JP4701503B2 - Cartridge holder, cartridge device, and printer including the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cartridge device for mounting a separate type ink cartridge in an ink jet printer, and more particularly to a technique for preventing mounting of a separate cartridge alone.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, in an ink jet printer, ink sucked from an ink pack is supplied to a print head, and ink droplets are ejected from a plurality of nozzles formed on the nozzle surface of the print head, whereby characters and characters are recorded on a recording sheet. An image is formed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in recent years, printers capable of multicolor printing are being developed. As one type, for example, two separate cartridges are combined and mounted in a cartridge holder, and each separate cartridge has a different color. There has been proposed a printer capable of performing two-color printing by loading an ink pack filled with ink.
[0004]
However, in such an integrated cartridge, if the printer operates even when only one side separate cartridge is mounted in the cartridge holder, the ink loaded in the other side separate cartridge There is a problem that the ink color of the pack is not printed.
[0005]
For this reason, in a printer using an integral cartridge, it is desirable that only a part of separate cartridges be mounted on the cartridge holder so that the operator is alerted.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve such a technical problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge device in which mounting with only a separate cartridge alone is impossible.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention, which has been made to achieve the above object, can be separated from and integrated with each other by a fitting type , and can accommodate a cartridge body composed of a first cartridge and a second cartridge individually having several kinds of ink. such a cartridge holder, a first position capable cartridge body and engaging said cartridge body movable adapter and a second position that the ink can communicate with a given ink path state of and the member to hold the adapter member to the first position, the locking member to release the holding state at the first position of the adapter member by the engagement of the second cartridge includes a locking member, the Only when the first cartridge and the second cartridge are inserted as an integrally coupled cartridge body, the holding state is released, and the adapter member is The cartridge holder is moved to a position .
[0008]
For the present invention, the first cartridge is accommodated also engaged with the adapter member, the adapter member and the second position is restrained from moving from the first position by the locking member of the cartridge body The first cartridge is not attached to the cartridge holder, and even if the second cartridge of the cartridge body is accommodated and the holding state of the lock member is released, the adapter member remains The second cartridge is not attached to the cartridge holder because it does not engage with the other cartridge and does not move to the second position.
[0009]
As a result, according to the present invention, it is possible to attach the cartridge holder only when a plurality of cartridges are integrally inserted as a cartridge body. Attention can be given to the proper insertion of the cartridge.
[0010]
Further, according to the present invention, since the prevention of the mounting of the cartridge alone can be achieved by the structure of only the mechanism system, the printer equipped with the cartridge holder according to the present invention is prevented from operating when the cartridge alone is mounted. Thus, the control system can be simplified.
[0011]
On the other hand, the present invention is separated from one another and be integrally coupled by inset, a cartridge body consisting of the first cartridge and the second cartridge having several ink individually, can accommodate a cartridge body cartridge An adapter member which is a holder and is movable between a first position that can be engaged with the cartridge body and a second position that enables each ink of the cartridge body to communicate with a predetermined ink path; holding the adapter member to the first position, have a the locking member to release the holding state at the first position of the adapter member by engagement with the second cartridge, the locking member, the first The holding state is released only when the first cartridge and the second cartridge are inserted as an integrally coupled cartridge body, and the adapter member is Serial moved to the second position, a cartridge device being characterized in that a cartridge holder.
[0012]
According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a cartridge device that can prevent the mounting of a single cartridge.
[0013]
In the present invention, the adapter member should be provided with a first engaging portion that can be engaged with the cartridge at a predetermined portion on the side where the first cartridge is to be accommodated, and should accommodate the second cartridge. It is also effective that a second engagement portion that can be engaged with the lock member is provided at a predetermined portion on the side.
[0014]
Further, in the present invention, the lock member can restrain the position of the operation portion that can be engaged only with a predetermined portion of the second cartridge and the predetermined portion of the adapter member on the side where the second cartridge should be accommodated. It is also effective that the lock portion is configured so that the lock portion releases the holding state of the adapter member in conjunction with the operation portion engaging with the second cartridge.
