JP2005014437A - Ink bag, ink cartridge, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that ink is apt to be left without being used and an ink bag cannot be fixed/removed easily and stably to/from a case. <P>SOLUTION: The ink bag 2 is produced by bonding a holding member 22 to a flexible bag body 21 wherein the holding member 22 is provided with an opening 33 through which the bag body 21 is filled with ink, and an opening 34 for discharging ink in the bag body 21. Engaging parts 51 and 52 hold cartridge cases 11, 12 and 13 for containing the ink bag 2 split to be assembled/disassembled. The ink discharge opening 34 is held by sealing an ink introduction hole 40 with an elastic member 45 fitted in a tubular part 37 and a holding part 38, and the elastic member 45 is held by being pressed with a cap member 46 fitted over the holding part 38. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【００５７】
この表１の結果から、（ＥＤＰＭ＋Ｓｉ）の弾性部材では、中空針を刺した穴がクリープ変形していることが確認された。また、この場合、弾性部材を径方向に圧縮して嵌め込むことである程度穴を小さくすることはできるが、長期間経過すると変形量が大きくなることが確認された。
【００５８】
これに対して、Ｓｉゴムを弾性部材４５として用いることで中空針の抜き差しによるインク漏れが生じない。
【００５９】
次に、弾性部材４５の外径Ｄと弾性部材４５を嵌め込む保持部３８の開口部４１の内径Ｄ´との関係について図１５をも説明する。
弾性部材４５に対しては前述したように中空針１１１が抜き差しされるので、中空針１１１が抜かれたときに密閉状態に復元できなければインク漏れを生じることになる。したがって、弾性部材４５は径方向に圧縮して保持部３８の開口部４１に嵌め込むことが好ましい。
【００６０】
そこで、弾性部材４５の外径Ｄと弾性部材４５を嵌め込む保持部３８の開口部４１の内径Ｄ´と相互に変化させてその結果を評価した。なお、弾性部材４５の材質としてはシリコンゴムを用いた。この結果を表２に示している。
【００６１】
【表２】

【００６２】
この表２から分かるように、弾性部材４５の外径Ｄと保持部３８の開口部４１の内径Ｄ´との比（Ｄ：Ｄ´）は、１：０．８５〜１：０．９２の範囲内にあるようにすることが好ましい。すなわち、比（Ｄ´／Ｄ）が０．８５未満になると、弾性部材４５の圧縮率が大きくなりすぎて開口部４１に嵌め込むことが難しくなり、他方、比（Ｄ´／Ｄ）が０．９５を越えると、弾性部材４５の圧縮率が小さすぎて密閉状態への復元が不充分になってインク漏れを生じる場合があることが確認された。
【００６３】
次に、弾性部材の厚さｔとこの弾性部材を嵌め込む保持部３８の開口部４１の深さ（高さ）Ｈとの関係について図１５を参照して説明する。
弾性部材４５は保持部３８の開口部４１に嵌め込んだ後キャップ部材４６のフランジ部４７ａによって保持され、キャップ部材４６は係止片４９が段差部４２に係合することで保持部３８の外周に保持される。したがって、弾性部材４５の厚さｔが保持部３８の開口部４１の深さ（高さ）Ｈ以下であるキャップ部材４６による保持ができなくなる。他方、弾性部材４５の厚さ方向の圧縮率が高くなりすぎると、キャップ部材４６が弾性部材４５の復元力で外れたりするおそれがある。
【００６４】
そこで、弾性部材４５の厚さｔと弾性部材４５を嵌め込む保持部３８の開口部４１の深さＨとを相互に変化させてその結果を評価した。なお、弾性部材４５の材質としてはシリコンゴムを用いた。この結果を表３に示している。
【００６５】
【表３】

【００６６】
この表３から分かるように、弾性部材４５の外径Ｄと保持部３８の開口部４１の深さＨとの比（ｔ：Ｈ）が１：０．７７〜１：１の範囲内にあることが好ましい。比（Ｈ／ｔ）が０．７７未満であると、弾性部材４５の圧縮率が高くなりすぎてキャップ部材４６の係止片４９が変形するなどし、１を越えるとキャップ部材４６で弾性部材４５を押し付けることができなくなる。
【００６７】
次に、中空針の径ｄ（図１４参照）と弾性部材の外径Ｄとの関係について説明する。
弾性部材４５に対しては前述したように中空針１１１が抜き差しされるので、中空針１１１の径と弾性部材の径との関係を適切に設定し、弾性部材４５が破損しないようにしなければならない。
【００６８】
そこで、中空針１１１の径ｄを一定として弾性部材４５の径Ｄを変化させてその結果を評価した。なお、弾性部材４５の材質としてはシリコンゴムを用いた。この結果を表４に示している。
【００６９】
【表４】

【００７０】
この表４から分かるように、中空針の径ｄと弾性部材の外径Ｄとの比（ｄ：Ｄ）が１：３〜１：１０の範囲内にあることが好ましい。比（Ｄ／ｄ）が３未満になると、中空針１１１の外周側での弾性部材４５の余裕が小さくなって弾性部材４５に亀裂が入り易くなった。他方、１０を越えると中空針１１１が侵入するときに弾性部材４５の径方向での安定性が低下した。
【００７１】
次に、中空針の径ｄと弾性部材の厚さｔとの関係について説明する。
弾性部材４５に対しては前述したように中空針１１１が抜き差しされ、中空針１１１は弾性部材４５を貫通する必要があるので、中空針１１１の径と弾性部材の厚みとの関係を適切に設定し、中空針１１１の侵入が阻害されず、しかも中空針１１１を抜いたときに密閉状態が維持されるようにしなければならない。
【００７２】
そこで、中空針１１１の径ｄを一定として弾性部材４５の厚さｔを変化させてその結果を評価した。なお、弾性部材４５の材質としてはシリコンゴムを用いた。この結果を表５に示している。
【００７３】
【表５】

【００７４】
この表５から分かるように、中空針の径ｄと弾性部材４５の厚さｔとの比（ｄ：ｔ）が１：１．５〜１：３．５の範囲内にあることが好ましい。比（ｔ／ｄ）が１．５未満であると、中空針１１１を弾性部材４５に突き刺したときに弾性部材４５が薄すぎて破損し易くなっり、中空針１１１を抜いた後に穴が完全に塞がらないことが確認された。他方、３．５を越えると弾性部材４５に中空針１１１を刺して貫通させるときの抵抗が大きくなりすぎた。
【００７５】
ここで、保持部材２２のインク排出口部３４は、図４に示すように、インク袋２の高さ方向の略中央部に配置している。これにより、縦置き（図１の状態をいう）でインクカートリッジ１を使用する場合に、図３４に示したようにインク出口を一端部側に偏在させて設けた場合に比べて、インク袋２の袋本体２１内でのインクの流れがスムーズになって略確実にインクを使い切ることができる。
【００７６】
さらに、保持部材２２には、第１の筐体１１側に設けられる後述する係止爪に係合する係合部５１、５２を一体的に形成している。そして、これらの係合部５１、５２に対応する部分にはフランジ部３１の側面に溝部３１ａ、３１ｂを形成している。
【００７７】
このように、このインク袋２は、可撓性を有する略四角形の袋本体２１の一辺に保持部材２２を固着してなり、保持部材２２には、袋本体２１内にインクを充填するためのインク充填口部３３と袋本体内のインクを排出するためのインク排出口部３４とを有するとともに、このインク袋２を収納するカートリッジ筐体３に保持するための係合部５１、５２を有するので、インクの使い残しが少なく、保護カバーである筐体３に安定的に、着脱容易に取り付けることができるようになる。
【００７８】
次に、本発明に係るインク袋の他の例について図１８ないし図２０をも参照して説明する。なお、図１８は同インク袋の側面説明図、図１９は同インク袋にインクを充填した状態の斜視説明図、図２０は同インク袋にインクを充填した状態を説明する図１８を下側から見た説明図である。
【００７９】
このインク袋２は、袋本体２１を２枚アルミラミネートフィルム３０、３０の背面側に同じくアルミラミネートフィルム３０からなる背面部（底部）２１ａを設けたものであり、このように３枚アルミラミネートフィルム３０を用いることによってインク袋２の容量を大きくすることができる。
【００８０】
次に、インクカートリッジ１の筐体の構成について図２１及び図２２をも参照して説明する。なお、図２１は同インクカートリッジの第１筐体の側面説明図、図２２は同インクカートリッジの第２筐体の側面説明図である。
【００８１】
インクカートリッジ１の筐体３は、分割された略相似形の第１筐体１１と第２筐体１２を合わせて、その前面下側部分に第３筐体１３を嵌め込んで略直方体に組み立ててなり、組み立てた状態で、後述するように、後面側にインクカートリッジ１の装置本体への着脱のために指等を掛け易くした凹み部６１及び引っ掛け部６２が形成され、前面側に装置本体へのインク排出口部３４が臨む開口７３が形成されている。
【００８２】
第１筐体１１は、図２１にも示すように、略矩形状の外形を有し、外周部には前記凹み部６１及び引っ掛け部６２を略半分に分割した凹み部６１Ａ及び引っ掛け部６２Ａと、第１筐体１１及び第２筐体１２とでインク袋２を保持した状態でインク充填装置によって充填を行うためにインク充填装置が進入可能な空間を形成するための切り欠き部６３Ａと、記録装置本体への装填、インク充填装置への装填などに用いるガイド部６４、６５とを一体に形成している。
【００８３】
また、第１筐体１１の内壁面の三隅には後述する第２筐体１２の係止爪が係合する係合部６６ａ、６６ｂ、６６ｃを形成している。さらに、第１筐体１１の内壁面には、インク袋２の保持部材２２を係止して保持するために、保持部材２２の保持位置を決める位置決め部６７、６８を立設するとともに、保持部材２２の係合突部５１、５２を係止する係止爪７１、７２を立設している。これらの位置決め部６７、６８、係止爪７１、７２によってインク袋２の保持部材２２を保持する保持する保持手段、ここでは係止保持手段（係止して保持する手段）を構成している。
【００８４】
さらに、第１筐体１１の前面（装置本体に装填するときの前面）には前記開口７３の一部を形成するための約１／４の円弧状部７３Ａを形成している。
【００８５】
また、第１筐体１１には、第３筐体１３を嵌め込むときに第３筐体１３の係止爪が係合する係合凹部７９を形成している。
【００８６】
