JP2024059403A - Ink cartridge and image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ink cartridge which is easily attached and can inhibit mixing of air bubbles during attachment and manufacturing.SOLUTION: An ink cartridge has a first ink storage part 30 for relaying and a second ink storage part 40 for replenishing. The first ink storage part has an exposed part which is placed at the outer side relative to a device body when attached to an image formation device and the second ink storage part may be installed on an upper surface of the exposed part. The first ink storage part has a first connection port to be connected with a replenishing connection port. The second ink storage part has the replenishing connection port and has a cover member forming the replenishing connection port. The replenishing connection port or the first connection port is provided with a pipe member. Each tip of the pipe member is formed in a sharp shape and holes are provided at the tips or positions near the tips. The cover member comprises a first cover member and a second cover member. At least one of the first cover member and the second cover member is provided with claw shaped parts and the other is provided with step shaped parts. Each claw shaped part is fitted in the step shaped part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an ink cartridge and an image forming device.

Conventionally, techniques for refilling ink have been proposed for image forming devices such as inkjet printers. In conventional techniques, for example, attempts have been made to increase the ink capacity by detachably mounting a separate refill container on a container provided in the main body of the inkjet printer.

Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet recording device equipped with a replenishment liquid refilling means for refilling an ink holding container with ink or solvent. In Patent Document 1, the replenishment liquid refilling means includes a replenishment case in which a certain amount of replenishment liquid is stored, and a replenishment container that is detachably placed on the replenishment case and contains replenishment liquid that is supplied to replenish when the replenishment liquid stored in the replenishment case becomes low. Patent Document 1 also discloses that the replenishment case is provided with a replenishment liquid receiving section having an inflow opening in the top cover through which the replenishment liquid flows, and the replenishment container is provided with a replenishment liquid supplying section having an outflow opening through which the replenishment liquid flows out. The upper end of the inflow opening of the replenishment liquid receiving section is positioned lower than the lower end of the outflow opening of the replenishment container.

According to Patent Document 1, when a refill container becomes empty, it is possible to easily replenish ink and solvent by replacing it with a new refill container containing refill liquid and setting it in the refill case. In addition, because the upper end of the inlet opening of the refill liquid receiver is positioned lower than the lower end of the outlet opening of the refill container, the refill liquid level in the refill case is not exposed to the atmosphere, which reduces the waste of refill liquid that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere.

Patent Document 2 discloses an ink supply system that includes a first ink storage area and a second ink storage area that supplies ink introduced from the first ink storage area to a recording head. Patent Document 2 also discloses that the first ink storage area and the second ink storage area are separably connected, that the second ink storage area essentially forms an enclosed space, that gas present in the second ink storage area can be transferred to the first ink storage area, and that the first ink storage area has an area that takes in the gas transferred from the second ink storage area.

According to Patent Document 2, when ink is intermittently supplied from the first ink storage area to the second ink storage area through a connecting means that can be connected and separated, it is possible to efficiently supply ink to the second ink storage area while discharging gas that has accumulated in the second ink storage area. Moreover, it is possible to supply ink in this manner, which involves discharging internal gas, without using a power source such as a pump, and no special time is required to discharge the gas.

However, in Patent Document 1, the ink is exposed to the atmosphere, and the possibility of air bubbles being mixed into the ink is not taken into consideration. Therefore, if air bubbles are mixed into the ink, there is a high probability of ejection failure when ejecting ink from a liquid ejection head. Similarly, in Patent Document 2, the ink is exposed to the atmosphere inside the ink tank. Furthermore, with the conventional technology, there is a problem in that it is difficult to attach the ink cartridge when refilling the ink.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an ink cartridge that is easy to install and prevents air bubbles from being mixed in during installation or production.

In order to solve the above problems, the ink cartridge of the present invention comprises:
An ink cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus equipped with a liquid ejection head,
a first ink storage section for relay use having a first ink bag, and a second ink storage section for refill use having a second ink bag;
the first ink containing section is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, has an exposed portion that protrudes beyond a main body of the image forming apparatus when attached to the image forming apparatus, the second ink containing section can be installed on an upper surface of the exposed portion, and has a first connection port and a second connection port;
The first connection port is provided in the exposed portion,
the second connection port is connectable to an ink supply port of the image forming apparatus,
the second ink storage section has a refill connection port connected to the first connection port, and a cover member constituting the refill connection port;
The extension connection port or the first connection port is provided with a pipe member,
The tube member has a sharp tip and a hole is provided at or near the tip.
The cover member is composed of a first cover member and a second cover member,
The first cover member or the second cover member has a claw shape on one side and a step shape on the other side, and the first cover member and the second cover member can be assembled by fitting the claw shape and the step shape together.

