JP2024059417A - Ink cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an ink cartridge capable of increasing the capacity. [Solution] The ink cartridge has a first ink storage section 30 for relay use having a first ink bag, and a second ink storage section 40 for refilling having a second ink bag. The first ink storage section has an exposed section that protrudes from the main body of the image forming device when mounted on the image forming device, and a second ink storage section can be installed on the upper surface of the exposed section, and has a first connection port 31 and a second connection port. The second ink storage section has a refill connection port that connects to the first connection port, and two or more refill connection ports are provided in one second ink storage section, and a plurality of the first ink storage sections are connected to one of the second ink storage sections. [Selected Figure] Figure 13

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 forms a substantially sealed 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 inclusion of air bubbles in 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 in the ink tank is exposed to the atmosphere. Furthermore, with conventional technology, when refilling ink from an ink cartridge, it is difficult to increase the amount of ink that can be refilled due to factors such as the shape of the ink cartridge.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an ink cartridge that can be made large capacity.

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 section 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 section, 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 containing section has a refill connection port connected to the first connection port, and one second ink containing section is provided with two or more refill connection ports;
The ink cartridge is characterized in that a plurality of the first ink containing sections and one of the second ink containing sections are connected to each other.

The present invention provides an ink cartridge that allows for large capacity.

1 is an overall schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a main part of an image forming apparatus when viewed from an insertion direction of an insertion port. FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a relay cartridge is attached. 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 connection part provided in the relay cartridge. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a pipe member. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a top-up cartridge. 1 is a schematic diagram of a main part of an example of a top-up cartridge as viewed from below. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of installation of a top-up cartridge. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating an example of a top-up cartridge. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the refill cartridge. 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views for illustrating an example of a bottom surface portion of a top-up cartridge. 13A and 13B are schematic cross-sectional views for illustrating another example of the bottom part of the refill cartridge. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a distance regulating member. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a lower housing member. FIG. 13 is another 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.

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 section 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 section, 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 containing section has a refill connection port connected to the first connection port, and one second ink containing section is provided with two or more refill connection ports;
The ink cartridge is characterized in that a plurality of the first ink containing sections and one of the second ink containing sections are connected to each other.

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, 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 schematic diagram of the main part showing the surface of the main body 1 where the insertion port 3 is located, and is a view of the insertion port 3 as seen from the insertion direction. Note that the insertion port 3 may also be referred to as an insertion opening, an ink cartridge insertion portion, etc., and the insertion direction may also be referred to as an insertion direction, etc.

In the illustrated example, two insertion ports 3 are provided, with the left side of the paper as insertion port 3a and the left side of the paper as insertion port 3b. Although not particularly limited, for example, yellow, magenta, cyan and black ink cartridges 2Y, 2M, 2C and 2B are installed in insertion port 3b. Also, for example, two white ink cartridges 2W are installed in insertion port 3a, and further, two clear ink cartridges 2T are installed. For example, when adjacent ink cartridges use the same ink, a relay cartridge is installed as shown in the following Figure 3.

Figure 3 shows an example of when two relay cartridges 30 are inserted side by side. In the figure, one relay cartridge 30 is referred to as relay cartridge 30-1, and the other relay cartridge 30 is referred to as relay cartridge 30-2. When referred to as relay cartridge 30, this means that there is no distinction between relay cartridges 30-1 and 30-2.

The relay cartridge 30 is an example of a first ink storage section in the ink cartridge of this embodiment. In the example shown, relay cartridges 30-1 and 30-2 are attached to the insertion port 3a, and relay cartridges 30-1 and 30-2 supply white ink to the device.

As shown in the figure, when the relay cartridge 30 is attached to the main body 1, the relay cartridge 30 has a portion (exposed portion 30A) that protrudes outward from the main body 1. A first connection port 31 is provided in the exposed portion 30A. In the example shown in the figure, the first connection port of the relay cartridge 30-1 is referred to as the first connection port 31-1, and the first connection port of the relay cartridge 30-2 is referred to as the first connection port 31-2. When referred to as the first connection port 31, this means that the first connection ports 31-1 and 31-2 are described without distinction.