第２筐体１２は、図２２にも示すように、第１筐体１１と略相似な外形を有し、外周部には前記凹み部６１及び引っ掛け部６２を略半分に分割した凹み部６１Ｂ及び引っ掛け部６２Ｂと、第１筐体１１及び第２筐体１２とでインク袋２を保持した状態でインク充填装置によって充填を行うためにインク充填装置が進入可能な空間を形成するための切り欠き部６３Ｂと、インクカートリッジ１のインク袋２に充填されたインクの色を表すための突起片からなる識別手段８４とを有している。
【００８７】
また、第２筐体１２の内壁面の三隅には前述した第１筐体１の係合部６６ａ、６６ｂ、６６ｃにそれぞれ係合して引っ掛かる係止爪８６ａ、８６ｂ、８６ｃを一体的に形成している。さらに、第２筐体１２の内壁面には、インク袋２の保持部材２２を嵌め込む溝部を有する嵌め込み部８７、８８を設けている。
【００８８】
さらに、第２筐体１２の前面（装置本体に装填するときの前面）には前記開口７３を形成するための約１／４の円弧状部７３Ｂを形成している。
【００８９】
また、第２筐体１２には、第３筐体１３を嵌め込むときに第３筐体１３の係止爪が係合する係合凹部８９を形成している。
【００９０】
第３筐体１３は、図２に示すように、第１筐体１１と第２筐体１２とを合わせた状態で、第１筐体１１及び第２筐体１２のインク供給側前面の切り欠き部６３Ａ、６３Ｂに嵌め込まれる。この第３筐体１３には、第１筐体１１及び第２筐体１２の係合凹部７９、８９にそれぞれ係合する係止爪９１、９２を設け、また、前記開口７３を形成するための約１／２の円弧状部７３Ｃを形成している。
【００９１】
このように構成したので、このインクカートリッジ１を製造する（組み立てる）には、図２３に示すように、インク袋２の保持部材２２を第１筐体１１の位置決め部６７、６８で位置決めしながら押し付けることにより、第１筐体１１の係止爪７１、７２がインク袋２の保持部材２２の係合突部５１、５２をそれぞれ係止するので、保持部材２２は第１筐体１１に係止保持される。
【００９２】
その後、第２筐体１２を第１筐体１１上に重ね合わせて、第１筐体１１と第２筐体１２の外面側から押し付けることによって、第１筐体１１の係合部６６ａ〜６６ｃに第２筐体１２の係止爪８６ａ〜８６ｃが引っ掛かって係止するので、第１筐体１１と第２筐体１２の組み立て体（図２参照）が出来あがる。
【００９３】
そこで、図２に示すように、第３筐体１３を第１筐体１１及び第１２筐体１２に嵌め込むことによって、第３筐体１３の係止爪９１、９１が第１筐体１１及び第２筐体１２の係合凹部７９、８９に引っ掛かって係止するので、図１に示すようなインクカートリッジ１が組みあがる。
【００９４】
また、このインクカートリッジ１のインク袋２を取り出して新規のインク袋２に詰め替えることでインクカートリッジ１をリサイクルするには、前記と逆の手順で、第３筐体１３を取り外し、第２筐体１２と第１筐体１１とを分解する。このとき、第３筐体１３と第１筐体１１及び第２筐体１２とは係止爪と係合凹部又は係合で軽く係合した状態であるので、容易に分解することができる。
【００９５】
この場合、係止爪は再利用を繰り返すと破損の可能性があるが、第３筐体１３を外しただけで係止爪の状態を確認することができるので、係止爪が破損しているものはその時点で廃棄することが可能になり、作業工程を少なくすることができる。
【００９６】
そして、インクを充填した新規のインク袋２あるいは使用済みのインク袋２にインクを充填した後、インクカートリッジ１を前述した手順で組み立てることでリサイクルしたインクカートリッジ１が出来あがる。
【００９７】
ここで、インク袋２にインクを充填する方法について説明すると、インク袋２の保持部材２２を第１筐体１１に係止保持した状態で、インク充填口部３３内に中空の充填針を差し込んでインクを外部から供給することにより、袋本体２１内にインクが充填される。このとき、第１筐体１１にインク袋２を保持した状態でインク注入を行うことができ、インク袋２の状態を確認しながらインク注入を行うことが可能になり、更にインク袋２が第１筐体１１に保持されていることでインク注入時にインク袋２が安定した状態でインク注入を行うことができる。
【００９８】
そして、インク袋２の袋本体２１へのインク充填が完了したときには、インク充填口部３３に両側から加圧加熱手段を押し付けることによってインク充填口部３３を熱融着して封止する。
【００９９】
次に、使用済みのインク袋２にインクを再充填する方法について説明すると、まず、インク排出口部３４の弾性部材４５からインク導出孔４０内に前述した中空針１１１と同様な中空の充填針を差し込んでインクを外部から供給することにより、袋本体２１内にインクが充填される。このとき、インク袋２単体でもよく、あるいは上述したように第１筐体１１に係止保持した状態で行っても良い。これにより、簡単にインク袋２にインクの再充填を行うことができる。
【０１００】
このようにして使用済みインク袋２への再充填を行った後、前述したと同様にしてインクカートリッジ筐体３を組み立ててインク袋２を収納したインクカートリッジ１を得ることができる。
【０１０１】
このように、このインクカートリッジ１においては、インク袋の保持部材を固定する第１筐体と、第１筐体と外形が略相似形の第２筐体と、第１筐体と第２筐体と組み立てた状態で係合する第３筐体とを備えて、分解及び組み立てが可能に構成したので、インク袋の取り替えが容易になる。また、インク袋の保持部材を分割された第１、第２筐体で保持するので、インク供給方向に平行な面で分割することにより、前面装填構成でもインク袋の姿勢が安定して、安定したインク供給を行うことが可能になる。
【０１０２】
なお、第１、第２、第３筐体相互間での係止爪と係合部とは上述した実施形態とは逆の部材とすることもできる。すなわち、第１筐体と第２筐体相互間では、第１筐体に係止爪を、第２筐体に係合部を設け、あるいは、第１筐体及び第２筐体と第３筐体相互間では、第１筐体及び第２筐体に係止爪を、第３筐体に係合部（係合凹部）を設けることができる。また、ここでは、インクカートリッジ１を縦置きで前面装填構成とする場合で説明しているが、インクカートリッジ１を横置きで前面装填構成する場合にも適用できる。
【０１０３】
次に、インクカートリッジ１の他の異なる実施形態について図２４ないし図２７を参照して説明する。
図２４に示す実施形態は、第１筐体１１及び第２筐体１２の外面にラベル１０１を張り付けることによって、第３筐体１３の係止爪９１と第１筐体１１及び第２筐体１２との係合を補強したものである。これにより、インクカートリッジ１が頻繁に抜き差しされるような場合でも、第３筐体１３が脱落することを防止できる。
【０１０４】
図２５に示す実施形態は、第１筐体１１及と第２筐体１２とをねじ部材１０２によって締め付け固定するようにしたものである。これにより、インクカートリッジ１が頻繁に抜き差しされるような場合でも、筐体３が自然に分解することを防止できる。
【０１０５】
図２６に示す実施形態は、第１筐体１１及び第２筐体１２に、インク袋２のインク排出口３４及び／又はインク排出口部３４の先端部に設けられたキャップ部材４２の側方に切り欠き部６９Ａ、６９Ｂをそれぞれ形成するとともに、更に第３筐体１３にもインク袋２のインク排出口３４及び／又はインク排出口部３４の先端部に設けられたキャップ部材４２の側方に切り欠き部９９を形成したものである。
【０１０６】
これにより、インクカートリッジの筐体を薄くした場合、記録装置本体側からインク排出口部３４に針を差し込むときに針の周囲に設けられる針ガードが第１筐体１１、第２筐体１２或いは第３筐体１３に接触することを防止できる。
【０１０７】
すなわち、図２７に示すように、インクカートリッジ１のインク排出口部３４に記録装置本体側から中空針１１１を刺し込んで装置本体側のインク供給系と接続するが、この場合、記録装置本体側には中空針１１１を保護するための針ガード１２２を周囲に設けている。インクカートリッジ１の厚みが薄くなってくると、開口部７３だけでは針ガード１２２の侵入開口を確保できなくなる。そこで、開口部５７の側部である筐体１１、１２、１３にインク排出口部３４及び／又はキャップ部材４２の側方に切り欠き部を設けることによって図２８に示すように、針ガード１１２が筐体に接触することなく侵入できるようにすることが可能になる。言いかえれば、インクカートリッジをより薄くすることができるようになる。
【０１０８】
図２９に示す実施形態は、第１筐体１１及び第２筐体１２に、インク収納手段であるインク袋２のインク排出口部３４及び／又はインク排出口部３４の先端部に設けられたキャップ部材４２の側方に切り欠き部６９Ａ、６９Ｂをそれぞれ形成している。切り欠き部６９Ａ，６９Ｂの位置によっては第３筐体１３に切り欠き部を設けない構成とすることもできる。
【０１０９】
次に、上述したインクカートリッジを使用するインクジェット記録装置の一例について図３０ないし図３３を参照して説明する。なお、図３０は本発明に係るインクジェット記録装置の前方側から見た斜視説明図、図３１は同記録装置のインクカートリッジ装填部のカバーを開いた状態の斜視説明図、図３２は同記録装置の機構部の全体構成を説明する概略構成図、図３３は同機構部の要部平面説明図である。
【０１１０】
このインクジェット記録装置は、装置本体２０１と、装置本体２０１に装着した用紙を装填するための給紙トレイ２０２と、装置本体２０１に装着され画像が記録（形成）された用紙をストックするための排紙トレイ２０３とを備えている。そして、装置本体２０１の上カバー２１１の上面は略平坦な面であり、装置本体２０１の前カバーの前面２１２が上面に対して斜め下後方に傾斜し、この傾斜した前面２１２の下方側に、前方（手前側）に突き出した排紙トレイ２０３及び給紙トレイ２０２を備えている。
【０１１１】
さらに、前面２１２の一端部側には、前面２１２から前方側に突き出し、上カバー２１１よりも低くなった箇所にインクカートリッジ装填部２０４を有し、このインクカートリッジ装填部２０４の上面に操作キーや表示器などの操作部２０５を配置している。このインクカートリッジ装填部２０４にはインクカートリッジ１の脱着を行うための開閉可能な前カバー２１５を有している。
【０１１２】
装置本体２０１内には、図３２及び図３３に示すように、図示しない左右の側板に横架したガイド部材であるガイドロッド２３１とステー２３２とでキャリッジ２３３を主走査方向に摺動自在に保持し、図示しない主走査モータによって図３０で矢示方向に移動走査する。
【０１１３】
このキャリッジ２３３には、イエロー（Ｙ）、シアン（Ｃ）、マゼンタ（Ｍ）、ブラック（Ｂｋ）の各色のインク滴を吐出する４個のインクジェットヘッドからなる記録ヘッド２３４を複数のインク吐出口を主走査方向と交叉する方向に配列し、インク滴吐出方向を下方に向けて装着している。
【０１１４】
記録ヘッド２３４を構成するインクジェットヘッドとしては、圧電素子などの圧電アクチュエータ、発熱抵抗体などの電気熱変換素子を用いて液体の膜沸騰による相変化を利用するサーマルアクチュエータ、温度変化による金属相変化を用いる形状記憶合金アクチュエータ、静電力を用いる静電アクチュエータなどをインクを吐出するためのエネルギー発生手段として備えたものなどを使用できる。
【０１１５】