The present invention provides an ink cartridge that is easy to install and prevents air bubbles from being mixed in during installation and manufacturing.

1 is an overall schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the main part of FIG. 1, showing a state in which an example of an ink cartridge according to the present invention is attached; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a relay cartridge. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a relay ink bag. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing an example of a relay ink bag. 10 is a schematic side view showing an example of a relay ink bag, illustrating an example of a heat-sealed portion; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a connection part provided in a relay cartridge. FIG. 13 is an exploded schematic view of an example of a connecting part provided in the relay cartridge. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a top-up cartridge. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ink replenishment bag. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a connecting part of the ink supply bag. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a connection between a relay cartridge and an addition cartridge. FIG. 11A and 11B are conceptual diagrams for explaining an example of connection between a relay cartridge and a refill cartridge, and for explaining an example of a change in the amount of ink. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another example of the connection between the relay cartridge and the addition cartridge. FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the refill cartridge. 13 is an exploded schematic view showing another example of the cover of the refill cartridge. FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the refill cartridge. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 17. 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams showing an example of a relay cartridge and another example of a top-up cartridge. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a pipe member. 1 is a schematic side view of a main portion showing an example of an insertion port. FIG.

The ink cartridge and image forming device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be modified within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can imagine, including other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, etc., and any aspect is within the scope of the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention.

First Embodiment
The ink cartridge of this embodiment is
An ink cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus equipped with a liquid ejection head,
a first ink storage section for relay use having a first ink bag, and a second ink storage section for refill use having a second ink bag;
the first ink containing section is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, has an exposed portion that protrudes beyond a main body of the image forming apparatus when attached to the image forming apparatus, the second ink containing section can be installed on an upper surface of the exposed portion, and has a first connection port and a second connection port;
The first connection port is provided in the exposed portion,
the second connection port is connectable to an ink supply port of the image forming apparatus,
the second ink storage section has a refill connection port connected to the first connection port, and a cover member constituting the refill connection port;
The extension connection port or the first connection port is provided with a pipe member,
The tube member has a sharp tip and a hole is provided at or near the tip.
The cover member is composed of a first cover member and a second cover member,
The first cover member or the second cover member has a claw shape on one side and a step shape on the other side, and the first cover member and the second cover member can be assembled by fitting the claw shape and the step shape together.

The image forming device of this embodiment is characterized by having a liquid ejection head and the ink cartridge of this embodiment. The image forming device of this embodiment also has, for example, an insertion port into which the first ink storage unit can be attached, and the ink supply port that can be connected to the second connection port.

The image forming device may be, for example, a device that ejects liquid, an inkjet recording device, an inkjet printing machine, an inkjet printer, etc. The image forming device may also be called a printing machine, a printing device, etc. The above-mentioned attachment and detachment may also be called insertion and removal, and attachment may also be called insertion, etc.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is equipped with a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium (which may also be called a recording medium, medium, etc.). An ink cartridge 2 is inserted into the main body 1, and ink can be replenished for each color. However, this ink cartridge 2 is not included in the ink cartridge according to this embodiment.

The main body 1 is provided with an insertion port 3 for an ink cartridge 10 (see FIG. 2, etc.). In FIG. 1, the ink supply port of the image forming device is in a position that cannot be seen. An ink supply port is provided behind the insertion port 3, and ink can be supplied from the ink cartridge through the ink supply port.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the ink cartridge 10 of this embodiment. This example shows the ink cartridge 10 being inserted into the insertion port 3, which is the closest to the printer, in Figure 1.

The ink cartridge of this embodiment has a first ink storage section for relay use that has a first ink bag, and a second ink storage section for refilling that has a second ink bag. The illustrated ink cartridge 10 is composed of a relay cartridge 30 and a refill cartridge 40.

The relay cartridge 30 is an example of a first ink storage section, and supplies ink to the image forming device (which may also be referred to as refilling). The relay cartridge 30 may also be referred to as a relay ink cartridge.

The top-up cartridge 40 is an example of a second ink storage section, and supplies (may also be referred to as refilling or topping up) ink to the relay cartridge 30. The top-up cartridge 40 may also be referred to as a top-up ink cartridge.

The relay cartridge 30 is detachable from the image forming apparatus (main body 1) and has an exposed portion 30A that protrudes from the main body 1 when attached to the main body 1. An extension cartridge 40 can be installed on the upper surface of the exposed portion 30A. Figure 2 shows the state in which the extension cartridge 40 is installed on the upper surface of the exposed portion 30A of the relay cartridge 30.

In the above, it is described that the ink cartridge 10 is attached to the insertion port 3 of the main body 1, but more specifically, the insertion port 3 is an insertion port into which the relay cartridge 30 can be attached. In this embodiment, the relay cartridge 30 is sized to protrude outside the main body 1 when attached to the main body 1, i.e., it is sized to have an exposed portion 30A.

