JP2000127428A - Ink tank, tank holder, ink jet head cartridge, ink supply system, and ink jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an ink jet recorder in which a user can recognize mounting of an ink tank at a correct position on a tank holder. SOLUTION: Second claws 43y, 43m, 43c are located at the right end on the back face for a cyan ink tank 40c, in the center for a magenta ink tank 40m, and at the left end for an yellow ink tank 40y. Similarly, third claws 44y, 44m, 44c are located at different positions vertically above the second claws 43y, 43m, 43c for respective color tanks. Furthermore, second holes 49y, 49m, 49c and third holes 50y, 50m, 50c of a tank holder 46 corresponding to the second claws 43y, 43m, 43c and the third claws 44y, 44m, 44c are located, respectively, at the right end, in the center and at the left end.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet head cartridge having an ink tank, a tank holder for detachably holding the ink tank, an ink jet head for discharging ink to the tank holder to perform recording, and the ink jet. The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus having a head cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a conventional general ink jet recording apparatus. In the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 11, a lead screw 104 and a guide shaft 105 which are parallel to each other are provided in a housing. The carriage 101 is attached to the lead screw 104 and the guide shaft 105 so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the lead screw 104 and the guide shaft 105. The carriage 101 is translated by rotating a lead screw 104 by a carriage motor (not shown).

An ink jet head cartridge having an ink jet head 102 is mounted on the carriage 101 as described later with reference to FIG.
A paper pressing plate 109 is provided near the movement locus surface of the ejection surface of the inkjet head 102.

[0004] In addition, an ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording sheet 106 as a recording medium and an ink jet head 1.
02, a paper feed roller 107 that conveys toward the recording area 02,
A discharge roller 108 for discharging the recording paper 106 recorded by the inkjet head 102 is provided. The paper feed roller 107 and the paper discharge roller 108
It is rotated by a motor (not shown).

[0005] The ink ejected from the ink jet head 102 adheres to the recording sheet 106 facing the ejection opening face of the ink jet head 102, thereby forming a recorded image on the surface of the recording sheet 106. The recording paper 106 is discharged to the outside of the ink jet recording apparatus by a paper feed roller 107 and a paper discharge roller 108 rotated by a motor and a paper pressing plate 109 in conjunction with recording on the recording paper 106 by the ink jet head 102. .

FIG. 12 shows the carriage 10 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing an inkjet head cartridge mounted on the printer cartridge 1. FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing an ink jet head cartridge mounted on the carriage 101, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state where an ink tank is removed from the inkjet head cartridge illustrated in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, an ink jet head cartridge 301 mounted on a carriage 101 includes a tank holder 103 having an ink jet head 102 and a tank holder 1.
03, ink tanks 111, 11 detachably provided.
2, 113 and 114. The ink tank 111 is for black ink, the ink tank 112 is for yellow ink, the ink tank 113 is for magenta ink, and the ink tank 114 is for cyan ink. Thus, the ink tanks 111, 112, 113,
Since each of the ink tanks 114 is detachable from the tank holder 103 and each ink tank is replaceable, the running cost of printing in the ink jet recording apparatus is reduced.

Ink tanks 111, 112, 113, 1
In each of the fourteen, ink of a corresponding color is stored. In addition, an ink supply port for supplying the ink in the ink tank to the inkjet head 102 is formed in each ink tank. For example,
An ink supply port 211 is formed in the ink tank 111, and black ink in the ink tank 111 is supplied to the inkjet head 102 via the ink supply port 211 while the ink tank 111 is mounted on the tank holder 103. You.

FIG. 13 shows a tank holder 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the inkjet head 102 and an inkjet head 102. As shown in FIG. 13, the upper surface of the box-shaped tank holder 103 is open, and the ink jet head 102 is provided on one side of the lower surface of the tank holder 103.
In the inkjet head 102, the base plate 20
5, the silicon substrate 201 is supported. On the silicon substrate 201, a heater or the like as an electrothermal converter that generates thermal energy used for discharging ink is formed.

The ink jet head 102 includes:
When an ink tank is mounted on the tank holder 103, a joint 204 connected to the ink supply port of the ink tank is provided. In the joint 204, an ink flow path 206 extending toward the silicon substrate 201 is formed.

The flow of ink in such an ink jet head cartridge will be described by taking an ink tank 111 for black ink as an example. The ink in the ink tank 111 is supplied into the ink jet head 2 via the ink supply port 211 of the ink tank 111 and the joint 204. Inkjet head 2
The ink supplied to the inside is supplied to the silicon substrate 201 through the ink flow path 206, and the supplied ink is ejected toward a recording sheet as a recording medium by thermal energy generated by a heater of the silicon substrate 201.

