JP2004299410A - Ink cartridge for ink-jet recording apparatus and its operation method - Google Patents

Ink cartridge for ink-jet recording apparatus and its operation method Download PDF

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JP2004299410A
JP2004299410A JP2004224896A JP2004224896A JP2004299410A JP 2004299410 A JP2004299410 A JP 2004299410A JP 2004224896 A JP2004224896 A JP 2004224896A JP 2004224896 A JP2004224896 A JP 2004224896A JP 2004299410 A JP2004299410 A JP 2004299410A
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ink
sealing
recording apparatus
jet recording
ink supply
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Hitoshi Hayakawa
均 早川
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Seiko Epson Corp
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Seiko Epson Corp
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink cartridge for an ink-jet recording apparatus which can prevent ink leakage and can be attached to a printer while preventing air-intrusion, and its operation method. <P>SOLUTION: In the ink cartridge, a seal means for sealing ink in a manner that it can lead out the ink, is provided in an ink supply unit. In the seal means, a seal-opening means which is opened when an ink supply needle breaks in, in an ink-jet recording apparatus. The seal means is composed of a first and a second seal bodies which are made of an elastic material and adjacent to each other. The first and the second seal bodies are mounted in an ink-channel so as to be fitted therein, wherein the first seal body is located at the ink-supply side and the second seal body is located at the ink-receiving side. A seal-opening means, which is in an always-closed state, is provided in the first seal body such that it can be opened. A seal-opening means, which is in an always-open state, is provided in the second seal body. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

この発明は、インクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジの技術分野に属するものである。   The present invention belongs to the technical field of an ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus.

特開平８−１３２６３５号公報 従来、この種のシリアルプリンタ類において、例えば公知例には、インクカートリッジのインク供給部Ａにパッキン部材Ｂを装着しその外端に封止フィルムＣを貼着したものが示されており、その使用状態を横式図的に示すと図１５乃至１７の如くであって、図１５に示すようにヘッド供給針Ｄをインク供給部Ａの封止フィルムＣを突き破って侵入させ、図１６に示す状態を経由して図１７に示すようにパッキン部材Ｂのリップ部ｂ１をヘッド供給針Ｄに当接させてインク漏れを防止しつつインクを図示しない記録ヘッドに供給するように構成している。Conventionally, in this type of serial printer, for example, in a known example, a packing member B is attached to an ink supply unit A of an ink cartridge, and a sealing film C is attached to an outer end thereof. The state of use is shown in a lateral view as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, and the head supply needle D is pierced through the sealing film C of the ink supply section A as shown in FIG. 17, the lip b1 of the packing member B is brought into contact with the head supply needle D as shown in FIG. 17 via the state shown in FIG. 16, and ink is supplied to a recording head (not shown) while preventing ink leakage. It is configured as follows.

この公知例のものにあっては例えば次に挙げるような改善が望ましい点が存していた。
即ち、図１５においては、封止フィルムＣが破断されていないため、インクの排出は行われず、又、図１７の状態に到達するとパッキン部材Ｂのリップ部ｂ１がヘッド供給針Ｄに当接されてインクの漏れは防止されることとなるが、図１６の状態では封止フィルムＣが破断されていてしかもヘッド供給針Ｄがパッキン部材Ｂのリップ部ｂ１に接触していないため、インク漏れがみられ又、気泡Ｅが侵入することとなってインク供給不良が発生したり、気泡がヘッド流路内に流れ込み、印字不良を引き起こすおそれがあった。 In this known example, for example, the following improvements were desirable.
That is, in FIG. 15, since the sealing film C is not broken, the discharge of ink is not performed, also abut against the lip portion b 1 is the head supply needle D of the packing member B reaches the state of FIG. 17 Although the be being leaked ink is prevented by, since the head supply needle D moreover have been broken sealing film C in the state of FIG. 16 is not in contact with the lip b 1 of the packing member B, the ink Leakage was observed, and bubbles E invaded, resulting in ink supply failure or bubbles flowing into the head flow path, possibly causing printing failure.

この発明が解決しようとする第１の課題点は、インクカートリッジをインクジェット記録装置に装着脱する際にインク漏れが発生せず、又インクカートリッジ内に空気が侵入するのを防止しうるものを提供することである。
この発明が解決しようとする第２の課題点は、破断されて利用される封止フィルムを不要として再生利用を低コストで容易になしうるものを提供することである。
この発明が解決しようとする第３の課題点は、インクカートリッジの装着脱操作を軽労力でなしうるものを提供することである。 A first problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge that does not cause ink leakage when the ink cartridge is attached to or detached from an ink jet recording apparatus, and that can prevent air from entering the ink cartridge. It is to be.
A second problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a film which can be easily recycled at a low cost by eliminating the need for a sealing film which is broken and used.
A third problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge that can be attached and detached with a light labor.

