JPH1158772A - Ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent inadvertent leakage of ink by arranging a plurality of partitioned ink chambers at a subtank section such that ink can be supplied sequentially from the ink chambers to a main tank section thereby preventing the ink from being urged through expansion of the air in the ink chamber. SOLUTION: When the ink previously filled in a main ink tank 13 is used and the liquid level lowers down to the height of receiving opening 137 of the main ink tank 13, the air flows into the first ink chamber 152A at a sub-tank section 15. Consequently, the ink in the first ink chamber 152A is consumed. When the liquid level of ink in the first ink chamber 152A lowers down to the height of a first opening 153A, the air flows into a second ink chamber 152B thus sustaining ink supply. Similarly, ink in a third ink chamber 152C is used. In other words, ink is supplied sequentially from the sub-tank sections to a head section 11.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of an ink cartridge for supplying ink to a recording device such as an ink jet printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a known example of such an ink cartridge having a plurality of ink tanks arranged in parallel, there is an invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-40041.

[0003] This known example is composed of a foam chamber and an ink chamber.

[0004]

In the above-described known ink cartridge, the following disadvantages have been pointed out because the ink chamber is not directly open to the atmosphere due to the presence of the foam chamber. Was.

[0005] Due to the temperature change of the air in the ink chamber,
The pressure in the foam chamber rises, causing ink leakage.

With the consumption of ink in the foam chamber,
The negative pressure to the head increases, and it is difficult to supply ink smoothly.

The height of the ink cartridge is limited due to the capillary forces of the foam in the foam chamber.

[0008] Therefore, it has been a user need to solve the above-mentioned problems.

A first problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge which is capable of performing a clear print process while constantly maintaining the negative pressure in the ink chamber constant by performing gas-liquid exchange in the lower portion while the upper portion is closed. That is.

A second problem to be solved by the present invention is that the ink is supplied from a plurality of ink chambers partitioned by a partition so that ink is not urged by air expansion in the ink chamber. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge which does not have a risk of inadvertently causing ink leakage.

A third problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge which does not cause ink leakage even when the sub-tank portion is pulled out of the ink cartridge in use.

A fourth problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge capable of preventing leakage of residual ink by completely opening the ink cartridge to the atmosphere after ink consumption.

[0013]

Means for solving the above problems are as follows.

(1) An ink cartridge for an ink jet printer or the like in which a sub-tank part capable of supplying ink to a main tank part capable of supplying ink to a head part is detachable, and the main tank part is communicated with the head part. In addition, the sub-tank section is provided with a plurality of ink chambers partitioned by partitions, and an ink cartridge configured to be able to sequentially supply ink from the ink chambers to the main tank section.

(2) The ink chamber of the sub-tank section is
The height of the lower edge of the partition that is formed in a downwardly open shape and partitions each ink chamber is the highest in the position of the partition near the main tank portion, and the lower the height is, the farther it is from the main tank portion. The ink cartridge according to the above (1), wherein

(3) The main tank and the sub-tank are configured to communicate with each other only when the sub-tank is mounted on the main tank.
(2) The ink cartridge described in (2).

(4) The main tank portion and the sub tank portion are provided with a sealing valve which is closed by being biased by a spring, and when the sub tank portion is mounted on the main tank portion, each sealing valve is closed. The ink cartridge according to the above (3), wherein the ink cartridge is opened so that the ink in the sub tank can be supplied to the main tank.

(5) The sub-tank is urged laterally with respect to the main tank so that the sub-tank is mounted on the main tank in a liquid-tight manner.
The ink cartridge according to any one of (1) to (4).

(6) The ink cartridge according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein in (5), the sub-tank is urged in the height direction and is mounted on the main tank.

(7) The ink cartridge according to (3), wherein a rush needle tube is provided in the main tank portion, and a sealing body opened by the rush needle tube is provided in the sub tank portion.

(8) The ink cartridge according to (3), wherein a protruding needle tube is provided in the main tank portion, and a rubber sealing material that is pushed and expanded by the protruding needle tube is provided in the sub tank portion.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings will be described below.

