JP2006008139A - Liquid storing container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid storing container realizing an appropriate feeding of a liquid to an apparatus main body by pressing the liquid storing container and downsizing of the apparatus main body. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid storing container is equipped with a flexible ink pack 24 in which an ink fed to the apparatus main body is stored, an outline container of a main tank 9 storing the ink pack 24, a pressure chamber 25 formed between the ink pack 24 and the outline container, and an air pressing pump 80 installed in the pressing chamber 25, introducing air into the pressing chamber 25 from outside and pressing the pressing chamber 25. The pressing chamber 25 is pressed by the air pressing pump 80 to feed the ink into the apparatus main body from the ink pack. It is possible thereby to realize the appropriate feeding of the ink into the apparatus main body and the downsizing of the apparatus main body. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid container that supplies a liquid by pressurizing the container that stores the liquid.

  An ink cartridge is configured to be supplied with air pressure generated by an air pressurizing pump and to supply ink to the recording apparatus by the action of the air pressure, and is formed of a flexible material in which liquid is sealed. A pressure chamber to which air pressure applied from an air pressurization pump is applied is formed between the outer container in which the ink pack is stored and the ink cartridge, and the outer container is pressurized air supplied from the air pressurization pump. Is formed, and a liquid outlet for attaching the liquid is attached to the ink pack. When the ink cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus, the pressurized air inlet is provided. Is configured so that the pressure chamber is communicated with the atmosphere and the ink outlet is closed. Tsu di are known (e.g., see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-205819 A (page 8, FIG. 1)

  In such a patent document 1, pressure is received from an air pressurization pump provided in the recording apparatus and ink is supplied from the ink cartridge to the recording apparatus. However, when a plurality of ink cartridges are mounted, a large-capacity ink cartridge is installed. When used, the body air pressure pump must be very powerful. In this way, a large air pressurization pump is required, and an increase in the size of the recording apparatus cannot be avoided. In addition, a complicated control mechanism is required to pressurize a plurality of ink cartridges individually. Conversely, when common control is performed to pressurize a plurality of ink cartridges from a single air pressurization pump, there is a problem such as supplying pressure to ink cartridges that do not require pressurization. is there.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid storage container that pressurizes a container that stores a liquid and realizes proper supply of the liquid to the apparatus main body and miniaturization of the apparatus main body.

The liquid container according to the present invention includes a flexible container for storing a liquid to be supplied to the apparatus main body, an outer container for storing the container, and a pressure chamber formed between the container and the outer container. And a pressure generator that is installed inside the pressure chamber, introduces air from the outside into the pressure chamber, and pressurizes the pressure chamber, and pressurizes the pressure chamber by the pressure generator, A liquid is supplied from the container to the apparatus main body.
Here, for example, one or a plurality of liquid storage containers can be provided, and the pressure generating device is provided in each liquid storage container.

According to the present invention, the pressure generating device is provided in the inside of the pressure chamber, that is, in the outer container, and in order to pressurize the flexible container, the device main body does not require the pressure generating device. Can be reduced in size and cost.
Further, if the pressure generating device is controlled for each liquid container, the pressurizing force of the pressure generating device can be controlled in accordance with the usage state of each liquid container, and the liquid is appropriately supplied to the device main body. be able to.

The pressure generator is preferably an air pressurizing pump. Furthermore, it is preferable that the pneumatic pump includes a flexible tube that communicates the inside and outside of the pressure chamber, presses the tube by a peristaltic motion, supplies air to the pressure chamber, and pressurizes the tube.
Here, as the peristaltic motion, for example, a system in which the tube is sequentially squeezed from the upstream side to the downstream side by a plurality of pressing members, and a rotary roller system in which the tube is sequentially squeezed by a number of rollers can be employed.

  Although such an air pressurizing pump will be described in detail later, it has a simple structure, can be reduced in size, can be easily stored in the outer container, and has little influence on the volume of the container for storing the liquid. Storage does not reduce the liquid capacity.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said pressure generator has obstruct | occluded a part of said tube.

  In this way, since a part of the tube is always closed, it is possible to prevent fluctuations such as a decrease in pressure in the pressure chamber due to air leakage, and the pressure generator is stopped. In addition, the pressure chamber can be maintained at a predetermined pressure.

Moreover, it is preferable that the said pressure generator is detachably fixed to the said outer container.
As such a fixing means, for example, a fixing means that is screwed with a fixing screw can be employed.

