JP3772959B2 - Connection unit for inkjet recording apparatus - Google Patents

Connection unit for inkjet recording apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
JP3772959B2
JP3772959B2 JP2000085989A JP2000085989A JP3772959B2 JP 3772959 B2 JP3772959 B2 JP 3772959B2 JP 2000085989 A JP2000085989 A JP 2000085989A JP 2000085989 A JP2000085989 A JP 2000085989A JP 3772959 B2 JP3772959 B2 JP 3772959B2
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Japan
Prior art keywords
ink
storage chamber
connection unit
ink storage
recording apparatus
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JP2000085989A
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Japanese (ja)
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JP2001270129A (en
Inventor
久 宮澤
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Seiko Epson Corp
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Seiko Epson Corp
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Priority to JP2000085989A priority Critical patent/JP3772959B2/en
Priority to CNB2003101023498A priority patent/CN1280103C/en
Priority to CNB011039302A priority patent/CN1184076C/en
Priority to KR10-2001-0007579A priority patent/KR100388332B1/en
Priority to ES01103531T priority patent/ES2283350T3/en
Priority to AT01103531T priority patent/ATE359180T1/en
Priority to EP09002741A priority patent/EP2060398A3/en
Priority to PT01103531T priority patent/PT1125747E/en
Priority to EP01103531A priority patent/EP1125747B1/en
Priority to EP07000409A priority patent/EP1767373A3/en
Priority to AT09014116T priority patent/ATE544597T1/en
Priority to DE60127740T priority patent/DE60127740T2/en
Priority to EP09014116A priority patent/EP2149453B1/en
Priority to US09/784,349 priority patent/US6585358B2/en
Publication of JP2001270129A publication Critical patent/JP2001270129A/en
Priority to HK01107656A priority patent/HK1036779A1/en
Priority to US10/372,252 priority patent/US7188936B2/en
Priority to US10/949,277 priority patent/US7182446B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP3772959B2 publication Critical patent/JP3772959B2/en
Priority to US11/621,824 priority patent/US8061824B2/en
Priority to US12/392,890 priority patent/US20090167827A1/en
Priority to US13/301,555 priority patent/US8585192B2/en
Priority to US13/944,657 priority patent/US8882253B2/en
Priority to US14/476,004 priority patent/US9199474B2/en
Priority to US14/940,706 priority patent/US9475296B2/en
Priority to US15/285,522 priority patent/US10093104B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、印刷信号に対応してインク滴を吐出する記録ヘッドと、インクカートリッジとを接続する接続ユニットの構造に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
インクジェット記録装置は、通常、記録用紙の紙幅方向に往復動するキャリッジに印刷信号に対応してインク滴を吐出するインクジェット記録ヘッドを搭載して、外部のインクタンクから記録ヘッドにインクを供給するように構成されている。このようなインクタンク等のインク貯蔵容器は、小型の記録装置にあってはキャリッジに着脱可能に搭載され、また大型の記録装置にあっては、函体に設置されてインク供給チューブを介して記録ヘッドに接続されている。