In the illustrated example, the relay cartridge 30 is attached to the side of the main body 1, and the exposed portion 30A is exposed from the side of the main body 1. By attaching the relay cartridge 30 to the side of the main body 1, it is easy to attach and the cartridge 10 is less likely to get in the way. Note that the side of the main body 1 means, for example, excluding the top and bottom surfaces of the main body 1.

As in this embodiment, the relay cartridge 30 is detachable from the main body 1, and the top-up cartridge 40 can be installed on the upper surface of the exposed portion 30A of the relay cartridge 30, making it easy for the user to handle and allowing ink to be refilled easily. Furthermore, when refilling ink, the user only needs to replace the top-up cartridge 40 with a new one, allowing ink to be refilled easily.

Figure 3 is an overall perspective view of the relay cartridge 30. The relay cartridge 30 has an exposed portion 30A and a non-exposed portion 30B. When the relay cartridge 30 is attached to the main body 1, the exposed portion 30A is the portion that protrudes outward from the main body 1, and the non-exposed portion 30B is the portion that is inserted inside the main body 1. However, when the relay cartridge 30 is not inserted into the device, the non-exposed portion 30B is exposed.

Although not particularly limited, the non-exposed portion 30B has a shape similar to that of the ink cartridge 2 in FIG. 1, for example, and can be attached to the main body in the same manner as the ink cartridge 2.

The relay cartridge 30 has a first connection port 31 and a second connection port. The first connection port 31 is provided in the exposed portion 30A and can be connected to the refill connection port of the refill cartridge 40. The second connection port can be connected to the ink supply port of the image forming device. Note that in Figures 1 to 3, the second connection port and the ink supply port of the image forming device are located in positions that cannot be seen on the paper.

The refill cartridge 40 is installed on the top surface of the relay cartridge 30, and ink is supplied from the refill cartridge 40 to the relay cartridge 30. At this time, ink is supplied to the relay cartridge 30 via the first connection port 31. The refill cartridge 40 supplies ink to the relay cartridge 30, and is therefore referred to as an ink storage section for refilling. The relay cartridge 30 receives ink supply from the refill cartridge 40 and supplies ink to the main body 1, and is therefore referred to as an ink storage section for relaying.

In this embodiment, the relay cartridge 30 has a first ink bag, and the top-up cartridge 40 has a second ink bag. Hereinafter, the first ink bag may also be referred to as the relay ink bag, and the second ink bag may also be referred to as the top-up ink bag.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the relay cartridge 30 and the refill cartridge 40 have ink bags inside the housing. This embodiment is not limited to this, and as described below, the ink bag of the refill cartridge 40 may be fully or partially exposed. In addition, when the relay cartridge 30 is attached to the device, it is sufficient that it has a non-exposed portion that is inserted into the device and an exposed portion that is exposed from the device, and part of the ink bag may be exposed.

For example, without being particularly limited, when the ink in the relay cartridge 30 and the ink in the refill cartridge 40 run out, the user replaces the refill cartridge 40 and connects a new refill cartridge 40 filled with ink to the relay cartridge 30. This refills the relay cartridge 30 with ink, making it possible to supply ink to the device.

In the above, refill and supply have the same meaning. Although not particularly limited, for example, it is preferable that the ink supply cartridge 40 prevents air bubbles from being mixed in by degassing the ink (removing air bubbles) and packing it into the ink bag. Also, the method of using the relay cartridge 30 and the supply cartridge 40 may be called a double cartridge method.

Figures 4 to 6 show an example of the relay ink bag 32 that the relay cartridge 30 has. The relay ink bag 32 is an example of a first ink bag. Figure 4 is an oblique view of the relay ink bag 32, Figure 5 is a side view of the relay ink bag 32, and Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the heat-sealed portion 34 in the relay ink bag 32.

The relay ink bag 32 is provided with connection parts 33A and 33B.
The connection part 33A is connected to an ink supply unit of the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus. The ink supply unit is not shown here. Also, the reference numeral of the second connection port is omitted, but the second connection port is provided in the connection part 33A. The ink supply port in the ink supply unit of the main body 1 and the second connection port in the relay ink bag 32 are connected, and ink is supplied from the relay cartridge 30 to the liquid ejection head.
The connection part 33B is a part for receiving ink from the refill cartridge 40 .

In this embodiment, the relay cartridge 30 has a first connection port and a second connection port, but the relay ink bag 32 may have the first connection port and the second connection port. Alternatively, the connection part 33B may have the first connection port, and the connection part 33A may have the second connection port. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the relay cartridge 30 has a housing and the relay ink bag 32 inside the housing.