  In this case, since the container for storing the liquid is a consumable item, when the liquid is finished and discarded, the pressure generating device can be removed and reused, and the environmental load can be reduced. In addition, reuse can contribute to cost reduction.

The container includes at least a film-like heat-weldable bag and a liquid outlet member, and the bag and the liquid outlet member or the peripheral edge of the bag are sealed by heat welding. The pressure generator is preferably installed in the vicinity of the liquid outlet member.
The liquid outlet member is a connection part for supplying liquid to the apparatus main body. In the vicinity of the liquid outlet member, for example, components for connecting the liquid container to the apparatus main body, Functional elements such as valves that open and close the flow path are concentrated.

  By installing the pressure generating device in the position as described above, it is not necessary to distribute the components for connection and functional elements such as valves, so it is easy to manage and the structure of other parts is simplified. Can do.

  Further, it is preferable that the pressure generating device is installed in the vicinity of the peripheral edge portion of the bag body which is thermally welded.

  As described above, the peripheral edge portion of the bag body is thermally welded. Therefore, since there is an empty space between the peripheral edge of the bag and the outer container, if the pressure generator is arranged in this empty space, the liquid capacity can be increased without reducing the volume of the bag. .

In the present invention, it is preferable that a pressure detector for detecting the pressure in the pressure chamber is further provided, and the pressure generating device is driven and controlled based on a detection value of the pressure detector.
Here, a piezo pressure sensor can be employed as the pressure detector. For example, when the pressure detector is arranged inside the outer container, a package type pressure sensor can be adopted, and when it is arranged outside, a structure such as attaching a piezo element to the outside of the outer container should be adopted. Can do.

  In this way, it is possible to apply a pressure suitable for the use state of the liquid by detecting the fluctuation of the pressure in the pressure chamber and controlling the driving of the pressure generator in accordance with the detected value. That is, if the liquid is consumed, the internal pressure of the pressure chamber decreases, so that it can be maintained at a predetermined pressure by being pressurized by the pressure generator.

  Further, the outer container is provided with a vent path communicating between the inside and the outside of the pressure chamber, the vent path is sealed when the outer container is attached to the apparatus main body, and is opened when the outer container is removed from the apparatus main body. It is preferable that the pressure chamber communicates with the atmosphere.

  According to such a structure, when the outer container is removed from the apparatus main body, the pressure chamber in the outer container communicates with the atmosphere, so that the pressure chamber is at atmospheric pressure and liquid is prevented from flowing out of the container. Can do.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an ink cartridge employed in an ink jet recording apparatus is taken as an example of the liquid container, and ink is taken as an example of the liquid.
(Embodiment 1)

  FIG. 1 is a top view showing an example of an ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a recording apparatus or an apparatus main body) that can use the ink cartridge according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a carriage 1 is guided by a scanning guide member 4 via a timing belt 3 driven by a carriage motor 2, and reciprocally moves in the longitudinal direction of a paper feeding member 5, that is, the main scanning direction which is the width direction of a recording paper. It is configured to be. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a recording head 6 (see FIG. 2) to be described later is mounted on the surface of the carriage 1 that faces the paper feeding member 5.

  In addition, subtanks 7 </ b> A to 7 </ b> D for supplying ink to the recording head 6 are mounted on the carriage 1. In the first embodiment, four sub-tanks 7A to 7D are provided corresponding to each ink in order to temporarily store each ink therein.

  In each of the sub tanks 7A to 7D, main tanks 9A to 9D (hereinafter referred to as main tanks 9A to 9D) as ink cartridges loaded in the cartridge holder 8 disposed in the apparatus main body are simply referred to as main tanks. In some cases, the reference numeral 9 is also used), and black, yellow, magenta, and cyan inks are respectively supplied through ink supply tubes 10A to 10D formed of a flexible material. Yes.

  On the other hand, a capping unit 11 capable of sealing the nozzle forming surface of the recording head is disposed in a non-printing area (home position) on the movement path of the carriage 1, and further on the upper surface of the capping unit 11. A cap member 11A formed of a flexible material such as rubber capable of sealing the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 6 is attached. When the carriage 1 moves to the home position, the nozzle forming surface of the recording head is sealed by the cap member 11A.

