JP2008221662A - Ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink cartridge having no possibility of clogging an ink flow path with bubbles and an enhanced ink consumption efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: The ink cartridge 10 is equipped with a main body 100 constituted of a frame part 110. In the frame part 110, a valve storing room 120 for storing an ink feeding valve 200 and an ink feeding room 175 adjoining its back side are formed. The valve storing room 120 is separated from an ink room 170 of the main body 100 by the ink feeding room 175. A communicating hole 181 is formed in a partitioning wall 179 between the ink feeding room 175 and the valve storing room 120, and a communicating hole 182 is formed in a bulkhead 177 between the ink feeding room 175 and the ink room 170. The communicating hole 182 is arranged in a recessed dent part 117 formed on the bottom face 171 of the ink room 170. In addition, the sectional shape of the communicating hole 182 is formed into a rectangular shape. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink cartridge applied to an ink jet recording apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter abbreviated as “recording apparatus”) is known. In this recording apparatus, an ink cartridge is detachably provided. An example of this type of ink cartridge is disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. The ink cartridge is provided with an ink chamber for containing ink, and ink is supplied from the ink chamber to the recording apparatus. The ink supplied to the recording apparatus is ejected from the nozzles of the recording head and adheres to the recording paper. Thereby, an image is recorded on the recording paper.

JP 2003-11393 A JP 2002-36596 A (see FIG. 2)

  However, in a posture in which the ink cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus, a type having an ink supply port on the side surface of the ink cartridge, instead of a type having an ink supply port on the bottom surface of the ink cartridge as described in Patent Document 1. Then, the ink hole of the ink supply unit is positioned above the bottom surface of the ink chamber. For this reason, when the ink level drops to the ink hole, air flows into the ink hole, and ink clogging may occur in the ink flow path or the recording head.

  On the other hand, when an ink supply unit protruding from the bottom surface is provided as in the ink cartridge described in Patent Document 2, the mounting portion on the recording apparatus side corresponds to the shape of the bottom surface of the ink supply unit and the ink cartridge. Therefore, the mounting portion and the mounting mechanism are complicated. If the bottom surface of the ink cartridge is flattened in response to a request for increasing the ink volume, the ink supply port of the ink supply unit is positioned above the bottom surface of the ink cartridge. In this case, there is a problem that ink remains in the ink chamber wastefully and the ink consumption efficiency deteriorates.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to prevent the ink flow path from being blocked by air bubbles and improve the ink consumption efficiency. It is to provide an ink cartridge.

  (1) The present invention is an ink cartridge applied to an ink jet recording type printer or the like. The ink cartridge includes a main body, a first hole, a partition wall, and a second hole. The main body has a first space for containing ink. A first hole is provided in the wall surface standing from the bottom surface of the main body. The first hole is for leading the ink stored in the first space to the outside. The second space is partitioned by a wall surface including the first hole and a partition wall. The second space communicates with the outside through the first hole. A second hole is provided in the partition wall. The second hole is for communicating the first space and the second space. The second hole is formed in a non-circular shape, and is disposed on the bottom surface side of the first space from the first hole.

  With this configuration, even when the liquid level of the ink stored in the first space of the main body falls below the first hole, the ink flow is continued until the ink liquid level falls below the second hole. Ink can be continuously supplied from the first space to the second space without allowing air to enter the room. Thereby, the ink in the first space can be used up, and waste of ink can be prevented.

  Here, if ink mixed with bubbles is supplied from the first hole to the recording head, there is a risk that ink ejection failure or ink clogging may occur in the recording head. Therefore, in the ink cartridge, it is necessary to devise a method for preventing the bubbles from being mixed into the ink led out from the first holes, for example, by making the second holes smaller than the bubbles. In the ink cartridge, the ink stored in the first space of the main body is led out through the second hole, the second space, and the first hole in order. If the second hole is a circular hole, bubbles having a diameter larger than that of the hole may come into close contact with the inner surface of the second hole and block the second hole. However, the second hole is formed in a non-circular shape as in the present ink cartridge, so that a gap is formed between the inner surface of the second hole and the surface of the bubble. Thereby, even if air bubbles adhere to the second hole, ink can be circulated in the second hole through the gap.

  (2) The second hole is preferably formed in a polygonal shape. As a result, the ink flows from the gap formed between the corner formed on the inner surface of the second hole and the bubble.

  (3) The specific shape of the second hole is preferably triangular or quadrangular.

  Even a polygonal shape is not preferable because the number of sides increases to approach a circular shape. As the polygonal shape that can most prevent the inflow of bubbles, a polygonal shape having a small number of sides such as a triangular shape or a quadrangular shape is preferable.

