7(a) to FIG. 7(c)). The opening 900C is connected to the first opening 800 (see FIG. 8(a) to FIG. 8(c)). The openings 900A, 900B, and 900C are provided toward the upstream side in the Y direction so that the lengths in the Y direction of the flow paths 400A (see FIG. 4), 400B (see FIG. 4), and 400C (see FIG. 4), respectively, are shortened. Also, ribs 901 are provided in each storage chamber 302 so that the chambers can communicate with the atmosphere even when an absorbent is inserted. Rib 901A is provided in the storage chamber 302 corresponding to opening 900A, rib 901B is provided in the storage chamber 302 corresponding to opening 900B, and rib 901C is provided in the storage chamber 302 corresponding to opening 900C.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 9(a), 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 in the -X direction (leftward in the figure) from center line C, and rib 901B is disposed closer to second opening 709 (leftward in the figure). Second opening 809 of flow path 400C is provided offset in the +X direction (rightward in the figure) from center line C, and rib 901C is disposed closer to second opening 809 (rightward in the figure).

[0064] The amount of deviation of the second opening 709 and the second opening 809 from the center line C is preferably in the range of 5% to 30% of the width of the filter 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 in the X direction by ±1 mm (8.3%) 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 C. In this embodiment, the shape of the second openings 609, 709, and 809 is a vertically long slit shape, but may be another shape. For example, the shape of the second openings 609, 709, and 809 may be a circle, an ellipse, or the like.

[0065] In this embodiment, the second opening 609 is shaped like a slit with two long sides extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the cartridge. The second opening 609 has corners 902A at the four corners of the opening. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the second opening 609 includes the corners 902A at least in part. In this way, by making the second opening 609 shaped like a slit, it is possible to prevent relatively large air bubbles from entering the flow path while ensuring the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. That is, by making the second opening 609 shaped like a slit, it is possible to more stably supply liquid to the ejection port.

[0066] In this embodiment, the second opening 709 is shaped like a slit with two long sides extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the cartridge. The second opening 709 has corners 902B at the four corners of the opening. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the second opening 709 includes at least a part of the corners 902B. In this way, by making the second opening 709 shaped like a slit, it is possible to prevent relatively large air bubbles from entering the flow path while ensuring the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. That is, by making the second opening 709 shaped like a slit, it is possible to more stably supply liquid to the ejection port.

[0067] In this embodiment, the second opening 809 is shaped like a slit with two long sides extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the cartridge. The second opening 809 has corners 902C at the four corners of the opening. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the second opening 809 includes the corners 902C at least in part. In this way, by making the second opening 809 shaped like a slit, it is possible to prevent relatively large air bubbles from entering the flow path while ensuring the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. That is, by making the second opening 809 shaped like a slit, it is possible to more stably supply liquid to the ejection port.

[0068] Fig. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXB-IXB in Fig. 9(a). The horizontal portion 708 and the horizontal portion 808 are formed by joining the first member constituting the flow path forming portion 306 and the second member constituting the box portion 307 in a state where a recess formed in the first member constituting the flow path forming portion 306 is aligned with a recess formed in the second member constituting the box portion 307. In detail, a resin 920 is poured into a space formed by recesses other than the recesses forming the horizontal portion 708 and the horizontal portion 808 between the flow path forming portion 306 and the box portion 307. As a result, the horizontal portion 708 and the horizontal portion 808 are sealed, and the flow path forming portion 306 and the box portion 307 are fixed.

[0069] According to such a joining method, the flow path including the horizontal portion 708 is formed inside the first member constituting the flow path forming portion 306 and the second member constituting the box portion 307. The flow path including the horizontal portion 808 is formed inside the first member constituting the flow path forming portion 306 and the second member constituting the box portion 307. The horizontal portion 708 and the horizontal portion 808 include a joining portion between the first member constituting the flow path forming portion 306 and the second member constituting the box portion 307. By joining the flow path forming portion 306 and the box portion 307 in this manner, it is possible to form a flow path without creating welding burrs or adhesive protrusions on the inner wall of the horizontal portion 708.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a top view showing case 200 to which filter 301 is welded.