  The cap member 11A functions as a lid that seals the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 6 and prevents drying of the nozzle openings during the rest period of the recording apparatus. Although not shown in the drawing, the cap member 11A is connected to one end of a tube in a suction pump, and applies a negative pressure by the suction pump to the recording head so that ink is sucked and discharged from the recording head. The operation is configured to be executed. A wiping member 12 made of an elastic material such as rubber is disposed on the side of the printing area adjacent to the capping means 11 so that the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 6 can be wiped and cleaned as necessary. It is configured.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the ink supply system mounted on the recording apparatus shown in FIG. This ink supply system will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and 2, the detailed configuration of the main tank 9 will be described later (see FIGS. 4 and 5). As shown in FIG. 2, the outline container of the main tank 9 is It is comprised from the lower case 41 and the upper case 51, and is made into the airtight state by the air pressurization pump 80 (refer FIG. 6) and the sealing member 105 (refer FIG. 9) as a pressure generator mentioned later.

In each of the outer containers, an ink pack 24 as a container formed of a flexible material in which ink is sealed is stored. A space formed by the main tank 9 (outer container) and the ink pack 24 is a pressure chamber 25, and an air pressurizing pump 80 is disposed in the vicinity of the peripheral edge 28 </ b> A of the container 24 in the pressure chamber 25. Air is introduced from the outside of the main tank 9 and is configured to be pressurized.
The structure of the air pressurizing pump 80 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The ink pack 24 includes a bag body 28 made of a flexible material and an ink outlet member 29. The ink pack 24 receives pressure from the pressure chamber 25 and flows ink from the ink outlet member 29 to the apparatus main body.

  The ink outlet member 29, the tube 86 of the air pressurizing pump 80 and the air passage 47 for opening to the atmosphere communicate with the inside and outside of the outer container on one side surface of the outer container of the main tank 9. The ink outlet member 29 is provided by the ink supply valve 26, the tube 86 is provided by a pressing member 85 (see FIG. 6) described later, and the air passage 47 is provided by a sealing member 105 (FIG. 9, FIG. 9) provided in the cartridge holder 8. (See below).

  Inside the main tank 9, a piezo pressure sensor 101 as a pressure detector is further provided. The piezo pressure sensor 101 detects a resistance value when the diaphragm is distorted by pressure, and can directly detect the pressure in the pressure chamber 25. When the detected value falls below a predetermined pressure, the air pressurization pump 80 is driven to pressurize, and when the predetermined value is reached, pressurization is stopped.

  The ink packs 24 stored in the main tanks 9A to 9D are pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 80, and have a predetermined pressure from the main tanks 9A to 9D to the sub tanks 7A to 7D. Ink flow is generated.

  The ink pressurized in the main tanks 9A to 9D is displayed as the ink replenishing valve 26 and the ink replenishing tubes 10A to 10D (corresponding to the reference numeral 10 in FIG. 2). ), The sub-tanks 7A to 7D mounted on the carriage 1 (represented by reference numeral 7 in FIG. 2 as a representative, and may be simply described as reference numeral 7 in the following). It is configured to be supplied.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a float member 31 is disposed inside the sub tank 7, and a permanent magnet 32 is attached to a part of the float member 31. Magnetoelectric conversion elements 33 A and 33 B represented by Hall elements are attached to the substrate 34 and attached to the side wall of the sub tank 7. With this configuration, the permanent magnet 32 disposed on the float member 31 and the ink that generates an electrical output by the magnetoelectric conversion elements 33A and 33B according to the magnetic force dose by the permanent magnet 32 according to the floating position of the float member. It constitutes a quantity detection means.

  Therefore, for example, when the amount of ink in the sub tank 7 decreases, the position of the float member 31 accommodated in the sub tank moves in the direction of gravity, and accordingly, the position of the permanent magnet 32 also moves in the direction of gravity. . Therefore, the electrical output of the magnetoelectric conversion elements 33A and 33B due to the movement of the permanent magnet can be sensed as the amount of ink in the sub tank 7, and the ink output is obtained by the electrical output obtained by the magnetoelectric conversion elements 33A and 33B. The supply valve 26 is opened.

  Thereby, the ink pressurized in the main tank 9 is individually sent out to each sub tank 7 in which the ink amount is reduced. When the amount of ink in the sub tank 7 reaches a predetermined capacity, the ink supply valve 26 is closed based on the electrical outputs of the magnetoelectric conversion elements 33A and 33B. By repeating such operations, the main tank 9 is intermittently replenished with respect to the sub-tank 7, so that a substantially constant amount of ink is always stored in each sub-tank.

