JP4117432B2

JP4117432B2 - ink cartridge

Info

Publication number: JP4117432B2
Application number: JP16129699A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 聡品田; 隆廣中; 久宮澤; 健朗情野; 斉松本; 正弘金井; 康弘小倉
Original assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
Current assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
Priority date: 1998-06-09
Filing date: 1999-06-08
Publication date: 2008-07-16
Anticipated expiration: 2019-06-08
Also published as: JP2000062205A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、インクジェットプリンタにインクを供給しうるインクカートリッジの技術分野に属するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、インクジェットプリンタに用いられるインクカートリッジとしては、特開平８−１３２６３５号公報が知られている。この公報に記載のインクカートリッジの構成は、蓋体のインク注入用の孔を蛇行した溝を介して大気連通口に接続させ、これら溝はインク注入作業が終了した段階でインク注入用の孔及び大気連通口を覆うシールが貼着されたときにキャピラリチューブを形成するように形成され、このシールには大気連通口に至る途中に設けられた括れ部を介して一部が蓋体から突出する舌片が形成されている。
【０００３】
従って、このような構成により舌片を蓋体から引き剥すと、舌片だけを括れ部から容易に分離出来、大気連通口だけを露出させることが出来、その使用に際して蓋体の舌片を剥すと、舌片が括れ部を境にして本体から分離され、これによりインク注入口が溝を介して大気連通口に連通する。
【０００４】
使用状態においては各フォーム室は蛇行する長い溝を介して大気に連通することになるから通気性を確保しつつインクの蒸発を防止することが出来るものである。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
前記の従来例によってもインクの蒸発を防止し、印刷処理に利用しうるものであるが、尚改善が望ましい点が残されていた。
【０００６】
即ち、前記の従来例のものにあっては、シール部本体と剥離される舌片が一体的に形成されており、使用時にはシールを大巾に剥脱してしまう可能性があり、操作性の点で更なる改善が望まれる。また、シール４２の密着性の点でも更なる改善が望まれている。
【０００７】
この発明が解決しようとする第１の課題点は、インクの蒸発を効果的に防止しうるものを提供することである。
【０００８】
この発明が解決しようとする第２の課題点は、インク室の密封性が良好で、しかも大気開放が容易なものを提供することである。
【０００９】
この発明が解決しようとする第３の課題点は、封止部材を剥ぎ取られ難くしたものを提供することである。
【００１０】
この発明が解決しようとする第４の課題点は、封止部材を安全且つ効果的にインク容器に付設しうるものを提供することである。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
（１）開口部を備え、インクを収容するインク室と該インク室から記録ヘッドにインクを供給するインク供給口とを有する容器と、
前記容器の前記開口部を封止して前記インク室を覆う蓋と、
前記蓋に透設されて前記インク室を大気に連通させる通気孔と、
前記蓋の外面に形成され、前記通気孔に接続された大気連通溝と、
前記大気連通溝及び前記通気孔を覆って前記インク室と連通する大気連通路を形成する第１の封止部材と、
前記蓋の内面または内部に形成され、前記大気連通路と連通する大気連絡路と、
前記大気連絡路を大気に連通させる大気連通孔と、
前記大気連通孔を使用時まで封止する第２の封止部材と、を備えたインクカートリッジにおいて、
前記第１の封止部材と第２の封止部材が離間配置されていることを特徴とするインクカートリッジ。
【００１２】
（２）前記大気連絡路が、前記蓋の内面に形成された溝を第３の封止部材で覆うことによって形成されている（１）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００１３】
（３）前記第３の封止部材が接合される接合部の周辺に連続的なシール面が形成されている（２）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００１４】
（４）前記大気連絡路が、前記蓋の壁内に形成されたトンネルによって形成されている（１）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００１５】
（５）前記蓋を樹脂成形で作成し、前記トンネルをスライドピンにて成形してなる（４）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００１６】
（６）前記トンネルを成形するスライドピンを成形ゲートと反対方向にスライドさせて成形させてなる（５）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００１７】
（７）前記第１の封止部材の外形状と略同形状の細溝を、前記第１の封止部材の接合面に形成した（１乃至（６）のいずれかに記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００１８】
（８）前記大気連絡路は、一端が凹部に開放され、該凹部を介して前記連通路と連通すると共に、他端が前記大気連通孔と連通するよう形成されている（１）〜（７）のいずれかに記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００１９】
（９）前記大気連絡路は、前記凹部の側壁に前記一端が開放されている（８）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００２０】
（１０）開口部を備え、それぞれインクを収容する複数のインク室と各インク室から記録ヘッドにインクを供給する複数のインク供給口とを備えた容器と、
前記容器の前記開口部を封止して前記複数のインク室を覆う蓋と、
前記蓋に透設されて前記各インク室を大気に連通させる複数の通気孔と、
前記蓋の外面に、対応するインク室毎に形成されて前記各通気孔に接続される複数の大気連通溝と、
前記複数の大気連通溝及び前記複数の通気孔を覆って前記インク室と連通する複数の大気連通路を形成する第１の封止部材と、
前記蓋の内面または内部に形成され、それぞれ前記大気連通路の一と前記大気連通孔の一とを連通する複数の大気連絡路と、
前記蓋の外面に、対応する前記大気連通溝毎に形成された複数の大気連通孔と、
前記複数の大気連通孔を使用時まで封止する第２の封止部材と、を備えたインクカートリッジにおいて、
前記第１の封止部材と第２の封止部材が離間配置されていることを特徴とするインクカートリッジ。
【００２１】
（１１）前記複数の大気連通孔が近接して設けられた（１０）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００２２】
（１２）前記蓋の外面に前記大気連通孔より開口面積の大きい凹部で形成され、互いに近接配置された複数の大気開放部をさらに備え、
前記各大気連通孔は、前記複数の大気開放部内にそれぞれ開口するように接続されると共に、前記大気開放部を介して前記第２の封止部材で封止されていることを特徴とする（１０）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００２３】
（１３）それぞれ同一形状である前記大気開放部群を複数有する（１２）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００２４】
（１４）前記複数の大気連絡路は、前記蓋の内面に形成された溝を第３の封止部材で覆うことによって形成されている（１０）乃至（１３）のいずれかに記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００２５】
（１５）前記複数の大気連絡路は、前記蓋の内面に近接して形成した溝をインク室の数よりも少ない前記第３の封止部材で覆うことによって形成されている（１４）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００２６】
（１６）前記第３の封止部材が接合される接合部の周辺に連続的なシール面が形成されている（１４）または（１５）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００２７】
（１７）前記大気連絡路が、前記蓋の壁内に形成されたトンネルによって形成されている（１０）乃至（１３）のいずれかに記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００２８】
（１８）前記蓋を樹脂成形で作成し、前記トンネルをスライドピンにて成形してなる（１７）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００２９】
（１９）前記トンネルを成形するスライドピンを成形ゲートと反対方向にスライドさせて成形させてなる（１８）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００３０】
（２０）前記第１の封止部材の外形状と略同形状の細溝を、前記第１の封止部材の接合面に形成した（８）乃至（１７）のいずれかに記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００３１】
（２１）前記大気連絡路は、一端が凹部に開放され、該凹部を介して前記大気連通路と連通すると共に、他端が前記大気連通孔と連通するように形成されている（１０）〜（２０）のいずれかに記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００３２】
（２２）前記大気連通孔は、前記凹部の側壁に前記一端が開放されている（２１）に記載のインクカートリッジ。
【００３３】
以上の如き解決手段によれば、インクの蒸発を防止し、しかも円滑にインクの供給を果たしうるインクカートリッジを提供しうるものである。
【００３４】
【発明の実施の形態】
（実施の形態１）
１．手段
図１，２及び図４乃至７に示すように、この実施の形態におけるインクカートリッジ（カートリッジ）１０００のインク容器１００は、樹脂材料を成型加工手段等によって形成して容器部１０と蓋部２０とを一体的に連着して構成している。この容器部１０には複数の隔壁１１によって独立的に区画された複数のインク室１２を形成し、その内部に各種のインクを保持する多孔質体（フォーム）１３を装填している。また、容器部１０の底面には、インクジェットプリンタの記録ヘッド（図示略）と係合してインクを供給するインク供給口１４が形成されている。
【００３５】
蓋部２０には、各インク室１２を大気に連通させる通気孔２１を透設すると共に、この通気孔２１に接続された蛇道状の大気連通溝２２と大気連通孔２３を互いに隔離させて蓋部２０の上面に形成されている。この蓋部２０の裏面には図４及び図５に示すように、前記大気連通溝２２と大気連通孔２３とに接続された大気連絡溝２４を形成すると共に、その外周を取り囲むようにシール面２５を形成し、その外側にＬ字状をなす対状のリブ部２６をその周辺に接合面を通る軸に対して軸対称でない形状をその内面になすように隆設している。
【００３６】
蓋部２０の外面には通気孔２１を封止すると共に、大気連通溝２２を被覆させて大気連通路２７を形成するガスバリヤ性を有する第１膜部材（第 1 の封止部材）３１を剥離不能に貼設し、又、大気連通孔２３を封止するガスバリヤ性を有する第２膜部材（第２の封止部材）３２を第１膜部材３１に間隔をおいて隣接させて蓋部２０の上面に剥離可能に貼設することによって大気連通孔２３を大気開放可能としている。この大気連通路は、インクの蒸発を抑制することができる程度の長さの細管となるよう構成されている。
【００３７】
又、蓋部２０の内面に設けた大気連絡溝２４を被覆する図５に示すような段違い形状のガスバリヤ性を有する第３膜部材（第３の封止部材）３３を蓋部２０の裏面に設けたシール面２５に貼設することによって大気連絡路２８を形成するものである。
【００３８】
尚、図２に示す２９は蓋部２０の上面の外縁近傍に凹設された細溝であって、少なくとも第１膜部材３１の外形状に類似する形状としており、第１の膜部材３１を剥離し難い構造としている。
【００３９】
また、第１膜部材３１は大気連通溝２２を十分に覆うような形状とされている。
【００４０】
又、図２に示すように大気連通孔２３は、３個と２個の２組の集合群（イ）、（ロ）となるように形成し、それぞれその外周辺に同一又は類似形状の大気開放部２３ａを凹設している。第１、第２膜部材３１、３２は、各色のインクを収容する複数のインク室に連通する複数の大気連通路２７及び大気連通孔２３をそれぞれ共通に覆うように貼着されている。
【００４１】
更に、隣接する大気連通路２７と大気連絡路２８との接続部の距離を、隣接する大気連絡路２８間の距離よりも大きくなるように構成している。
【００４２】
更に、隣接する大気連通孔２３の距離を、隣接する大気連絡路２８の距離よりも大きくなるように構成している。
【００４３】
また図２に示すように、本実施例においては５個のインク室に対して大気連通孔２３が６個用意されており、使用されることがない大気連通孔２３'が１個インク室と連通されずに形成されている。このような場合、大気連通孔２３'を常に開放する開放部２３ｂを設けることにより、密閉空間を無くし、又脱気空間として活用することが出来る。なお、大気連通孔２３'は、他の大気連通孔２３と同様に大気連絡路まで形成されている。
【００４４】
２．使用法
このカートリッジ１０００をプリンタに装填して使用する際には、装填直前に第２膜部３２のみを蓋部２０上から剥離させて大気連通孔２３を開放してインク室１２と大気を連通させ、フォーム１３内のインクを記録ヘッドに供給させて印刷処理しうるものである。
【００４５】
３．特有の作用・効果
このカートリッジ１０００によれば、少なくとも次のような作用、効果が期待出来る。