前記の各課題を解決するための対応手段は次の如くである。
(1) インクジェット記録装置の印刷手段にインクを供給しうるインクカートリッジであって、当該インクカートリッジのインク供給部にはインクを導出可能に封止する封止手段を配設し、当該封止手段にはインクジェット記録装置における記録ヘッドに連通されたインク供給針の侵入によって開放されうる封止開口手段を形成したことを特徴とするインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。
(2) 前記封止手段がゴムなどの弾性材料で形成され、前記封止開口手段が少なくとも１個以上のスリットであることを特徴とする前記(1)記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。
(3) 前記封止手段が弾性材料で形成された第１、第２封止体を互いに隣接させて構成され、第１封止体を内側に、第２封止体を外側に位置するようにインク通路内に嵌装され、第１封止体には常閉状の封止開口手段が開放可能に開設され、第２封止体には常開状の封止開口手段が形成されたことを特徴とする前記(1)又は(2)記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。
(4) 前記スリットを前記第１封止体の中央凹入部に配設したことを特徴とする前記(2)又は(3)記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。
(5) 前記第１封止体が前記インク通路内に圧縮状に装着されたことを特徴とする前記(1)乃至(4)記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。
(6) 前記第１封止体の下面中央部に円錐状の係合部を凹設したことを特徴とする前記(3)乃至(5)記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。
(7) 前記封止手段が弾性材料で形成された一体状の封止部材で構成され、下面中央部には上向き先細状の円錐台形開口を凹設し、封止開口手段が形成される中央薄肉部を形成して前記インク通路内に圧縮状に装着されたことを特徴とする前記(1)又は(2)記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。
(8) 前記封止手段が弾性材料で形成された一体状の封止部材で構成され、下面中央部には上向き先細状の円錐台形開口を凹設すると共に上面中央部には凹入部を形成して、封止開口手段が形成された中央薄肉部を形成して前記インク通路内に圧縮状に装着されたことを特徴とする前記(1)又は(2)記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。
(9) インクジェット記録装置の印刷手段にインクを供給しうるインクカートリッジの操作方法であって、次の手順からなる方法。
１．インク供給針によってインク供給部の常開状の封止体を封止し、
２．インク供給針によってインク供給部の常閉状の封止体を開放させ、
３．インク供給針によりインク通路を開通させる。
(10) インクジェット記録装置の印刷手段にインクを供給しうるインクカートリッジの操作方法であって、次の手順からなる方法。
１．インク供給部の常閉状の封止体をインク供給針を退避させて閉止する。
２．インク供給部の常開状の封止体をインク供給針を退避させて開放する。 Corresponding means for solving each of the above-mentioned problems is as follows.
(1) An ink cartridge capable of supplying ink to printing means of an ink jet recording apparatus, wherein a sealing means for sealing the ink so that the ink can be drawn out is provided in an ink supply unit of the ink cartridge, and the sealing means An ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus, wherein sealing opening means which can be opened by entry of an ink supply needle connected to a recording head in the ink jet recording apparatus is formed.
(2) The ink cartridge according to (1), wherein the sealing unit is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and the sealing opening unit is at least one slit.
(3) The sealing means is configured such that first and second sealing bodies formed of an elastic material are adjacent to each other, and the first sealing body is located inside and the second sealing body is located outside. The first sealing body is provided with a normally-closed sealing opening means that can be opened, and the second sealing body is provided with a normally-opening sealing opening means. The ink cartridge for an inkjet recording apparatus according to the above (1) or (2), wherein
(4) The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to the above (2) or (3), wherein the slit is provided in a central recess of the first sealing body.
(5) The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first sealing body is mounted in the ink passage in a compressed state.
(6) The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein a conical engagement portion is provided in the center of the lower surface of the first sealing body.
(7) The sealing means is formed of an integral sealing member formed of an elastic material, and an upwardly tapering frustoconical opening is recessed in the center of the lower surface, and the center where the sealing opening means is formed. The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to the above (1) or (2), wherein a thin portion is formed and mounted in the ink passage in a compressed state.
(8) The sealing means is formed of an integral sealing member formed of an elastic material, and has an upwardly tapering frustoconical opening formed in the center of the lower surface and a recess formed in the center of the upper surface. The ink for an ink jet recording apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein a central thin portion in which the sealing opening means is formed is formed and mounted in the ink passage in a compressed manner. cartridge.
(9) A method for operating an ink cartridge capable of supplying ink to a printing means of an ink jet recording apparatus, comprising:
1. Sealing the normally open sealing body of the ink supply unit with the ink supply needle,
2. The normally closed sealing body of the ink supply unit is opened by the ink supply needle,
3. The ink passage is opened by the ink supply needle.
(10) A method for operating an ink cartridge capable of supplying ink to a printing means of an ink jet recording apparatus, comprising the following procedure.
1. The normally closed sealing body of the ink supply unit is closed by retracting the ink supply needle.
2. The normally open sealing body of the ink supply unit is opened by retracting the ink supply needle.