The first connection port 31 connects to the refill connection port of the refill cartridge 40 (an example of a second ink storage section, described below). Therefore, the refill cartridge 40 is placed on the upper surface of the exposed section 30A of the relay cartridge 30.

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 ink cartridge in the following example 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. The relay cartridge 30 may also be referred to as a relay ink cartridge, etc. The refill cartridge 40 is an example of a second ink storage section, and supplies ink to the relay cartridge 30. The refill cartridge 40 may also be referred to as a refill ink cartridge, etc.

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 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 4 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 extension connection port of the extension cartridge 40. The second connection port can be connected to the ink supply port of the image forming device. Note that in the figure, the second connection port and the ink supply port of the image forming device are not labeled with reference symbols.

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.

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 this embodiment, 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 referred to as a double cartridge method.

Figures 5 to 7 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 5 is an oblique view of the relay ink bag 32, Figure 6 is a side view of the relay ink bag 32, and Figure 7 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 part of the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus. The ink supply part 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 part 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 a first connection port and a 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. 4, the relay cartridge 30 has a housing and a 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. 7 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 atmosphere. 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 8 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 9 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.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the pipe member 44 in the example shown above.
As described above and illustrated, the tube member 44 has a portion (first needle portion 44a) that protrudes toward the relay ink bag 32 and a portion (second needle portion 44b) that protrudes toward the replenishment ink bag 42. The tube member 44 is also provided with a tube support member 48 for fixing the position of the tube member 44. The tube support member 48 can be treated as an accessory part of the tube member 44.

As shown in the figure, both ends of the tube member 44 are sharp, and the sharp shape is indicated by the reference symbol 47. The sharp shape 47 can be, for example, a tapered shape such as a needle shape. Holes 45 (holes 45a, 45b) are provided near the sharp shape 47. The number of holes 45 may be changed as appropriate. It is sufficient that the first needle portion 44a has a hole 45a and the second needle portion 44b has a hole 45b, and the number of holes may be further increased from this state.

For example, the first needle portion 44a is inserted into the rubber member 37 of the connection part 33B shown in FIG. 8. In this state, the tube member 44 is provided in the first connection port 31. In this state, the second needle portion 44b is not connected to the connection portion of the extension cartridge 40, and the second needle portion 44b is waiting to be connected to the extension cartridge 40. In this case, a member may be provided to block the hole 45b in the second needle portion 44b.

When the refill cartridge 40 is placed in the relay cartridge 30 in this state, the second needle portion 44b pierces the rubber member of the connection part 43, and the relay ink bag 32 and the refill ink bag 42 communicate with each other. This allows ink to be supplied from the refill cartridge 40. With the above configuration, the relay cartridge 30 and the refill cartridge 40 can be connected with their respective sealed ink bags, preventing the ink from communicating with the atmosphere. For this reason, the ink cartridge of this embodiment is easy to handle and can suppress the introduction of air bubbles when supplying ink.

The pipe member 44 may be provided in the first connection port 31 or in the extension connection port 41. From the viewpoint of the user's cost burden, it is preferable that the pipe member 44 is provided in the first connection port 31 and not in the extension connection port 41.

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.

FIG. 11 is a schematic overall view of an example of the refill cartridge 40. As shown in FIG.
The refill cartridge 40 is composed of, for example, a refill ink bag 42 and a connection part 43. The configuration of the connection part 43 can be the same as the configuration of the connection part 33B shown in Figures 8 and 9. Also, the refill ink bag 42 can be made of a composite laminate sheet of resin, aluminum, or the like, similar to the relay ink bag 32. As with the relay ink bag 32, it is preferable to heat weld the refill ink bag 42.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the supply cartridge 40 as viewed from below.
In this embodiment, the extension cartridge 40 has an extension connection port 41 that connects to the first connection port 31, and two or more extension connection ports 41 are provided in one extension cartridge 40. In the figure, the extension connection ports 41 are referred to as extension connection port 41A and extension connection port 41B. That is, the illustrated example is an example in which two extension connection ports are provided. When written as an extension connection port 41, it means that multiple extension connection ports are described without distinction. The extension connection port 41 may be called a connection opening, etc.