また、キャリッジ２３３には、記録ヘッド２３４に各色のインクを供給するための各色のサブタンク２３５を搭載している。このサブタンク２３５に、図示しないインク供給チューブを介して、インクカートリッジ装填部２０５に装填された本発明に係るインクカートリッジ１のインク袋２のインク排出口部３４からインクが補充供給される。
【０１１６】
一方、給紙トレイ２０３の用紙積載部（圧板）２４１上に積載した用紙２４２を給紙するための給紙部として、用紙積載部２４１から用紙２４２を１枚づつ分離給送する半月コロ（給紙コロ）２４３及び給紙コロ２４３に対向し、摩擦係数の大きな材質からなる分離パッド２４４を備え、この分離パッド２４４は給紙コロ２４３側に付勢されている。
【０１１７】
そして、この給紙部から給紙された用紙２４２を記録ヘッド２３４の下方側で搬送するための搬送部として、用紙２４２を静電吸着して搬送するための搬送ベルト２５１と、給紙部からガイド２４５を介して送られる用紙２４２を搬送ベルト２５１との間で挟んで搬送するためのカウンタローラ２５２と、略鉛直上方に送られる用紙２４２を略９０°方向転換させて搬送ベルト２５１上に倣わせるための搬送ガイド２５３と、押さえ部材２５４で搬送ベルト２５１側に付勢された先端加圧コロ２５５とを備えている。また、搬送ベルト２５１表面を帯電させるための帯電手段である帯電ローラ２５６を備えている。
【０１１８】
ここで、搬送ベルト２５１は、無端状ベルトであり、搬送ローラ２５７とテンションローラ２５８との間に掛け渡されて、ベルト搬送方向に周回するように構成している。この搬送ベルト２５１は、例えば、抵抗制御を行っていない純粋な厚さ４０μｍ程度の樹脂材、例えばＥＴＦＥピュア材で形成した用紙吸着面となる表層と、この表層と同材質でカーボンによる抵抗制御を行った裏層（中抵抗層、アース層）とを有している。
【０１１９】
また、搬送ベルト２５１の裏側には、記録ヘッド２３４による印写領域に対応してガイド部材２６１を配置している。
【０１２０】
さらに、記録ヘッド２３４で記録された用紙２４２を排紙するための排紙部として、搬送ベルト２５１から用紙２４２を分離するための分離爪２７１と、排紙ローラ２７２及び排紙コロ２７３とを備え、排紙ローラ２７２の下方に排紙トレイ２０３を備えている。
【０１２１】
また、装置本体２０１の背面部には両面給紙ユニット２８１が着脱自在に装着されている。この両面給紙ユニット２８１は搬送ベルト２５１の逆方向回転で戻される用紙２４２を取り込んで反転させて再度カウンタローラ２５２と搬送ベルト２５１との間に給紙する。また、この両面給紙ユニット２８１の上面には手差し給紙部２８２を設けている。
【０１２２】
このように構成したインクジェット記録装置においては、給紙部から用紙２４２が１枚ずつ分離給紙され、略鉛直上方に給紙された用紙２４２はガイド２４５で案内され、搬送ベルト２５１とカウンタローラ２５２との間に挟まれて搬送され、更に先端を搬送ガイド２５３で案内されて先端加圧コロ２５５で搬送ベルト２５１に押し付けられ、略９０°搬送方向を転換される。
【０１２３】
このとき、帯電ローラ２５６によって搬送ベルト２５７が帯電されており、用紙２４２は搬送ベルト２５１に静電吸着されて搬送される。そこで、キャリッジ２３３を移動させながら画像信号に応じて記録ヘッド２３４を駆動することにより、停止している用紙２４２にインク滴を吐出して１行分を記録し、用紙２４２を所定量搬送後、次の行の記録を行う。記録終了信号又は用紙２４２の後端が記録領域に到達した信号を受けることにより、記録動作を終了して、用紙２４２を排紙トレイ２０３に排紙する。
【０１２４】
そして、サブタンク２３５内のインクの残量ニアーエンドが検知されると、インクカートリッジ１から所要量のインクがサブタンク２３５に補給される。
【０１２５】
このインクジェット記録装置では本発明に係るインクカートリッジ１を備えているので、インクカートリッジ１も使い切ったときには筐体３を分解して内部のインク袋２だけを交換することが可能になり、また、インクカートリッジ１を縦置きで前面装填構成としても、安定してインク供給を行えるので、装置本体２０１の上方が塞がって設置されているような場合、例えば、ラック内に収納したり、あるいは装置本体２０１の上面に物が置かれているような場合でも、インクカートリッジ１の交換を容易に行なうことができる。
【０１２６】
なお、上記実施形態においては、本発明をキャリッジが走査するシリアル型（シャトル型）インクジェット記録装置に適用した例で説明したが、ライン型ヘッドを備えたライン型インクジェット記録装置にも同様に適用することができる。また、本発明に係るインクジェット記録装置は、インクジェットプリンタ以外にも、ファクシミリ装置、複写装置、プリンタ／ファックス／コピア複合機などにも適用することができる。
【０１２７】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明に係るインク袋によれば、撓性を有する袋本体に保持部材を固着してなり、保持部材には、袋本体内にインクを充填するためのインク充填口部と袋本体内のインクを排出するためのインク排出口部とを有するとともに、このインク袋を収納する分割されたカートリッジ筐体に保持するための係合部を有する構成としたので、インクの使い残しが減少し、筐体に安定的に、着脱容易に取りつけることができ、インクを安定して供給することができる。
【０１２８】
本発明に係るインクカートリッジによれば、外形形状が相似の少なくとも２つの第１、２筐体とを備え、これらの第１、第２筐体は組立て及び分解可能であって、本発明に係るインク袋の保持部材を第１筐体に設けた係合保持手段に係合保持しているので、分解組み立てが容易で、インクの使い残しが減少し、インク袋を筐体に安定的に、着脱容易に取りつけることができる。
【０１２９】
本発明に係る画像形成装置によれば、本発明に係るインクカートリッジを装填可能な構成としたので、インクカートリッジも使い切ったときにインク袋だけを交換することができるとともに、安定してインク供給を行うことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係るインクカートリッジの外観斜視説明図
【図２】同インクカートリッジの第３筐体を外した状態の概略斜視説明図
【図３】同インクカートリッジの前面側から見た正断面説明図
【図４】本発明に係るインク袋の側面説明図
【図５】同インク袋にインクを充填した状態を説明する図４を下側から見た説明図
【図６】同インク袋の袋本体を構成するアルミラミネートフィルムの断面説明図
【図７】同インク袋の保持部材の側面説明図
【図８】図７の保持部材を背面側から見た説明図
【図９】図７の保持部材を前面側から見た説明図
【図１０】同インク袋のインク排出口部の要部断面説明図
【図１１】同インク排出口部のキャップ部材の断面説明図
【図１２】同キャップ部材の前面側から見た説明図
【図１３】中空針の側面説明図
【図１４】同中空針の先端拡大説明図
【図１５】保持部とキャップ部材の関係の説明に供する拡大説明図
【図１６】インク袋の縦横比と静水圧との関係の測定の説明に供する説明図
【図１７】インク袋の縦横比と静水圧との関係の測定結果の一例を示す説明図
【図１８】本発明に係るインク袋の他の例を示す側面説明図
【図１９】同インク袋にインクを充填した状態の斜視説明図
【図２０】同インク袋にインクを充填した状態を説明する図１６を下側から見た説明図
【図２１】同インクカートリッジの第１筐体の側面説明図
【図２２】同インクカートリッジの第２筐体の側面説明図
【図２３】同インクカートリッジの第１筐体にインク袋を係止保持した状態の側面図
【図２４】本発明に係るインクカートリッジの他の例の外観斜視説明図
【図２５】本発明に係るインクカートリッジの更に他の例の外観斜視説明図
【図２６】本発明に係るインクカートリッジの更にまた他の例の外観斜視説明図
【図２７】同カートリッジと記録装置本体側との接続の説明に供する側面説明図
【図２８】同じく正面説明図
【図２９】本発明に係るインクカートリッジの他の例の外観斜視説明図
【図３０】本発明に係るインクジェット記録装置の前方側から見た斜視説明図
【図３１】同記録装置のインクカートリッジ装填部のカバーを開いた状態の斜視説明図
【図３２】同記録装置の機構部の全体構成を説明する概略構成図
【図３３】同機構部の要部平面説明図
【図３４】従来のインクカートリッジの一例を示す分解斜視説明図
【符号の説明】
１…インクカートリッジ、２…インク袋、３…インクカートリッジの筐体、１１…第１筐体、１２…第２筐体、１３…第３筐体、２１…袋本体、２２…保持部材、３３…インク充填口部、３４…インク排出口部、４５…弾性部座右、４６…キャップ部材、２０１…装置本体、２０２…給紙トレイ、２０３…排紙トレイ、２０４…インクカートリッジ装填部、２３３…キャリッジ、２３４…記録ヘッド、２４２…用紙、２５１…搬送ベルト、２５６…帯電ローラ、２５７…搬送ローラ、２５８…テンションローラ。[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an ink bag, an ink cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Patent Document 1] JP-A-10-202901
[Patent Document 2] JP-A-10-202900
[Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-2788
[Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-54002
[0003]
[Prior art]
As an image forming apparatus (or image recording apparatus) such as a printer, a facsimile machine, and a copying apparatus, for example, an ink jet recording apparatus is known. The ink jet recording apparatus is a recording head to a sheet of paper (not limited to paper but includes OHP or the like, which means that an image is formed and is also referred to as a recording medium, a recording medium, or recording paper). It is a recording method that ejects ink, can record high-definition images at high speed, has low running costs, has low noise, and uses multi-color inks to record color images. Has advantages such as being easy.
