JP3255517B2 - Method of refilling ink into ink cartridge and refill device for ink cartridge - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing system such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, a word processor, and a personal computer, which is mounted on a recording device for outputting information such as characters and images on a recording medium. The present invention relates to an ink cartridge refill device for replenishing ink to an ink cartridge that supplies ink to a recording unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art First, a recording apparatus having an ink cartridge to which an ink cartridge refill apparatus is applicable will be described, and then the necessity of the ink cartridge refill apparatus will be described.

Conventionally, paper, cloth, plastic sheet, OH
Recording media such as P sheets (hereinafter also simply referred to as recording paper)
A recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium has been proposed as a form capable of mounting a recording head based on various recording methods, for example, a wire dot method, a heat-sensitive method, a thermal transfer method, and an ink jet method.

However, among such recording apparatuses, an ink jet type recording head which performs recording on recording paper by discharging ink from discharge ports (nozzles) arranged on recording elements as low-noise non-impact recording has been proposed. Since the recording device provided is capable of high-density and high-speed recording operation, the output means of the information processing system, such as a copying machine, a facsimile, an electronic typewriter, a word processor, a printer as an output terminal such as a workstation, or It is used and commercialized as a handy or portable printer included in a personal computer, a host computer, an optical disk device, a video device, and the like. In this case, the inkjet recording apparatus has a configuration corresponding to the functions, usage patterns, and the like specific to these apparatuses. In general, an ink jet recording apparatus includes a carriage on which a recording unit (recording head) and an ink cartridge are mounted, a conveying unit for conveying recording paper, and a control unit for controlling these. Then, the recording head for ejecting ink droplets from the plurality of ejection ports is serially scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the recording paper conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction), while the recording paper is set to the recording width when not recording. The intermittent conveyance is performed by an equal amount. This recording method is to perform recording by discharging ink on recording paper in accordance with a recording signal, and is widely used as a quiet recording method with low running cost. In addition, by using a recording head in which a number of nozzles for ejecting ink are arranged in a straight line in the sub-scanning direction, the recording head scans once on the recording paper to record a width corresponding to the number of nozzles. You. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a high-speed recording operation.

As a recording element of the recording means, that is, an energy generating means for generating energy for ejecting ink, one using an electromechanical transducer such as a piezo element or irradiating an electromagnetic wave such as a laser to generate heat. There is a method in which a droplet is ejected by the action of the heat, or a method in which the liquid is heated by an electrothermal conversion element having a heating resistor.

[0006] Among them, a recording head of a method of ejecting liquid using thermal energy (so-called bubble jet method) can perform high-resolution recording because the liquid ejection ports can be arranged at a high density. It is possible. Among them, a recording head using an electrothermal transducer as an energy generating means can easily be made compact, and has the advantages of IC technology and microfabrication technology, which have made remarkable advances in technology in recent semiconductor fields and markedly improved reliability. This is advantageous because it can be used for two reasons, high-density mounting is easy, and the manufacturing cost is low.

[0007] An ink cartridge for supplying ink to the recording head is generally constituted by an ink absorber, a container for inserting the ink absorber, and a lid member for sealing the container.

[0008] The recording head includes a chip type integrated with the ink cartridge and a recording head detachably connected to the ink cartridge.
In the former case, regardless of the life of the recording head, it is unavoidable to discard the ink when it runs out and replace it with a new one.
In the latter case, the recording head can be used as long as the life of the recording head continues, and only the ink cartridge needs to be replaced. However, in both cases, each time replacement results in non-reusable waste. This is not preferable from the viewpoint of resource reuse, and is contrary to the policy of protecting the environment and resources not only by the user but also by the manufacturer of the recording head and the ink cartridge. Therefore, an attempt has been made to develop a device capable of refilling (refilling) only ink without discarding the container of the ink cartridge.

The basic structure of a conventional ink cartridge refilling device has an injection needle-like ink supply (injection) pipe, and an air communication port (air release means) which communicates with the pipe and is located above the ink level. ) Or an ink container having a pressurizing port formed in communication with the pressurizing device, and supplies ink to the ink cartridge by its own weight or pressurization.

[0010]

However, the conventional ink self-weight ink filling device has the following problems. That is, (1) After the ink injection pipe is inserted into the cartridge, it is difficult to release the air to the atmosphere, which is likely to fail. Therefore, the surroundings may be stained with ink.