以上の如き解決手段によればインク漏れを安全に防止すると共に空気の侵入を阻止した状態でインクカートリッジをプリンタに装着脱しうるものである。   According to the above-described solution, the ink cartridge can be attached to and detached from the printer in a state where ink leakage is safely prevented and air is prevented from entering.

以上説明したこの発明による特有の効果は次の如くである。
１．プリンタに装着脱の際にインク漏れがなく空気が侵入されるおそれがない（請求項１〜１０）。
２．インクカートリッジ内のインクの脱気度が低下されるおそれがない（請求項１〜１０）。
３．インク供給針と封止手段の密着性がよい（請求項４〜７）。
４．インク供給針が偏心することなく封止手段に係合してインク漏れが防止できる(請求項６)。
５．第１、第２封止体を個別的に交換できるのでインクカートリッジの再生処理が容易である（請求項３〜６）。
６．インク供給部の封止フィルムが不要であって安価に再生処理できる（請求項１〜１０）。 The specific effects of the present invention described above are as follows.
1. There is no ink leakage and no air intrusion at the time of attachment / detachment to the printer.
2. There is no possibility that the degree of degassing of the ink in the ink cartridge is reduced (claims 1 to 10).
3. The adhesion between the ink supply needle and the sealing means is good (claims 4 to 7).
4. The ink supply needle can be engaged with the sealing means without eccentricity to prevent ink leakage (claim 6).
5. Since the first and second sealing bodies can be individually exchanged, the ink cartridge can be easily regenerated.
6. The sealing film of the ink supply unit is unnecessary, and the reprocessing can be performed at low cost (claims 1 to 10).

以下に説明する各実施例に共通した特徴的な点は、インクジェット記録装置（プリンタ）１０００に装填されて、その印刷手段にインクを供給するインクカートリッジ１００（ａ〜ｃ）のインク供給部１１０（ａ〜ｃ）にはインク漏洩を防止すると共に、空気の侵入を阻止する封止手段１２０（ａ〜ｃ）が設けられている点である。   A characteristic feature common to the embodiments described below is that the ink supply unit 110 (a to c) of the ink cartridge 100 (a to c) which is loaded into the ink jet recording apparatus (printer) 1000 and supplies ink to the printing unit. A to c) is that a sealing means 120 (a to c) for preventing ink leakage and preventing air from entering is provided.