【０００３】
キャリッジに搭載されるインクタンクは、キャリッジの往復動によるインクの波立ち等による圧力変化を可及的に減少させるため、通常、スポンジ等の多孔質材を収容し、これにインクを含浸させて構成されている。
【０００４】
また、函体に設置された大容量のインク袋からインク供給チューブを介してインクの供給を受ける場合にも、キャリッジの往復動によるチューブの屈曲に起因するインク圧の変化を防止するため、キャリッジの運動によるインク圧の変化を防止するためのダンピング機能を備えたサブタンクを介して記録ヘッドにインクを供給するように構成されている。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
このため、前者にあっては多孔質材を収容する分だけ、インクタンクのサイズや、また重量が収容可能なインク量に比較して大きくなるという問題があり、また後者にあっては、揺動によるインクの圧力変化を防止する機構が必要となり構造が複雑化するという問題がある。
本発明は、このような問題に鑑みてなされたものであって、その目的とするところは、キャリッジの移動に関わりなく印刷に適した負圧状態を維持してインクカートリッジのインクを記録ヘッドに供給することができるインクカートリッジと記録ヘッドとを接続する接続ユニットを提供することである。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
このような課題を解決するために本発明においては、上下方向に延びるインク貯蔵室と、負圧発生部が形成され、前記インク貯蔵室の上部、及び下部にそれぞれ外部との接続を行う筒状体からなる大気連通用接続口と、インク流入用接続口が形成され、また最下部には記録ヘッドに連通するインク流出口が形成され、バネにより常時閉弁状態を維持し、かつインク供給手段が装着された場合に開弁する弁体が前記各接続口に装填されており、前記インク貯蔵室が前記インク供給手段の大気連通口を介して大気に連通されるように構成されている。
【０００７】
【作用】
インクカートリッジ等のインク供給手段が取り外されている状態では、インク貯蔵室が弁体により密封状態に維持され、インクの漏洩やインク溶媒の揮散が防止される。またインク供給手段が装着された状態では、弁体が開弁してインク貯蔵室が大気に連通されてインク流出口からインクを一定の負圧を維持しながら記録ヘッドに供給することが可能となる。
【０００８】
【発明の実施の形態】
そこで以下に本発明の詳細を図示した実施例に基づいて説明する。
図１乃至図３は、それぞれ本発明の接続ユニットの一実施例を示すものであって、この接続ユニット１は、一側に上下方向に延びるインク貯蔵室２が、また他側に後述する負圧発生部３が形成され、インク貯蔵室２の上部、及び下部にはそれぞれ外部との接続を行う筒状体からなる大気連通用接続口４と、インク流入用接続口５が形成され、また最下部には記録ヘッドに連通するインク流出口６が形成されている。
【０００９】
インク貯蔵室２の中央部には、この実施例では負圧発生部３を突出させて、毛細管力が発現できる程度の狭部２ａが形成されている。
【００１０】
各接続口４、５には、その周面に連通用の窓４ａ、５ａが形成されていて、内部に弁体１０、２０が軸方向に移動可能に収容されている。各弁体１０、２０は、閉弁状態では一端１１ａ、２１ａが接続口４、５から突出するスライド軸１１、２１の他端側に、接続口４、５と連通する開口１２、２２を封止する弾性体からなるパッキン１３、２３を嵌装され、バネ１４、２４により開口１２、２２にパッキン１３、２３を弾接させるように接続口４、５に挿入されている。
【００１１】
負圧発生部３は、図３に示したようにインク貯蔵室２と連通する断面円形の凹部からなる弁室３０に、膜弁３１、及び膜弁３１の外周を固定する固定具を兼ねた流路形成部材３２を収容し、インク貯蔵室２を含む領域を遮気性を備えた膜３３により封止して構成されている。弁室３０の中心には凸部３４が、また膜弁３１には凸部３４と対向する位置に貫通孔３５が形成されている。
【００１２】
図４（ａ）、（ｂ）は、それぞれ負圧発生部３に形成されたインク流路を表裏に分けて示す図であって、インク貯蔵室２からフィルタ３６に流入する流れ▲１▼、通孔３７から流路３８を経由して弁室３０の通孔３９に流入する流れ▲２▼、膜弁３１を通過する流れ▲３▼、弁室３０の通孔４０と通孔４１、４２とを結ぶ流路４３を経由する流れ▲４▼、及びインク流出口６に連通する通孔４４と通孔４２とを接続する流路４５を流れる流れ▲５▼によりに連通する。なお、図３における符号４６は、インク流出口６に嵌め込まれるパッキンを示す。
【００１３】
図５は、負圧発生部３の断面構造を示すものであって、膜弁３１は、周囲を厚肉部とするダイヤフラムとして形成されていて、バネ４７により貫通孔３５が凸部３４に弾接されている。このバネ４７は、その弾圧力が、記録ヘッドへのインクの圧力が負圧を維持し、かつ記録動作に追従してインクを供給できる程度に設定されている。
【００１４】
このような構成により、記録ヘッドでのインクの消費が進んでインク流出口６の負圧が大きくなると、膜弁３１の表裏の差圧が大きくなるため、インク貯蔵室２のインクの圧力を受けた膜弁３１がバネ４７の付勢力に抗して凸部３４から離れる。これにより膜弁３１の貫通孔３５が開放され、通孔３９と通孔４２が連通し、インク流出口６にインクが流れ込む。
記録ヘッドにインクが流れ込んで、インク流出口６の負圧が小さくなると、膜弁３１がバネ４７の付勢力により凸部３４に押し付けられて貫通孔３５が凸部３４により封止される。
以下、インク流出口６のインク圧力が一定の負圧となるように、膜弁３１は凸部３４との接離を繰返す。
【００１５】
このように構成された接続ユニットは、例えば図６に示したように本体にインク収容室５０が形成され、上部に大気連通口５１が、また下部にインク流出口５２が形成され、それぞれにバネ５３、５４により常時大気連通口５１、インク流出口５２に弾圧された弁体５５、５６を備えたたカートリッジ５７を、図７に示したように接続ユニット１に装着すると、図８に示したように接続ユニット１のスライド軸１１、２１がバネ１４、２４に抗して押圧されてそれぞれの開口１２、２２が開放され、同様にインクカートリッジ５７の弁体５５、５６も開放される（図９（ａ）、（ｂ））。
