JP3812337B2 - Printer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ink cartridge for an ink pack.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Ink packs are used as one of means for supplying ink to an ink jet recording apparatus or the like. This ink pack is an airtight bag made of a deformable synthetic resin film, and has an ink outlet at one end. Generally, it is a shape that can be manufactured by stacking two rectangular sheets and sealing the four circumferences, and when it is filled with ink, it expands to almost the maximum volume, It has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The ink pack rubs as the ink is taken out, and finally hangs up to a state where almost two sheets are overlapped.
[0003]
Further, the ink pack is used by being mounted on a printer in a state of being housed in an ink cartridge made of a rigid material. Therefore, the ink cartridge has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has an internal volume slightly larger than the maximum expansion volume of the ink pack.
[0004]
On the other hand, in the ink jet recording method, the use of pigment ink is expanding instead of dye ink. Even when pigment ink is used, ink packs are widely used. In particular, ink packs are used as ink supply means for large paper printers that require large amounts of ink.
[0005]
However, since the pigment ink is an aqueous dispersion, there is a problem of sedimentation of pigment particles. For example, when left in an ink pack state for a long time on a shelf in a warehouse or a store, the pigment particles gradually settle inside the ink pack, so that the concentration gradient of the pigment particles tends from the bottom to the top. Occurs, a pigment particle concentration is high and an excessively dark layer is formed at the bottom, and a pigment particle concentration is low and an excessively light layer is formed at the top. In this state, when the ink pack is stored inside the ink cartridge, mounted on the printer and printing is started, ink that does not have the proper pigment particle concentration is supplied from the ink pack, and the ink with a uniform pigment concentration is supplied. There is a risk that the purpose of stably supplying can not be achieved. Therefore, for the ink pack filled with the pigment ink, it is necessary to require the user to perform an operation of redispersing the ink by shaking the ink pack well before mounting the ink pack on the ink cartridge or printer.
[0006]
Even when the ink pack is shaken well and the ink inside is redispersed before it is installed in the ink cartridge or the printer, if the printer is installed in the printer for a long time, Sedimentation proceeds. Therefore, also in this case, there is a possibility that ink that does not have an appropriate pigment particle concentration is supplied from the ink pack and the purpose of stably supplying ink with a uniform pigment concentration cannot be achieved. However, after the ink pack is installed in the printer, the seal portion provided at the ink outlet of the ink pack is removed, and the sealed portion of the ink outlet is also broken by the ink suction needle provided in the printer. Therefore, requesting the user to remove the ink pack from the printer and shake the ink pack is not only complicated, but also requires consideration of ink leakage prevention means. It is wise to avoid it.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide means capable of preventing density unevenness due to sedimentation of pigment ink in an ink pack and stably supplying ink having a uniform pigment density.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The ink cartridge according to the present invention is an ink cartridge that can store an ink pack, a frame portion made of a rigid material having an ink outlet at one end, and a pressing force applied to at least a part of the wall surface from the outside inward. And a deformable portion made of a stretchable material that can be deformed and can be restored to the shape before the pressing force load by releasing the pressing force.
[0009]
The printer according to the present invention can be deformed by a pressing force loaded inward from the outside of the ink cartridge in an ink cartridge that can store an ink pack, and the shape before the pressing force load is released by releasing the pressing force. An ink cartridge having a deformable portion made of a stretchable material that can be restored to at least a part of the wall surface of the ink cartridge, a pressing force applying means that applies a pressing force by contacting the deforming portion of the ink cartridge, and the pressing force And an ink suction needle having ink suction sealing means capable of temporarily sealing ink suction from the ink pack when the application means is operated.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of an ink cartridge according to the present invention is shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge 20 of the present invention. The ink cartridge 20 of the present invention can be loaded with a conventionally known airtight ink pack 10 as shown in FIG. In general, the airtight ink pack 10 is hermetically sealed around the four circumferences by a seal portion 11 and has an ink outlet 12 at one end. When the inside of the airtight ink pack 10 is filled with the maximum amount of ink, the deformable side wall 13 swells and expands to the maximum volume, and has a substantially flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The airtight ink pack 10 has the deformable side wall 13 squeezed as ink is taken out from the ink outlet 12, and finally squeezes into a state where almost two sheets are superposed.
[0011]
Conventionally known ink cartridges are generally made of a rigid material, and are used by being mounted on a printer with an airtight ink pack stored therein. Therefore, the ink cartridge has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has an internal volume slightly larger than the maximum expansion volume of the ink pack.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 1, the ink cartridge 20 of the present invention also has a slightly larger internal volume than the maximum expansion volume of the airtight ink pack 10 and has a flat overall outer shape as in the case of the conventionally known ink cartridge. And has an ink outlet 21 at one end. Further, in the ink cartridge 20 of the present invention, the frame portion 23 protects the ink pack 10 as in a conventionally known ink cartridge, and is made of a rigid material that does not deform under normal use conditions. This is different from a conventionally known ink cartridge in that at least a part thereof has a deformed portion 22a.
