JP2010195053A - Channel fixing structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a channel fixing structure that can secure high sealing performance. <P>SOLUTION: A connecting member 13 and an ink supply tube 14 formed by welding a film member 42 to an elastic member 40, are connected at a connection part 56. A ring 60 is disposed at the outer periphery of the connection part 56, and a wedge part 62 is further inserted between the ring 60 and the ink supply tube 14 to fix the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 with strong clamping force. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a flow path fixing structure.

  Conventionally, an ink jet recording apparatus is widely known as one of liquid ejecting apparatuses. This ink jet recording apparatus includes a so-called off-carriage type in which an ink container provided in an ink cartridge is connected to a recording head provided on the lower surface of the carriage via an ink supply tube. In this off-carriage type, the ink container is pressurized by sending pressurized air into the ink cartridge by a pressure pump or the like. The ink container receives this pressure and pumps the ink stored in the ink container toward the recording head via an ink supply tube formed of polyethylene or the like. As a result, ink is supplied to the recording head, and the supplied ink is ejected onto the recording paper as ink droplets from the nozzle openings of the recording head mounted on the carriage that is reciprocally moved. For example, Patent Document 1).

  By the way, in an ink jet recording apparatus, downsizing of the entire apparatus is required. For this reason, the ink supply tube is formed of a flexible material such as an elastomer and bent deeply as the carriage reciprocates to reduce the drawing space. The connection between the ink supply tube and the connection member connected to the ink container is prevented by inserting a sleeve projecting from the connection member into the hole of the ink supply tube. . Further, since the ink supply tube is formed of an elastomer, it is flexible and functions as a sealing material.

JP 2001-221974 A

  However, since the ink supply tube formed of elastomer is flexible, it is easily deformed by creep or external force. When the ink supply tube is deformed, a gap is generated between the sleeve and the connection hole, and the sealing performance between the ink supply tube and the connection member is lowered.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a flow path fixing structure that can ensure high sealing performance.

  In order to solve the above problems, the flow path fixing structure of the present invention is a flow path fixing structure for connecting and fixing a flow path forming member and a liquid supply path made of an elastic member, and the flow path forming member includes A plurality of liquid outlet ports project from the connecting portion with the liquid supply path, the liquid supply path has a plurality of openings communicating with the flow path of the liquid supply path, and the liquid outlet port A fixing member that connects the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path by fitting with the opening and fastens and fixes the liquid outlet port and the opening includes the liquid outlet port and the opening. And a plurality of the liquid outlet port portions and the opening portions are simultaneously fastened and fixed.

  According to this invention, the plurality of liquid outlet ports and the plurality of openings are fitted to connect the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path, and the liquid outlet port and the opening are connected by the fixing member. It is fastened and fixed at the same time. Therefore, the respective flow paths can be fastened and fixed simultaneously without being fastened individually, and the assembly time can be shortened.

  The flow path fixing structure of the present invention is a flow path fixing structure for connecting and fixing a flow path forming member and a liquid supply path made of an elastic member, and the flow path forming member is connected to a connection portion with the liquid supply path. A plurality of liquid outlet ports are provided so that the liquid supply path has a plurality of openings communicating with the flow path of the liquid supply path, and the liquid outlet port and the openings are fitted together. The flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected, the liquid outlet port portion is tubular and formed perpendicular to the flow path of the flow path forming member, and the opening is a cylindrical opening, A fixing member that is formed perpendicular to the flow path of the liquid supply path and fastens and fixes the liquid outlet port portion and the opening provides a fastening force in the axial direction of the pipe of the liquid outlet port portion, Simultaneously fastening and fixing a plurality of the liquid outlet ports and the opening That.

  According to this invention, the plurality of liquid outlet ports and the plurality of openings are fitted to connect the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path, and the liquid outlet port and the opening are connected by the fixing member. It is fastened and fixed at the same time. Therefore, the respective flow paths can be fastened and fixed simultaneously without being fastened individually, and the assembly time can be shortened. Further, the fastening member provides a fastening force in a direction in which the liquid outlet port and the opening are fitted to each other, so that it is difficult to come off.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, the fixing member is a fixing frame disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting portion. According to this invention, it becomes possible to fasten the periphery of the connecting portion with only one member of the fixed frame. For this reason, assembly time can be shortened.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, the fixing member includes a fixing frame disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting portion and a locking member having a taper portion inserted between the fixing frame and the connecting portion. According to the present invention, the connecting portion can be partially positioned by the fixing frame and further firmly fixed by the locking member. Further, since the locking member has a tapered portion, it can be easily fitted.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, the fixing member includes a fixed frame disposed on an outer periphery of the connecting portion, a buffer member provided on a surface of the flow path forming member or the liquid supply path, and the fixed frame. And a locking member having a tapered portion inserted between the buffer member and the buffer member. According to this invention, it is possible to prevent the flow path forming member or the liquid supply path from being damaged by interposing the buffer member. Further, by making the buffer member a member having a lower friction than the flow path forming member or the liquid supply path surface, the locking member can be more easily fitted. Further, since the locking member has a tapered portion, it can be easily fitted.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, the fixing member includes a fixing frame disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting portion, and a buffer member provided on the surface of the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path. According to this invention, it is possible to prevent the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path from being damaged by the fixed frame. Further, by making the buffer member a member having a lower friction than the flow path forming member or the liquid supply path surface, the fixing frame can be more easily fitted.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, at least one of the flow path forming member and the flow path of the liquid supply path is formed by fixing a plurality of recessed openings while covering with a film member. According to this invention, at least one of the flow path forming member and the flow path of the liquid supply path can be easily formed with a planar flow path by the plurality of recessed openings and the film member covering the openings. Can do.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, the locking member is formed with an extending restriction portion for restricting the bending of the liquid supply path. According to the present invention, even when a force is applied to the liquid supply path in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the separation of the liquid supply path from the flow path forming member can be reduced. Accordingly, the connecting portion between the liquid supply path and the flow path forming member can ensure high sealing performance.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, the locking member is formed with a restricting portion that restricts bending of the liquid supply path, and the length of the restricting portion in the longitudinal direction of the liquid supply path is the length of the liquid supply path. It is more than the thickness of the elastic member. According to this invention, even if a force is applied to the liquid supply path in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the separation of the liquid supply path from the flow path forming member can be further reduced. As a result, the connecting portion between the liquid supply path and the flow path forming member can ensure high sealing performance. Further, since the elastic member is not bent in the vertical direction by the restricting portion, the film member fixed to the elastic member is broken and cracked, and the channel formed in the elastic member is exposed to prevent the liquid from flowing out. be able to.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, the fixing frame has a shape surrounding an outer periphery of the connecting portion. According to this invention, since it can arrange | position to the outer periphery of the connection part of a flow-path formation member and a liquid supply path, even if it receives a creep or external force and the elastic member of a liquid supply path deform | transforms, a high seal Sex can be secured. Further, even if the elastic member of the liquid supply path is deformed, it can be fixed without being affected.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, the fixing frame surrounds the outer periphery of the connecting portion, and a notch is formed in a part thereof. According to the present invention, since the notch is formed in a part of the fixed frame, for example, when a ring is injection-molded, the notch is formed in advance at a place where a weld line is likely to occur. By doing so, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of weld lines. Therefore, since the strength of the ring does not decrease, high sealing performance can be ensured.