【００１６】
これにより、インクカートリッジ５７のインク室５０が弁体５５及び細溝５８を介して大気に開放されてインク室のインクが接続ユニット１のインク貯蔵室２に流れ込む。
そして前述したように印刷に伴って記録ヘッドによりインクが消費されると、インク流出口６のインクが一定の負圧となるように膜弁３２が開閉してインク貯蔵室２のインクを記録ヘッドに供給する。
【００１７】
このようにして当初規定のインク量が充填されていたインクカートリッジ５７（図１０（I））のインクの消費が進んで図１０（II）に示したように接続ユニット１のインク貯蔵室２に形成されているの狭部２ａまでインク液面が低下すると、インク貯蔵室２のインクの液面は狭部２ａの毛細管力により狭部２ａに維持される。
【００１８】
一方、記録ヘッドのインクの消費により発生した負圧に対応して膜弁３１が開弁すると、負圧がインクカートリッジに作用するから、インクカートリッジのインクが負圧発生部３を経由して記録ヘッドに流れこむ。
【００１９】
インク貯蔵室２のインクの液面をフィルタ３６、望ましくは通孔３７よりも上位のレベルＨに維持しながら、インクカートリッジ５７のインクを記録ヘッドに供給し（図１０（III））、交換が困難な接続ユニット内でインク切れを招くことなく、インクカートリッジのインクを全て記録ヘッドに排出する（図１０（IV））。
【００２０】
一方、カートリッジのインクが消費され尽くしたり、またインクの交換のためにインクカートリッジが接続ユニット１から取り外されると、接続ユニット１及びインクカートリッジ５７のスライド軸１１、２１や弁体５５、５６は、共に支持を失ってバネ１４、２４、５３、５４の付勢力により閉弁する。
【００２１】
これにより、接続ユニット１の大気連通用接続口４、及びインク流入用接続口５が遮断され、大気連通用接続口４からのインク溶媒の揮散や、またインク流入用接続口５からのインクの流出が防止される。
【００２２】
なお、上述の実施例においては、インク貯蔵室２の最低インクレベルＨを狭部の毛細管力で維持するようにしているが、図１１（I）乃至（IV）に示したように、断面円形を有する浮遊体６０をインク貯蔵室２の上部に挿入すると、狭部２ａの毛細管力に依存することなくインクを所定のレベルに保持することができる。
【００２３】
すなわち、図１１（I）に示したよう所定量のインクが存在する状態では浮遊体６０は狭部２ａよりも上方に位置するからインクの排出を阻害することはない。インクの液面が維持すべきレベルＨまで低下すると、浮遊体６０が狭部２ａで降下を阻止されて毛細管力を発現し、前述と同様にインクカートリッジ５７のインクの減少に関わりなくインク貯蔵室２のインクの液面をレベルＨに維持する（図１１（II）（III））。そして、この状態を維持してインクカートリッジ５７のインクを最後まで記録ヘッドに供給する（図１１（IV））。
【００２４】
なお、上述の実施例においては接続ユニット１にインクカートリッジ５７を直接装着する場合について説明したが、図１２に示したように接続ユニット１のインク貯蔵室２の液面を維持すべき高さに液面センサー６１を内蔵させ、液面センサー６１により制御される送液ポンプ６２を介してチューブ６３によりインク袋等のインク貯蔵体６４のインク流出口６５に接続するようにしても同様の作用を奏する。
【００２５】
この場合には、インク貯蔵室２の上部に大気連通用の開口６６を形成し、ここを撥水性と通気性を備えた膜６７により封止するのが望ましい。
【発明の効果】
以上、説明したように本発明においては、上下方向に延びるインク貯蔵室と、負圧発生部が形成され、インク貯蔵室の上部、及び下部にそれぞれ外部との接続を行う筒状体からなる大気連通用接続口と、インク流入用接続口が形成され、また最下部には記録ヘッドに連通するインク流出口が形成され、バネにより常時閉弁状態を維持し、かつインク供給手段が装着された場合に開弁する弁体が各接続口に装填されているので、インク供給手段が取り外されている状態では、インク貯蔵室が弁体により密封状態に維持して、インクの漏洩やインク溶媒の揮散を防止でき、またインク供給手段が装着された状態では、弁体が開弁してインク貯蔵室が大気に連通してインク流出口からインクを一定の負圧を維持しながら記録ヘッドに供給することが可能となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の接続ユニットの一実施例を示す斜視図である。
【図２】同上接続ユニットの一実施例を示す断面図である。
【図３】同上接続ユニットの一実施例を示す組立分解斜視図である。
【図４】図（ａ）、（ｂ）は、それぞれ同上接続ユニットの負圧発生部のインクの流れを示す図である。
【図５】同上負圧発生部の断面構造及びインクの流れを示す図である。
【図６】同上接続ユニットに適したインクカートリッジの一実施例を示す図である。
【図７】同上接続ユニットにインクカートリッジが装着された状態を示す図でる。
【図８】同上接続ユニットにインクカートリッジが装着された状態の断面構造を示す図である。
【図９】図（ａ）、（ｂ）は、それぞれ接続口の状態を拡大して示す断面図である。
【図１０】図（I）乃至図（IV）は、それぞれ同上接続ユニットとインクカートリッジのインクの消費の状態を示す図である。
【図１１】図（I）乃至図（IV）は、それぞれ同上接続ユニットの他の実施例をインクの消費の状態でを示す図である。
【図１２】本発明の接続ユニットの他の適用例を示す構成図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 接続ユニット
２ インク貯蔵室
２ａ 狭部
３ 負圧発生部
４ 大気連通用接続口
５ インク流入用接続口
６ インク流出口
１０、２０ 弁体
１１ スライド軸
１２、２２ 開口
１３、２３ パッキン
１４、２４、４７、５３、５４ バネ
３０ 弁室
３１ 膜弁
３２ 流路形成部材
３３ 膜
３４ 凸部
３５ 貫通孔
３６ フィルタ
５７ インクカートリッジ
