JP3627790B2 - Ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in recording apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus that has a plurality of ink jet recording heads that move in the width direction of a recording paper and prints a color image by discharging, for example, a plurality of colors of ink onto the recording paper based on print data. More particularly, the present invention relates to an ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in a recording apparatus having a cartridge holder in which an ink cartridge containing printing ink is loaded.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the development of personal computers, graphic processing can be executed relatively easily. Therefore, there is a demand for a recording apparatus that can output a hard copy of a color image displayed on a display with high quality.
[0003]
In order to meet such a demand, a recording apparatus equipped with an ink jet recording head is provided. This ink jet recording apparatus is used for many types of printing including color printing because noise during printing is relatively low and small dots can be formed with high density. Such a recording apparatus is configured to form dots by ejecting ink pressurized in a pressure generating chamber in an ink jet head as ink droplets from a nozzle facing the recording paper onto the recording paper.
[0004]
In recent years, in order to improve print quality during color printing, particularly color resolution, ink jet recording using at least six inks of normal magenta, light magenta, normal cyan, light cyan, yellow, and black. A device has been proposed.
[0005]
In the case of using such multi-color ink, an ink cartridge for at least six colors is required, so that the total weight of the carriage is increased in a recording apparatus in which an ink tank is mounted on the carriage. There is. Further, not only a high output motor is required for the carriage drive motor, but also a technical problem such as a large reaction of the carriage at the time of carriage return occurs.
[0006]
Therefore, for example, in this type of recording apparatus used for business use, a system in which an ink cartridge is housed in a cartridge holder disposed in the recording apparatus main body and ink is supplied to the recording head via an ink supply tube is employed. ing. In this case, in order to accommodate the ink cartridges for six colors while maintaining the weight balance of the entire recording apparatus, the ink cartridges are arranged on both sides of the recording apparatus.
[0007]
In the ink cartridge used in the recording apparatus as described above, a box-shaped case constituting the outer shape of the cartridge and a flexible ink bag in which ink is sealed are accommodated in the case. The ink cartridges are configured to be loaded into cartridge holders disposed on both sides of the recording apparatus.
[0008]
FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the cartridge holder and the ink cartridge. First, the cartridge holder CH has a pair of frames 41 and 41 that are each formed in an L-shape and are arranged in parallel with each other in the vertical direction, and a cartridge erroneous insertion prevention surface at a position opposite to the inlet portion thereof. 41a and 41a are formed. Further, the upper frame 41 is integrally formed with a lock arm 41b formed with a U-shaped lock portion via a reduced neck portion.
[0009]
A tongue piece 42b formed on the shutter 42, one of which is pivotally supported by a rotating shaft (shown by a chain line 42a), is engaged with a U-shaped lock portion of the lock arm 41b so as to be held closed. It is configured. Further, when the ink cartridge IC to be described later is inserted in the direction of arrow D, the lock arm 41b is pushed up in the direction of arrow E by the function rib 51e formed in the cartridge IC and unlocked, and at the same time, the shutter 42 is pushed in by the cartridge IC. Thus, the shutter 42 is released against the urging force of a torsion spring (not shown) wound around the rotary shaft 42a.
[0010]
A leaf spring 43 is disposed so as to face the upper frame 41. When the cartridge IC is loaded, the leaf spring 43 engages with a function rib 51e disposed on the cartridge IC to form a click function. Has been.
[0011]
Further, an ink end detector 44 is disposed on a side plate (not shown) so that it can be detected that the ink stored in an ink cartridge IC, which will be described later, has become below a predetermined level.
[0012]
Further, on the end plate (not shown), a positioning shaft 45 and a guide shaft 46 are arranged so as to protrude into the holder, and a substantially cross-sectional shape is formed at a substantially middle point between the positioning shaft 45 and the guide shaft 46. The ink supply needle 47 is disposed so as to protrude into the holder.
[0013]
The ink cartridge IC is loaded from the arrow D direction into the cartridge holder CH configured as described above. As shown in the exploded view in FIG. 7, the ink cartridge IC is composed of a case main body 51 with one side opened and a lid body 52 covering the release portion of the case main body 51, and the whole is made into a box shape. ing.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of L-shaped projections 52 a are formed on the lid 52, and the L-shaped projections 52 a engage with a pair of holes 51 a formed in the case body 51, The pair of claws 52b formed on the body 52 engages with the pair of recesses 51b formed on the inner surface of the case body 51 so that the lid body 52 is detachably attached to the case body 51. It is configured.