(Embodiment 1) 1. Means Overall Configuration As shown in the longitudinal section of FIG. 1, the ink cartridge 10 includes a main tank section 14 having a main tank 13 provided with a negative pressure generating section 12 capable of supplying ink to a head section 11 and a main tank section 14 to be described later. The sub-tank portion 15 which is partitioned by a partition and has a plurality of ink chambers which are communicated with each other is formed so that it can be mounted and removed in a liquid-tight manner in the horizontal direction.

Configuration of Each Part (A) Main Tank Portion 14 The main tank 13 having a substantially L-shaped vertical cross section is provided with a vent 132 provided with a water-repellent film 131 and a groove 133 for preventing ink evaporation. Formed and seal the surface 1
40, a hemispherical valve stopper 134 to be engaged with the negative pressure generating portion 12 described later is ridged, and further, a connection portion 135 protruding to the side of the main tank 13 is provided in the connection portion 135.
The first sealing valve 1 urged outward by the first spring 136 and capable of sealing the receiving opening 137 of the main tank 13.
38 is movably formed.

The movable valve 123 urged inward by an auxiliary spring 122 guided by a spring guide 121 is connected to the fixed ring 12.
4, the valve stopper 134 is engaged with the movable valve 123 on the opposite side, and the valve flow path 139 is provided.
The ink is supplied to the head unit 11 via the.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 139A denotes a filter disposed to cover the ink inflow holes 139B for preventing the inflow of bubbles and dust.

(B) Sub-tank 15 Inside the sub-tank 15 is first and second partitions 151A,
The first to third ink chambers 152A to 152C are arranged side by side by B, and the lower edge of each of the partitions 151A and 151B has a first edge which determines the height of the liquid surface to be opened to the atmosphere. , And second openings 153A and 153B are opened.
Opening 153A higher than the
5, the height of the receiving opening 137 at the connection portion 135 of the main tank 13 inserted into the insertion opening 154
It is arranged to be higher than 53A.

Further, a second spring 156 is contracted between a second sealing valve 155 capable of opening and closing the insertion port 154 and the first partition 152A, and a second sealing valve 155 is provided. Is configured to be able to abut on the first sealing valve 138.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 157 denotes a main tank 1
4 shows a sealing ring for preventing ink leakage, which can attach the connection portion 135 of No. 4 to the insertion port 154 of the sub-tank portion 15 in a liquid-tight manner.

2. Mounting Procedure FIG. 1 shows a state in which the sub tank 15 is mounted on the main tank 14, and the mounting procedure is as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG.
The insertion port 154 of the main tank portion 14 is disposed in an opposite shape to the connection portion 135 of the main tank portion 14, and as shown in FIGS.
5 is inserted into the insertion opening 154, immediately before the connection, the receiving opening 137 is sealed by the first ink leakage sealing valve 138 urged by the first spring 136 as shown in FIG. Since the insertion port 154 of the section 15 is sealed by the second ink leakage sealing valve 155 urged by the second spring 156, the main tank section 14
In this state, the leakage of ink from both the sub tank 15 and the sub tank 15 is safely prevented.

In this state, when the sub-tank portion 15 is further forcibly fitted to the connection portion 135, as shown in FIG.
The first ink leakage sealing valve 138 is pushed in by the ink leakage sealing valve 155 of FIG.
Further, when this fitting operation is continued, the connection portion 135 is finally fully inserted into the insertion port 154 as shown in FIG. 5, and conversely, the second ink is sealed by the first ink leakage sealing valve 138. The leak seal valve 155 is pushed back and the insertion port 1
When the valve 54 is opened, the main tank 14 and the sub tank 15 are in communication with each other, and the mounting of the sub tank 15 is completed as shown in FIG.

3. Use process The pre-filled ink in the main tank 13 is used to lower the liquid level, and when the liquid level reaches the height of the receiving opening 137 of the main tank 13 as shown in FIG. Air flows into the chamber 152A, and as a result, the ink in the first ink chamber 152A is consumed.

Next, the liquid level of the ink in the first ink chamber 152A drops, and as shown in FIG.
When the height reaches A, the second ink chamber 152 continues.
Air flows into B, and the supply of ink is continued.

FIG. 8 shows a third ink chamber 152 in the same manner.
This shows a state in which the ink in C is used.

