KR100389443B1 - An ink cartridge and an ink-jet printer using this - Google Patents

Abstract

An ink cartridge filled with ink and an airtight outer case accommodating therein, the ink cartridge of a type for supplying ink to the recording head by applying air pressure between the outer case and the ink pack, wherein the outer case is An ink cartridge having a constitution of a lower case and an upper case, containing an ink pack filled with ink in a lower case, polymerizing the upper case from the upper side, and providing an ink cartridge in which the upper case is hermetically bonded by vibrating welding or thermal welding. do.

The ink cartridge of the above aspect can be easily assembled and disassembled, and can easily recycle the ink cartridge or its constituent members, thereby contributing to resource saving.

Description

Ink cartridge and ink jet recording apparatus using same {AN INK CARTRIDGE AND AN INK-JET PRINTER USING THIS}

The present invention relates to an ink cartridge used in an ink jet recording apparatus and configured to supply ink to the recording head side, and an ink jet recording apparatus using the same.

Inkjet recording apparatuses are relatively small in noise during printing and can form small dots at high density, and thus they are used in many printings today, including color printing.

Such an inkjet recording apparatus generally includes an inkjet recording head mounted on a carriage and moving in the width direction of the recording paper, and paper supply means for relatively moving the recording paper in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the recording head. And recording is performed on the recording paper by ejecting ink droplets from the recording head based on the print data.

Then, on the carriage, for example, a recording head capable of discharging respective ink droplets of black, yellow, cyan, and magenta is mounted, so that not only text printing by black ink, but also the discharge ratio of each ink can be changed, thereby making full color Printing is possible.

On the other hand, for example, in this type of recording apparatus provided for office or business use, it is necessary to prepare a large-capacity ink cartridge in order to cope with a relatively large amount of printing. There is provided a recording apparatus of a type which is loaded into a cartridge holder arranged on the side.

Then, a sub tank is disposed on the cartridge on which the recording head is mounted, so that ink is supplied from each ink cartridge to each sub tank through an ink supply tube, and ink is supplied from each sub tank to each recording head. Consists of.

However, there is a growing demand for a large recording apparatus having a long scanning distance of a carriage capable of printing on a larger surface. In such a recording apparatus, in order to improve the throughput, the recording head is gradually becoming more nozzles.

Further, in order to improve throughput, it is possible to sequentially supply ink to each sub tank mounted on the carriage from the ink cartridge while printing, thereby recording stably supplying ink to each recording head from each sub tank. An apparatus is required.

In such a recording apparatus, since the scanning distance of the carriage is large, the distance inevitably leading to the distance of each ink supply tube is increased. Furthermore, as described above, since the nozzle is multi-nozzled, the ink consumption is large, and the dynamic pressure of the ink (pressure loss) in each ink supply tube connected to the sub tank from the ink cartridge is increased. This raises the technical problem that the supply amount of ink to the sub tank is insufficient.

As one means for solving such a problem, for example, by applying air pressure to the ink cartridge side, forcible ink flow is generated by air pressure from the ink cartridge to the sub tank, and sufficient ink necessary for the sub tank is required. It is possible to introduce a configuration that disseminates.

Fig. 36 shows, in cross section, a configuration example of a conventional ink cartridge used in such an ink jet recording apparatus. In Fig. 36, reference numeral 81 denotes a case constituting the outline of the ink cartridge, and the case 81 is integrally molded like a so-called large bottle by blow molding (hollow molding) using a synthetic resin material.

The circumferential cap member 84 is fitted into the opening 82 via the O-ring 83, and the case 81 is sealed in the airtight state by the cap member 84 and the O-ring 83. The pressure chamber 85 is formed in the case 81.

The cap member 84 formed in a circumferential shape has an ink outlet portion 86 formed by a ball valve at a central portion thereof. The cap member 84 is made of a flexible material that is housed in a case 81 and encloses ink therein. The ink of the formed ink pack 87 is configured to be led to the outside through the ink extracting unit 86.

On the other hand, an air inlet 89 is formed in a part of the cap member 84. The air inlet 89 is provided with a rubber stopper 88, and a central portion of the rubber stopper 88 is in the closed state in the state where the ink cartridge is not loaded with respect to the recording apparatus. (88a) is open.

By the above configuration, when the ink cartridge is loaded into the recording apparatus, a hollow needle (not shown) disposed on the recording apparatus side passes through the through hole 88a of the rubber stopper 88, and the pressure chamber ( 85) is configured to introduce pressurized air.

Therefore, the pressurized air through the hollow needle is introduced into the pressure chamber 85, and the ink encapsulated in the ink pack 87 is pressurized to act to be led out through the ink extracting unit 86.

By the way, the above-described conventional ink cartridge has some problems to be solved described below.

The first problem is that in the above-described ink cartridge of the conventional configuration, the case constituting the outside thereof is integrally molded by blow molding, and as can be seen from the configuration illustrated in Fig. 36, the ink supply valve 86 and The ink pack 87 is integrally attached to the circumferential cap member 84 on which the air introduction valve 88 is formed.

The cap member 84 is pressed into the opening 82 of the case 81 via the O-ring 83 while the ink pack 87 before the ink is inserted into the case 81. . Subsequently, the ink as the ink cartridge is completed by injecting ink into the ink pack 87 from the outside through the ink supply valve 86.

As described above, in the case of the conventional ink cartridge, since the casing constituting the outer casing is integrally molded by blow molding, it is often difficult to put the ink pack in which the ink is enclosed in the casing in many cases. It is necessary to inject the ink into the interior.

In addition, since a predetermined pressure is applied to the case during operation of the recording apparatus, there is also a need to deal with the case so that the case is not deformed by the pressure. Therefore, in order to secure the strength of the case, it is preferable to have a simple configuration such as a so-called large-sized bottle, for example, as shown in FIG.

However, such an appearance has a problem that the occupancy volume becomes large, and the problem remains in designing the layout of this type of recording apparatus that needs to load ink cartridges of each color in parallel.

On the other hand, in order to secure the strength of the case can also be considered a means for increasing the thickness of the case, which consumes a large amount of the synthetic resin material constituting the case can not save resources.

In addition, in order to reduce the consumption of the synthetic resin material, it is also conceivable to form a reinforcing rib integrally with a part of the case, but in the case where blow molding is introduced as described above, for example, the reinforcing rib is provided inside the case. It is generally difficult to form.

Next, as a second problem, when the ink cartridge of the conventional configuration is loaded in the recording apparatus to supply ink, and then removed from the recording apparatus, the through hole 88a formed in the rubber stopper 88 is formed. Since it is immediately closed by the elasticity, the pressurized air remains in the pressure chamber 85.

Therefore, the pressurized air remaining in the pressure chamber 85 makes the ink pack 87 pressurized at all times.

Thus, for example, when the ball constituting the ink lead-out unit 86 is operated unknowingly or intentionally, for example, by stabbing with a tip of writing utensils or the like, ink in the ink pack 87 is ejected. Powder is generated to contaminate the surrounding area.

In addition, there is a problem that ink is leaked slightly through the ink extracting unit 86 without performing the above operation.

Therefore, in order to prevent such a problem from occurring in advance, when the ink cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus, a hollow needle such as a needle, for example, is actively inserted into the through hole 88a of the rubber stopper 88. The action of opening the air pressure in the pressure chamber 85 is necessary.

However, such pressure release operation is cumbersome for the user, and cannot be expected to carry out this in practical terms.

In addition, according to the above-described conventional ink cartridge, the pressure chamber 85 is used in the case where the environmental temperature at the storage place is changed, especially when the environmental temperature is increased, even in a state where the ink cartridge is stored without being loaded in the recording apparatus. The internal air pressure rises, and similarly, a problem arises in which ink leaks slightly through the ink lead-out unit 86.