In the figure, the reference numerals of the extension connection port 41A and the extension connection port 41B are shown, and the reference numeral of the connection part 43 is omitted. In this example, two connection parts 43 are provided, each of which has an extension connection port 41A and an extension connection port 41B. In this embodiment, a single connection part 43 may be provided, and this single connection part 43 may have an extension connection port 41A and an extension connection port 41B, but it is preferable to provide two connection parts 43, each of which has an extension connection port 41. In this case, it is easier to provide the folded shape 43c described below.

The refill cartridge 40 may be said to have a refill connection port 41, the connection part 43 may be said to have a connection port 41, or the refill ink bag 42 may be said to have a refill connection port 41.

Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the relay cartridge 30 and the top-up cartridge 40 are about to be connected. As explained in Figure 3, the relay cartridges 30-1 and 30-2 are adjacent to each other and supply the same type of ink to the device. The top-up connection ports 41A and 41B of the top-up cartridge 40 are connected to the first connection port 31-1 of the relay cartridge 30-1 and the first connection port 31-2 of the relay cartridge 30-2, respectively.

The arrows in the figure show a schematic diagram of the installation of the extension cartridge 40 on the top surface of the relay cartridge 30. The distance between the first connection port 31-1 and the first connection port 31-2 is approximately the same as the distance between the extension connection port 41A and the extension connection port 41B.

As in this example, when the ink type in adjacent relay cartridges 30 is the same, the configuration of this embodiment allows one top-up cartridge 40 to supply ink to two relay cartridges 30.

In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the ink supplied from one refill cartridge 40 to the multiple relay cartridges 30-1 and 30-2 is the same type of ink, and the same type of ink can be supplied through multiple ink supply ports. For example, when white ink is supplied from the refill cartridge 40, the ink supplied to the relay cartridges 30-1 and 30-2 is the same type of white ink, and the white ink supplied from the relay cartridge 30-1 and the white ink supplied from the relay cartridge 30-2 can be supplied to a liquid ejection head that ejects white ink. This makes it possible, for example, to supply frequently used ink from multiple relay cartridges 30, improving convenience.

Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view for illustrating the state in which the relay cartridge 30 and the top-up cartridge 40 are connected. The shaded area in the figure shows the filled ink.

Figure 14 (A) shows an example of a case where one extension cartridge 40 is connected to one relay cartridge 30, which is not included in the present invention. In this example, one extension cartridge has one extension connection port, and is referred to as extension cartridge 40x to distinguish it from the present invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 14(A), because there is a gap between relay cartridge 30-1 and relay cartridge 30-2, a gap also occurs between the two extension cartridges 40x. Because such gaps occur, in this example, it is difficult to increase the capacity of the extension cartridge 40x.

Figure 14 (B) shows an example in which one extension cartridge 40 is connected to two relay cartridges 30, and is an example included in the present invention. In this example, one extension cartridge 40 has two extension connection ports.

In the example shown in FIG. 14(B), one large top-up cartridge 40 can be connected to relay cartridge 30-1 and relay cartridge 30-2. Therefore, even if there is a gap between relay cartridge 30-1 and relay cartridge 30-2, no gap will occur on the top-up cartridge 40 side. This allows the top-up cartridge 40 to have a large capacity, making it possible to top up large volumes. In addition, by purchasing a top-up cartridge 40 with a large capacity, the user can reduce the number of purchases and the number of units purchased, thereby reducing the hassle.

Figure 15 is a diagram showing another example of the refill cartridge 40. The figure shows the refill ink bag 42 in a full state. The refill ink bag 42 in this example has a shape 42c in which the bottom surface 42a is folded upward along the center line. The folded shape 42c may also be referred to as a shape in which the center of the bottom surface 42a is displaced upward (or toward the center of the ink bag).

The refill ink bag 42 in this example has a folded shape 42c on the surface (bottom surface 42a) facing the relay cartridge 30 between one refill connection port 41A and another refill connection port 41B adjacent to the one refill connection port 41A, and the folded shape 42c is convex in the direction opposite the relay cartridge 30. This makes it possible to reduce wasted ink in the refill ink bag 42. This will be explained below with reference to Figures 16 and 17.

Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example where the bottom surface 42a is flat. Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example where the bottom surface 42a has a folded shape 42c, and shows an example corresponding to Figure 15. Figures 16(A) and 17(A) show a state where the ink tank is full, and Figures 16(B) and 17(B) show a state where the ink has been topped off.

As shown in Figure 16, if the bottom surface 42a of the refill ink bag 42 is flat, as ink is refilled, the side surface 42b of the ink bag moves toward the center and gradually shrinks from the top. The ink bag then blocks the first connection ports 31-1 and 31-2, making it impossible to refill any more. As a result, residual ink 49 remains even after all the ink has been refilled.

In contrast to this, the example shown in Figure 17 will be described. As shown in the figure, when the bottom portion 42a of the refill ink bag 42 has a folded shape 42c, the side surface 42b of the ink bag shrinks in the same way as in Figure 16, but even if the ink bag shrinks to the point where it blocks the first connection ports 31-1 and 31-2, there is little remaining ink 49. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of ink that is wasted.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distance regulating member.
When connecting the refill cartridge 40 to the relay cartridges 30-1, 30-2, it is necessary to align the positions of the first connection ports 31-1, 31-2 with the positions of the refill connection ports 41A, 41B. If the refill cartridge 40 is configured as an ink bag without a housing such as a cover, the ink bag is difficult to maintain rigidity, and the distance between the refill connection ports 41A, 41B is likely to vary.

Therefore, it is preferable that the top-up ink bag 42 has a distance regulating member that regulates the distance between one top-up connection port 41A and another top-up connection port 41B adjacent to the first top-up connection port 41A. By using the distance regulating member, the distance between the top-up connection ports 41A and 41B is regulated, and the distance between the top-up connection ports 41A and 41B can be made the same as the distance between the first connection ports 31-1 and 31-2, improving the efficiency of the installation work.

In the illustrated example, the distance control member 70 is composed of fitting portions 71A, 71B for fitting with the extension connection ports 41A, 41B, and a bridge portion 72. The distance between the fitting portions 71A, 71B is set to be the same as the distance between the extension connection ports 41A, 41B.

By fitting and coupling the distance regulating member 70 to the extension connection ports 41A, 41B of the extension cartridge 40, the distance between the extension connection ports 41A, 41B is regulated, and the distance between the extension connection ports 41A, 41B and the distance between the first connection ports 31-1, 31-2 can be made the same. This makes it easy to connect the extension cartridge 40 to the relay cartridges 30-1, 30-2.

The arrows in the figure show a schematic example of an assembly method. For example, as shown in (1), the distance regulating member 70 is fitted to the extension cartridge 40, and then as shown in (2), the extension cartridge 40 is installed in the relay cartridges 30-1 and 30-2.

In the illustrated example, the extension cartridge 40 has two extension connection ports 41A, 41B, and the distance regulating member 70 has two fitting portions 71A, 71B, but the present invention is not limited to this. The extension cartridge 40 may further have multiple extension connection ports 41, and the distance regulating member 70 may further have multiple fitting portions.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of a lower housing member. The lower housing member is called the lower housing member because it is attached to the lower side of the extension cartridge 40. The lower housing member may also be called the lower housing, etc.

The extension cartridge 40 has a lower housing member on the side facing the relay cartridge 30, and the lower housing member is provided with openings corresponding to the extension connection ports 41A and 41B, and regulates the distance between one extension connection port 41A and another extension connection port 41B adjacent to the one extension connection port 41A. This provides the same effect as the distance regulation member 70 described above.

In the illustrated example, the lower housing member 80 has openings 81A, 81B that regulate the distance between the extension connection ports 41A, 41B. The lower housing member 80 is made of, for example, a rigid material, and the distance between the openings 81A, 81B does not change. Therefore, by attaching the lower housing member 80 to the underside of the extension cartridge 40 (the side facing the relay cartridge 30), the distance between the extension connection ports 41A, 41B is regulated, and the distance between the extension connection ports 41A, 41B and the distance between the first connection ports 31-1, 31-2 can be made the same. This makes it easier to attach to the relay cartridge 30.