[0015]
Furthermore, in the present invention, the second cartridge includes a cam portion for operating the operating portion of the lock member so that the lock portion of the lock member moves from a position where the adapter is held to a position where the holding state is released. It is also effective to be provided.
[0016]
According to the present invention, the adapter member is moved to the second position with the insertion of the first cartridge, and the holding state at the first position is released with the insertion of the second cartridge. By doing so, the cartridge holder can be attached only to the cartridge body.
[0017]
On the other hand, the present invention is a printer comprising the cartridge device according to the above invention and a print head configured to be able to eject ink supplied from the cartridge device via a predetermined ink path. .
[0018]
According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a printer capable of multicolor printing without missing a specific color by preventing the mounting of a single cartridge.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of a printer provided with a cartridge device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer according to the present embodiment and an ink supply / discard path.
[0021]
2 to 7 are views showing the cartridge device of the present embodiment.
[0022]
Here, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the first cartridge and the cartridge holder and a positional relationship thereof, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the second cartridge and the cartridge holder and a positional relationship thereof. It is.
[0023]
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the first cartridge and the cartridge holder, and FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the second cartridge and the cartridge holder.
[0024]
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the cartridge body and the cartridge holder, and FIG. 7 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the cartridge body and the cartridge holder.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 is an ink jet printer, and includes a print head mechanism 10, a cleaning mechanism 20, and a cartridge device 30.
[0026]
The print head mechanism 10 has a print head 11 mounted on a carriage. The carriage is supported by a carriage shaft 12 extending in the width direction of a predetermined paper path, and is configured to be movable by transmitting the power of a drive motor (not shown) via a gear or the like. A nozzle surface 12 configured to eject ink droplets is formed on one surface of the print head 11.
[0027]
The cleaning mechanism 20 includes a cleaner 21, a head cap 22, and a cleaning pump 23, and is disposed at a predetermined portion outside the paper path. The cleaner 21 has a wiping portion 21 a capable of wiping the nozzle surface 12 of the print head 11 at the tip portion, and is configured to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nozzle surface 12. It is configured to be possible. The head cap 22 is formed in a size that can cover the nozzle surface 12 of the print head 11, and is connected to the cleaning pump 23 via a waste ink suction pipe 24.
[0028]
The cartridge device 30 includes a cartridge holder 40, a cartridge body 60, and an ink pump 70. In the printer 1, the ink supply path is connected so that the cartridge holder 40 can communicate with the ink pump 70 via the first and second ink suction pipes 71 and 72. The ink pump 70 is connected to the first and second ink pumps 70 and 72. The ink supply pipes 73 and 74 are connected so as to be able to communicate with the print head 11. Further, the ink disposal path is configured by connecting the cleaning pump 23 described above to the cartridge holder 40 via the waste ink discharge pipe 25. The ink supply path and the ink discard path are connected in a state where the cartridge holder 40 and the cartridge body 60 are in communication with each other, so that a closed path is formed.
[0029]
Next, the mechanism system of the cartridge device 30 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the cartridge body 60 includes a first cartridge 61 and a second cartridge 62 that are separable from each other, and the first and second cartridges 61 and 62 are integrated into a single box. It is comprised so that a shape may be made.
[0030]
In other words, each of the first cartridge 61 and the second cartridge 62 has a hollow and substantially box shape having substantially the same size, and the outer peripheral portions of the first and second cartridges 61 and 62 are fitted into the fitting type. Thus, fitting parts 61a and 62a are formed so as to be detachable from each other.
[0031]
Here, as shown in FIG. 1, a first ink pack 63 filled with ink of a first color (for example, black) is loaded in the first cartridge. Further, in the second cartridge 62, a second ink pack 64 filled with ink of a second color (for example, red) and a waste ink pack 65 for collecting waste ink are loaded.