On the other hand, in the ink cartridge which introduces pressurized air into the case and discharges ink, it is not only configured to ensure the airtight state in the case over a long period of actual use, but also to consider ease of assembly, ease of disassembly and recycling, and the like. Of particular importance, the achievement of these things is greatly demanded.

In the inkjet recording apparatus using the ink cartridge of the above-described configuration, as is well known, black ink is used for mainly printing text data, and yellow, magenta, and cyan are used for mainly color printing. Color inks are used respectively.

As described above, each of these inks is enclosed in an ink pack formed in an envelope shape by a flexible material, and the ink pack is provided in a form enclosed in a cartridge case constituting the outer portion. Each of the ink cartridges is configured in almost the same shape, and the capacity of the ink enclosed in each of them is almost the same.

By the way, when most of the printed matter printed by the recording apparatus is based on, for example, text data, the amount and frequency of use of the color ink are low, so that each color ink cartridge uses all the ink as compared to the black ink cartridge. The period of time for the consumed ink end state becomes very long.

Therefore, since the expiration date comes before each color ink cartridge becomes an ink end state, a situation may arise inevitably to be replaced with a new ink cartridge.

On the contrary, in the use mode in which the color image is printed in a large amount, the amount of black ink used and the frequency of use thereof are low, so that the black ink cartridge has a very long period of time when the black ink cartridge consumes all of the ink as compared to each color ink cartridge. . Therefore, the expiration date also passes in the state where the ink of the black ink cartridge remains.

This not only results in a burden on running costs for the user, but also causes a problem in the waste processing because a large amount of ink remains in the discarded ink cartridge.

Therefore, in order to reduce the running cost and the burden of waste disposal, there is also conceivable a method of providing an ink cartridge having a small amount of ink encapsulated in the cartridge, and in this case, means for adjusting to reduce the amount of ink enclosed in the ink pack. Can be introduced.

On the other hand, the outer shape of the cartridge case accommodating the ink pack needs to be the same shape regardless of the size of the ink in loading the cartridge into the holder of the recording apparatus. Therefore, in the ink cartridge in which a small amount of ink is enclosed, a large gap is generated between the cartridge case and the ink pack.

For this reason, for example, when the ink cartridge is conveyed or the like, the ink pack is freely moved in the cartridge case, and in particular, the ink pack is damaged when excessively impacted.

Therefore, it is possible to consider a method in which the outer dimensions of the cartridge case are the same and the configuration of the standard shape in the case is changed according to the capacity of the ink to be enclosed. It is necessary to separately prepare a case molding die and the like, which causes a problem in which this is reflected in manufacturing cost.

In addition, a recording apparatus configured to push ink from an ink cartridge by using pressurized air and to selectively use a large-capacity and small-capacity ink pack as described above, particularly in a case where a small-capacity cartridge is used, It is necessary to introduce pressurized air.

Therefore, for example, when the recording apparatus is turned on to operate the recording apparatus by operating the power supply, there is a problem that it takes a long time to become a printable state, thereby causing a problem of lowering the throughput.

The present invention has been made on the basis of the technical problem as described above, and the first object of the present invention is to simplify the assembly process of the ink cartridge outline including the ink pack, and at the same time disassemble the used cartridge case And it is to provide a configuration of an ink cartridge that can be easily recycled to contribute to resource saving.

Further, a second object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge, which is configured to replenish ink by air pressure, which is capable of avoiding ejection or leakage of ink due to the above residual air pressure or by a change in environmental temperature. It is.

Further, a third object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge which can stably secure an airtight state in a case and facilitates assembly and disassembly operations.

Further, a fourth object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge which can effectively avoid damage of the ink pack due to an impact or the like that can occur especially in an ink cartridge containing a small amount of ink.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge in which a recording device which acts to push ink out of an ink cartridge using pressurized air, in which a decrease in throughput can be avoided when a small capacity ink cartridge is used. will be.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus suitable for using the above ink cartridge.

A first aspect of the ink cartridge for a recording apparatus according to the present invention made to achieve the above object is a recording configured to apply air pressure generated by an air pressurizing pump, and supply ink to the recording head side by the action of the air pressure. An ink cartridge for use in an apparatus, wherein the ink cartridge contains an ink pack formed by a flexible material encapsulating ink therein, and at least one outer member is joined to at least a first outer member and a second outer member. The air pressure generated by the air pressurizing pump is applied to the pressure chamber formed of the outer member and the ink pack.

In this case, preferably, a means for joining the first outer member and the second outer member to the airtight state by vibrating welding is introduced.

In introducing the vibrating welding, preferably, a series of welded surfaces is formed almost on one side along the entire circumference of the lower case as the first outer constituting member, and the upper side as the second outer constituting member. At the edge of the case, a series of directors which are friction-welded in contact with the series of to-be-welded surfaces at the edge of the lower case are formed.

And it is preferable to form the protrusion part integrally along the outer periphery of the said series of to-be-welded surfaces at the edge of the lower case as said 1st outer structural member.

Moreover, it is preferable that the surface which forms the pressure chamber of the said 1st outer structural member and / or the 2nd outer structural member is previously formed with the reinforcement rib which prevents deformation by air pressure.

On the other hand, as the ink cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention, a configuration in which the first outer constituent member and the second outer constituent member are hermetically joined to each other by thermal welding can also be preferably introduced.

In this case, Preferably, a series of to-be-welded surfaces are formed in substantially one surface at the edge of the lower case as the said 1st outer constitution member, along the whole perimeter of the edge, and the heat welding film as the said 2nd outer constitution member is said, Thermal welding is performed with respect to the series of adhered surfaces on the edges of the lower case.

Moreover, in this case, it is preferable to further provide the reinforcement member which covers the heat welding film as a said 2nd outer structural member from the exterior.

Preferably, the edge of the reinforcing member is integrally formed with the engaging portion detachably attached to the edge of the lower case as the first outer constituting member.

In this case, it is preferable that the reinforcing rib which prevents deformation by air pressure is previously formed in the surface which forms the pressure chamber of the said 1st outer structural member.

Furthermore, a series of adhered surfaces are formed in the lower case as the first outer constituent member along the entire circumference of the edge, and the series of adhered surfaces in the edge of the lower case is formed at the edge of the cover as the second outer constituent member. An intimate contact surface is formed, and at the same time, the cover is integrally formed with a detachable coupling portion detachable with respect to the edge of the lower case, and a structure for maintaining the airtight state between the case and the cover by the action of the coupling portion is also introduced. Can be.

According to the ink cartridge according to the first aspect of the present invention configured as described above, the outer member is configured such that at least the first outer component and the second outer component are bonded to each other to be in an airtight state, and the outer member and the ink pack In the pressure chamber to be formed, the air pressure generated by the air pressurizing pump is applied.

In addition, the first outer member and the second outer member can be joined to each other in an airtight state by vibration welding.

Further, the first outer member and the second outer member can also be introduced with means for joining each other in an airtight state by thermal welding.

Moreover, the means which keeps both in airtight state can also be introduce | transduced by comprised so that the contact surface formed in the 2nd outer structure member may be in close contact with the series of contact surfaces formed in the 1st outer structure member.

In the case where the first outer structural member is, for example, a lower case, and the second outer structural member is, for example, an upper case as a cover, the ink pack containing ink in the lower case is stored in advance. By attaching the cover as the upper case in the airtight state by the above means in the state, the product as the ink cartridge can be obtained.

Therefore, it is possible to further simplify the assembly process of the ink cartridge outer including the ink pack, and contribute to improving the productivity of this kind of product.

In addition, since the outer edge of the ink cartridge has a configuration in which the first outer member and the second outer member are hermetically bonded together, for example, the used cartridge case can be easily disassembled and recycled, contributing to resource saving. Can be.