As described above, following the main tank section 14, the first to third ink chambers 152A of the sub tank section 15
Ink can be sequentially supplied to the head unit 11 from 152C to 152C.

(Embodiment 2) 1. Means The ink cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 9 is different from the ink cartridge 10 of the first embodiment in the characteristic point.
The difference lies in the configuration of the connection between the main tank 240 and the sub tank 250, and the provision of a means for detecting ink end or the like.

That is, the main tank 230 of the main tank portion 240 is provided with a rush needle tube 235 projecting in the lateral direction, while the sub tank portion 250 is provided with the rush needle tube 235.
Is opened, and the insertion port 254 is closed in advance with a breakable sealing sheet 258 to prevent ink leakage.

The main tank section 240 is provided with an ink end detection electrode E1 and an ink end and ink cartridge detection electrode E2, and the sub tank section 250 is provided with an ink cartridge detection and near ink end detection electrode E3.

In addition, the ink cartridge 1 has another configuration.
For the parts that are common to 0, only the 200s are indicated.

2. Attachment procedure The piercing needle tube 235 of the main tank portion 240 faces the insertion port 254 of the sub tank portion 250, and then the piercing needle tube 235 is protruded into the sub tank portion 250 so as to break through the sealing sheet 258. The mounting operation is completed in a state where the 235A is directed upward to facilitate the ejection of the ink.

3. Use process The use process is generally the same as that of the ink cartridge 10, but the main tank 240 and the sub tank 2
The ink end and the like can be detected by the electrodes E1 to E3 provided in parallel with the ink cartridge 50. When all the electrodes E1 to E3 are electrically connected to the ink, the ink cartridge 200 is sufficiently filled with the ink. In this state, when the electrodes E1 and E2 are electrically connected, the near ink end is detected. When only the electrode E2 is electrically connected, the ink end state is detected. As a result, the ink filling state is accurately detected, and the anxiety that the sub-tank portion 250 is accidentally pulled out of the rush needle tube 235 and leakage of the residual ink occurs is eliminated. When the two tank portions 240 and 250 are connected to each other, the sealing sheet 258 ensures that the liquid tightness between the insertion port 254 and the rush needle tube 235 can be safely ensured. It is intended.

(Embodiment 3) 1. Means Embodiment 1 is an ink cartridge 300 shown in FIG.
The ink cartridge 10 is different from the main tank 340 in that the sub tank 350
Is operated in the height direction to be detached.

That is, a plurality of intruding needle tubes 335 projecting upward are provided in the ink receiving portion 340A extending laterally from the main tank 330 of the main tank portion 340.
First and second partitions 351A, B of sub-tank section 350
First to third ink chambers 352A to 352A partitioned by
The receiving opening 353A to 52C is formed by a pressure spring 336.
A seal 338 for closing C is provided, and the seal 36 is closed.
0 seals the receiving opening 353.

In the meantime, the ink cartridge 1 having another configuration is used.
For the parts that are common to 0, only the 300s are indicated.

2. Attaching procedure As shown in FIG. 11, the rush needle tube 335 is aligned with the receiving opening 353, and the rush needle tube 335 is pierced through the seal 360 as shown in FIG.
And presses up the sealing body 338 against the pressure spring 336 to open the ink lead-out opening 353.

3. Use process Ink is supplied to the ink receiving portion 340A as shown by an arrow (a) in FIG. 12, and air is introduced into the sub-tank portion 350 as shown by an arrow (b) so that ink can be supplied smoothly. The ink remaining amount can be greatly reduced as compared with the ink cartridges 10 and 200 of the first and second embodiments.

(Embodiment 4) The ink cartridge 400 shown in FIG. 13 is different from the ink cartridge 300 shown in FIG. 10 in that a rubber elastic member 470 having a slit formed in the receiving opening 453A to 453C of the sub tank portion 450 is mounted. ,
The receiving opening 4 is formed by the seal 460 made of a flexible film.
53A to 53C are sealed, and the other configuration is almost common to the ink cartridge 300. Therefore, only reference numerals in the 400s are displayed.