  Each sub tank 7 is configured to supply ink to the recording head 6 through a valve 35 and a tube 36 connected thereto, and is supplied to an actuator (not shown) of the recording head 6. Based on the print data, the ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle openings 6A formed on the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 6.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes the capping means described above, and the tube connected to the capping means 11 is connected to a suction pump (not shown).

Next, an outline of the system of the recording apparatus described above will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the system of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the recording apparatus includes an interface (I / F) 18 for importing print data into the recording apparatus, and a controller 17 that controls the entire system. The controller 17 drives and controls the carriage motor 20 and the paper feeder motor 19 based on the print data fetched from the I / F 18 and performs printing by ejecting ink from the recording head 6.

  Further, the controller 17 detects the pressure value of the pressure chamber 25 of each main tank 9 with the piezo pressure sensor 101, and captures the detection result. The pressure in the chamber 25 is increased to a predetermined value, and ink is supplied to the recording head 6. A negative pressure generator 15 is provided on the upstream side of the recording head 6 to control the negative pressure in the ink supply path reaching the recording head 6.

  The recording apparatus main body includes capping means 11 (see FIG. 1), and as described above, the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 6 is sealed during the rest period of the recording apparatus to prevent the nozzle openings from drying. The excess ink is sucked by the suction pump 14 and retained in the waste liquid tank 27.

Next, the configuration of the main tank 9 as an ink cartridge used in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of the lower case 41 constituting the outer container of the main tank 9. In FIG. 4, the lower case 41 is formed in a flat box shape, and the upper surface is open.

  A series of welding surfaces 42 are formed substantially flush with the periphery of the lower case 41 along the entire periphery. A rising portion 43 is integrally formed on the periphery of the lower case 41 along the outer periphery of the series of welded surfaces 42. When the upper case 51 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, is vibration welded to the lower case 41 shown in FIG. 4, the rising portion 43 scrapes the director (welder) formed on the upper case 51 by friction. It is formed in order to prevent it from forming and becoming scattered.

  Further, on the lower bottom surface of the lower case 41, that is, the surface forming one wall of the pressure chamber 25, a cross-shaped reinforcing rib 44 that prevents the lower case 41 from being deformed by receiving air pressure is formed. The reinforcing rib 44 is integrally formed when the lower case 41 is molded by, for example, injection molding, and the upper case 51 is joined so as to be airtight as will be described later, and the pressure chamber 25 is formed inside. In some cases, the cross rib-shaped reinforcing rib 44 acts to suppress the occurrence of deflection in the direction perpendicular to the surface due to the air pressure applied to the inside.

  In other words, by forming the cross-shaped reinforcing rib 44 as described above, the strength in the direction perpendicular to the surface can be increased. Therefore, the amount of the synthetic resin material used when forming the lower case 41 It can also contribute to making it less. In this case, the same reinforcing effect can be obtained even if the reinforcing rib 44 is formed outside the case. However, when the cross-shaped reinforcing rib 44 as shown in FIG. 4 is formed outside the case, In addition, there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to attach a label indicating a product name or identification mark of the ink cartridge. Therefore, it is desirable to apply the reinforcing rib 44 to the lower bottom surface of the lower case as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of guide holes 45 are formed at the end of the lower case 41 in the longitudinal direction. The guide holes 45 together with the upper case 51 described later serve as an outer container for the ink cartridge. In the case of being configured, it acts so as to be fitted and positioned on a pair of guide pins (not shown) arranged in the cartridge holder 8 of the recording apparatus.

  An air pressurization pump 80 is mounted and fixed on a pedestal formed on the bottom surface of the lower case at one corner of the longitudinal end of the lower case 41, and a tube 86 of the air pressurization pump 80 is provided. An air release portion 48 for releasing the atmosphere in the pressure chamber 25 is formed on the opposite side of the same side surface as the air introduction portion 49 into which is inserted.

Next, the upper case 51 constituting the outer container of the main tank 9 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the upper case 51. The upper case 51 is flat and has a box shape with a slightly recessed central portion, and is configured to function as a lid for the lower case 41 described above. A series of directors (welders) 52 are formed on the periphery of the upper case 51 so as to be in contact with the series of welded surfaces 42 formed on the periphery of the lower case 41 and frictionally welded. Yes.