Next, the ink cartridge of the second aspect according to the present invention, which is made to achieve the above object, is applied with an air pressure generated by an air pressurizing pump, and is configured to supply ink to the recording head side by the action of the air pressure. As a cartridge, the ink cartridge is provided with an ink pack formed by a flexible material encapsulating ink therein, and at the same time a pressure chamber is applied between the outer member of the cartridge and the ink pack to which the air pressure supplied from the air pressure pump is applied. At the same time, a pressurized air inlet port through which pressurized air supplied from an air pressurizing pump is introduced is formed in the outer member of the cartridge, and at the same time, the ink pack is provided with an ink lead-out unit for drawing ink from the ink pack. In the case of detaching from the recording apparatus, the pressurized air is Sphere is open and at the same time configured such that the pressure chamber is connected to atmosphere, is configured to be added to the ink outlet valve closed state.

In this case, preferably, the pressurized air inlet is formed integrally with the outer member of the cartridge, and is constituted by a common body which forms an air passage connected to the pressure chamber.

Further, the ink derivation portion attached to the ink pack is preferably provided with a valve member which retracts in the axial direction and comes into an open valve state in contact with the connecting portion on the recording apparatus side when loaded in the recording apparatus. When the valve member is detached from the recording apparatus, the valve member is configured to advance in the axial direction and maintain the closed valve state.

In this case, in a preferred embodiment, the ink outlet portion is provided with a spring member for applying a force to advance the valve member in the axial direction.

Further, the ink lead-out portion is preferably drawn out from the outer member through an opening formed in the outer member of the cartridge, and at the same time an O-ring is disposed between the opening and the ink lead-out portion. A coupling member is provided which is urged to shield between the opening and the ink outlet.

According to the ink cartridge according to the second aspect of the present invention configured as described above, in the case of loading into the recording apparatus, pressurized air generated by the air pressurizing pump is introduced into the pressure chamber at the pressurized air inlet and enclosed in the ink pack. The ink is supplied with pressurized air, and ink is supplied to the recording apparatus side through the ink ejection unit.

On the other hand, when the ink cartridge is detached from the recording apparatus, a pressurized air inlet by, for example, a conventional body formed in the outer member of the ink cartridge is opened, and the pressure chamber is directly connected to the atmosphere. Therefore, the pressure on the ink pack housed therein is also immediately opened.

As a result, the problem of ejecting or leaking ink from the ink lead-out unit attached to the ink pack can be avoided.

This is because even if the ink cartridge is stored in a state where it is not loaded in the recording apparatus, since the pressure chamber is always connected to the atmosphere, there is no influence by the environmental temperature.

In addition, a third aspect of the ink cartridge according to the present invention is formed by a flexible material, comprising an ink pack in which ink is sealed therein, and a cartridge casing in which the ink pack is housed in an airtight state, and a recording apparatus. An ink cartridge for a recording apparatus, wherein pressurized air is introduced into the case in a loaded state, wherein the cartridge case includes a first case and a second case, and a blade portion formed around an opening of the first case, The claw-shaped member formed in the second case is engaged so that the second case is joined to the first case.

In a preferred embodiment, the ink pack is accommodated in the first case, and the periphery of the opening of the case is shielded by the film member, thereby forming an airtight state, and the second case receives pressurized air to provide the film member. It is composed of a cover to suppress the expansion.

In this case, when the second case is joined to the first case, it is preferable that the tapered surface is provided with a tapered surface and a fixed end that are coupled to the blade portion beyond the blade portion formed in the first case.

The second case includes a flat portion that functions as a cover and a bending portion integrally formed to be orthogonal thereto, and a configuration in which the claw-shaped member is formed on an inner surface of the bending portion is preferably introduced.

In this case, it is preferable that a plurality of independent claw-shaped members are formed intermittently along the inner surface of the bending portion, and the bending is performed on the flat portion of the second case corresponding to the arrangement position of the plurality of independent claw-shaped members. It is preferable that the slit holes are each formed along the part.

In a preferred embodiment of the cartridge according to the above configuration, the film member is shielded by thermal welding around the opening of the first case.

According to the ink cartridge according to the third aspect of the present invention configured as described above, an ink pack formed of a flexible material and filled with ink is shielded by a film member in a state stored in the first case. .

Then, the second case is bonded to the first case in which the ink pack is accommodated, so that the second case functions as a lid for suppressing the expansion of the film member under the pressurized air.

Therefore, the airtight state of the ink cartridge is ensured by the film member, and the second case functioning as a lid is effectively suppressed when the film member is deformed when pressurized air is applied.

On the other hand, in the case of joining the second case to the first case, the two are joined together by joining the claw-shaped member formed in the second case to the blade portion formed around the opening of the first case, and the outline as a cartridge is constituted. do.

Therefore, the assembly and disassembly operation of the ink cartridge can be made easily, and it can contribute to improving the recyclability of each structural member.

Furthermore, by forming the claw-like member formed in the second case on the inner surface of the bending portion orthogonal to the flat portion functioning as the cover, and simultaneously forming a tapered surface and a fixed end portion beyond the blade portion formed in the first case, By superposing | polymerizing a 2nd case with respect to 1 case, both can be bonded easily and can contribute to making assembly of an ink cartridge easier.

Further, by forming a slit hole in the flat portion of the second case corresponding to the arrangement position of each toenail member, the flexibility of the bending portion in which each toenail member is arranged can be improved. . Therefore, the flexibility of the bending portion works effectively to avoid the case where the tapered surface in the claw member exceeds the blade portion in the first case.

Thereby, at the time of joining operation of both cases formed by the synthetic resin, an excessive stress acts, for example, it is possible to effectively prevent the problem of whitening the formation part of the toenail member or generating a crack. .

In addition, according to the ink cartridge configured as described above, when the pressurized air is loaded into the case and loaded into the recording apparatus, the plane portion of the second case is slightly deformed outward through the film member. The toenail-shaped member formed on the inner surface of the orthogonal bending portion receives the deformation action of the flat portion and receives the action of falling inward.

Therefore, the claw-like member can act to penetrate by the blade portion of the second case to firmly maintain the combined state of both.

In addition, the recording device ink cartridge according to the fourth aspect of the present invention comprises an ink pack formed of a flexible material and containing ink therein, and a cartridge case accommodating the ink pack to form an outline. An ink cartridge for use is provided with a pressing member of an ink pack housed in a cartridge case together with the ink pack, and the ink capacity encapsulated in the ink pack is adjusted by the volume of the pressing member.

In a preferred embodiment, the ink pack is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and four sides are shielded to form an envelope, and the pressing member accommodated in the cartridge case together with the ink pack forms a window-shaped opening in the center thereof. It is configured in a shape and configured to press each of the four sides of the ink pack by the frame-shaped pressing member.

In this case, the surface facing each of the four sides of the ink pack in the pressing member is preferably made of a thin inclined surface toward the window-shaped opening formed in the center.

In addition, the inclined surface is preferably formed in a curved shape, and the pressing member is preferably made of an elastic material.

On the other hand, the ink cartridge configured as described above is preferably configured such that the cartridge case is formed in an airtight state, and pressurized air is introduced into the case in a loaded state to the recording apparatus, whereby the ink pack is pressurized with air pressure.

In this case, the cartridge case is preferably composed of a first case and a second case, and the ink pack and the pressing member are accommodated in the first case so that the periphery of the opening of the case is shielded by the film member, thereby providing an airtight state. At the same time, the second case is configured to function as a lid to receive the pressurized air and to prevent the film member from expanding.

Further, when joining the second case to the first case, the second case is provided with a claw-like member having a tapered surface and a fixed end coupled to the blade portion beyond the blade portion formed around the opening of the first case. The configuration is preferably introduced.

