METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STORING AND SUPPLYING INK TO THERMAL INK JET PRINTER

摘要

PURPOSE: To provide a print head which has a cartridge containing a non- reticulation processed foam substance of high voids and improved ink-absorbing properties. CONSTITUTION: The apparatus for storing and supplying liquid ink to a heat- sensitive ink jet printer is provided with a printhead 20 having ink ejection nozzles 40 and an ink supply housing 34. The ink supply housing 34 defines an ink storage chamber 36 and, an ink flow path communicating with the printhead 20 and the ink storage chamber 36. An ink storage medium 46 and a scavenger member 45 are placed in the ink storage chamber for retaining and controllably supplying a fixed quantity of liquid ink from the chamber 36 with a required back pressure range at the printhead. The ink storage medium 46 is a medium density copolymer polyurethane foam 44 produced in a non-reticulation process and essentially consisting of a blend of polyether and polyester materials.