[0013]
The ink outlet 12 of the ink pack 10 can be fitted into the ink outlet 21 provided at one end of the ink cartridge 20 of the present invention. Further, the ink cartridge 20 has a door portion (not shown) that can be opened and closed, and the ink pack 10 can be inserted and unloaded from the door portion.
[0014]
The deformable portion 22a can be deformed by a pressing force loaded inward from the outside of the ink cartridge 20, and can be restored to a shape before the pressing force load by releasing the pressing force (for example, Rubber). The wall surface on which the deformed portion is provided is not particularly limited, but preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, at least one of the wall surfaces having the larger surface area out of the wall surfaces standing upright in the vertical direction when mounted in the printer. It is provided on the surface (more preferably both surfaces). Further, it is preferably provided on the wall surface where the ink outlet is not provided. The reason is that the ink cartridge is generally mounted in the printer with the wall surface having the largest surface area standing upright in the vertical direction.
[0015]
When the ink cartridge 20 according to the present invention is attached to the printer for a long period of time, sedimentation of pigment particles proceeds in the airtight ink pack 10 accommodated therein. However, since the ink cartridge 20 of the present invention has the deformed portion 22a exposed on the wall surface, it can be pressed from the outside through the deformable portion 22a to squeeze the airtight ink pack 10. The pigment particles settled on the bottom of the airtight ink pack 10 can be efficiently diffused to make the dispersed state uniform.
[0016]
The pressing can be performed by a human finger pressure or a pressing force applying means provided in a printer or the like. 1 and 3 show an embodiment using the pressing force applying means 31a and 31b. The pressing force applying means 31a, 31b is, for example, a columnar shape that can rotate about the shafts 32a, 32b, and is directed from the outside to the inside of the deformed portions 22a, 22b provided on the wall surface of the ink cartridge 20 (see FIG. 1). Reciprocation is possible in the direction indicated by arrows A and B) or in the opposite direction. As shown in FIG. 3, when the deforming portions 22a and 22b are pressed by the pressing force applying means 31a and 31b, the airtight ink pack 10 can be pressed through the deforming portions 22a and 22b. As shown in FIG. 3, pressing is started from the bottom of the airtight ink pack 10, and if necessary, the shafts 32a and 32b are rotated (directions indicated by arrows P and Q in FIG. 3) to thereby apply the pressing force applying means 31a. , 31b is moved upward (in the directions indicated by arrows R and S in FIG. 3) to press the entire airtight ink pack 10 to diffuse the pigment particles. Since the ink cartridge 20 of the present invention is not airtight like the conventionally known ink cartridges, there is no need to provide a vent hole for pressing the deformed portion. Vent holes can also be provided.
[0017]
The timing for uniformizing the dispersion state of the pigment particles in the ink pack stored in the ink cartridge of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, it is performed before the ink cartridge is installed in the printer. Alternatively, it can be implemented after being mounted on the printer.
[0018]
When pressing before mounting on the printer, pressure can be applied by pressing with a fingertip, or pressure can be mechanically applied using an appropriate pressing tool or pressing device. When pressing after mounting on the printer, it is preferable to apply pressure mechanically using an appropriate pressing tool or pressing device. In this case, for example, by pressing means provided in the printer, or with a printer The operation of repeatedly applying and releasing the pressing can be performed by an independent pressing means.
[0019]
The printer of the present invention is a printer that carries out the recording method by mounting the ink cartridge (and the ink pack inside thereof) of the present invention, and is in contact with the deformed portion of the ink cartridge mounted on the printer. It has a pressing force applying means for applying pressure. Therefore, in the printer of the present invention, it is possible to equalize the pigment particle dispersion state in the ink pack by mechanically applying pressure by the pressing force applying means provided in the printer.
[0020]
The pressing force applying means includes, for example, an acupressure end portion that protrudes outside the printer, a transmission portion that transmits the pressing force applied from a human finger to the acupressure end portion to the deforming portion of the ink cartridge, and the deforming portion. A pressure-type pressing force applying means provided with an internal contact end for deforming the deforming portion inward by the pressing force; or contact with an appropriate pressing means provided in the printer body to receive the pressing force A pressing force receiving portion, a transmitting portion for transmitting the pressing force applied to the pressing force receiving portion to the deforming portion of the ink cartridge, and an interior that contacts the deforming portion and deforms the deforming portion inward by the pressing force. It can also be a mechanical pressing force applying means provided with a contact end portion. The latter mechanical pressing force applying means can be controlled so as to automatically apply the pressing force every time the printer cleaning operation is performed in association with a mechanism for controlling the cleaning operation of the printer.
[0021]
As described above, in the ink cartridge of the present invention, the time when the pigment particle dispersion state in the ink pack is made uniform can be before the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer, or after the ink cartridge is mounted on the printer. There can also be.