【００４６】
(1) 使用時に別体として構成された第２膜部材３２のみを剥離すればよいので操作性が優れている。また、未使用時のインクカートリッジは、インク室が通気孔２１、大気連通路２７、大気連絡路２８を経て大気連通孔２３に接続し、大気連通孔２３は第２膜部材により封止されているので、カートリッジ１０００内のインクの蒸発は十分防止される。
【００４７】
(2) 又、第３膜部材３３は蓋部２０に形成された対象でないリブ部２６によって容易に位置決めされて正確に貼着出来るばかりでなく、第３膜部材３３の表裏判定を容易に正確になしうるものである。
【００４８】
(3) 更に、蓋部２０には第１膜部材３１の形状に沿った細溝２９が形成されているので、第１膜部材３１の端部から剥される確率を減らすことが出来る。
【００４９】
(4) 複数種（色）のインクに対応する複数のインク室を持つインクカートリッジ１０００において、各インク室に対応する大気連通路２７や大気連通孔２３を第１、第２膜部材３１、３２によって、それぞれ共通的に覆うことが出来、容易に製造することができる。
【００５０】
又、大気連通孔２３をまとめて配置することによって、第２膜部材３２の剥ぎ取らなければならない部分を集中させ、膜部材を剥離し易くすることが出来る。
【００５１】
(5) 大気連通孔２３をまとめて配置し、各インクで大気連通孔２３の形状が異なるが、面積としては同じにすることによって、大気連通孔２３の開放され易さを同じにすることが出来る。
【００５２】
(6) 蛇道状の複数の大気連絡路２８を単一の第３膜部材３３で覆うことにより、その枚数を低減出来る。
【００５３】
(7) 隣接する大気連通路２７と大気連絡路２８との接続部の距離を、隣接する大気連絡路２８間の距離よりも大きくすることによって、接続部分の形状自由度を上げ、又第３膜部材の溶着信頼性を高めることが出来る。
【００５４】
(8) 隣接する大気連絡路２８と大気連通孔２３との接続部の距離を、隣接する大気連絡路２８間の距離よりも大きくすることによって、接続部分の形状自由度を上げ、又第３膜部材の溶着信頼性を高めることが出来る。
【００５５】
（実施の形態２）
次に、図８及び図９を用いて本発明のインクカートリッジの蓋部の他の実施の形態について説明する。蓋部以外の構成は図１，６，７と同様であるため説明を省略する。
【００５６】
図８に示すように、本実施の形態においては、５つのインク室にそれぞれ対応する５つの通気孔２１Ｘ，２１Ｘ…と、一端が通気孔２１Ｘと接続し、他端が凹部５１，５１…と接続した大気連通溝２２Ｘ，２２Ｘ…と備えている。これらの通気孔２１Ｘ、大気連通溝２２Ｘ、凹部５１は、図示しない第１の膜部材により図１の実施例と同様に被覆される。
【００５７】
図９は、図８のＣ−Ｃ断面図であり、図中符号２８Ｘは大気連絡路で、一端が前記凹部５１に開放され、他端が大気連通孔２３Ｘとなるように蓋部２０Ｘ内にトンネル状に形成されている。
【００５８】
この大気連通路２８は、その製造の際に図示しない成型手段に配備させたスライドピンによって形成し、スライドピンを抜脱させてトンネル状の大気連絡路２８Ｘを形成するものであり、必要に応じてこのスライドピンを成型ゲートと反対方向にスライドさせるようにすれば十分に長尺のスライドを得ることが出来るものである。
【００５９】
この実施例では、略矩形状の凹部で形成された大気解放部２３ａＸの側壁に大気連通孔２３Ｘが形成されている。
【００６０】
（実施の形態３）
図１０は、大気連絡溝２４の周辺のシール面２５に第３膜部材３３を貼着する構成において、この周囲に連続的なシール面を上面に有するリブ部２６を形成したものである。この構成によれば、図１１に示すように第３膜部材３３貼着後にこの第３膜部材３３が蓋部２０と気密に接合されているかどうかを、このシール面にチェック治具４０を密着させ、矢印Ａ方向に空気を排出することによって容易に確認することが出来るものである。
【００６１】
（参考例）
図１２は、蓋部２０の大気連通溝２２を被膜させて大気連通路２７を形成する第１膜部材３１の全て覆うと共に、大気連通孔２３を封止する第２膜部材３２を貼設したものである。この構成によれば、残す膜部全体を覆う形状の剥離フィルムを貼ることによって、ユーザに剥離フィルムと残す膜部材とが全く別物であることを明確に示すことが出来るものである。
【００６２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したこの発明による特有の効果は次の如くである。
【００６３】
本発明のインクカートリッジにおいて、前記大気連通路を形成する封止部材と前記大気連通孔を使用時まで封鎖する封止部材とが別体であることにより、大気連通孔を封鎖する封止部材を大気連通路を形成する封止部材に対して影響を与えることなく容易に剥離させて、インク室内の大気開放ができる。
【００６４】
また、前記大気連通路と前記大気連通孔とを連通する連絡路が、インク室を形成する容器の内面に形成した溝を封止部材で覆うことによって形成されていることにより、大気連通路と大気連通孔とを連通する連絡路を容器表面以外に形成でき、前記封止部材を気密性を保ちつつ別体で構成することができる。また、封止部材同士を間隔を離して配置することが可能になり、剥離するべき封止部材を容易に判断することが可能になる。また、容器内面に容易に大気連通路と大気連通孔を接続する連絡路を形成することができる。
【００６５】
また、前記インク室を形成する容器の内面に形成した溝を封止部材で覆うことによって形成した連絡路の封止部材接合部の周辺に連続的なシール面を形成したことにより、封止部材の密着性の評価を容易にできる。
【００６６】
また、前記インク室を形成する容器の内面に形成した溝を封止部材で覆うことによって形成した連絡路の封止部材接合部の周辺に接合面を通る軸に対して軸対称でないリブが形成されたことにより、封止部材の表裏を非対称なリブで容易に判断することができ、封止部材の表裏の接合ミスを防止できる。
【００６７】
また、前記大気連通路と前記大気連通孔を連通する連絡路が、インク室を形成する容器の壁内に形成されたトンネルによって形成されていることにより、大気連通路と大気連通孔とを連通する連絡路を容器表面以外に形成でき、前記封止部材を気密性を保ちつつ別体で構成することができる。また、封止部材同士を間隔を離して配置することが可能になり、剥離するべき封止部材を容易に判断することが可能になる。また、容器に連絡路を形成できるので、封止部材が不要になり部品点数を低減することができる。
【００６８】
また、前記大気連通路を構成する封止部材の外形状と略同形状の細溝を、前記封止部材の接合面に形成したことにより、大気連通路を形成する封止部材の剥離を防止することができる。
【００６９】
また、前記大気連通孔を使用時まで封鎖する封止部材が、前記大気連通路を構成する封止部材全体を覆うよう形成されていることにより、剥離するべきフィルムと残すべきフィルムを容易に区別することができる。また、カートリッジ使用時までの気密性を高めることができる。
【００７０】
また、複数のインク室と、各インク室から記録ヘッドにインクを供給する各インク供給口と、前記各インク室を大気に連通する大気連通路及び大気連通孔と、大気連通孔を使用時まで封鎖する封止部材とを備えたインクカートリッジにおいて、前記大気連通路を形成する封止部材と前記大気連通孔を使用時まで封鎖する封止部材とが別体であり各インク室間ではそれぞれ共通であることにより、大気連通孔を封鎖する封止部材を大気連通路を形成する封止部材に対して影響を与えることなく全インク室に対応する大気連通孔を容易に開口させて、インク室内の大気開放ができる。また、個々に封止部材を設けた場合と比べ、封止部材の少量化ができる。
【００７１】
また、前記複数の大気連通孔を近接して設けること、前記大気連通孔が形成された大気開放部を近接して設けること、前記複数の大気開放部群を有し、それぞれ同一形状であることにより、大気連通孔を容易に開放することができる。
【００７２】
また、前記大気連通孔群中に、大気連通路及びインク室に連通しない大気連通孔を有し、この大気連通孔は大気連通孔群を封止部材で封鎖した場合にも開放されていることにより、このカートリッジを減圧包装した場合、この大気連通路及びインク室に連通しない大気連通孔からなる空間を、大気圧よりも低い圧力の空間とすることが可能になり、この空間によりカートリッジから発生した気体を吸収することが可能になる。
【００７３】
前記大気連通孔が形成された大気開放部の開放面積をそれぞれほぼ等しく形成していることにより、各大気開放部の開放のされ易さを同じにすることができる。
【００７４】
前記複数の大気連通路と前記複数の大気連通孔を連通する複数の連絡路が各インクのインク室を形成する容器の内面に形成した溝を覆う封止部材で覆うことによって形成されていることにより、容器内面に大気連通路と大気連通孔を接続する複数の連絡路を容易に形成することができる。
【００７５】
また、前記複数の大気連通路と前記複数の大気連通孔を連通する複数の連絡路がインク室を形成する容器の内面に近接して形成した溝を少なくともインク室の数よりも少ない封止部材で覆うことによって形成されていることにより、容器内面に大気連通路と大気連通孔を接続する複数の連絡路を容易にかつ封止部材の数を必要最小限で形成することができる。
【００７６】
また、隣接する前記複数の大気連通路と前記複数の連絡路との接続部の距離を、隣接する連絡路間の距離よりも大きく形成すること、または隣接する前記複数の大気連通孔と前記複数の連絡路との接続部の距離を、隣接する連絡路間の距離よりも大きく形成することにより、大気連通路または、大気連通孔の位置の自由度を上げると共に、封止部材による溶着領域を広げることができるので、気密性の信頼性の高い溶着ができる。
【００７７】
また、インクを収容するインク室及び該インク室のインクを外部に供給するインク供給口とを備えた容器と、該容器の開口部を封止するとともに、前記インク室と連通する通気孔と、該通気孔と連通しその一部が封止部材に封止された大気連通溝と、該大気連通溝と連通する大気連通孔とが形成された蓋部材とを備え、前記大気連通溝と大気連通孔は蓋部材のインク室側または蓋部材内部に形成された連絡路により連通していることにより、蓋部材表面に形成する封止部材を別体にすることが可能になる。また、一体の封止部材であっても、非剥離部と剥離部間に於ける密着度と剥離性を考慮する必要がないので、設計、製造の自由度が増し、より大気開放が容易且つ気密性が良好なシール構造を提供できる。
【００７８】
また、前記大気連通孔は、前記大気連通溝を封止する封止部材と異なる封止部材により使用時まで封止されていることにより、大気連通孔のみを選択的に開放することが可能になる。
【００７９】
また、前記大気連通孔を封止する封止部材と、前記大気連通溝を封止する封止部材は、間隔を空けて配置されていることにより、剥離するべき封止部材を容易に認識することが可能になる。
【００８０】
また、前記連絡路は、蓋部材のインク室側に形成された溝部を封止部材で覆うこと、または、蓋部材内部に形成されたトンネルによって形成されていることにより、大気連通路と大気連通孔を連通する連絡路を蓋部表面以外に容易に形成することができる。
また、前記大気連絡路は、蓋部材表面に形成された凹部に一端が開放され、また前記大気連絡路は、前記凹部の側壁に一端が開放されていることにより、逆流してきたインクを一時的に保持することができ、インク漏れ等に対して信頼性を高めることができる。
【００８１】
また、インクを収容する複数のインク室及び該インク室のインクを外部に供給する複数のインク供給口とを備えた容器と、該容器の開口部を封止するとともに、前記インク室と連通する通気孔と、該通気孔と連通しその一部が封止部材に封止された大気連通溝と、該大気連通孔溝と連通する大気連通孔とが複数のインク室に対応するよう形成された蓋部材とを備え、前記大気連通溝と大気連通孔は蓋部材のインク室側または蓋部材内部に形成された連通路により連通していることにより、蓋部材表面に形成する封止部材を別体にすることが可能になる。また、一体の封止部材であっても、非剥離部と剥離部間に於ける密着度と剥離性を考慮する必要がないので、設計、製造の自由度が増し、より大気開放が容易且つ気密性が良好なシール構造を提供できる。
【００８２】
また、前記複数のインク室に対応する複数の大気連通溝が、共通の封止部材により封止されていることにより、複数の大気連通溝を容易にかつ気密的に封止することができると共に、個々に封止部材を設けた場合と比べ、封止部材の少量化ができる。
【００８３】
また、前記複数の大気連通溝及び大気連通孔を複数まとめて選択したインク室上に配置していることにより、封止部材を容易に剥離して大気連通孔を大気開放することが可能になる。
【００８４】
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の実施の形態１のインクカートリッジの蓋部の平面図。
【図２】図１の蓋部材の平面図。
【図３】図１の蓋部材の斜視裏面図。
【図４】図２のＡ−Ａ断面図。
【図５】図２の要部の模式的一部裏面図。
【図６】この発明の実施の形態に共通するインクカートリッジの縦断面図。
【図７】図６のＢ−Ｂ断面図。
【図８】この発明の実施の形態２の蓋部材の斜視上面図。
【図９】図８のＣ−Ｃ断面図。
【図１０】この発明の実施の形態３の蓋部の斜視裏面図。
【図１１】大気連絡路部の部分断面図。
【図１２】この発明の参考例の斜視分解図。
【００８５】
【符号の説明】
１２インク室
１４インク供給口
２０（Ｘ）蓋部
２１（Ｘ）通気孔
２２（Ｘ）大気連通溝
２３（Ｘ）大気連通孔
２３ａ（Ｘ）大気開放部
２５シール面
２６リブ部
２７大気連通路
２８（Ｘ）大気連絡路
２９（Ｘ）細溝
３１〜３３膜部材（第１〜第３）
１０００インクカートリッジ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the technical field of an ink cartridge capable of supplying ink to an ink jet printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, JP-A-8-132635 is known as an ink cartridge used in an ink jet printer. The configuration of the ink cartridge described in this publication is such that the ink injection hole of the lid is connected to the air communication port through a meandering groove, and these grooves are connected to the ink injection hole and the ink injection hole when the ink injection operation is completed. It is formed so as to form a capillary tube when a seal covering the atmosphere communication port is attached, and a part of this seal protrudes from the lid through a constricted portion provided on the way to the atmosphere communication port A tongue piece is formed.