  Two or more engaging protrusions are formed in the connecting portion of the flow path forming member, and two or more fitting holes are formed in the connecting portion of the liquid supply path, and the engaging protrusion is formed in the liquid outlet port. Longer than department. According to the present invention, the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path can be easily incorporated by positioning with the engagement protrusion longer than the liquid discharge port part instead of the plurality of liquid discharge port parts.

  The flow path fixing structure of the present invention is a flow in which a flow path forming member connected to a liquid storage means for storing a liquid and a liquid supply path connected to a liquid ejecting head for ejecting the liquid are connected and fixed. In the path fixing structure, the flow path forming member is provided with a liquid outlet port portion communicating with the flow path and an engaging projection at an end not connected to the liquid storage means, and the liquid supply path is An opening that is formed by fixing a film member to an elastic member having a recessed channel and is not connected to the liquid ejecting head; The engagement projection is positioned by fitting into the fitting hole, and the liquid lead-out port portion is fitted into the opening, thereby connecting the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path. While connecting at the connecting part A fixed frame is disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting portion between the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path, and a locking member is inserted between the fixed frame and the liquid supply path to Fasten and fix to the liquid supply path.

  According to this invention, the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are positioned by the engaging protrusions and connected by the connecting portion, the fixed frame is disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting portion, and the fixed frame and the liquid supply path are further arranged. A locking member was inserted between them to fasten and fix the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path. Therefore, for example, even if the elastic member of the liquid supply path is deformed due to creep or external force, high sealing performance can be ensured.

In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, a pair of fitting convex portions are formed in the notch portion of the fixing frame, and are fitted into a pair of fitting concave portions provided in the liquid supply path.
According to this invention, the notch portion of the fixed frame is formed with the pair of fitting convex portions, and is fitted into the pair of fitting concave portions provided in the liquid supply path. Even if the portion is notched, the force with which the fixing frame fixes the connecting portion between the liquid supply path and the flow path forming member does not decrease. Therefore, high sealing performance between the liquid supply path and the flow path forming member can be ensured.

In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, the fixing frame is made of metal.
According to the present invention, since the fixed frame is made of metal, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a weld line when the fixed frame is injection molded, for example. Therefore, since the strength of the fixed frame does not decrease, high sealing performance can be ensured.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, a plurality of the liquid outlet ports are provided in the flow path forming member, and the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed among the plurality of liquid outlet ports. The length of the liquid outlet port portion located on the back side from the near side in the visual line direction at the time was formed longer than the other liquid outlet port portions.

  According to this invention, a plurality of liquid outlet ports are provided in the flow path forming member, and the front of the plurality of liquid outlet ports in the line-of-sight direction when the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed. The length of the liquid outlet port portion located on the far side is longer than that of the other liquid outlet ports. As a result, for example, by forming the liquid outlet port portion located on the innermost side in the line-of-sight direction when connecting and fixing the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path longer than the other liquid outlet port portions, The liquid outlet port portion located on the innermost side can be visually recognized without being blocked by the liquid outlet port portion. Therefore, when the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed, the liquid outlet port portion that is most difficult to visually recognize can be surely fitted into the opening of the liquid supply path, thus ensuring high sealing performance. Can do.

  In the channel fixing structure of the present invention, a plurality of the liquid outlet ports are provided on the channel forming member, and the plurality of liquid outlet ports are formed in a straight line, and the flow outlet port portion includes The length of the liquid outlet port portion located on the back side from the front in the line-of-sight direction when the path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed is formed longer than the other liquid outlet port portions.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of liquid outlet ports are provided in the flow path forming member, and the plurality of liquid outlet ports are formed in a straight line, and the flow path forming member and the liquid are included in the liquid outlet ports. The length of the liquid lead-out port portion located on the back side from the front in the line-of-sight direction when connecting and fixing the supply path is formed longer than the other liquid lead-out port portions. As a result, for example, even if the liquid outlet port portion is formed in a straight line, the liquid outlet port portion located on the farthest side in the line-of-sight direction when the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed to each other By forming it longer than the liquid outlet port part, the liquid outlet port part located at the innermost side can be visually recognized without being blocked by other liquid outlet port parts. Therefore, when the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed, the liquid outlet port portion that is most difficult to visually recognize can be surely fitted into the opening of the liquid supply path, thus ensuring high sealing performance. Can do.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, a tip end portion of the liquid lead-out port portion having a long length among the plurality of liquid lead-out port portions is formed in an oblique shape, and the oblique portion of the tip portion is The flow path in the liquid outlet port portion and the flow path of the liquid supply path communicate with each other.

  According to the present invention, of the plurality of liquid outlet port portions, the leading end portion of the liquid outlet port portion formed to have a long length is formed in an oblique shape, and the oblique portion of the distal end portion forms an inside of the liquid outlet port portion. And the flow path of the liquid supply path communicate with each other. Therefore, since the liquid outlet port portion does not block the flow path of the liquid supply path, communication between the liquid outlet port section and the liquid supply path is not hindered.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, a plurality of the engaging protrusions are provided on the flow path forming member, and a line of sight when the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed among the plurality of engaging protrusions. The length of the engaging protrusion located on the back side from the front in the direction was formed longer than the other engaging protrusions.

  According to this invention, a plurality of engagement protrusions are provided on the flow path forming member, and the rear side from the front in the line-of-sight direction when the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed among the plurality of engagement protrusions. The length of the engaging protrusion located at the position is longer than that of the other engaging protrusions. As a result, for example, the length of the engagement protrusion on the liquid outlet port side located on the farthest side in the line-of-sight direction when connecting and fixing the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path is set to be longer than the other engagement protrusions. By forming the length longer, the position of the liquid outlet port portion located on the innermost side can be grasped with reference to the position of the engaging protrusion. Therefore, when the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed, the liquid outlet port portion that is most difficult to visually recognize can be surely fitted into the opening of the liquid supply path, thus ensuring high sealing performance. Can do.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, a plurality of the engaging protrusions are provided on the flow path forming member, and at least one of the plurality of engaging protrusions is connected to the flow path forming member of the liquid outlet port portion and the It was arranged in the vicinity of the liquid outlet port portion located on the back side from the front in the line-of-sight direction when connecting and fixing the liquid supply path.

  According to this invention, a plurality of engagement protrusions are provided on the flow path forming member, and at least one of the plurality of engagement protrusions is connected and fixed to the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path in the liquid outlet port portion. In the line-of-sight direction, the liquid outlet port portion is located near the front side. As a result, for example, by disposing the engagement protrusion in the vicinity of the liquid outlet port portion located on the innermost side in the line-of-sight direction when the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed, the innermost position is obtained. The position of the liquid lead-out port portion to be grasped can be grasped with reference to the position of the engaging projection. Further, for example, when the engagement protrusion is increased and disposed, when the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed by the engagement protrusion, the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are separated from each other. The applied force can be released from the connecting portion to the liquid supply path side. Therefore, high sealing performance can be ensured.

  In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, a buffer member is provided between the liquid supply path and the locking member, and the flow path is formed by inserting the locking member between the fixing frame and the buffer member. The member and the liquid supply path are fastened and fixed.

  According to this invention, the buffer member is provided between the liquid supply path and the locking member, and the locking member is inserted between the fixed frame and the buffer member to fasten and fix the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path. To do. As a result, for example, when the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed, the buffer member applies a force applied in the direction in which the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are separated from the connection portion to the liquid supply path side. I can escape. Therefore, high sealing performance can be ensured.