  (4) It is preferable that the second hole is disposed at a position deviating from an axis passing through the center of the first hole.

  (5) The cross-sectional area of the second hole is preferably equal to or smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first hole. As a result, the ink flow rate in the second hole is equal to or faster than the ink flow rate in the first hole. Therefore, it becomes difficult for bubbles to stay in the second hole.

  (6) The ink cartridge further includes a recessed portion in which a part of the bottom wall forming the bottom surface of the first space is formed in a recessed shape. In this case, the opening on the first space side in the second hole is arranged in the recessed portion.

  Thus, the ink can be supplied to the second space without allowing air to enter the second hole until the liquid level of the ink accumulated in the recessed portion falls below the second hole. As a result, most of the ink in the main body can be used up.

  (7) A part of the inner wall surface of the first space is inclined toward the recessed portion. As a result, the ink is efficiently collected in the recessed portion.

  (8) A part of the inner wall surface of the first space may be inclined stepwise toward the recessed portion. Also in this case, the ink is efficiently collected in the recessed portion.

  (9) A valve mechanism that is provided in the second space and opens and closes the first hole is further provided. The present invention is suitable for an ink cartridge having such a valve mechanism.

  (10) The second space includes a first chamber on the second hole side and a second chamber on the second hole side separated by a partition wall. In this case, the first chamber communicates with the outside through the first hole. The first chamber and the second chamber communicate with each other through a third hole provided in the partition wall. The second chamber communicates with the first space through the second hole.

  Since the second space is configured in this way, the ink stored in the first space flows into the second chamber through the second hole, moves to the first chamber through the third hole, and then passes through the first hole. Derived from the outside. Thereby, even if bubbles enter the second space, the bubbles are stopped in the second chamber. As a result, the bubbles are prevented from entering the first chamber, and the bubbles are not led out from the first hole.

  In addition, when ink containing impurities such as dust is used, the impurities are precipitated and collected on the bottom surface or the recessed portion of the first space. Even if the ink flows into the second space together with this impurity, the impurity is stopped in the second chamber. As a result, the entry of impurities into the first chamber is prevented, and the impurities are not led out from the first hole.

  (11) It is preferable that the second chamber is formed in a tapered shape in a direction away from the first chamber.

  (12) The present invention is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a main body having a first space for containing ink therein, and is drilled in the vicinity of a lower end of a wall surface constituting the main body, and the first space and the outside are formed. A first hole that communicates, a lid that is movable between a position that closes and opens the first hole, and an elastic member that elastically presses the lid in a direction that closes the first hole. A partition wall that separates the second space between the valve mechanism and the wall surface including the first hole and is provided with the valve mechanism; a partition wall that is provided on the partition wall; A second hole communicating with the second space, wherein the second hole is formed in a polygonal shape, and is disposed on the bottom surface side of the first space from the first hole. It can also be understood as a cartridge.

  According to the ink cartridge of the present invention, the second hole is formed in a non-circular shape such as a polygonal shape, and is disposed on the bottom surface side of the first space from the first hole. The blockage of the two holes can be prevented, and the ink consumption efficiency in the first space can be improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings as appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the ink cartridge 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where the ink cartridge 10 is disassembled.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ink cartridge 10 includes a main body 100 (see FIG. 2) that stores ink, a case 20, and a protector 30. The case 20 covers substantially the entire main body 100. The protector 30 protects the ink supply valve 200 (corresponding to the valve mechanism of the present invention, see FIG. 2) of the main body 100 when the ink cartridge 10 is conveyed, and is detachably attached to the case 20. Yes. In the present embodiment, the main body 100, the case 20, and the protector 30 are made of a resin material. Therefore, since no metal material is used, it can be incinerated at the time of disposal. For example, as the resin material, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like is applicable.

  The case 20 includes two case members 21 and 22 that sandwich the main body 100 from two directions (the vertical direction in FIG. 2). The first case member 21 is a member that covers the lower side surface of the main body 100 in FIG. 2, and the second case member 22 is a member that covers the upper side surface of the main body 100 in FIG. 2. Each case member 21 and 22 is obtained, for example, by injection molding a resin material. These case members 21 and 22 are formed in a shape corresponding to the frame portion 110, the ink supply valve 200, the atmosphere communication valve 131, and the like constituting the main body 100.