１．手段
図１に示すインクカートリッジ１００にあっては、ケース部１０１にインクを収蔵した多孔質体１３０を収容させ、蓋体１０２には開放可能な通気孔１０３、１０４を開設すると共に、ケース部１０１の底部１０５にはインク供給部１１０を設けた点では格別に特徴的な点は存しない。
ところで、図２に要部を拡大して示すようにそのインク供給部１１０にはフィルター１０６を介してケース部１０１内に連通された第１流路１１１と、プリンタ１０００のインク供給針１１００側に対向する第２流路１１２とからなるインク通路１１３が開設されている。
前記した第２流路１１２は第１流路１１１よりも拡張状に形成されており、この第２流路１１２内には第１流路１１１側に位置する第１封止体１２１と、インク供給針１１００側に対向する第２封止体１２２とを互いに当接させるようにして嵌着してなる封止手段１２０が配設されている。
この第１、第２封止体１２１、１２２は例えばシリコンゴムなどの弾性変形可能な材料で形成されており、第１封止体１２１の外観形状はディスク状でありその中央部に図３、（イ）、（ロ）に示すように常閉状のプラス状もしくはマイナス状のスリット１２１Ａ（Ｂ）が透設されて第２流路１１２内に圧縮された状態で装着されている。このスリット形状はカッタ等で切り裂いたもの、あるいは細かい針等で貫通させた切り裂き形状によって形成される。
又、第２封止体１２２についても外観形状がディスク状であって、その中央部にインク供給針１１００を液封状に挿通させうる常開状の上向き先細の円錐台形状の貫通孔１２２Ａが開設されて第２流路１１２内に嵌着されている。 1. Means In the ink cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 1, a case body 101 accommodates a porous body 130 containing ink, and a cover body 102 has openable ventilation holes 103 and 104. There is no special feature in that the ink supply unit 110 is provided at the bottom 105 of the ink jet printer.
By the way, as shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 2, the ink supply unit 110 has a first flow path 111 communicated with the inside of the case unit 101 via the filter 106 and the ink supply needle 1100 side of the printer 1000. An ink passage 113 composed of the opposed second flow passage 112 is provided.
The above-described second flow path 112 is formed to be more expanded than the first flow path 111, and a first sealing body 121 located on the first flow path 111 side and an ink Sealing means 120 is provided, which is fitted so that the second sealing body 122 facing the supply needle 1100 is in contact with each other.
The first and second sealing bodies 121 and 122 are formed of an elastically deformable material such as silicon rubber, for example. The outer shape of the first sealing body 121 is disk-shaped, and the center of FIG. As shown in (a) and (b), a normally-closed plus or minus slit 121A (B) is mounted in a compressed state in the second flow path 112 through the slit 121A (B). This slit shape is formed by cutting with a cutter or the like or cutting with a fine needle or the like.
The second sealing body 122 also has a disk-like appearance, and has a normally open upwardly tapering truncated conical through-hole 122A through which the ink supply needle 1100 can be inserted in a liquid ring shape. It is opened and fitted in the second channel 112.

２．使用手順
図１に示すインクカートリッジ１００はインク供給時以前にあっては図示は省略したシール材によって通気孔１０３、１０４が閉止され、又、封止手段１２０における第１封止体１２１によりケース部１０１内の多孔質体１３０に吸蔵されたインクは漏れ出すことなく、又空気が侵入されるおそれもなく安全に保持されるものである。
次にこのインクカートリッジ１００をプリンタ１０００に装填してインクを供給する場合にはプリンタ１０００の装填部１２００内に挿入し、記録ヘッド１３００に連通させたインク供給針１１００上にインク供給部１１０を臨ませ、押し下げてインク供給部１１０とインク供給針１１００とを係合させる。
この際、図４に示すようにインク供給針１１００は第１段階で第２封止体１２２の常開状の貫通孔１２２Ａに圧接状に侵入されるが、第１封止体１２１のスリット１２１Ａ（Ｂ）は閉止されたままであってインクの漏れ出しや空気の侵入は防止されている。
引き続いてインクカートリッジ１００が押し下げられて図５に示すようにインク供給針１１００が第１封止体１２１のスリット１２１Ａ（Ｂ）を貫通して第１流路１１１位置に到達されると、インクは第１流路１１１からインク供給針１１００のインク孔１１０１を経由して記録ヘッド１３００に供給されうる状態となるが、この手順の経緯において第２封止体１２２によって封止された状態でインク供給針１１００が第１封止体１２１のスリット１２１Ａ（Ｂ）を開放するように操作されるため外部からのケース部１０１内への空気の侵入は安全に阻止され、インクの円滑な供給を保障し、更にはインクの劣化を防止しうるものである。
次に使用済みのインクカートリッジ１００を装填部１２００から取り外す際には、残留されているインクがケース部１０１から漏れ出さないように次のような手順が実行される。
即ち、図５の状態から図４の状態に移行するに当たって、まずは第１封止体１２１のスリット１２１Ａ（Ｂ）からインク供給針１１００が抜脱され、常閉状のスリット１２１Ａ（Ｂ）が弾性復元力によって閉止され、この間第１封止体１２２の貫通孔１２２Ａは依然としてインク供給針１１００によって封止されているため、ケース部１０１内のインクが漏れ出すおそれはなく、又、空気がケース部１０１内に侵入することも防止できるものである。
更に図２に示すようにインク供給針１１００が完全に抜脱された状態では第１封止体１２１によってケース部１０１内は封止されているため、ケース部１０１内のインクが外部の空気に直接触れることがないのでインクの脱気度が低下されることなく確保できて長期保存が可能となるものである。
又、インク供給部１１０の外面を封止するフィルムなどの貼設を必要としないので安価であり、軽便に再生利用に供しうるものである。 2. Usage Procedure In the ink cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 1, before the ink is supplied, the ventilation holes 103 and 104 are closed by a sealing material (not shown). The ink occluded in the porous body 130 in the 101 does not leak out, and is held safely without the risk of air entering.
Next, when the ink cartridge 100 is loaded into the printer 1000 and ink is supplied, the ink cartridge 100 is inserted into the loading unit 1200 of the printer 1000, and the ink supply unit 110 faces the ink supply needle 1100 connected to the recording head 1300. Then, the ink supply unit 110 and the ink supply needle 1100 are engaged by being pressed down.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the ink supply needle 1100 is pressed into the normally open through hole 122A of the second sealing body 122 in the first stage, but the slit 121A of the first sealing body 121 is pressed. (B) is kept closed to prevent ink leakage and air intrusion.
Subsequently, when the ink cartridge 100 is pushed down and the ink supply needle 1100 reaches the position of the first flow path 111 through the slit 121A (B) of the first sealing body 121 as shown in FIG. The ink can be supplied to the recording head 1300 from the first flow path 111 via the ink hole 1101 of the ink supply needle 1100. In the course of this procedure, the ink is supplied while being sealed by the second sealing body 122. Since the needle 1100 is operated so as to open the slit 121A (B) of the first sealing body 121, the intrusion of air into the case portion 101 from the outside is safely prevented, and the smooth supply of ink is ensured. Further, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the ink.
Next, when the used ink cartridge 100 is removed from the loading unit 1200, the following procedure is executed so that the remaining ink does not leak from the case unit 101.
That is, when shifting from the state of FIG. 5 to the state of FIG. 4, first, the ink supply needle 1100 is withdrawn from the slit 121A (B) of the first sealing body 121, and the normally closed slit 121A (B) is elastically restored. Since the through hole 122A of the first sealing body 122 is still sealed by the ink supply needle 1100 during this time, there is no possibility that the ink in the case 101 leaks out. It can also prevent intrusion into the inside.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, when the ink supply needle 1100 is completely removed, the interior of the case 101 is sealed by the first sealing body 121, so that the ink in the case 101 is exposed to outside air. Since there is no direct contact, the degree of deaeration of the ink can be ensured without lowering, and long-term storage is possible.
Further, since there is no need to attach a film or the like for sealing the outer surface of the ink supply unit 110, the ink supply unit 110 is inexpensive and can be easily recycled.