According to the ink cartridge according to the fourth aspect of the present invention configured as described above, an ink pack formed of a flexible material and enclosed with ink is housed in the cartridge case together with the pressing member of the ink pack, The amount of ink enclosed in the ink pack is adjusted according to the volume.

In other words, by preparing a plurality of kinds of pressing members having different volumes, and selecting the pressing members according to the ink capacities encapsulated in the ink pack, the pressing members are stored in the cartridge case so that the ink pack has almost no space in the case. I can receive it in a state.

Therefore, regardless of the amount of encapsulation of the ink, it is possible to effectively prevent the ink pack from freely moving in the cartridge case. As described above, the ink pack is subjected to an impact during transportation of the ink cartridge. By freely moving in the case, problems such as impacting the ink pack can be avoided.

In this case, by introducing a configuration in which a window-shaped opening is formed in the center portion as the pressing member, an ink pack formed in an envelope shape and encapsulated with ink is provided to the pressing member at an edge portion away from the center portion of the ink pack. Is maintained by.

Therefore, the pressing member can be accommodated in the case without difficulty along the outer shape of the ink pack, and can contribute to further improving the holding action of the ink pack when subjected to an impact or the like, for example.

In addition, when the above-described configuration is introduced into an ink cartridge into which pressurized air is introduced into the cartridge case, the pressurized air introduced into the cartridge case is housed because the pressing member having a volume selected according to the amount of ink encapsulated in the ink pack is accommodated. The amount of can be reduced to a predetermined range.

Therefore, even using a small-capacity ink cartridge, it is possible to avoid prolonging the standby time after the operation power is input to the recording apparatus, thereby contributing to improving the throughput.

Finally, in the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present invention in which the ink cartridge configured as described above is removably loaded, a recording head mounted on the carriage and reciprocated in the width direction of the recording paper, and mounted on the carriage together with the recording head. And a sub tank for supplying ink to the recording head at the same time as receiving ink from the ink cartridge through the ink supply passage, and with respect to the sub tank from the ink cartridge by the action of air pressure applied to the ink cartridge. It is configured to replenish ink.

In this case, it is preferable that the ink supply passage extending from the ink cartridge to the sub tank is constituted by a flexible ink supply tube.

In a preferred embodiment, an ink replenishment valve is further disposed in the ink replenishment path between the ink cartridge and the sub tank, and the ink replenishment valve is provided with a control signal generated by the ink amount detecting means for detecting the amount of ink in the sub tank. It is configured to open and close by.

In addition, the cartridge holder in which the ink cartridge is removably loaded is provided with a ring-shaped packing member which is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the ordinary body which forms an air passage connected to the pressure chamber of the cartridge while the ink cartridge is loaded. It is preferable.

On the other hand, in the preferred embodiment, the cartridge holder in which the ink cartridge is removably loaded, in the state where the ink cartridge is loaded, retracts in the axial direction in contact with the ink lead-out portion on the ink cartridge side, and opens and closes the valve. The unit is arranged, and the open / close valve unit is configured to advance in the axial direction from the unloaded state of the cartridge holder to maintain the closed valve state.

In this case, more preferably, the on-off valve unit is arranged to be slidably around the hollow needle having the ink introduction hole and the outer circumference of the hollow needle, and in the unloaded state of the cartridge holder, the force of the spring member is applied. And a sliding member for moving to a position for closing the ink introduction hole formed in the hollow needle.

In the inkjet recording apparatus in which the ink cartridge according to the present invention is loaded, sufficient ink can be supplied to the sub tank mounted on the carriage by the action of pressurized air.

Therefore, even in the recording apparatus configured to supply ink to the sub tank from the ink cartridge through the flexible ink supply tube, the printing can be continued without being affected by the dynamic pressure of the ink supply tube.

Then, by placing the on / off valve unit in the cartridge holder equipped with the recording apparatus in the axial direction in the unloaded state of the cartridge holder and maintaining the closed valve state, ink is discharged from the sub tank side in the unloaded state of the cartridge holder. It is possible to effectively prevent leakage by reverse flow, and thus prevent the occurrence of contamination by ink.

1 is a top view showing an example of an inkjet recording apparatus which can use the ink cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an ink supply system reaching the recording head from an ink cartridge in the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the lower case constituting the outline of the ink cartridge according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the upper case constituting the outline of the ink cartridge according to the present invention as well.

5 is an enlarged view of a corner portion of each case shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the upper case is bonded to the lower case by vibration welding.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the state viewed from the line A-A in FIG. 6 in the direction of the arrow. FIG.

8 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged portion of the upper case in the case of vibration welding the upper case with respect to the lower case.

9 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged portion of the heat weld film in the case of welding the heat-welding film to the upper surface of the opening of the lower case.

10 is a schematic view of the contact surface formed on the lower case, in close contact with the contact surface formed on the cover to maintain an airtight state with each other.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view showing a state where an ink cartridge is detached from a cartridge holder of the recording apparatus.

12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where an ink cartridge is loaded in a cartridge holder.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an appearance configuration of an ink cartridge according to the present invention.

14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge in a state seen in the direction of the arrow from the line B-B shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ink pack housed in the cartridge shown in FIG. 13; FIG.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which an ink pack is enclosed in a lower case by a film member.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the corner portion of the upper case seen in the inner surface direction.

18 is a perspective view of the corner of the upper case seen from the upper surface direction;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the entire ink cartridge as seen from the upper case side.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view showing the constitution of a connection mechanism disposed on one surface side end portion of the ink cartridge and the cartridge holder.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing the connecting mechanism disposed in the cartridge holder.

Fig. 22 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the ink lead-out cap on the cartridge side and the ink lead-out tube on the cartridge holder side.

Fig. 23 is an enlarged perspective view showing the mounting state of the circuit board loaded on the cartridge side;

24 is a perspective view showing an enlarged appearance of the circuit board shown in FIG. 23.

Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing an appearance configuration of a pressing member housed in a cartridge together with an ink pack.

FIG. 26 is a front view and a sectional view of the pressing member shown in FIG. 25; FIG.

Fig. 27 is a sectional view of the cartridge showing a state where the ink pack containing the small amount of ink is stored in the case together with the pressing member.

Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the ink cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 29 shows a cross-sectional structure taken along line E-E in FIG. 28;

Fig. 30 is a sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention with a sandwiching structure of an edge portion of the ink pack.

Fig. 31 is a sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention with a sandwiching structure of an edge portion of the ink pack.

32 is an exploded perspective view showing another preferred embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure taken along line F-F in FIG. 32;

Fig. 34 is a sectional view showing another example of the ink cartridge of the present invention with a sandwiching structure of an edge portion of the ink pack.

Fig. 35 is a sectional view showing another example of the ink cartridge of the present invention with a sandwiching structure of an edge portion of the ink pack.

36 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional ink cartridge.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

1 carriage 6 inkjet recording head

7a-7d: Sub tank 10: Ink supply tube

11 capping means 21 air pressure pump

31 float member 41: lower case

44: reinforcement rib 45: guide hole

46: opening 51, 141: upper case

42: welded surface 64: thermal welded surface

75 cover 77 pressurized air supply

124: ink pack 150: ink extraction unit

144 film member 157 ink lead-out tube

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the ink cartridge of each aspect which concerns on this invention, and the inkjet recording apparatus using the same are demonstrated based on the Example shown in FIG. First, Fig. 1 shows, in a top view, an example of an ink jet recording apparatus which can use the ink cartridge of each aspect according to the present invention.