The relay ink bag 32 can be, for example, a composite laminate sheet of resin and aluminum.

The shaded area in FIG. 6 indicates the heat-sealed portion 34 .
The relay ink bag 32 of the relay cartridge 30 is preferably formed, for example, in a closed bag shape by heat-welding a plurality of sheets to form a heat-welded portion 34. By forming the ink bag 32 in this closed bag shape, the ink can be stored inside the ink bag 32 and the ink is further prevented from coming into contact with the outside air. Furthermore, by forming the ink bag 32 by heat-welding a plurality of sheets in this manner, the ink bag 32 can be easily formed and the ink bag 32 can be easily shaped into a desired shape.

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a connection part 33B. The connection part 33B is composed of, for example, a base member 35, a cap member 36, and a rubber member 37.

Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the connection part 33B. A cylindrical portion 35a is provided on the base member 35. The cylindrical portion 35a has a hollow portion through which ink flows. The cylindrical portion 35a has a step portion 35c, and the tip of the cylindrical portion 35a becomes thicker through the step portion 35c. Furthermore, a recess 35b is provided at the tip of the cylindrical portion 35a.

As shown in the figure, the connection part 33B is assembled, for example, in the order of (1) and (2). After fitting the rubber member 37 into the recess 35b as in (1), the cap member 36 is placed on the recess 35b as in (2). The cap member 36 has a claw portion 36a that fits into the stepped portion 35c.

Note that connection part 33A can be shaped similarly to connection part 33B, so illustrations and explanations are omitted.

Figure 9 is an overall perspective view of the extension cartridge 40. However, the extension cartridge 40 shown in Figure 9 is oriented in a different direction from that shown in Figure 2. The extension cartridge 40 shown in Figure 9 can also be considered an example viewed from the relay cartridge 30 side.

As shown in the figure, the top-up cartridge 40 is provided with a top-up connection port 41. The top-up connection port 41 may also be referred to as a connection opening, etc.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the refill ink bag 42 of the refill cartridge 40. The refill ink bag 42 is an example of a second ink bag. The refill ink bag 42 can be a composite laminate sheet of resin, aluminum, or the like, similar to the relay ink bag 32. Ink can be stored inside by heat welding the periphery.

In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 9, the refill cartridge 40 has a refill ink bag housed inside the housing. The housing may be called a cover member, and its shape may be modified as appropriate. In this embodiment, as described below, the cover member is composed of a first cover member and a second cover member, and an assembly method has been devised.

The ink supply bag 42 is provided with a connecting part 43. In this example, the tip of the connecting part 43 has a needle-like shape.

Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the connection part 43 of the top-up ink bag 42. The connection part 43 is provided with a tube member 44 (which may also be referred to as a tube shape). The tube member 44 has a sharp tip, and a hole 45 is provided at or near the tip. The tube member 44 is inserted into the rubber member 37 of the connection part 33B of the relay ink bag 32, and communicates with the inside of the relay ink bag 32. In this state, ink is supplied to the relay ink bag 32 from the hole 45.

The sharp shape can be, for example, a tapered shape such as a needle shape. Although the reference numerals for the sharp shape are omitted in FIG. 11, as shown, the tip of the tube member 44 has a sharp shape.

The pipe member 44 may be provided in the connection part 33B, not in the connection part 43. For this reason, the part not including the pipe member 44 is referred to as the connection part 43. However, when the pipe member 44 is provided in the connection part 43, it is acceptable to refer to the connection part 43 including the pipe member 44. In addition, the pipe member 44 is provided with a pipe support member 48 for fixing the pipe member 44 to the first connection port 31 or the extension connection port 41.

The above configuration allows the relay cartridge 30 and the refill cartridge 40 to be connected with their respective sealed ink bags, preventing the ink from coming into contact with the atmosphere. As a result, the ink cartridge of this embodiment can prevent air bubbles from being mixed in when the cartridge is installed. Furthermore, by using the tube member 44, the introduction of air bubbles can also be prevented when the relay cartridge 30 or the refill cartridge 40 is manufactured. If the ink surface comes into contact with air, there is a risk of air bubbles being mixed in, but this embodiment can prevent air bubbles from being mixed in when the ink cartridge is installed or manufactured.

Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram showing only the ink bag, and shows an example of the initial state before printing. The connection part 43 of the refill ink bag 42 and the connection part 33 of the relay ink bag 32 are connected.

Let's assume that the capacity of the relay ink bag 32 is 500 cc, and the capacity of the top-up ink bag 42 is 500 cc. In this case, in the initial state before printing, a total capacity of 1000 cc of ink is installed. After that, ink is gradually consumed during printing, maintenance, etc. Then, when the entire capacity is used up, the ink inside both ink bags will be 0 cc.