[0015]
A bag 53 formed of a flexible material and encapsulated with ink is housed therein, and an ink outlet 54 formed in a part of the bag 53 includes: For example, a seal plate made of thin aluminum is stuck and fixed.
[0016]
An annular groove 55 having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the ink outlet 54 is formed on the side of the bag body 53 of the ink outlet 54, and the annular groove 55 is formed in the case body 51 in an arc shape. The cartridge is positioned with respect to the cartridge IC by being fitted into the engaging rib 51c.
[0017]
In addition, the bag body 53 is bonded and fixed to the case body 51 by an adhesive substance (not shown) on the lower surface of the bag body 53 in which the ink is sealed, that is, the surface of the bag body 53 on the case body 51 side. A flat detection plate 56 is bonded and fixed to the upper surface of the bag body 53 with a double-sided tape (not shown). A part of the detection plate 56 is integrally formed with a detection projection 57 that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection plate, and the tip of the projection 57 corresponds to the amount of ink in the bag body 56. Along with the lowering, it is configured to protrude while moving in the direction of the detection window 51d formed in the case main body 51.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of functional ribs 51e project from the upper and lower end portions of the ink cartridge IC configured as described above on the ink outlet 54 side, and function when loaded into the holder CH. The rib 51e acts to release the lock arm 41b and to contact the leaf spring 43 to perform a click function. Then, in a state where the cartridge IC is to be loaded into the holder CH, the positioning shaft 45 and the guide shaft 46 on the holder CH side are fitted into the positioning hole 51f and the guide hole 51g formed in the cartridge IC.
[0019]
At the same time, the ink supply needle 47 on the holder CH side passes through the seal plate attached to the ink outlet 54, so that the ink can be led out to the recording apparatus side.
[0020]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in order to load the ink cartridge into the cartridge holder as described above, as shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge IC is moved in the direction of arrow D toward the holder IC so that the ink outlet 54 of the cartridge IC is forward. It is necessary to forcibly push it in.
[0021]
In this case, in addition to the sealing plate as described above, a rubber plug or the like is also fitted into the ink outlet 54 of the cartridge IC. Therefore, a considerable pressing force for penetrating the rubber plug with the ink supply needle 47 is required. And
[0022]
In the ink cartridge shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an example in which one type of ink is stored is shown. For example, two types of inks of similar colors such as normal magenta and light magenta or normal cyan and light cyan are used. In order to load the ink cartridge stored in the cartridge, there is a technical problem that a considerable force is required at the time of loading the cartridge, for example, a pushing force of about 10 kg at maximum is required.
[0023]
Also, when removing the ink cartridge from the cartridge holder, it is necessary to grasp the rear end of the cartridge with the fingertip and forcibly pull it out. In this case, too, the tail end of the cartridge is grasped and pulled out. Requires considerable fingertip power. Therefore, for those who have a small gripping force or pushing force, considerable effort is required to attach and detach the cartridge, and improvement in operability is desired.
[0024]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge attachment / detachment device that can easily perform cartridge loading and unloading operations with respect to a cartridge holder.
[0025]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in a recording apparatus according to the present invention made to achieve the above object is an ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in a recording apparatus comprising a cartridge holder in which an ink cartridge is loaded, wherein the cartridge holder The ink cartridge is inserted from one direction, and the ink cartridge is attached / detached by pulling out the ink cartridge in the same direction, the cartridge attaching / detaching port, and one end of which is pivotable to the cartridge holder. And a cartridge attaching / detaching lever configured so that a free end side serves as a turning handle and an intermediate point between the support shaft portion and the handle portion engages with the cartridge when the cartridge is loaded. As the lever moves, A return mechanism pushes back the ink cartridge to the cartridge mounting port direction engages the ink cartridge is provided at the time withdrawal.
[0026]
In this case, in a preferred embodiment, the return mechanism for pushing the ink cartridge back toward the cartridge attachment / detachment opening is supported at one end at an intermediate point between the support shaft portion and the handle portion of the cartridge attachment / detachment lever, and the cartridge attachment / detachment lever. And a link lever attached to the tip of the link plate and engaged with the tip of the ink cartridge on the insertion side.