  The first case member 21 is formed with rod-like pins 25a, 25b, 25c for positioning the main body 100. The pins 25 a to 25 c are vertically provided on the inner surface of the first case member 21. The main body 100 is attached to a portion surrounded by the pins 25a to 25c. Thereby, the main body 100 is positioned by the pins 25a to 25c, and the main body 100 is temporarily attached to the first case member 21 without loosening. In addition, the second case member 22 is provided with fitting holes (not shown) having holes for fitting with the pins 25a to 25c corresponding to the positions where the pins 25a to 25c are formed. The case members 21 and 22 are joined so as to sandwich the main body 100, and the pins 25a to 25c are fitted into the fitting holes, whereby the first case member 21 and the second case member are connected to each other. Thereby, the main body 100 is protected by the case 20.

  The case 20 is provided with protruding pieces 26 and 27. The protruding piece 26 is provided with a notch 26a, and the protruding piece 27 is provided with a notch 27a. Projections (not shown) formed on the protector 30 are fitted into the notches 26a and 27a. Thereby, the protector 30 is reliably attached to the case 20. Note that the rod 134 of the air communication valve 131 is exposed from the through hole 31 of the protector 30 with the protector 30 attached to the case 20. Thereby, the air communication valve 131 can be operated without removing the protector 30 from the case 20.

  Next, the main body 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a view showing the left side surface of the main body 100 when viewed from the ink injection section 150 side. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the right side surface of the main body 100 when viewed from the ink injection unit 150 side. FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view showing a sectional structure of the valve housing chamber 120. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view showing the structure near the ink supply chamber 175. 6A shows a schematic structure in the vicinity of the ink supply chamber 175, FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional structure taken along section line VIb-VIb in FIG. 6A, and FIG. Shows a state in which the amount of ink is reduced, and (d) shows a state in which the supply of ink has ended. FIG. 3 shows a state where the ink supply valve 200 and the atmosphere communication valve 131 are removed from the main body 100. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the film 160 is omitted. In FIG. 5, a part of the ink supply valve 200 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 100 is configured as a substantially hexahedron having a flat shape. Specifically, the main body 100 is thin in the width direction (the direction of the arrow 51), is long in the height direction (the direction of the arrow 52), and is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped whose depth direction (the direction of the arrow 53) is longer than the height direction. It is formed into a shape. The main body 100 is mounted on the recording apparatus in the standing state shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, that is, the lower surface in the drawing is the bottom surface 104 and the upper surface in the drawing is the upper surface 103. The ink cartridge 10 is inserted in the insertion direction indicated by the arrow 50 with respect to the recording apparatus. In the main body 100, the front surface in the direction of the arrow 50, that is, the surface provided to stand up from the bottom surface 104 is the back surface 102 of the main body 100. Further, the surface facing the back surface 102 is the front surface 101 of the main body 100. Surfaces connected to the front surface 101, the back surface 102, the top surface 103, and the bottom surface 104 are side surfaces 105 and 106. In the present embodiment, the pair of side surfaces 105 and 106 has a hexahedral maximum area in the main body 100.

  The main body 100 is roughly composed of a frame part 110, a film 160, a sensor arm 90, an atmosphere communication valve 131, and an ink supply valve 200. An ink chamber 170 (corresponding to the first space of the present invention) in which ink can be accommodated in the film 160 is welded to both side surfaces (upper and lower surfaces in FIG. 2) of the frame portion 110. Is formed.

  The frame part 110 is a member constituting the casing of the main body 100 and forms the six surfaces 101 to 106 of the main body 100. Therefore, the six surfaces 101 to 106 of the main body 100 coincide with the six surfaces of the frame portion 110. Below, each surface of the frame part 110 is shown using the code | symbol attached | subjected to each surface of the main body 100. FIG.

  The frame part 110 is made of a transparent or translucent resin material having translucency, and is obtained, for example, by injection molding a resin material. The frame portion 110 is roughly divided into a plurality of wall members (the outer peripheral wall 111 and the like), an ink injection portion 150, a detection window 140, a valve storage chamber 120, a valve storage chamber 130, and an inclined portion 80. .

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame part 110 includes an outer peripheral wall 111 and a plurality of inner walls 112. The inner wall 112 is disposed inside the outer peripheral wall 111. The outer peripheral wall 111 and the inner wall 112 are integrally formed as a frame portion 110, and are provided from the left side surface 105 to the right side surface 106 of the main body 100. The outer peripheral wall 111 is annularly arranged along the front surface 101, the upper surface 103, the back surface 102, and the bottom surface 104 so as to form a space inside. As a result, an opening 114 a is formed on the left side surface 105 of the frame part 110, and an opening 114 b is formed on the right side surface 106.