In the flow path fixing structure of the present invention, the locking member is inserted from the flow path forming member side between the fixing frame and the buffer member to fasten and fix the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path. To do.
According to this invention, the locking member is inserted between the fixed frame and the buffer member from the flow path forming member side, and the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are fastened and fixed. As a result, for example, when the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed, by inserting the locking member from the flow path forming member side, the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are added in a direction away from each other. The force can be released from the connecting portion to the liquid supply path side. Therefore, high sealing performance can be ensured.

  The flow path fixing structure of the present invention is a flow in which a flow path forming member connected to a liquid storage means for storing a liquid and a liquid supply path connected to a liquid ejecting head for ejecting the liquid are connected and fixed. In the path fixing structure, the flow path forming member is provided with a liquid outlet port portion communicating with the flow path and an engaging projection at an end not connected to the liquid storage means, and the liquid supply path is An opening that is formed by fixing a film member to an elastic member having a recessed channel and is not connected to the liquid ejecting head; A plurality of the engagement protrusions are provided on the flow path forming member, and at least one of the plurality of engagement protrusions is connected to the flow path formation member and the liquid supply path in the liquid outlet port portion. In the line of sight when Disposed near the liquid outlet port portion located on the back side of the front Te.

  According to this invention, a plurality of engagement protrusions are provided on the flow path forming member, and at least one of the plurality of engagement protrusions is connected and fixed to the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path in the liquid outlet port portion. In the line-of-sight direction, the liquid outlet port portion is located near the front side. As a result, for example, by disposing the engagement protrusion in the vicinity of the liquid outlet port portion located on the innermost side in the line-of-sight direction when the liquid supply path and the flow path forming member are connected and fixed, the position is located on the innermost side. The position of the liquid lead-out port portion to be grasped can be grasped with reference to the position of the engaging projection. Further, for example, when the engagement protrusion is increased and disposed, when the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected and fixed by the engagement protrusion, the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are separated from each other. The applied force can be released from the connecting portion to the liquid supply path side. Therefore, high sealing performance can be ensured.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining an outline of the printer of the first embodiment. Similarly, the perspective view for demonstrating the internal structure of a printer. Similarly, a cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration of an ink cartridge. Similarly, the perspective view for demonstrating the structure of a fixing member. Similarly, the disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of a fixing member. Similarly, sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of a fixing member. Similarly, sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of a fixing member. The perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the fixing member of 2nd Embodiment. Similarly, the disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of a fixing member. Similarly, sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of a fixing member. The disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the fixing member of 3rd Embodiment. Similarly, sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of a fixing member. The disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the fixing member of 4th Embodiment. Similarly, sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of a fixing member. The disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the fixing member of 5th Embodiment. Similarly, an explanatory view for explaining the connection between the connection member and the ink supply tube. The disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the fixing member of 6th Embodiment. Sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of the fixing member of another example. The disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the fixing member of another example. The disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the fixing member of another example. Sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of the fixing member of another example. Sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of the fixing member of another example.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a printer 1) as a liquid ejecting apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 7 provided in the printer 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printer 1 is an ink jet type and includes a frame 2. The printer 1 includes a guide member 3, a carriage 4, a recording head 5 as a liquid ejecting head, a valve unit 6, an ink cartridge 7 as a liquid storage unit, and an air pressure pump 8 in the frame 2. A cartridge holder 2 a is formed on the front surface of the printer 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the guide member 3 is formed in a rod shape and is installed in the frame 2. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the guide member 3 is installed is referred to as a main scanning direction. The carriage 4 is inserted so as to be relatively movable with respect to the guide member 3, and can be reciprocated in the main scanning direction. The carriage 4 is connected to a carriage motor (not shown) via a timing belt (not shown). The carriage motor is supported by the frame 2, and when the carriage motor is driven, the carriage 4 is driven via the timing belt, and the carriage 4 is reciprocated along the guide member 3, that is, in the main scanning direction. .

  On the other hand, the recording head 5 is provided on the lower surface of the carriage 4 and includes a plurality of nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink as liquid. The valve unit 6 is mounted on the carriage 4 and supplies the temporarily stored ink to the recording head 5 with the pressure adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, the valve unit 6 can individually supply two types of ink to the recording head 5 with the pressure adjusted. In the present embodiment, a total of three valve units 6 are provided, which correspond to six ink colors (black, yellow, magenta, cyan, light magenta, and light cyan).

  Further, a platen (not shown) is provided below the recording head 5, and this platen is fed by a paper feeding means (not shown) in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. Support P.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ink cartridge 7 is detachably accommodated in the cartridge holder 2a, and six ink cartridges 7 are provided corresponding to the ink colors described above.
As shown in FIG. 3, the ink cartridge 7 includes an ink pack 10 in a cartridge case 9. The ink pack 10 includes a bag portion 11 for storing ink and a lead-out portion 12, and ink is enclosed in the bag portion 11, and the sealed ink is led out from the lead-out portion 12. At this time, the ink pack 10 is set in a state where a part of the lead-out portion 12 is exposed from the cartridge case 9, and the other part is stored in the cartridge case 9 in an airtight state. The cartridge case 9 is provided with an air inlet (not shown) so as to communicate with a gap S formed between the cartridge case 9 and the ink pack 10. With this configuration, it is possible to generate a force that crushes the ink pack 10 by increasing the pressure in the gap S by flowing air from the air inlet.

  On the other hand, the lead-out portion 12 of the ink pack 10 has an ink supply tube 14 (see FIG. 2) as a liquid supply path provided for each ink color via a connection member 13 (see FIG. 1) as a flow path forming member. )It is connected to the. The ink supply tube 14 is connected to the valve unit 6 as shown in FIG. The valve unit 6 is connected to the recording head 5 as described above. With this configuration, the ink in the ink pack 10 is supplied to the valve unit 6 via the ink supply tube 14.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the air pressurization pump 8 is fixed to the back side of the frame 2. And the air pressurization pump 8 attracts | sucks air | atmosphere and discharges the attracted | sucked air | atmosphere as pressurized air. The air pressure pumps 8 are connected to the air inlets of the corresponding ink cartridges 7 via six air tubes (not shown). With this configuration, the air pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 8 is introduced into the gap S of the ink cartridge 7 through the air tube.

  Therefore, for example, when pressurized air flows into the gap S from the air pressure pump 8 and the ink packs 10 of the ink cartridges 7 are pressurized, the ink in the ink packs 10 is supplied to the valve unit 6. The The ink temporarily stored in the valve unit 6 is supplied to the recording head 5 with the pressure adjusted. Based on the image data, the printer 1 moves the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction while moving the recording medium P in the sub-scanning direction by the paper feeding means, and ejects ink from the recording head 5, thereby recording the recording medium. Printing is performed on P.