Further, on the lower surface of the ceiling of the upper case 51, that is, the surface forming the pressure chamber 25, like the lower case 41, a cross-shaped reinforcing rib 53 that prevents deformation due to air pressure is formed. When the upper case 51 is formed by injection molding, for example, the reinforcing rib 53 is integrally formed, is joined to the lower case 41 so as to be airtight, and the pressure chamber 25 is formed therein. Generation of deflection in a direction perpendicular to the surface due to the air pressure applied to the inside acts to suppress the cross-girder-shaped reinforcing ribs 53. In this way, the upper case 51 also takes into consideration the surface of the ink cartridge as described above by forming the reinforcing rib 53 on the lower surface of the ceiling.
An air pressurization pump 80 is housed in an outer container constituted by the upper case 51 and the lower case 41 to control the pressure in the pressure chamber 25.

Subsequently, an embodiment of the air pressurization pump 80 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the air pressurizing pump 80 according to the first embodiment viewed from the top, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the main part viewed from the side surface direction. 6 and 7 show one state when the air pressurizing pump 80 is driven and the tube 86 is squeezed. 6 and 7, the cam group 92 is composed of eight cams 92A to 92H having substantially the same shape, and each cam is fixed to the cam shaft 91 in a state where the phases are sequentially shifted by 45 degrees. Corresponding to these cams 92A to 92H, pressing members 85A to 85H are arranged so as to contact the side surfaces of the cams 92A to 92H. The planar shapes of the cams 92 </ b> A to 92 </ b> H are formed so that the distance gradually changes from the center of the cam shaft 91 (see FIG. 8), and the cam group 92 is rotated by the motor 95.

  One end portion of the cam shaft 91 is inserted into one bearing portion of the pump lower case 82, and the other end portion penetrates the other bearing portion and protrudes toward the motor 95 side. A gear portion 91A is formed at the protruding tip portion, meshed with an internal gear portion 96 provided at the tip of the rotating shaft of the motor 95, the rotational force of the motor 95 is transmitted to the camshaft, and the pressing member 85 is connected to the tube. 86 is squeezed. Then, the pressing members 85 </ b> A to 85 </ b> H press the tube 86 such that the pressing members 85 </ b> A to 85 </ b> H sequentially move in the downstream direction from the upstream (the air introduction part 49).

  The pressing members 85 </ b> A to 85 </ b> H have the same shape, and in FIG. 7, the cam 92 and the pressing member 85 are displayed and described as representative examples. In FIG. 7, the pressing member 85 is shaped so that one end that contacts the side surface of the cam 92 is thin, and the rotation of the cam is accurately transmitted. The other end portion is a pressing portion 93 having a width wider than the end portion on the cam side, and the contact surface with the tube 86 is formed in a smooth arc shape.

  The cam group 92 and the motor 95 are mounted on the pump lower case 82, and after the pressing member 85 is mounted on the pump upper case 81, the tube 86 is inserted between the pressing portion 93 and the pump upper case 81, The hooks 81 </ b> A formed on the case 81 are hooked into the hooking grooves 82 </ b> A formed on the pump lower case 82 so as to be integrated.

  In FIG. 6, the tube 86 is inserted into the inside of the air introduction part 49 whose one end protrudes in a cylindrical shape outside the lower case 41. Two packing members 107 are provided on the inner wall of the air introduction portion 49, and the outer peripheral portion of the tube 86 is fixed closely. The packing member 107 may be one, but considering the airtightness with the outer periphery of the tube 86 and the inflow of air, the tightening allowance of the packing member 107 cannot be made large. And by providing two, airtightness and inflow property can be ensured. In this way, the tube 86 can be easily detached from the air introduction portion 49 when the air pressurizing pump 80 is removed from the outer container.

  The air pressurization pump 80 is screwed to the pedestal portion of the lower case 41 with a fixing screw 97, and is configured to be detachable from the lower case 41.

Next, the cam group 92 will be described in detail.
FIG. 8 is a front view showing the shape of the cam group 92 and individual positional relationships. In FIG. 8, in the first embodiment, the cam group 92 includes eight cams 92A to 92H. These cams have the same shape, and are respectively fixed to the cam shaft 91 with a phase difference of 45 degrees. The internal angle θ of the maximum radius arc portion 94A of these cams 92 is formed to be larger than the phase difference 45 degrees of each cam. From this, there exists a state in which at least one of the pressing members 85A to 85H presses (closes) the tube 86 completely. Therefore, air does not flow backward during driving, and air does not flow backward even when driving is stopped.

  Further, at the position of the minimum radius arc portion 94B of the cam 92, the tube 86 is formed in a shape that ensures a completely air flow path.