[0071] Filter 301A is welded to case 200 so as to cover second opening 609 (see FIGS. 6(b) and 6(c)) in order to prevent dust from entering second opening 609. Filter 301B is welded to case 200 so as to cover second opening 709 (see FIGS. 7(b) and 7(c)) in order to prevent dust from entering second opening 709. Filter 301C is welded to case 200 so as to cover second opening 809 (see FIGS. 8(b) and 8(c)) in order to prevent dust from entering second opening 809. Filter 301 and case 200 may be fixed to each other by adhesion or the like, instead of by welding. Furthermore, case 200 and filter 301 may be formed integrally.

[0072] Fig. 11 is a top view showing the case 200 with the absorber 300 inserted therein. The absorber 300 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 302 of the case 200, and is configured to be capable of holding liquid in the absorber 300. The liquid held in the absorber 300 is supplied to the recording element substrate 303 through the flow path portion 400 (see Fig. 4). In Fig. 11, the recording element substrate 303 and the ejection port array 1101 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0073] The first opening 600 (see FIGS. 6(a) to (c)) located on the bottom surface of the first accommodating chamber 302A (see FIG. 3) is disposed directly above the recording element substrate 303. The first opening 700 (see FIGS. 7(a) to (c)) located on the bottom surface of the second accommodating chamber 302B (see FIG. 3) is not disposed directly above the recording element substrate 303. The first opening 800 (see FIGS. 8(a) to (c)) located on the bottom surface of the third accommodating chamber 302C (see FIG. 3) is not disposed directly above the recording element substrate 303.

[0074] The liquid held in the absorber 300A is supplied to the ejection port array 1101A of the recording element substrate 303 via a flow path 400A (see FIG. 4). The liquid held in the absorber 300B is supplied to the ejection port array 1101B of the recording element substrate 303 via a flow path 400B (see FIG. 4). The liquid held in the absorber 300C is supplied to the ejection port array 1101C of the recording element substrate 303 via a flow path 400C (see FIG. 4).

[0075] In the cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the inside of the case 200 is divided into three sections, and three storage chambers 302 are formed 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The width of the cartridge 100 (see FIG. 1) in the X direction is desirably 25 mm or less. In this embodiment, since the three storage chambers 302 are arranged linearly in the Y direction, it is possible to make the width of the cartridge 100 smaller than that of conventional cartridges. However, from the viewpoint of ink supply and ink injection properties, the width of the absorber 300 is desirably 5 mm or more. The width of the storage chambers 302 in the X direction is also desirably 5 mm or more.

[0078] 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. Therefore, 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 length in the Y direction of 70 mm.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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).

[0082] In the absorbers 300B and 300C described above, forces act alternately in the scanning direction every time the carriage scans. The liquid held in the absorbers 300B and 300C oscillates in the scanning direction every time. As a result, the pressure of the liquid supplied to the flow paths 400B and 400C also fluctuates, and this pressure change is thought to affect the generation of bubbles. Such pressure changes become larger as the deviation in the scanning direction between the center of gravity of the absorber 300 and the ejection port array 1101 increases.

[0083] Furthermore, when a force acts on the cartridge 100 in the +X direction (to the right in FIG. 11), the ejection port array 1101B is in a pressurized state, and the ejection port array 1101C is in a depressurized state. When a force acts on the cartridge 100 in the -X direction (to the left in FIG. 11), the ejection port array 1101B is in a depressurized state, and the ejection port array 1101C 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. In this way, the pressure that the liquid in the flow path receives from the liquid held by the absorber will be referred to as the oscillation pressure hereinafter.

[0084] However, in this embodiment, the absorbers 300A, 300B, and 300C (see FIG. 3) are arranged linearly along the depth direction of the cartridge. By arranging the absorbers linearly in this manner, the amount of deviation in the X direction between the center 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 reduces the oscillation pressure applied to the ejection port arrays, suppresses the generation of air bubbles, and suppresses the deterioration of recording quality.