[0027]
An ink cartridge attaching / detaching device according to the present invention is an ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in a recording apparatus having a cartridge holder in which an ink cartridge is loaded. The ink cartridge is inserted into the cartridge holder from one direction. In addition, the cartridge attachment / detachment opening for attaching and detaching the ink cartridge by pulling out in the same direction, the cartridge attachment / detachment opening, one end of which is pivotally supported by the cartridge holder, and the free end side as a rotation handle It is preferable that a cartridge attaching / detaching lever and a locking mechanism for preventing the cartridge from moving toward the attaching / detaching port when the cartridge is loaded in the cartridge holder by rotating the cartridge attaching / detaching lever.
[0028]
Furthermore, an ink cartridge attaching / detaching device according to the present invention is an ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in a recording apparatus including a cartridge holder in which an ink cartridge is loaded, and the ink cartridge is inserted into the cartridge holder from one direction. In addition, the cartridge attachment / detachment opening for attaching and detaching the ink cartridge by pulling out in the same direction, the cartridge attachment / detachment opening, one end of which is pivotally supported by the cartridge holder, and the free end side as a rotation handle It is preferable that a cartridge attaching / detaching lever and a locking mechanism for maintaining the lever in the raised state in the state in which the cartridge attaching / detaching lever is flipped up are preferably provided. In this case, it is preferable that the locking mechanism is formed between a link plate that advances and retreats according to the rotation of the cartridge attaching / detaching lever and a link pressing plate that presses the link plate toward the cartridge holder.
[0029]
Further, it is preferable that a protrusion is formed on the link plate, and the protrusion is engaged with an end portion of the link pressing plate to constitute a locking mechanism, and the link plate further includes a forward / backward direction of the link plate. When the cartridge is loaded into the cartridge holder by rotating the cartridge attaching / detaching lever, the first protrusion engages with the end of the link pressing plate, and the cartridge attaching / detaching lever is It is preferable that the second protrusion is configured to engage with the end portion of the link pressing plate in the state of being flipped up.
[0030]
Furthermore, a protrusion may be formed on the link pressing plate, and the protrusion may be engaged with a part of the link plate to constitute a locking mechanism.
[0031]
Further, the link lever is loosely fitted so as to advance and retreat in a guide hole formed on the cartridge holder side, and is formed in a direction perpendicular to the guide hole when the cartridge attaching / detaching lever is flipped up. It is desirable to be configured to be fitted into the lock hole.
[0032]
Preferably, the cartridge attaching / detaching lever is formed in a U-shape, and the ends of both leg portions are respectively supported on the cartridge holder side, and when the cartridge is loaded, one of the U-shaped folding center portions is provided. The abutting part formed on the part is configured to abut on the tail end part of the ink cartridge.
[0033]
In addition, in a preferred embodiment, an ink supply needle that guides ink from the cartridge by insertion of the ink cartridge is disposed on the inner bottom portion of the cartridge holder in the cartridge holder, and the arrangement position of the ink supply needle; The arrangement position of the abutting portion formed on the cartridge attaching / detaching lever is arranged at a position opposed to each other in the insertion movement direction of the cartridge.
[0034]
According to the ink cartridge attaching / detaching device as described above, with the cartridge attaching / detaching lever flipped up, lightly insert the cartridge into the cartridge attaching / detaching port, and in this state, hold the handle of the attaching / detaching lever and rotate it. By doing so, the cartridge can be easily loaded into the holder. In this case, the cartridge is subjected to a pushing action at an intermediate point of a detachable lever whose one end is pivotally supported, and a strong forward force based on a so-called lever principle is given.
[0035]
When pulling out the cartridge from the holder, holding the handle portion of the detachable lever and turning it in the flip-up direction, the cartridge is pulled back by the link lever retracted through the link plate, and the cartridge is removed. It can be easily removed. In this case, one end of the link plate is supported at an intermediate point between the support shaft portion of the cartridge attaching / detaching lever and the handle portion, and the cartridge is similarly retracted by a strong pushing back force based on the so-called lever principle.
[0036]
Furthermore, when the cartridge is loaded into the cartridge holder by turning the cartridge mounting / removing lever, the cartridge in a state in which the cartridge is loaded into the cartridge holder is provided with a structure that prevents the cartridge from moving to the mounting / demounting port side. Thus, the connection between the cartridge and the ink supply needle can be reliably ensured. Further, the operability at the time of exchanging the cartridge can be improved by a configuration including a locking mechanism that maintains the raised state of the lever when the cartridge mounting / removing lever is raised.