Next, a connection structure between the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 4, the connecting member 13 is connected to the cartridge holder 2a, and receives the ink derived from the outlet 12 (see FIG. 3) of the ink pack 10 (see FIG. 3) corresponding to each color ink. Each is for supplying to the ink supply tube 14. The connecting member 13 has a substantially rectangular shape, and is made of, for example, polypropylene.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the connecting member 13 includes an ink outlet 15 and a connecting portion 17 in order from the cartridge holder 2a (see FIG. 4) side. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, grooves 19 as six channels corresponding to the colors of the six inks are recessed in parallel at equal intervals on the lower surface of the connecting member 13 as shown in FIG. Has been. Each of the groove portions 19 communicates with the lead-out portion 12 (see FIG. 3) of the ink pack 10 (see FIG. 3) and also communicates with the connection portion 17. The length of each groove portion 19 is slightly shorter than the length of the connecting member 13 in the longitudinal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the upper surface of the ink lead-out portion 15 is covered with a lid 21 made of, for example, polypropylene. A film member 23 is welded to the lower surface of the connecting member 13 as shown in FIG. The film member 23 is formed, for example, by vapor-depositing a gas barrier layer in which a plurality of layers such as nylon and aluminum are laminated and a resin layer in which a plurality of thermoplastic resin layers such as polypropylene or polyethylene are laminated. Yes. The ink channel 25 is formed by closing the groove 19 with the film member 23. As shown in FIG. 5, each ink flow path 25 is formed with a valve device 27 so as to penetrate the ink outlet 15 and the lid 21. The valve device 27 prevents ink from leaking when the ink supply tube 14 is removed from the connection member 13 or when the posture of the printer 1 changes.

  The connection portion 17 of the connection member 13 is provided at the end of the ink lead-out portion 15 on the ink supply tube 14 side. As shown in FIG. 5, a pair of left and right fitting recesses 29 are provided on both side surfaces of the connection portion 17. A pair of left and right engaging protrusions 31 project from the upper surface of the connecting portion 17 on the ink outlet 15 side. In addition, an ink outlet port portion 33 as a cylindrical liquid outlet port portion corresponding to the six ink colors is provided on the upper surface of the connection portion 17 on the ink supply tube 14 side of the engagement protrusion 31. Has been. As shown in FIG. 6, the ink outlet port 33 has a flow path 33 a formed therein, and the flow path 33 a communicates with the ink flow paths 25 corresponding to the six ink colors. Yes. Then, the ink respectively derived from the deriving unit 12 (see FIG. 3) of the ink pack 10 (see FIG. 3) is derived from the connection member 13 via the ink deriving port unit 33. The ink outlet ports 33 are formed alternately in the longitudinal direction of the connection member 13. By doing so, for example, the length of the connection portion 17 in the short direction can be shortened and the diameter of the ink lead-out port portion 33 can be increased compared to the case where the ink lead-out port portions 33 are arranged in a line. be able to. An annular engagement convex portion 35 protrudes from the upper surface of the connection portion 17 so as to surround the ink outlet port portion 33.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the ink supply tube 14 includes an elastic member 40 and a film member 42. The elastic member 40 is made of, for example, an elastomer. The elastic member 40 includes a connection portion 44 and an ink introduction portion 46 in order from the connection member 13 side. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, on the upper surface of the elastic member 40, groove portions 48 as six flow paths corresponding to the six ink colors in the longitudinal direction are provided in parallel at equal intervals. Has been. The length of each groove 48 is slightly shorter than the length of the elastic member 40 in the longitudinal direction.

  The film member 42 is formed, for example, by vapor-depositing a gas barrier layer in which a plurality of layers such as nylon and aluminum are laminated and a resin layer in which a plurality of thermoplastic resin layers such as polypropylene or polyethylene are laminated. Yes. The film member 42 is formed in the same size as the elastic member 40, and the ink supply tube 14 is formed by bonding the film member 42 to the upper surface of the elastic member 40 by heat welding. Then, the ink channel 49 is formed by closing the groove 48 with the film member 42.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a pair of left and right fitting holes 50 are formed in the connection portion 44 of the elastic member 40. The fitting hole 50 is formed so as to penetrate at a position corresponding to the engaging protrusion 31 of the connecting member 13, and when the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected, the engaging protrusion 31 is inserted into the fitting hole 50. Is inserted and can be aligned.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, an opening 52 is formed through the lower surface of the elastic member 40 at a position facing each ink outlet port 33 formed in the connection member 13 (connection portion 17). . Each opening 52 communicates with the groove 48. An annular engagement recess 54 is provided so as to surround the opening 52. When the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected, the ink outlet port portions 33 corresponding to the openings 52 are inserted. At this time, the engaging convex portion 35 formed around the ink outlet port portion 33 and the engaging concave portion 54 formed around the opening 52 on the lower surface of the elastic member 40 are fitted. Then, the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected to each other at connecting portions 17 and 44 (hereinafter referred to as a connecting portion 56). Accordingly, the ink derived from the lead-out portion 12 (see FIG. 3) of the ink pack 10 (see FIG. 3) passes through the ink flow path 25 of the connection member 13, the flow path 33a of the ink lead-out convex portion, and the ink flow path 49. And discharged from the recording head 5.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the outside of the connecting portion 56 (connecting portions 17 and 44) is connected and fixed by a fixing member 58 as a flow path fixing structure. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the fixing member 58 includes a ring 60 as a fixing frame and a wedge portion 62 as a locking member.

  The ring 60 is a rectangular frame, and is made of, for example, polypropylene. The ring 60 is formed by injection molding. The ring 60 is formed symmetrically with respect to the left and right and the front and rear. As shown in FIG. 7, the height of the inner wall surface of the ring 60 is formed slightly larger than the thickness of the connecting portion 56 (the sum of the thicknesses of the connecting portion 17 and the connecting portion 44). The width of the inner wall surface of the ring 60 is such that the ink supply tube 14 is fitted and tightened. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, a recess 64 is formed on the inner bottom surface of the ring 60. The width of the concave portion 64 is slightly smaller than the width of the inner wall surface of the ring 60, and the fitting concave portion 29 formed in the connection portion 17 of the connection member 13 is fitted and tightened. The side surface of the ring 60 is T-shaped, and the length of the ink supply tube 14 in the longitudinal direction of the lower surface 66 of the ring 60 is the length of the fitting recess 29 formed in the connection portion 17 of the connection member 13. The length in the longitudinal direction is the length that fits and tightens.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, two rectangular fitting holes 68 are formed through the upper surface of the ring 60. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a convex portion 70 projects from the upper inner wall surface of the ring 60. The convex portion 70 has a length in the longitudinal direction that does not block the fitting hole 68 and has a width that is the same as the width of the inner wall surface of the ring 60.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the wedge portion 62 has a substantially rectangular plate shape, and its length in the longitudinal direction is slightly longer than that of the ring 60. The wedge part 62 is made of, for example, polypropylene. As shown in FIG. 6, the wedge portion 62 has a taper portion formed so that the wedge portion 62 becomes thinner toward the tip (the connection member 13 side). On the upper surface of the wedge portion 62, a convex portion 72 protrudes at a location facing the convex portion 70 of the ring 60. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the thickness of the convex portion 72 is such that the connecting portion 56 and the convex portion 72 are fitted and tightened at the portion where the convex portion 70 of the ring 60 is formed. It is formed in thickness.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the wedge portion 62 has a convex portion 74 at the position corresponding to the fitting hole 68 on the ink supply tube 14 side of the ring 60 on the upper surface thereof. It protrudes at a height of about half of the depth of 68. Further, a pair of left and right stoppers 76 are provided on the upper surface of the wedge portion 62 at the end on the ink supply tube 14 side so as to protrude to the same height as the ring 60 and engage with the ring 60. Thus, the wedge portion 62 is restricted from entering the ring 60 any more.