[0022]
In addition, the ink outlet provided in the ink pack in the ink cartridge normally includes an ink intake port that contacts the ink liquid inside the ink pack, an ink passage that transports ink to the ink outlet, an ink outlet, and an ink outlet. And a needle penetration membrane provided in the vicinity of the outlet. Before the ink cartridge is mounted at a predetermined position of the printer, the inside of the ink pack (inner side from the ink passage) is kept in a sealed state by a needle penetration film or the like. Therefore, even if pressure is applied from the outside to the ink pack of the present invention before the ink cartridge is installed in the printer, there is no fear of ink outflow or air inflow.
[0023]
However, when the ink cartridge is attached to a predetermined position of the printer, the ink penetrating film of the ink pack is broken by the ink suction needle provided at the tip of the ink suction port on the printer side, and the ink passage, the ink suction needle, Are concatenated. As a result, since the inside of the ink pack communicates from the ink suction needle to the printer head via the ink guide tube in the printer, if pressure is applied to the ink pack from the outside via the deformed portion of the ink cartridge, an appropriate amount is obtained. If there is no prevention means, for example, ink may flow out from the printer head, or air may flow into the ink pack and cause air bubbles in the ink pack.
[0024]
In order to prevent such ink outflow and / or air inflow, the printer of the present invention can temporarily seal the suction of the ink liquid from the inside of the ink pack when the pressing force applying means is operated. It is preferable to have an ink suction sealing means. As the ink suction sealing means, for example, an ink suction needle on the printer side is referred to as a sealable ink suction needle (hereinafter referred to as a sealable ink suction needle) as shown in FIGS. ).
[0025]
4 and 5 are schematic longitudinal sectional views of the distal end portion of the sealable ink suction needle 8. FIG. 4 shows a state at the time of non-sealing (that is, a state where ink can pass), and FIG. 5 shows a state at the time of sealing (that is, a state where ink cannot pass).
[0026]
The sealable ink suction needle 8 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 has an outer cylinder part 81 having a hollow part 85 through which ink can pass, and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylinder part 81, In addition, it includes an inner shaft portion 82 disposed inside the outer cylinder portion 81. The distal end portion 84 of the outer cylinder portion 81 has a conical shape, and a plurality of ink passage holes 83 are provided on the inclined surface. The inner shaft portion 82 can reciprocate in the length direction (the direction indicated by the arrow C in FIG. 4 or the direction indicated by the arrow D in FIG. 5) inside the outer cylindrical portion 81, and the tip thereof The portion is also conical, and the conical tip 86 is provided on the tip 84 of the outer cylinder 81 depending on whether it contacts the inside of the tip 84 of the outer cylinder 81 or is spaced from the inside. The ink passage hole 83 can be in a closed state or in an open state.
[0027]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, when the surface of the conical tip portion 86 of the inner shaft portion 82 and the inner surface of the conical tip portion 84 of the outer cylinder portion 81 are separated (arrows in FIG. 5). In the case where the ink passage hole 83 is moved in the direction indicated by D), the ink passage hole 83 is opened, so that the ink can pass through the ink passage hole 83. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the surface of the conical tip portion 86 of the inner shaft portion 82 is in contact with the inner surface of the tip portion 84 of the outer cylinder portion 81 (the direction indicated by the arrow C in FIG. 4). The ink passage hole 83 is closed, and therefore the ink cannot pass through the ink passage hole 83.
[0028]
When the sealable ink suction needle 8 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is provided on the printer side, the sealable ink suction needle 8 is sealed (that is, FIG. 5). In this state, even when the ink cartridge (i.e., ink pack) of the present invention is attached to a predetermined position of the printer, ink flows out from the printer head or air flows in reverse. The operation of homogenizing the pigment particle dispersion state in the ink pack of the present invention can be carried out without generating bubbles in the pack.
[0029]
The ink cartridge of the present invention is preferably applied to pigment ink, but can also be applied to dye ink.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent density unevenness due to pigment ink sedimentation in an ink pack, and it is possible to stably supply ink having a uniform pigment density.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ink pack inserted into the ink cartridge of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a tip portion of a sealable ink suction needle in a non-sealed state.
FIG. 5 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a tip portion of a sealable ink suction needle in a sealed state.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Airtight ink pack 11 ... Seal part 12 ... Ink take-out port 13 ... Deformable side wall part 20 ... Ink cartridge 21 ... Ink take-out port 22a, 22b ... Deformation part 23 ... Frame portions 31a, 31b ... Pressure applying means 32a, 32b ... Shaft 81 ... Outer cylinder portion 82 ... Inner shaft portion 83 ... Ink passage hole 84 ... Outer tube Tip portion 85 ... hollow portion 86 ... tip portion of the inner shaft portion

Claims (1)

The ink cartridge that can store the ink pack is made of a stretchable material that can be deformed by a pressing force loaded inward from the outside of the ink cartridge and can be restored to a shape before the pressing force is released by releasing the pressing force. An ink cartridge having a deforming portion on at least a part of the wall surface of the ink cartridge;
A pressing force applying means for applying a pressing force in contact with the deformed portion of the ink cartridge;
A printer comprising: an ink suction needle having ink suction sealing means capable of temporarily sealing ink suction from the ink pack when the pressing force applying means is operated.

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