[0032]
On the other hand, the cartridge holder 40 has a cartridge case 41 opened to a size that can accommodate the cartridge body 60, and has a mounting holder 42 that can be mounted on the cartridge body 60, as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 42 denotes a bottom portion of the cartridge case 41. 2 to 7 show only the main part of the cartridge device 30 including the mounting holder 42, and the cartridge case 41 is not shown.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 2 or 4, first and second ink suction tubes 71 and 72 and waste ink are disposed at predetermined portions on the back side of the mounting holder 42 (on the side opposite to the side on which the cartridge body 60 is mounted). A plurality of attachment portions 43A, 43B, and 43C for attaching the discharge pipe 25 are provided. In these attachment portions 43, first and second ink supply needles 44 A and 44 B and waste ink needles 44 C extend to the side where the cartridge body 60 is mounted, respectively, and the first and second ink suction pipes 71. 72, and is fixed so as to communicate with the waste ink discharge pipe 25. The first ink supply needle 44A is disposed at a position where it can be inserted into the first ink pack 63 in the first cartridge 61, and the second ink supply needle 44B and the waste ink needle 44C are respectively The second ink pack 64 and the waste ink pack 65 in the second cartridge 62 are disposed at positions where they can be pierced.
[0034]
An adapter (adapter member) 45 formed in a substantially block shape with a size capable of covering the first and second supply needles 44A and 44B and the waste ink needle 44C at the cartridge mounting side portion of the mounting holder 42. Is provided.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 7, the adapter 45 is attached to the mounting holder 42 so as to be rotatable about a support shaft 45a, and is in a state of covering the needles 44 and is parallel to these needles 44. It is configured to rotate between a position P1 and a second position P2 at which the cartridge body 60 can be mounted on the mounting holder 42 in a state orthogonal to the needles 44 with the needles 44 exposed. Further, the adapter 45 is configured to urge from the second position P2 to the first position P1 side using a torsion coil spring (not shown).
[0036]
Of the portion of the adapter 45 on the cartridge mounting side, the end portion on the side where the first cartridge 61 is to be accommodated has a cartridge (whether it is the first or second cartridge accommodated therein). And an engagement plate portion (first engagement portion) 46 that can be engaged at the first position P1. The engagement plate portion 46 is formed in a plate shape extending substantially parallel to the rotation plane of the adapter 45. Further, the adapter 45 is connected to the first end portion of the engagement plate portion 46 when the cartridge is inserted. It is formed in a shape inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the bottom surface of the cartridge so as to rotate from the position P1 to the second position P2 (see FIG. 7).
[0037]
Further, of the portion of the adapter 45 on the cartridge mounting side, the end portion on the side where the second cartridge 62 should be accommodated (the side opposite to the engagement plate portion 46) is engaged with a lock member 50 described later. A mating rod portion (second engaging portion) 47 is provided. The engaging rod portion 47 is formed in a rod shape that extends substantially parallel to the rotation plane of the adapter 45 and contacts the lock member.
[0038]
The adapter 45 is provided with a predetermined absorbing material (not shown) for absorbing ink leaking from the needle 44.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, a lock member 50 for restraining the movement of the adapter 45 at the first position P1 is provided on the inner wall portion of the cartridge case 41 on the second cartridge 62 side. The lock member 50 is formed in a long shape extending to the vicinity of the adapter 45 using a thin metal such as a stainless alloy so as to have a predetermined elasticity, and a rear end portion thereof is supported by the cartridge case 41, The cartridge case 41 is attached in a state substantially along the inner wall surface. As shown in FIG. 3, a substantially central portion of the lock member 50 is formed with an operating portion 51 having a predetermined width protruding from the inside of the cartridge case 41. A lock portion 52 that can be engaged with the engagement rod portion 47 of the adapter 45 is formed in a state of being bent inside the cartridge case 41.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 6, the lock member 50 is displaced in a direction from the inner side to the outer side of the cartridge case 41 due to the bending of the lock member 50 itself when the operating portion 51 receives a predetermined external force. It is like that.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, a cam portion 66 that can come into contact with the operating portion 51 of the lock member 50 is provided on the outer surface of the second cartridge 62. The cam portion 66 has a belt-like shape extending in the direction in which the cartridge body 60 is to be inserted, and the cross section thereof is formed in a protruding shape so as to move the operating portion 51 of the lock member 50 by a predetermined displacement. ing. On the other hand, the cam cartridge 66 is not provided on the outer surface of the first cartridge 61.
