CN101195303A

CN101195303A - Liquid re-fill method

Info

Publication number: CN101195303A
Application number: CNA2007101640630A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 石泽辰郎; 锻治邦雄; 田口哲也
Original assignee: ST INDUSTRIAL Co Ltd
Current assignee: ST INDUSTRIAL Co Ltd
Priority date: 2006-10-20
Filing date: 2007-10-17
Publication date: 2008-06-11
Also published as: JP2008100462A

Abstract

The aim of the invention is to provide a liquid refilling method which is suitable to use in industry and can inject liquid into the container with considerable check valves and can simply refill the liquid. The liquid refilling method of the invention refills liquid into the container 20 and comprises the working procedures of supplying liquid to the leading-out path with a specific pressure and refilling the liquid into the container 20 which is a bag shape container and is accommodated in the frame 30, wherein the liquid is stored and the stored liquid is leaded out through the leading out path 40 which is arranged with a back valve 60 that closes the liquid flow circuit with the movement of the valve body 64, and the valve body 64 moves with the liquid flowing from the outside into the container 20.

Description

Liquid re-fill method

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of liquid be recharged liquid re-fill method to the container, relate in particular to a kind of being applicable to the liquid re-fill method in the container with check-valves is filled, is supplemented to liquid.

Background technology

In printing equipments such as ink-jet printer,, liquid ink prints by being injected into to be printed on the thing.Printing equipment, especially domestic small printing equipment are that ink is stored in the print cartridge, constantly ink are fed to printhead from print cartridge then, thereby print.But, because device must miniaturization, so even the thorough frequency of utilization of considering printer still can be designed to print cartridge itself lessly, and its capacity also is restricted.Therefore, need constantly to change print cartridge or replenish ink to print cartridge.

On the other hand, sneak in the ink in the print cartridge in order to prevent air etc., being to use of knowing is arranged on ink from the print cartridge to the printhead with check-valves is derived print cartridge on the path.Method is, in the time of will in print cartridge, injecting ink with this check-valves, because check valve body adopts the proportion material lighter than ink to form, when therefore injecting ink, the ink lead path is directly made progress, valve body is swum in the ink, thereby inject ink (consulting patent documentation 1) while under the inoperative state of check-valves, adjust flow velocity.

[patent documentation 1] Japan Patent spy open 2005-199516 number bulletin (the 8th, 9 page, Fig. 7)

Summary of the invention

But the material that proportion is lighter than ink is used as the way of valve body, can dwindle the range of choice that can be used as valve body material.In addition, the print cartridge of some band check-valves is to use the proportion valve body heavier than ink, generally speaking, injects comparatively difficulty of ink to these print cartridges.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a kind of liquid re-fill method, be suitable for industrial use, can inject liquid, perhaps can easily liquid be recharged to the container that has check-valves in a large number.

For reaching above-mentioned purpose, the present inventor is controlled in the proper range by the pressure that will impose on re-filling liquid through discovering with keen determination, can derive the path and inject liquid via ink.Therefore, Fig. 1 and shown in Figure 3 for example, liquid re-fill method of the present invention is the method to container 20 re-filling liquids, have with specified pressure guide outbound path 40 supply liquid and with liquid and recharge to the operation of container 20, described container 20 is a bag-like container, be accommodated in the framework 30, wherein store liquid, and by deriving the liquid derivation of path 40 with storage, and disposed the check-valves 60 that comes the closing liquid stream by the motion of valve body 64 in this derivation path 40, described valve body 64 is moved from outer flow flowing in container 20 by liquid.

So behind the structure, bag-like container is incorporated in the framework, recharges operation thereby can carry out liquid in free direction at the maintenance container.In addition, owing to be to come re-filling liquid, therefore can implement the operation that recharges of liquid easily in the mode of specified pressure supply liquid.

In addition, for example shown in Figure 3 in the described liquid re-fill method of the present invention, also can in described liquid re-fill method, liquid be recharged to container 20 by check-valves 60 backs.

So behind the structure, liquid recharges to container after by check-valves, therefore need not to change the operation that recharges that container can be implemented liquid.

In addition, in the described liquid re-fill method of the present invention, for example shown in Figure 4, also can be in described liquid re-fill method, valve body 64 is formed than the heavier material of liquid by proportion, makes the flow direction vertical direction by check-valves 60 during dispensing containers, implements liquid then and recharges operation.

So behind the structure, valve body is formed than the heavier material of liquid by proportion, and makes the flow direction vertical direction by check-valves during dispensing containers, promptly, make valve body be easy to leave, implement liquid then and recharge operation, so liquid recharges operation and will become easy to implement from the valve seat of check-valves.

In addition, for example shown in Figure 5 in the described liquid re-fill method of the present invention, also can in described liquid re-fill method,, recharge operation Yi Bian implement liquid Yi Bian container is vibrated along the moving direction of valve body 64 in the check-valves 60.

So behind the structure, the valve body of check-valves will vibrate along moving direction, so be easy to generate the gap between valve body and the valve seat, thereby can promptly liquid be recharged to container.

In addition, for example shown in Figure 6 in the liquid re-fill method of the present invention, also can in described liquid re-fill method, utilize the level head of liquid to reach specified pressure.

So behind the structure, the level head by liquid can obtain specified pressure, so this method is a kind of easy liquid re-fill method.

In addition, for example shown in Figure 7 in the described liquid re-fill method of the present invention, also can in described liquid re-fill method, utilize 104 pairs of liquid of pressue device to pressurize and reach specified pressure.

So behind the structure, just can easily obtain specified pressure by adjusting pressue device.And pressue device can be various pumps herein, also can be by manually pushing the device that piston pressurizes as syringe (Syringe), can also manually not push piston but possess the mechanism that utilizes spring etc. to push, also can be other pressue device that can reach specified pressure simultaneously.In addition, when the piston that syringe is such is used as pressue device, if the active force that puts on the piston is identical, then the pressure of pressure fluid and cylinder sectional area are inversely proportional to, therefore the more little then pressure of sectional area of cylinder is big more, therefore, must be noted that and guarantee to impose on the active force of piston in proper range.

In addition, for example shown in Figure 8 in the liquid re-fill method of the present invention, also can in described liquid re-fill method, utilize and reach specified pressure reducing pressure in the framework 30.