  When assembling the fixing member 58 formed in this way, first, the ring 60 is disposed on the ink supply tube 14 side. At this time, since the ring 60 is formed symmetrically with respect to the right and left and the front and rear, it can be arranged without considering the direction in which the ring 60 is arranged during assembly. Then, alignment is performed by the engagement protrusion 31 of the connection member 13 and the fitting hole 50 of the ink supply tube 14, and the ink outlet port portion 33 of the connection member 13 is inserted into the opening 52 of the ink supply tube 14. At this time, the engaging convex portion 35 projecting around the ink outlet port portion 33 and the engaging concave portion 54 recessed around the opening 52 are fitted. Thereby, the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected by the connecting portion 56. At this time, since the ink supply tube 14 is formed of an elastomer or the like, the connection portion 44 functions as a sealing material.

  From this state, the ring 60 is externally fitted to the connecting portion 56 as shown in FIGS. At this time, the concave portion 64 of the ring 60 and the fitting concave portion 29 of the connecting member 13 are fitted to prevent the connecting member 13 from falling off, and the fitting concave portion 29 of the connecting member 13 moves in the horizontal direction. To regulate. As a result, the ring 60 fixes the outer periphery of the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14, so that not only the longitudinal direction of the ink supply tube 14 but also the ink supply tube 14 moves in the horizontal direction or the ink supply tube 14 The connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are also fixed when they are lifted. Further, since the ink supply tube 14 can be prevented from being lifted upward, the ink supply tube 14 (elastic member 40) can be prevented from being deformed, and the ink can be prevented from leaking. Furthermore, since the ring 60 is formed in a ring shape, it can have a strong tightening force even if the plate thickness is thin.

  Next, the wedge portion 62 is inserted into a slight gap generated above the ink supply tube 14 inside the ring 60. At this time, the wedge portion 62 is formed so as to become thinner toward the tip and is formed in a tapered shape, so that it can be easily inserted. Then, due to the convex portion 72 projecting from the upper surface of the wedge portion 62, the connecting member 13, the ink supply tube 14, and the wedge portion 62 are gradually fitted and tightened in the convex portion 70 of the ring 60, and finally, a large tightening is performed. Power is obtained.

  And the fitting hole 68 of the ring 60 and the convex part 74 of the wedge part 62 are fitted. As a result, the ink supply tube 14 can be prevented from falling off the ring 60. At this time, the stopper 76 of the wedge portion 62 is in contact with the end portion of the ring 60 on the ink supply tube 14 side, and restricts the wedge portion 62 from moving to the connection member 13 side. Thereby, the force which suppresses the connection part 56 by the movement of the wedge part 62 falls, and it can prevent that the connection member 13 falls out from the ring 60. FIG.

  Therefore, even if the connection portion 44 of the ink supply tube 14 formed of a flexible elastomer or the like is subjected to creep or external force, the ring 60 and the wedge portion 62 seal the ink supply tube 14 and the connection member 13. There is no decline in sex.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected at the connecting portion 56, and the outer periphery of the connecting portion 56 is firmly fixed by the fixing member 58. Thereby, since the outer periphery of the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 is suppressed, not only in the longitudinal direction of the ink supply tube 14 but also when the ink supply tube 14 moves in the horizontal direction or when the ink supply tube 14 moves from the connection member 13. The connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 can be connected and fixed even when they float. Further, since a plurality of flow paths can be connected and fixed simultaneously by the fixing member 58, the assembly time can be shortened.

  (2) According to the present embodiment, the ring 60 is disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting portion 56 between the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14, and the wedge portion 62 is inserted (clamped) between the ring 60 and the connecting portion 56. To enter). Therefore, the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are fixed with a large tightening force. As a result, even if the connection portion 44 of the ink supply tube 14 formed of a flexible elastomer or the like is subjected to creep or external force, the ink supply tube 14 and the connection member 13 are connected by the ring 60 and the wedge portion 62. Sealing performance does not deteriorate.

  (3) According to the present embodiment, the fitting hole 68 is formed in the ring 60, and the convex portion 74 is formed in the wedge portion 62, and both are fitted. As a result, the wedge portion 62 is restricted from moving in the longitudinal direction of the ink supply tube 14. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sealing force between the ink supply tube 14 and the connecting member 13 from being lowered by reducing the force for suppressing the connecting portion 56 due to the movement of the wedge portion 62. Moreover, since the wedge part 62 has a taper part, it can be easily fitted.

  (4) According to the present embodiment, the pair of left and right stoppers 76 project from the end portion of the wedge portion 62 on the ink supply tube 14 side, and abut against the end portion of the ring 60 on the ink supply tube 14 side. As a result, the movement of the wedge portion 62 toward the connecting member 13 is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sealing force between the ink supply tube 14 and the connecting member 13 from being lowered by reducing the force for suppressing the connecting portion 56 due to the movement of the wedge portion 62.

  (5) According to this embodiment, the engaging protrusion 31 protruding from the connecting portion 17 of the connecting member 13 is inserted into the opening 52 formed through the ink supply tube 14, thereby Positioning when connecting the ink supply tube 14 can be facilitated.

  (6) According to the present embodiment, the ink outlet port 33 is formed perpendicular to the flow path of the connecting member 13, and the opening 52 is formed perpendicular to the flow path of the ink supply tube 14. Has been. The fixing member 58 fastens and fixes the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 in a state where the ink outlet port portion 33 and the opening portion 52 are fitted to each other. Accordingly, the fixing member 58 applies a fastening force in a direction in which the ink outlet port portion 33 and the opening portion 52 are fitted to each other, so that the fixing member 58 is difficult to come off.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment is different in that the wedge portion 62 described in the first embodiment is provided with a restricting portion. In the following embodiments, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the wedge portion 80 of the present embodiment includes a regulating portion 82 that projects in a plate shape in the longitudinal direction (the ink supply tube 14 side). The present embodiment is characterized by the restricting portion 82, and the convex portion 72, the convex portion 74, and the stopper 76 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The width of the restricting portion 82 is formed to be the same as the width of the wedge portion 80. The amount of the regulating portion 82 that protrudes from the wedge portion 80 toward the ink supply tube 14 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the elastic member 40 of the ink supply tube 14.

  Then, similarly to the first embodiment, the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected, the ring 60 is disposed on the outer periphery thereof, and the wedge portion 80 is inserted (inserted) into the ring 60. As a result, the restricting portion 82 protrudes from the upper surface of the ink supply tube 14.

  Accordingly, even if a force that bends the ink supply tube 14 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ink supply tube 14 and bends toward the film member 42 is applied to the ink supply tube 14, the ink supply tube 14 is somewhat restrained. Even if it is bent, it does not become perpendicular to the connecting member 13. Therefore, the ink supply tube 14 does not float from the connection member 13 at the connecting portion 56, and the sealing performance does not deteriorate.

  Further, even when the ink supply tube 14 tries to bend deeply into the surface on the film member 42 side, the bend can be restricted by the restricting portion 82. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink from flowing out by exposing the groove 48 recessed in the elastic member 40 by breaking when the film member 42 is bent.