(2) If the ink injection pipe is pulled out of the cartridge in a state where the ink remains in the ink cartridge refill device, the remaining ink flows out.

(3) Generally, there are many refilling devices for ink cartridges that are used once, and it is difficult to interrupt refilling and use again. Also, it is difficult to close the air communication port.

(4) Since the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is not known, an appropriate amount of ink could not be replenished when refilling the ink by the ink cartridge refilling device.

(5) When the ink is replenished from one place on the ink absorber (sponge) in the ink cartridge, the ink is not uniformly diffused in the sponge, and an air pool is formed.
As a result, the specified amount of ink cannot be replenished without replacing that part with ink.

(6) In the vicinity of the needle point of the ink injection pipe, the ink replenishment time becomes long due to the resistance of the previously replenished ink.

(7) In some places where the needle is stuck, the ink is not well absorbed by the sponge in the ink tank, becomes free ink, and easily overflows.

(8) The sponge material or the like in the ink tank may clog the needle hole, making it difficult for the ink to come out.

[0018] Accordingly, an object of the present invention, the to solve the problems, high-speed and high-quality recording ink cartridge which can quickly replenishing the ink in the ink cartridge to be mounted on a recording apparatus achievable Refill ink
An object of the present invention is to provide a filling method and a refill device for an ink cartridge.

[0019]

In order to solve the above problems SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The ink re to be convex pile ink cartridge to the present invention
Filling method, b to the ink cartridge having an ink absorber for holding ink to be supplied to the recording head
An ink container comprising an ink region and an air region; an ink supply unit communicating with the ink region and supplying ink to the ink absorber; and an atmosphere communicating with the air region. A refilling device for an ink cartridge , comprising: a communication means; and an ink supply means inserted into the ink absorber, thereby utilizing the self-weight of the ink and the water absorbing force of the ink absorber. ink <br/> together with supplying to the cartridge, the atmosphere communicating means is characterized by stopping the ink supply to the ink cartridge by being blocked by a portion of the replenishment ink. A first refilling device for an ink cartridge according to the present invention is a refilling device for an ink cartridge for replenishing ink to an ink cartridge, wherein the refilling device for an ink cartridge communicates with an ink container comprising an ink region and an air region, and the ink region. an ink supply means, wherein the atmosphere communicating means for communicating with the air space, wherein the container is container pressing member from the inside of <br/> order to additional pressure to the openings outwardly of the atmosphere communicating means And the replenishment of the ink to the ink cartridge is performed by discharging the ink from the ink supply means by its own weight,
The supply of the ink is stopped by the air communication means being blocked by a part of the refilled ink.
Preferably, there is provided a valve means slidably supported by the container and capable of simultaneously opening and closing the ink supply means and the atmosphere communication means by the slide.

A second refilling device for an ink cartridge according to the present invention is a refilling device for an ink cartridge for refilling an ink cartridge with an ink container comprising an ink region and an air region; And an ink supply means having an ink supply path communicating with the ink area and an air communication path communicating with the air area. The ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path are simultaneously opened and closed by sliding of the ink supply means. It is characterized by being performed. Preferably,
A spring seat composed of a protruding piece extending in the radial direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface located in the container of the ink supply means, and a spring is provided coaxially on the panel seat.

A third ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention is an ink cartridge refill device for refilling an ink cartridge with an ink container having an ink region, an air region, and an ink supply port, and a container. An ink supply path communicating with the ink area, an air communication path communicating with the air area, a valve section for opening and closing the ink supply port, and a direction from the valve section to the ink supply port. A protruding protrusion, a spring seat provided on an outer peripheral surface located in the container and formed of a protruding piece extending in a radial direction, and ink supply means having a spring coaxially provided on the panel seat, Further, the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path are simultaneously closed by the protrusion of the ink supply means being pushed and the ink supply means sliding. And wherein the Rukoto.

A fourth ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention is an ink cartridge refill device for replenishing ink to an ink cartridge, comprising: an ink container divided into an ink region and an air region; The ink supply means is connected to the ink area, the air communication path communicates with the air area, and the ink container is divided into the ink area and the air area. It has a piston portion for bisecting and a knob portion, and has a knob portion for moving the ink supply means up and down to simultaneously open and close the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path. Preferably, the ink supply means is screwed to the container, and the ink supply means moves up and down by rotating the knob.

Further, in the first to fourth ink cartridge refill devices, the ink cartridge is an ink cartridge connected to an ink jet recording head mounted on the ink jet recording device and supplying ink to the recording head. Is preferred.