So behind the structure, by can reaching specified pressure, so there is not part in compression in the liquid flow path, even stream generation breakage also can prevent liquid splash to reducing pressure in the framework.

In addition, in the liquid re-fill method of the present invention, for example shown in Figure 9, also can be in described liquid re-fill method, deriving the stream 90 that formation is shunted check-valves 60 on the path 40, shunting stream 90 is always closed, but its closed condition can remove by the pressure of described liquid, recharge operation thereby can implement liquid to container 20.

So behind the structure, can remove the closed condition of shunting stream, implement liquid via the shunting stream to container and recharge operation, thereby can promptly liquid be recharged to container.

Compared with prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

Liquid re-fill method according to the present invention is described, because in the liquid re-fill method of container, have with specified pressure guide outbound path supply liquid, and liquid recharged operation to container, therefore, can recharge operation by implementing liquid with specified pressure supply liquid, and can realize that easy liquid recharges operation, described container is a bag-like container, be accommodated in the framework, wherein store liquid, and by the liquid derivation of derivation path with storage, and having disposed the check-valves that comes the closing liquid stream by the motion of valve body in this derivation path, described valve body is moved from outer flow flowing in container by liquid.In addition, because container is accommodated in the framework, recharge operation so can in free direction, carry out liquid at the maintenance container.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is that the employed container of present embodiment is the key diagram of print cartridge, and the stereogram under the loam cake state, the b-b sectional view of Fig. 1 (b) expression (a) have been removed in Fig. 1 (a) expression.

Fig. 2 is the partial cross section figure around the nozzle in the print cartridge.

Fig. 3 has inserted to inject nozzle on every side the partial cross section figure of ink with the supply pin.

Fig. 4 is the amplification sectional view that has shown second valve part of ink flow direction and gravity direction.

Fig. 5 is the amplification sectional view that has shown second valve part of direction of vibration.

Fig. 6 is that explanation utilizes the level head of ink to obtain pressure, recharges the ideograph of the method for ink.

Fig. 7 is that explanation utilizes pressue device that ink is pressurizeed, ink is recharged the ideograph of the method for print cartridge, what Fig. 7 (a) illustrated is the example that pressurizes with pressue device suction ink, what Fig. 7 (b) illustrated is the example of (a) method being improved for ease of exhaust, what Fig. 7 (c) illustrated is to the ink bottle pressurization, thereby to being fed to the example of the ink pressurization in the print cartridge.

Fig. 8 illustrates reducing pressure in the print cartridge, recharges the ideograph of the method for ink.

Fig. 9 utilizes the shunting stream that ink is recharged near the sectional view the nozzle in the print cartridge in the print cartridge.

Label declaration

10,12 print cartridges

20 China ink bags

30 print cartridge frames (framework)

32 print cartridge frame main bodys

34 loam cakes

36 confined spaces

38 airports

40 nozzles

50 first valve parts

52 portions

53,54 seal retainers

56 rubber seals

58 valve bodies

59 springs

60 second valves parts (check-valves)

62 main bodys

63,69 through holes

64 valve bodies

66 guides

68 valve seats

72 supply pins

82 ink tanks

84 pipes

86 tube connectors

88,115,118,124,127,138 on-off valves (cock)

90 shunting streams

92 seals

102,142 ink bottles

104 pressue devices

110,120,130 ink supply units

111,121,135 supply pipes

112,114,122,126,132,134 check-valves

113,125 pipes

117,129 recovery tubes

123 forcing pipes

131 air hoses

133 exhaust tubes

137 ventilation ducts

144 vacuum tubes

146 vacuum plants

The H difference in height

G gravity

Flowing of i ink

The v direction of vibration

The specific embodiment

Below consulting accompanying drawing describes embodiments of the present invention.In addition, for same or similar device mark same-sign among each figure, and omit repeat specification.

Fig. 1 is the figure that the print cartridge 10 as embodiment is described, and (a) stereogram under loam cake 34 states has been removed in expression, (b) the b-b sectional view of expression (a).In the print cartridge 10, framework is to have taken in black bag 20 in the print cartridge frame 30 as the ink storage container.Connected the nozzle 40 that is used to derive ink on the China ink bag 20.Nozzle 40 runs through print cartridge frame 30, and forms opening in print cartridge frame 30 outsides.

China ink bag 20 is the flexible bags that utilize the air-tightness material to form.Owing to have air-tightness, evaporate at the ink memory period so can prevent volatile ingredient contained in the ink.In addition,,, do not need in China ink bag 20, to inject air, can keep in the China ink bag to only storing the state of ink so be accompanied by the outflow of ink because the China ink bag has flexibility.Therefore, can prevent to evaporate the ink of volatile ingredient in China ink bag 20.

Print cartridge frame 30 comprises the loam cake 34 of removing the print cartridge frame main body 32 that is square behind the framework upper surface and covering print cartridge frame main body 32 opening portions.Taken in China ink bag 20 in the print cartridge frame 30 (main body 32), at the airport 38 that opening is formed with on the whole of nozzle 40.Be covered with at print cartridge frame 30 under the state of loam cake 34,, can form airtight shape confined space 36 if close airport 38.Print cartridge frame main body 32 is connected airtightly with loam cake 34, and print cartridge frame main body 32 is connected airtightly with nozzle 40, only relies on airport 38 confined space 36 and external communications.Also can cover the opening portion of print cartridge frame main body 32 with airtight thin slice, replace being tightly connected of print cartridge frame main body 32 and loam cake 34.Thus, make confined spaces 36 in the print cartridge frame 30 become airtight conditions after, from airport 38 air-breathing can decompressions to confined space 36.In addition, flexible bag-like China ink bag 20 is accommodated in the print cartridge frame 30, therefore, supports print cartridge frame 30, can be at an easy rate with China ink bag 20 states that are configured to towards any direction.Print cartridge frame main body 32 and loam cake 34 typical structures are to form with plastics.

Then, consult Fig. 2, the structure of nozzle 40 is described.Fig. 2 is the partial cross section figure around the nozzle 40 in the print cartridge 10 (and the sectional view on the plane that the bottom surface of print cartridge frame 30 parallels among Fig. 1 (a)).Nozzle 40 typical structures are to have the first valve part 50 and the 2nd valve part 60.The first valve part 50 is positioned at the open side (outside of print cartridge frame 30) of nozzle 40, and the second valve part 60 is positioned at China ink bag 20 sides.