６０ 浮遊体[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a structure of a connection unit that connects a recording head that discharges ink droplets in response to a print signal and an ink cartridge.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An ink jet recording apparatus usually includes an ink jet recording head that ejects ink droplets in response to a print signal on a carriage that reciprocates in the paper width direction of the recording paper, and supplies ink from an external ink tank to the recording head. It is configured. Such an ink storage container such as an ink tank is detachably mounted on a carriage in a small recording apparatus, and is installed in a box in a large recording apparatus via an ink supply tube. Connected to the recording head.
[0003]
The ink tank mounted on the carriage is usually constructed by containing a porous material such as sponge and impregnating it with ink in order to reduce the pressure change due to the ripple of ink caused by the reciprocating movement of the carriage as much as possible. Has been.
[0004]
In addition, when ink is supplied from a large-capacity ink bag installed in the box through the ink supply tube, the carriage is used to prevent ink pressure change due to bending of the tube due to reciprocation of the carriage. Ink is supplied to the recording head via a sub tank having a damping function for preventing a change in ink pressure due to the movement of the ink.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
For this reason, there is a problem that the size and weight of the ink tank are larger than the amount of ink that can be accommodated in the former, and the amount of ink that can be accommodated in the latter. There is a problem that a mechanism for preventing a change in ink pressure due to movement is required and the structure becomes complicated.
The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to maintain a negative pressure state suitable for printing regardless of movement of the carriage, and to make ink in the ink cartridge be applied to the recording head. To provide a connection unit for connecting an ink cartridge that can be supplied and a recording head.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, an ink storage chamber extending in the vertical direction and a negative pressure generating portion are formed, and a cylindrical shape that connects the outside to the upper and lower portions of the ink storage chamber, respectively. An air communication connection port composed of a body and an ink inflow connection port are formed, and an ink outflow port communicating with the recording head is formed at the bottom, and the valve is always closed by a spring, and the ink supply means A valve element that opens when the is attached is installed in each of the connection ports, and the ink storage chamber is configured to communicate with the atmosphere via the atmosphere communication port of the ink supply means.