  The outer peripheral wall 111 and the inner wall 112 are provided with welded portions 116 (black portions) on the outer edge portions on the side surfaces 105 and 106 side. The film 160 is welded to the welded portion 116 by ultrasonic welding. As a result, the opening 114a and the opening 114b are closed by the film 160, and the ink chamber 170 surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 111 and the film 160 is partitioned. Ink is stored in the ink chamber 170 thus partitioned.

  In the present embodiment, the inner wall 112 is disposed in a state of being dispersed in a region surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 111. Therefore, it is possible to improve the ink circulation property in the ink chamber 170 while suppressing the slackness of the film 160. Further, since the inner wall 112 is dispersedly arranged, for example, when the case 20 is formed of a soft resin material, even if the case 20 is deformed to the main body 100 side, the inner wall 112 causes the case 20 to Deformation can be regulated. Thereby, damage to case 20 or film 160 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the outer peripheral wall 111 and the inner wall 112 extend in the direction of the side surfaces 105 and 106, that is, in the width direction indicated by the arrow 51 (see FIG. 1), it is complicated when the frame portion 110 is injection-molded. No need for a mold. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the ink cartridge 10 can be reduced.

  The ink injection unit 150 is provided to inject ink into the ink chamber 170. The ink injection unit 150 is formed integrally with the frame unit 110. The ink injection unit 150 is disposed slightly below the middle portion of the front surface 101 of the main body 100.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the ink injection part 150 mainly includes a cylinder part 152, a communication hole 153, a partition wall 156, and a communication hole 154. The cylindrical portion 152 is a substantially cylindrical hole that is drilled from the front surface 101 toward the ink chamber 170, and its inner portion is closed. The communication hole 153 communicates between the cylindrical portion 152 and the ink chamber 170. The communication hole 153 is formed on the side wall of the cylindrical portion 152. The communication hole 153 passes through the side wall of the cylindrical portion 152 toward the right side surface 106 of the main body 100.

  The partition wall 156 isolates the communication hole 153 from the ink chamber 170 and forms an injection path 158 described later. The partition wall 156 is formed of a laterally substantially U-shaped rib member standing on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 152 toward the right side surface 106 side, and extends in the depth direction of the main body 100 (the direction of the arrow 53 in FIG. 4). It exhibits an elongated shape. A welded portion 116 is provided on the outer edge portion of the partition wall 156 on the right side surface 106 side. The film 160 is also welded to the welded portion 116. In the state where the opening 114 b of the right side surface 106 is closed with the film 160, an injection path 158 is formed in a portion surrounded by the partition wall 156 and the film 160. The injection channel 158 is a channel through which ink flows toward the ink chamber 170 when the ink is injected. A communication hole 154 is formed on the front surface 101 side of the partition wall 156. Through the communication hole 154, the partition wall 156 is opened to the ink chamber 170 side on the front surface 101 side. Therefore, the ink can flow from the injection path 158 to the ink chamber 170 through the communication hole 154.

  The opening on the front surface 101 side of the cylindrical portion 152 is an ink injection port (not shown) opened to the outside of the main body 100. Ink is injected from the ink inlet. Ink injected from the ink injection port flows into the injection path 158 from the inside of the cylindrical portion 152 through the communication hole 153, and then flows into the ink chamber 170 from the communication hole 154.

  The detection window 140 is for visually or optically detecting the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 170. The detection window 140 is formed integrally with the frame part 110. Therefore, the detection window 140 is made of the same material as the frame part 110, that is, a translucent transparent or translucent resin material. Therefore, the detection window 140 can transmit light from the outside. The detection window 140 is irradiated with detection light by an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter attached to the recording apparatus. In the present embodiment, the detection light is applied to the side wall 140b.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the detection window 140 protrudes outward from the middle of the back surface 102 of the main body 100, that is, in a direction opposite to the ink chamber 170 (leftward in FIG. 3). Specifically, the detection window 140 is a rectangular front wall 140a (see FIG. 5) that is parallel to the back surface 102 and is spaced outward from the back surface 102 by a predetermined distance, and a width direction of the front wall 140a. It is partitioned by a pair of side walls 140b including two sides, and an upper wall 140c and a bottom wall 140d including two upper and lower sides of the front wall 140a. The width of the front wall 140a (the dimension in the direction of arrow 51 in FIG. 2) is formed smaller than the width of the back surface 102 of the main body 100.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a space 142 is formed inside the detection window 140. The space 142 is continuous with the ink chamber 170. The indicator portion 92 of the sensor arm 90 enters or leaves the space 142. 3 and 4, the posture in which the indicator unit 92 enters the space 142 is indicated by a solid line, and in FIG. 5, it is indicated by a broken line.