FIG. 14 shows the ink tank 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining No. 11; FIG. 14 (a)
14 is a perspective view of the ink tank 111 viewed from a direction in which the second claw 132 is visible, and FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the ink tank 111 viewed from a direction in which the movable lever 130 is visible. FIG. 14C shows the ink tank 11.
1 is a sectional view of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a movable lever 130 having a first claw 131 is provided on one side of the ink tank 111, and the other side of the ink tank 111 is provided. Is provided with a second claw 132. Each of the first claw 131 and the second claw 132 has a first hole 2 formed in the tank holder 103 when the ink tank 111 is mounted on the tank holder 103.
41 and the second hole 242 (see FIG. 13). As a result, the ink tank 111 is
03 is fixed. On the lower surface of the ink tank 111, there is provided an ink supply port 211 projecting cylindrically from the lower surface.

As shown in FIG. 14 (c), an ink absorber 136 is provided in the ink tank 111 for absorbing the liquid ink and holding the ink. The inside of the ink supply port 221 is filled with a joint member 137 that is in contact with the ink absorber 136. When the ink tank 111 is mounted on the tank holder 103, the ink held in the ink absorber 136 is supplied to the inkjet head 102 from the ink supply port 211 through the joint member 137. Next, a procedure for mounting (setting) the ink tank 111 on the tank holder 103 of the ink jet head cartridge 301 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, as shown in FIG. 15A, the surface of the ink tank 111 on the ink supply port 211 side is turned to the upper surface of the tank holder 103, and the second claw 132 of the ink tank 111 is inclined downward. The ink tank 111 is inserted into the tank holder 103.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15B, the second hole 242 of the tank holder 103 is first inserted by being inserted along the inclined surface on the right side of the tank holder 103 in the drawing.
The second claw 132 of the ink tank 111 is engaged with the second claw 132.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15C, when the ink tank 111 is pushed into the tank holder 103, the movable lever 130 is bent inward, and the first claw 131 is inserted into the first hole 241 of the tank holder 103. By being engaged,
The ink tank 111 is fixed to the tank holder 103.

In this state, the ink held in the ink absorber 136 is introduced into the ink jet head 202 via the joint member 137 of the ink supply port 211, and the energy generated by the electrothermal converter (not shown). Is discharged from a discharge port (not shown).

When the ink tank 111 is to be removed, the movable lever 130 is bent inward so that the first claw 131 is removed.
By removing the ink tank 111 from the first hole 241 of the tank holder 103, the ink tank 111 can be easily taken out from the tank holder 103.

[0020]

However, according to the above-mentioned prior art, a user who uses an ink jet recording apparatus for the first time cannot accurately determine which position is the correct ink tank mounting position when the ink tank is mounted on the tank holder. However, there is a possibility that an erroneous recording may be performed without noticing even if the ink tank is mounted in a wrong position.

In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide an ink tank, a tank holder, an ink jet head cartridge, and an ink tank for allowing a user to correctly recognize that an ink tank is to be mounted at a correct position on a tank holder. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus having an ink jet head cartridge.

[0022]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to an ink tank detachably held by a tank holder, which is engaged with a first engagement hole on one side of the tank holder. A movable lever provided with a first engaging claw to be provided, and a second lever provided on the other side of the tank holder so as to face a first engaging hole on one side of the tank holder.
In the ink tank having a second engagement claw that engages with the engagement hole, the second engagement claw is provided in the second engagement claw only when the ink tank is at a position to be mounted on the tank holder. It is characterized by having a shape that fits into the hole.

The second engagement claw and / or the third engagement claw of the ink tank may have different claw sizes depending on the type of the ink tank, or may have different claw positions depending on the type of the ink tank. It is preferable that the shape of the nail differs depending on the type of the ink tank.

The present invention is also a tank holder for detachably holding an ink tank, wherein the first engaging hole engages with a first engaging claw of a movable lever provided on one side of the ink tank. And a second engagement claw that engages with a second engagement claw provided on a side of the ink tank opposite to the movable lever.
Wherein the second engagement hole has a shape that fits the second engagement claw only when the ink tank is in a position to be mounted on the tank holder. Features.

The size of the second engagement hole and / or the third engagement hole of the tank holder differs depending on the type of the ink tank, or the position of the hole varies depending on the type of the ink tank. Preferably, the shape of the hole differs depending on the type of the ink tank.

In the ink tank and the tank holder of the present invention as described above, the ink tank is the second tank.
After the engaging claw is previously engaged with the second engaging hole of the tank holder, the ink tank is rotated around the position of the second engaging hole as a fulcrum. Is engaged with the first engagement hole of the tank holder, and the second engagement claw of the ink tank is guided to the second engagement hole of the tank holder. For this purpose, a third engaging claw is provided above the second engaging claw on a side surface of the ink tank where the second engaging claw is provided, and the third engaging claw is provided on the tank holder. A third engaging hole for engaging with the pawl is provided.