[0037]
Furthermore, by arranging the arrangement position of the ink supply needle in the holder and the arrangement position of the contact portion to the cartridge formed in the cartridge attaching / detaching lever at positions facing each other in the insertion movement direction of the cartridge, the cartridge When the cartridge is inserted, the cartridge can be advanced from the front direction with respect to the ink supply needle, and the cartridge can be smoothly loaded.
[0038]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in a recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus 10 to which the present invention is applied. The carriage 11 is configured to be guided by a pair of guide members 12 and move in parallel with the platen 13. The carriage 11 is coupled to a part of a timing belt 17 that spans between a pair of pulleys 15 and 16 attached to the frame 14. One pulley 15 is rotationally driven by a motor 18, and the carriage 11 is repeatedly driven in the left-right direction by the reciprocating rotation of the motor 18.
[0039]
A first recording head 19 and a second recording head 20 are mounted side by side in the moving direction of the carriage 11 on the surface of the carriage 11 facing the recording paper (not shown), and a damper function is provided on the upper surface. The provided sub tank units 21 and 22 are placed.
[0040]
A cartridge holder CH, which will be described later, is disposed on both sides of the frame 14, and ink supply tubes 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e, and 23f are routed from the ink cartridge IC accommodated in each holder CH. Ink is supplied to the sub tank units 21 and 22 through the respective units. A capping device 24 that seals the nozzle plates of the recording heads 19 and 20 is provided in the non-printing area of the movement path of the recording heads 19 and 20.
[0041]
FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing an example of an ink cartridge containing two types of ink used in the ink jet recording apparatus 10 described above. The basic structure of the ink cartridge IC shown in FIG. 2 is the same as that of the ink cartridge including only the single color ink shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and therefore the corresponding parts are the same. The reference numerals or the same reference numerals with capital letters added to the same reference numerals are described, and the differences from the single color ink cartridges shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be mainly described below.
[0042]
The ink cartridge IC shown in FIG. 2 is configured such that an inner lid 58 is disposed in the case main body 51. A bag 53A filled with ink is stored in a space between the inner lid 58 and the case body 51, and a detection plate 56A is adhered and fixed to the upper surface of the bag 53A by a double-sided tape 59A.
[0043]
In addition, another bag body 53B filled with ink is accommodated in the space between the inner lid 58 and the lid body 52, and the detection plate 56B is adhered and fixed to the upper surface of the bag body 53B by a double-sided tape 59B. ing. The length of the projection 57B formed on the detection plate 56B is longer than the length of the projection 57A formed on the one detection plate 56A, and passes through the window hole 58a formed in the inner lid 58. Further, it is configured to face in the direction of the detection window 51d formed in the case main body side 51.
[0044]
Next, FIGS. 3 to 5 show the structure of the cartridge holder in which the ink cartridge IC is loaded. FIG. 3 is an exploded view thereof, and FIG. 4 is a state in which the ink cartridge IC is loaded in the cartridge holder. FIG. 5 shows a state where the cartridge attaching / detaching lever is flipped up.
[0045]
First, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of an upper plate 61 and a lower plate 62 formed of a synthetic resin are coupled to a metal frame 63 on one side. A metal coupling plate 64 is attached to the other side surfaces of the upper plate 61 and the lower plate 62, and an end plate 65 is attached to the frame 63 by screws 66a and 66b to form a box shape as a whole.
[0046]
The shaft portion 67a of the shutter 67 is engaged with the boss portions 61a and 62a disposed so as to face a part of the upper plate 61 and the lower plate 62, and the shutter 67 can be closed or released in the cartridge holder CH. A direction in which the shutter 67 is closed in the holder CH by the torsion spring 68 disposed while the arm portion is in contact with the upper plate 61 while being wound around the shaft portion 67a of the shutter 67. Is being energized.
[0047]
A metal support shaft 69 is fitted through the frame 63, the upper plate 61, and the coupling plate 64. As shown in FIG. 4B, a cartridge is attached to both ends of the support shaft 69. Both the leg portions 70a and 70b of the lever 70 are connected so that the lever 70 can be rotated at the cartridge attachment / detachment opening A.