  The sensor arm 90 is a member for detecting the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 170. At one end of the sensor arm 90, an indicator unit 92 that enters or exits the space 142 is provided. At the other end of the sensor arm 90, a float portion 93 having a hollow interior is provided. The sensor arm 90 is swingably supported by a rib 94 erected at the center of the outer peripheral wall 111 in the width direction (the direction of the arrow 51). The float portion 93 plays a role of floating and is displaced up and down according to the amount of ink. Thereby, the sensor arm 90 rotates according to the displacement amount of the float part 93. The rib 94 is provided on an outer peripheral wall 111 in the vicinity of a corner formed by the back surface 102 and the bottom surface 104, and a support portion 97 (see FIG. 5) that supports the sensor arm 90 is formed on the rib 94. .

  When a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the ink chamber 170, the sensor arm 90 maintains the posture in which the indicator unit 92 enters the space 142 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. On the other hand, when the ink amount is less than the predetermined amount, the float portion 93 is lowered, and the indicator portion 92 maintains the posture in which it has left the space 142. By monitoring the presence or absence of the indicator unit 92 in the space 142 from the outside of the detection window 140 with an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter, it is possible to detect whether the amount of ink in the ink chamber 170 is constant.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ink chamber 170 is provided with an inclined portion 80 at a corner portion formed by the back surface 102 and the bottom surface 104. The inclined portion 80 allows the ink adhered to the space 142 of the detection window 140 and the vertical surface 172 on the back surface 102 side of the outer peripheral wall 111 to the bottom surface 171 of the ink chamber 170, more specifically, the recessed portion 117 formed on the bottom surface 171. It is provided to guide you smoothly. The inclined portion 80 includes a first inclined surface 81 that is inclined from the vertical surface 172 toward the recessed portion 117, and a second inclined surface 82 that is positioned below the first inclined surface 81.

  The first inclined surface 81 is formed by inclining the corner portion of the outer peripheral wall 111. Moreover, the 2nd inclined surface 82 is formed when the partition 177 mentioned later is inclined. A step is provided between the first inclined surface 81 and the second inclined surface. Accordingly, the inclined portion 80 is formed in a step shape when viewed from the side surfaces 105 and 106. Since such an inclined portion 80 is provided, ink can be efficiently collected in the recessed portion 117.

  In the present embodiment, the inclined portion 80 is configured in a stepped manner by the first inclined surface 81 and the second inclined surface 82, but of course, the inclined surface does not have a step from the vertical surface 172 to the recessed portion 117. It may be comprised. Further, the first inclined surface 81 may be formed continuously with the bottom surface of the space 142. That is, the inclined portion 80 may be configured such that the bottom surface of the space 142 is inclined and the bottom surface is continuous with the first inclined surface 81. Thereby, not only the outer peripheral wall 111 but also the ink attached to the space 142 can be smoothly guided to the bottom surface 171 of the ink chamber 170.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a circular opening 132 is provided above the back surface 102 of the frame unit 110, in other words, above the detection window 140. A cylindrical valve housing chamber 130 is formed inside the frame portion 110 so as to be continuous with the opening 132. The valve storage chamber 130 communicates with the ink chamber 170 at the back. An atmosphere communication valve 131 is accommodated in the valve accommodating chamber 130.

  The air communication valve 131 is a valve mechanism that opens or closes a path from the opening 132 to the ink chamber 170, and has a unitized structure by members such as a valve main body 137, a spring 136, a seal member 133, a rod 134, and a cover 135. Have The air communication valve 131 is normally pressed by the valve body 137 in the direction of closing the path by the urging force of the spring 136. The rod 134 protrudes toward the back surface 102 side. When the rod 134 is pressed against the urging force toward the back of the opening 132, the path is opened. In addition, since the valve storage chamber 130 and the atmosphere communication valve 131 are not related to the present invention, detailed description is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a circular opening 122 is provided in the lower part of the back surface 102 of the frame part 110, in other words, below the detection window 140. A valve housing chamber 120 and an ink supply chamber 175, which are examples of the second space of the present invention, are formed on the inner side of the frame portion 110 continuously with the opening 122. The valve storage chamber 120 corresponds to the first chamber of the present invention, and the ink supply chamber 175 corresponds to the second chamber of the present invention.