[0085] In order to reduce the oscillation pressure, the width (length in the short direction) of the end farther from the nozzle row at both ends of the horizontal portion 708 is narrower than the width (length in the short direction) of the end closer to the nozzle row. The width of the end farther from the nozzle row at both ends of the horizontal portion 808 is narrower than the width of the end closer to the nozzle row. In this way, the horizontal portion 708 is provided with a narrow portion 1201B narrower than the downstream side on the upstream side of the liquid flow, which provides resistance and reduces the oscillation pressure. The horizontal portion 808 is provided with a narrow portion 1201C narrower than the downstream side on the upstream side of the liquid flow, which provides resistance and reduces the oscillation pressure.

[0086] If the widths of the narrow portions 1201B and 1201C are made too narrow, the flow resistance increases when ink is supplied. Therefore, if the length of the flow path is about 50 mm, the width is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 2 mm or more. Furthermore, since making the width of the narrow portions wider will increase the cartridge width, it is preferable that the width be no more than 3 mm.

[0087] In addition, since the influence of the oscillation pressure increases as the path from the absorber 300 to the ejection port array 1101 becomes longer, the narrow width portion 1201C may be provided only in the flow path 400C that is far from the recording element substrate. This reduces the variation in the oscillation pressure in the flow paths 400A, 400B, and 400C shown in FIG. 4, and suppresses the generation of air bubbles.

[0088] In this way, in the cartridge, the centers of gravity of the multiple absorbers are 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 recording device that can prevent the device from becoming large. Furthermore, the generation of air bubbles can be suppressed.

[0089] In this embodiment, the width (length in the X direction) of the base end of the horizontal portion 708 is formed to be narrower than the width of the tip end. The base end of the horizontal portion 708 is disposed inside the second housing chamber 302B. The width (length in the X direction) of the base end of the horizontal portion 808 is formed to be narrower than the width of the tip end. The base end of the horizontal portion 808 is disposed inside the third housing chamber 302C.

[0090] 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(a), 9(b), and 10). The following describes flow path 400B, but the same applies to flow paths 400A and 400C.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 that of the first opening 700 so that 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).

[0093] Figures 13(a) to 13(d) are conceptual diagrams for explaining an example of a manufacturing process for the cartridge in this embodiment. As shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(d), an in-mold molding technique is used as a means for pouring resin 920 (see Figure 9(b)). The in-mold molding technique will be explained in order.

[0094] In this embodiment, there are used a first mold 1301 having a mold for forming the flow path forming portion 306, and a second mold 1702 having a mold for forming the box portion 307. The first mold 1301 is a fixed mold, and the second mold 1702 is a movable mold.

[0095] 13(a), a first mold 1301 on the fixed side and a second mold 1702 on the movable side are joined together, and a molding resin is filled into the mold formed by these molds through a primary gate arranged in the first mold 1301. Then, a first member constituting the flow path forming portion 306 and a second member constituting the box portion 307 are molded.

[0096] 13(b), the mold is opened. Then, the first member constituting the flow path forming portion 306 is left in the first mold 1301, and the second member constituting the box portion 307 is left in the second mold 1702.

[0097] Next, as shown in FIG. 13(c), the second mold 1302 is moved so that the second member constituting the box portion 307 is positioned above the first member constituting the flow path forming portion 306 remaining on the first mold 1301.

[0098] 13(d), the second mold 1302 is lowered so that the position of the flow path forming portion 306 and the position of the box portion 307 are aligned, and the first mold 1301 is closed by the second mold 1302. By closing the first mold 1301 by the second mold 1302, the first member constituting the flow path forming portion 306 left in the first mold 1301 and the box portion 307 left in the second mold 1302 are arranged in a combined form within the mold.

[0099] Next, molten resin 920 (see FIG. 9(b)) is poured from a secondary gate arranged in the first member constituting flow path forming portion 306 to bond flow path forming portion 306 and box portion 307. Finally, the mold is opened again, and the member in which flow path forming portion 306 and box portion 307 are bonded is removed from the mold.

[0100] According to such in-mold molding technology, the molding of flow path forming portion 306 and box portion 307 and the joining of them are performed inside a mold, so that the first member constituting flow path forming portion 306 and the second member constituting box portion 307 can be joined inexpensively and with high precision.