図６乃至図８のインク供給部１１０ａの特徴的な点は、第１封止体１２１ａの上面中央領域に凹入部１２１Ｃａを形成して中央薄肉部１２１Ｄａを形成すると共に下面中央部に円錐状の係合部１２１Ｅａを凹設した点であり、その他の点では実施例１と共通するので符号に（ａ）を付して表示した。
このインク供給部１１０ａにあっては図７に示すようにインク供給針１１００ａが係合部１２１Ｅａに係合してその中心位置において第１封止体１２１ａを押し上げてスリット１２１Ａ（Ｂ）ａを開放させるのでインク供給針１１００ａの偏心によりインク漏れや空気の侵入が発生するのを確実に防止できるものである。
更に係合部１２１Ｅａにインク供給針１１００が係合するため、挿入する際に応力が集中し、スリットを入れずとも針のみで中央薄肉部１２１Ｄａを引き裂き挿入することが可能である。
又、図８に示すように中央薄肉部１２１Ｄａにおいてスリット１２１Ａ（Ｂ）ａが押し拡げられて開放されるため挿入力が容易である。又インク供給針を抜く際にも針に押し戻されながら封止するため、抜く力も少なく、封止も確実に実行できる。 A characteristic point of the ink supply unit 110a in FIGS. 6 to 8 is that a concave portion 121Ca is formed in a central region of the upper surface of the first sealing body 121a to form a central thin portion 121Da and a conical shape is formed in a central portion of the lower surface. This is a point that the engaging portion 121Ea is recessed, and other points are common to the first embodiment.
In this ink supply section 110a, as shown in FIG. 7, the ink supply needle 1100a engages with the engagement section 121Ea and pushes up the first sealing body 121a at the center position to open the slit 121A (B) a. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of ink leakage and air intrusion due to the eccentricity of the ink supply needle 1100a.
Further, since the ink supply needle 1100 is engaged with the engagement portion 121Ea, stress is concentrated at the time of insertion, and it is possible to tear and insert the central thin portion 121Da with only the needle without inserting a slit.
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the slit 121A (B) a is expanded and opened at the central thin portion 121Da, so that the insertion force is easy. Also, when the ink supply needle is pulled out, the sealing is performed while being pushed back by the needle, so that the pulling force is small and the sealing can be reliably performed.