2. Mounting Procedure As shown in FIG.
When the seals 460 are pierced and penetrated into the sub tank 450 as shown in FIG. 15, the sub tank 450 is attached to the main tank 440 in a state where ink leakage is prevented by the rubber elastic material 470. The ink is not likely to leak even if the sub tank 450 is pulled out during use.

3. Use Process As shown in FIG. 15, ink is supplied in the direction of arrow (a), air is injected in the direction of arrow (b), and ink can be supplied in a liquid-tight manner.

(Modification of Sub-Tank) FIGS. 16 to 20
5 shows a modified example of a sub tank portion provided with various partitions.

The partition wall 5 of the sub tank 550 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 51 denotes a difference in the height of a partition for gas-liquid exchange, and each ink chamber is sequentially opened to the atmosphere to ensure ink supply.

The partition wall 6 of the sub-tank 650 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 51 designates an L-shaped ink chamber so that ink consumption can be visually recognized.

The partition wall 7 of the sub tank 750 shown in FIG.
The lower edge of 51 is bent to improve the air introduction effect.

The partition wall 8 of the sub tank 850 in FIG.
Numeral 51 is for stabilizing the negative pressure in the sub tank at the same partition height.

The partition wall 9 of the sub tank 950 shown in FIG.
Numeral 51 indicates an increase in the number of partition walls 551 in FIG. 16 to increase the size of the tank and the head-side tank.

[0057]

The effects of the present invention are as follows.

High quality printing is possible.

No ink leakage occurs during use.

The ink can be continuously supplied.

No ink leakage due to residual ink occurs.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink cartridge according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a state before connection of the ink tank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part in a state immediately before connection in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view during connection following FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view at the time of completion of connection, following FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the ink consumption state of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the consumption situation following FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the consumption situation following FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink cartridge according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink cartridge according to a third embodiment.

11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part in a state immediately before connection in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view at the time of completion of connection, following FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink cartridge according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part in a state immediately before connection in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view at the time of completion of connection, following FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink tank showing a modification of the shape of the partition.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink tank showing another modification of the shape of the partition.

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink tank showing another modification of the shape of the partition.

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink tank showing another modification of the shape of the partition.

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink tank showing another modification of the shape of the partition.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 200 to 400 Ink cartridge 12, 212 to 412 Negative pressure generating section 13, 230 to 430 Main tank 135 Connection section 137, 453A to C Reception opening 138 First sealing valve 14, 240 to 440 Main tank section 15, 250-950 Sub-tank unit 151A, B, 451A-C First and second partitions 152A-C, 452A-C First to third ink chambers 154, 254 Insertion port 155 Second sealing valve 235, 335 Rush needle tube 258 Sealing sheet 338 Sealing body 360, 460 Seal 470 Rubber elastic material 551, 651, 751, 851, 951 Partition wall

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An ink cartridge for an ink jet printer or the like in which a sub-tank part capable of supplying ink to a main tank part capable of supplying ink to a head part is detachably mounted, wherein the main tank part communicates with the head part. An ink cartridge in which a plurality of ink chambers partitioned by partitions are provided in a sub-tank portion, and ink can be sequentially supplied from the ink chamber to a main tank portion. 2. The ink chamber of the sub-tank portion is formed in a downward open shape, and the height of a lower edge of a partition that partitions each ink chamber is the highest at a position near the main tank portion. 2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the height of the ink cartridge decreases as the distance from the main tank increases. 3. The main tank and the sub tank are configured to communicate with each other only when the sub tank is mounted on the main tank.
The described ink cartridge. 4. The main tank and the sub-tank are provided with a sealing valve which is closed by being biased by a spring, and each sealing valve is opened when the sub-tank is mounted on the main tank. 4. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the ink in the sub tank is supplied to the main tank. 5. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the sub tank is urged laterally with respect to the main tank so that the sub tank is mounted on the main tank in a liquid-tight manner.ヂ. 6. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the sub-tank is urged in the height direction and is mounted on the main tank. 7. A rush needle tube is provided in the main tank portion,
4. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, wherein a sealing member opened by the rush needle tube is provided in the sub-tank portion. 8. A protruding needle tube is provided in the main tank portion,
4. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, wherein a rubber sealing material that is pushed and expanded by the rush needle tube is provided in the sub tank portion.