In Fig. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a carriage, and the carriage 1 is guided to the scanning guide member 4 through the timing belt 3 driven by the carriage motor 2, so that the length of the paper feed member 5 is shown. Direction, that is, the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction which is the width direction of the recording sheet.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet recording head 6 described later is mounted on the surface of the carriage 1 that faces the paper supply member 5. The carriage 1 is also equipped with sub tanks 7a to 7d for supplying ink to the recording head.

In the above embodiment, four sub tanks 7a to 7d are provided corresponding to each ink in order to temporarily store each ink therein.

Each of the sub tanks 7a to 7d is provided with flexible ink supply tubes 10, 10, ... from main tanks 9a to 9d as ink cartridges loaded in the cartridge holder 8 arranged in the apparatus main body. Each ink of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan is supplied through each of them.

On the other hand, a capping means 11 capable of shielding the nozzle forming surface of the recording head is arranged in the non-factor area on the movement path of the carriage 1, and on the upper surface of the capping means 11, the recording head. The cap member 11a formed by flexible materials, such as rubber which can shield the nozzle formation surface of this, is attached.

When the carriage 1 moves to the non-factor area, the cap member 11a is configured to shield the nozzle formation surface of the recording head.

The cap member 11a functions as a lid that shields the nozzle forming surface of the recording head during the rest period of the recording apparatus and prevents drying of the nozzle opening. Although not shown in the figure, one end of the tube of the suction pump (tube pump) is connected to the cap member 11a, and a cleaning operation for sucking and discharging ink from the recording head by applying a negative pressure by the suction pump to the recording head. It is configured to run.

Then, the wiping member 12 made of an elastic material such as rubber is arranged on the printing region side adjacent to the capping means 11, so that the nozzle forming surface of the recording head can be wiped and cleaned as necessary.

Next, FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the ink supply system mounted in the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1, which will be described with reference to FIG. .

1 and 2, reference numeral 21 denotes an air pressurizing pump constituting the pressurizing unit, and the air pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 21 is supplied to the pressure regulating valve 22, and the pressure detector ( It is configured to be supplied to each of the main tanks 9a to 9d described above (represented by reference numeral 9 in FIG. 2, and may be briefly described as reference numeral 9 below) through 23.

When the air pressure pressurized by the air pressure pump 21 reaches a predetermined value or more, the pressure regulating valve 22 releases the pressure so that the air pressure applied to each of the main tanks 9a to 9d falls within a predetermined range. It has a function to maintain.

In addition, the pressure detector 23 detects the air pressure pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 21 and functions to control the driving of the air pressurizing pump 21.

That is, when it is detected that the air pressure pressurized by the air pressurization pump 21 reaches a predetermined pressure, driving of the air pressurization pump 21 is stopped based on this, and the air pressure is increased by the pressure detector 23. When it detects that it became more than predetermined pressure, it controls to drive the air pressurizing pump 21, and it repeats and functions so that the air pressure applied to each said main tank 9a-9d may be maintained in a predetermined range.

Although a detailed configuration of the main tank 9 will be described later, a schematic configuration of the main tank 9 is formed in an airtight state, as shown in FIG. 2, and an ink pack formed of a flexible material filled with ink therein. 24 is housed.

The space formed by the main tank 9 and the ink pack 24 constitutes the pressure chamber 25, and is configured to supply pressurized air through the pressure detector 23 in the pressure chamber 25. have.

By the above configuration, each of the ink packs 24 contained in each of the main tanks 9a to 9d is pressurized by pressurized air, and the respective subpacks 7a to 7d are received from each of the main tanks 9a to 9d. It is comprised so that ink flow by a predetermined pressure may generate | occur | produce.

The pressurized ink in each of the main tanks 9a to 9d passes through the respective ink supply valves 26, 26,..., And each ink supply tube 10, 10,... It is comprised so that it may be supplied to each mounted sub tank 7a-7d (represented by the code | symbol 7 in FIG. 2, and may be demonstrated simply by the code | symbol 7 below).

As shown in FIG. 2, the float member 31 is arrange | positioned inside the sub tank 7, and the permanent magnet 32 is attached to a part of the float member 31. As shown in FIG. The magnet conversion elements 33a and 33b represented by the hall elements are attached to the substrate 34 and attached to the side wall of the sub tank 7 together.

By the above configuration, the hall elements 33a and 33b are used in accordance with the magnetic force dose by the permanent magnet 32 disposed on the float member 31 and the permanent magnet 32 that is different from the floating position of the float member. An ink amount detecting means for generating an electrical output is configured.

Thus, for example, when the ink amount in the sub tank 7 decreases, the position of the float member 31 accommodated in the sub tank moves in the direction of gravity, whereby the position of the permanent magnet 32 also moves in the direction of gravity. Move.

Therefore, the electrical output of the Hall elements 33a and 33b due to the movement of the permanent magnet can be sensed as the ink amount in the sub tank 7, and based on the electrical output obtained by the Hall elements 33a and 33b, The ink supply valve 26 is opened. Thereby, the ink pressurized in the main tank 9 is individually sent out in each sub tank 7 in which the ink amount is reduced.

When the ink amount in the sub tank 7 reaches a predetermined capacity, the ink supply valve 26 is closed based on the electrical output of the Hall elements 33a and 33b.

By this repetition, ink is intermittently supplied from the main tank to the sub tank, so that almost constant ink is always stored in each sub tank.

Each sub tank 7 is configured to supply ink to the recording head 6 through a valve 35 and a tube 36 connected thereto, and to an actuator (not shown) of the recording head 6. Based on the print data supplied, it acts to eject ink droplets from the nozzle opening 6a formed in the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 6.

In Fig. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes the capping means described above, and the tube connected to the capping means 11 is connected to a suction pump (tube pump) (not shown).

Next, the ink cartridge according to the present invention will be described in order from the ink cartridge of the first aspect.

3 to 5 show an example of the ink cartridge (main tank) of the first aspect according to the present invention used in the ink jet recording apparatus.

First, FIG. 3 has shown the whole structure of the lower case as a 1st outer structural member which comprises the outer side of a main tank. The lower case 41 has a flat box shape, and is configured to receive an ink pack 24 in a state where an upper surface is opened and ink is enclosed therein.

In addition, at the edge of the lower case, a series of welded surfaces 42 are formed in almost one surface along the entire circumference of the edge. Moreover, the protrusion part 43 is integrally formed in the edge of the lower case along the outer periphery of a series of to-be-welded surface 42.

In addition, the corner part shown by B in FIG. 3 is expanded and shown in FIG.

As described later, the protrusion 43 vibrates the upper case as the second outer constituent member with respect to the lower case shown in FIG. 3, and the director (welder) formed on the upper case is scraped off by friction. Water is generated and formed to prevent it from scattering.

In addition, a lower bottom surface of the lower case 41, that is, a surface forming the pressure chamber 25, is formed with a well-shaped reinforcement rib 44 having a well-shaped reinforcement rib which prevents deformation of the lower case under air pressure. have.

The reinforcing ribs 44 are integrally formed in advance in the case of injection molding the lower case 41, for example, and are joined so that the upper case is in an airtight state as described later, and a pressure chamber is formed therein. In this case, it acts to suppress generation of the warp in the direction orthogonal to the plane due to the air pressure applied to the inside by the well sperm-shaped reinforcing rib 44.

In other words, by forming the well sperm-shaped reinforcing rib 44 as described above, the strength in the direction orthogonal to the surface can be increased, thus reducing the amount of synthetic resin material used when forming the lower case. Can be.

In this case, the reinforcing rib 44 may be formed on the outside of the case to obtain the same reinforcing effect. In the case of forming the well sperm-shaped rib 44 as shown in FIG. There is a problem in that adhesion of a label showing a mark indicating identification or the like becomes difficult, and therefore, the rib 44 is preferably applied to the lower bottom surface of the lower case as shown in FIG.