[0024]

In the ink cartridge according to the present invention,
Ink cartridge refill system used for the click refilling method comprises an ink absorber for holding ink to be supplied to the recording head, using the refill device Lee
In the ink refilling method , by inserting the ink supply means into the ink absorber, the ink is supplied to the ink cartridge using the own weight of the ink and the water absorbing force of the ink absorber, and the ink is supplied to the air cartridge. The ink supply to the ink cartridge is stopped by the communication means being blocked by a part of the refilled ink. Moreover, the refill device for the first ink cartridge according to the present invention, the additional pressure to the openings outwardly of the atmosphere communicating means for the ink container made of an ink region and an air region is communicated to the air region from the inside of the container In the ink cartridge refill device, the ink is supplied to the ink cartridge by its own weight, and the air communication means is closed by a part of the supplied ink. Stops the ink supply.

In the second refilling device for an ink cartridge according to the present invention, the ink supply means slides by the back pressure which pierces the ink supply means into the ink absorber in the ink cartridge, whereby the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication are established. The route opens at the same time. Further, when the ink supply means is pulled out of the ink absorber in the ink cartridge, the ink supply means is pulled and slides again in a direction opposite to the above-mentioned sliding, whereby the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path are simultaneously closed.

In the third ink cartridge refilling device according to the present invention, the spring is contracted by the back pressure piercing the ink supply means into the ink absorber in the ink cartridge, and the ink supply means slides, thereby causing the ink supply means to slide. The path and the atmosphere communication path are opened at the same time. Also,
When the ink supply means is pulled out of the ink absorber in the ink cartridge, the spring of the pulling force of the ink supply means is slid again in the opposite direction to the above-mentioned slide by the force of returning to the original state, whereby the ink supply path and The atmosphere communication path is closed at the same time.

In the fourth ink cartridge refilling device according to the present invention, the position of the tip of the ink supply means is controlled by moving the ink supply means up and down by the knob to simultaneously open and close the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path. It is possible to absorb ink into the ink absorber in the ink cartridge while moving the ink.

[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first ink cartridge refill device (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an ink cartridge refill device) according to the present invention and a modified example thereof will be described.

<Embodiment 1> FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of an ink cartridge refill apparatus according to the present invention.

The ink cartridge which can be supplied with ink by the ink cartridge refill device of this embodiment is a component of the ink jet cartridge IJC which is detachably mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus in this embodiment. Although an ink cartridge is taken as an example, various ink cartridges are of course applicable without being limited to this.

The ink jet cartridge IJC comprises an ink jet recording head 1, a sponge 2 as an ink absorber, and an ink cartridge 3. An ink supply port 3a is formed at one end of the ink cartridge 3, and a gap (air chamber) A is provided between the supply port 3a and the sponge 2.

Reference numeral 4 denotes an ink cartridge refill device of the present embodiment. The device 4 has an injection needle-shaped ink supply means (ink supply pipe) 4a which communicates with the inside of the main body and protrudes. Atmospheric communication means (communication pipe) 4b, which is shorter than the ink supply pipe 4a and extends inside the main body and near the bottom surface 4c, is connected to the ink supply pipe 4a.
It is provided in parallel with a. In this figure, the ink cartridge refill device 4 is drawn upside down. Therefore, the ink cartridge refill device 4
The bottom surface of c faces upward.

The method of using the ink cartridge refill device 4 is as follows. First, after turning the ink supply port 3a of the ink jet cartridge IJC upward,
The refill device 4 for the ink cartridge is inserted into the supply port 3a.
Of the ink supply pipe 4a and the communication pipe 4b are inserted. Since the diameter of the supply port 3a is sufficiently larger than the diameter when the ink supply pipe 4a and the communication pipe 4b are integrated, a sufficient gap is provided between the supply port 3a and the ink supply pipe 4a and the communication pipe 4b. Will be kept. Therefore, the space between the inside and the outside of the ink cartridge is communicated by this gap, and the space forms a path through which the air flows. At the time of such an insertion operation, the ink cartridge refill device 4 turns the pipes 4a, 4b side downward (in the direction of gravity indicated by the arrow G). At this time, the length of the communication pipe 4b is shorter than the distance between the ink reinforcing port 3a and the end surface 2a of the sponge 2, so that one end of the communication pipe 4b is located in the air chamber A. On the other hand, the ink supply pipe 4a is provided to be longer than the above-mentioned separation distance, so that the ink supply pipe 4a pierces the sponge 2. Further communication pipe 4b
The other end side 4b 'of the ink cartridge is filled with an ink interface 5a in the ink cartridge refilling device 4 and a device bottom surface 4c.
Are provided in a space (air chamber) B formed therebetween. Therefore, the sponge 2 is supplemented with the ink 5 by the weight of the ink 5 and the water absorbing force of the sponge 2. In this figure, the flow of ink is indicated by arrow C, and the flow of air is indicated by arrow D.