According to the said embodiment, in addition to the effect of 1st Embodiment, the following effects can be acquired.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the restriction portion 82 that protrudes in a plate shape with a length equal to or greater than the thickness of the elastic member 40 of the ink supply tube 14 is provided at the end of the wedge portion 80 on the ink supply tube 14 side. It was. As a result, even if a force that bends the ink supply tube 14 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ink supply tube 14 and bends toward the film member 42 is applied to the ink supply tube 14, the restriction portion 82 can suppress the ink supply tube 14. It does not float and the sealing performance does not deteriorate. Further, even when the ink supply tube 14 tries to bend deeply into the surface on the film member 42 side, the bend is restricted by the restricting portion 82. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink from flowing out by exposing the groove 48 recessed in the elastic member 40 by breaking when the film member 42 is bent.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the shape of the ring 60 described in the first and second embodiments is different, and the shape of the connection member 13 is different accordingly. In the following embodiments, the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the ring 90 has a notch portion 92 formed in a portion where a weld line is easily generated on the lower surface of the ring 90, and has a C-shaped cross section. A pair of left and right fitting projections 94 are bent at both ends of the notch 92 so as to have the same length as the length of the ink supply tube 14 in the ring 90 in the longitudinal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the connection portion 17 of the connection member 13 has a pair of left and right fitting recesses 96 at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right fitting projections 94 formed bent on the lower surface of the ring 90. Is recessed. The length of the fitting recess 96 in the longitudinal direction is the same as the length of the ring 90 in the longitudinal direction.

  Similarly to the first and second embodiments, the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected, and the ring 90 is disposed on the outer periphery of the connecting portion 56. At this time, since the notch 92 is formed in the ring 90, the connecting portion 56 is not fixed at the location of the notch 92. However, the outer periphery of the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 can be fastened and fixed by fitting the fitting convex portion 94 of the ring 90 into the fitting concave portion 96 of the connecting member 13. Therefore, it is possible to avoid occurrence of a weld line in injection molding. Therefore, after fixing the connecting portion 56 with the ring 90, the strength of the ring 90 is reduced by the weld line, and the ring 90 is cut. Can be prevented from decreasing.

According to the said embodiment, in addition to the effect of 1st and 2nd embodiment, the following effects can be acquired.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the notch 92 is notched on the lower surface of the ring 90 to have a C-shaped cross section. Further, a pair of left and right fitting projections 94 are bent at both ends of the notch 92 of the ring 90 so as to have the same length as the length of the ink supply tube 14 in the ring 90 in the longitudinal direction. It was made to fit in a pair of left and right fitting recesses 96 recessed in the connection part 17. As a result, the ring 90 can fasten and fix the outer periphery of the connecting portion 56 even though the notch 92 is present. Further, since it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a weld line in the injection molding, the strength of the ring 90 is reduced by the weld line after the connecting portion 56 is fixed by the ring 90, and the ring 90 is cut. Can be prevented from decreasing.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment is different in that the fixing member 58 described in the first embodiment further includes a buffer member. In the following embodiments, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the fixing member 58 of this embodiment includes a buffer member 98. The buffer member 98 is a rectangular plate-like sheet, and the width thereof is formed to be the same as the width of the inner wall surface of the ring 60. And the length of the buffer member 98 is formed so that it may become the same length as the edge | side of the length direction of the upper surface of the ring 60, as shown in FIG. The buffer member 98 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material. Since the buffer member 98 is a sheet, the thickness of the buffer member 98 does not hinder the assembly of the fixing member 58.

  When assembling the fixing member 58 formed in this way, the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are coupled and the ring 60 is disposed on the outer periphery thereof, as in the first embodiment. Then, the buffer member 98 is disposed inside the ring 60 and on the upper surface of the connecting portion 56 (on the film member 42 side of the ink supply tube 14). Then, when the wedge portion 62 is inserted into the gap between the ring 60 and the ink supply tube 14 (buffer member 98), the wedge portion 62 can be inserted so as to slide on the buffer member 98. Since the buffer member 98 is made of a synthetic resin material, it has a lower friction than the film member 42, and the wedge portion 62 is smoothly inserted. Therefore, the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are separated from each other when inserted. Since the force in the direction can be efficiently released from the connecting portion 56 to the ink supply tube 14 side, the sealing performance of the connecting portion 56 does not deteriorate.

According to the said embodiment, in addition to the effect of 1st Embodiment, the following effects can be acquired.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the fixing member 58 includes the buffer member 98 that is a quadrangular plate-like sheet, and is an inner surface of the ring 60 when the fixing member 58 is assembled, and the upper surface of the connecting portion 56. A buffer member 98 is disposed on the side of the film member 42 of the ink supply tube 14. As a result, the force in the direction in which the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 that are applied to the connecting portion 56 are separated from each other can be efficiently released from the connecting portion 56 to the ink supply tube 14 side. Therefore, when the wedge part 62 is inserted between the ring 60 and the connecting part 56, it is possible to prevent the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 from separating and the sealing performance of the connecting part 56 from being deteriorated. Further, since the buffer member 98 has a lower friction than the film member 42 of the ink supply tube 14, the wedge portion 62 can be easily inserted. Further, since the wedge portion 62 does not directly contact the film member 42 of the ink supply tube 14, the film member 42 is not damaged and ink does not leak.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, of the ink lead-out port portions 33 described in the first to third embodiments, only one ink lead-out port portion in the foremost side in FIG. 15 has a longer length than the other ink lead-out port portions 33. It is different that it was made longer. In the following embodiments, the same parts as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the ink outlet port portions 33 are formed in the connecting portion 17 alternately in the longitudinal direction of the connecting member 13, that is, in two rows in the short direction of the connecting member 13. The row on the ink supply tube 14 side is located closer to the one side surface 17a in the front side in FIG. 15 than the row on the engagement protrusion 31 side.

  In the present embodiment, among the plurality of ink outlet port portions 33 projecting from the connection portion 17, it is a row on the ink supply tube 14 side, and on the one side surface 17 a side on the near side in FIG. 15 of the connection portion 17. The closest ink outlet port portion 34 is formed to be slightly longer than the other ink outlet port portions 33. In this embodiment, the length of the ink outlet port portion 34 closest to the one side surface 17a is increased. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ink positioned on the one side surface 17a side from the center of the connecting portion 17 in the short direction. Any one of the derivation port portions 33 may be lengthened. In addition, the ink lead-out port section 34 is different in reference numeral in order to be distinguished from the other ink lead-out port sections 33 below.

  When connecting the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 formed in this way, as shown in FIG. 16, the other side surface 17b opposite to the one side surface 17a of the connecting portion 17 (connecting member 13) is moved upward. Turn to. On the other hand, the connection portion 44 (ink supply tube 14) also has the other side surface 44 b of the connection portion 44 facing upward so as to face the connection portion 17. Then, the connecting portion 17 and the connecting portion 44 are overlapped and connected to each other.

  The ink outlet port portion 33 located closest to the line-of-sight direction when the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected is visible because it is located closest to the connection. On the other hand, since all the ink outlet port portions 33 located on the back side are the same length and are aligned in a straight line, they are hidden behind the ink outlet port portion 33 on the near side and cannot be visually recognized.

  However, as shown in FIG. 16, the ink outlet port portion 34 located on the farthest side in the line-of-sight direction when connecting is longer in length than the other ink outlet port portions 33. Visible without being hidden by the portion 33. Therefore, when connecting the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14, first, the ink outlet port portion 34 is fitted into the opening 52 of the ink supply tube 14, and then the ink outlet port close to the ink outlet port portion 34. The ink supply tubes 14 are inserted into the corresponding openings 52 in order from the portion 33. As a result, when connecting the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14, the ink lead-out port portion 34 that is most difficult to visually recognize can be reliably fitted into the opening 52 of the ink supply tube 14 (connection portion 44). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the sealing property between the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 from being deteriorated due to the ink outlet port portion 34 of the connection member 13 not being completely fitted into the opening 52 of the ink supply tube 14.