[0042]
In addition, a plurality of guide pins 81 are provided at a portion of the mounting holder 42 on the side where the first cartridge 61 is to be accommodated. Correspondingly, the first cartridge 61 is fitted with the guide pins 81. The same number of guide holes 61b that can be combined are provided. On the other hand, the second cartridge 62 is not provided with a hole corresponding to the guide hole 61b.
[0043]
In the printer 1 having such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, when only the first cartridge 61 of the cartridge body 60 is inserted into the cartridge holder 40, the first cartridge 61 is the engagement plate portion of the adapter 45. 46 is engaged. Thereby, the adapter 45 receives an external force to be rotated toward the second position P2 by the engagement plate portion 46, but the engagement rod portion 47 is engaged with the lock portion 52 of the lock member 50. Since it is in the locked state, it cannot move from the first position P1. As a result, the first cartridge 61 is not mounted on the mounting holder 42 of the cartridge holder 40.
[0044]
Even when only the second cartridge 62 is inserted into the accommodating portion on the engagement plate portion 46 side of the cartridge holder 40, it is not attached to the attachment holder 42 of the cartridge holder 40 as described above.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 5, when only the second cartridge 62 of the cartridge body 60 is inserted into the cartridge holder 40, the cam portion 66 of the second cartridge 62 comes into contact with the operating portion 51 of the lock member 50. . As a result, the lock member 50 moves in a direction in which the lock portion 52 moves away from the engagement rod portion 47 of the adapter 45 to release the locked state with the adapter 45, but the adapter 45 rotates and moves to the second position P2. Therefore, it cannot move from the first position P1. As a result, the second cartridge 62 is not mounted on the mounting holder 42 of the cartridge holder 40.
[0046]
When only the first cartridge 61 is inserted into the accommodating portion of the cartridge holder 40 on the lock member 50 side, the first cartridge 61 is not engaged with the engagement plate portion 46 of the adapter 45. Of course, since the first cartridge 61 is not provided with a cam portion, the lock member 50 cannot be unlocked and is not mounted on the mounting holder 42 of the cartridge holder 40.
[0047]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6 or 7, when the cartridge body 60 in which the first and second cartridges 61 and 62 are fitted and integrated is inserted into the cartridge holder 40, the first cartridge 61 is While engaging with the engaging plate portion 46 of the adapter 45, the cam portion 66 of the second cartridge 62 contacts the operating portion 51 of the lock member 50. Thereby, the adapter 45 receives an external force for rotationally moving to the second position P2, and the locked state with the lock member 50 is released, so that the second position is resisted against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring. Move to P2. Thereafter, the cartridge body 60 has the first and second ink packs 63 and 64 and the waste ink pack 65 attached to the first and second supply needles 44A and 44B and the waste ink needle 44C exposed by the movement of the adapter 45. Each is pierced and mounted on the mounting holder 42.
[0048]
As a result, an ink supply path for ink having the first and second colors is formed between the cartridge device 30 and the print head 11, and the ink is provided between the cartridge device 30 and the cleaning mechanism 20 via the print head 11. A disposal path is formed so that the print head 11 can be printed and cleaned.
[0049]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the cartridge holder 40 cannot be mounted only by the first cartridge 61 or the second cartridge 62 alone, and these are inserted as an integral cartridge body 60. Since it is configured so that it can be mounted only in a case, it is possible to alert the operator to the proper insertion of the cartridge while preventing one of the two-color printing from being lost.
[0050]
Further, according to the present embodiment, since it is possible to prevent the mounting of the cartridge alone by the configuration of only the mechanism system, it is electrically controlled so that the printer 1 does not operate when the cartridge alone is mounted. Since there is no need to do this, the configuration of the control system can be simplified.