[0004]
As an ink cartridge used in a conventional ink jet recording apparatus, for example,
As described in Patent Document 1, ink is filled in a casing made of a rigid rectangular shell.
As described in Patent Document 2, a flexible bag-like ink tank provided with an ink outlet and a chassis part (housing) having an opening through which the ink tank can be taken in and out are provided. Also known is an ink tank that can be inserted into and removed from the chassis.
[0005]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 34, an ink storage unit 501 that stores ink, a cylindrical case 502 that stores the ink storage unit 501, and a lid member 503 that covers the front surface of the cylindrical case 502 are provided. A holding member 504 provided integrally with the portion 501 is provided with a cylindrical ink filling port portion 505 sealed for ink filling, a cylindrical ink supply port portion 506 for ink supply, and the like. The protrusion 504a of the holding member 504 is engaged with a locking hole 502a provided in the middle of the wall surface of the cylindrical case 502 by being pushed into the cylindrical case 502, and the holding member 504 is fixedly held on the cylindrical case 502. There is also known an ink cartridge in which a lid member 503 is fitted into the opening of the cylindrical case 502.
[0006]
Here, the ink storage portion 501 is formed by forming a frame body 511 integrally with the holding member 504 and welding a film-like member 512 made of a resin film on the inner surface side and an aluminum film on the outer surface side to the outside of the frame body 511. ing.
[0007]
As a structure for discharging ink from the ink cartridge,
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-260, a hollow needle for ink connection is provided in an ink supply body receiving portion that receives ink from the ink supply body by using an ink supply body that is an elastic body that stores and supplies ink. A sealing member that seals the tip of the hollow needle for ink connection and is movable relative to the hollow needle, a pressing member that presses the sealing member toward the supply body, and a supply body provided in the supply body is held in tension. When the ink supply body is mounted, ink is supplied through a hollow needle that penetrates the seal member, and when the ink supply body is removed, the hollow needle is sealed by the seal member moved by the pressing member. Is known.
[0008]
further,
As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-260260, an ink container using a porous absorbent body is inserted into an opening formed in the container body and brought into contact with the absorbent body. A method is also known in which ink is supplied to a container.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent ink jet recording apparatuses, the image quality has been improved and the amount of ink to be used tends to increase. In the conventional ink jet recording apparatus in which the ink cartridge is mounted on the carriage, the ink cartridge must be frequently replaced. For this reason, a configuration in which a small sub tank is mounted on the carriage and ink is supplied to the sub tank from a main ink cartridge disposed on the apparatus main body side is being adopted.
[0010]
Therefore, the ink cartridge is also enlarged, and when it is used up,
If the ink cartridge must be discarded as it is, as in the ink cartridge described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-260628, it is necessary to make a configuration that can be effectively reused because resources are wasted. ing.
[0011]
Therefore,
Some ink cartridges, such as the ink cartridge described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-260, can be stored in the chassis part so that they can be simply inserted and removed, but with such a configuration, the ink tank is not stable and ink cannot be replenished stably. There is a problem. In addition, when the ink cartridge is inserted into the main body of the apparatus from above and loaded with the ink supply port (replenishment port) facing downward, the ink tank is stabilized to some extent in the chassis, but the ink cartridge is removed from the front. In the case where a configuration in which the ink supply port portion is loaded in the lateral direction (horizontal direction) by being inserted into the apparatus main body (hereinafter, this configuration is referred to as “front loading configuration”), the ink tank is Such a front-loading structure cannot be adopted because it is inclined in the chassis.
[0012]
Further, in the ink cartridge as shown in FIG. 34 described above, the holding member integrally formed with the frame of the ink storage portion is pushed into a cylindrical case having substantially the same opening as this holding member, Since the holding member must be pulled out of the case, there is a problem that the workability of assembly or disassembly is poor.
[0013]
Also, when injecting ink into the ink storage unit, it is not stable if the ink is injected in a state where the ink storage unit is taken out together with the holding member from the cylindrical case. On the other hand, the ink is stored together with the holding member in the cylindrical case. There is a problem that the state of the ink storage unit cannot be confirmed by injecting ink while the unit is loaded. Therefore, there is another problem that it is difficult to refill ink.
[0014]
Further, since the film storage member is bonded to the frame body integrally formed with the holding member in the ink storage portion, a gap is easily generated between the frame body and the film member, and the external pressure is uniformly applied to the film member. There is a problem that it is difficult to apply the ink and the remaining ink is liable to occur.
[0015]
Therefore, it is preferable that the entire ink storage portion has a flexible bag shape. However, when such a flexible bag shape is used, the detachability to the recording apparatus main body and the durability are improved. In order to achieve this, a protective cover is required, and it is necessary to adopt a configuration in which a flexible ink bag is attached to such a protective cover in a stable, easy to attach and detach manner, and to easily fill the ink. Technical challenges arise.
[0016]
Furthermore, various recent ink physical properties have been developed. However, the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 34 does not take any measures, so that a cylindrical ink supply for supplying ink is used. There are problems such as clogging of the mouth and the like that has been eluted into the ink, which prevents stable ink supply.
[0017]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an ink bag that can be stably attached to a protective cover and can be easily attached and detached and can stably supply ink, with less ink remaining, and the ink bag. And an image forming apparatus provided with the ink cartridge.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, an ink bag according to the present invention is formed by fixing a holding member to a flexible bag body, and the holding member is filled with ink in the bag body. The ink filling port portion and the ink discharge port portion for discharging the ink in the bag body, and the engaging portion for holding the ink bag in the divided cartridge housing are provided. .
[0019]
Here, the ink discharge port portion has a cylindrical portion that forms a lead-out hole for leading out the ink in the bag body, and this cylindrical portion is formed of a material that does not affect the physical properties of the ink. It is preferable. In this case, it is preferable that the cylindrical portion integrally has a holding portion that holds and holds an elastic member that seals the outlet hole.
[0020]
The ink discharge port has an elastic member that seals the outlet hole for leading out the ink in the bag body, and the elastic member is formed of a material that does not affect the physical properties of the ink. Is preferred. In this case, the elastic member is preferably made of silicon or rubber of a material that does not affect the physical properties of the ink based on silicon.
[0021]
Further, the ink discharge port portion has a cap member that covers at least a part of the elastic member that seals the outlet hole portion for leading out the ink in the bag body, and this cap member affects the physical properties of the ink. Preferably, it is made of a material that is not. In this case, it is preferable that a step portion for engaging a locking piece provided on the cap member is provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the ink discharge port portion. Moreover, it is preferable that a cap member consists of a cylindrical member which has a flange part which hold | suppresses an elastic member, and has a several latching piece bent inward in the cylindrical part.
[0022]
Further, the ratio (D: D ′) of the outer diameter D of the elastic member and the inner diameter D ′ of the portion into which the elastic member is fitted is preferably in the range of 1: 0.85 to 1: 0.92. The ratio (t: H) between the thickness t of the elastic member and the depth H of the portion into which the elastic member is fitted is preferably in the range of 1: 0.77 to 1: 1.
[0023]
Further, when the diameter of the hollow needle for piercing the elastic member and leading the ink in the bag body to the outside is d, the ratio of the diameter d of the hollow needle to the outer diameter D of the elastic member (d: D) Is preferably in the range of 1: 3 to 1:10. When the diameter of the hollow needle for piercing the elastic member and leading the ink in the bag body to the outside is d, the ratio (d: t) of the diameter d of the hollow needle to the thickness t of the elastic member is 1. : It is preferable to exist in the range of 1.5-1: 3.5.
[0024]
Further, it is preferable that the ink bag holding member is held in a state where the ink discharge port portion is positioned at a substantially central portion in the height direction of the cartridge housing when the ink bag is housed in the cartridge housing.
Further, it is preferable that the ink filling port portion is fused and sealed in a state where the ink is filled in the bag body of the ink bag.
[0025]
An ink cartridge according to the present invention includes at least two first and second housings having similar outer shapes in an ink cartridge containing an ink bag, and the first and second housings can be assembled and disassembled. Thus, the ink bag is the ink bag according to the present invention, and the holding member of the ink bag is engaged and held by the engagement holding means provided in the first housing.
[0026]
The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is configured to be loaded with the ink cartridge according to the present invention.
[0027]
Here, the ink cartridge is preferably loaded from the front side of the apparatus main body.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective view of the appearance of an ink cartridge according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory schematic perspective view of the ink cartridge with a third housing removed, and FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the ink cartridge as viewed from the front side. It is explanatory drawing.
[0029]
The ink cartridge 1 includes an ink bag 2 that is filled with ink, and a housing 3 that accommodates the ink bag 2. The housing 3 includes a first housing 11, a second housing 12, and a third housing 13, and the side surface of the ink bag 2 is protected by the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. A casing portion serving as a protective cover is configured. That is, the housing 3 is divided into a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 that house the ink bag 2 on a surface parallel to the ink supply direction (ink discharge direction).