3, a pair of guide holes 45 are formed at an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the lower case 41, and the guide holes 45 are formed with an upper case which will be described later along with an outline of an ink cartridge. In this case, it acts to be positioned by being fitted to a pair of guide pins disposed in the cartridge holder of the recording apparatus.

Next, FIG. 4 has shown the whole structure of the upper case which comprises the outer side of a main tank. The upper case 51 has a flat shape, has a box shape in which its center part is slightly recessed, and is configured to function as a cover with respect to the lower case 41 described above.

At the edge of the upper case, a series of directors (welders) 52 which are frictionally welded in contact with the series of welded surfaces 42 formed at the edges of the lower case 41 are formed in one surface. In addition, the corner part shown by A in FIG. 4 is expanded and shown in FIG.

On the ceiling of the upper case 51, that is, on the surface of the pressure chamber 25, a well-shaped reinforcement rib 53 is formed in the same manner as the lower case to prevent deformation due to air pressure. .

In the case where the reinforcing rib 53 is integrally formed in advance when the upper case 51 is formed, for example, by injection molding, is joined to be in an airtight state with respect to the lower case, and the pressure chamber is formed therein, The well rib-shaped reinforcing rib 53 acts to suppress the occurrence of warpage in a direction orthogonal to the surface due to the air pressure applied to the inside.

In this manner, also in the upper case 51, the reinforcing ribs 53 are formed on the lower surface of the ceiling so that the adhesion of the label showing the brand name or the mark indicating the identification or the like on the surface of the cartridge does not occur as described above. It is considered not to be.

6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the upper case 51 is joined to the lower case 41 by vibrating welding. 7 is sectional drawing of the state seen from the arrow A-A shown in FIG. 6 in the arrow direction. In addition, in FIG.6 and FIG.7, the part same as each part demonstrated previously is shown with the same code | symbol.

When performing vibration welding, the ink pack 24 which previously sealed ink from the upper part is accommodated in the lower case 41 as shown to FIG. 6 and FIG. And through the opening part 46 formed in the side end part of the lower case 41, the ink lead-out part 55 which shields the ink pack 24 and comprises an ink outlet is led out from the lower case 41 to the outside. Let's do it.

In this state, the O-ring 56 is allocated to the opening portion 46, and at the same time, the annular engaging member 57 is pushed in from the outside of the lower case 41, whereby the ink lead-out portion of the ink pack 24 is provided. 55 may be attached to the opening 46 of the lower case 41.

In this way, since the O-rings allocated to the openings 46 are compressed by the annular engaging members 57, the ink lead-out portions 55 of the ink packs 24 are attached to the lower case 41. The formed opening 46 and the ink lead-out portion 55 of the ink pack are hermetically sealed.

In this manner, after the ink pack 24 is loaded into the lower case 41, the upper case 51 is polymerized with respect to the lower case 41, and vibration welding is performed. In Fig. 7, reference numeral 47 denotes an air inlet port through which the air pressure generated by the air pressure pump described above is supplied.

FIG. 8: shows the state in the case where the upper case 51 is vibrated-welded with respect to the lower case 41 in the schematic diagram which expanded the one part. That is, as shown to Fig.8 (a), the edge part of the lower case 41 is supported from the downward direction by the vibration welding jig 61 of the fixed side. Moreover, the edge part of the upper case 51 is pressed from the upper direction by the vibration welding jig 62 of the movable side.

Then, the vibration welding jig 62 on the movable side operates under a driving force of an actuator (not shown) to apply a load in the gravity direction and to impart vibration in the horizontal direction as shown in Fig. 8A.

By the above operation, the director 52 formed on the upper case 51 is slid with a load applied to the adhered surface 42 of the lower case 41.

Therefore, the part 52 of the director 52 formed in the upper case 51 and the to-be-welded surface 42 of the lower case 41 melt | fuse, respectively, by the frictional heat which generate | occur | produces between them.

Then, by stopping the horizontal vibration operation in the vibration welding jig 62 on the movable side in the state of applying the load, the upper case 51 with respect to the lower case 41 as shown in FIG. Bonded in airtight condition.

Further, as described above, a protrusion 43 is formed along the outer periphery of the surface to be welded 42 at the lower case 41, and the vibration welding is performed by the presence of the protrusion 43. Even if the director 52 formed in the upper case is shaved and the residue is generated, the degree to which it scatters can be reduced.

The outline as the ink cartridge thus constructed can be joined in an airtight state by melting the resin between them, and as described above, it can be suitably introduced into an inkjet recording apparatus having a configuration in which air pressure is introduced into the main tank as the ink cartridge. Can be.

The above description has shown an embodiment in which the upper case as the second outer constituting member is hermetically sealed to each other by vibrating welding means with respect to the lower case as the first outer constituting member. The heat welding means shown next can also be used.

FIG. 9: shows typically the state which thermally welds the film-like member 64 as a 2nd outer structural member with respect to the lower case 41 as a 1st outer structural member.

In this case, the same configuration as that already described with reference to FIG. 3 is used as the lower case.

And when heat-welding a film-like member with respect to the lower case, the ink pack 24 which enclosed the ink from the upper part inside the lower case 41 similarly to the case of vibrating welding shown to FIG. 6 and FIG. It is stored.

Subsequently, through the opening 46 formed at the side end of the lower case 41, the ink lead-out portion 55 attached to the ink pack 24 is led out from the lower case 41 to the outside, By shielding the O-ring 56 with an annular engagement member 57, the ink outlet portion 55 of the ink pack 24 is attached to the opening 46 of the lower case 41.

On the other hand, as a part of it is shown by the edge of the lower case 41, the series of to-be-welded surface 42 is formed in substantially one surface along the whole periphery of the edge. And the heat welding film 64 is heat-welded with respect to the series of to-be-welded surface 42 in the edge of the said lower case.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 9A, the edge of the lower case 41 is supported by the fixing jig 66.

Then, the thermal welding film 64 is placed so as to cover the series of adhered surfaces 42 at the edge of the lower case, and in this state, the heater chip 67 is formed on the edge of the lower case 41. It descends from the upper part of the surface 42, and the thermal welding film 64 is crimped | bonded to the to-be-welded surface 42. FIG.

Thereby, the heat welding film 64 is welded to the edge part of the lower case 41, and the heat welding film 64 is bonded by the airtight state with respect to the edge part of the lower case 41. As shown in FIG.

Thus, by bonding the upper surface opening of the lower case 41 by the heat welding film 64, the pressure chamber 25 can be formed in the lower case 41 in airtight state.

By the way, since the said heat welding film 64 has a comparatively flexible property, when it is loaded in the said recording apparatus in this state, the heat welding film 64 expands under the action of the air pressure by an air pressure pump, The technical problem remains that the air pressure in the pressure chamber 25 by the lower case 41 and the heat welding film 64 is not stable.

9 (b) shows a configuration for solving such a problem. That is, as shown in Figure 9 (b) is provided with a reinforcing member 71 for covering the heat-welding film 64 from the upper portion, the edge of the reinforcing member is detachable to the edge of the lower case 41 The engaging portion 71a is formed integrally.

By the above configuration, when air pressure is applied in the pressure chamber 25 formed by the lower case 41 and the thermal welding film 64 and the thermal welding film 64 is expanded, the thermal welding film 64 is a reinforcing member. In contact with the face of 71, the expansion is inhibited.

Also in the ink cartridge configured in this way, a pressure chamber can be formed between the lower case and the heat-sealed film, and can be suitably introduced into an inkjet recording apparatus having a configuration in which air pressure is introduced into the ink cartridge as described above.

10 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment in the case of constituting the ink cartridge.