図９乃至図１１のインク供給部１１０ｂの特徴的な点は、封止手段１２０ｂが単体状の封止部材１２５ｂで構成されておりその外観形状が円盤状であって下面中央部には上向き先細状の円錐台形開口１２５Ａｂを凹設したために中央薄肉部１２５Ｂｂが形成されており、これを第２流路１１２ｂ内に圧縮状に嵌着させたものである。
なお、実施例１と共通する点は符号に（ｂ）を付して表示した。
このインク供給部１１０ｂにあっては図１０に示すようにインク供給針１１００ｂを円錐台形開口１２５Ａｂに封止状に侵入させ遂にはその先端で中央薄肉部１２５Ｂｂを突き破って第１流路１１１ｂ内に侵入させると、図１１に示すように封止部材１２５ｂの中央薄肉部１２５Ｂｂが圧縮され、その反力でインク供給針１１００ｂに密着されインクの漏れや空気の侵入を防止できるものである。
又、インク供給針１１００ｂを退避させて図９の状態に復帰させた際にも、封止部材１２５ｂは第２流路１１２ｂ内に圧縮して嵌着されているため中央薄肉部１２５Ｂｂは中央方向に強く押圧されていてインク供給針１１００ｂによって開設された破断流路１２５Ｃｂは安全に閉止されているため、インク漏れや空気の侵入を阻止しうるものである。 The characteristic point of the ink supply section 110b in FIGS. 9 to 11 is that the sealing means 120b is constituted by a single sealing member 125b, has a disk-like appearance, and has an upwardly tapered central portion on the lower surface. The central thin portion 125Bb is formed by recessing the truncated conical opening 125Ab, and is fitted in the second flow path 112b in a compressed manner.
The points common to the first embodiment are indicated by adding (b) to the reference numerals.
In the ink supply section 110b, as shown in FIG. 10, the ink supply needle 1100b is made to penetrate into the frusto-conical opening 125Ab in a sealed manner, and finally breaks through the central thin portion 125Bb at its tip and enters the first channel 111b. When it enters, the central thin portion 125Bb of the sealing member 125b is compressed, as shown in FIG. 11, and is brought into close contact with the ink supply needle 1100b by its reaction force, thereby preventing ink leakage and air intrusion.
Also, when the ink supply needle 1100b is retracted and returned to the state shown in FIG. 9, the sealing member 125b is compressed and fitted in the second flow path 112b, so that the central thin portion 125Bb is oriented in the central direction. Since the rupture flow channel 125Cb, which is strongly pressed and opened by the ink supply needle 1100b, is safely closed, it is possible to prevent ink leakage and air intrusion.

図１２乃至図１４のインク供給部１１０ｃが実施例３と相違する点は、第２流路１１２ｃが段付き開口状であってしかも深さが大となるように形成され、円柱状の封止部材１２６ｃにはその上面中央領域に凹入部１２１Ｃｃを形成すると共に、下面中央領域には円錐台形開口１２６Ａｃを凹設し、更にその中心部には円錐状の係合部１２１Ｅｃを凹設しており中央薄肉部１２６Ｄｃにはスリット１２１Ａ（Ｂ）ｃを開設したものであって第２流路１１２ｃ内に圧縮して嵌着されている。
なお、実施例１と共通する点は符号に（ｃ）を付して表示した。
このインク供給部１１０ｃにおいてはいわば実施例２における第１、第２封止体１２１、１２２を一体化したものに相当するものであるから、図１３に示すようにインク供給針１１００ｃの先端を封止部材１２６ｃの係合部１２１Ｅｃに係合させて封止部材１２６ｃを押し上げるように侵入させると、スリット１２１Ａ（Ｂ）ｃが押し拡げられて図１４に示すようにインク供給針１１００ｃは第１流路１１１ｃ内に臨まされてインクを供給させうるものであるが、この際にインク供給針１１００ｃは円錐台形開口１２６Ａｃに封止状に圧接されているため空気の侵入は阻止され、又図１４の状態から図１３の状態を経て図１２のようにインク供給針１１００ｃが抜き出された際にはスリット１２１Ａ（Ｂ）ｃは実施例１同様に安全に閉止されてインクの漏れ出しを防止しうるものである。 The ink supply unit 110c in FIGS. 12 to 14 is different from that in the third embodiment in that the second flow path 112c is formed so as to have a stepped opening and a large depth, and has a cylindrical sealing shape. The member 126c has a concave portion 121Cc formed in the center region of the upper surface, a truncated conical opening 126Ac formed in the center region of the lower surface, and a conical engaging portion 121Ec formed in the center thereof. A slit 121A (B) c is opened in the central thin portion 126Dc, and is compressed and fitted in the second flow path 112c.
The points common to the first embodiment are indicated by adding (c) to the reference numerals.
Since this ink supply section 110c is equivalent to the one in which the first and second sealing bodies 121 and 122 of the second embodiment are integrated, the tip of the ink supply needle 1100c is sealed as shown in FIG. When the sealing member 126c is made to penetrate upward by engaging with the engaging portion 121Ec of the stop member 126c, the slit 121A (B) c is pushed and expanded, and as shown in FIG. The ink can be supplied by being exposed to the passage 111c. At this time, since the ink supply needle 1100c is pressed against the frustoconical opening 126Ac in a sealing manner, the intrusion of air is prevented. When the ink supply needle 1100c is pulled out from the state through the state of FIG. 13 as shown in FIG. 12, the slit 121A (B) c is safely closed as in the first embodiment. Those capable of preventing leakage of ink.