[0030]
First, an example of the configuration of the ink bag 2 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 is a side explanatory view of the ink bag, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of FIG. 4 illustrating a state in which the ink bag is filled with ink, and FIG. 6 is a bag body of the ink bag. FIG. 7 is an explanatory side view of the holding member of the ink bag, FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the holding member of FIG. 7 viewed from the back side, and FIG. 9 is a front view of the holding member of FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of an essential part of the ink discharge port portion of the ink bag, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a cap member of the ink discharge port portion, and FIG. 12 is a front side of the cap member. It is explanatory drawing seen from.
[0031]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ink bag 2 has a resin-made holding member 22 on one side of the long side of a bag body 21 having a substantially rectangular shape (in this case, a rectangular shape) made of an aluminum laminate film. Is fixed (welded).
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 6, the bag body 21 has a structure in which a dry lamination 26, an aluminum film 27, a dry lamination 28, and a PA 29 are sequentially laminated on the LDPE 25 using an aluminum laminate film 30, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As described above, the periphery of the two aluminum laminate films 30 and 30 (the region shaded in FIG. 4) is welded to the holding member 22 and formed into a bag shape. The bag body 21 does not have a conventional frame for maintaining the shape inside, and has flexibility as a whole, so that the remaining amount of ink is extremely small.
[0033]
Here, the bag main body 21 is formed from the aluminum laminate film 30, but the material of the member forming the bag main body 21 is not limited to this. However, it is preferably formed of a member including at least an aluminum laminate film.
[0034]
Further, the ratio of the vertical H to the horizontal W of the bag body 21 is set within the range of 1 ≦ 1.5 or 1.5 ≦ 1, and the bag body 21 is vertically placed (a mode in which ink is discharged (supplied) horizontally) It is preferable for securing the hydrostatic pressure when using the ink and reducing the remaining amount of ink.
[0035]
Here, an example of the relationship between the shape of the bag body 21 and the hydrostatic pressure at the ink discharge port will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.
Here, as shown in FIG. 16, the shape of the bag body 21 is a horizontally long shape (the width W is larger than the height H). And H × W is (1) 90 × 116 (1: 1.29), (2) 70 × 106 (1: 1.5), (3) 50 × 126 (1: 2.52). Two types of bag bodies were prepared, and two types of film thickness (thin type and thick type) were prepared.
[0036]
Then, the relationship between the remaining amount of ink and the hydrostatic pressure at the ink discharge port was measured by combining the bag body and the case. The result is shown in FIG. In addition, it does not measure about 50x126 thickness type.
[0037]
The hydrostatic pressure at the ink outlet is 0 (gf / cm ² ) It is preferable for the vicinity to send ink stably to the sub tank. Therefore, when the result of FIG. 17 is evaluated, in the case of the bag body of the above (1) in which the vertical: horizontal ratio is 1: 1.29, the hydrostatic pressure of the ink discharge port with respect to the remaining amount of ink is 0 (gf / Cm ² ) Stable in the vicinity.
[0038]
On the other hand, in the case of the bag body of the above (2) having a vertical: horizontal ratio of 1: 1.5, when the target 100 g is filled, the hydrostatic pressure at the ink outlet is 2 (gf / cm ² ) (Thin type) or 4 (gf / cm ² ) (Thick type). Further, in the case of the bag body of the above (3) having a vertical: horizontal ratio of 1: 2.52, the hydrostatic pressure at the ink discharge port suddenly increases at about 50 g when filling the target 100 g.
[0039]
From this, it can be seen that, although it depends on the thickness of the film, the configuration of the bag body 21 preferably has a longitudinal: lateral ratio in the range of 1 to 1.5 as described above.
[0040]
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the holding member 22 is integrally formed with a connecting portion 32 for thermally welding the bag body 21 on one side of the flange portion 31, and hollow ink is formed on the other side of the flange portion 31. A filling port 33 (shown in the state before fusion sealing) and a hollow ink discharge port 34 are integrally formed.
[0041]
Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the connecting portion 32 has both end portions (longitudinal end portions of the holding member 22) formed in a tapered shape to have a substantially rhombus shape, and a concave portion 32a is formed on the outer peripheral surface. Thereby, the aluminum laminate films 30 and 30 which form the bag main body 21 can be reliably welded to the peripheral surface of the connecting portion 32 without a gap.
[0042]
An ink filling through hole 35 penetrating the flange portion 31 and the connecting portion 32 is formed inside the ink filling port portion 33, and after the ink is filled in the ink bag 2, the ink filling port portion 33 is thermally fused. (The sealing portion 36 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). By sealing the ink filling port 33 by heat sealing, the sealing can be performed reliably and easily.
[0043]
Further, the ink discharge port portion 34 has a cylindrical portion 37 and a seal member holding portion 38 that are integrally formed, and a partition wall portion 39 is formed between the cylindrical portion 37 and the seal member holding portion 38. The cylindrical portion 37 is formed with an ink outlet hole 40 penetrating the flange portion 31 and the connecting portion 32, and the seal member holding portion 38 is provided with an opening 41 for fitting an elastic member for sealing the ink outlet hole 40. Further, a stepped portion 42 for mounting a cap member is formed between the cylindrical portion 37 and the seal member holding portion 38 on the outer peripheral surface.
[0044]
Then, as shown in FIG. 10, an elastic member 45 for sealing the ink outlet hole 40 is fitted into the opening 41 of the sealing material holding portion 38 of the ink discharge port portion 34, and a cap member 46 is further fitted. The elastic member 45 is held.
[0045]
The shape of the elastic member 45 may be any of a cylindrical shape (circular cross section), a triangular prism shape, a quadrangular prism shape, a pentagonal prism shape, a hexagonal prism shape, a heptagonal prism shape, an octagonal prism shape, etc. Any shape that can maintain the state may be used.
[0046]
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the cap member 46 includes a cylindrical portion 47 having a flange portion 47a that presses the peripheral edge portion of the elastic member 45, and the inner peripheral side of the flange portion 47a is supplied from the recording apparatus main body side. A hole 48 for inserting a needle is formed, and a plurality of locking pieces 49 bent inward are formed in the tubular portion 47. The shape of the hole 48 is not limited to a circle, and may be any of a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, and the like, and is particularly limited.
[0047]
By fitting the cap member 46 into the holding portion 38 of the ink discharge port portion 34, the locking piece 49 is stepped between the cylindrical portion 37 of the ink discharge port portion 34 and the holding portion 38 as shown in FIG. 10. It engages with the part 42 and cannot be removed.
[0048]
Here, the cylindrical portion 37 and the holding portion 38 of the ink discharge port portion 34 are formed of a material that does not affect the physical properties of the ink, for example, high-density polyethylene. This prevents the cylindrical portion 37 or the like in which the outlet hole 40 that is constantly exposed to the ink is formed from being eluted into the ink.
[0049]
The elastic member 45 is also preferably made of a material that does not affect the physical properties of the ink, such as silicon or a rubber material based on silicon. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the elastic member, which is a sealing member that is constantly exposed to ink, from being eluted into the ink and causing clogging.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 10, the elastic member 45 is a hollow, needle-like supply needle (hollow needle) 111 (ink introduction means for introducing ink into the recording apparatus main body) from the recording apparatus main body. When inserted, the ink can be supplied to the recording apparatus main body while keeping the sealed state, and the ink outlet hole 40 is maintained in the sealed state by being restored when the supply needle 111 is removed. Is for.
[0051]
Accordingly, as the material of the elastic member 45, the hollow needle 111 is stuck because the hollow needle 111 is left in a state where it is stuck, or the hollow needle 111 once stuck is left unplugged. It is required that the sealed state can be surely maintained even if it is pulled out after.
[0052]
Here, the hollow needle (hollow needle) 111 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 as well. The hollow needle 111 is a cylindrical member having an ink introduction passage 112 formed therein, and ink is introduced into the side surface of the tip. A hole 113 is formed. By forming the ink introduction hole 113 in the side surface portion of the tip of the hollow needle 111, the tip can be sharpened, and can be easily stabbed without causing a defect in the elastic member 45. The ink introduction hole 113 is not clogged due to damage.
[0053]
Further, the cap member 46 is also formed of a material that does not affect the physical properties of the ink, such as SUS. Thereby, even when the flange portion 47a in contact with the elastic member 45 comes into contact with the ink, it is possible to prevent elution and corrosion from occurring.
[0054]
Here, the result of the experiment about the material of the elastic member 45 is demonstrated. Using an elastic member made of EDPM + Si material as the elastic member 45 in the ink discharge port 34 of the ink bag 1 according to the present invention, the hollow needle 111 is left pierced for about one week (temperature and humidity 50 ° -35%). Thereafter, when the hollow needle 111 was removed, ink leakage occurred from the needle hole.
[0055]
Therefore, the present inventor has made EPDM + Si (hardness 40 °, thickness t = 2 mm), EPDM + Si (hardness 50 °, thickness t = 2 mm), fluororubber (hardness 55 °, thickness t = 2 mm), butyl rubber (hardness) 50 °, thickness t = 2 mm), Si rubber (commercial product with unknown hardness, thickness 2 mm), Si rubber (hardness 40 °, thickness t = 2 mm), Si rubber (hardness 50 °, thickness t = 2 mm) ) Was left for 3 days (temperature and humidity 50 ° -35%), and then it was confirmed whether or not light was transmitted when the hollow needle 111 was removed. The results are shown in Table 1. In the table, ×: light transmission, ○: light non-transmission.
[0056]
[Table 1]

[0057]
From the results of Table 1, it was confirmed that in the elastic member of (EDPM + Si), the hole pierced with the hollow needle was creep-deformed. In this case, the hole can be reduced to some extent by compressing and fitting the elastic member in the radial direction, but it has been confirmed that the amount of deformation increases after a long period of time.
[0058]
On the other hand, by using Si rubber as the elastic member 45, ink leakage due to insertion and removal of the hollow needle does not occur.
[0059]
Next, the relationship between the outer diameter D of the elastic member 45 and the inner diameter D ′ of the opening 41 of the holding portion 38 into which the elastic member 45 is fitted will also be described with reference to FIG.
Since the hollow needle 111 is inserted into and removed from the elastic member 45 as described above, ink leakage will occur if the sealed state cannot be restored when the hollow needle 111 is removed. Therefore, the elastic member 45 is preferably compressed in the radial direction and fitted into the opening 41 of the holding portion 38.