It is preferable that the type of the ink tank is the type of the ink in the ink tank or the ink capacity in the ink tank.

The present invention further encompasses an ink jet head cartridge provided with the above-described tank holder and an ink jet recording head for discharging ink supplied from an ink tank mounted on the tank holder.

Further, the present invention has a carriage which detachably holds the above-mentioned ink jet head cartridge and is supported so as to be able to reciprocate along the surface of the recording medium.
The present invention also includes an ink jet recording apparatus which discharges ink from the ink jet recording head portion of the ink jet head cartridge based on an electric signal for discharging ink to perform recording on the recording medium.

Further, the present invention provides a first ink tank for storing a first ink, a first ink tank holder to which the first ink tank is attached, and a second ink tank for storing a second ink. And a second ink tank holder to which a second ink tank is attached, wherein the first ink tank is engaged with a first engagement hole of the first ink tank holder. The second ink tank is provided with a second claw-shaped projection which engages with a second engagement hole of the second ink tank holder. The first claw-shaped protrusions are two protrusions arranged in parallel, the width of each protrusion is La, the distance between the protrusions is Lc, and a first engagement hole corresponding to the first claw-shaped protrusion. Opening width of M
a, the opening interval is Mc, the second claw-shaped projection is one horizontally long projection, the width of the horizontally long projection is Le, and the opening width of the second engagement hole corresponding to the second claw-shaped projection is Le. When Me

The relationship between the first claw-shaped projections of the first ink tank and the second engagement holes of the second ink tank holder is Lc + 2La> Me and / or Lc> Me.

[0032] The relationship between the second claw-like projections of the second ink tank and the first engagement holes of the first ink tank holder satisfies Le> Ma or Le <Mc. And

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a recording head for ejecting the first ink, and a first ink tank for accommodating the first ink can be attached thereto, and has a width Ma and an interval Mc engaging with the first ink tank. A first holder having two first engagement holes arranged in parallel, and a second engagement having a width Me to which a second ink tank accommodating the second ink can be attached and which engages with the second ink tank. An ink tank used for an ink jet recording apparatus having a second holder provided with a hole detachably,

The ink tank is characterized in that two claw-shaped projections having a width La provided at an interval Lc satisfying a relationship of Lc + 2La> Me and / or Lc> Me are provided.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a recording head for ejecting the first ink, wherein a first ink tank for accommodating the first ink can be attached, and a width Ma and an interval Mc which engage with the first ink tank are provided. A first holder having two first engagement holes arranged in parallel, and a second engagement having a width Me to which a second ink tank accommodating the second ink can be attached and which engages with the second ink tank. What is claimed is: 1. An ink tank used for an ink jet recording apparatus having a second holder provided with a hole detachably, wherein said ink tank has a claw having a width Le satisfying a relationship of Le> Ma or Le <Mc. A single protrusion is provided.

(Operation) In the above configuration, if the ink tank is not mounted at the correct position on the tank holder, the second engaging claw of the ink tank and the second engaging hole of the tank holder do not match. It is possible to make the user recognize the erroneous mounting of the ink tank and perform the operation again.

Further, by disposing the third engagement claw above the second engagement claw, the incompatibility between the ink tank and the ink tank holder can be determined before the second engagement claw is engaged. It is possible to know, and it is possible to double-prevent erroneous insertion together with the function of the second engagement claw.

[0038]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) In this embodiment, FIG.
For example, two head cartridges of different types are mounted on the carriage of the recording apparatus as shown in FIG. The two head cartridges are a photo head cartridge having magenta and cyan tanks with low density and a black ink tank, and a color head cartridge capable of discharging yellow, magenta and cyan inks. With these combinations, the recording apparatus can print with six colors of ink, and can perform photographic printing neatly. Alternatively, it is also possible to replace the photo head cartridge with a black head cartridge having only a black ink tank and perform high-speed text printing or high-speed business color printing.

FIG. 1 is a view of a black head cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from the upper right front, and FIG. 2 is a view of the black head cartridge viewed obliquely from the lower left rear. I have.

The black head cartridge of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a large-capacity ink tank 30 for black ink, and an ink tank 30 having an ink jet head 29 for holding the ink tank 30 detachably. And a tank holder 36. The movable lever 31 having the knob 54 and the first claw 32 is provided on one side surface of the ink tank 30, and the second claw 33a, 33b is provided on the other side surface of the ink tank 30. Further, the second claw 3 is provided on the other side of the ink tank 30.
Third claws 34a, 34b are provided above 3a, 33b.

At the lower part of the ink tank 30, an ink supply port 35 protruding cylindrically from the lower surface of the tank, a positioning pin 37 when the ink tank 30 is mounted on the tank holder 36, and a detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the tank. A prism 28 to be used is provided.