  The valve storage chamber 120 is extended inside the frame portion 110 along the direction from the opening 122 toward the ink chamber 170 of the main body 100 (the direction of the arrow 53). The valve storage chamber 120 is provided outside the outer peripheral wall 111 as illustrated. On the other hand, the ink supply chamber 175 is provided on the back side of the valve storage chamber 120 when viewed from the back surface 102 side. The ink supply chamber 175 is provided inside the outer peripheral wall 111. That is, the ink supply chamber 175 and the valve storage chamber 120 are isolated so as to be partitioned by the outer peripheral wall 111. Hereinafter, a portion of the outer peripheral wall 111 that partitions the ink supply chamber 175 and the valve storage chamber 120 is referred to as a partition 179.

  The valve storage chamber 120 has a side surface defined by a substantially cylindrical side wall 124 (see FIG. 5) and a back surface defined by a partition wall 179. In the valve storage chamber 120, the check valve 190 and the ink supply valve 200 (see FIG. 3) are stored.

  The ink supply valve 200 is a valve mechanism that opens or closes a path from the opening 122 to the valve storage chamber 120, and includes a valve main body 207 (corresponding to the lid of the present invention) and a spring 206 (corresponding to the elastic member of the present invention). , And a unitized structure by members such as a seal member 204 and a cover 205. The valve body 207 is disposed in the valve housing chamber 120 so as to be movable between a position for closing an ink supply port 210 (corresponding to a first hole of the present invention), which will be described later, and a position for opening the ink supply port 210. Has been. The ink supply valve 200 normally presses the valve body 207 in a direction to close the ink supply port 210 by the biasing force of the spring 206. When an ink needle is inserted into the ink supply port 210 from the outside and the valve body 207 is pressed against the urging force, the valve body 207 slides and the ink supply port 210 is opened. At this time, the ink in the ink chamber 170 can flow out from the ink supply port 210 through the ink supply chamber 175 and the valve storage chamber 120.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a cover 205 is attached to the outer edge portion of the opening 122 via a seal member 204. The cover 205 is provided with a through hole 214, and the seal member 204 is provided with a through hole 215. In the state where the cover 205 is attached to the outer edge portion, an ink supply port 210 (through holes 214 and 215) into which an ink needle can be inserted is formed. The ink supply port 210 is formed so that the center thereof coincides with the cylindrical center line 176 of the valve storage chamber 120.

  The check valve 190 allows the ink to flow from the ink chamber 170 to the valve storage chamber 120 and restricts the flow of ink from the valve storage chamber 120 to the ink supply chamber 175. The check valve 190 is mounted in a communication hole 181 (corresponding to the third hole of the present invention), which will be described later, which communicates the valve storage chamber 120 and the ink supply chamber 175. The check valve 190 is provided to prevent the back flow of ink from the valve storage chamber 120 to the ink supply chamber 175.

  The ink supply chamber 175 is formed in a substantially triangular shape when viewed from the right side surface 106. The ink supply chamber 175 is partitioned by a substantially V-shaped partition wall 177 (corresponding to a partition wall of the present invention) and a partition wall 179 constituting a part of the outer peripheral wall 111 when viewed from the right side surface 106. Therefore, the ink supply chamber 175 is formed in a tapered shape as it goes from the valve storage chamber 120 in the depth direction (the direction of the arrow 53). The ink supply chamber 175 and the valve storage chamber 120 are adjacent to each other in the depth direction of the main body 10 (the direction of the arrow 53) with a partition wall 179 interposed therebetween. A welded portion 116 is provided on the outer edge portion of the partition wall 177 on the right side surface 106 side. The film 160 is also welded to the welded portion 116. By closing the opening 114 b of the right side surface 106 with the film 160, an ink supply chamber 175 is formed in a space surrounded by the partition wall 177, the partition wall 179, and the film 160.

  The partition wall 179 is formed with a communication hole 181 that allows the ink supply chamber 175 and the valve storage chamber 120 to communicate with each other. Similar to the ink supply port 210, the communication hole 181 is formed so that the center thereof coincides with the cylindrical center line 176 of the valve storage chamber 120.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the partition wall 177 is provided so as to surround the communication hole 181. A communication hole 182 (corresponding to the second hole of the present invention) that connects the ink chamber 170 and the ink supply chamber 175 is formed in a lower wall (hereinafter referred to as “lower wall”) 177 b of the partition wall 177. Has been. The communication hole 182 is formed at a position shifted downward from a cylindrical center line 176 passing through the centers of the communication hole 181 and the ink supply port 210. Note that an upper wall (hereinafter referred to as “upper wall”) 177 a of the partition wall 177 is inclined toward a recessed portion 117 described later. A second inclined surface 82 is formed by the upper wall 177a.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, a notch 184 is formed in the lower wall 177b. This notch 184 is provided at the end of the lower wall 177b on the right side surface 106 side. The notch 184 is formed by cutting out a part of the end of the lower wall 177b on the right side surface 106 side into a substantially U-shape. The notch 184 is formed simultaneously with the frame part 110 by injection molding the frame part 110. A communication hole 182 is formed by the cutout 184 and the film 160 welded to the welded portion 116 of the lower wall 177b. Thereby, the cross-section of the communication hole 182 is formed in a rectangular shape (square shape).