The first valve part 50 is formed with valve mechanism on the hollow space of hollow circle tube tube portion 52.Dispose rubber seal 56 near the opening of tube portion 52.Rubber seal 56 sealed guard rings 53 and seal retainer 54 are clamped, position with this, wherein seal retainer 53 is at the openend of tube portion 52 or near interior side-prominent to hollow space it, and seal retainer 54 is interior side-prominent to hollow space in the position of clamping rubber seal 56.Rubber seal 56 has and is used for and external diameter that the hollow space of tube portion 52 connects airtight, with a consistent direction of nozzle 40 on be formed with openings.Openings becomes big at seal retainer 53 side diameters, diminishes at seal retainer 54 side diameters, and crosses seal retainer 54 and give prominence to.Valve body 58 is connected to crosses seal retainer 54 and outstanding rubber seal 56.Valve body 58 is a block, has the face that covers the openings that rubber seal 56 places form, and is applied power towards rubber seal 56 sides by spring 59, and plug closes the openings of rubber seal 56.Spring 59 is typically and uses an end to be connected to the helical spring that valve body 58, the other end are connected to the second valve part, 60 sides in the portion 52, with compressed state configuration, with certain force with valve body 58 by to rubber seal 56.

The second valve part 60 has the external diameter identical with the tube portion 52 of the first valve part 50, is formed with valve mechanism in the main body 62 that is connected in one.Main body 62 is connected with the tube portion 52 of the first valve part 50.At the middle body of main body, on the direction consistent, be formed with hollow space with the axle of nozzle 40.The typical shape of hollow space is cylindrical, and therefore following explanation is to be divided into example with cylindrical hollow to describe, but also can be other shape.Basically, the both sides of hollow space (columniform end face side) all is closed.But, be formed with through hole 63 in the side that is connected of the tube portion 52 with the first valve part 50, be used for the hollow space of connecting cylinder portion 52 and the hollow space of main body 62.Through hole 63 typical structures are that a plurality of holes that disperse on the end face by hollow space constitute.In addition, be formed with the through hole 69 of the hollow space that is used to connect the inner and main body 62 of China ink bag 20 in China ink bag 20 sides.Through hole 69 typical structures are the consistent central shafts of axle that have with nozzle 40, and diameter is for example smaller or equal to 1/2nd path hole of hollow space diameter.As mentioned above owing to be formed with hollow space and through hole 63 and 69, so in the nozzle 40 through the first valve part 50 and the second valve part 60, connect print cartridge 10 outside streams and communicate with China ink bag 20 inside.

Taken in valve body 64 in the hollow space of the main body 62 of the second valve part 60.Valve body 64 is a circular plate type, can move in hollow space along the direction of principal axis of nozzle 40.Valve body 64 connects airtight to fill in by the hollow space end face with China ink bag 20 sides and closes through hole 69.The diameter of valve body 64 is less than the diameter of hollow space, when valve body 64 skew takes place in hollow space causes valve body 64 to fill in to close through hole 69, as shown in Figure 2, the skew that guide 66 comes limiting valve body 64 can be set in hollow space.On the other hand, through hole 63 is formed by a plurality of holes decentralized configuration, can't fill in and close all through holes 63 when valve body 64 connects airtight hollow space end face in the first valve part, 50 sides guaranteeing.Therefore, valve body 64 moves under the fluid effect of flowing, and the second valve part 60 can be come change-over switch according to the flow direction of fluid.That is, ink is along by nozzle 40, and when directions that flow out from China ink bag 20 flowed, valve body 64 can't be filled in and close through hole 63 to through hole 63 side shiftings, and ink can flow; When the direction in the ink longshore current is gone into China ink bag 20 flowed, valve body 64 was to through hole 69 side shiftings, and plug closes through hole 69, and ink can't flow.Thus, the second valve part 60 be check-valves.In addition, close through hole 69 for valve body 64 is filled in more accurately, make through hole 69 peripheral part to the hollow space lateral process usually, formation and valve body 64 be the valve seat 68 of tightlock status in the form of a ring.In addition, typical structure is: valve body 64 is formed by macromolecule membrane, comprises that the main body 62 of valve seat 68 is formed by plastics.

Print cartridge 10 discussed above is to close the first valve part 50 under the state that print cartridge 10 is not installed to the printer (not shown), thereby can prevent that the ink that is stored in the China ink bag 20 from flowing out to the outside.After being installed to print cartridge 10 on the printer, under the effect of the pin (not shown) that forms in the ink inlet place of printer, the application of force of the valve body 58 antagonism springs 59 of the first valve part 50, pressed to China ink bag 20 sides, produce the gap between valve body 58 and the rubber seal 56, ink flows by first valve 50.

Be stored in inks in the China ink bag 20 will flow out the time, as mentioned above, ink flows by the second valve part 60 as check-valves, flows out from print cartridge 10.On the other hand, when ink will be from external reflux to China ink bag in 20 the time, the second valve part 60 can block that it is mobile.Therefore, can prevent that ink from attending by fouling product and returning from external reflux, and can prevent that air from sneaking into.

After ink in this print cartridge 10 uses up, in the time of perhaps will replenishing the ink of minimizing, just need recharge ink.In this case, preferably recharge ink, do not need to be provided with other opening via nozzle 40.But, be difficult to usually recharge ink via nozzle 40 because the second valve part 60 is a check-valves.

Therefore, as the embodiments of the present invention example, Fig. 3 represents ink is injected the situation of print cartridge 10.Fig. 3 has inserted to inject nozzle 40 on every side the partial cross section figure of ink with supply pin 72.(consult the utensil that injects inks among Fig. 6～Fig. 8) to print cartridge 10, be to be formed with ink to flow out high rigidity hollow tube with the hole at the tip to supply pin 72 for hereinafter described ink supply unit.Here said high rigidity is meant and can pushes the valve body 58 of the first valve part 50 by the tip of supply pin 72 that the application of force of antagonism spring 59 makes valve body 58 leave the rigidity of rubber seal 56.