In the form shown in FIG. 10, the contact surface formed in the cover constituting the second outer constituent member is in close contact with the series of welded surfaces formed in the lower case constituting the first outer constituent member, and both are hermetically sealed. It is configured to maintain state.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the edge part is shown in cross section, the arc-shaped to-be-welded surface 73 is formed in the shape of the lower case 41 as a 1st outer structural member along the perimeter of the edge.

Further, an arcuate contact surface 76 in close contact with the series of adhered surfaces 73 at the edge of the lower case 41 is formed at the edge of the lid 75 as the second outer member. It is.

In addition, the cover 75 is integrally formed with a coupling part 77 detachably attached to the edge of the lower case, and the case 41 and the cover 75 are mutually formed by the action of the coupling part 77. It is configured to maintain confidentiality.

Also in the ink cartridge configured as described above, a pressure chamber can be formed between the lower case and the lid, and as described above, the ink cartridge can be suitably introduced into an ink jet recording apparatus having a configuration in which air pressure is introduced into the ink cartridge.

In addition, even in the configuration shown in Fig. 10, an ink pack in which ink is previously contained in the lower case 41, which is the first outer constituent member, is loaded, and in this state, the lid 75, which is the second outer constituent member, is the case 41. The loading at the top of is the same as the above-described respective embodiments.

As apparent from the above description, according to the ink cartridge of the first aspect of the present invention, the ink pack is housed therein, and the outer member is at least the first outer member and the second outer member to be joined to each other to be airtight. Since it is comprised so that it may be in a state, in the state which accommodated the ink pack which ink was previously enclosed, the 1st and 2nd outer structural members can be joined together and the product as an ink cartridge can be formed.

Further, since the first outer member and the second outer member are joined to each other and are in an airtight state, for example, the used cartridge can be easily disassembled and recycled, contributing to resource saving.

Next, the ink cartridge of the second aspect of the present invention will be described. In the ink cartridge of the second aspect, when the ink cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus, the pressurized air inlet formed in the cartridge is opened so that the pressure chamber formed between the outer member of the cartridge and the ink pack is directly connected to the atmosphere. There is a characteristic in point.

As described above, an opening 58 is formed at the front end of the lower case 41 to which the ink lead-out unit 55 is attached, and when the ink cartridge is loaded into the cartridge holder 8, FIGS. 11 and 12 are used. As shown, the ink supply connection portion described later disposed on the cartridge holder 8 side is relatively drawn from the opening portion 58, and the ink lead-out portion 55 on the cartridge side is connected to the ink supply connection portion on the cartridge holder side. It is configured to be.

The ink outlet portion 55 on the ink cartridge side is provided with a valve member 59 that abuts in the axial direction in contact with a connection portion on the cartridge holder side, which will be described later, and becomes an open valve state, and the valve member 59 is a spring. Force is applied by the member 60 to advance in the axial direction.

Then, the valve member 59, which has been forced to advance in the axial direction by the spring member 60, is pushed by the annular packing member 61 having the through hole 61a formed at the center thereof, and as a result, in FIG. As shown, the ink outlet portion 55 is in a closed valve state.

In addition, the pressurized air inlet 47 formed in the lower case 41 constituting the outer portion of the ink cartridge is composed of a common body that forms an air passage connected to the pressure chamber 25, the conventional body is the front end of the cartridge It is integrally formed to protrude to the side.

And the opening part 64 is formed in the front end part in the lower case 41 in which the pressurized air inlet 47 was formed, and when a cartridge is loaded in the cartridge holder 8, as shown in FIG. The pressurized air supply part mentioned later formed in the holder 8 side is comprised so that the packing member arrange | positioned relatively from the said opening part 64 and the pressurized air supply part may be closely adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the pressurized air inlet 47.

On the other hand, at the cartridge holder 8 side, the ink supplying and connecting portion 71 protrudes from the center portion thereof.

The connecting portion 71 is provided with an opening / closing valve unit 72 which is brought into contact with the ink lead-out portion 55 on the ink cartridge side, retracts in the axial direction and is in an open valve state while the ink cartridge is loaded. In addition, the on-off valve unit 72 is configured to advance in the axial direction from the unloaded state of the cartridge holder to maintain the closed valve state.

That is, the opening / closing valve unit 72 is arranged to be slidably around the hollow needle 73 having the ink introduction hole 73a and the outer circumference of the hollow needle 73, and the cartridge holder is in an unloaded state. A ring-shaped sliding member 75 is provided to move to a position for closing the ink introduction hole 73a formed in the hollow needle 73 by the force of the spring member 74 in the.

Therefore, in the case where the ink cartridge is shown in FIG. 11 in the unloaded state, the annular sliding member 75 advances under the force of the spring member 74 to open the ink introduction hole 73a formed in the hollow needle 73. It is closed and it is in a closed valve state.

In addition, in the case where the ink cartridge is shown in FIG. 12 in the loaded state, the ink lead-out portion 55 on the ink cartridge side contacts the annular sliding member 75 and retracts it, thereby being formed in the hollow needle 73. The ink introduction hole 73a is exposed to be in an open valve state through which ink can be introduced.

At this time, at the ink cartridge side, the tip portion of the hollow needle 73 on the cartridge holder side contacts the valve member 59 through the through hole 61a formed in the packing member 61, and the valve member 59 is axially oriented. In order to retreat, the ink lead-out portion 55 on the ink cartridge side is also opened.

Thereby, ink can be supplied from the ink cartridge to the cartridge holder side as indicated by the arrow in FIG.

At the same time, the pressurized air inlet 47 constituting the pressurized air inlet on the cartridge side also enters into the annular packing member 78 in the pressurized air supply unit 77 arranged on the cartridge holder side.

In this way, the packing member 78 is closely connected to the outer circumferential surface of the pressurized air inlet 47 so that pressurized air can be introduced into the pressure chamber 25 on the cartridge side as indicated by the arrow in FIG.

According to the above constitution, when the ink cartridge is removed from the cartridge holder, as shown in Fig. 11, the pressurized air inlet 47 connected to the pressure chamber 25 on the cartridge side has a packing member disposed on the pressurized air supply part on the cartridge holder side. The shield by 78 is released.

As a result, the pressure chamber 25 of the cartridge is immediately opened to the atmosphere through the air passage of the pressurized air inlet 47. Therefore, the pressure on the ink pack 24 is also immediately opened.

In addition, since the ink outlet portion 55 disposed on the ink cartridge side is also closed, ink can be prevented from leaking under gravity.

In addition, since the ink supply connection portion 71 at the cartridge holder side is also closed at the same time, backflow of ink from the sub tank side can be prevented.

As is clear from the above description, according to the ink cartridge of the second aspect of the present invention, when the ink cartridge is detached from the recording apparatus, the pressurized air inlet formed in the cartridge is opened to open the space between the cartridge outer member and the ink pack. The pressure chamber formed in the chamber is directly connected to the atmosphere. Therefore, since the pressure on the ink pack is released immediately, it is possible to prevent the ink in the ink pack from being accidentally ejected or leaked.

In addition, the recording apparatus in which the ink cartridge is loaded is provided with an opening / closing valve unit which is moved in the axial direction in the unloaded state of the cartridge holder and maintains the closed valve state. The problem of causing contamination by water can also be avoided.

Next, the ink cartridge of the third aspect of the present invention will be described. 13 to 15 show an example of the ink cartridge (main tank) 100 of the third aspect according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of the main tank, and FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main tank as seen in the arrow direction from the line B-B shown in FIG. 13. 15 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ink pack 124 housed in the outer case shown in FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the outer case is comprised by the upper case 141 as a 2nd case, and the lower case 142 as a 1st case.

The lower case 142 has a flat box shape, and is configured to accommodate the ink pack 124 (see FIG. 15) in which the upper surface is opened and the ink is sealed therein.