[0048]
The lever 70 for attaching and detaching the cartridge is formed by bending a metal plate into a U-shape, and a handle 71 made of synthetic resin is attached so as to extend from the center to the free end side, and both legs 70a and 70b are It is in a curved state. As shown in FIG. 4B, a part of the handle 71 at the center of the U-shaped bending is integrally provided with a contact portion 71a that contacts the tail end portion of the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is loaded. Is formed.
[0049]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5, the link plate 72 is provided at the midpoint of the one leg portion 70 b of the lever 70 so as to be rotatable with respect to the lever 70. The end portions are coupled by a support shaft portion 72a. The link plate 72 is pressed by a link pressing plate 73 coupled so as to be inserted into a part of the frame 63, and the link plate 72 is moved back and forth along the outer surface of the frame 63 according to the turning operation of the lever 70. Guide to slide.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 5, a metal link lever 74 formed in an L shape is loosely fitted in the groove 72 b at the distal end of the link plate 72, and the distal end of the link lever 74 is It is located in the holder CH through the guide hole 63c formed in the frame 63, and performs the action of pushing back the cartridge when removing the cartridge as will be described later. The link plate 72 and the link lever 74 constitute a cartridge pushing back mechanism.
[0051]
Then, on the side surface of the link plate 72, engagement protrusions 72c and 72d are formed apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the one protrusion (first protrusion) 72 d is engaged with the end portion of the link pressing plate 73 to hold the detachable lever 70 in the lowered state when the detachable lever 70 is pulled down. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the other protrusion 72 c is engaged with the end portion of the link pressing plate 73 when the cartridge attaching / detaching lever 70 is flipped up to hold the jumping up state of the attaching / detaching lever 70.
[0052]
These engagement protrusions 72c and 72d are formed so as to get over the inner side surface of the link pressing plate 73 by the movement of the link plate 72 in the front-rear direction, and take the state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively. A click function is formed.
[0053]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when the cartridge attaching / detaching lever 70 is flipped up, the link lever 74 is fitted into a lock hole 63d formed in a direction orthogonal to the guide hole 63c. Even if the ink cartridge IC is forcibly inserted through the attachment / detachment opening A, the front end portion of the cartridge IC collides with the link lever 74 inside the holder and prevents the cartridge IC from entering the holder. .
[0054]
That is, in the state where the cartridge attaching / detaching lever 70 is flipped up, the link lever 74 is configured to be fitted into the lock hole 63d, so that the cartridge is forced through the link plate 72 by being forced into the holder of the cartridge. The attachment / detachment lever 70 can be prevented from rotating carelessly, and the problem of pinching a fingertip or the like due to the careless rotation of the cartridge attachment / detachment lever 70 can be avoided.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 5, a taper surface 72e is formed on the edge measurement of the tip of the link plate 72. When the link plate 72 advances, the taper surface 72e abuts against a protrusion 63e protruding from the frame 63, swings the distal end side of the link plate 72, and causes the link lever 74 to escape from the lock hole 63d. Thus, the guide hole 63c is guided.
[0056]
Thus, the cartridge can be reliably loaded into the holder only by operating the cartridge attaching / detaching lever.
[0057]
On the other hand, a rectangular notch 63a is formed in a part of the frame 63, and an ink end detection lever 75 is attached to the notch 63a so as to be rotatable. The ink end detection lever 75 has a flat plate shape with a shaft portion 75a formed at one end, and the shaft portion 75a is integrated with a pair of upstanding portions 63b formed on the frame 63 and a lower plate 62 (not shown). It is pivotally supported between a pair of rising portions formed on the upper part and is rotatable.
[0058]
An ink end detector 76 is attached to the lower plate 62, and a lever 76a of the ink end detector 76 is configured to be operated by a protrusion 75b formed on the free end side of the ink end detection lever 75. Has been. The ink end detector 76 is provided with a leaf switch type electrical contact that is turned on or off by the operation of the lever 76a, and a control circuit (not shown) on the main body side of the printing apparatus via a connection terminal 77. Is configured to transmit an electrical output.
[0059]
The upper plate 61 is integrally formed with a lock arm 61b formed with a U-shaped lock portion through a reduced neck portion. Thus, the tongue 67b formed on the shutter 67 is configured to be engaged with the U-shaped lock portion of the lock arm 61b and held in a closed state, and can be opened simply by pressing the shutter 67. It has no structure. The upper plate 61 is integrally formed with a click protrusion 61c urged by a bar spring 78 toward the inner surface of the holder CH.