When the ink 5 is sufficiently replenished, a state as shown in FIG. 2 is obtained. That is, when the ink 5 exceeding the water retention capacity of the sponge 2 is supplied, the free ink indicated by the reference numeral 5a accumulates on the sponge 2 without being absorbed by the sponge 2, and when the amount increases, the communication pipe 4b is closed. (The amount of ink in the ink cartridge at this time is determined as a fixed amount). As a result, the flow of air from the air chamber A to the air chamber B is shut off, so that the supply of ink to the ink cartridge 3 is stopped. As a result, regardless of the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 3 at the time of ink replenishment, the ink is always supplied from the ink cartridge refilling device 4 only until the ink cartridge reaches a fixed amount. Therefore, since the ink is not supplied in excess of the fixed amount, it is possible to prevent a problem that the ink overflows due to the fixed amount being exceeded.

<Embodiment 2> The refilling device for an ink cartridge of this embodiment is the same in structure and use as that of the refilling device 4 for the ink cartridge of the first embodiment. Pressing member (diaphragm part) 4 for applying pressure to the outside of the opening
The difference is that d is provided (see FIG. 3).

In the ink cartridge refilling device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the ink refilling is completed and the device 4 is separated from the ink cartridge 3, the refilling device is freely moved to the ink cartridge side end of the communication pipe 4b by the capillary force. A meniscus 5b composed of the ink 5a is generated. for that reason,
When the apparatus 4 is reused, the air does not flow from the air chamber A to the air chamber B because the meniscus 5b blocks the communication pipe 4b. Therefore, the diaphragm portion 4 shown in FIG.
By d, a pressure is applied to the atmosphere in the air chamber B in the direction of arrow E, thereby pushing out the meniscus 5b from the communication pipe 4b, thereby enabling the ink cartridge refill device 4 to be reused.

<Embodiment 3> The refilling device for an ink cartridge of this embodiment has the same construction and usage as that of the first embodiment. However, an ink supply pipe 4a and a communication pipe 4b are connected to the refilling device 4 for an ink cartridge. A different point is that a valve means (lever) 6 having a plug portion for closing off is provided (see FIG. 4). The lever 6 has two rod-shaped plugs 6a and 6b inserted into the pipes 4a and 4b, respectively. The long side extends in the axial direction from the end face of one end of each of the plugs 6a and 6b to the peripheral wall, and Notched grooves 6a 'and 6b' are formed so that the short sides extend in the circumferential direction. The outer diameters of the rod-shaped plugs 6a and 6b are formed slightly smaller than the inner diameters of the ink supply pipe 4a and the communication pipe 4b. Therefore, the rod-shaped plugs 6a, 6
b can slide in the pipes 4a and 4b.

When the lever 6 is pulled up in the direction of arrow F, the grooves 6a 'and 6b' are located at the openings of the ink supply pipe 4a and the communication pipe 4b to open the openings, so that the ink is refilled. Becomes possible.

When the ink cartridge refill device 4 is separated from the ink cartridge after ink refilling is completed, a meniscus 5b composed of free ink 5a is formed at the end of the communication pipe 4b on the ink cartridge side. Therefore, when the device 4 is reused, since the meniscus 5b blocks the communication pipe 4b, the air chamber A moves from the air chamber B to the air chamber B.
The atmosphere stops flowing to Then, by pushing down the lever 6, the openings on the air chamber B side of the ink supply pipe 4a and the communication pipe 4b are closed, and the communication pipe 4b
The meniscus 5b can be discharged by pressing the inside air. On the other hand, since the ink supply pipe 4a and the communication pipe 4b are closed by the plugs 6a and 6b, the remaining ink 5 can be prevented from leaking from the ink cartridge refill device.

A description will now be given of a second ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention.

<Embodiment 4> As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ink cartridge refill device 50 of this embodiment comprises a slide type ink supply pipe 51 and a container 52 for storing ink.