When the ink tank 30 is mounted on the tank holder 36, the first claw 3 is attached to the tank holder 36.
A first hole 26 and second holes 38a, 38b with which the second and second claws 33a, 33b engage respectively are formed. Further, the ink tank 30 is connected to the tank holder 36.
Third holes 39a and 39b into which the third claws 34a and 34b are respectively dropped are formed in the tank holder 36 for alignment in the process of mounting on the tank.
Further, the ink tank 30 is provided below the tank holder 36.
Is provided with a positioning hole 27 into which the positioning pin 37 is fitted.

On the other hand, FIG. 3 is a view of the color head cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from the upper right front, and FIG. 4 is a view of the color head cartridge viewed obliquely from the lower left back. Is shown.

The color head cartridge shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes a cyan ink tank 40c, a magenta ink tank 40m, and a yellow ink tank 40y.
Ink tank 40 of each color having an inkjet head
c, 40m, and 40y are detachably held. As with the black ink tank described above, the ink tanks 40c, 40m, and 40y of the respective colors
The movable levers 41c, 41m,
41y are provided. Each movable lever has a knob 54
c, 54m, 54y and first claws 42c, 42m, 4
2y.

Each color ink tank 40c, 40m, 40
The second claws 43c, 43m, 4
3y is provided. Furthermore, ink tanks 4 for each color
0c, 40m, and 40y, the second claw 43c,
The third claws 44c, 44m, 4 are located above the 43m, 43y.
4y is provided.

At the lower portion of the ink tank 40c (40m, 40y), an ink supply port 45c (45m, 45y) that projects cylindrically from the lower surface of the tank, and an ink tank 40c
The positioning pin 47c (47m, 47y) when the (40m, 40y) is attached to the tank holder 46, and the prism 51c (51m, 47m) used for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the tank.
51y).

When the ink tank 40c (40m, 40y) is attached to the tank holder 46, the first claw 42c (42m, 42y) and the second
First holes 48c (48m, 48y) and second holes 49c with which the respective claws 43c (43m, 43y) engage.
(49m, 49y) are formed. Further, the third holes 50c (50m, 50y) into which the third claws 44c (44m, 44y) are dropped once are provided in the tank holder 46 for alignment in the process of being mounted on the tank holder 46.
y) is formed. Further, a positioning hole 53c (53m, 53y) into which a positioning pin 47c (47m, 47y) of the ink tank 40c (40m, 40y) is fitted is provided below the tank holder 46.

The photo head cartridge has the same configuration as the above-described color head cartridge.

In the present embodiment, the movable lever and the engagement claw (second claw) are molded integrally with the tank body, and the molding material is excellent in ink resistance, gas barrier properties, and transparency. It uses inexpensive polypropylene.

Next, the procedure for mounting (setting) the ink tank on the tank holder of the ink jet head cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5F, taking a black ink jet head cartridge as an example.

First, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B,
The user holds the ink tank 30 on the upper surface of the tank holder 36.
The ink tank 30 is inserted into the tank holder 36 by turning the surface on the ink supply port 35 side and tilting the second claws 33a and 33b of the ink tank 30 downward.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D,
The ink tank 30 is inserted along the inclined surface on the right side of the tank holder 36 in FIG.
The third claws 34a, 3b of the ink tank 30 are attached to 9a, 39b.
4b, the second claws 33a, 33b of the ink tank 30 are engaged with the second holes 38a, 38b of the tank holder 36. At this time, the third holes 39a and 39b and the third claw 34
The engagement with the a and 34b serves as a guide for reliably performing the rotation operation when the ink tank 30 is rotated with the positions of the second holes 38a and 38b as a fulcrum later.

Thereafter, the second hole 38 of the tank holder 36
The ink tank 30 is pushed into the tank holder 36 while rotating the ink tank 30 around the second claws 33a, 33b engaged with the a, 38b. As a result, FIG.
As shown in (e) and (f), the movable lever 31 is bent inward, and the first claw 32 is inserted into the first hole 26 of the tank holder 36.
At the same time, the positioning pin 37 of the ink tank 30 enters the positioning hole 27 of the tank holder 36, and the ink tank 30 is accurately fixed to the tank holder 36.

In this state, the ink held in the ink absorber 55 is supplied to the joint member 5 of the ink supply port 35.
6, the ink is introduced into the inkjet head 29, and is discharged from a discharge port (not shown) by energy generated by an electrothermal converter (not shown) in the head 29.

When the ink tank 30 is to be removed, the movable lever 31 is bent inward, the first claw 32 is pulled out of the first hole 26 of the tank holder 36, and the knob 54 of the movable lever 31 is pulled up. The ink tank 30 can be easily taken out of the tank holder 36.