[0060]
Further, a positioning shaft 79 and a guide shaft 80 are disposed on the end plate 65 so as to protrude into the holder, and a pair of hollow cross sections is formed at a substantially middle point between the positioning shaft 79 and the guide shaft 80. The ink supply needles 81a and 81b are arranged so as to protrude into the holder.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 4, the arrangement positions of the ink supply needles 81a and 81b and the arrangement position of the abutting portion 71a formed on the cartridge attaching / detaching lever 70 are opposite to each other in the cartridge insertion movement direction. Has been placed. That is, the protruding and extending directions of the respective ink supply needles 81 a and 81 b are configured to substantially coincide with the contact portion 71 a formed on the lever 70.
[0062]
In the above configuration, in order to load the ink cartridge IC into the cartridge holder CH, the cartridge attaching / detaching lever 70 provided in the holder CH is in a state of being flipped up. As described above, when the lever 70 is flipped up, the second protrusion 72d formed on the side surface of the link plate 72 is engaged with the end portion of the link pressing plate 73 as shown in FIG. Holds the state of jumping up.
[0063]
In this state, the cartridge IC is inserted into the attachment / detachment opening A so that the ink outlets 54A and 54B of the ink cartridge IC face the holder side. As a result, the lock arm 61b is pushed up and released by the function rib 51e formed in the cartridge IC, and at the same time, the shutter 67 is pushed in by the cartridge IC, and the urging force of the torsion spring 68 disposed around the rotating shaft 67a. The shutter 67 is released against this.
[0064]
Then, by still inserting the cartridge IC into the holder side, the tip of the cartridge IC abuts against a metal link lever 74 formed in an L shape.
[0065]
In this state, by rotating the cartridge attaching / detaching lever 70 to the holder side, the contact portion 71a formed on the attaching / detaching lever 70 contacts the tail end portion of the cartridge IC. The contact portion 71a acts to push the cartridge IC into the holder side according to the so-called lever principle, and the cartridge IC can be easily pushed into the holder side by the rotation of the lever 70.
[0066]
At this time, the arrangement position of the ink supply needles 81a and 81b in the holder and the arrangement position of the contact portion 71a to the cartridge formed in the detachable lever 70 are arranged at positions facing each other in the cartridge insertion movement direction. Therefore, when the cartridge is inserted, the cartridge can be advanced from the front direction with respect to the ink supply needle, and the cartridge loading operation can be smoothly performed.
[0067]
On the other hand, when the cartridge IC is about to move forward in the holder, the link lever 74 escapes from the lock hole 63d and moves forward along the guide hole 63c by the above-described action, thus preventing the cartridge IC from entering. There is no.
[0068]
In the loaded state of the cartridge IC, the protrusion 61c arranged on the upper plate 61 engages with the functional rib 51e formed on the cartridge IC, and the cartridge IC is loaded with respect to the holder CH.
[0069]
In the process of being loaded, the positioning shaft 79 and the guide shaft 80 disposed in the holder CH are fitted into the positioning hole 51f and the guide hole 51g formed in the cartridge IC, respectively. At the same time, the pair of ink supply needles 81a and 81b on the holder CH side passes through the seal plates attached to the respective ink outlets 54A and 54B, so that the ink can be led out to the recording apparatus side. .
[0070]
Thus, when the cartridge IC is loaded in the holder CH, the first protrusion 72d formed on the side surface of the link plate 72 is engaged with the end of the link pressing plate 73 as shown in FIG. The pulled-down state of the detachable lever 70 is maintained. Thereby, the return action of the cartridge IC can be prevented, and the connection state between the cartridge and the ink supply needles 81a and 81b can be ensured.
[0071]
When ink in the ink cartridge IC is gradually consumed in such a loaded state, the projections 57A and 57B of the detection plates 56A and 56B loaded in the cartridge IC are located on the detection window 51d side provided in the cartridge IC. It protrudes gradually.
[0072]
When the ink capacity in the cartridge IC becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the protrusions 57A and 57B are joined to the ink end detection lever 75, and the detection lever 75 is rotated. As a result, the ink end detector 76 is activated, and it is possible to display the ink end state by, for example, lighting a display lamp provided on, for example, a display panel on the recording apparatus side.