The ink supply pipe 51 has a liquid passage 51a that is hollow from the tip to the vicinity of the center along the axis. The liquid passage 51a is bent in an L shape and communicates with an opening 51b formed on the peripheral surface of the pipe 51. In the vicinity of the other end of the ink injection pipe 51, a step is formed in the circumferential direction, and a groove 51c is formed by cutting out from the step to the end. This groove 51c serves as an air inflow and outflow path.

The container 52 has openings 50a and 50b for sliding the pipe 51 on two opposite surfaces (bottom and top), and the edges of the openings 50a and 50b support the pipe 51. Cylindrical projection pieces 50a ',
50b 'is provided. These projection pieces 50a ',
50b 'has an inner wall surface on which the pipe 51 slides.

This ink cartridge refill device 5
In a state 0, the groove 51c and the opening 51b are closed by the inner wall surface of the container opening so that the ink in the container 52 does not leak before use.

As shown in FIG. 6, the ink supply pipe 51
Is pierced into the sponge 2 in the ink cartridge 3, the stress at that time causes the ink injection pipe 51 to slide in the arrow H direction. Thereby, the groove 51c and the opening 5
1b is opened, and air can flow into the container (arrow J) and ink can flow out of the container (arrow K).

When the ink supply pipe 51 is pulled out after ink injection, the pipe 51 moves in the direction of arrow D by pushing the resistor or the end 51d at that time. by this,
The groove 51c and the opening 51b are closed, and the flow of air into the container (arrow J) stops, and the flow of ink out of the container (arrow K) also stops.

<Embodiment 5> FIG. 7 shows an ink cartridge refill apparatus of this embodiment.

In this apparatus, a spring seat 51e is provided on the ink supply pipe 51 of the ink cartridge refilling apparatus shown in the fourth embodiment, and the spring 7 is installed coaxially. Before use, the pipe 51 is pressed in the direction of arrow I by the force of the spring 7. Therefore, the groove 51c and the opening 51b are closed. In use, the ink supply pipe 51 is slid in the H direction in the ink cartridge 3 and the spring is contracted. As a result, the groove 51c and the opening 51b are opened, and air can flow into the container (arrow J) and ink can flow out of the container (arrow K). After ink injection, ink supply pipe 5
When 1 is pulled out, the spring moves the pipe 51 again in the direction of the arrow I due to the extension force. As a result, the groove 51c and the opening 51b are closed, and the inflow of air into the container (arrow J) stops, and the outflow of ink out of the container (arrow K).
Also stop.

Next, a third ink cartridge refilling device according to the present invention will be described.

<Embodiment 6> FIG. 8 shows an ink cartridge refilling apparatus of this embodiment. This ink cartridge refill device 80 is a modification of the fourth and fifth embodiments. The apparatus has an ink supply port 81 which projects in a cylindrical shape.
a, and this protruding portion fits with the ink supply port 3a of the ink cartridge. In addition, the ink cartridge refill device 80 includes a container portion 81 storing ink.
Bar-shaped ink supply control valve 8 slidably supported
2 The ink supply control valve 82 includes three portions having different diameters along the axial direction. That is, the insertion portion 82
a, valve portion 82c, spring holding portion 82b, and support portion 82e
Consists of

The insertion portion 82a is provided with the protruding ink supply port 8
The supply port 81a is concentrically arranged in the supply port 81a so as to have an outer diameter sufficiently smaller than the inner diameter of the supply port 81a and to have sufficient clearance without an outer peripheral surface contacting the inner wall of the supply port 81a.

The spring holding portion 82b has a diameter larger than the diameter of the injection port 81a, and the spring 7 is provided coaxially.

The valve portion 82c comprises a step formed between the insertion portion 82a and the spring holding portion 82b, and has a diameter sufficient to close the ink supply port 3a.

The supporting portion 82e protrudes to the outside of the container, and has a groove (atmospheric communication port) 82d.

Before use, the ink inlet 8 is set by the spring 7.
1a, so that the valve portion 82c is
Is closed (broken line L in the figure). In this state, the atmosphere communication port 82d is also closed.

On the other hand, the ink cartridge 3 to which the ink cartridge refill device 80 of this embodiment is applied
Has a cylindrical projection 3b provided inward along the edge of the ink supply port 3a, and the projection 3b detachably holds the ink supply port of the ink cartridge refill device. Further, a projection 3c having a small diameter is arranged along the central axis of the projection 3b. Projection 3c
Is a support member 3 extending from the inner wall of the ink cartridge 3.
supported by d.