[0101] As described above, according to the cartridge of the present embodiment, when air bubbles are generated in the liquid in the flow path, the air bubbles are stored in the first storage section, the second storage section, or both. The air bubbles stored in these storage sections are more likely to reach the liquid surface and disappear due to buoyancy. As a result, compared to the conventional technology, the ejection performance is more likely to be maintained even if the liquid is not frequently discharged together with the air bubbles. Therefore, according to the cartridge of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the air bubbles from entering the ejection section and to maintain the ejection performance better than the conventional technology. Furthermore, by including a storage section in a part of the flow path, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the flow path from the storage chamber to the recording element substrate is increased compared to the conventional technology, and a thin head cartridge as shown in FIG. 2 can be realized.

[0102] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The difference between the cartridge in the first embodiment and the cartridge in this embodiment is the arrangement of the storage chambers. In the first embodiment, the three storage chambers are arranged in a straight line. In contrast, in this embodiment, the three storage chambers are arranged in a T-shape. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to or corresponding to the first embodiment, and descriptions are omitted, and differences are mainly described.

[0103] Fig. 14(a) is a schematic perspective view of the top surface of the cartridge 1400 in this embodiment. Fig. 14(b) is a schematic perspective view of the side surface of the cartridge 1400 in this embodiment. Fig. 14(c) is a schematic perspective view of the front surface of the cartridge 1400 in this embodiment.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 14(a), in this embodiment, the inside of the cartridge 1400 is divided into a T-shape. Each divided section is provided with a storage chamber 1401A, a storage chamber 1401B, and a storage chamber 1401C, each storing a different type of liquid. In the cartridge 1400, the storage chamber 1401B and the storage chamber 1401C are arranged side by side in the width direction (X direction) of the cartridge 1400. The storage chamber 1401A is arranged on the rear side (upper side in Fig. 14(a)) of the storage chamber 1401B and the storage chamber 1401C.

[0105] The first opening 600 is connected to the containing chamber 1401A. The first opening 700 is connected to the containing chamber 1401B. The first opening 800 is connected to the containing chamber 1401C.

[0106] As shown in Fig. 14(b), a flow path is formed that continues from the containing chamber 1401A to the recording element substrate 303. As shown in Fig. 14(c), a flow path is formed that continues from the containing chamber 1401B to the recording element substrate 303. A flow path is formed that continues from the containing chamber 1401C to the recording element substrate 303.

[0107] 15 is a perspective view showing a model of a space that serves as a liquid flow path within the case in this embodiment, extracted as a flow path section 1500. The flow path section 1500 is a model of an ink flow path extracted. The flow path section 1500 includes flow paths for three colors (1500A, 1500B, 1500C). The flow paths 1500A, 1500B, and 1500C are independent of each other.

[0108] Fig. 16(a) is a top view of the flow path section 1500 in this embodiment, and Fig. 16(b) is a side view of the flow path section 1500 in this embodiment.

[0109] As shown in Figures 16(a) and 16(b), a flow path 1500A is disposed on the rear side in the depth direction (Y direction) of the cartridge. Flow paths 1500B and 1500C are disposed adjacent to each other along the width direction (X direction) of the cartridge on the front side (lower side in Figure 16(a)) of flow path 1500A in the depth direction (Y direction) of the cartridge. Flow path 1500B includes a horizontal portion 708. Flow path 1500C includes a horizontal portion 808.

[0110] Fig. 16(c) is a front view of a flow path section 1500 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16(c), a first storage section 701 provided near the nozzle row and a second storage section 702 provided near the storage chamber are connected via a second opening 709 and a horizontal section 708. A first storage section 801 provided near the nozzle row and a second storage section 802 provided near the storage chamber are connected via a second opening 809 and a horizontal section 808.

[0111] The cartridge of this embodiment also prevents air bubbles from entering the ejection portion, and can maintain ejection performance better than the conventional technology.

[0112] [Third embodiment] Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The difference between the cartridge in the first and second embodiments and the cartridge in this embodiment is the arrangement of the storage chambers. In the first embodiment, three storage chambers were arranged in a straight line. In the second embodiment, three storage chambers were arranged in a T-shape. In contrast, in this embodiment, four storage chambers are arranged in parallel, two by two. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to or corresponding to the first and second embodiments, and descriptions are omitted, and differences are mainly described.