[0003]
Therefore, when the tongue piece is peeled off from the lid with such a configuration, only the tongue piece can be easily separated from the constricted portion, and only the air communication port can be exposed, and the tongue piece of the lid body is peeled off in use. Then, the tongue piece is separated from the main body with the constricted portion as a boundary, whereby the ink injection port communicates with the atmosphere communication port via the groove.
[0004]
In use, each foam chamber communicates with the atmosphere through a long meandering groove, so that it is possible to prevent ink evaporation while ensuring air permeability.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Although the conventional example described above can also be used for the printing process by preventing ink from evaporating, there still remains a point where improvement is desirable.
[0006]
That is, in the above-described conventional example, the tongue piece to be peeled off from the seal portion main body is integrally formed, and there is a possibility that the seal may be peeled off greatly during use, and the operability is improved. Further improvements are desired. Further improvement in the adhesiveness of the seal 42 is also desired.
[0007]
The first problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ink that can effectively prevent evaporation of ink.
[0008]
The second problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ink chamber having a good sealing property and easy to open to the atmosphere.
[0009]
A third problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sealing member that is hardly peeled off.
[0010]
A fourth problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sealing member that can be safely and effectively attached to an ink container.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) a container having an opening and having an ink chamber for containing ink and an ink supply port for supplying ink from the ink chamber to the recording head;
A lid that seals the ink chamber by sealing the opening of the container;
A vent hole formed through the lid for communicating the ink chamber with the atmosphere;
An atmospheric communication groove formed on the outer surface of the lid and connected to the vent ;
A first sealing member that covers the atmosphere communication groove and the air hole and forms an atmosphere communication path communicating with the ink chamber;
An atmosphere communication path formed on the inner surface or inside of the lid and communicating with the atmosphere communication path;
An air communication hole for communicating the air communication path with the atmosphere;
An ink cartridge comprising: a second sealing member that seals the atmosphere communication hole until use ;
An ink cartridge, wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member are spaced from each other.
[0012]
(2) The ink cartridge according to (1), wherein the air communication path is formed by covering a groove formed on the inner surface of the lid with a third sealing member.
[0013]
(3) The ink cartridge according to (2), wherein a continuous sealing surface is formed around a joint portion to which the third sealing member is joined.
[0014]
(4) The ink cartridge according to (1) , wherein the air communication path is formed by a tunnel formed in the wall of the lid.
[0015]
(5) The ink cartridge according to (4), wherein the lid is formed by resin molding and the tunnel is formed by a slide pin.
[0016]
(6) The ink cartridge according to (5), wherein the slide pin for forming the tunnel is formed by sliding in a direction opposite to the forming gate.
[0017]
(7) The ink cartridge according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein a narrow groove having substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the first sealing member is formed on the joint surface of the first sealing member.
[0018]
(8) The atmosphere communication path is formed so that one end is open to the recess , communicates with the communication path via the recess, and the other end communicates with the atmosphere communication hole. The ink cartridge according to any one of the above.
[0019]
(9) The ink cartridge according to (8), wherein the one end of the air communication path is open to a side wall of the recess.
[0020]
(10) A container including a plurality of ink chambers each having an opening and containing a plurality of ink chambers, and a plurality of ink supply ports for supplying ink from each ink chamber to the recording head;
A lid that seals the opening of the container and covers the plurality of ink chambers;
A plurality of ventilation holes that are pierced through the lid and communicate with the ink chambers to the atmosphere;
A plurality of atmospheric communication grooves formed on the outer surface of the lid for each corresponding ink chamber and connected to the air holes ;
A first sealing member that covers the plurality of atmosphere communication grooves and the plurality of air holes and forms a plurality of atmosphere communication paths communicating with the ink chamber ;
A plurality of atmosphere communication paths formed on the inner surface or inside of the lid, each communicating with one of the atmosphere communication passages and one of the atmosphere communication holes;
A plurality of atmospheric communication holes formed on the outer surface of the lid for each of the corresponding atmospheric communication grooves ;
An ink cartridge comprising: a second sealing member that seals the plurality of air communication holes until use;
An ink cartridge, wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member are spaced from each other.
[0021]
(11) The ink cartridge according to (10), wherein the plurality of air communication holes are provided close to each other.
[0022]
(12) The outer surface of the lid is further formed with a recess having an opening area larger than the atmosphere communication hole, and further includes a plurality of atmosphere opening portions arranged close to each other,