[0060]
Therefore, the outer diameter D of the elastic member 45 and the inner diameter D ′ of the opening 41 of the holding portion 38 into which the elastic member 45 is fitted were changed to evaluate the result. Note that silicon rubber was used as the material of the elastic member 45. The results are shown in Table 2.
[0061]
[Table 2]

[0062]
As can be seen from Table 2, the ratio (D: D ′) between the outer diameter D of the elastic member 45 and the inner diameter D ′ of the opening 41 of the holding portion 38 is 1: 0.85 to 1: 0.92. It is preferable to be within the range. That is, when the ratio (D ′ / D) is less than 0.85, the compression rate of the elastic member 45 becomes too large to be fitted into the opening 41, while the ratio (D ′ / D) is 0. If it exceeds .95, it has been confirmed that the compression rate of the elastic member 45 is too small and the restoration to the sealed state is insufficient, and ink leakage may occur.
[0063]
Next, the relationship between the thickness t of the elastic member and the depth (height) H of the opening 41 of the holding portion 38 into which the elastic member is fitted will be described with reference to FIG.
After the elastic member 45 is fitted into the opening 41 of the holding portion 38, the elastic member 45 is held by the flange portion 47 a of the cap member 46, and the cap member 46 is engaged with the step portion 42 so that the outer periphery of the holding portion 38 is engaged. Retained. Accordingly, the elastic member 45 cannot be held by the cap member 46 whose thickness t is equal to or less than the depth (height) H of the opening 41 of the holding portion 38. On the other hand, if the compressibility in the thickness direction of the elastic member 45 becomes too high, the cap member 46 may be detached due to the restoring force of the elastic member 45.
[0064]
Therefore, the thickness t of the elastic member 45 and the depth H of the opening 41 of the holding portion 38 into which the elastic member 45 is fitted were changed to evaluate the result. Note that silicon rubber was used as the material of the elastic member 45. The results are shown in Table 3.
[0065]
[Table 3]

[0066]
As can be seen from Table 3, the ratio (t: H) between the outer diameter D of the elastic member 45 and the depth H of the opening 41 of the holding portion 38 is in the range of 1: 0.77 to 1: 1. It is preferable. If the ratio (H / t) is less than 0.77, the compression rate of the elastic member 45 becomes too high and the locking piece 49 of the cap member 46 is deformed. 45 cannot be pressed.
[0067]
Next, the relationship between the diameter d of the hollow needle (see FIG. 14) and the outer diameter D of the elastic member will be described.
Since the hollow needle 111 is inserted into and removed from the elastic member 45 as described above, the relationship between the diameter of the hollow needle 111 and the diameter of the elastic member must be set appropriately so that the elastic member 45 is not damaged. .
[0068]
Then, the diameter d of the hollow needle 111 was made constant, the diameter D of the elastic member 45 was changed, and the result was evaluated. Note that silicon rubber was used as the material of the elastic member 45. The results are shown in Table 4.
[0069]
[Table 4]

[0070]
As can be seen from Table 4, the ratio (d: D) between the diameter d of the hollow needle and the outer diameter D of the elastic member is preferably in the range of 1: 3 to 1:10. When the ratio (D / d) was less than 3, the margin of the elastic member 45 on the outer peripheral side of the hollow needle 111 was reduced, and the elastic member 45 was easily cracked. On the other hand, when it exceeds 10, the stability of the elastic member 45 in the radial direction is lowered when the hollow needle 111 enters.
[0071]
Next, the relationship between the diameter d of the hollow needle and the thickness t of the elastic member will be described.
As described above, the hollow needle 111 is inserted into and removed from the elastic member 45, and the hollow needle 111 needs to penetrate the elastic member 45. Therefore, the relationship between the diameter of the hollow needle 111 and the thickness of the elastic member is appropriately set. In addition, the penetration of the hollow needle 111 is not hindered, and the sealed state must be maintained when the hollow needle 111 is removed.
[0072]
Therefore, the diameter d of the hollow needle 111 was kept constant, and the thickness t of the elastic member 45 was changed to evaluate the result. Note that silicon rubber was used as the material of the elastic member 45. The results are shown in Table 5.
[0073]
[Table 5]

[0074]
As can be seen from Table 5, the ratio (d: t) between the diameter d of the hollow needle and the thickness t of the elastic member 45 is preferably in the range of 1: 1.5 to 1: 3.5. When the ratio (t / d) is less than 1.5, the elastic member 45 is too thin and easily damaged when the hollow needle 111 is pierced into the elastic member 45, and the hole is completely formed after the hollow needle 111 is pulled out. It was confirmed that it was not blocked. On the other hand, when it exceeded 3.5, the resistance when the hollow needle 111 was pierced through the elastic member 45 was too large.
[0075]
Here, the ink discharge port portion 34 of the holding member 22 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the height direction of the ink bag 2 as shown in FIG. 4. As a result, when the ink cartridge 1 is used vertically (referring to the state shown in FIG. 1), the ink bag 2 can be used as compared with the case where the ink outlet is provided unevenly at one end as shown in FIG. The flow of ink in the bag body 21 becomes smooth, so that the ink can be used up almost certainly.
[0076]
Further, the holding member 22 is integrally formed with engaging portions 51 and 52 that engage with locking claws described later provided on the first housing 11 side. Then, groove portions 31 a and 31 b are formed on the side surfaces of the flange portion 31 at portions corresponding to these engaging portions 51 and 52.
[0077]
As described above, the ink bag 2 is formed by fixing the holding member 22 to one side of the substantially rectangular bag body 21 having flexibility, and the holding member 22 is used for filling the bag body 21 with ink. In addition to having an ink filling port portion 33 and an ink discharge port portion 34 for discharging the ink in the bag body, it has engagement portions 51 and 52 for holding the ink bag 2 in the cartridge housing 3. As a result, the remaining amount of ink is small, and it can be stably and easily attached to the housing 3 as the protective cover.
[0078]
Next, another example of the ink bag according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 is an explanatory side view of the ink bag, FIG. 19 is a perspective explanatory view of the ink bag filled with ink, and FIG. 20 is a lower side of FIG. 18 illustrating the ink bag filled with ink. It is explanatory drawing seen from.
[0079]
In this ink bag 2, a bag body 21 is provided with a back surface portion (bottom portion) 21a made of the aluminum laminate film 30 on the back surface side of the two aluminum laminate films 30 and 30, and thus three aluminum laminate films are provided. By using 30, the capacity of the ink bag 2 can be increased.
[0080]
Next, the configuration of the casing of the ink cartridge 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 21 is an explanatory side view of the first casing of the ink cartridge, and FIG. 22 is an explanatory side view of the second casing of the ink cartridge.
[0081]
The housing 3 of the ink cartridge 1 is assembled into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by fitting the divided first housing 11 and second housing 12 together and fitting the third housing 13 into the lower part of the front surface thereof. In the assembled state, as will be described later, a recessed portion 61 and a hooking portion 62 are formed on the rear surface side so that a finger or the like can be easily attached to attach or detach the ink cartridge 1 to or from the device main body. An opening 73 is formed through which the ink discharge port 34 faces.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 21, the first housing 11 has a substantially rectangular outer shape, and has a recess 61 </ b> A and a hook 62 </ b> A obtained by dividing the recess 61 and the hook 62 into substantially halves on the outer periphery. A notch 63A for forming a space into which the ink filling device can enter in order to perform filling with the ink filling device in a state where the ink bag 2 is held by the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, Guide portions 64 and 65 used for loading into the recording apparatus main body and loading into the ink filling apparatus are integrally formed.
[0083]
Engaging portions 66 a, 66 b, and 66 c are formed at three corners of the inner wall surface of the first housing 11 to be engaged with locking claws of the second housing 12 described later. Further, positioning portions 67 and 68 for determining the holding position of the holding member 22 are erected and held on the inner wall surface of the first housing 11 in order to lock and hold the holding member 22 of the ink bag 2. Locking claws 71 and 72 for locking the engaging protrusions 51 and 52 of the member 22 are provided upright. The positioning portions 67 and 68 and the locking claws 71 and 72 constitute a holding means for holding the holding member 22 of the ink bag 2, here, a locking holding means (locking and holding means). .
[0084]
Further, an approximately 1/4 arc-shaped portion 73A for forming a part of the opening 73 is formed on the front surface of the first housing 11 (the front surface when loaded into the apparatus main body).
[0085]
In addition, the first housing 11 is formed with an engaging recess 79 that engages with a locking claw of the third housing 13 when the third housing 13 is fitted.
[0086]
As shown in FIG. 22, the second housing 12 has a substantially similar outer shape to the first housing 11, and has a recessed portion 61 </ b> B in which the recessed portion 61 and the hooking portion 62 are divided in substantially half on the outer peripheral portion. In addition, in order to perform filling by the ink filling device in a state where the ink bag 2 is held by the hook portion 62B, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, a cut is made to form a space into which the ink filling device can enter. It has a notch 63B and an identification means 84 composed of a protruding piece for representing the color of the ink filled in the ink bag 2 of the ink cartridge 1.
[0087]
Further, locking claws 86a, 86b, 86c that are engaged with and engaged with the engaging portions 66a, 66b, 66c of the first casing 1 are integrally formed at the three corners of the inner wall surface of the second casing 12, respectively. is doing. Further, on the inner wall surface of the second housing 12, fitting portions 87 and 88 having grooves for fitting the holding member 22 of the ink bag 2 are provided.
[0088]
Further, an approximately ¼ arc-shaped portion 73B for forming the opening 73 is formed on the front surface of the second housing 12 (the front surface when loaded into the apparatus main body).
[0089]
In addition, the second housing 12 is formed with an engaging recess 89 that engages with a locking claw of the third housing 13 when the third housing 13 is fitted.
[0090]
As shown in FIG. 2, the third housing 13 is formed by cutting the front surfaces of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 on the ink supply side in a state where the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are combined. It fits into the notches 63A and 63B. The third casing 13 is provided with locking claws 91 and 92 that engage with the engaging recesses 79 and 89 of the first casing 11 and the second casing 12, respectively, and the opening 73 is formed. About half of the arc-shaped portion 73C.