[0073]
In order to replace the ink cartridge IC in the ink end state, the link plate 72 engaged with the lever 70 is rotated by turning the cartridge attaching / detaching lever 70 in the cartridge holder CH in the direction of jumping up. Retreats forward, and the metal link lever 74 formed in an L shape attached to the tip of the link plate 72 is pulled back. Therefore, the ink cartridge IC is pushed out from the holder CH by the link lever 74.
[0074]
The ink cartridge IC can be easily detached from the holder CH by grasping the end of the ink cartridge IC with a hand and pulling it out toward the front with the cartridge attaching / detaching lever 70 flipped up.
[0075]
When the ink cartridge IC is removed from the holder CH in this way, the shutter 67 disposed in the holder CH closes the holder CH by the action of the torsion spring 68, and the lock arm 61b provided on the upper plate 61 is formed on the shutter 67. The closed state of the holder CH by the shutter 67 is maintained by engaging with the tongue piece 67b.
[0076]
At the same time, since the projection 72c formed on the link plate 72 is locked to the side portion of the link pressing plate 73, the flip-up state of the detachable lever 70 is maintained, and the link lever 74 is fitted into the lock hole 63d.
[0077]
In the above-described embodiment, the projections 72c and 72d are formed on the link plate 72 and the locking mechanism is formed between the link holding plate 73. For example, the projection is provided on the link holding plate 73 side. The same effect can be obtained even if a recess for engaging the protrusion is provided on the side portion of the link plate 72.
[0078]
In the above description, the cartridge holder in which the cartridge in which the ink of two colors is enclosed is loaded is described as an example. For example, the cartridge in which the cartridge in which one specific color ink is encapsulated as shown in FIG. Of course, the present invention can also be adopted in the holder. The present invention can also be used for a monochrome printer that uses only black ink in addition to a recording apparatus that prints a color image.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As apparent from the above description, in the ink cartridge attaching / detaching device according to the present invention, the cartridge attaching / detaching lever is pivotally supported at the cartridge attaching / detaching portion, and the intermediate point between the supporting shaft portion and the handle portion is the center. Since the cartridge is configured to be engaged with the cartridge, the cartridge is subjected to a pushing action at an intermediate point of the detachable lever, and a strong forward force based on a so-called lever principle is given. Therefore, the cartridge can be loaded into the holder by a relatively light turning operation of the detachable lever.
[0080]
In addition, a return mechanism consisting of a link plate and a link lever, for example, that moves forward and backward in response to the rotation of the cartridge attachment / detachment lever and engages the ink cartridge and pushes the ink cartridge back toward the cartridge attachment / removal opening. The cartridge can be discharged by a relatively light turning operation of the lever.
[0081]
Also, by providing a locking mechanism that maintains the cartridge loading state and the lever flip-up state with the cartridge mounting / removing lever, a stable loading state of the cartridge is ensured and the operation at the time of cartridge replacement is facilitated. be able to.
[0082]
In addition, when the cartridge attaching / detaching lever is flipped up, the link lever is fitted into a lock hole formed in a direction perpendicular to the guide hole, and the link lever is removed from the lock hole by operating the cartridge attaching / detaching lever. Thus, the cartridge attaching / detaching lever can be prevented from being inadvertently rotated via the link plate or the like by forcibly pushing the cartridge into the holder. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the cartridge attaching / detaching lever from rotating carelessly, and it is possible to avoid the problem that the fingertip or the like is pinched by the careless rotation of the cartridge attaching / detaching lever.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a top view showing a configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus on which an ink cartridge attaching / detaching apparatus according to the present invention is mounted.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a two-color type ink cartridge used in the recording apparatus illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a cartridge holder employing an ink cartridge attaching / detaching device according to the present invention.
4 is a configuration diagram showing a state where an ink cartridge is loaded in the cartridge holder shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a side view of a cartridge holder with a cartridge attaching / detaching lever flipped up;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional cartridge holder.