The respective atmosphere communication hole, respectively is connected so as to open to the plurality of air release portion, characterized in that it is sealed by the second sealing member through the open air section ( The ink cartridge according to 10).
[0023]
(13) The ink cartridge according to (12), wherein the air cartridge includes a plurality of the air opening portion groups each having the same shape.
[0024]
(14) the plurality of air communication path, ink according to any one of which is formed by covering the inner surface to the formed grooves before Symbol lid third sealing member (10) to (13) cartridge.
[0025]
(15) the plurality of air communication passage is formed by covering the front Symbol groove formed in proximity to the inner surface of the lid at the third sealing member less than the number of Lee ink chamber (14) the ink cartridge according to.
[0026]
(16) The ink cartridge according to (14) or (15), wherein a continuous sealing surface is formed around a joint portion to which the third sealing member is joined.
[0027]
(17) The ink cartridge according to any one of (10) to (13), wherein the air communication path is formed by a tunnel formed in the wall of the lid.
[0028]
(18) The ink cartridge according to (17), wherein the lid is formed by resin molding, and the tunnel is formed by a slide pin.
[0029]
(19) The ink cartridge according to (18), wherein the slide pin for forming the tunnel is formed by sliding in a direction opposite to the forming gate.
[0030]
(20) The ink cartridge according to any one of (8) to (17), wherein a narrow groove having substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the first sealing member is formed on a joint surface of the first sealing member. .
[0031]
(21) The atmosphere communication path is formed so that one end is open to the recess , communicates with the atmosphere communication path via the recess, and the other end communicates with the atmosphere communication hole. The ink cartridge according to any one of (20).
[0032]
(22) The ink cartridge according to (21), wherein the one end of the atmosphere communication hole is open on a side wall of the recess.
[0033]
According to the above solution, it is possible to provide an ink cartridge that can prevent ink from evaporating and can smoothly supply ink.
[0034]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(Embodiment 1)
1. Means As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS. 4 to 7, the ink container 100 of the ink cartridge (cartridge) 1000 in this embodiment is formed of a resin material by molding means or the like, and the container portion 10 and the lid portion 20. And are integrally connected. A plurality of ink chambers 12 that are independently partitioned by a plurality of partition walls 11 are formed in the container portion 10, and a porous body (foam) 13 that holds various inks is loaded therein. Further, an ink supply port 14 is formed on the bottom surface of the container portion 10 to engage with a recording head (not shown) of an ink jet printer and supply ink.
[0035]
The lid 20 is provided with a vent hole 21 that allows each ink chamber 12 to communicate with the atmosphere, and the serpentine-shaped atmosphere communication groove 22 and the atmosphere communication hole 23 connected to the vent hole 21 are separated from each other. It is formed on the upper surface of the lid part 20. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an air communication groove 24 connected to the air communication groove 22 and the air communication hole 23 is formed on the back surface of the lid portion 20, and a sealing surface is provided so as to surround the outer periphery thereof. 25, and a pair of rib portions 26 each having an L-shape are formed on the outer side thereof so as to form a shape which is not axially symmetric with respect to an axis passing through the joint surface on the inner surface thereof.
[0036]
The outer surface of the lid 20 is sealed with a vent hole 21, and the first film member ( first sealing member) 31 having gas barrier properties that covers the atmosphere communication groove 22 and forms the atmosphere communication passage 27 is peeled off. The lid portion 20 is provided with a second film member (second sealing member) 32 having a gas barrier property that is pasted in an impossible manner and seals the air communication hole 23 with an interval from the first film member 31. The air communication hole 23 can be opened to the atmosphere by being detachably attached to the upper surface. The atmosphere communication path is configured to be a thin tube having a length that can suppress ink evaporation.
[0037]
Further, a third film member (third sealing member) 33 having a gas barrier property having a stepped shape as shown in FIG. 5 covering the air communication groove 24 provided on the inner surface of the lid portion 20 is provided on the back surface of the lid portion 20. The air communication path 28 is formed by pasting on the provided seal surface 25.
[0038]
2 is a narrow groove formed in the vicinity of the outer edge of the upper surface of the lid portion 20, and has a shape at least similar to the outer shape of the first film member 31. The structure is difficult to peel off.
[0039]
The first film member 31 is shaped to sufficiently cover the atmosphere communication groove 22.
[0040]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the atmosphere communication holes 23 are formed so as to form two sets of three and two sets (A) and (B), and the atmospheres of the same or similar shape are formed on the outer periphery thereof. The opening 23a is recessed. The first and second film members 31 and 32 are attached so as to commonly cover the plurality of atmospheric communication passages 27 and the atmospheric communication holes 23 that communicate with the plurality of ink chambers that store the inks of the respective colors.
[0041]
Further, the distance between the connecting portions between the adjacent atmospheric communication paths 27 and the atmospheric communication paths 28 is configured to be larger than the distance between the adjacent atmospheric communication paths 28.
[0042]
Further, the distance between adjacent air communication holes 23 is configured to be larger than the distance between adjacent air communication paths 28.