[0091]
With this configuration, the ink cartridge 1 can be manufactured (assembled) while the holding member 22 of the ink bag 2 is positioned by the positioning portions 67 and 68 of the first housing 11 as shown in FIG. By pressing, the engaging claws 71 and 72 of the first housing 11 respectively engage the engaging protrusions 51 and 52 of the holding member 22 of the ink bag 2, so that the holding member 22 is engaged with the first housing 11. It is held.
[0092]
Thereafter, the second housing 12 is overlaid on the first housing 11 and pressed from the outer surface sides of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, thereby engaging portions 66 a to 66 c of the first housing 11. Since the locking claws 86a to 86c of the second housing 12 are hooked and locked to each other, the assembly of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 (see FIG. 2) is completed.
[0093]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, by engaging the third casing 13 with the first casing 11 and the twelfth casing 12, the locking claws 91 and 91 of the third casing 13 are moved to the first casing 11. In addition, the ink cartridge 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is assembled because it is caught by the engaging recesses 79 and 89 of the second housing 12 and locked.
[0094]
Further, in order to recycle the ink cartridge 1 by taking out the ink bag 2 of the ink cartridge 1 and refilling it with a new ink bag 2, the third casing 13 is removed in the reverse order to the above, and the second casing 12 and the first housing 11 are disassembled. At this time, since the 3rd housing | casing 13, the 1st housing | casing 11, and the 2nd housing | casing 12 are the states engaged lightly by the latching claw and the engagement recessed part or engagement, they can be disassembled easily.
[0095]
In this case, the locking claw may be damaged if it is repeatedly reused. However, since the locking claw can be confirmed simply by removing the third housing 13, the locking claw is damaged. What is present can be discarded at that time, and the number of work steps can be reduced.
[0096]
Then, after the ink is filled into a new ink bag 2 or a used ink bag 2 filled with ink, the ink cartridge 1 is assembled by the procedure described above, and the recycled ink cartridge 1 is completed.
[0097]
Here, the method for filling the ink bag 2 with ink will be described. With the holding member 22 of the ink bag 2 held in the first housing 11, a hollow filling needle is inserted into the ink filling port 33. By supplying the ink from the outside, the bag body 21 is filled with the ink. At this time, ink can be injected while the ink bag 2 is held in the first housing 11, and ink can be injected while checking the state of the ink bag 2. By being held in one housing 11, ink can be injected while the ink bag 2 is stable at the time of ink injection.
[0098]
When the ink filling of the ink bag 2 into the bag main body 21 is completed, the ink filling port portion 33 is heat-sealed and sealed by pressing the pressure heating means against the ink filling port portion 33 from both sides.
[0099]
Next, a method for refilling the used ink bag 2 with ink will be described. First, a hollow filling needle similar to the hollow needle 111 described above is inserted into the ink outlet hole 40 from the elastic member 45 of the ink discharge port 34. And the ink is supplied from the outside, so that the bag body 21 is filled with ink. At this time, the ink bag 2 alone may be used, or the ink bag 2 may be held in the first housing 11 as described above. Thereby, the ink bag 2 can be easily refilled with ink.
[0100]
After refilling the used ink bag 2 in this manner, the ink cartridge housing 3 is assembled in the same manner as described above, and the ink cartridge 1 containing the ink bag 2 can be obtained.
[0101]
As described above, in the ink cartridge 1, the first casing that fixes the holding member for the ink bag, the second casing that is substantially similar in shape to the first casing, the first casing, and the second casing. Since the third housing that is engaged with the body in an assembled state is provided and can be disassembled and assembled, the ink bag can be easily replaced. In addition, since the ink bag holding member is held by the divided first and second casings, the ink bag posture is stable and stable even in the front loading configuration by dividing the holding member in the plane parallel to the ink supply direction. Ink supply can be performed.
[0102]
In addition, the latching claw and the engaging portion between the first, second, and third housings can be members opposite to those in the above-described embodiment. That is, between the first casing and the second casing, the first casing is provided with a locking claw and the second casing is provided with an engaging portion, or the first casing, the second casing, and the third casing. Between the casings, the first casing and the second casing can be provided with locking claws, and the third casing can be provided with an engaging portion (engaging recess). In addition, here, the case where the ink cartridge 1 is placed vertically and has a front loading configuration has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where the ink cartridge 1 is placed horizontally and has a front loading configuration.
[0103]
Next, another embodiment of the ink cartridge 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the locking claw 91 of the third housing 13, the first housing 11, and the second housing are attached by attaching a label 101 to the outer surfaces of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The engagement with the body 12 is reinforced. Thereby, even when the ink cartridge 1 is frequently inserted and removed, the third housing 13 can be prevented from falling off.
[0104]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are fastened and fixed by the screw member 102. Thereby, even when the ink cartridge 1 is frequently inserted and removed, it is possible to prevent the casing 3 from being naturally decomposed.
[0105]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the side of a cap member 42 provided at the front end of the ink discharge port 34 and / or the ink discharge port 34 of the ink bag 2 in the first casing 11 and the second casing 12. Notch portions 69A and 69B are respectively formed in the third casing 13, and the ink discharge port 34 of the ink bag 2 and / or the side of the cap member 42 provided at the front end portion of the ink discharge port portion 34 are also formed in the third housing 13. A notch 99 is formed on the surface.
[0106]
As a result, when the casing of the ink cartridge is thinned, the needle guard provided around the needle when the needle is inserted into the ink discharge port portion 34 from the recording apparatus main body side is the first casing 11, the second casing 12, or Contact with the third housing 13 can be prevented.
[0107]
That is, as shown in FIG. 27, the hollow needle 111 is inserted into the ink discharge port 34 of the ink cartridge 1 from the recording apparatus main body side and connected to the ink supply system on the apparatus main body side. Is provided with a needle guard 122 for protecting the hollow needle 111 around it. When the thickness of the ink cartridge 1 is reduced, the opening of the needle guard 122 cannot be ensured with the opening 73 alone. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28, the needle guard 112 is formed by providing a cutout portion on the side of the ink discharge port 34 and / or the cap member 42 in the casings 11, 12, and 13 that are the sides of the opening 57. Can enter without touching the housing. In other words, the ink cartridge can be made thinner.
[0108]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 29, the first casing 11 and the second casing 12 are provided at the front end of the ink outlet 34 and / or the ink outlet 34 of the ink bag 2 that is the ink storage means. Notches 69A and 69B are formed on the sides of the cap member 42, respectively. Depending on the position of the notches 69A and 69B, the third housing 13 may be configured not to have a notch.
[0109]
Next, an example of an ink jet recording apparatus using the above-described ink cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 is a perspective explanatory view seen from the front side of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 31 is a perspective explanatory view in a state where the cover of the ink cartridge loading portion of the recording apparatus is opened, and FIG. 32 is the recording apparatus. FIG. 33 is an explanatory plan view of the main part of the mechanism unit.
[0110]
The ink jet recording apparatus includes an apparatus main body 201, a paper feed tray 202 for loading paper loaded in the apparatus main body 201, and a discharge for stocking paper on which an image is recorded (formed) mounted on the apparatus main body 201. And a paper tray 203. The upper surface of the upper cover 211 of the apparatus main body 201 is a substantially flat surface, and the front surface 212 of the front cover of the apparatus main body 201 is inclined obliquely downward and rearward with respect to the upper surface. A paper discharge tray 203 and a paper feed tray 202 projecting forward (front side) are provided.
[0111]
Further, an ink cartridge loading unit 204 is provided at one end portion of the front surface 212 so as to protrude forward from the front surface 212 and lower than the upper cover 211. An operation key or the like is provided on the upper surface of the ink cartridge loading unit 204. An operation unit 205 such as a display is arranged. The ink cartridge loading unit 204 has a front cover 215 that can be opened and closed for attaching and detaching the ink cartridge 1.
[0112]
In the apparatus main body 201, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, a carriage 233 is slidably held in the main scanning direction by a guide rod 231 and a stay 232 which are guide members horizontally mounted on left and right side plates (not shown). Then, the main scanning motor (not shown) moves and scans in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.
[0113]
The carriage 233 includes a recording head 234 including four ink jet heads that eject ink droplets of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (Bk), and a plurality of ink ejection ports. They are arranged in a direction crossing the main scanning direction, and are mounted with the ink droplet ejection direction facing downward.
[0114]
As an ink jet head constituting the recording head 234, a piezoelectric actuator such as a piezoelectric element, a thermal actuator that uses a phase change caused by liquid film boiling using an electrothermal conversion element such as a heating resistor, and a metal phase change caused by a temperature change. A shape memory alloy actuator to be used, an electrostatic actuator using an electrostatic force, or the like as an energy generating means for discharging ink can be used.
[0115]
In addition, the carriage 233 is provided with a sub tank 235 for each color for supplying ink of each color to the recording head 234. Ink is supplied to the sub tank 235 from an ink outlet port 34 of the ink bag 2 of the ink cartridge 1 according to the present invention loaded in the ink cartridge loading unit 205 via an ink supply tube (not shown).
[0116]
On the other hand, as a paper feeding unit for feeding the paper 242 stacked on the paper stacking unit (pressure plate) 241 of the paper feed tray 203, a half-moon roller (feeding) that separates and feeds the paper 242 one by one from the paper stacking unit 241. A separation pad 244 made of a material having a large coefficient of friction is provided opposite to the sheet roller 243 and the sheet feeding roller 243, and the separation pad 244 is urged toward the sheet feeding roller 243 side.
[0117]
As a transport unit for transporting the paper 242 fed from the paper feed unit below the recording head 234, a transport belt 251 for electrostatically attracting and transporting the paper 242 and a paper feed unit The counter roller 252 for transporting the paper 242 sent via the guide 245 while sandwiching it between the transport belt 251 and the paper 242 sent substantially vertically upward are changed by about 90 ° and copied onto the transport belt 251. A conveying guide 253 for adjusting the pressure and a tip pressure roller 255 urged toward the conveying belt 251 by a pressing member 254. In addition, a charging roller 256 that is a charging unit for charging the surface of the conveyance belt 251 is provided.