The method for injecting ink into the ink cartridge using the ink cartridge refill device 80 having the above-described configuration is as follows.

First, the ink cartridge refill device 80 is turned upside down, and the supply port 81a of the device is inserted into the ink supply port 3a of the ink cartridge. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the inserted supply port 81a is fitted with the inner peripheral surface of the supply port 3a and the projection 3b. On the other hand, the tip of the insertion portion 82a contacts the protrusion 3b in the ink cartridge, and is pushed up in the direction of the arrow H by the protrusion 3b. As a result, the atmosphere communication port 82d and the supply port 81a are opened, and air can flow into the container (arrow J) and ink can flow out of the container (arrow K). After ink injection,
When the ink inlet 81a is pulled out, the pipe 51 moves in the direction of arrow I by the extension force of the spring 7. As a result, the atmosphere communication port 82d and the injection port 81a are closed, so that the inflow of air into the container 81 (arrow J) and the outflow of ink outside the container (arrow K) also stop.

Therefore, according to the configuration of the above embodiment, (1) the ink can be injected into the ink cartridge with one touch.

(2) Even if the ink injection is stopped during the injection, the remaining ink does not flow out from the ink cartridge refill device.

(3) In the case of the sixth embodiment, the ink in the cartridge does not exceed a certain liquid level, and even if there is residual ink in the refill kit, the ink does not overflow from the cartridge.

Next, a fourth ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention and its modification will be described.

<Embodiment 7> FIG. 9 shows an ink cartridge refilling apparatus of this embodiment. The ink cartridge refill device 90 includes a cylinder (container) 91 in which the ink 5 is stored, and a piston 92 that moves in the container 91.

At one end of the container 91, there is provided a supply port 91a formed of a cylindrical projection that can be fitted to the ink supply port 3a of the ink cartridge. The supply port 91a is formed with a step along the axial direction so that the opening diameter differs between the end on the ink cartridge side and the end on the container 91 side. For this reason, the supply port 91a is provided with an injection pipe supporting portion (small diameter portion) 91b for supporting an injection pipe to be described later with the step as a boundary, and an atmosphere communication portion (large diameter portion) 9b.
1c. In addition, an atmosphere communication path (communication hole) 91d that communicates from the atmosphere communication portion 91c to the inside of the container 91 is formed on the inner wall of the supply port 91a.

The piston portion 92 has an injection needle-like ink injection pipe 9 whose diameter is sufficiently smaller than the inner diameter of the atmosphere communication portion 91c.
2a, a pressing portion 92b that slides inside the container 91 and divides the inside of the container 91 into an ink region and an air region to apply pressure to the ink, and a knob provided at an end protruding from the other end of the container 91. The portion 92c is integrally formed along the axial direction.

The ink injection pipe 92a does not have an opening at the distal end like a normal injection needle, but has an opening 92d formed on the peripheral surface near the distal end. The opening 92e has an ink supply path formed on the ink-side surface of the pressing portion 92b to communicate with the ink area.

This ink cartridge refill device 9
The method of using 0 is as follows.

When the knob 92c of the piston 92 is rotated (arrow M), the piston 92 moves up and down, whereby ink can be supplied and replenished. That is, pressure is applied to the ink 5 by moving it in the direction of the arrow H (upward). As a result, air can flow into the container (arrow J) and ink can flow out of the container (arrow K), and the ink 5 is discharged through the ink injection pipe 92a. The stop of the ink injection is performed by stopping the rotation of the knob 92c. Also, the ink cartridge refill device 90
When refilling the ink 5 in the direction of arrow I (downward)
To absorb ink.

<Embodiment 8> Although the configuration is substantially the same as that of the ink cartridge refilling apparatus of Embodiment 7, the up and down movement of the piston portion 92 'is controlled by rotating the knob portion 92'c. The difference is made by pushing up (arrow N) or pushing down (arrow O) the portion 92'c.

<Embodiment 9> In the ink cartridge refilling apparatus of Embodiments 1 to 8, at least a portion formed by a transparent member through which ink in the apparatus can be seen is provided. Thereby, it is possible to confirm the remaining amount of ink and the amount of ink to be injected.

Therefore, according to the configuration of the above embodiment, (1) the ink permeates into the sponge at a uniform density, it is difficult for air to accumulate, and the ink amount can be replenished substantially in proportion to the sponge volume.