Utilize supply pin 72 to make valve body 58 leave rubber seal 56, thereby the openings of the rubber seal 56 of the open first valve part 50 can circulate ink.That is, the first valve part 50 becomes open mode.Therefore, when making ink from 72 outflows of supply pin, ink can flow into the inside (valve body 58 to second valve parts 60 sides) of the first valve part 50.The ink that flow in the first valve part 50 passes through through hole 63, flows to the hollow space of the second valve part 60.The interior ink of hollow space that flows into the second valve part 60 can connect airtight in valve seat 68 it with valve body 64 by to valve seat 68 sides.Therefore, ink can't flow in the through hole 69, but rests on herein.

The valve body 64 of the second valve part 60 and valve seat 68 are under the effect of ink pressure, and valve body 64 is pressed to valve seat 68, thereby stop flowing of fluid.But under the effect of ink pressure, the valve body 64 that is pressed contacts with valve seat 68, has only stoped flowing of fluid, and sealing does not fully still have the leakage that may produce trace.Therefore, can make to produce in the second valve part 60 as check-valves and reflux, ink is slowly flowed by being continuously applied a certain pressure.That is, if, just can use nozzle 40 in print cartridge 10, to recharge ink with behind the lasting supply of the specified pressure ink certain hour.At this, used specified pressure depends on the factors such as flatness of classification, the especially structure of the second valve part 60, valve body 64 and the valve seat 68 of print cartridge 10, the pressure of the print cartridge 10 preferred 1.96～98.1kPa of present embodiment when continuing the supply ink.If pressure is less than 1.96kPa, then ink almost can't flow in the print cartridge 10, more can't carry out recharging to print cartridge 10 operation of ink substantially.In addition, if pressure greater than 98.1kPa, then the degree of connecting airtight of valve body 64 and valve seat 68 increases, liquid is difficult to produce to leak, and the danger that damages print cartridge 10 is arranged.That is to say, can select suitable pressure limit according to the kind of the second valve part 60, liquid.

The valve body 64 of the second valve part 60 uses macromolecule membrane and forms, and its proportion is heavier than liquid such as inks usually.That is, when the hollow space of the second valve part 60 was full of ink, valve body 64 can be because of buoyancy float yet, but was held by the direction along gravity.

Therefore, be when print cartridge 10 inject ink, as shown in Figure 4, the preferred disposition second valve part 60 is so that can flow to vertical direction by the liquid of check-valves.Fig. 4 is the amplification sectional view of the second valve part 60, and above-below direction is consistent with the direction vertically that has disposed the second valve part 60 among the figure, and thick arrow i represents the flow direction of ink, and dotted arrow g represents to act on the gravity direction of valve body 64.Even ink is mobile identical, when the mobile i of ink is opposite with gravity g direction, with valve body 64 by to valve seat 68 firmly can reduce, the valve of promptly closing the second valve part 60 firmly weakens, the ink easy to leak that is to say easily ink to be injected in the China ink bag 20.More opposite extreme situations is, with utilize ink pressure and upwards compare by the power of valve body 64, if it is bigger to act on the power that the gravity of valve body 64 deducts behind the buoyancy, then valve body 64 can lift off a seat 68, the second valve part 60 is not closed, ink can flow, but valve body 64 to lift off a seat 68 be not the necessary condition that ink flows in the second valve part 60.

In addition, as shown in Figure 5, the second valve part 60 is vibrated along the moving direction of valve body 64.This vibration characteristics (cycle, amplitude) can make valve body 64 lift off a seat and 68 get final product, and perhaps can produce 68 the effective inertia force of being about to lift off a seat to valve seat 64 and get final product, and cycle and amplitude need not to be fixed value.Fig. 5 is the amplification sectional view of the second valve part 60, and arrow v represents direction of vibration.Second valve 60 vibrates along the moving direction of valve body 64, thereby valve body 64 periodically lifts off a seat 68 or be about to lift off a seat 68.That is, the mobile quilt of ink in the second valve part 60 periodically opened, and perhaps the power of closing weakens, and leaks easily.Therefore, ink refluxes in the second valve part 60 easily, flows.

At this, as shown in Figure 1, when the China ink bag 20 of storage ink in the print cartridge 10 and nozzle 40 are accommodated in the print cartridge frame 30 integratedly, then can support the second valve part 60 by print cartridge frame 30 as framework, therefore easily change the second valve part 60 towards or make the second valve part 60 produce vibration easily.Especially when China ink bag 20 was flexible bag, it was easily impaired because of bending fatigue to prevent to put upside down the back sack, prevents because of the vibration repeated deformation, causes the sack fatiguability impaired.

Then, consult Fig. 6～Fig. 8, the method that recharges ink to print cartridge 10 is described.Fig. 6 is that explanation utilizes the level head of ink to obtain the ideograph of the ink re-fill method of pressure.The ink tank 82 of storage ink is arranged on the position higher than print cartridge 10.Be connected with the pipe 84 that is used to flow out ink in the ink tank 82, the other end of pipe is connected with print cartridge 10.In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, be arranged with a plurality of print cartridges 10, branch out the tube connector 86 that leads to each print cartridge 10, it is connected with print cartridge 10 respectively from pipe 84.Be in detail, branching out short tube from pipe 84 is tube connector 86, through on-off valve or cock 88, links to each other with supply pin 72.Supply pin 72 is inserted into the nozzle 40 interior (consulting Fig. 2) of print cartridge 10.Cock 88 is used to prevent that ink from produce leaking, and be set as out when the print cartridge 10 that connects recharges ink to being attached thereto, and is set as the pass in pulling down during print cartridge 10 grades.

Ink tank 82 is arranged on the position higher than print cartridge 10, when ink density is γ, when the difference in height of ink tank 82 and print cartridge 10 is H, utilizes the level head of γ H, the inks in the print cartridge 10 can produce pressure (gauge pressure).In addition, say scrupulously that H is meant the difference in height of the ink level that ink level and the print cartridge 10 in the ink tank 82 is interior.In the present embodiment, height difference H is made as 0.2m～10m.If height difference H is less than 0.2m, then the ink pressure in the print cartridge 10 diminishes, and is very few at the quantity of ink that check-valves promptly refluxes, leaks in the second valve part 60 (consulting Fig. 2).But under the described situation of Fig. 5, to make the second valve part 60 be print cartridge 10 when the moving direction of valve body 64 vibrates, even height difference H is 0.05m, ink still can leak.In addition, if height difference H greater than 10m, the ink pressure in the print cartridge 10 is excessive, the possibility that print cartridge 10, especially China ink bag 20 (consulting Fig. 1) produce damage improves.In addition, if strengthen height difference H to a certain extent, then pressure correspondingly reduces, and guarantees to cause the minimizing of height difference H also can ignore because the ink level in the ink tank 82 reduces or print cartridge 10 interior liquid levels rise.That is to say, can be constantly with specified pressure supply ink.In addition, suitable height H clearly can be subjected to the influence of factors such as shape of structure, ink character (viscosity, density etc.), pipe 84, tube connector 86, cock 88 and the supply pin 72 of print cartridge 10.