[0113] FIG. 17(a) is a top view showing a cartridge 1700 in this embodiment. FIG. 17(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. 17(a). As shown in FIG. 17(a), inside the cartridge 1700, four storage chambers are divided into two in parallel. In each divided section, an absorber 1701A, an absorber 1701B, an absorber 1701C, and an absorber 1701D containing different types of liquid are provided. For example, the absorber 1701A holds cyan ink. The absorber 1701B holds magenta ink. The absorber 1701C holds yellow ink. The absorber 1701D holds black ink.

[0114] In the cartridge 1700, the absorber 1701A and the absorber 1701B are arranged side by side in the X direction, which is the width direction. The absorber 1701C and the absorber 1701D are arranged side by side in the X direction, which is the width direction. The absorber 1701A and the absorber 1701C are arranged side by side in the depth direction (Y direction). The absorber 1701B and the absorber 1701D are arranged side by side in the depth direction (Y direction).

[0115] In this embodiment, the recording element substrate 303 is provided with four ejection port arrays. That is, in addition to the ejection port array 1101A, the ejection port array 1101B, and the ejection port array 1101C shown in FIG. 11, the ejection port array 1101D is formed on the recording element substrate 303 in this embodiment. Liquid is supplied to the recording element substrate 303 from the absorber 1701C via the horizontal portion 1702C. The liquid supplied to the recording element substrate 303 from the absorber 1701C is ejected from the ejection port array (not shown). Liquid is supplied to the recording element substrate 303 from the absorber 1701D via the horizontal portion 1702D. The liquid supplied to the recording element substrate 303 from the absorber 1701D is ejected from the ejection port array (not shown).

[0116] The cartridge in this embodiment also prevents air bubbles from entering the ejection portion, and can maintain ejection performance better than the conventional technology.

[0117] [Other embodiments] The present disclosure includes the following configurations.

[0118] [Configuration 1] A cartridge that can be attached to a recording device capable of performing recording by ejecting liquid onto a recording medium, a first storage chamber capable of storing liquid; a first flow path connecting the first storage chamber and a recording element substrate including an element for applying energy to the liquid in order to eject the liquid; Equipped with In a state where the recording device is attached to the recording device, The first flow path is A first horizontal portion extending along a horizontal direction; a first connection portion connected to the recording element substrate and extending along a vertical direction; A first storage section capable of storing air bubbles; Including, When viewed along the extension direction of the first horizontal portion, the width of the first storage portion is larger than the width of the first connection portion. A cartridge characterized by:

[0119] [Configuration 2] When viewed along the extending direction in a state where the recording device is attached to the recording device, the first horizontal portion has a corner portion. 2. The cartridge of claim 1.

[0120] [Configuration 3] When viewed along the extension direction in a state where the first horizontal portion is attached to the recording device, the first horizontal portion has a shape in which a length in a width direction is greater than a length in a vertical direction. 3. A cartridge according to configuration 1 or 2.

[0121] [Configuration 4] When viewed vertically from above in a state where the first horizontal portion is attached to the recording apparatus, a width of an end portion of the first horizontal portion that is farther from the recording element substrate is smaller than a width of an end portion of the first horizontal portion that is closer to the recording element substrate. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 3.

[0122] [Configuration 5] an end portion of the first horizontal portion that is farther from the recording element substrate is disposed inside the first housing chamber; A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 4.

[0123] [Configuration 6] When the first storage section is attached to the recording device, the first storage section has a tapered portion in which an opening at an upper end in a vertical direction is larger than an opening at a lower end. 6. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0124] [Configuration 7] When the ink cartridge is attached to the recording device, the first flow path further includes a second reservoir portion extending along a vertical direction, an area of ​​an opening formed at an upper end of the second storage portion in the vertical direction is larger than an area of ​​an opening formed at an upper end of the first storage portion in the vertical direction; When viewed along the extension direction, the vertical length of the second storage section is smaller than the vertical length of the first storage section, The first storage portion is disposed between the first connection portion and the first horizontal portion, The second storage section is disposed between the first horizontal section and the first storage chamber. 7. The cartridge of claim 6.