(2) Since the refill is performed while constantly moving to the portion of the sponge having a high absorption capacity, the ink refill time is shortened.

(3) Since the position of the center of diffusion of ink moves, there is no sharp increase in ink density at the center of diffusion, and there is no overflow or ejection of ink.

(4) Even if a part of the sponge is clogged in the injection port at the time of needle sticking, the sponge comes off when the injection port is moved, so that there is no ink clogging.

[0075]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The method of refilling the ink in the ink cartridge is a method of refilling the ink in an ink cartridge provided with an ink absorber for holding the ink supplied to the recording head.
An ink container comprising an ink region and an air region, an ink supply unit communicating with the ink region and supplying ink to the ink absorber, and an air communication unit communicating with the air region. Ink cartridge
Prepared di refill device, by inserting said ink supply means into said ink absorbing body, in together when using the water-absorbing force of its own weight and the ink absorber of the ink supplying ink to said ink cartridge characterized by stopping the ink supply to the ink cartridge by the previous SL atmosphere communicating means it is closed by a portion of the replenishment ink. In addition, the first
One ink cartridge refill device is an ink cartridge refill device for replenishing ink to an ink cartridge, wherein the ink container includes an ink region and an air region; an ink supply unit communicating with the ink region; Atmosphere communicating means communicating with the region, wherein the container has a pressing member for applying pressure from the inside of the container to the outside of the opening of the atmosphere communicating means, and The replenishment of the ink is performed by discharging the ink from the ink supply means by its own weight, and the supply of the ink is stopped by the air communication means being blocked by a part of the replenished ink. Preferably, there is provided a valve means slidably supported by the container and capable of simultaneously opening and closing the ink supply means and the atmosphere communication means by the slide.

A second refilling device for an ink cartridge according to the present invention is a refilling device for an ink cartridge for replenishing ink to an ink cartridge, wherein an ink container comprising an ink region and an air region, and a slidable container. And an ink supply means having an ink supply path communicating with the ink area and an air communication path communicating with the air area. The ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path are simultaneously opened and closed by sliding of the ink supply means. It is characterized by being performed. Preferably,
A spring seat composed of a protruding piece extending in the radial direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface located in the container of the ink supply means, and a spring is provided coaxially on the panel seat. Therefore, the ink supply means slides with a back pressure that pierces the ink supply means into the ink absorber in the ink cartridge, and thereby the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path are simultaneously opened. Further, when the ink supply means is pulled out of the ink absorber in the ink cartridge, the ink supply means is pulled and slides again in a direction opposite to the above-mentioned sliding, whereby the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path are simultaneously closed.

A third ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention is an ink cartridge refill device for replenishing ink to an ink cartridge, comprising: an ink container having an ink area, an air area, and an ink supply port; An ink supply path communicating with the ink area, an air communication path communicating with the air area, a valve section for opening and closing the ink supply port, and a direction from the valve section to the ink supply port. A protruding protrusion, a spring seat provided on an outer peripheral surface located in the container and formed of a protruding piece extending in a radial direction, and ink supply means having a spring coaxially provided on the panel seat, Further, the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path are simultaneously closed by the protrusion of the ink supply means being pushed and the ink supply means sliding. And wherein the Rukoto. Therefore, the spring is compressed by the back pressure that pierces the ink supply means into the ink absorber in the ink cartridge, and the ink supply means slides, whereby the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path are simultaneously opened. Further, when the ink supply means is pulled out of the ink absorber in the ink cartridge, the ink supply means is slid again in the opposite direction to the above-mentioned slide by the force of the pulling force of the pulling force to return to the original state. The path and the atmosphere communication path are closed at the same time.

A fourth ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention is an ink cartridge refill device for replenishing ink to an ink cartridge, comprising: an ink container divided into an ink region and an air region; The ink supply means is connected to the ink area, the air communication path communicates with the air area, and the ink container is divided into the ink area and the air area. It has a piston portion for bisecting and a knob portion, and has a knob portion for moving the ink supply means up and down to simultaneously open and close the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path. Preferably, the ink supply means is screwed to the container, and the ink supply means moves up and down by rotating the knob. That is, the ink supply means is moved up and down by the knob to open and close the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path at the same time, thereby absorbing the ink in the ink absorber in the ink cartridge while moving the position of the tip of the ink supply means. It is possible.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an ink cartridge refill device capable of rapidly supplying ink to an ink cartridge mounted on a recording apparatus capable of achieving high-speed and high-quality recording. It is possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a first ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention and an ink cartridge to which the device is attached, showing a state at the time of ink injection.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a first ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention and an ink cartridge to which the device is attached, showing a state at the end of ink injection.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a modified example of the first ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention, showing a state at the end of ink injection.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of another modification of the first ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a second ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view when a second ink cartridge refilling device according to the present invention is attached to an ink cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view when a modified example of the second ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention is attached to an ink cartridge.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view when the third ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention is attached to the ink cartridge.