In addition, if the capacity of ink tank 82 is big, then can continue to a plurality of print cartridge 10 supply inks.In addition, a plurality of print cartridges 10 are linked together, just can recharge ink with specified pressure to a plurality of print cartridges 10 simultaneously, utilization recharges the used time of ink to a print cartridge 10, can finish the operation that recharges ink simultaneously to a plurality of print cartridges 10, therefore can recharge ink to a large amount of print cartridge 10, be suitable for industry and use.To when a large amount of print cartridge 10 recharges ink, should earlier cock 88 be made as the pass, make the ink in the supply pin 72 that is connected with cock 88 stop to flow out, under this state print cartridge 10 is being installed on this supply pin 72.After print cartridge 10 installations, cock 88 is made as out, recharges ink, after recharging operation and finishing, cock 88 is made as the pass, pull down print cartridge 10 to print cartridge 10.As mentioned above, by adjusting the open and close of cock 88, Yi Bian can be constantly to other print cartridge 10 supply inks, Yi Bian load and unload print cartridge 10.

Then, consult Fig. 7, for utilizing pressue device 104 to pressurize, whereby the ink that will be fed in the print cartridge 10 is exerted pressure, the method that recharges ink describes.Fig. 7 is that explanation utilizes 104 pairs of ink pressurizations of pressue device, recharge the ideograph of the method for ink to print cartridge 10, what (a) illustrate is the example that utilizes pressue device 104 suction inks, pressurizes, what (b) illustrate is the example of (a) method being improved for ease of exhaust, what (c) illustrate is to ink bottle 102 pressurizations, to being fed to the example of the ink pressurization in the print cartridge 10.In addition, what Fig. 7 represented is syringe class cylinder and the piston structure that is used as pressue device 104, but pressue device 104 also can be other device of knowing.In addition, pressure method and indefinite can not adopt the method for staff operated piston, and utilize spring or weight to pressurize.

The key diagram that Fig. 7 (a) is to use ink supply unit 110 to operate, the ink with in the pressue device 104 suction ink bottles 102 by pressurization, arrives ink feed in the print cartridge 10.Ink bottle 102 is the containers that are used to store the ink that will replenish.What illustrate is the syringe class cylinder and piston structure that is used as pressue device 104 herein.Be connected with pipe 113 in the nozzle of pressue device 104.Pipe 113 is connected with the nozzle 40 (consulting Fig. 1) of print cartridge 10 via supply pin 72.Dispose on-off valve or cock 115 in the pipe 113, and disposing check-valves 114 near supply pin 72 places.Check-valves 114 allow inks from pressue device 104 to the flowing of print cartridge 10, stop ink to reflux.There is supply pipe 111 in pipe 113 branch between cock 115 and check-valves 114, is connected near the bottom in the ink bottle 102.Dispose check-valves 112 in the supply pipe 111, allow ink from ink bottle 102 to the flowing of pipe 113, stop ink to reflux.There is recovery tube 117 in pipe 113 branch between pressue device 104 and cock 115, is connected to the top of ink bottle 102.Disposing on-off valve in the recovery tube 117 is cock 118.

Use ink supply unit 110 when print cartridge 10 replenishes ink, after installing shown in Fig. 7 (a), cock 115 is made as out, cock 118 is made as the pass, utilizes pressue device 104 to aspirate.So under the effect of check-valves 114, print cartridge 10 sides can not be sucked, ink is sucked in the pressue device 104 from ink bottle 102 by supply pipe 111 and pipe 113.But the air that remains in supply pipe 111 and the pipe 113 also can be sucked in the lump.If air is blended in the print cartridge 10 Jimo bags 20 (consulting Fig. 1), can hinder the printing of ink-jet printer (not shown), therefore require to suppress sneaking into of air as far as possible.Therefore, cock 115 can be made as the pass, cock 118 is made as out, and utilizes pressue device 104 pressurize (discharge).So the ink of sneaking into air turns back in the ink bottle 102 by recovery tube 117.At this moment, cock 115 is made as out, cock 118 is made as the pass again, utilizes pressue device 104 to aspirate.At this moment, no air is residual in supply pipe 111 and the pipe 113, and therefore only ink is sucked in the pressue device 104.Then, switch cock 115 and 118 does not directly utilize pressue device 104 to pressurize.So under the effect of check-valves 112, ink can't flow to ink bottle 102, but will flow to print cartridge 10.

But owing to be provided with the second valve part 60 (consulting Fig. 2) as check-valves in the print cartridge 10, ink can't flow into swimmingly, the piston that can produce and the push pressue device 104 corresponding pressure of exerting oneself.When the pressure of ink generation is specified pressure, as mentioned above, can produce leakage, have small volume of ink and in the second valve part 60, reflux.Therefore, behind process certain hour under this state, ink is recharged in the print cartridge 10.At this moment, check-valves 112 also can produce leakage, in order to suppress this leakage, can dispose on-off valve or cock in supply pipe 111.The capacity of pressue device 104 is less, when the back ink that once aspirates, pressurizes can not fill up print cartridge 10, can aspirate repeatedly, pressurize with pressue device 104, need not switch cock 115 and 118.So,, only need

switch cock

115 and 118 when initial suction, can utilize pressue device 104 to aspirate repeatedly, pressurize, just can in print cartridge 10, recharge ink easily by ink supply unit simple in structure 110.

In addition, in ink supply unit 110 employed pressue devices 104, when the ink pressure that is supplied to print cartridge 10 is 1.96～98.1kPa, if being pushed the used mean force 49N of syringe, staff is applied on the piston, then the diameter of cylinder can be 17.8～1.1cm.With diameter is the cylinder of 17.8～0.8cm when recharging the 10ml ink, needs supply be equivalent to the long i.e. ink of 0.04～20cm of cylinder.Herein, the cylinder of diameter 0.8cm is equivalent to the 1ml syringe sold on the market approximately, and the 50ml that sells on the market is about about 2.8cm with the cylinder bore of syringe.