In order to distinguish between the refill ink bag in FIG. 12 and the new refill ink bag in FIG. 13, they are indicated by the reference symbol 42a.

Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the state when topping up after the total capacity has reached 0 cc. A new top-up ink bag 42b contains 500 cc of ink. When the top-up ink bag 42b connects to the relay ink bag 32, the ink flows downward, and eventually the contents of the relay ink bag 32 become 500 cc and the contents of the top-up ink bag 42 become 0 cc. The changes in each numerical value are shown in the figure.

In this way, ink can be supplied from the refill ink bag 42 to the relay ink bag 32. If another refill ink bag 42 is connected after the state shown in FIG. 13, the total capacity will be 1000 cc in the initial state as shown in FIG. 12.

In this embodiment, a pipe member 44 is provided on either the extension connection port 41 or the first connection port 31. In the example shown in Figures 3 to 13, the pipe member 44 is provided on the extension cartridge 40 side. This embodiment is not limited to this, and the pipe member 44 may be provided on the relay cartridge 30 side. A conceptual diagram of this case is shown in Figure 14.

Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example in which the tube member 44 is provided on the relay cartridge 30 side. It is assumed that the user will purchase the refill cartridge 40 as an ink supply. For this reason, providing the tube member 44 on the refill cartridge 40 side, as in the example shown in Figure 14, can reduce the user's financial burden.

To determine whether the pipe member 44 is provided at the extension connection port 41 or the first connection port 31, for example, it can be determined by visually checking which side the pipe member 44 is located in when the relay cartridge 30 and the extension cartridge 40 are not connected. When the relay cartridge 30 and the extension cartridge 40 are connected, it is difficult to determine whether the pipe member 44 is provided at the extension connection port 41 or the first connection port 31, but by disconnecting the relay cartridge 30 and the extension cartridge 40, it can be determined whether the pipe member 44 is provided at the extension connection port 41 or the first connection port 31.

Next, the cover member in this embodiment will be described.
Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cover member in this embodiment. The example shown in Fig. 15 is an example in which the housing of the extension cartridge 40 in the examples shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 9 is reduced in size to form a cover member. The assembly method described in Fig. 15 can also be applied to the examples shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 9.

A cover member that covers the extension connection port can be attached to the extension cartridge 40, and the cover member is attached when the extension cartridge 40 is installed in the relay cartridge 30. In this embodiment, the cover members have a first cover member 46 and a second cover member 47. The first cover member 46 covers only the vicinity of the connection part 43 (hidden in FIG. 15). The first cover member 46 and the second cover member 47 are separable, and the extension cartridge 40 is attached with the first cover member 46 and the second cover member 47 assembled. Note that a fixing member such as a screw may also be used.

In the example shown in Figure 15, the cover member is smaller than that shown in Figure 2, etc., which allows the cost of the refill cartridge 40 to be reduced. Also, in this example, the ink bag 42 has a portion exposed from the cover member, which allows the state of the refill ink bag 42 to be directly seen. Therefore, for example, by looking at the degree of expansion of the refill ink bag 42, the degree of ink reduction in the refill ink bag 42 can be visually confirmed. By visually checking the degree of ink reduction in the refill ink bag 42, it becomes easier to take action such as preparing a new refill cartridge 40, and it is possible to prevent a situation where printing is not possible due to running out of ink.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the cover member is shaped so as not to cover the ink containing portion of the refill ink bag 42. In this case, it becomes easier to visually check the amount of ink remaining in the refill ink bag 42. Also, if the amount of ink in the refill ink bag 42 is low, it becomes possible to take measures such as pressing the ink bag with a finger.

Figure 16 is a diagram for explaining the cover member in Figure 15, showing the first cover member 46 and the second cover member 47 in a separated state. In this embodiment, the cover member forms the extension connection port 41, and in this example, the extension connection port 41 is formed by assembling the first cover member 46 and the second cover member 47.

As shown in the figure, the first cover member 46 has claws 60 in two locations. In addition, the inside of the second cover member 47 has two convex shapes 61 at positions corresponding to the claws 60. When the first cover member 46 and the second cover member 47 are assembled in the direction of the arrows, the claws 60 and the convex shapes 61 fit together. This type of assembly method is called a snap-on method, etc.

The convex shape 61 is an example of the step shape described above. The step shape is not limited to a convex shape as long as it can fit into the claw shape.

In addition, the phrase "assembling the first cover member 46 and the second cover member 47" may also be referred to as "combining," "fitting," "attaching," etc.

The second cover member 47 also has an opening 62 (which may also be called a hole) adjacent to the convex shape 61. This allows the tip of the claw 60 to be pushed with a flathead screwdriver or the like through the opening 62 when the first cover member 46 and the second cover member 47 are engaged. By pushing the tip of the claw 60 in this way, the engagement between the claw 60 and the convex shape 61 can be easily released, and the first cover member 46 and the second cover member 47 can be removed. By adopting such a cover attachment method, the user can easily attach and remove the covers.