According to the said embodiment, in addition to the effect of 1st-3rd embodiment, the following effects can be acquired.
(1) According to the present embodiment, among the ink outlet port portions that are provided in a plurality of protrusions on the connection portion 17 and are aligned in a straight line, the most in the line-of-sight direction when the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected. The length of the ink outlet port portion 34 located on the back side is formed to be longer than that of the other ink outlet port portions 33. As a result, when connecting the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14, the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are visible because they are longer than the other ink outlet port portions 33. Therefore, when connecting the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14, the ink lead-out port portion 34 that is most difficult to visually recognize can be surely fitted into the opening 52 of the ink supply tube 14 (connection portion 44). The sealing performance between the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 can be improved.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, one of the engagement protrusions 31 described in the first to third and fifth embodiments is moved to the vicinity of the ink outlet port portion on the front side in FIG. That is different. In the following embodiments, the same parts as those in the first to third and fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 17, all the ink outlet ports 33 of this embodiment are formed to have the same length. In the present embodiment, one of the pair of left and right engaging protrusions 31 is connected to the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 with respect to the ink outlet port portion 34k ( Hereinafter, the reference numerals are different to distinguish them from other ink outlet ports 33). Accordingly, the position of the fitting hole 50 is also moved so that the engaging protrusion 31 can be inserted. In the present embodiment, the ink has moved to the vicinity of the ink outlet port portion 34k located on the farthest side in the line-of-sight direction. You may move to the vicinity.

  When connecting the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 formed in this way, the other side surface 17b of the connecting portion 17 (connecting member 13) faces upward as in the fifth embodiment. On the other hand, the connection portion 44 (ink supply tube 14) also has the other side surface 44 b of the connection portion 44 facing upward so as to face the connection portion 17. Then, the connecting portions 17 and 44 are overlapped and connected to each other.

  In the line-of-sight direction when the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected, the ink outlet port portion 33 located closest to the front side can be visually recognized. On the other hand, since the ink outlet port portions 33 and 34k located on the back side are all the same length and are aligned in a straight line, they are hidden behind the ink outlet port portion 33 on the near side and cannot be visually recognized.

  However, since the engagement protrusion 31 is formed in the vicinity of the ink lead-out port portion 34k located on the farthest side in the line-of-sight direction when connecting, the ink lead-out port portion is formed using the engagement protrusion 31 as a mark. 34 k can be connected to the ink supply tube 14. Therefore, when connecting the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14, first, the ink outlet port portion 34 k is positioned with the engagement protrusion 31 as a mark and connected to the ink supply tube 14, and then the ink is supplied. Each ink supply tube 14 is connected to the corresponding ink supply tube 14 in order from the ink outlet port portion 33 close to the outlet port portion 34k. As a result, when connecting the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14, it is possible to reliably connect the ink lead-out port portion 34 k that is most difficult to visually recognize to the ink supply tube 14 (connection portion 44).

According to the said embodiment, the effect similar to the effect of 5th Embodiment can be acquired.
In addition, you may change each said embodiment as follows.
In the fourth embodiment, the buffer member 98 is a plate-like sheet, and its thickness is thin. However, the buffer member 98 may be thick. Thereby, the force in the direction in which the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 that are applied to the connecting portion 56 are separated from each other can be further released from the connecting portion 56 to the ink supply tube 14 side. Therefore, when the wedge portion 62 is inserted between the ring 60 and the connecting portion 56, it is possible to further prevent the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 from being separated and the sealing performance of the connecting portion 56 from being deteriorated. it can.

  In the fifth embodiment, the ink outlet port portion 34 located on the farthest side in the line-of-sight direction when the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected is formed longer than the other ink outlet port portions 33. Instead of the ink outlet port portion 34, the length of the engagement protrusion 31 located on the back side from the front in the line-of-sight direction may be increased in the pair of left and right engagement protrusions 31. Thereby, the effect similar to the effect of the said 5th Embodiment can be acquired.

  In the fifth embodiment, when the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected, the connecting operation is performed in such a direction that the other side surface 17b side of the connecting portion is on the upper side. The connecting operation may be performed in such a direction that one side surface 17a of the connecting portion faces upward. At this time, it is necessary to change the length of the ink outlet port portion 33 accordingly.

  In the fifth embodiment, the ink outlet port portion 34 located on the farthest side in the line-of-sight direction when the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected is formed longer than the other ink outlet port portions 33. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the side of the ink supply port 14 side at the tip of the ink outlet port 34 may be shortened, that is, the ink outlet port 34 may be formed in an oblique shape. As a result, the outer wall of the ink outlet port portion 34 does not block the ink passage 49 formed in the ink supply tube 14, thereby preventing communication between the passage 34 a of the ink outlet port portion 34 and the ink passage 49. There is nothing.

  In the fifth embodiment, the ink outlet port portion 34 located on the farthest side in the line-of-sight direction when the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected is formed longer than the other ink outlet port portions 33. Instead of forming the length of the ink outlet port portion 34 longer, the ink outlet port portion 33 other than the ink outlet port portion 34 may be formed shorter than the ink outlet port portion 34.

  In the sixth embodiment, one of the pair of left and right engaging projections 31 is connected to the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14, and the ink outlet port portion 34 k located on the farthest side in the line-of-sight direction. Accordingly, the position of the fitting hole 50 is provided at a position where the engaging protrusion 31 can be inserted. As shown in FIG. 19, the engaging protrusion 31 is not moved, and the engaging protrusion 32 and the fitting hole 51 corresponding to the engaging protrusion 32 are provided in the vicinity of the ink outlet port portion 34k. Also good. Thereby, in addition to the effect of the sixth embodiment, the force in the direction in which the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 that are applied to the connecting portion 56 are separated from each other is released from the connecting portion 56 to the engaging protrusions 31 and 32. be able to. Therefore, when the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are coupled, it is possible to prevent the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 from being separated and the sealing performance of the coupling portion 56 from being deteriorated.

  Further, the number of the engagement protrusions 32 is not limited to one and may be increased. As the number of the engaging protrusions 32 is increased, the force in the direction in which the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 that are applied to the connecting portion 56 are separated from each other is further applied from the connecting portion 56 to the engaging protrusions 31 and 32. Since it can escape, it can prevent that the sealing performance of the connection part 56 falls.

  Further, when the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected, the connection operation may be performed in such a direction that the other side surface 17b of the connection portion is on the lower side. At this time, the engagement protrusion 32 is not provided in the ink outlet port portion 34k but in the vicinity of the ink outlet port portion 33 located on the back side in the line-of-sight direction at the time of connection, thereby providing the same effect as the above effect. Obtainable.

  In the sixth embodiment, when the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are connected, the connecting operation is performed in such a direction that the other side surface 17b of the connecting portion is on the upper side. This may be coupled in such a direction that one side surface 17a of the connecting portion is on the upper side. At this time, by providing the engagement protrusion 31 in the vicinity of the ink outlet port portion 33 located on the back side from the front in the line-of-sight direction, the same effect as that of the sixth embodiment can be obtained.

In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the ink outlet ports 33, 34, and 34k are arranged on a straight line, but may not be arranged on a straight line.
In the above embodiments, the ring 60 (90) is made of plastic such as polypropylene, but it may be made of metal. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the weld line by injection molding can be avoided.