  In FIG. 6, the tube 86 is sequentially pressed by the pressing members 85A to 85D, and at this time, the flow path of the tube 86 is sequentially crushed. The pressing members 85E to 85H do not press the tube 86. Thereafter, the tube 86 is squeezed by the peristaltic motion of the pressing members 85E, 85F, 85G, and 85H sequentially pressing the tube 86, and air is injected into the pressure chamber 25 to pressurize it.

  In the first embodiment, the number of cams 92 and the pressing members 85 is eight. However, the width, the number of stations of the pressing members 85, the number of stations, The rotational speed of the cam 92, the size of the inner angle of the maximum cross-section arc radius portion, and the like are not limited and can be set as appropriate.

Next, the structure of the atmosphere opening portion of the outer container of the main tank 9 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the air release portion of the outer container of the main tank 9 is closed in a state where the main tank 9 is mounted on the cartridge holder 8, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the air is released when it is removed from FIG. Each is given the same symbol. In FIG. 9, an air vent passage 47 is formed in the center of a cylindrical air release portion 48 (see also FIG. 2) that protrudes outside the side surface of the lower case 41.

  Further, the cartridge holder 8 is provided with a sealing member 105 for sealing the air release portion at a position facing the air release portion 48, and the distal end portion of the air release portion 48 is inserted into the distal end portion. A recess is formed and a packing member 106 is mounted. The packing member 106 and the atmosphere opening portion 48 are kept airtight.

  In FIG. 10, when the main tank 9 is removed from the cartridge holder 8, the air release portion 48 is detached from the sealing member 105, so that the air passage 47 is opened and the pressure chamber 25 instantaneously becomes the same pressure as the atmospheric pressure. . As a result, the pressurization of the ink pack 24 is released, and the outflow of ink is stopped.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment described above, the air pressurizing pump 80 as a pressure generating device is provided in the pressure chamber 25, that is, in the outer container of the main tank 9, in order to pressurize the ink pack 24. The apparatus main body does not require a pressure generating device, and the apparatus main body can be reduced in size and cost.
This is because it is sufficient that only the pressurizing force required for each main tank 9 can be generated, and the air pressurizing pump 80 can be downsized.

  The air pressurizing pump 80 has the structure as described above, and can be downsized because of its simple structure. Therefore, the air pressurizing pump 80 can be easily stored in the outer container, and can be stored in the ink pack 24 that contains ink. The effect on the volume is small, and storing the air pressurizing pump 80 does not reduce the amount of ink contained.

  Further, since the air pressurization pump 80 always closes a part of the tube, the air pressurization pump 80 can prevent fluctuations such as a decrease in the pressure of the pressure chamber 25 due to air leakage. Even when stopped, the pressure chamber 25 can be maintained at a predetermined pressure.

  Further, since the air pressurizing pump 80 is installed in the vicinity of the ink outlet member 29 of the lower case 41 of the outer container 41, the air pressurizing pump 80 is not dispersed with the functional elements related to the connection between the main tank 9 and the cartridge holder 8. Since it can be centrally arranged on one side of the case 41, it is easy to manage and the structure of other parts can be simplified.

  Further, since the air pressurizing pump 80 is disposed in an empty space formed by the thermally welded peripheral edge portion 28A of the bag body 28 and the bottom surface of the lower case 41, the volume of the bag body 28 is not reduced. Ink capacity can be increased. Moreover, the freedom degree of arrangement | positioning of the air pressurization pump 80 can be raised.

  Further, each main tank 9 (ink cartridge) is provided with an air pressurizing pump 80 and pressurizes the pressure chamber individually, so that the pressurizing force can be controlled for each main tank 9, and the use status of each main tank can be controlled. Appropriate ink can be supplied by applying the combined pressure.

  Further, since the pressure control is performed in accordance with the ink usage status of each main tank, the remaining amount of ink can be reduced by increasing the amount of air introduced by the air pressurizing pump 80 in the main tank having a small remaining amount. it can.

  In addition, if the controller detects the drive time and the rotation speed of the motor 95 of the air pressurization pump 80 from the start of use to the middle of use, it is possible to recognize the ink decrease status in the main tank and to detect the remaining amount of ink. Can do. Since this can be performed for each main tank, the remaining amount of ink for each ink cartridge can be detected.