Fig. 7 (b) improves ink supply unit 110, so that the operation instruction figure of the ink supply unit 120 of exhaust.In the ink supply unit 120, from ink bottle 102, by supply pipe 121, through check-valves 122, be connected to pipe 125 by arm, through check-valves 126, supply pin 72, the structure that reaches print cartridge 10 is identical with ink supply unit 110.But in supply pipe 121, there is forcing pipe 123 in branch between arm that leads to pipe 125 and check-valves 122, leads to pressue device 104.Dispose on-off valve or cock 124 in the forcing pipe 123.Pressue device 104 is configured to the state with the ink discharge of suction up.In addition, be connected in the pipe 125 of print cartridge 10 and dispose on-off valve or cock 127, clamp the arm of pipe 125 and supply pipe 121, be configured in the opposition side of print cartridge 10, recovery tube 129 is from the place ahead branch of cock 127, and recovery tube 129 is connected to the top of ink bottle.Pipe 125 the place aheads that branch out recovery tube 129 are that air vent and atmosphere communicate.In addition, the air vent side of pipe 125 disposes vertically upward.At this, the pressue device 104 of ink supply unit 120 is identical with the pressue device 104 of ink supply unit 110, Therefore, omited repeat specification.

Use ink supply unit 120 when print cartridge 10 recharges ink, after installing shown in Fig. 7 (b), cock 124 is made as out, cock 127 is made as the pass, utilizes pressue device 104 to aspirate.So under the effect of check-valves 126, print cartridge 10 sides can not be sucked, ink is sucked in the pressue device 104 from ink bottle 102 by supply pipe 121 and pipe 123.But the air that remains in supply pipe 121 and the pipe 123 also can be sucked in the lump.In addition, be not all to be full of in the supply pipe 121, moreover leading to also residually in the pipe 125 of print cartridge 10 have an air by ink.Therefore, cock 127 is made as open, utilize pressue device 104 pressurize (discharge).So under the effect of check-valves 122, the ink that is mixed with air can not flow to ink bottle 102 sides, but flow in the pipe 125.After ink flow in the pipe 125, because the top of pipe 125 is that air vent and atmosphere communicate, so air can rise slowly, communicates with atmosphere by air vent.When ink rose in pipe 125, ink can flow to recovery tube 129 sides, was recycled in the ink bottle 102, and therefore as long as ink does not rise in pipe 125 rapidly, ink just can not be discharged from by air vent.That is, utilize pressue device 104 to adjust pressure, make ink be unlikely in pipe 125, to rise rapidly and get final product.Therefore, after air is discharged from, again cock 127 is made as the pass, utilizes pressue device 104 to aspirate, pressurize, to flowing to the ink pressurization of print cartridge 10, ink is recharged in the print cartridge 10 whereby.Owing to be merely able to stop ink to flow to ink bottle 102 from pressue device 104 by check-valves 122, therefore can dispose the on-off valve (not shown), suppress the backflow of ink to ink bottle 102.Ink supply unit 120 can't compressed air in the air of conscientiously discharging in the pipe 125, can prevent that therefore compressible fluid from being that compression, the expansion of air causes ink spattering.

Then, Fig. 7 (c) utilizes 104 pairs of ink bottles of pressue device 102 pressurization rather than suction ink, whereby the operation instruction figure of the ink supply unit 130 that the ink that will be supplied to print cartridge 10 is pressurizeed.In the ink supply unit 130, be connected to air hose 131 in the nozzle of pressue device 104, be connected to the top of ink bottle 102 through check-valves 132.Check-valves 132 allow air from pressue device 104 to the flowing of ink bottle 102, stop air to reflux.There is exhaust tube 133 in branch between pressue device 104 and the check-valves 132, and exhaust tube 133 is communicated with through check-valves 134 and atmosphere.Check-valves 134 allows atmosphere to flow into, and stops atmosphere to reflux.Supply pipe 135 originates near the bottom in the ink bottle 102, through supply pin 72, is connected to print cartridge 10.Branch has ventilation duct 137 and atmosphere to be connected from supply pipe 135.Dispose on-off valve or cock 138 in the ventilation duct 137.

Use ink supply unit 130 when print cartridge 10 recharges ink, after shown in Fig. 7 (c), installing, utilize pressue device 104 to aspirate.So under the effect of check-valves 132, ink bottle 102 sides can not be sucked, air is sucked into from atmosphere in the pressue device 104 by exhaust tube 133.Then, utilize pressue device 104 pressurizations (discharge), under the effect of check-valves 134, air can not flow to exhaust tube 133 sides, but is fed in the ink bottle 102, and is pressurized in the ink bottle 102.In the ink bottle 102 pressurized after, ink is expressed in the supply pipe 135.Be expressed in the ink in the supply pipe 135 and can sneak into the air that enters at first in the supply pipe 135, therefore cock 138 will be made as open, air is discharged in the atmosphere by ventilation duct 137.After air is discharged from, cock 138 is made as the pass.After cock 138 is made as the pass, utilize pressue device 104 that air is sent in the ink bottle 102, to being fed to the inks pressurization in the print cartridge 10, ink is recharged in the print cartridge 10 whereby.Under the effect of check-valves 134, pressurized air can not reflux in exhaust tube 133, stops backflow more accurately but can dispose on-off valve yet.So, use ink supply unit 130, ink can't be sucked in the pressue device 104, and therefore, for example the different ink of color also can a shared pressue device 104.In addition, pressue device 104 also can use general compressor reducer or air blast, at this time can omit exhaust tube 133 and check-valves 132 and 134.

Then, consult Fig. 8, illustrate, thereby recharge the method for ink decompression in the print cartridge 10.Fig. 8 is used to illustrate the ideograph that decompression in the print cartridge 10 is recharged the method for ink.Through supply pin 72, ink bottle 142 is connected to the nozzle 40 (consulting Fig. 2) of print cartridge 10.Ink bottle 142 can directly be connected with supply pin 72, also can in advance supply pin 72 be set on the ink bottle 142.Be connected with vacuum tube 144 in the airport 38 (consulting Fig. 1) of print cartridge 10.Vacuum tube 144 is connected to vacuum plant 146, to the decompression of the confined space 36 (consulting Fig. 1) in the print cartridge 10.Vacuum plant 146 can be the syringe identical with pressue device 104, also can be vavuum pump.