In the above description, the basic structure and mounting method of the ink jet head cartridge of the present invention have been described. Hereinafter, various modifications will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(Second Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 2, two engaging claws (second claws) 33a, 33 are provided on one side (back) of a large-capacity ink tank 30 for black ink.
b, and third claws 34a, 34b are respectively provided above the claws 33a, 33b on the same side in the vertical direction. Further, the movable lever 3 formed on the side surface (front surface) opposite to the side surface on which the second claws 33a and 33b are provided.
1 is provided with a first claw 32. The tank holder 36 has a second claw 33a, 33b and a third claw 34a, 34b.
Holes 38a and 38b and the third hole 39
a, 39b are provided.

Here, the second claw 33 of the ink tank 30 is used.
The length of each of the a and 33b in the lateral direction (the tank width direction) is defined as La, and the distance between the second claws 33a and 33b is defined as Lc. Also, the second holes 38a, 38b of the tank holder 36
Length in the horizontal direction (tank holder width direction)
a, the interval between the second holes 38a and 38b is defined as Mc.

The second claws 33a and 33b are connected to the second holes 38.
a, the length Ma of the second hole so that it can be inserted into the 38b.
Is 0.02 to 0.12 mm longer than the length La of the second nail.
It is set long.

In the present embodiment, La = 2.920 to 2.970 mm, Lc = 9.0 ±
0.1 mm Ma = 3.0-3.050 mm, Mc = 9.0 ± 0.1
mm.

As shown in FIG. 4, engaging pawls (second pawls) 43y, 43m, and 43c are provided on one side (rear) of each of the color ink tanks 40y, 40m, and 40c. Furthermore, the second claws 43y, 43m, 43 on the same side surface
Third claws 44y, 44m, and 44c are provided vertically above c. Further, the second claws 43y, 43m, 4
The first claw 42 is attached to the movable levers 41y, 41m, and 41c formed on the side surface (front surface) opposite to the side surface provided with 3c.
y, 42m, and 42c are provided. Tank holder 4
6 includes second holes 49y, 49c for receiving the second claws 43y, 43m, 43c and the third claws 44y, 44m, 44c.
m, 49c and third holes 50y, 50m, 50c.

Here, the ink tanks 40y and 40 of each color
The lengths of the second claws 43y, 43m, and 43c in the lateral direction (tank width direction) are the same, respectively, and Le, and the second holes 49y, 49m, and 49c of the tank holder 46 in the lateral direction (tank holder width). The length of each direction is the same and is defined as Me.

The length Ma of the second hole is larger than the length La of the second claw by 0.4 mm so that the second claws 43y, 43m, and 43c can be inserted into the second holes 49y, 49m, and 49c, respectively.
It is set to be longer by 02 to 0.12 mm.

In this embodiment, Le = 6.920 to 6.970 mm and Me = 7.0 to 7.050 mm are used.

With the above configuration, by satisfying at least the relationship of Lc + 2La> Me and / or Lc> Me, the second claws 33a and 33b of the large-capacity ink tank 30 for black ink can be obtained. Does not engage with the second holes 49y, 49m, 49c of the collar tank holder 46. Also, Le> Ma or Mc> L
e, the color ink tank 4
0y, 40m, and second claw 43y, 43c of each of 40c
The m and 43c do not engage with the second holes 38a and 38b of the black tank holder 36.

As a result, the user can recognize the position where the ink tank should be accurately mounted on the tank holder.

(Third Embodiment) A structure for allowing a user to recognize whether or not a plurality of types of ink tanks mounted on a color tank holder constituting a color head cartridge have been correctly inserted will be described below.

FIG. 6 shows a color head cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from the lower left on the rear surface.

As described in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the color ink tanks 40y, 40m, 40m
engaging claw (second claw) 43 on one side (rear surface) of each c
y, 43m, 43c are provided, and a third claw 4 is provided vertically above the second claw 43y, 43m, 43c on the same side.
4y, 44m, and 44c are provided. Furthermore, the second
The movable levers 41y, 41m, and 41m formed on the side surface (front surface) opposite to the side surface on which the claws 43y, 43m, and 43c are provided.
41c is provided with first claws 42y, 42m, and 42c. The tank holder 46 has second claws 43y, 43m,
The second holes 49y, 49m, 49c and the third hole 50 for receiving the 43c and the third claws 44y, 44m, 44c.
y, 50m, and 50c are provided.

In this embodiment, the second claws 43y, 43
3m and 43c have the same length in the horizontal direction (tank width direction), but the position where each second claw is provided is the right end toward the back of the cyan ink tank 40c, the magenta ink tank 40m. In the center, the left end is changed in the yellow ink tank 40y. Furthermore, the second claw 43
Similarly, the third claws 44y, 44m, and 44c located vertically above y, 43m, and 43c are changed for each color tank. Also, the second claws 43y, 43m, 43
c and the positions of the second holes 49y, 49m, and 49c of the tank holder 46 corresponding to the third claws 44y, 44m, and 44c and the positions of the third holes 50y, 50m, and 50c are also at the right end, the center, and the left end. Has changed.