[0118]
Here, the conveyor belt 251 is an endless belt, and is configured to be looped around the conveyor roller 257 and the tension roller 258 in the belt conveyance direction. The transport belt 251 is, for example, a surface layer that is a sheet adsorbing surface formed of a pure resin material having a thickness of about 40 μm that is not subjected to resistance control, such as ETFE pure material, and resistance control by carbon using the same material as the surface layer. And a back layer (medium resistance layer, ground layer).
[0119]
Further, a guide member 261 is disposed on the back side of the conveyor belt 251 so as to correspond to a printing area by the recording head 234.
[0120]
Further, as a paper discharge unit for discharging the paper 242 recorded by the recording head 234, a separation claw 271 for separating the paper 242 from the transport belt 251, a paper discharge roller 272, and a paper discharge roller 273 are provided. A paper discharge tray 203 is provided below the paper discharge roller 272.
[0121]
A double-sided paper feeding unit 281 is detachably attached to the back surface of the apparatus main body 201. The double-sided paper feeding unit 281 takes in the paper 242 returned by the reverse rotation of the transport belt 251, reverses it, and feeds it again between the counter roller 252 and the transport belt 251. A manual paper feed unit 282 is provided on the upper surface of the double-sided paper feed unit 281.
[0122]
In the ink jet recording apparatus configured as described above, the paper 242 is separated and fed one by one from the paper feeding unit, and the paper 242 fed substantially vertically upward is guided by the guide 245, and the transport belt 251 and the counter roller 252 are guided. The leading end is guided by the transporting guide 253 and pressed against the transporting belt 251 by the tip pressing roller 255, and the transporting direction is changed by approximately 90 °.
[0123]
At this time, the conveying belt 257 is charged by the charging roller 256, and the sheet 242 is electrostatically attracted to the conveying belt 251 and conveyed. Therefore, by driving the recording head 234 according to the image signal while moving the carriage 233, ink droplets are ejected onto the stopped paper 242 to record one line, and after the paper 242 is conveyed by a predetermined amount, Record the next line. Upon receiving a recording end signal or a signal that the trailing edge of the paper 242 has reached the recording area, the recording operation is finished and the paper 242 is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 203.
[0124]
When a near-end remaining amount of ink in the sub tank 235 is detected, a required amount of ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 1 to the sub tank 235.
[0125]
Since this ink jet recording apparatus includes the ink cartridge 1 according to the present invention, it is possible to disassemble the housing 3 and replace only the ink bag 2 when the ink cartridge 1 is also used up. Even if the cartridge 1 is placed vertically and has a front loading configuration, ink can be supplied stably, and therefore, when the upper portion of the apparatus main body 201 is closed and installed, for example, it is stored in a rack or the apparatus main body 201 Even when an object is placed on the upper surface of the ink cartridge 1, the ink cartridge 1 can be easily replaced.
[0126]
In the above embodiment, the present invention has been described with reference to an example in which the present invention is applied to a serial (shuttle type) ink jet recording apparatus that is scanned by a carriage. However, the present invention is similarly applied to a line type ink jet recording apparatus having a line type head. be able to. Further, the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to a facsimile apparatus, a copying apparatus, a printer / fax / copier complex machine, etc., in addition to an ink jet printer.
[0127]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the ink bag of the present invention, the holding member is fixed to the flexible bag main body, and the holding member has an ink filling port portion for filling the bag main body with ink. And an ink discharge port for discharging the ink in the bag body, and an engagement portion for holding the ink bag in a divided cartridge housing. The remaining amount is reduced, and the ink can be stably and easily attached to the housing, and ink can be supplied stably.
[0128]
The ink cartridge according to the present invention includes at least two first and second casings having similar outer shapes, and the first and second casings can be assembled and disassembled. Since the holding member of the ink bag is engaged and held by the engagement holding means provided in the first housing, disassembly and assembly are easy, remaining ink is reduced, and the ink bag is stably attached to the housing. Easy to attach and detach.
[0129]
According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, since the ink cartridge according to the present invention can be loaded, when the ink cartridge is also used up, only the ink bag can be replaced and the ink supply can be stably performed. It can be carried out.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an ink cartridge according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the ink cartridge with a third housing removed.
FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the ink cartridge as viewed from the front side.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory side view of an ink bag according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram viewed from the bottom of FIG. 4 for explaining a state in which the ink bag is filled with ink.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of an aluminum laminate film constituting the bag body of the ink bag
FIG. 7 is an explanatory side view of a holding member of the ink bag.
8 is an explanatory view of the holding member of FIG. 7 viewed from the back side.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the holding member of FIG. 7 as viewed from the front side.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a main part of an ink discharge port portion of the ink bag.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a cap member of the ink discharge port portion
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram viewed from the front side of the cap member.
FIG. 13 is a side view of a hollow needle.
FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the tip of the hollow needle.
FIG. 15 is an enlarged explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the holding portion and the cap member.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the measurement of the relationship between the aspect ratio of the ink bag and the hydrostatic pressure.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the measurement result of the relationship between the aspect ratio of the ink bag and the hydrostatic pressure.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory side view showing another example of the ink bag according to the present invention.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory perspective view of the ink bag filled with ink.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram viewed from the bottom of FIG. 16 for explaining a state in which the ink bag is filled with ink.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory side view of the first housing of the ink cartridge.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory side view of a second housing of the ink cartridge.
FIG. 23 is a side view showing a state where the ink bag is locked and held in the first housing of the ink cartridge.
FIG. 24 is an external perspective view of another example of the ink cartridge according to the present invention.
FIG. 25 is an external perspective view of still another example of the ink cartridge according to the present invention.
FIG. 26 is an external perspective view illustrating still another example of the ink cartridge according to the present invention.
FIG. 27 is an explanatory side view for explaining the connection between the cartridge and the recording apparatus main body.
FIG. 28 is also a front explanatory view
FIG. 29 is an external perspective view illustrating another example of the ink cartridge according to the present invention.
FIG. 30 is a perspective explanatory view seen from the front side of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 31 is a perspective explanatory view showing a state where the cover of the ink cartridge loading unit of the recording apparatus is opened.
FIG. 32 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a mechanism unit of the recording apparatus.
FIG. 33 is an explanatory plan view of the main part of the mechanism unit.
FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a conventional ink cartridge.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ink cartridge, 2 ... Ink bag, 3 ... Ink cartridge housing, 11 ... First housing, 12 ... Second housing, 13 ... Third housing, 21 ... Bag body, 22 ... Holding member, 33 ... Ink filling port portion 34... Ink discharge port portion 45. Elastic member seat right 46. Cap member 201... Device body 202. Paper tray 203 203 Paper discharge tray 204 Ink cartridge loading portion 233 Carriage, 234 ... recording head, 242 ... paper, 251 ... transport belt, 256 ... charging roller, 257 ... transport roller, 258 ... tension roller.

Claims (17)

In the ink bag for storing ink, the ink bag is formed by fixing a holding member to a flexible bag body, and the holding member includes an ink filling port portion for filling the bag body with ink. An ink bag having an ink discharge port portion for discharging ink in the bag body and an engaging portion for holding the ink bag in a divided cartridge housing for storing the ink bag. The ink bag according to claim 1, wherein the ink discharge port portion has a cylindrical portion that forms a lead-out hole for leading out the ink in the bag body, and the cylindrical portion affects the physical properties of the ink. An ink bag characterized by being formed of a material that is not given. The ink bag according to claim 2, wherein the cylindrical portion integrally includes a holding portion that holds and holds an elastic member that seals the outlet hole. 4. The ink bag according to claim 1, wherein the ink discharge port includes an elastic member that seals a lead-out hole for leading the ink in the bag body. An ink bag formed of a material that does not affect the physical properties of the ink bag. 5. The ink bag according to claim 4, wherein the elastic member is made of silicon or rubber made of a material that does not affect the physical properties of the ink based on silicon. 6. The ink bag according to claim 1, wherein the ink discharge port portion is a cap member that covers at least a part of an elastic member that seals the outlet hole portion for leading out the ink in the bag body. The ink bag is characterized in that the cap member is formed of a material that does not affect the physical properties of the ink. 6. The ink bag according to claim 5, wherein a step portion for engaging a locking piece provided on the cap member is provided on an outer peripheral surface side of the ink discharge port portion. The ink bag according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the cap member is formed of a cylindrical member having a flange portion that holds the elastic member, and the cylindrical portion has a plurality of locking pieces bent inward. Ink bag characterized by. 6. The ink bag according to claim 4, wherein a ratio (D: D ′) between an outer diameter D of the elastic member and an inner diameter D ′ of a portion into which the elastic member is fitted is 1: 0.85 to 1: An ink bag characterized by being in the range of 0.92. 10. The ink bag according to claim 4, wherein a ratio (t: H) between a thickness t of the elastic member and a depth H of a portion into which the elastic member is fitted is 1: 0.77 to 1. An ink bag characterized by being in the range of 1: 1. 11. The ink bag according to claim 4, wherein the diameter d of the hollow needle for piercing the elastic member and leading the ink in the bag body to the outside is d. And an outer diameter D of the elastic member (d: D) is in the range of 1: 3 to 1:10. 12. The ink bag according to claim 4, wherein when the diameter of the hollow needle for piercing the elastic member and leading the ink in the bag body to the outside is d, the hollow needle is inserted into the elastic member. An ink bag, wherein a ratio (d: t) of the diameter d of the elastic member to the thickness t of the elastic member is in a range of 1: 1.5 to 1: 3.5. 13. The ink bag according to claim 1, wherein when the ink bag holding member is housed in the cartridge housing, the ink discharge port portion is provided at a substantially central portion in the height direction of the cartridge housing. An ink bag characterized by being held in a state where the 14. The ink bag according to claim 1, wherein the ink filling port portion is fused and sealed in a state where the ink is filled in the bag body of the ink bag. bag. An ink cartridge containing an ink bag includes at least two first and second casings having similar outer shapes, and the first and second casings can be assembled and disassembled, and the ink bag is claimed. Item 15. The ink cartridge according to any one of Items 1 to 14, wherein a holding member of the ink bag is engaged and held by an engagement holding unit provided in the first casing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the ink cartridge is an ink cartridge according to claim 15. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the ink cartridge can be loaded from the front side of the apparatus main body.

Images