After confined space 36 (consulting Fig. 1) in the print cartridge 10 was depressurized, inner China ink bag 20 (consulting Fig. 1) for normal pressure were expanded, and the second valve part 60 (consulting Fig. 2) produces differential pressure.That is, this state is included in the concept and range of " with specified pressure supply ink " with ink to be applied specified pressure identical with the state of supplying operation.Said herein specified pressure is expressed as the vacuum of confined space 36, in the present embodiment be-13.3～-101kPa.If the quantity of ink that vacuum less than-13.3kPa, then refluxes in as the second valve part 60 of check-valves, leaks is very few.In addition, if vacuum is greater than-101kPa, then valve body 64 (consulting Fig. 2) and valve seat 68 (consulting Fig. 2) connect airtight the area increase, the quantity of ink minimizing that in the second valve part 60, refluxes, leaks, and perhaps print cartridge 10, especially China ink bag 20 (consulting Fig. 1) produce the possibility raising of damage.So, be to decompression in the print cartridge 10 during with the supply ink, vacuum plant 146 and vacuum tube 144 be suction air only, and for example the different ink of color also can a shared vacuum plant 146 and vacuum tube 144.In addition, ink is not pressurized, even if therefore for a certain reason ink leakage also can prevent ink spattering to outside.

Then, consult Fig. 9, print cartridge 12 is formed with shunting stream 90 in the second valve part 60, method from ink to print cartridge 12 that utilize this shunting stream 90 to recharge is described.Fig. 9 is near the sectional view (with the sectional view of Fig. 2 same level) the nozzle 40 of print cartridge 12.Below, the difference with print cartridge 10 illustrated in fig. 2 mainly is described.Be formed with through hole in the tube portion 52 of the inside of the first valve part 50 (valve body 58 to second valve parts 60 sides) and promptly shunt stream 90.Seal 92 is posted in the outside of shunting stream 90, closes shunting stream 90.In addition, shunting stream 90 is used for injecting ink when making print cartridge 12, after ink injects, sticks seal 92 by the mode that for example heating adheres to, and closes shunting stream 90.Via shunting stream 90, ink is injected in the China ink bag 20, therefore China ink bag 20 should surround shunting stream 90.

Will be when China ink bag 20 recharge ink, as mentioned above, being not limited only to by check-valves is the method that the second valve part 60 recharges ink, also can remove closing of shunting stream 90, recharges ink.That is, the seal 92 of closing shunting stream 90 is peeled off and got final product.For peel seal 92, can improve the ink pressure that to supply.In the present embodiment, ink pressure is 98.1～981kPa.After being made as described pressure, promptly pealable seals 92, via shunting stream 90, ink directly can be recharged in the China ink bag 20, need not by the second valve part 60.If the pressure of ink is lower, then can't peel seal 92, if but ink pressure is too high, for example greater than 981kPa, then might cause damage to China ink bag 20, cause ink leakage.In addition, after seal 92 is stripped from, just can't use the function of the second valve part 60, but in common use, air can be blended into seldom in the print cartridge 12 filling is caused obstruction, therefore there is no question of substance.

As mentioned above, ink supply unit is meant ink supply unit shown in Figure 7 110,120,130, comprising ink bottle 102 (in the example of Fig. 6 for ink tank 82), supply pin 72, connect the pipe of ink bottle 102 and supply pin 72 and be configured in valve type in each pipe, is that all devices that are used for recharging to print cartridge 10 ink (do not comprise print cartridge 10.)。In addition, also comprise pressue device 104 etc. in the example of Fig. 7, also comprise vacuum plant 146 etc. in the example of Fig. 8.In addition, the part except that ink bottle 102 is also referred to as and replenishes external member again in ink supply unit 110,120,130 shown in Figure 7 or the ink supply unit 110,120,130.

In addition, in the example of Fig. 6～Fig. 8, print cartridge 10 might not resemble and utilize the second valve part 60 (consulting Fig. 2) to make ink flow to vertical direction the diagram, but when the proportion of valve body 64 is heavier than ink, preferably make ink flow to vertical direction, in addition, Yi Bian preferably make the moving direction vibration of print cartridge 10 along valve body 64, Yi Bian recharge ink.

In said embodiment, be thin plate at valve body 64 as the second valve part 60 (consulting Fig. 2, Fig. 9) of check-valves, can move freely along the flow direction of ink and be illustrated, but also can be that a end with valve body is fixed on the valve seat, be fixed as the center with this, make the valve body swing, thereby switch the structure of Push And Release, valve body need not one and is decided to be thin plate, also can be for example spherical block.In addition, can there be the first valve part 50 yet.

[embodiment 1]

The print cartridge that preparation uses up (manufacturer: Epson, model: ICLM35), measure its weight.Weight is 19g.Prepare ink bottle (manufacturer: ELECOM, the name of an article: the LM of " Epson is with recharging the ink external member ").The band nozzle embolism that is installed to this ink bottle ink discharge outlet is in advance pulled down.End at transparent vinyl chloride tubulation of external diameter 6mm, internal diameter 4mm, total length 0.7m is installed the anchor clamps (supply pin) that can seal, be fitted to print cartridge ink inside outlet, at the other end anchor clamps that can be fitted to described ink bottle ink inside outlet (preassembled band nozzle embolism is removed the back) are installed, near these two ends, on-off valve are installed.Then, pipe and print cartridge are connected to the ink bottle that is full of ink.Then, the ink discharge outlet that makes print cartridge is towards the below, and the on-off valve of print cartridge side is made as the pass, the on-off valve of ink bottle side is made as out, described ink bottle is put upside down (ink discharge outlet down), ink bottle is fixed to 0.7m position, print cartridge top, (bottom of ink bottle) offers suction hole on top.Afterwards, the on-off valve of print cartridge side is made as out, begins to inject ink.After 120 minutes, the liquid level of ink bottle no longer reduces, and pulls down print cartridge, measures its weight.The weight of print cartridge is 31g.That is, recharged the 12g ink.Postscript it, the print cartridge weight of new product of the same race is about 32g, that is to say that ink is full of print cartridge substantially.

If the proportion of ink is about 1, then the pressure that level head produced of 0.7m fluid column is about 0.07kPa, therefore can confirm the pressure supply ink with about 0.07kPa, and check-valves is refluxed, and ink can be recharged in the print cartridge.