[0007]
[Action]
In a state where the ink supply means such as the ink cartridge is removed, the ink storage chamber is maintained in a sealed state by the valve body, thereby preventing ink leakage and ink solvent volatilization. When the ink supply means is mounted, the valve body opens and the ink storage chamber communicates with the atmosphere, so that ink can be supplied from the ink outlet to the recording head while maintaining a constant negative pressure. Become.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, details of the present invention will be described below based on the illustrated embodiment.
FIGS. 1 to 3 show an embodiment of the connection unit of the present invention. This connection unit 1 has an ink storage chamber 2 extending in the vertical direction on one side and a negative electrode described later on the other side. A pressure generating unit 3 is formed, and an air communication connection port 4 and an ink inflow connection port 5 each formed of a cylindrical body for connection to the outside are formed in the upper and lower portions of the ink storage chamber 2, respectively. An ink outlet 6 communicating with the recording head is formed at the bottom.
[0009]
In this embodiment, a narrow portion 2a is formed at the center of the ink storage chamber 2 so that the negative pressure generating portion 3 protrudes and a capillary force can be expressed.
[0010]
Each of the connection ports 4 and 5 has communication windows 4a and 5a formed on the peripheral surface thereof, and the valve bodies 10 and 20 are accommodated therein so as to be movable in the axial direction. When the valve bodies 10 and 20 are in the closed state, the openings 12 and 22 communicating with the connection ports 4 and 5 are sealed on the other end side of the slide shafts 11 and 21 with one ends 11a and 21a protruding from the connection ports 4 and 5. The packings 13 and 23 made of elastic bodies to be stopped are fitted, and inserted into the connection ports 4 and 5 so that the packings 13 and 23 are brought into elastic contact with the openings 12 and 22 by the springs 14 and 24, respectively.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 3, the negative pressure generating unit 3 also serves as a valve chamber 30 formed of a circular recess having a circular cross section communicating with the ink storage chamber 2, and a fixing member that fixes the outer periphery of the membrane valve 31. The flow path forming member 32 is accommodated, and a region including the ink storage chamber 2 is sealed with a film 33 having airtightness. A convex portion 34 is formed in the center of the valve chamber 30, and a through hole 35 is formed in the membrane valve 31 at a position facing the convex portion 34.
[0012]
4 (a) and 4 (b) are diagrams showing the ink flow path formed in the negative pressure generating unit 3 separately on the front and back sides, and the flow (1) flowing into the filter 36 from the ink storage chamber 2; The flow (2) flowing from the through hole 37 into the through hole 39 of the valve chamber 30 via the flow path 38, the flow (3) passing through the membrane valve 31, the through hole 40 and the through holes 41, 42 of the valve chamber 30. And a flow {circle around (4)} that passes through the flow path 43 connecting to the ink outlet 6 and a flow {circle around (5)} that flows through the flow path 45 connecting the through hole 44 communicating with the ink outlet 6. In addition, the code | symbol 46 in FIG. 3 shows the packing inserted in the ink outflow port 6. FIG.
[0013]
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional structure of the negative pressure generating portion 3, and the membrane valve 31 is formed as a diaphragm having a thick portion around the periphery, and the through hole 35 is elastically projected to the convex portion 34 by a spring 47. It is touched. The spring 47 is set so that its elastic pressure can maintain the negative pressure of the ink to the recording head and supply ink following the recording operation.
[0014]
With such a configuration, when the ink consumption in the recording head progresses and the negative pressure at the ink outlet 6 increases, the pressure difference between the front and back of the membrane valve 31 increases, so that the ink pressure in the ink storage chamber 2 is received. The membrane valve 31 moves away from the convex portion 34 against the urging force of the spring 47. As a result, the through hole 35 of the membrane valve 31 is opened, the through hole 39 and the through hole 42 communicate with each other, and the ink flows into the ink outlet 6.