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view when a fourth ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention is attached to an ink cartridge.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view when a modified example of the fourth ink cartridge refill device according to the present invention is attached to an ink cartridge.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink jet recording head 2 Ink absorber (sponge) 3 Ink cartridge 4 Refill device for ink cartridge 5 Ink

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tsutomu Kawai 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-53-97838 (JP, A) (58) Survey Field (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/175

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A into the ink cartridge having an ink absorber for holding ink to be supplied to the recording head
An ink refilling method, communicating with an ink container made of an ink region and an air region, an ink supply means for supplying ink to said ink absorber with pre Symbol ink region communicating with, before Symbol air region ink cartridge comprising the air communicating means, for
Providing a refill device, the ink supplying means by inserting into the ink absorbing body, by utilizing the absorbency of its own weight and the ink absorber of the ink together when supplying ink to the ink cartridge, before A method for refilling ink in an ink cartridge , characterized in that the supply of ink to the ink cartridge is stopped by closing the atmosphere communication means with a part of the refilled ink . 2. An ink cartridge refill device for replenishing ink to an ink cartridge, comprising: an ink container having an ink area and an air area; an ink supply means communicating with the ink area; and a atmosphere communicating means, the container has a pressing member for applying pressure from the inside of the container to the opening outwardly of said atmosphere communicating means, replenishment of the ink to the ink cartridge A refill for the ink cartridge, wherein the ink is discharged from the ink supply means by its own weight, and the ink supply is stopped by the air communication means being blocked by a part of the replenished ink. apparatus. 3. The refilling device for an ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the valve is slidably supported by the container and can simultaneously open and close the ink supply means and the atmosphere communication means by the sliding. Refilling device for an ink cartridge, characterized by having means. 4. An ink cartridge refill device for refilling an ink cartridge with ink, comprising: an ink container having an ink region and an air region; slidably supported by the container, and communicating with the ink region. Ink supply means having an ink supply path and an air communication path communicating with the air area,
Further, the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path are simultaneously opened and closed by sliding of the ink supply means, and the refilling device for an ink cartridge is characterized in that the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path are simultaneously opened and closed. 5. The refilling device for an ink cartridge according to claim 4, wherein a spring seat comprising a projecting piece extending in a radial direction is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the ink supply means located in the container, and the spring seat is further provided. A refill device for an ink cartridge, wherein a spring is provided coaxially on the top. 6. An ink cartridge refill device for replenishing ink to an ink cartridge, comprising: an ink container having an ink region, an air region, and an ink supply port, slidably supported by the container, and An ink supply path communicating with an ink area, an atmosphere communication path communicating with the air area, a valve unit for opening and closing the ink supply port, a protrusion protruding from the valve unit toward the ink supply port, the container A spring seat provided on an outer peripheral surface positioned inside and having a projecting piece extending in a radial direction, and an ink supply unit having a spring coaxially provided on the panel seat. It is characterized in that the ink supply path and the air communication path are simultaneously closed by pressing the protrusion and sliding the ink supply means. Ink cartridge refilling device. 7. An ink cartridge refill device for replenishing ink to an ink cartridge, comprising: an ink container divided into an ink region and an air region; and an ink supply means supported vertically movable by the container. The ink supply means includes: an ink supply path communicating with the ink area; an air communication path communicating with the air area; a piston section that bisects the ink container into the ink area and the air area; And a part,
A refill device for an ink cartridge, comprising: a knob for moving the ink supply means up and down to simultaneously open and close the ink supply path and the atmosphere communication path. 8. The ink cartridge refilling device according to claim 7, wherein the ink supply means is screwed to the container, and the ink supply means moves up and down by rotating the knob. Characteristic refilling device for ink cartridges. 9. The ink cartridge refill device according to claim 2 , wherein the ink cartridge is connected to an ink jet recording head mounted on an ink jet recording device, and supplies ink to the recording head. An ink cartridge refill device, which is an ink cartridge.