[embodiment 2]

In embodiment 2, (manufacturer: Epson, model: ICBK35), pipe total length 2.3m, ink bottle are fixed on 2.3m position, print cartridge top to the print cartridge model of change embodiment 1.In addition, be made as out to the on-off valve with the print cartridge side, the operation that begins to inject till the ink is identical with embodiment 1.Before beginning to inject ink, print cartridge weight is 20g.Begin to inject ink after 120 minutes, the liquid level of ink bottle no longer reduces, and pulls down print cartridge, measures its weight, and print cartridge weight is 32g.That is, recharged the 12g ink.Postscript it, the print cartridge weight of new product of the same race is about 32g, that is to say that ink is full of print cartridge substantially.

Identical with embodiment 1, ink proportion is about 1, and the pressure that level head produced of 2.3m fluid column is about 0.23kPa, therefore can confirm the pressure supply ink with about 0.23kPa, and check-valves is refluxed, and ink can be recharged in the print cartridge.

[embodiment 3]

In embodiment 3, the pipe total length of embodiment 1 is made as 0.4m, ink bottle is fixed on 0.4m position, print cartridge top, up-down vibration (amplitude 0.1m, vibration frequency 100 times/minute) print cartridge during injecting ink.In addition, to print cartridge side on-off valve is made as out, the operation that begins to inject till the ink is identical with embodiment 1.Before beginning to inject ink, print cartridge weight is 19.5g, begins to inject ink after 5.5 minutes, and the liquid level of ink bottle no longer reduces, and pulls down print cartridge, measures its weight.Print cartridge weight is 32g.That is, recharged the 12.5g ink, ink is full of print cartridge substantially.

Compare with embodiment 1, pressure is lower, be about 0.004kPa, but only need can recharge roughly with the ink of measuring with the time below 1/20th of embodiment 1, therefore can confirm: by vibrating the China ink bag, that is to say that check-valves is vibrated along the moving direction of valve body refluxes check-valves, can accelerate to recharge to print cartridge the speed of ink.

[embodiment 4]

The same with embodiment 1, connect the print cartridge that uses up (manufacturer: Epson, model: ICLM35) and ink bottle (manufacturer: ELECOM, the name of an article: the LM of " Epson usefulness recharges the ink external member ") with transparent vinyl chloride tubulation of external diameter 6mm, internal diameter 4mm band on-off valve.In addition, an on-off valve only is installed in the pipe.In addition, the weight of print cartridge is 19g.Then, the ink discharge outlet that makes print cartridge is towards the below, and the on-off valve of transparent vinyl chloride tubulation is made as out, and makes described ink bottle put upside down (ink discharge outlet down), ink bottle and print cartridge are fixed on the identical horizontal plane, and (bottom of ink bottle) offers suction hole on top.Then, utilize syringe, the print cartridge frame airport suction air from print cartridge, confined space is decompressed to-66.7kPa after, the liquid level of ink bottle reduces, beginning is to China ink bag supply ink.After 120 minutes, the liquid level of ink bottle no longer reduces, and pulls down print cartridge, measures its weight.Print cartridge weight is 28g.That is, recharged the 9g ink.

Can confirm: even if reduce pressure in the print cartridge frame to print cartridge, after two hours, check-valves is refluxed, can recharge ink to print cartridge.

[embodiment 5]

The same with embodiment 1, prepare the print cartridge (manufacturer: Epson, model: ICLM35), measure its weight that uses up.Weight is 19.7g.Prepare ink bottle (manufacturer: ELECOM, the name of an article: the LM of " Epson is with recharging the ink external member ").Utilize syringe (tube internal diameter 5mm, tube length 50mm) from ink bottle, to aspirate ink, by anchor clamps (supply pin) with the tip seal of syringe, be fitted to the ink discharge outlet of print cartridge, push injection tube then, ink is injected in the print cartridge.Utilize syringe to inject ink 11 times, 4 minutes consuming time.Pull down print cartridge then, measure print cartridge weight.Weight is 32g.That is, recharged the 12.3g ink, ink is full of print cartridge substantially.In addition, cut off print cartridge with cutter afterwards, observe inner the discovery, close the seal of the shunting stream of check-valves (the second valve part) and peel off, the shunting stream is unimpeded.

Can confirm: behind the ink pressure that raising will be supplied, be used to close the seal of shunting stream and peel off, the shunting stream is unimpeded, can recharge ink to print cartridge.

In the above description, just the method that recharges ink to print cartridge 10 is illustrated, but liquid re-fill method of the present invention also can be used for the container beyond the print cartridge, in addition, also can be used for the liquid beyond the ink.

Claims

1. liquid re-fill method, it is characterized in that, it is method to the container re-filling liquid, described container is a bag-like container, be accommodated in the framework, wherein store liquid, and the liquid of storage is derived by deriving the path, and disposed the check-valves that comes the closing liquid stream by the motion of valve body in this derivation path, described valve body is moved from outer flow flowing in container by liquid; Described liquid re-fill method comprises:

To described derivation path supply liquid, and liquid recharged operation to described container with specified pressure.

2. liquid re-fill method according to claim 1 is characterized in that, recharges to container after making described liquid by described check-valves.

3. liquid re-fill method according to claim 2 is characterized in that, described valve body is formed by the heavier material of the more described liquid of proportion;

Make flow direction vertical direction when disposing described container, implement liquid then and recharge operation by described check-valves.

4. according to claim 2 or 3 described liquid re-fill methods, it is characterized in that,, recharge operation Yi Bian implement liquid Yi Bian described container is vibrated along the moving direction of valve body in the described check-valves.

5. according to each described liquid re-fill method in the claim 1 to 4, it is characterized in that, utilize the level head of described liquid to reach described specified pressure.

6. according to each described liquid re-fill method in the claim 1 to 4, it is characterized in that, utilize pressue device that described liquid is pressurizeed and reach described specified pressure.

7. according to each described liquid re-fill method in the claim 1 to 4, its speciality is, utilizes and reaches described specified pressure to reducing pressure in the described framework.

8. liquid re-fill method according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, on described derivation path, form the stream that described check-valves is shunted, this shunting stream is always closed, but its closed condition can be removed by the pressure of described liquid, recharges operation thereby can implement liquid to described container.