  In the present embodiment, the communication hole 182 is formed to have a smaller cross-sectional area than the ink supply port 210 or the communication hole 181. Therefore, when ink flows out from the ink supply port 210 to the outside, the flow rate of ink in the communication hole 182 is larger than the flow rate of the ink supply port 210 and the communication hole 181. For this reason, bubbles or the like hardly stay in the vicinity of the communication hole 182.

  A recessed portion 117 is provided below the lower wall 177b. The recessed portion 117 is formed by causing a part of the bottom wall 118 forming the bottom surface 171 of the ink chamber 170 to be recessed. In the outer peripheral wall 111, a portion that forms the bottom surface 171 of the ink chamber 170 is the bottom wall 118. In the present embodiment, the opening on the ink chamber 170 side of the communication hole 182 is disposed in the recessed space 119 defined by the recessed portion 117.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the recessed portion 117 is provided only on the right side surface 106 side from the rib 94, and is not provided on the left side surface 105 side from the rib 94. A through-hole 95 that penetrates the rib 94 from the right side surface 106 side to the left side surface 105 side is formed in the rib 94 immediately above the recessed portion 117. The ink flows through the through-hole 95 between the right side surface 106 side and the left side surface 105 side. Since the recessed portion 117 is provided only on the right side surface 106 side, for example, when the ink level in the ink chamber 170 falls below the bottom surface 171, the ink remaining on the left side surface 105 side of the rib 94. Flows into the recess 117 through the through hole 95. Since such a concave portion 117 is provided, the ink is not allowed to enter the communication hole 182 until the liquid level of the ink stored in the concave portion 117 decreases and reaches the communication hole 182. It can be supplied to the supply chamber 175.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the partition 177 is provided so that the ink chamber 170 and the valve storage chamber 120 are separated by the ink supply chamber 175. That is, the ink supply chamber 175 communicates with the ink chamber 170 only through the communication hole 182, and communicates with the valve storage chamber 120 only through the communication hole 181. Therefore, when the ink supply port 210 is opened, the ink stored in the ink chamber 170 flows into the ink supply chamber 175 from the recessed portion 117 through the communication path 182 and from the ink supply chamber 175 through the communication hole 181. Into the valve storage chamber 120 (arrow 54 in FIG. 6C). Then, the ink flows out from the valve storage chamber 120 through the ink supply port 210 (arrow 55 in FIG. 6C).

  Next, referring to FIGS. 6C and 6D, the ink flow path when the ink supply port 210 is opened, that is, the ink flow path from the ink chamber 170 to the valve storage chamber 120 (see FIG. 6). 6 (c) arrow 54) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, when the liquid level 60 of the ink stored in the ink chamber 170 is located above the recessed portion 117 and below the communication hole 181 and the ink supply port 210, As shown, the recessed space 119 is filled with ink. As described above, since the communication hole 182 is disposed in the recess space 119, air and bubbles do not enter the communication hole 182 in the mounting posture of the ink cartridge 10 with respect to the recording apparatus. Therefore, in this case, even if the ink liquid level 60 is located below the communication hole 181 and the ink supply port 210, the ink in the ink chamber 170 passes from the recessed portion 117 to the communication hole 182 and the ink supply chamber 175. Then, the ink flows out to the outside through an ink flow path (arrows 54 and 55 in FIG. 6C) passing through the communication hole 181, the valve storage chamber 120, and the ink supply port 120.

  In the present embodiment, the valve housing chamber 120 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as indicated by 5. A check valve 190 is attached to the communication hole 181, and the ink supply valve 200 is accommodated in the valve accommodating chamber 120. Therefore, there is a limit to disposing the communication hole 181 close to the bottom surface 171 of the ink chamber 170 with the bottom surface 104 of the main body 100 being substantially flat. In the configuration in which the partition wall 117 is not provided, when the ink level 60 drops from the communication hole 181, air enters from the communication hole 181, so that ink cannot be supplied, and ink that cannot be consumed remains in the ink chamber 170. . However, by providing the partition wall 117, the communication hole 182 can be disposed below the communication hole 181 and the ink supply port 210 and in the vicinity of the bottom surface 171. As a result, ink can be supplied until the ink liquid level 60 falls below the communication hole 182, thereby improving ink consumption efficiency.