[0125] [Configuration 8] When the second storage section is attached to the recording device, the second storage section has a tapered portion in which an opening at an upper end in a vertical direction is larger than an opening at a lower end. 8. The cartridge of claim 7.

[0126] [Configuration 9] A first partition wall is provided to divide the inside of the second storage portion into a plurality of spaces connected to each other. A cartridge according to configuration 7 or 8.

[0127] [Configuration 10] When the second storage portion is attached to the recording device, the opening formed at the lower end portion in the vertical direction of the second storage portion has a slit shape, The cross-sectional shape of the opening formed at the lower end in the vertical direction of the second storage section includes at least a corner portion. 9. The cartridge of claim 8.

[0128] [Configuration 11] a first filter that covers an opening formed at an upper end of the second storage portion in a vertical direction when the second storage portion is attached to the recording device; 11. The cartridge of claim 10.

[0129] [Configuration 12] The cartridge comprises: A first member; a second member joined to the first member; The first storage chamber is formed inside the first member, The first flow path is formed inside the first member and the second member, The first horizontal portion is formed at a joint between the first member and the second member. 12. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

[0130] [Configuration 13] the recording element substrate is disposed on a recording element arrangement portion formed on the second member; 13. The cartridge of claim 12.

[0131] [Configuration 14] a second chamber capable of containing a liquid; a second flow path connecting the second storage chamber and the recording element substrate; Further comprising: In a state where the recording device is attached to the recording device, The second flow path is A second horizontal portion extending along the extension direction; a second connection portion connected to the recording element substrate and extending along a vertical direction; a third storage section capable of storing air bubbles; Including, When viewed along the extension direction, the width of the third storage portion is larger than the width of the second connection portion. 14. The cartridge of claim 13.

[0132] [Configuration 15] When the second horizontal portion is viewed along the extending direction in a state where the second horizontal portion is attached to the recording device, a cross section of the second horizontal portion has a corner. 15. The cartridge of claim 14.

[0133] [Configuration 16] When viewed along the extension direction in a state where the second horizontal portion is attached to the recording device, the second horizontal portion has a shape in which a length in a width direction is greater than a length in a vertical direction. 16. A cartridge according to configuration 14 or 15.

[0134] [Configuration 17] When viewed along the extending direction in a state where the recording device is attached to the recording device, a width of the second horizontal portion is smaller than a width of the first horizontal portion. 17. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 15 to 16.

[0135] [Configuration 18] When viewed vertically from above in a state where the second horizontal portion is attached to the recording apparatus, a width of an end portion of the second horizontal portion that is farther from the recording element substrate is smaller than a width of an end portion of the second horizontal portion that is closer to the recording element substrate. 18. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 15 to 17.

[0136] [Configuration 19] an end portion of the second horizontal portion that is farther from the recording element substrate is disposed inside the second accommodation chamber; 19. The cartridge of claim 18.

[0137] [Configuration 20] When the third storage section is attached to the recording device, the third storage section has a tapered portion in which an opening at an upper end in a vertical direction is larger than an opening at a lower end. 20. A cartridge according to any one of claims 14 to 19.

[0138] [Configuration 21] When the ink cartridge is attached to the recording device, the second flow path further includes a fourth storage portion extending along a vertical direction, The area of ​​an opening formed at the upper end of the fourth storage portion in the vertical direction is larger than the area of ​​an opening formed at the upper end of the third storage portion in the vertical direction, When viewed along the extension direction, the vertical length of the fourth storage section is smaller than the vertical length of the third storage section, The third storage portion is disposed between the second connection portion and the second horizontal portion, The fourth storage section is disposed between the second horizontal section and the second storage chamber. 23. A cartridge according to any one of claims 14 to 22.

[0139] [Configuration 22] When the third storage section is attached to the recording device, the third storage section has a tapered portion whose upper opening in the vertical direction is larger than the lower opening. 22. A cartridge according to any one of claims 14 to 21.