この実施例１のインクカートリッジとインクジェット記録装置の要部の説明図。FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of main parts of the ink cartridge and the inkjet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. 図１のインク供給部の要部の拡大断面図。FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of the ink supply unit in FIG. 1. 図１のスリットの平面図。The top view of the slit of FIG. 図２の装着途中の説明図。FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the mounting in FIG. 2. 図２の装着完了時の説明図。Explanatory drawing at the time of completion of mounting of FIG. 実施例２のインク供給部の要部の拡大断面図。FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of an ink supply unit according to a second embodiment. 図６の装着途中の説明図。FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the state shown in FIG. 図６の装着完了時の説明図。FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram when the mounting of FIG. 6 is completed. 実施例３のインク供給部の要部の拡大断面図。FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of an ink supply unit according to a third embodiment. 図９の装着途中の説明図。FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the mounting in FIG. 9. 図９の装着完了時の説明図。FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram when the mounting of FIG. 9 is completed. 実施例４のインク供給部の要部の拡大断面図。FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of an ink supply unit according to a fourth embodiment. 図１２の装着途中の説明図。FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the mounting in FIG. 12. 図１２の装着完了時の説明図。FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram when the mounting in FIG. 12 is completed. 公知例のインク供給部の要部の拡大断面図。FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a known example of an ink supply unit. 図１５の装着途中の説明図。FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the mounting in FIG. 15. 図１５の装着完了時の説明図。FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram at the time of completion of mounting in FIG. 15.

符号の説明Explanation of reference numerals

１０００ インクジェット記録装置（プリンタ）
１１００（ａ〜ｃ） インク供給針
１００（ａ〜ｃ） インクカートリッジ
１１０（ａ〜ｃ） インク供給部
１１３（ａ〜ｃ） インク通路
１２０（ａ〜ｃ） 封止手段
１２１Ａ（Ｂ）（ａ、ｃ） スリット封止開口手段
１２１（ａ） 第１封止体
１２２（ａ） 第２封止体
１２１Ｃ（ａ、ｃ） 凹入部
１２１Ｅ（ａ、ｃ） 係合部
１２１Ｄ（ａ）、１２５Ｂｂ、１２６Ｄｃ 中央薄肉部
１２５Ａｂ、１２６Ａｃ 円錐台形開口
１２５ｂ、１２６ｃ 封止部材











1000 Inkjet recording device (printer)
1100 (ac) Ink supply needle 100 (ac) Ink cartridge 110 (ac) Ink supply section 113 (ac) Ink passage 120 (ac) Sealing means 121A (B) (a, c) slit sealing opening means 121 (a) first sealing body 122 (a) second sealing body 121C (a, c) recessed part 121E (a, c) engaging part 121D (a), 125Bb, 126Dc Central thin portion 125Ab, 126Ac Truncated conical opening 125b, 126c Sealing member











Claims (10)