In addition, by using the lower housing member 80, the bottom surface of the refill cartridge 40 can be reinforced. For example, this can prevent the needle-shaped tube member 44 provided at the first connection port 31 from piercing the refill ink bag 42 and creating a hole in the refill ink bag 42 if the refill cartridge 40 is installed in the wrong position.

Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the main part showing the surface of the main body 1 where the insertion port 3 is located, 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 or an ink cartridge insertion portion, 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.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention may be an apparatus that ejects liquid. This "apparatus that ejects liquid" may also include means for feeding, transporting, and discharging items onto which liquid can be attached, as well as 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 testing 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 section 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 section, 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 containing section has a refill connection port connected to the first connection port, and one second ink containing section is provided with two or more refill connection ports;
An ink cartridge, comprising: a plurality of said first ink containing sections and one of said second ink containing sections connected to each other.
<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 second ink bag has a folded shape between one of the refill connection ports and another of the refill connection ports adjacent to the one of the refill connection ports on a surface facing the first ink storage section,
The ink cartridge according to item (1) or (2), wherein the folded shape is convex toward the side opposite to the first ink containing portion.
<4> An ink cartridge described in any of <1> to <3>, characterized in that the second ink bag has a distance control member that controls the distance between one of the refill connection ports and another of the refill connection ports adjacent to the one of the refill connection ports.
<5> The second ink containing section has a lower housing member on a side facing the first ink containing section,
An ink cartridge described in any one of <1> to <4>, characterized in that the lower housing member has an opening corresponding to the extension connection port, and regulates the distance between one of the extension connection ports and another of the extension connection ports adjacent to the one of the extension connection ports.
<6> The extension connection port or the first connection port is provided with a pipe member,
The ink cartridge described in any one of <1> to <5> is characterized in that the tubular member has a portion protruding toward the first ink bag and a portion protruding toward the second ink bag, both of which have sharp tips, and holes are provided at or near the tips of both of the portions.
<7> The ink cartridge according to <6>, wherein the pipe member is provided in the first connection port and is not provided in the top-up connection port.
<8> A liquid ejection head,
An image forming apparatus comprising the ink cartridge according to any one of <1> to <7>.
<9> An insertion port into which the first ink containing unit can be attached;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: the ink supply port that is connectable to the second connection port.
<10> An image forming apparatus as described in <8> or <9>, characterized in that the ink supplied from one of the second ink storage sections and supplied to multiple of the first ink storage sections is the same type of ink, and the same type of ink can be supplied by multiple of the ink supply ports.

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 44 Tube member 44a First needle portion 44b Second needle portion 45 Hole 48 Tube support member 48
49 Residual ink 70 Distance regulating member 71A, 71B Fitting portion 72 Bridge portion 80 Lower housing member 81A, 81B Opening

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

Claims (10)

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 section 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 section, 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 containing section has a refill connection port connected to the first connection port, and one second ink containing section is provided with two or more refill connection ports;
An ink cartridge, wherein a plurality of said first ink containing sections and one of said second ink containing sections are connected to each other. 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. the second ink bag has a folded shape between one of the refill connection ports and another of the refill connection ports adjacent to the one of the refill connection ports on a surface facing the first ink storage section,
2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the folded shape is convex in a direction opposite to the first ink containing portion. 2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second ink bag has a distance regulating member that regulates the distance between one of the ink refill connection ports and another of the ink refill connection ports adjacent to the one of the ink refill connection ports. the second ink containing section has a lower housing member on a side facing the first ink containing section,
The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower housing member is provided with an opening corresponding to the refill connection port, and the distance between one of the refill connection ports and another of the refill connection ports adjacent to the one of the refill connection ports is regulated. The extension connection port or the first connection port is provided with a pipe member,
2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member has a portion protruding toward the first ink bag and a portion protruding toward the second ink bag, both of the portions having sharp tips, and holes are provided at or near the tips of both portions. 7. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the pipe member is provided in the first connection port and is not provided in the top-up connection port. A liquid ejection head;
8. 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;
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: the ink supply port that is connectable to the second connection port. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the ink supplied from one of the second ink storage sections and supplied to the plurality of the first ink storage sections is the same type of ink, and the same type of ink can be supplied by the plurality of the ink supply ports.

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