When ink flows into the recording head and the negative pressure at the ink outlet 6 decreases, the membrane valve 31 is pressed against the convex portion 34 by the biasing force of the spring 47 and the through hole 35 is sealed by the convex portion 34.
Thereafter, the membrane valve 31 repeats contact and separation with the convex portion 34 so that the ink pressure at the ink outlet 6 becomes a constant negative pressure.
[0015]
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the connection unit configured in this way has an ink storage chamber 50 formed in the main body, an air communication port 51 formed in the upper part, and an ink outlet port 52 formed in the lower part. When the cartridge 57 provided with the valve bodies 55 and 56, which are constantly pressed by the air communication port 51 and the ink outlet 52 by means of 53 and 54, is mounted on the connection unit 1 as shown in FIG. 7, it is shown in FIG. Thus, the slide shafts 11 and 21 of the connection unit 1 are pressed against the springs 14 and 24 to open the respective openings 12 and 22, and similarly, the valve bodies 55 and 56 of the ink cartridge 57 are also opened (see FIG. 9 (a), (b)).
[0016]
As a result, the ink chamber 50 of the ink cartridge 57 is opened to the atmosphere via the valve body 55 and the narrow groove 58, and the ink in the ink chamber flows into the ink storage chamber 2 of the connection unit 1.
As described above, when ink is consumed by the recording head during printing, the membrane valve 32 opens and closes so that the ink at the ink outlet 6 becomes a constant negative pressure, and the ink in the ink storage chamber 2 is discharged from the recording head. To supply.
[0017]
In this manner, the ink consumption of the ink cartridge 57 (FIG. 10 (I)) that was initially filled with the prescribed amount of ink has progressed, and as shown in FIG. 10 (II), the ink storage chamber 2 of the connection unit 1 is filled. When the ink liquid level is lowered to the formed narrow part 2a, the ink liquid level in the ink storage chamber 2 is maintained in the narrow part 2a by the capillary force of the narrow part 2a.
[0018]
On the other hand, when the membrane valve 31 is opened corresponding to the negative pressure generated by the consumption of the ink of the recording head, the negative pressure acts on the ink cartridge, so that the ink in the ink cartridge is recorded via the negative pressure generating unit 3. Pour into the head.
[0019]
While maintaining the liquid level of the ink in the ink storage chamber 2 at the level 36 higher than the filter 36, preferably the through hole 37, the ink in the ink cartridge 57 is supplied to the recording head (FIG. 10 (III)), and the ink can be replaced. All the ink in the ink cartridge is discharged to the recording head without causing the ink to run out in the difficult connection unit (FIG. 10 (IV)).
[0020]
On the other hand, when the ink in the cartridge is exhausted or the ink cartridge is removed from the connection unit 1 for ink replacement, the slide shafts 11 and 21 and the valve bodies 55 and 56 of the connection unit 1 and the ink cartridge 57 are Both lose support and close by the urging force of the springs 14, 24, 53, and 54.
[0021]
As a result, the atmosphere communication connection port 4 and the ink inflow connection port 5 of the connection unit 1 are shut off, and the volatilization of the ink solvent from the atmosphere communication connection port 4 and the ink from the ink inflow connection port 5 are performed. Outflow is prevented.
[0022]
In the above-described embodiment, the minimum ink level H of the ink storage chamber 2 is maintained by the capillary force of the narrow portion. However, as shown in FIGS. When the floating body 60 having the above is inserted into the upper portion of the ink storage chamber 2, the ink can be held at a predetermined level without depending on the capillary force of the narrow portion 2a.
[0023]
That is, as shown in FIG. 11 (I), in a state where a predetermined amount of ink is present, the floating body 60 is positioned above the narrow portion 2a, and thus does not hinder ink discharge. When the ink level is lowered to the level H to be maintained, the floating body 60 is prevented from descending at the narrow portion 2a and develops a capillary force, and the ink storage chamber regardless of the decrease of the ink in the ink cartridge 57 as described above. The liquid level of ink No. 2 is maintained at level H (FIGS. 11 (II) and (III)). Then, while maintaining this state, the ink in the ink cartridge 57 is supplied to the recording head to the end (FIG. 11 (IV)).
[0024]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the ink cartridge 57 is directly attached to the connection unit 1 has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the liquid level of the ink storage chamber 2 of the connection unit 1 should be maintained at a height that should be maintained. Even if the liquid level sensor 61 is built in and connected to the ink outlet 65 of the ink storage body 64 such as an ink bag through the liquid feed pump 62 controlled by the liquid level sensor 61, the same effect is obtained. Play.