[0043]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, six atmosphere communication holes 23 are prepared for five ink chambers, and one atmosphere communication hole 23 ′ that is not used is one ink chamber. It is formed without communication. In such a case, by providing the opening 23b that always opens the air communication hole 23 ', the sealed space can be eliminated and used as a deaeration space. The air communication hole 23 ′ is formed up to the air communication path in the same manner as the other air communication holes 23.
[0044]
2. Usage When the cartridge 1000 is loaded into a printer and used, just before the loading, only the second film portion 32 is peeled off from the lid portion 20 to open the atmosphere communication hole 23 to communicate the ink chamber 12 with the atmosphere. Then, the ink in the form 13 can be supplied to the recording head and printed.
[0045]
3. Specific actions and effects According to the cartridge 1000, at least the following actions and effects can be expected.
[0046]
(1) The operability is excellent because only the second film member 32 configured as a separate body is peeled off at the time of use. In the unused ink cartridge, the ink chamber is connected to the air communication hole 23 through the vent hole 21, the air communication path 27, and the air communication path 28, and the air communication hole 23 is sealed by the second film member. Therefore, evaporation of the ink in the cartridge 1000 is sufficiently prevented.
[0047]
(2) In addition, the third film member 33 is not only easily positioned and accurately attached by the rib portion 26 that is not the object formed on the lid portion 20, but can be easily and accurately determined for the front and back of the third film member 33. It can be done.
[0048]
(3) Furthermore, since the narrow groove 29 along the shape of the first film member 31 is formed in the lid part 20, the probability of peeling from the end of the first film member 31 can be reduced.
[0049]
(4) In the ink cartridge 1000 having a plurality of ink chambers corresponding to a plurality of types (colors) of ink, the atmosphere communication passage 27 and the atmosphere communication hole 23 corresponding to each ink chamber are provided in the first and second film members 31 and 32. Can be covered in common and can be easily manufactured.
[0050]
Further, by arranging the air communication holes 23 together, the portion of the second film member 32 that needs to be peeled can be concentrated and the film member can be easily peeled off.
[0051]
(5) Although the atmosphere communication holes 23 are arranged together and the shape of the atmosphere communication holes 23 is different for each ink, the ease of opening the atmosphere communication holes 23 can be made the same by making the areas the same. I can do it.
[0052]
(6) By covering the plurality of serpentine air communication paths 28 with the single third film member 33, the number of the air communication paths 28 can be reduced.
[0053]
(7) By increasing the distance of the connection portion between the adjacent atmosphere communication path 27 and the atmosphere communication path 28 to be larger than the distance between the adjacent atmosphere communication paths 28, the degree of freedom in the shape of the connection portion is increased. The welding reliability of the film member can be improved.
[0054]
(8) By increasing the distance of the connection portion between the adjacent atmosphere communication path 28 and the atmosphere communication hole 23 to be larger than the distance between the adjacent atmosphere communication paths 28, the degree of freedom in the shape of the connection portion is increased. The welding reliability of the film member can be improved.
[0055]
(Embodiment 2)
Next, another embodiment of the lid portion of the ink cartridge of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the configuration other than the lid is the same as that shown in FIGS.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, five vent holes 21X, 21X... Corresponding to the five ink chambers, one end is connected to the vent hole 21X, and the other end is a recess 51, 51. The connected atmospheric communication grooves 22X, 22X. These vent hole 21X, atmospheric communication groove 22X, and recess 51 are covered with a first film member (not shown) in the same manner as in the embodiment of FIG.
[0057]
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. 8. Reference numeral 28 </ b> X in FIG. It is formed in a tunnel shape.
[0058]
The atmosphere communication path 28 is formed by a slide pin provided in a molding means (not shown) during the production, and the slide pin is removed to form a tunnel-shaped atmosphere communication path 28X. If the lever is slid in the opposite direction to the molding gate, a sufficiently long slide can be obtained.
[0059]
In this embodiment, an air communication hole 23X is formed on the side wall of the air release portion 23aX formed by a substantially rectangular recess.
[0060]
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 10 shows a configuration in which the third film member 33 is adhered to the seal surface 25 around the atmosphere communication groove 24, and a rib portion 26 having a continuous seal surface on the upper surface is formed around this. According to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, after the third film member 33 is pasted, whether or not the third film member 33 is airtightly bonded to the lid portion 20 is closely attached to the seal surface. It can be easily confirmed by discharging air in the direction of arrow A.
[0061]
(Reference example)
In FIG. 12, the air communication groove 22 of the lid portion 20 is coated to cover the entire first film member 31 that forms the air communication path 27, and the second film member 32 that seals the air communication hole 23 is attached. Is. According to this configuration, it is possible to clearly show to the user that the release film and the remaining film member are completely different by pasting the release film having a shape covering the entire remaining film part.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
The specific effects of the present invention described above are as follows.
[0063]