That is, the first cover member 46 or the second cover member 47 has an opening 62 adjacent to the convex shape 61, and the user can release the engagement between the claw 60 and the convex shape 61 by pressing the claw 60 through the opening 62.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the refill cartridge 40 provided to the user can be configured only with the refill ink bag 42 and the connecting part 43. For example, the user only needs to purchase the refill cartridge 40 configured with the refill ink bag 42 and the connecting part 43, and the cover member can be reused. On the other hand, the provider only needs to manufacture the refill cartridge 40 configured with the refill ink bag 42 and the connecting part 43, and can omit the manufacture of the cover member. This makes it possible to further reduce costs.

Next, an example in which the shape of the cover member is changed will be described.
Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining this example. In this example, the cover member of the refill cartridge 40 is made larger than that of the example shown in Fig. 15. The cover member in this example is shaped to cover a part of the ink containing portion of the refill ink bag 42.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, depending on the rigidity of the refill ink bag 42, there is a concern that the refill ink bag 42 may fall over. If the refill ink bag 42 falls over, the ink may not be supplied smoothly. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the cover member covers part of the ink containing portion of the refill ink bag 42, making it less likely for the refill ink bag 42 to fall over.

Figure 18 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of Figure 17. The shaded portion is the ink containing portion 51 of the refill ink bag 42. The cover members (first cover member 46 and second cover member 47) of the refill cartridge 40 are expanded to a range D where they overlap with the ink containing portion 51 of the refill ink bag 42. This makes it possible to prevent the refill ink bag 42 from falling over even if the refill ink bag 42 has low rigidity.

Next, a supplementary explanation of this embodiment will be given.
Fig. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of connection between the relay cartridge 30 and the extension cartridge 40. The first connection port 31 of the relay cartridge 30 is, for example, cylindrical, and has a tube member 44 with a sharp tip (for example, needle-shaped) inside. By placing the extension cartridge 40 in the relay cartridge 30, the tube member 44 is inserted into the connection part 43 of the extension cartridge 40, and the extension cartridge 40 and the relay cartridge 30 are connected. Note that the cover member of the extension cartridge 40 is omitted in Fig. 19.

In FIG. 19, for convenience of illustration, the needle shape at the first connection port 31 is shown as being exposed, but from the viewpoint of protecting the user, it is preferable that the needle shape is not exposed. In other words, it is preferable that the tube member 44 at the first connection port 31 is located lower than shown. Also, from the viewpoint of protecting the user, it is preferable that the tube member 44 is not provided on the extension cartridge 40 purchased by the user, but is provided on the relay cartridge 30 side.

A supplementary explanation will be given regarding this embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of the pipe member 44. As shown in FIG.
The tube member 44 preferably has a portion (reference symbol 44a) protruding toward the relay ink bag 32 (first ink bag) and a portion (reference symbol 44b) protruding toward the top-up ink bag 42 (second ink bag). For convenience, the portion protruding toward the relay ink bag 32 is referred to as the first needle portion 44a, and the portion protruding toward the top-up ink bag 42 is referred to as the second needle portion 44b. The tips of both the first needle portion 44a and the second needle portion 44b are needle-shaped, and holes 45 are provided at or near the tips of both. For convenience, the hole of the first needle portion 44a is referred to as the hole 45a, and the hole of the second needle portion 44b is referred to as the hole 45b.

The pipe support member 48 is used, for example, to fix the pipe member 44 to the first connection port 31 or the extension connection port 41. The pipe support member 48 can be treated as an accessory part of the pipe member 44.

In this way, the tip of both the first needle portion 44a and the second needle portion 44b is needle-shaped, and holes 45 are provided at or near the tip of both, which makes it easier to connect the extension cartridge 40 and the relay cartridge 30. Furthermore, when connecting the extension cartridge 40 and the relay cartridge 30, it becomes easier to prevent air bubbles from being mixed in.

Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the main part showing the surface of the main body 1 where the insertion port 3 is located, and is a diagram of the insertion port 3 as viewed from the insertion direction. This figure also shows the state before the cartridge support member 20 of this embodiment is attached. Note that the insertion port 3 may be referred to as an insertion opening, an ink cartridge insertion portion, etc., and the insertion direction may be referred to as an insertion direction, etc.

The illustrated example shows a case in which four ink cartridges can be installed. The blackened areas in the figure show a schematic representation of the state when an ink cartridge 2 is inserted. Therefore, the illustrated example shows a state in which two ink cartridges 2 are inserted.