[0025]
In this case, it is desirable to form an opening 66 for air communication in the upper part of the ink storage chamber 2 and seal it with a film 67 having water repellency and air permeability.
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, the ink storage chamber extending in the vertical direction and the negative pressure generating portion are formed, and the atmosphere is formed of a cylindrical body that is connected to the outside at the upper and lower portions of the ink storage chamber, respectively. A communication connection port and an ink inflow connection port are formed, and an ink outflow port communicating with the recording head is formed at the bottom, and the valve is always closed by a spring and the ink supply means is mounted. When the ink supply means is removed, the ink storage chamber is kept sealed by the valve body to prevent leakage of ink or ink solvent. Volatilization can be prevented, and when the ink supply means is installed, the valve body opens and the ink storage chamber communicates with the atmosphere to supply ink from the ink outlet to the recording head while maintaining a constant negative pressure. To do The ability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a connection unit of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the connection unit.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of the connection unit.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the flow of ink in the negative pressure generating portion of the connection unit of the same. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of the negative pressure generating portion and the ink flow.
FIG. 6 is a view showing an embodiment of an ink cartridge suitable for the connection unit.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where an ink cartridge is mounted on the connection unit.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure in a state where an ink cartridge is mounted on the connection unit.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views showing enlarged states of connection ports, respectively.
FIGS. 10 (I) to (IV) are diagrams showing ink consumption states of the connection unit and the ink cartridge, respectively.
FIGS. 11 (I) to (IV) are diagrams showing another embodiment of the connection unit of the same, in a state of ink consumption, respectively.
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing another application example of the connection unit of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Connection unit 2 Ink storage chamber 2a Narrow part 3 Negative pressure generation part 4 Atmospheric communication connection port 5 Ink inflow connection port 6 Ink outlet port 10, 20 Valve body 11 Slide shaft 12, 22 Opening 13, 23 Packing 14, 24 47, 53, 54 Spring 30 Valve chamber 31 Membrane valve 32 Flow path forming member 33 Membrane 34 Projection 35 Through hole 36 Filter 57 Ink cartridge 60 Floating body

Claims (5)

上下方向に延びるインク貯蔵室と、負圧発生部が形成され、前記インク貯蔵室の上部、及び下部にそれぞれ外部との接続を行う筒状体からなる大気連通用接続口と、インク流入用接続口が形成され、また最下部には記録ヘッドに連通するインク流出口が形成され、バネにより常時閉弁状態を維持し、かつインク供給手段が装着された場合に開弁する弁体が前記各接続口に装填されており、前記インク貯蔵室が前記インク供給手段の大気連通口を介して大気に連通されるインクジェット記録装置用接続ユニット。  An ink storage chamber extending in the vertical direction, a negative pressure generating portion is formed, and an air communication connection port made of a cylindrical body that connects to the outside at the upper and lower portions of the ink storage chamber, and an ink inflow connection An ink outlet is formed in the lowermost portion and communicates with the recording head. A valve element that maintains a normally closed state by a spring and opens when an ink supply means is mounted is provided in each of the above-described valve bodies. A connection unit for an ink jet recording apparatus, which is loaded in a connection port, and wherein the ink storage chamber is communicated with the atmosphere via the atmosphere communication port of the ink supply means. 前記インク貯蔵室に毛細管力によりインクを保持する狭部が形成されている請求項１に記載のインクジェット記録装置用接続ユニット。  2. The connection unit for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a narrow portion for holding ink by capillary force is formed in the ink storage chamber. 前記負圧発生部が、前記インク貯蔵室の最低のインクレベルを維持すべき領域に張り出している請求項２に記載のインクジェット記録装置用接続ユニット。  The connection unit for an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the negative pressure generating unit projects to a region where the lowest ink level of the ink storage chamber should be maintained. 前記インク貯蔵室の最低のインクレベルを維持すべき領域に浮遊体の降下を阻止できる狭部が形成され、前記狭部と前記浮遊体による毛細管力によりに前記インク貯蔵室の最低のインクレベルが維持される請求項１に記載のインクジェット記録装置用接続ユニット。  A narrow portion capable of preventing the floating body from being lowered is formed in a region where the minimum ink level of the ink storage chamber should be maintained, and the minimum ink level of the ink storage chamber is formed by capillary force generated by the narrow portion and the floating body. The connection unit for an inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, which is maintained. 前記負圧発生部が、インク貯蔵室と連通する断面円形の凹部からなる弁室に、膜弁を収容して、前記インク流出口のインクの圧力が規定よりも低下した場合に開弁する差圧弁として構成されている請求項１に記載のインクジェット記録装置用接続ユニット。  The difference in which the negative pressure generating part opens when the pressure of the ink at the ink outlet is lower than a specified value by accommodating the membrane valve in a valve chamber formed of a concave part having a circular cross section communicating with the ink storage chamber. The connection unit for an inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit is configured as a pressure valve.