  Moreover, since the air pressurization pump 80 is screwed to the lower case 41 constituting the outer container of the main tank 9 with the fixing screw 97, it can be easily attached and detached. In this way, since the container for containing ink is a consumable item, when the ink is finished and discarded, the air pressurizing pump 80 can be removed and reused, and the environmental load can be reduced. it can. Moreover, it can contribute also to the reduction of the cost of an air pressurization pump by reusing.

  In the first embodiment, the piezoelectric pressure sensor 101 that detects the pressure is provided inside the pressure chamber 25, the pressure is detected, and the air pressurization pump 80 is driven and controlled based on the detected value. When ink is supplied to the apparatus main body, a decrease in the internal pressure is detected, and the air pressurizing pump 80 is driven to pressurize until reaching a predetermined pressure, thereby maintaining the pressure chamber at the predetermined pressure. Thus, the ink in the main tank 9 can be suitably supplied to the recording apparatus main body.

Further, the outer container of the main tank 9 is provided with an air passage 47 that communicates the inside and outside of the pressure chamber 25, and the air passage 47 for releasing the atmosphere is sealed when the outer container is attached to the recording apparatus main body. Since the pressure chamber 25 is opened to the atmosphere when it is removed from the apparatus main body, and the outer container is removed from the apparatus main body, the pressure chamber in the outer container communicates with the atmosphere. Thus, the ink can be prevented from flowing out from the ink pack 24. Therefore, there is an effect that the user does not have to bother with the work of blocking or opening the air passage 47.
(Embodiment 2)

Next, Embodiment 2 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is characterized in that a plurality of air pressurizing pumps are provided in the pressure chamber, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and therefore the description thereof is omitted and the same reference numerals are given. .
FIG. 11 is a top view showing the arrangement structure of the air pressurizing pump 80 according to the second embodiment, and the upper case 51 is omitted. In FIG. 11, the bag body 28 that contains ink is joined at its peripheral edge portions 28 </ b> A on both sides in the longitudinal direction by fixing means such as heat welding.

The bag body 28 is placed on the bottom surface of the lower case 41, but there is a space in the peripheral end portion 28 </ b> A and the bottom surface of the lower case 41 so that the air pressurizing pump 80 can be mounted. Among these spaces, air pressurizing pumps 80 are arranged at three corners in FIG. At the remaining corners, an air release portion 48 is provided. After the bag body 28 containing the ink is mounted on the lower case 41 as described above, the upper case 51 is welded and fixed to constitute the main tank 9.
Note that the number of air pressurizing pumps is not limited to three. For example, an air pressurizing pump 80 can be further provided at a position where the atmosphere opening portion 48 is present. In this case, it is preferable that the air release portion 48 is provided at another position on the side surface joined to the cartridge holder 8.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment described above, a plurality of air pressurizing pumps 80 are provided in the pressure chamber 25 for pressurization, so that the pressurizing force can be increased even if the main tank 9 becomes large in size, and recording is performed. A sufficient amount of ink can be supplied to the apparatus. Moreover, since the pressurization speed can be increased, the pressurization can be performed quickly even at the start of use.
(Embodiment 3)

Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The third embodiment shows another embodiment of the air pressurization pump, and has a feature that the structure of the pressing member that presses the tube for introducing air is different from that of the first embodiment described above, The same functional elements are given the same reference numerals (see also FIG. 6).
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view viewed from the axial direction of the air pressurizing pump according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a front view showing the shape of the pressing portion. 12 and 13, the air pressurizing pump 80 includes a pump upper case 81 having a pressing portion 110, a pump lower case including a cam group 92, a tube 86 for introducing air, and a rotational force applied to the cam group 92. And a motor (not shown) for transmitting the motor.

  A comb-like pressing portion 110 (110A to 110H) is integrally projected from the pump upper case 81. Each of the pressing portions 110A to 110H is formed corresponding to the cam group 92 (cams 92A to 92H) described with reference to FIG. 6, and air is moved into the pressure chamber by a peristaltic motion that sequentially presses the tube 86 by these cams. Introduce and pressurize. The pressing surface 111 that presses the tube 86 of the pressing unit 110 is rounded so as not to damage the tube.

  The pressing portion 110 closes the air flow path of the tube 86 when being pressed by the maximum radius arc portion 94A of the cam group 92, and is completely opened by the minimum radius arc portion 94B.