As shown in the figure, the main body 1 is provided with an ink supply port 9. The ink supply port 9 connects to a second connection port of the relay cartridge 30. The ink supply port 9 can also be connected to a connection port of the ink cartridge 2. Therefore, the image forming device of this embodiment can use the ink cartridge 10 of this embodiment, as well as a conventional ink cartridge 2, for example an ink cartridge with a single ink storage section.

Second Embodiment
Next, another embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention will be described, and a description of the same matters as those in the above embodiment will be omitted.

The ink cartridge of this embodiment is
An ink cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus equipped with a liquid ejection head,
The ink cartridge has a first ink storage section for relay and a second ink storage section for replenishment,
the first ink containing unit is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus and has an exposed portion that protrudes from a main body of the image forming apparatus when attached to the image forming apparatus, and the second ink containing unit can be installed on an upper surface of the exposed portion;
the second ink containing section has a refill connection port for supplying ink to the first ink containing section,
the first ink containing section has a first connection port and a second connection port,
The first connection port is provided on the exposed portion and is connectable to the extension connection port,
The second connection port is connectable to an ink supply port of the image forming device.

In the above embodiment, the ink bag is provided. In the present invention, it is preferable to have an ink bag, but it is also possible to omit the ink bag. In the present invention, it is sufficient for the first ink storage section (e.g., relay cartridge 30) to be able to relay ink, and for the second ink storage section (e.g., replenishment cartridge 40) to be able to replenish ink.

In this embodiment, it is also preferable that the second ink storage section is attached to the side of the main body of the image forming device, and the exposed section is exposed from the side of the main body of the image forming device.

Also in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus can be similar to that described above.
The image forming apparatus of this embodiment is characterized by having a liquid ejection head, an insertion port into which the first ink storage portion of the ink cartridge of this embodiment can be attached, and an ink supply port that can be connected to the second connection port.

(Supplementary explanation regarding the image forming apparatus)
The image forming apparatus of the present invention may be an apparatus that ejects liquid. This "apparatus that ejects liquid" may include means related to the feeding, transporting, and ejection of items to which liquid can be attached, as well as other pre-processing devices and post-processing devices.

For example, examples of "devices that eject liquid" include image forming devices that eject ink to form an image on paper, and three-dimensional modeling devices that eject modeling liquid onto a powder layer formed by layering powder to form a three-dimensional object.

In addition, a "liquid ejecting device" is not limited to devices that use ejected liquid to visualize meaningful images such as letters and figures. For example, it also includes devices that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves, and devices that create three-dimensional images.

The above phrase "something to which liquid can adhere" refers to something to which liquid can adhere at least temporarily, and to which the liquid adheres and sticks, or adheres and penetrates. Specific examples include media such as paper, recording paper, film, and cloth, electronic circuit boards, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers, organ models, and test cells, and unless otherwise specified, includes all things to which liquid can adhere.

The above-mentioned "materials to which liquid can adhere" include paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, building materials such as wallpaper and flooring, and textiles for clothing, as long as the liquid can adhere even temporarily.

"Liquid" also includes ink, processing liquid, DNA samples, resist, pattern materials, binders, modeling liquids, or solutions and dispersions containing amino acids, proteins, and calcium.

In addition, the "liquid ejection device" may be a device in which a liquid ejection head and an object to which liquid can be attached move relatively, but is not limited to this. Specific examples include a serial type device in which the liquid ejection head moves, and a line type device in which the liquid ejection head does not move.

Other examples of "liquid ejecting devices" include treatment liquid application devices that eject treatment liquid onto paper to apply the treatment liquid to the surface of the paper for purposes such as modifying the surface of the paper, and spray granulation devices that spray a composition liquid in which raw materials are dispersed through a nozzle to granulate the raw material into fine particles.