JP2000085989A 2000-02-16 2000-03-27 Connection unit for inkjet recording apparatus Expired - Fee Related JP3772959B2 (en)

Priority Applications (24)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2000085989A JP3772959B2 (en) 2000-03-27 2000-03-27 Connection unit for inkjet recording apparatus
CNB011039302A CN1184076C (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-15 Ink box and connecting assembly for ink-jet printer and ink-jet printer
KR10-2001-0007579A KR100388332B1 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-15 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording device, connection unit and ink jet recording device
CNB2003101023498A CN1280103C (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-15 Cartriage and connecting assembly for ink-jet printer and ink-jet printer
AT01103531T ATE359180T1 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-16 INK CARTRIDGE AND CONNECTION UNIT FOR AN INKJET RECORDING DEVICE
EP09002741A EP2060398A3 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-16 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
PT01103531T PT1125747E (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-16 Ink cartridge and connection unit for an ink jet recording apparatus
EP01103531A EP1125747B1 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-16 Ink cartridge and connection unit for an ink jet recording apparatus
EP07000409A EP1767373A3 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-16 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
AT09014116T ATE544597T1 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-16 INK CARTRIDGE FOR INK JET RECORDING DEVICE, CONNECTION UNIT AND INK JET RECORDING APPARATUS
DE60127740T DE60127740T2 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-16 Ink cartridge and terminal unit for an ink jet recording apparatus
EP09014116A EP2149453B1 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-16 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
ES01103531T ES2283350T3 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-16 INK CARTRIDGE AND CONNECTION UNIT TO SUPPLY AN INK JET TO AN APPLIANCE.
US09/784,349 US6585358B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-02-16 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
HK01107656A HK1036779A1 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-11-02 Ink cartridge for an ink jet printer.
US10/372,252 US7188936B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2003-02-25 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
US10/949,277 US7182446B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2004-09-27 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
US11/621,824 US8061824B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2007-01-10 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
US12/392,890 US20090167827A1 (en) 2000-02-16 2009-02-25 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
US13/301,555 US8585192B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2011-11-21 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
US13/944,657 US8882253B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2013-07-17 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
US14/476,004 US9199474B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2014-09-03 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
US14/940,706 US9475296B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2015-11-13 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus
US15/285,522 US10093104B2 (en) 2000-02-16 2016-10-05 Ink cartridge for ink jet recording apparatus, connection unit and ink jet recording apparatus

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CN1280103C (en) 2000-02-16 2006-10-18 精工爱普生株式会社 Cartriage and connecting assembly for ink-jet printer and ink-jet printer
US6722762B2 (en) 2000-10-20 2004-04-20 Seiko Epson Corporation Ink-jet recording device and ink cartridge
JP2004314602A (en) * 2003-04-04 2004-11-11 Canon Inc Liquid receptacle and manufacturing method thereof
JP2006095817A (en) * 2004-09-29 2006-04-13 Seiko Epson Corp Structure of liquid supply needle of liquid jet device
JP4770768B2 (en) 2007-03-23 2011-09-14 ブラザー工業株式会社 Droplet ejection device and subtank for droplet ejection device
JP4702435B2 (en) * 2008-11-14 2011-06-15 ブラザー工業株式会社 Ink filling apparatus and ink filling jig
JP5487755B2 (en) * 2009-06-26 2014-05-07 株式会社リコー Liquid discharge head unit and image forming apparatus
JP6364726B2 (en) * 2013-09-17 2018-08-01 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Liquid container

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