[0140] [Configuration 23] A second partition wall is provided to divide the inside of the fourth storage section into a plurality of spaces connected to each other. 23. A cartridge according to configuration 21 or 22.

[0141] [Configuration 24] When the recording device is attached to the recording device, the opening formed at the lower end of the fourth storage section in the vertical direction is slit-shaped, The cross-sectional shape of the opening formed at the lower end of the fourth storage section in the vertical direction includes at least a corner portion. 24. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 21 to 23.

[0142] [Configuration 25] a second filter that covers an opening formed at an upper end of the fourth storage section in a vertical direction when the fourth storage section is attached to the recording device; 25. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 21 to 24.

[0143] [Configuration 26] When the recording device is attached to the recording apparatus, the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are linearly arranged along the extension direction. 25. A cartridge according to any one of claims 14 to 24.

[0144] [Configuration 27] The first storage chamber contains a first type of liquid, The second storage chamber stores a second type of liquid different from the first type of liquid. 27. A cartridge according to any one of claims 14 to 26.

[0145] [Configuration 28] When the nozzle is attached to the recording device, the nozzle is capable of ejecting liquid while moving back and forth along a vertical direction and a direction intersecting the extending direction. 28. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

[0146] [Configuration 29] A mounting portion capable of mounting the cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 28; a discharge unit capable of recording an image by discharging a liquid onto a recording medium; 1. A device comprising:

Claims

1. A cartridge that can be attached to a recording device capable of performing recording by ejecting liquid onto a recording medium, a first storage chamber capable of storing liquid; a first flow path connecting the first storage chamber and a recording element substrate including an element for applying energy to the liquid in order to eject the liquid; Equipped with In a state where the recording device is attached to the recording device, The first flow path is A first horizontal portion extending along a horizontal direction; a first connection portion connected to the recording element substrate and extending along a vertical direction; A first storage section capable of storing air bubbles; Including, When viewed along the extension direction in which the first horizontal portion extends, the width of the first storage portion is larger than the width of the first connection portion. A cartridge characterized by:

2. When viewed along the extending direction in a state where the recording device is attached to the recording device, the first horizontal portion has a corner portion.

2. The cartridge of claim 1.

3. When viewed along the extending direction in a state where the first horizontal portion is attached to the recording device, the first horizontal portion has a shape in which a length in a width direction is greater than a length in a vertical direction.

3. A cartridge according to claim 1 or 2.

4. when viewed vertically from above in a state where the first horizontal portion is attached to the recording apparatus, a width of an end portion of the first horizontal portion that is farther from the recording element substrate is smaller than a width of an end portion of the first horizontal portion that is closer to the recording element substrate; 2. The cartridge of claim 1.

5. an end portion of the first horizontal portion that is farther from the recording element substrate is disposed inside the first housing chamber; 2. The cartridge of claim 1.

6. When the first storage section is attached to the recording device, the first storage section has a tapered portion whose upper opening in the vertical direction is larger than its lower opening.

2. The cartridge of claim 1.

7. When the ink cartridge is attached to the recording device, the first flow path further includes a second reservoir portion extending along a vertical direction, an area of ​​an opening formed at an upper end of the second storage portion in a vertical direction is larger than an area of ​​an opening formed at an upper end of the first storage portion in a vertical direction; When viewed along the extension direction, a vertical length of the second storage portion is smaller than a vertical length of the first storage portion, The first storage portion is disposed between the first connection portion and the first horizontal portion, The second storage section is disposed between the first horizontal section and the first storage chamber.

7. The cartridge of claim 6.

8. When the second storage section is attached to the recording device, the second storage section has a tapered portion whose upper opening in the vertical direction is larger than the lower opening.

8. A cartridge according to claim 7.

9. A first partition wall divides the inside of the second storage portion into a plurality of spaces connected to each other.

8. A cartridge according to claim 7.

10. When the second storage portion is attached to the recording device, the opening formed at the lower end portion in the vertical direction of the second storage portion has a slit shape, The cross-sectional shape of the opening formed at the lower end of the second storage section in the vertical direction includes at least a corner portion.

9. A cartridge according to claim 8.

11. a first filter that covers an opening formed at an upper end of the second storage portion in a vertical direction when the second storage portion is attached to the recording device; A cartridge according to claim 10.