インクジェット記録装置の印刷手段にインクを供給しうるインクカートリッジであって、当該インクカートリッジのインク供給部にはインクを導出可能に封止する封止手段を配設し、当該封止手段にはインクジェット記録装置における記録ヘッドに連通されたインク供給針の侵入によって開放されうる封止開口手段を形成したことを特徴とするインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。   An ink cartridge capable of supplying ink to printing means of an ink jet recording apparatus, wherein a sealing means for sealing the ink so that the ink can be drawn out is provided in an ink supply section of the ink cartridge, and the sealing means includes an ink jet. An ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus, wherein a sealing opening means which can be opened by entry of an ink supply needle connected to a recording head in the recording apparatus is formed. 前記封止手段がゴムなどの弾性材料で形成され、前記封止開口手段が少なくとも１個以上のスリットであることを特徴とする請求項１記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。   2. An ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sealing means is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and said sealing opening means is at least one slit. 前記封止手段が弾性材料で形成された第１、第２封止体を互いに隣接させて構成され、第１封止体を内側に、第２封止体を外側に位置するようにインク通路内に嵌装され、第１封止体には常閉状の封止開口手段が開放可能に開設され、第２封止体には常開状の封止開口手段が形成されたことを特徴とする請求項１又は２記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。   The sealing means is constituted by first and second sealing bodies formed of an elastic material being adjacent to each other, and the ink passage is arranged so that the first sealing body is located inside and the second sealing body is located outside. The first sealing body is provided with a normally-closed sealing opening means that can be opened, and the second sealing body is provided with a normally-opening sealing opening means. The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 前記スリットを前記第１封止体の中央凹入部に配設したことを特徴とする請求項２又は３記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。   4. An ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said slit is provided in a central recess of said first sealing body. 前記第１封止体が前記インク通路内に圧縮状に装着されたことを特徴とする請求項１乃至４記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。   5. The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first sealing body is mounted in a compressed state in the ink passage. 前記第１封止体の下面中央部に円錐状の係合部を凹設したことを特徴とする請求項３乃至５記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。   6. The ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a conical engaging portion is provided in the center of the lower surface of the first sealing body. 前記封止手段が弾性材料で形成された一体状の封止部材で構成され、下面中央部には上向き先細状の円錐台形開口を凹設し、封止開口手段が形成される中央薄肉部を形成して前記インク通路内に圧縮状に装着されたことを特徴とする請求項１又は２記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。   The sealing means is constituted by an integral sealing member formed of an elastic material, and an upwardly tapering frustoconical opening is recessed in the center of the lower surface. 3. An ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink cartridge is formed and mounted in a compressed manner in the ink passage. 前記封止手段が弾性材料で形成された一体状の封止部材で構成され、下面中央部には上向き先細状の円錐台形開口を凹設すると共に上面中央部には凹入部を形成して、封止開口手段が形成された中央薄肉部を形成して前記インク通路内に圧縮状に装着されたことを特徴とする請求項１又は２記載のインクジェット記録装置用のインクカートリッジ。   The sealing means is formed of an integral sealing member formed of an elastic material, and has an upwardly tapering frustoconical opening formed in the center of the lower surface and a recess formed in the center of the upper surface, 3. An ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a central thin portion formed with a sealing opening means is formed and mounted in the ink passage in a compressed manner. インクジェット記録装置の印刷手段にインクを供給しうるインクカートリッジの操作方法であって、次の手順からなる方法。
１．インク供給針によってインク供給部の常開状の封止体を封止し、
２．インク供給針によってインク供給部の常閉状の封止体を開放させ、
３．インク供給針によりインク通路を開通させる。 A method for operating an ink cartridge capable of supplying ink to a printing unit of an ink jet recording apparatus, comprising:
1. Sealing the normally open sealing body of the ink supply unit with the ink supply needle,
2. The normally closed sealing body of the ink supply unit is opened by the ink supply needle,
3. The ink passage is opened by the ink supply needle. インクジェット記録装置の印刷手段にインクを供給しうるインクカートリッジの操作方法であって、次の手順からなる方法。
１．インク供給部の常閉状の封止体をインク供給針を退避させて閉止する。
２．インク供給部の常開状の封止体をインク供給針を退避させて開放する。



































A method for operating an ink cartridge capable of supplying ink to a printing unit of an ink jet recording apparatus, comprising:
1. The normally closed sealing body of the ink supply unit is closed by retracting the ink supply needle.
2. The normally open sealing body of the ink supply unit is opened by retracting the ink supply needle.



































JP2004224896A 2004-07-30 2004-07-30 Ink cartridge for ink-jet recording apparatus and its operation method Pending JP2004299410A (en)

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2007136871A (en) * 2005-11-18 2007-06-07 Ricoh Co Ltd Image forming device
JP2007307845A (en) * 2006-05-22 2007-11-29 Brother Ind Ltd Liquid cartridge and liquid discharge apparatus
US7555248B2 (en) * 2005-02-25 2009-06-30 Kyocera Mita Corporation Developing unit connection for toner supply device

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7555248B2 (en) * 2005-02-25 2009-06-30 Kyocera Mita Corporation Developing unit connection for toner supply device
JP2007136871A (en) * 2005-11-18 2007-06-07 Ricoh Co Ltd Image forming device
JP2007307845A (en) * 2006-05-22 2007-11-29 Brother Ind Ltd Liquid cartridge and liquid discharge apparatus

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