  In each of the above embodiments, the fixing member 58 that fixes the connecting portion 56 between the connection member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 connected to the cartridge holder 2 a is used. It may be a fixing member that fixes the connecting portion. Further, the connecting member 13 may be connected to an ink tank (liquid supply means). Such an ink tank (liquid supply means) may be outside the printer. Furthermore, in any case, the positional relationship between the connecting member 13 and the elastic member 40 may be reversed. In addition, the connection member 13 may be connected to anything as long as it allows liquid to flow.

  In each of the above embodiments, the fixing member 58 includes the rings 60 and 90 and the wedge portions 62 and 80, and the ink supply tube is formed in a slight gap generated above the ink supply tube 14 inside the rings 60 and 90. The wedge parts 62 and 80 were inserted from the 14th side. As shown in FIG. 20, the wedge portions 62 and 80 may be inserted from the connecting member 13 side. As a result, the force is buffered by the engagement protrusion 31 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ink supply tube 14 applied to the connecting portion 56 when the wedge portions 62 and 80 are inserted, and the force applied to the connecting portion 56 is reduced. can do. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the ink supply tube 14 from floating when the wedge portion 62 is inserted, and the sealing performance of the connecting portion 56 from being deteriorated. Further, the wedge portions 62 and 80 may be inserted into a slight gap formed below the rings 60 and 90 and the connection member 13. In this case, in the fourth embodiment, the buffer member 98 is disposed between the connecting member 13 and the wedge portion.

  In each of the above embodiments, the wedge portions 62 and 80 are inserted. However, as shown in FIG. 21, the wedge portion may be omitted. In this case, the ring 60 has a lower height than that of the first embodiment, for example, and when the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 are coupled with each other, there is almost no gap. It is a size. Further, since the wedge portion is not provided, the fitting hole 68 and the convex portion 70 may not be provided. According to this, it becomes possible to fasten the periphery of the connecting portion 56 with only one member of the ring 60. For this reason, assembly time can be shortened.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the buffer member 98 may have a shape (ring shape) similar to that of the ring 60 to protect both the film members 23 and 42. That is, the buffer member 98 may be disposed inside the ring 60 on the upper surface (the film member 42 side of the ink supply tube 14) and the lower surface (the film member 23 side of the connecting member 13) of the connecting portion 56. As a result, the force in the direction in which the connecting member 13 and the ink supply tube 14 that are applied to the connecting portion 56 are separated from each other can be efficiently released from the connecting portion 56 to the ink supply tube 14 side and the connecting member 13. Of course, you may use combining such a ring-shaped buffer member 98 and the wedge parts 62 and 80. FIG.

  In each of the above embodiments, the connection member 13 may be connected to the ink supply tube 14 (liquid supply path) on the back surface of the connection portion 17 (for example, the lower side in FIG. 6). In this case, the ink lead-out port portions 33, 34, and 34k may be protruded downward.

  In place of the ink supply tube 14 of each of the above-described embodiments, a plurality of tubular tubes made of elastic members are connected in parallel to form a single component that is connected to the connection portion 17 of the connection member 13. . Such a tube can be manufactured by extrusion. Such a tube may be formed of an elastomer or the like and integrally formed with the connecting member 13 by two-color molding or the like. In addition, the liquid supply path may be configured such that a plurality of tubular tubes are not bundled as a single part but are simply bundled and connected to the connection portion 17 of the connection member 13.

  In each of the above embodiments, the liquid ejecting apparatus is embodied in the printer 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the liquid ejecting apparatus may be embodied in a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects another liquid. For example, as a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting liquids such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL displays and surface-emitting displays, as a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting bioorganic materials used in biochip manufacturing, and as precision pipettes The sample injection device may be used.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer, 5 ... Recording head, 7 ... Ink cartridge, 13 ... Connection member, 14 ... Ink supply tube, 17 ... Connection part, 17a ... One side, 17b ... Other side, 25, 49 ... Ink flow path, 31, 32 ... engaging protrusion, 33, 34, 34k ... ink outlet port portion, 40 ... elastic member, 42 ... film member, 50, 51 ... fitting hole, 52 ... opening, 56 ... connecting portion, 58 ... fixing member, 60, 90 ... Ring, 62, 80 ... Wedge part, 68 ... Fitting hole, 74 ... Convex part, 76 ... Stopper, 82 ... Restriction part, 92 ... Notch part, 94 ... Convex convex part, 96 ... Fitting Recessed portion, 98 ... buffer member.

Claims (10)

A flow path fixing structure for connecting and fixing a flow path forming member and a liquid supply path made of an elastic member,
The flow path forming member has a plurality of liquid outlet ports protruding from the connection with the liquid supply path,
The liquid supply path has a plurality of openings communicating with the flow path of the liquid supply path,
By connecting the liquid outlet port part and the opening part, the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected,
The fixing member that fastens and fixes the liquid outlet port portion and the opening is smaller than the number of the liquid outlet port and the opening, and simultaneously fastens and fixes the plurality of liquid outlet ports and the openings. A flow path fixing structure characterized by that. A flow path fixing structure for connecting and fixing a flow path forming member and a liquid supply path made of an elastic member,
The flow path forming member has a plurality of liquid outlet ports protruding from the connection with the liquid supply path,
The liquid supply path has a plurality of openings communicating with the flow path of the liquid supply path,
By connecting the liquid outlet port part and the opening part, the flow path forming member and the liquid supply path are connected,
The liquid outlet port portion is tubular and formed perpendicular to the flow path of the flow path forming member,
The opening is a columnar opening formed perpendicular to the flow path of the liquid supply path,
A fixing member that fastens and fixes the liquid outlet port portion and the opening portion applies a fastening force in the axial direction of the pipe of the liquid outlet port portion, and simultaneously fastens the plurality of liquid outlet ports and the opening portions. A flow path fixing structure that is fixed.   The flow path fixing structure according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is a fixing frame arranged on an outer periphery of the connecting portion.   The said fixing member consists of a locking member which has a fixed frame arrange | positioned on the outer periphery of the said connection part, and a taper part inserted between this fixed frame and the said connection part, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The flow path fixing structure according to 1.   The fixing member is inserted between a fixing frame disposed on an outer periphery of the connecting portion, a buffer member provided on a surface of the flow path forming member or the liquid supply path, and the fixing frame and the buffer member. The flow path fixing structure according to claim 1, further comprising a locking member having a tapered portion.   The said fixing member consists of a fixed frame arrange | positioned on the outer periphery of the said connection part, and the buffer member provided in the surface of the said flow path formation member and the said liquid supply path, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. The flow path fixing structure.   7. At least one of the flow path forming member and the flow path of the liquid supply path is formed by fixing a plurality of recessed openings while covering with a film member. The flow path fixing structure according to claim 1.   The flow path fixing structure according to claim 3, wherein the fixing frame has a shape surrounding an outer periphery of the connecting portion.   The flow path fixing structure according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the fixing frame surrounds an outer periphery of the connecting portion, and a notch portion is formed in a part thereof.   Two or more engaging protrusions are formed in the connecting portion of the flow path forming member, and two or more fitting holes are formed in the connecting portion of the liquid supply path, and the engaging protrusion is formed in the liquid outlet port. The flow path fixing structure according to claim 1, wherein the flow path fixing structure is longer than the portion.

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