In the ink cartridge of the present invention, a sealing member that seals the air communication hole is formed by separating the sealing member that forms the air communication path and the sealing member that seals the air communication hole until use. The ink chamber can be easily released without affecting the sealing member forming the atmosphere communication path, and the ink chamber can be opened to the atmosphere.
[0064]
In addition, the communication path that communicates the atmosphere communication path and the atmosphere communication hole is formed by covering a groove formed on the inner surface of the container forming the ink chamber with a sealing member. A communication path that communicates with the air communication hole can be formed on a portion other than the surface of the container, and the sealing member can be configured separately while maintaining airtightness. Moreover, it becomes possible to arrange | position a sealing member at intervals, and it becomes possible to determine easily the sealing member which should peel. In addition, a communication path that easily connects the atmosphere communication path and the atmosphere communication hole to the inner surface of the container can be formed.
[0065]
Further, the sealing member is formed by forming a continuous sealing surface around the sealing member joint portion of the communication path formed by covering the groove formed on the inner surface of the container forming the ink chamber with the sealing member. It is possible to easily evaluate the adhesion.
[0066]
In addition, a rib that is not axially symmetric with respect to the axis passing through the joint surface is formed around the sealing member joint portion of the communication path formed by covering the groove formed on the inner surface of the container forming the ink chamber with the sealing member. As a result, the front and back of the sealing member can be easily determined by asymmetric ribs, and a joining error between the front and back of the sealing member can be prevented.
[0067]
Further, the communication path that connects the atmosphere communication path and the atmosphere communication hole is formed by a tunnel formed in the wall of the container forming the ink chamber, so that the atmosphere communication path and the atmosphere communication hole communicate with each other. The connecting path to be formed can be formed on a portion other than the container surface, and the sealing member can be formed as a separate body while maintaining airtightness. Moreover, it becomes possible to arrange | position a sealing member at intervals, and it becomes possible to determine easily the sealing member which should peel. Further, since the communication path can be formed in the container, the sealing member is not necessary, and the number of parts can be reduced.
[0068]
In addition, a narrow groove having substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the sealing member constituting the atmosphere communication path is formed on the joint surface of the sealing member, thereby preventing the sealing member forming the atmosphere communication path from being peeled off. can do.
[0069]
Moreover, the sealing member that seals the atmosphere communication hole until use is formed so as to cover the entire sealing member constituting the atmosphere communication path, so that the film to be peeled and the film to be left can be easily distinguished. can do. Further, the airtightness until the cartridge is used can be improved.
[0070]
In addition, a plurality of ink chambers, ink supply ports for supplying ink from the ink chambers to the recording head, atmospheric communication passages and atmospheric communication holes that connect the ink chambers to the atmosphere, and the atmospheric communication holes until the time of use. In an ink cartridge provided with a sealing member for sealing, the sealing member for forming the atmosphere communication path and the sealing member for sealing the atmosphere communication hole until use are separate, and are common among the ink chambers. Therefore, the air communication holes corresponding to all the ink chambers can be easily opened without affecting the sealing member that seals the air communication holes with respect to the sealing member that forms the air communication path. Can be opened to the atmosphere. Further, the amount of the sealing member can be reduced as compared with the case where the sealing member is provided individually.
[0071]
In addition, the plurality of atmosphere communication holes are provided close to each other, the atmosphere release portions where the atmosphere communication holes are formed are provided close to each other, the plurality of atmosphere release portions are provided, and each has the same shape. Thus, the air communication hole can be easily opened.
[0072]
Further, the atmosphere communication hole group has an atmosphere communication hole that does not communicate with the atmosphere communication path and the ink chamber, and the atmosphere communication hole is opened even when the atmosphere communication hole group is sealed with a sealing member. Therefore, when this cartridge is packaged under reduced pressure, it is possible to make the space consisting of the atmosphere communication hole and the atmosphere communication hole not communicating with the ink chamber a space having a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure. The absorbed gas can be absorbed.
[0073]
By making the open areas of the atmospheric open portions in which the atmospheric communication holes are formed substantially equal, the ease of opening the open atmospheric portions can be made the same.
[0074]
A plurality of communication paths communicating the plurality of atmosphere communication paths and the plurality of atmosphere communication holes are formed by covering with a sealing member covering a groove formed on the inner surface of the container forming the ink chamber of each ink. Thus, a plurality of communication paths that connect the atmosphere communication path and the atmosphere communication hole can be easily formed on the inner surface of the container.
[0075]
Further, a sealing member in which the plurality of communication paths that communicate with the plurality of atmosphere communication passages and the plurality of atmosphere communication holes are formed close to the inner surface of the container that forms the ink chamber is smaller than at least the number of ink chambers. By forming the cover, the plurality of communication paths that connect the atmosphere communication path and the atmosphere communication hole to the inner surface of the container can be formed easily and with the minimum number of sealing members.