For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows.
<1> An ink cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus equipped with a liquid ejection head,
a first ink storage section for relay use having a first ink bag, and a second ink storage section for refill use having a second ink bag;
the first ink containing section is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, has an exposed portion that protrudes beyond a main body of the image forming apparatus when attached to the image forming apparatus, the second ink containing section can be installed on an upper surface of the exposed portion, and has a first connection port and a second connection port;
The first connection port is provided in the exposed portion,
the second connection port is connectable to an ink supply port of the image forming apparatus,
the second ink storage section has a refill connection port connected to the first connection port, and a cover member constituting the refill connection port;
The extension connection port or the first connection port is provided with a pipe member,
The tube member has a sharp tip and a hole is provided at or near the tip.
The cover member is composed of a first cover member and a second cover member,
An ink cartridge characterized in that one of the first cover member or the second cover member has a claw shape and the other has a step shape, and the first cover member and the second cover member can be assembled by engaging the claw shape and the step shape.
<2> The first ink storage unit is attached to a side surface of a main body of the image forming apparatus,
The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the exposed portion is exposed from a side surface of a main body of the image forming apparatus.
<3> The ink cartridge according to <1> or <2>, wherein the second ink bag has a portion exposed from the cover member.
<4> The ink cartridge described in any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the cover member is shaped to cover a part of the ink containing portion of the second ink bag.
<5> The ink cartridge described in any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the cover member is shaped so as not to cover the ink containing portion of the second ink bag.
<6> An ink cartridge as described in any one of <1> to <5>, characterized in that the tube member is provided in the first connection port and is not provided in the top-up connection port.
<7> An ink cartridge described in any of <1> to <6>, characterized in that the first cover member or the second cover member has an opening adjacent to the convex shape, and a user can release the engagement between the claw shape and the convex shape by pressing the claw shape through the opening.
<8> An ink cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus equipped with a liquid ejection head,
The ink cartridge has a first ink storage section for relay and a second ink storage section for replenishment,
the first ink containing section is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, has an exposed portion that protrudes beyond a main body of the image forming apparatus when attached to the image forming apparatus, the second ink containing section can be installed on an upper surface of the exposed portion, and has a first connection port and a second connection port;
The first connection port is provided in the exposed portion,
the second connection port is connectable to an ink supply port of the image forming apparatus,
The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second ink storage portion has a refill connection port connected to the first connection port.
<9> The second ink storage unit is attached to a side surface of a main body of the image forming apparatus,
The ink cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the exposed portion is exposed from a side surface of a main body of the image forming apparatus.
<10> A liquid ejection head,
An image forming apparatus comprising the ink cartridge according to any one of <1> to <9>.
<11> An insertion port into which the first ink containing unit can be attached;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: the ink supply port that is connectable to the second connection port.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 main body 2 ink cartridge 3 insertion port 9 ink supply port 10 ink cartridge 30 relay cartridge 30A exposed portion 30B non-exposed portion 32 relay ink bag 33A, 33B connection part 34 heat-sealed portion 35 base member 40 refill cartridge 42 refill ink bag 46 first cover member 47 second cover member 48 tube support member 60 claw 61 convex shape 62 opening

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-100430 JP 2004-142442 A

Claims (11)

An ink cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus equipped with a liquid ejection head,
a first ink storage section for relay use having a first ink bag, and a second ink storage section for refill use having a second ink bag;
the first ink containing section is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, has an exposed portion that protrudes beyond a main body of the image forming apparatus when attached to the image forming apparatus, the second ink containing section can be installed on an upper surface of the exposed portion, and has a first connection port and a second connection port;
The first connection port is provided in the exposed portion,
the second connection port is connectable to an ink supply port of the image forming apparatus,
the second ink storage section has a refill connection port connected to the first connection port, and a cover member constituting the refill connection port;
The extension connection port or the first connection port is provided with a pipe member,
The tube member has a sharp tip and a hole is provided at or near the tip.
The cover member includes a first cover member and a second cover member,
An ink cartridge characterized in that one of the first cover member or the second cover member has a claw shape and the other has a step shape, and the first cover member and the second cover member can be assembled by engaging the claw shape and the step shape. the first ink storage unit is attached to a side surface of a main body of the image forming apparatus,
The ink cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the exposed portion is exposed from a side surface of a main body of the image forming apparatus. 2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second ink bag has a portion exposed from the cover member. 2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is shaped to cover a part of the ink containing portion of the second ink bag. 2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is shaped so as not to cover the ink containing portion of the second ink bag. 2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the pipe member is provided in the first connection port and is not provided in the top-up connection port. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cover member or the second cover member has an opening adjacent to the convex shape, and a user can release the engagement between the claw shape and the convex shape by pressing the claw shape through the opening. An ink cartridge for use in an image forming apparatus equipped with a liquid ejection head,
The ink cartridge has a first ink storage section for relay and a second ink storage section for replenishment,
the first ink containing section is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, has an exposed portion that protrudes beyond a main body of the image forming apparatus when attached to the image forming apparatus, the second ink containing section can be installed on an upper surface of the exposed portion, and has a first connection port and a second connection port;
The first connection port is provided in the exposed portion,
the second connection port is connectable to an ink supply port of the image forming apparatus,
The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second ink storage portion has a refill connection port connected to the first connection port. the second ink storage unit is attached to a side surface of a main body of the image forming apparatus,
The ink cartridge according to claim 8 , wherein the exposed portion is exposed from a side surface of a main body of the image forming apparatus. A liquid ejection head;
10. An image forming apparatus comprising: the ink cartridge according to claim 1. an insertion port into which the first ink containing portion can be attached;
11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: the ink supply port that is connectable to the second connection port.