Therefore, according to the above-described third embodiment, since the comb-like pressing portion 110 is formed in a plate shape, the distance between the cam group 92 and the tube 86 can be shortened, and the air pressure pump Can be further reduced in size.
Further, since the comb-shaped pressing portion 110 is formed integrally with the pump upper case 81, the number of parts can be reduced and the pump upper case 81 can be molded together by means such as injection molding, thereby further reducing the cost. Can be realized.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.
In the above-described embodiment, the ink cartridge employed in the ink jet recording apparatus has been described as an example. However, the liquid container according to the present invention is not limited to the ink cartridge, and other liquids such as water, chemicals, and oils. And can be applied to a liquid container that supplies these liquids to the device.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, as the pressure generating device, the air pressurizing pump 80 that squeezes the tube 86 by the peristaltic motion of the cam 92 and the pressing member 85 or the pressing portion 110 is employed. A rotary roller pump that squeezes the tube 86 by rotating the rotary roller can be employed.
In this way, since the rotary roller pump can be thinned, it can be disposed so as to overlap the bag body 28.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the cam 92 and the motor 95 are employed to drive the pressing portion 110 that squeezes the tube 86, but a piezoelectric actuator is attached to each of the comb-shaped pressing portions 110A to 110H. And can be driven.
According to such a structure, the air pressurizing pump can be further downsized.

In the above-described embodiment, the piezo pressure sensor 101 is employed as the pressure detector and is mounted in the pressure chamber 25. However, it can be mounted outside the pressure chamber. For example, although not shown in the drawing, when a part of the outside of the wall of the lower case 41 is pressed, a thin portion that is slightly deformed is formed, and a piezo element is attached to the thin portion, and the amount of deformation is determined by the amount of electricity. Can be detected as pressure.
In this way, since the pressure detector can be provided outside the outer container, there is an effect that it is easy to connect to the controller 17 and state management is facilitated.

  Therefore, in the first to third embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a liquid storage container that pressurizes a container that stores a liquid and realizes proper supply of the liquid to the apparatus main body and miniaturization of the apparatus main body. it can.

FIG. 3 is a top view showing the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an ink supply system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a system of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention. The perspective view which shows the whole structure of the lower case which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the whole structure of the upper case which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. Sectional drawing of the air pressurization pump which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an air pressurization pump according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The front view which shows the cam of the air pressurization pump which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the air | atmosphere release part (closed state) which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the atmospheric | air release part (open state) which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The top view which shows the arrangement structure of the air pressurization pump which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. Sectional drawing of the air pressurization pump which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. The front view which shows the press part shape of the air pressurization pump which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 ... Main tank, 24 ... Ink pack as container, 25 ... Pressure chamber, 28 ... Bag body, 28A ... Peripheral part of heat-welded bag body, 29 ... Ink outlet member, 41 ... Construct outer container Lower case, 47 ... vent passage, 51 ... lower case constituting the outer container, 80 ... air pressurizing pump as pressure generator, 86 ... tube, 101 ... piezo pressure sensor.

Claims (9)

A flexible container in which a liquid to be supplied to the apparatus main body is stored;
An outer container for storing the container;
A pressure chamber formed between the container and the outer container;
A pressure generator that is installed inside the pressure chamber, introduces air from outside into the pressure chamber, and pressurizes the pressure chamber;
A liquid container, wherein the pressure chamber is pressurized by the pressure generator, and liquid is supplied from the container to the apparatus main body. The liquid container according to claim 1,
The liquid container is characterized in that the pressure generator is an air pressurizing pump. In the liquid container according to claim 1 or 2,
The pressure generator includes a flexible tube communicating between the inside and outside of the pressure chamber, and compresses the tube by a peristaltic motion to supply air to the pressure chamber and pressurize the liquid. container. In the liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The pressure generating device closes a part of the tube. In the liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The liquid container, wherein the pressure generator is detachably fixed to the outer container. In the liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The container is composed of at least a film-like heat-weldable bag and a liquid outlet member,
The bag body and the liquid outlet member, or the peripheral edge of the bag body is sealed by thermal welding,
The liquid container, wherein the pressure generator is installed in the vicinity of the liquid outlet member. The liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the pressure generator is installed in the vicinity of a thermally welded peripheral edge of the bag. In the liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The liquid container further comprising a pressure detector for detecting the pressure in the pressure chamber, and drivingly controlling the pressure generating device based on a detection value of the pressure detector. The liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The outer container is provided with an air passage that communicates the inside and outside of the pressure chamber,
The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the air passage is sealed when the outer container is attached to the apparatus main body, and is opened when the outer container is removed from the apparatus main body so that the pressure chamber communicates with the atmosphere.

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