[0076]
In addition, the distance between the connection portions of the plurality of adjacent atmosphere communication paths and the plurality of communication paths is formed to be larger than the distance between the adjacent communication paths, or the plurality of adjacent atmosphere communication holes and the plurality of the communication paths. By forming the distance of the connecting portion with the communication path larger than the distance between adjacent communication paths, the degree of freedom of the position of the atmosphere communication path or the atmosphere communication hole is increased, and the welding region by the sealing member is formed. Since it can be spread, it is possible to perform welding with high airtightness and reliability.
[0077]
A container having an ink chamber for containing ink and an ink supply port for supplying the ink in the ink chamber to the outside; a vent hole for sealing the opening of the container and communicating with the ink chamber; An air communication groove that is communicated with the vent hole, a part of which is sealed with a sealing member, and a lid member that is formed with an air communication hole that communicates with the air communication groove, the air communication groove and the air The communication hole is communicated by a communication path formed on the ink chamber side of the lid member or inside the lid member, so that the sealing member formed on the surface of the lid member can be separated. In addition, even with an integral sealing member, it is not necessary to consider the degree of adhesion and peelability between the non-peeled portion and the peeled portion, so the degree of freedom in design and manufacturing is increased, and the atmosphere can be opened to the atmosphere more easily. A seal structure with good airtightness can be provided.
[0078]
In addition, since the atmosphere communication hole is sealed until use by a sealing member different from the sealing member that seals the atmosphere communication groove, only the atmosphere communication hole can be selectively opened. Become.
[0079]
Further, the sealing member that seals the atmosphere communication hole and the sealing member that seals the atmosphere communication groove are arranged at an interval, so that the sealing member to be peeled can be easily recognized. It becomes possible.
[0080]
Further, the communication path is formed by covering a groove formed on the ink chamber side of the lid member with a sealing member, or formed by a tunnel formed inside the lid member, so that the atmosphere communication path and the atmosphere communication are communicated. A communication path that communicates the holes can be easily formed on the surface other than the lid surface.
In addition, one end of the air communication path is opened in a recess formed on the surface of the lid member, and one end of the air communication path is opened in a side wall of the recess, so that the ink that has flowed back is temporarily stored. It is possible to increase the reliability against ink leakage and the like.
[0081]
In addition, a container having a plurality of ink chambers for containing ink and a plurality of ink supply ports for supplying ink in the ink chamber to the outside, and sealing the opening of the container and communicating with the ink chamber A vent hole, an air communication groove that communicates with the air hole and a part of which is sealed with a sealing member, and an air communication hole that communicates with the air communication hole groove are formed to correspond to a plurality of ink chambers. A cover member, and the atmosphere communication groove and the atmosphere communication hole communicate with each other by a communication path formed on the ink chamber side of the cover member or inside the cover member, thereby forming a sealing member formed on the surface of the cover member. It becomes possible to make it separate. In addition, even with an integral sealing member, it is not necessary to consider the degree of adhesion and peelability between the non-peeled portion and the peeled portion, so the degree of freedom in design and manufacturing is increased, and the atmosphere can be opened to the atmosphere more easily. A seal structure with good airtightness can be provided.
[0082]
In addition, since the plurality of atmosphere communication grooves corresponding to the plurality of ink chambers are sealed by a common sealing member, the plurality of atmosphere communication grooves can be easily and airtightly sealed. The amount of the sealing member can be reduced as compared with the case where the sealing member is provided individually.
[0083]
In addition, since the plurality of atmosphere communication grooves and atmosphere communication holes are arranged on the selected ink chamber, the sealing member can be easily peeled off to open the atmosphere communication holes to the atmosphere. .
[0084]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a lid portion of an ink cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the lid member of FIG.
3 is a perspective rear view of the lid member of FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
5 is a schematic partial back view of the main part of FIG. 2. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink cartridge common to the embodiments of the present invention.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a perspective top view of a lid member according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.
FIG. 10 is a perspective rear view of a lid portion according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of an air communication path portion.
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a reference example of the present invention.
[0085]
[Explanation of symbols]
12 Ink chamber 14 Ink supply port 20 (X) Lid portion 21 (X) Vent hole 22 (X) Atmospheric communication groove 23 (X) Atmospheric communication hole 23 a (X) Atmospheric release portion 25 Seal surface 26 Rib portion 27 Atmospheric communication passage 28 (X) Atmospheric communication path 29 (X) Narrow groove 31-33 Membrane member (first to third)
1000 Ink cartridge