  In the present embodiment, since the cross section of the communication hole 182 is formed in a rectangular shape (square shape), when ink flows through the ink flow path indicated by the arrow 54, the bubbles in the ink are recessed. Even if the space 119 reaches the communication hole 182, portions where the bubbles do not contact are formed at the four corner portions of the communication hole 182. Therefore, the communication hole 182 is not completely blocked by the air bubbles, so that the ink flow path indicated by the arrow 54 can always be secured.

  In the embodiment described above, the cross-sectional shape of the communication hole 182 is formed in a rectangular shape, but the cross-sectional shape of the communication hole 182 may be formed in a triangular shape, for example. In this case, a triangular notch can be formed in the partition wall 117, and the communication hole 182 can be formed by the notch and the film 160. Of course, the cross-sectional shape of the communication hole 182 is not limited to a rectangular shape or a triangular shape, and may be a pentagonal shape or a polygonal shape having more corners. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the communication hole 182 is not limited to a polygonal shape, and may be a non-circular shape such as an ellipse. Even if the cross section of the communication hole 182 is formed in such a shape, the communication hole 182 is not completely blocked by bubbles.

  The above-described embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and the embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an ink cartridge 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where the ink cartridge 10 is disassembled. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a left side surface of the main body 100 when viewed from the ink injection unit 150 side. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a left side surface of the main body 100 when viewed from the ink injection unit 150 side. FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view showing a sectional structure of the valve housing chamber 120. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view showing the structure in the vicinity of the ink supply chamber 175. FIG. 6A shows a schematic structure in the vicinity of the ink supply chamber 175, and FIG. 6B shows a cut in FIG. The cross-sectional structure of the line VIb-VIb is shown, (c) shows a state where the amount of ink is reduced, and (d) shows a state where the supply of ink is finished.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Ink cartridge 20 ... Case 30 ... Protector 80 ... Inclined part 81 ... 1st inclined surface 82 ... 2nd inclined surface 90 ... Sensor arm 100 ... Main body 110 ... Frame portion 117 ... Recessed portion 120 ... Valve storage chamber (second space, first chamber)
140 ... detection window 150 ... ink injection part 160 ... film 170 ... ink chamber (first space)
175: Ink supply chamber (second space, second chamber)
177 ... partition 179 ... partition 181 ... communication hole (third hole)
182 ... Communication hole (second hole)
184 ... Notch 190 ... Check valve 200 ... Ink supply valve (valve mechanism)
210: Ink supply port (first hole)

Claims (12)

A main body having a first space for containing ink;
A first hole provided on a wall surface that rises from the bottom surface of the main body, and leads the ink contained in the first space to the outside;
A partition wall that partitions the second space isolated from the first space with the wall surface including the first hole;
A second hole provided in the partition wall and communicating the first space and the second space;
The ink cartridge, wherein the second hole is formed in a non-circular shape, and is disposed closer to the bottom surface of the first space than the first hole.   The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second hole is formed in a polygonal shape.   The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the second hole is formed in a triangular shape or a quadrangular shape.   4. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second hole is disposed at a position deviating from an axis passing through the center of the first hole. 5.   The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a cross-sectional area of the second hole is equal to or smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first hole. A concave portion in which a part of the bottom wall forming the bottom surface of the first space is formed in a concave shape;
The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an opening on the first space side in the second hole is disposed in the recessed portion.   The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein a part of the inner wall surface of the first space is inclined toward the recessed portion.   The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein a part of the inner wall surface of the first space is inclined stepwise toward the recessed portion.   The ink cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a valve mechanism that is provided in the second space and opens and closes the first hole. The second space has a first chamber on the second hole side and a second chamber on the second hole side separated by a partition wall,
The first chamber communicates with the outside through the first hole,
The first chamber and the second chamber communicate with each other through a third hole provided in the partition wall,
The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second chamber communicates with the first space through the second hole.   The ink cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the second chamber is formed in a tapered shape in a direction away from the first chamber. A main body formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and having a first space for containing ink therein;
A first hole drilled in the vicinity of the lower end of the wall surface constituting the main body, and communicating the first space with the outside;
A valve mechanism having a lid movable between a position for closing and opening the first hole, and an elastic member for elastically pressing the lid in a direction for closing the first hole;
A partition wall that partitions the second space that is isolated from the first space and provided with the valve mechanism between the wall surface including the first hole;
A second hole provided in the partition wall and communicating the first space and the second space;
The ink cartridge, wherein the second hole is formed in a polygonal shape, and is disposed closer to the bottom surface of the first space than the first hole.

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