[0051]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a cartridge body composed of two different cartridges has been described. However, the cartridge body is attached to the cartridge holder only when all of the cartridge bodies composed of three or more different cartridges are integrally inserted. It is also possible to do so.
[0052]
In this case, the configuration is such that three or more cartridges are divided into two groups, and the adapter is moved to the second position only when the adapter is engaged with all of the cartridges of one group. Only when the cartridges are engaged with all of the cartridges of the first group, the lock state at the first position of the adapter may be released.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the cartridge holder can be mounted only when it is inserted as an integral cartridge body, it is possible to prevent a specific color from falling out of multicolor printing, The operator can be alerted to the proper insertion of the cartridge.
[0054]
In addition, according to the present invention, since it is possible to prevent the mounting of the cartridge alone by the configuration of only the mechanism system, it is necessary to electrically control the printer so that it does not operate when the cartridge alone is mounted. Therefore, the configuration of the control system can be simplified.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer according to an embodiment and an ink supply / discard path.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a first cartridge and a cartridge holder according to the present embodiment and a positional relationship between them.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a second cartridge and a cartridge holder according to the present embodiment and a positional relationship thereof.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the first cartridge and the cartridge holder.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the second cartridge and a cartridge holder.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a cartridge body and a cartridge holder according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the cartridge body and the cartridge holder.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Print Head 40 Cartridge Holder 45 Adapter (Adapter Member)
46 engagement plate part (first engagement part)
47 Engagement rod part (second engagement part)
50 Lock member 51 Actuating section 52 Lock section 60 Cartridge body 61 First cartridge 62 Second cartridge 66 Cam section

Claims (6)

A cartridge holder that can be separated from and integrated with each other by a fitting type , and can accommodate a cartridge body composed of a first cartridge and a second cartridge individually having several kinds of inks ,
An adapter member movable between a first position engageable with the cartridge body and a second position allowing each ink of the cartridge body to communicate with a predetermined ink path;
Holding the adapter member to the first position, and a locking member to release the holding state at the first position of the adapter member by engagement with the second cartridge,
The lock member releases the holding state and moves the adapter member to the second position only when the lock member is inserted as a cartridge body in which the first cartridge and the second cartridge are integrally coupled. A cartridge holder characterized by that. A cartridge body composed of the first cartridge and the second cartridge , which are separable from each other by a fitting type and can be integrally coupled, and each having several kinds of inks ;
A cartridge holder capable of accommodating the cartridge body, wherein the first position is engageable with the cartridge body, and the second position is such that each ink of the cartridge body can communicate with a predetermined ink path. and an adapter member movable between locking member for holding said adapter member to said first position, to release the holding state at the first position of the adapter member by engagement with the second cartridge possess the door, the locking member, the first cartridge and the second cartridge only when it is inserted as a cartridge body coupled integrally, and releasing the holding state, said adapter member is the second It moves to the position, and the cartridge holder,
A cartridge apparatus comprising: The adapter member is provided with a first engaging portion that can be engaged with the cartridge at a predetermined portion on the side where the first cartridge is to be accommodated, and a predetermined portion on the side where the second cartridge is to be accommodated. The cartridge device according to claim 2, wherein a second engaging portion that can be engaged with the lock member is provided at the portion. The lock member includes an operation portion that can be engaged only with a predetermined portion of the second cartridge, and a lock portion that can restrain the position of the predetermined portion on the side of the adapter member that should receive the second cartridge. The interlock portion is configured to release the holding state of the adapter member in conjunction with the operation portion engaging with the second cartridge. 4. The cartridge device according to any one of 3 or 3. The second cartridge is provided with a cam portion for operating the operation portion of the lock member so that the lock portion of the lock member moves from a position for holding the adapter to a position for releasing the holding state. The cartridge device according to claim 4, wherein the cartridge device is provided. 6. A printer comprising: the cartridge apparatus according to claim 1; and a print head configured to eject ink supplied from the cartridge apparatus via a predetermined ink path. .

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