12. The cartridge comprises: A first member; a second member joined to the first member; The first storage chamber is formed inside the first member, The first flow path is formed inside the first member and the second member, The first horizontal portion is formed at a joint between the first member and the second member.

3. A cartridge according to claim 1 or 2.

13. the recording element substrate is disposed on a recording element arrangement portion formed on the second member; A cartridge according to claim 12.

14. a second storage chamber capable of storing liquid; a second flow path connecting the second storage chamber and the recording element substrate; Further comprising: In a state where the recording device is attached to the recording device, The second flow path is A second horizontal portion extending along the extension direction; a second connection portion connected to the recording element substrate and extending along a vertical direction; A third storage section capable of storing air bubbles; Including, When viewed along the extension direction, the width of the third storage portion is larger than the width of the second connection portion. A cartridge according to claim 13.

15. When the second horizontal portion is viewed along the extending direction in a state where the second horizontal portion is attached to the recording device, a cross section of the second horizontal portion has a corner.

15. A cartridge according to claim 14.

16. When viewed along the extending direction in a state where the second horizontal portion is attached to the recording device, the second horizontal portion has a shape in which a length in a width direction is greater than a length in a vertical direction.

15. A cartridge according to claim 14.

17. When viewed along the extending direction in a state where the recording device is attached to the recording device, a width of the second horizontal portion is smaller than a width of the first horizontal portion.

17. A cartridge according to claim 16.

18. when viewed vertically from above in a state where the second horizontal portion is attached to the recording apparatus, a width of an end portion of the second horizontal portion that is farther from the recording element substrate is smaller than a width of an end portion of the second horizontal portion that is closer to the recording element substrate; 18. A cartridge according to claim 17.

19. an end portion of the second horizontal portion that is farther from the recording element substrate is disposed inside the second accommodation chamber; 20. A cartridge according to claim 18.

20. the third storage section has a tapered portion in which an opening at an upper end in a vertical direction is larger than an opening at a lower end in a state in which the third storage section is attached to the recording device; 15. A cartridge according to claim 14.

21. When the ink cartridge is attached to the recording device, the second flow path further includes a fourth storage portion extending along a vertical direction, an area of ​​an opening formed at an upper end of the fourth storage portion in a vertical direction is larger than an area of ​​an opening formed at an upper end of the third storage portion in a vertical direction; When viewed along the extension direction, the vertical length of the fourth storage portion is smaller than the vertical length of the third storage portion, The third storage portion is disposed between the second connection portion and the second horizontal portion, The fourth storage section is disposed between the second horizontal section and the second storage chamber.

21. A cartridge according to claim 20.

22. When the third storage section is attached to the recording device, the third storage section has a tapered portion whose upper opening in the vertical direction is larger than the lower opening.

22. A cartridge according to claim 21.

23. A second partition wall is provided to divide the inside of the fourth storage portion into a plurality of spaces connected to each other.

23. A cartridge according to claim 22.

24. When the recording device is attached to the recording device, the opening formed at the lower end of the fourth storage section in the vertical direction has a slit shape, The cross-sectional shape of the opening formed at the lower end of the fourth storage section in the vertical direction includes at least a corner portion.

24. A cartridge according to claim 23.

25. a second filter that covers an opening formed at an upper end of the fourth storage portion in a vertical direction when the fourth storage portion is attached to the recording device; 25. A cartridge according to claim 24.

26. When the recording device is attached to the recording apparatus, the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are linearly arranged along the extending direction.

15. A cartridge according to claim 14.

27. The first storage chamber contains a first type of liquid, The second storage chamber stores a second type of liquid different from the first type of liquid.

15. A cartridge according to claim 14.

28. When the nozzle is attached to the recording device, the nozzle is capable of ejecting liquid while moving back and forth along a vertical direction and a direction intersecting the extending direction.

3. A cartridge according to claim 1 or 2.

29. A mounting portion capable of mounting the cartridge according to claim 1 or 2; a discharge unit capable of recording an image by discharging a liquid onto a recording medium; 1. A device comprising:

Images