Claims

A container having an opening and having an ink chamber for containing ink and an ink supply port for supplying ink from the ink chamber to the recording head;
A lid that seals the ink chamber by sealing the opening of the container;
A vent hole formed through the lid for communicating the ink chamber with the atmosphere;
An atmospheric communication groove formed on the outer surface of the lid and connected to the vent ;
A first sealing member that covers the atmosphere communication groove and the air hole and forms an atmosphere communication path communicating with the ink chamber;
An atmosphere communication path formed on the inner surface or inside of the lid and communicating with the atmosphere communication path;
An air communication hole for communicating the air communication path with the atmosphere;
An ink cartridge comprising: a second sealing member that seals the atmosphere communication hole until use ;
An ink cartridge, wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member are spaced from each other.

The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the air communication path is formed by covering a groove formed on an inner surface of the lid with a third sealing member.

The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein a continuous sealing surface is formed around a joint portion to which the third sealing member is joined.

The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the air communication path is formed by a tunnel formed in a wall of the lid.

The ink cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the lid is formed by resin molding and the tunnel is formed by a slide pin.

The ink cartridge according to claim 5, wherein a slide pin for forming the tunnel is formed by sliding in a direction opposite to the forming gate.

The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a narrow groove having substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the first sealing member is formed on a joint surface of the first sealing member.

8. The air communication path according to claim 1, wherein one end of the atmosphere communication path is open to a recess , communicates with the communication path via the recess, and the other end communicates with the atmosphere communication hole. The ink cartridge described.

The ink cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the one end of the air communication path is open to a side wall of the recess.

A container having a plurality of ink chambers each having an opening and each containing ink and a plurality of ink supply ports for supplying ink from each ink chamber to the recording head;
A lid that seals the opening of the container and covers the plurality of ink chambers;
A plurality of ventilation holes that are pierced through the lid and communicate with the ink chambers to the atmosphere;
A plurality of atmospheric communication grooves formed on the outer surface of the lid for each corresponding ink chamber and connected to the air holes ;
A first sealing member that covers the plurality of atmosphere communication grooves and the plurality of air holes and forms a plurality of atmosphere communication paths communicating with the ink chamber ;
A plurality of atmosphere communication paths formed on the inner surface or inside of the lid, each communicating with one of the atmosphere communication passages and one of the atmosphere communication holes ;
A plurality of atmospheric communication holes formed on the outer surface of the lid for each of the corresponding atmospheric communication grooves ;
An ink cartridge comprising: a second sealing member that seals the plurality of air communication holes until use;
An ink cartridge, wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member are spaced from each other.

The ink cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of air communication holes are provided close to each other.

The outer surface of the lid is further formed with a recess having an opening area larger than that of the atmosphere communication hole, and further includes a plurality of atmosphere opening portions arranged close to each other,
The respective atmosphere communication hole, claims and is connected so as to open each of the plurality of air release portion, characterized in that it is sealed by the second sealing member through the open air section Item 11. The ink cartridge according to Item 10.

The ink cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the ink cartridge has a plurality of the open air groups each having the same shape.

Wherein the plurality of air communication path, the ink cartridge according to previous SL groove formed on the inner surface of the lid in any of the third seal member according formed by covering with claim 10 or 13.

Wherein the plurality of air communication passage, wherein the pre-SL groove formed in proximity to the inner surface of the lid to claim 1 4, which is formed by covering with the third sealing member less than the number of Lee ink chamber Ink cartridge.

The ink cartridge according to claim 14, wherein a continuous sealing surface is formed around a joint portion to which the third sealing member is joined.

The ink cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the air communication path is formed by a tunnel formed in the wall of the lid.

The ink cartridge according to claim 17, wherein the lid is formed by resin molding, and the tunnel is formed by a slide pin.

The ink cartridge according to claim 18, wherein a slide pin for forming the tunnel is formed by sliding in a direction opposite to the forming gate.

The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 17, wherein a narrow groove having substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the first sealing member is formed on a joint surface of the first sealing member.

21. The air communication path according to claim 10, wherein one end of the atmosphere communication path is open to the recess , communicates with the atmosphere communication path via the recess, and the other end communicates with the atmosphere communication hole. An ink cartridge according to claim 1.

The ink cartridge according to claim 21, wherein the one end of the air communication path is open to a side wall of the recess.