7 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of an ink cartridge loaded in the cartridge holder shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Recording device
11 Carriage
13 Platen
17 Timing belt
18 Motor
19 First recording head
20 Second recording head
24 Capping device
51 Case body
52 Lid
53A bag
53B bag
58 Inner lid
61 Upper plate
62 Lower plate
63 frames
63c Guide hole
63d Lock hole
63e protrusion
64 Bonding plate
65 End plate
67 Shutter
69 Spindle
70 Cartridge attachment / detachment lever
71 Handle
71a Contact part
72 Link plate
72a Support shaft
72c engagement protrusion
72d engagement protrusion
72e Tapered surface
73 Link holding plate
74 Link lever
75 Ink end detection lever
76 Ink End Detector
81a Ink supply needle
81b Ink supply needle
CH cartridge holder
IC ink cartridge
A Cartridge insertion / removal port

Claims (11)

An ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in a recording apparatus having a cartridge holder in which an ink cartridge is loaded, wherein the ink cartridge is inserted into the cartridge holder from one direction, and the ink cartridge is attached / detached by pulling out in the same direction. A cartridge attaching / detaching port formed in the cartridge attaching / detaching port, one end of which is pivotally supported by the cartridge holder, the free end side serving as a turning handle, and when the cartridge is loaded, a cartridge detachable lever constructed as the midpoint of the handle portion is engaged with the cartridge pushing the cartridge to the mounting direction, and reciprocating in response to rotation of the cartridge detachable lever, the ink cartridge during its retracted Engage the ink cartridge with the ; And a return mechanism push back to the ridge mounting port direction,
The return mechanism includes a link plate whose one end is supported at an intermediate point between the support shaft portion of the cartridge attaching / detaching lever and the handle portion, and advances and retreats according to the rotation of the cartridge attaching / detaching lever, and a tip of the link plate. A link lever that is attached and engages the insertion side tip of the ink cartridge;
The link lever is loosely fitted so as to advance and retreat in a guide hole formed on the cartridge holder side, and a lock hole formed in a direction orthogonal to the guide hole when the cartridge attaching / detaching lever is flipped up An ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in a recording apparatus, wherein the ink cartridge is inserted into the recording apparatus. A taper surface is formed on the edge measurement of the tip of the link plate, and the taper surface advances by the rotation of the cartridge attaching / detaching lever from the state where the cartridge attaching / detaching lever is flipped up. Thus, the front end side of the link plate is abutted against a protrusion projecting on the cartridge holder side, and the link lever is escaped from the lock hole and guided to the guide hole. The ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in a recording apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The locking mechanism according to claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism that prevents movement of the cartridge toward the mounting / demounting port when the cartridge is loaded into a cartridge holder by rotation of the cartridge mounting / demounting lever . An ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in a recording apparatus. The ink cartridge attaching / detaching device according to claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism that maintains the lever in a raised state when the cartridge attaching / detaching lever is flipped up. 4. The locking mechanism is formed between a link plate that moves forward and backward in response to rotation of a cartridge attaching / detaching lever and a link pressing plate that presses the link plate toward the cartridge holder. An ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in the recording apparatus according to claim 4. 6. The ink cartridge according to claim 5, wherein a projection is formed on the link plate, and the projection is engaged with an end portion of the link pressing plate to constitute a locking mechanism. apparatus. The link plate is formed with two projections spaced apart in the forward / backward direction of the link plate. When the cartridge is loaded into the cartridge holder by the rotation of the cartridge attaching / detaching lever, the first projection is the end of the link pressing plate. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second protrusion is configured to engage with an end portion of the link presser plate in a state where the cartridge is engaged and the cartridge attaching / detaching lever is flipped up. Ink cartridge attachment / detachment device. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are formed to engage with an end portion of the link pressing plate in a state of overcoming the inner side surface of the link pressing plate by moving the link plate in the front-rear direction. The ink cartridge attaching / detaching device according to claim 7, wherein a click function is formed when the first protrusion and the second protrusion get over the inner surface of the link pressing plate. . 6. The ink cartridge according to claim 5, wherein a protrusion is formed on the link pressing plate, and a locking mechanism is configured by engaging the protrusion with a part of the link plate. apparatus. The cartridge attaching / detaching lever is formed in a U shape from the support shaft portion to the handle portion, and the tips of both leg portions are respectively supported on the cartridge holder side as the support shaft portion , and the cartridge is loaded. The abutting portion located at the midpoint between the support shaft portion and the handle portion formed at a part of the U-shaped bent central portion is configured to abut on the tail end portion of the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in a recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink cartridge attaching / detaching device is provided. An ink supply needle for drawing out ink from the cartridge by insertion of the ink cartridge is arranged at the inner bottom portion of the cartridge holder on the cartridge holder, and the arrangement position of the ink supply needle and a contact formed on the cartridge attaching / detaching lever are formed. 11. The ink cartridge attaching / detaching device in a recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the contact portion is disposed at a position facing each other in the direction of cartridge insertion movement.

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