With such a configuration, the second claw 43y and the third claw 44y of the yellow ink tank 40y engage with only the corresponding second hole 49y and third hole 50y of the tank holder 46, respectively. Another second hole 49
m, 49c and the third holes 50m, 50c.
Magenta ink tank 40m or cyan ink tank 40
Similarly, the nail c does not engage with the corresponding hole.

In other words, the engaging claw on the back of each color ink tank engages with the hole of the tank holder only at the correct position determined for each color ink tank of the tank holder. Can be recognized as being correctly mounted.

(Fourth Embodiment) Here, as a modification of the third embodiment, it is determined whether a plurality of types of ink tanks to be mounted on the color tank holder constituting the color head cartridge are correctly inserted. Will be described. Also, points different from the third embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 7 is a view of a color head cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from the lower rear left.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the second color ink tanks 40y, 40m, and 40c
Each of the claws 43y, 43m, and 43c has the same length in the horizontal direction (tank width direction), but the position where each second claw is provided is closer to the lower end of the back surface of the cyan ink tank 40c, and is magenta. For the ink tank 40m, the cyan tank 4
The position is slightly higher than 0c and slightly higher than the magenta tank 40m in the yellow ink tank 40y. Further, the third claws 44y, 44m, and 44c located vertically above the second claws 43y, 43m, and 43c are similarly changed for each color tank. The positions of the second holes 49y, 49m, and 49c of the tank holder 46 and the positions of the third holes 50y, 50m, and 50c are also different from the positions of the second claws 43y, 43m, and 43c and the third claws 44y, 44m, and 44c. 4
4c.

With such a configuration, the second claw 43y and the third claw 44y of the yellow ink tank 40y engage with only the corresponding second hole 49y and third hole 50y of the tank holder 46, respectively. Another second hole 49
m, 49c and the third holes 50m, 50c.
Magenta ink tank 40m or cyan ink tank 40
Similarly, the nail c does not engage with the corresponding hole.

That is, the engaging claw on the back of each color ink tank engages with the hole of the tank holder only at a correct position determined for each color ink tank of the tank holder. Can be recognized as being correctly mounted.

(Fifth Embodiment) Here, as a modification of the third embodiment, the user checks whether a plurality of types of ink tanks to be mounted on the color tank holder constituting the color head cartridge are correctly inserted. Will be described. Also, points different from the third embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 8 is a view of a color head cartridge according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from the lower rear left.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the second color ink tanks 40y, 40m, and 40c
Each of the nails 43y, 43m, and 43c has a shape in which a convex protrusion is provided at the lower right end of the rectangular parallelepiped in the cyan ink tank 40c, and a convex protrusion is provided in the lower center of the rectangular solid in the magenta ink tank 40m. The shape of the yellow ink tank 40y is changed to a shape in which a convex protrusion is provided at the lower left end of the rectangular parallelepiped. Further, the second claws 43y, 43m,
A third claw 44 located vertically above each of the third claw 43c
y, 44m, and 44c are similarly changed for each color tank. The second hole 49 of the tank holder 46
y, 49m, 49c and the third holes 50y, 50c.
m, 50c are also the second claws 43y, 43m, 43c.
And the third claws 44y, 44m, and 44c.

With such a configuration, the second claw 43y and the third claw 44y of the yellow ink tank 40y engage only with the corresponding second hole 49y and third hole 50y of the tank holder 46, respectively. Another second hole 49
m, 49c and the third holes 50m, 50c.
Magenta ink tank 40m or cyan ink tank 40
Similarly, the nail c does not engage with the corresponding hole.

In other words, the engaging claw on the back of each color ink tank engages with the hole of the tank holder only at the correct position determined for each color ink tank of the tank holder. Can be recognized as being correctly mounted.

(Sixth Embodiment) Here, a description will be given of a structure in which a user can recognize one of the ink tanks having different capacities alternately mounted on the tank holder for a single color, so that the user can recognize the erroneous mounting.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a single color tank holder, a large capacity ink tank and a small capacity ink tank of a head cartridge according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
(A) is a plan view showing a state in which a large-capacity ink tank is mounted on a single-color tank holder, and (b) is a plan view showing a state in which a small-capacity ink tank is mounted on a single-color tank holder. FIG.

In FIG. 9, the ink tank 30 and the ink tank 40 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the dimensions of the second claws are the same.

The tank holder 86 has the second holes 8 respectively engaging with the second claws 33 a and 33 b of the ink tank 30.
8a (right) and 88b (left) are provided.
A second hole 88c (center) that engages with the second claw 43 is provided. The second hole 88a (right) corresponds to the second hole 38a (see FIG. 2) of the first embodiment and the second hole 88a.
b (left) is the second hole 38b in the first embodiment.
(See FIG. 2) and the second hole 88c (center) is the second hole 49y, 49m, 49c (FIG. 4) in the first embodiment.
).

With the above configuration, it is possible to mount both the ink tank 30 and the ink tank 40 on the tank holder 86 at the correct positions as shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to correctly mount a plurality of types of ink tanks on the user with one holder.

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention, the engagement claw of the ink tank and the engagement hole of the tank holder are adapted only when the ink tank is at a position to be mounted on the tank holder. By using a simple and inexpensive method, the user can recognize the correct ink tank mounting position when the ink tank is mounted on the tank holder.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an ink tank and a tank holder constituting a black inkjet head cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back side of an ink tank and a tank holder that constitute the black inkjet head cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an ink tank and a tank holder constituting the color inkjet head cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the back side of an ink tank and a tank holder constituting the color inkjet head cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state where an ink tank is mounted on a tank holder in the black inkjet head cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an ink tank and a tank holder which constitute an inkjet head cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an ink tank and a tank holder that constitute an inkjet head cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an ink tank and a tank holder that constitute an inkjet head cartridge according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a single-color tank holder, a large-capacity ink tank, and a small-capacity ink tank of a head cartridge according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a plan view showing a state in which a large-capacity ink tank (small-capacity ink tank) is mounted on the tank holder for single color shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a conventional general inkjet recording apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state of a conventional inkjet head cartridge.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a conventional ink jet head cartridge.

14 is a detailed view of an ink tank of the ink jet head cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where an ink tank is mounted on a tank holder in the conventional ink jet head cartridge shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 26, 48c, 48m, 48y First hole 27, 53c, 53m, 53y Positioning hole 28, 51c, 51m, 51y Prism 29, 52 Ink jet head 30 Ink tank 31, 41c, 41m, 41y Movable lever 32, 42c, 42m , 42y First claw 33a, 33b, 43c, 43m, 43y Second claw 34a, 34b, 44c, 44m, 44y Third claw 35, 45c, 45m, 45y Ink supply port 36, 46, 86 Tank holder 37 , 47c, 47m, 47y Positioning pins 38a, 38b, 49c, 49m, 49y Second hole 39a, 39b, 50c, 50m, 50y Third hole 40c Cyan ink tank 40m Magenta ink tank 40y Yellow ink tank 54, 54c 54m, 54y knob 55 ink Absorber 56 Joint member

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroshi Koshikawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 2C056 EA22 EB20 EB50 FA03 FA10 KC06 KC11 KC22

Claims (25)

[Claims] An ink tank detachably held by a tank holder, the ink tank having a movable lever provided with a first engagement claw that is engaged with a first engagement hole on one side surface of the tank holder. An ink tank having a second engagement claw that engages with a second engagement hole provided on the other side of the tank holder so as to face the first engagement hole on one side of the tank holder; 3. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the second engagement claw has a shape that fits into the second engagement hole only when the ink tank is at a position where the ink tank is to be mounted on the tank holder. 2. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the second engagement claw is previously engaged with the second engagement hole of the tank holder, and the position of the second engagement hole is used as a fulcrum. Rotating an ink tank to engage the first engagement claw of the movable lever with the first engagement hole of the tank holder, wherein the first engagement claw of the movable lever is engaged with the second engagement hole of the tank holder. A third engaging claw is provided above the second engaging claw on a side surface of the ink tank where the second engaging claw is provided to guide the second engaging claw of the ink tank. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the tank holder is provided with a third engagement hole that engages with the third engagement claw. 3. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the size of the second engaging claw of the ink tank is different depending on the type of the ink tank. 4. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the position of the second engaging claw of the ink tank is different depending on the type of the ink tank. 5. The ink tank according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the second engaging claw of the ink tank is different depending on the type of the ink tank. 6. The ink tank according to claim 2, wherein the size of the third engagement claw of the ink tank is changed depending on the type of the ink tank. 7. The ink tank according to claim 2, wherein the position of the third engagement claw of the ink tank is changed depending on the type of the ink tank. 8. The ink tank according to claim 2, wherein the shape of the third engagement claw of the ink tank is changed according to the type of the ink tank. 9. The ink tank according to claim 3, wherein the type of the ink tank is the type of ink in the ink tank. 10. The ink tank according to claim 3, wherein the type of the ink tank is an ink capacity in the ink tank. 11. A tank holder for detachably holding an ink tank, the tank holder having a first engagement hole for engaging a first engagement claw of a movable lever provided on one side of the ink tank. A tank holder having a second engagement hole that engages with a second engagement claw provided on a side of the ink tank opposite to the movable lever, wherein the second engagement hole is formed by the ink tank. A tank holder having a shape adapted to the second engagement claw only when it is in a position to be mounted on the tank holder. 12. The ink tank, wherein the second engaging claw is previously engaged with the second engaging hole of the tank holder, and the position of the second engaging hole is used as a fulcrum. Rotating an ink tank to engage the first engagement claw of the movable lever with the first engagement hole of the tank holder, wherein the first engagement claw of the movable lever is engaged with the second engagement hole of the tank holder. A third engaging claw is provided above the second engaging claw on a side surface of the ink tank where the second engaging claw is provided to guide the second engaging claw of the ink tank. The tank holder according to claim 11, wherein the tank holder is provided with a third engagement hole that engages with the third engagement claw. 13. The tank holder according to claim 11, wherein the size of the second engagement hole of the tank holder differs depending on the type of the ink tank. 14. The tank holder according to claim 11, wherein the position of the second engagement hole of the tank holder differs depending on the type of the ink tank. 15. The tank holder according to claim 11, wherein the shape of the second engagement hole of the tank holder differs depending on the type of the ink tank. 16. A third engaging claw of the ink tank,
13. The tank holder according to claim 12, wherein the size of the nail is changed according to the type of the ink tank. 17. A method according to claim 17, wherein the third engaging claw of the ink tank comprises:
The tank holder according to claim 12, wherein the position of the nail is changed depending on the type of the ink tank. 18. The ink container according to claim 18, wherein the third engaging claw is
The tank holder according to claim 12, wherein the shape of the nail is changed according to the type of the ink tank. 19. The tank holder according to claim 13, wherein the type of the ink tank is the type of ink in the ink tank. 20. The tank holder according to claim 13, wherein the type of the ink tank is an ink capacity in the ink tank. 21. An ink jet head cartridge comprising the tank holder according to claim 11 and an ink jet recording head for discharging ink supplied from an ink tank mounted on the tank holder. . 22. A carriage which detachably holds the ink jet head cartridge according to claim 21, and which is supported so as to be able to reciprocate along a surface of a recording medium,
An inkjet recording apparatus that performs recording on the recording medium by ejecting ink from the inkjet recording head unit of the inkjet head cartridge based on an electric signal for ejecting ink. 23. A first ink tank for storing a first ink, a first ink tank holder to which the first ink tank is attached, and a second ink tank for storing a second ink.
An ink supply system comprising: an ink tank of claim 1; and a second ink tank holder to which a second ink tank is attached. A first engagement hole of the first ink tank holder is provided in the first ink tank. And a first claw-shaped protrusion for engaging with the second ink tank holder. The first claw-shaped protrusion for engaging with the second engagement hole of the second ink tank holder is provided on the second ink tank. The first claw-shaped protrusions are two protrusions arranged in parallel, the width of each protrusion is La, the distance between the protrusions is Lc, and the first claw-shaped protrusion corresponds to the first claw-shaped protrusion. The opening width of the engaging hole is defined as Ma and the opening interval is defined as Mc.
The claw-like projections are one horizontal projection, and the width of the horizontal projection is L
e, when the opening width of the second engagement hole corresponding to the second claw-shaped protrusion is Me, the first claw-shaped protrusion of the first ink tank and the second ink tank holder The relationship between the second engagement hole is Lc + 2La> Me and / or Lc> Me. The second claw-shaped protrusion of the second ink tank and the first engagement hole of the first ink tank holder The relationship of Le> Ma or Le <Mc is satisfied. 24. A recording head for discharging a first ink, wherein a first ink tank for accommodating the first ink is attachable, and is arranged in parallel with a width Ma and an interval Mc engaging with the first ink tank. First with two first engagement holes
A width Me capable of attaching a holder and a second ink tank for accommodating the second ink and engaging with the second ink tank.
An ink tank used for an ink jet recording apparatus having a second holder provided with a second engagement hole detachably, the ink tank having a relationship of Lc + 2La> Me and / or Lc> Me. An ink tank comprising two claw-shaped protrusions having a width La provided at a satisfying interval Lc. 25. A recording head for discharging a first ink, wherein a first ink tank for storing the first ink is attachable, and a width Ma and an interval Mc which are engaged with the first ink tank are arranged in parallel. First with two first engagement holes
A width Me capable of attaching a holder and a second ink tank for accommodating the second ink and engaging with the second ink tank.
An ink tank used for an ink jet recording apparatus having a second holder provided with a second engagement hole detachably, wherein the ink tank satisfies the relationship of Le> Ma or Le <Mc. An ink tank having one claw-shaped projection having a width Le.