In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14, for pressing each of the four sides of the ink pack 124 housed in the lower case 142, for example, it is composed of foamed styrol, etc. The middle lid 143 is inserted, and as will be described later in detail, in the blade portion 142a formed at the edge of the opening of the lower case 142, the film member 144 is shown as a thick line. It is heat-sealed and closed so that the lower case 142 may be airtight.

And the upper case 141 which consists of a flat box shape from the upper part is attached.

The upper case 141 serves as a cover to suppress the expansion of the film member 144 outward by receiving the pressurized air, the flat portion 141b serving as the cover, and the bending portion integrally formed so as to be perpendicular thereto 141c.

The wedge-shaped claw member 141a is formed intermittently along the inner surface of the bending portion 141c, and the upper claw 141 is pushed against the lower case 142 to thereby form the respective claw-shaped members. 141a is coupled to the blade portion 142a formed at the open end edge of the lower case 142, and both are integrally coupled.

With the above configuration, when pressurized air is introduced into the lower case 142 closed by the film member 144, since the film member 144 is positioned to be in contact with the inner surface of the upper case 141, pressurized air It can be avoided that the film member 144 is expanded outwardly.

Fig. 15 shows the configuration of the ink pack 124 housed in the outer case formed as described above.

The ink pack 124 uses two flexible materials formed in a rectangular shape, for example, a polyethylene film, and, for example, aluminum foil or the like is laminated on the surface in order to improve gas barrier properties. And the ink lead-out part 150 which comprises an ink discharge port is attached to the substantially center part of the side end part of a longitudinal direction.

The ink pack 124 has a side end portion to which the ink lead-out unit 150 is attached, and three sides of both end portions in the longitudinal direction orthogonal thereto are first bonded to each other by thermal welding to form an envelope. In addition, the code | symbol 124b shows the heat welding part performed on the said three sides.

Then, ink is introduced into the ink pack 124 using the opening on one side of the ink pack 124 formed in the shape of an envelope as described above, and finally, the other side is joined by thermal welding to form an ink pack. Ink is in a sealed state. In addition, the code | symbol 124c shows the heat welding part performed on the said remaining one side.

FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged view of the ink pack 124 encapsulated in the lower case 142 by the film member. First, the lower case 142 is placed on the fixing jig 161 using the blade portion 142a formed at the edge of the opening.

Then, the ink pack 124 is housed in the lower case 142, and a four-sided middle lid 143 having a center portion opening in a window shape for pressing each of the four sides of the ink pack 124 is a lower case. 142 is inserted into.

In this state, the film member 144 is arrange | positioned so that the said blade part 142a formed in the opening edge of the lower case 142 may be covered.

Subsequently, the heater head 162 formed similarly to the planar shape of the blade portion 142a of the lower case 142 is lowered to heat the film member 144 covering the blade portion 142a. Thereby, the film member 144 is heat-welded along the said blade part 142a of the lower case 142, and the lower case 142 is shielded by the film member 144 in airtight state.

Next, FIGS. 17 and 18 show some components of the upper case 141 bonded to the lower case 142 shielded by the film member 144 as described above, in particular the bending portion of the upper case 141. A claw-shaped member 141a formed intermittently along the inner surface of 141c and its peripheral configuration are shown enlarged.

17 is a perspective view of the corner part of the upper case 141 seen from the inner surface direction, and FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the corner part of the upper case 141 seen from the upper surface direction.

As shown in FIG. 17, the toe-shaped member 141a is formed with the taper surface 141d comprised so that thickness may increase from the lower end of the bending part 141c toward the flat part 141b which functions as a cover, and the said tapered surface The fixed end part 141e is formed in the edge part side of the plane part 141b in 141d.

And as shown in FIG. 18, the slit hole 141f is formed along the bending part 141c in the said flat part 141b of the upper case corresponding to the arrangement | positioning position of each toenail member 141a.

Therefore, by polymerizing and pressing the upper case 141 with respect to the lower case 142, the blade part in which the taper surface 141d in each said claw-shaped member 141a was formed in the opening edge of the lower case 142 is formed. It slides in contact with the side of 142a.

In addition, by pressing the upper case 141 toward the lower case 142, each of the claw members 141a is beyond the blade portion 142a formed in the lower case 142. Thereby, the blade part 142a of the lower case is fitted to the fixed end 141e in the toe-shaped member 141a, and both cases are joined.

In this case, since the slit holes 141f are formed along the bending portions 141c in the flat portions 141b of the upper case 141 corresponding to the arrangement positions of the respective toenail members 141a, the respective claws are formed. Flexibility of the bending part 141c in which the shape member is disposed may be improved.

Therefore, the flexibility in the bending portion acts to effectively avoid the case where the tapered surface 141d in the toenail member 141a exceeds the blade portion 142a in the lower case 142.

Thereby, excessive stress acts at the time of joining operation of both cases formed by synthetic resin, and the problem which whitens the formation part of the toenail member 141a, or produces a crack can be effectively prevented.

19 is a perspective view of the main tank 100 as an ink cartridge formed as described above, as viewed from the upper case side.

In this embodiment, five slit holes 141f are formed at both ends along the longitudinal direction of the case, and similarly, the claw-like members 141a are arranged at substantially equal intervals corresponding to the slit holes 141f, respectively. In addition, two slit holes 141f are formed at both ends along the short side direction of the case, and similarly, the claw-like member 141a is also disposed corresponding to the slit holes 141f, respectively.

As shown in Fig. 13, the main tank 100 as the ink cartridge configured as described above is provided with a pair of opening holes 151 as positioning means used for loading the recording apparatus on one surface of the cartridge case.

The pair of opening holes 151 are disposed in two spaced apart positions along the longitudinal direction of the one surface of the case, which is integrally formed at the same time when the lower case 142 is ejected and molded, for example. It is.

Further, the ink lead-out portion 150 constituting the ink lead-out port from the ink pack is attached to almost the middle portion of the positioning aperture hole 151 disposed in the two places. In addition, the inlet 152 of pressurized air and the circuit board 153 mentioned later are arrange | positioned at the both outer sides of each opening hole 151 arrange | positioned at said two places, respectively.

In addition, when the inlet 152 of the pressurized air is molded in the hollow case at the same time, when the lower case 142 is molded, the pressurized air is injected into the lower case 142 closed by the film member 144. It is configured to be introduced.

In Fig. 20, the one side end of the main tank 100 as the ink cartridge formed as described above is shown in the cross-sectional state, and the main tank (1) is connected to the connection mechanism 155 disposed in the cartridge holder 8 on the recording apparatus side. The state in which 100) is mounted is shown.

In addition, in FIG. 21, the connection mechanism 155 arrange | positioned at the cartridge holder 8 side is shown in the perspective view.

As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, a pair of positioning pins 156 formed in a circumferential shape is disposed on the cartridge holder 8 side, and the pair of positioning opening holes 151 formed on the main tank 100 side. ) Is configured to surround and mount the respective positioning pins 156.

Thus, since the positioning aperture hole 151 is arrange | positioned in two places along the longitudinal direction in the said one surface of the case at the cartridge side, the two positioning pins 156 arrange | positioned at the recording apparatus side By mounting to the proximal end, the positioning in the three-dimensional direction of the main tank 100 as a cartridge can be achieved.

By mounting the main tank 100 with respect to the positioning pins 156, the hollow ink lead-out tube 157 disposed almost at the center between the pair of positioning pins 156 is attached to the ink pack. It is stuck to the ink lead-out unit 150 to prepare the ink can be drawn from the cartridge.

In addition, by mounting the main tank 100, the inlet port 152 of the pressurized air is connected to the outlet 158 of the pressurized air arranged on the holder 8 side, and the pressurized air on the main tank 100 side. Will be ready to be introduced.

In addition, a terminal mechanism 159 having a plurality of contact pieces is connected to the circuit board 153 arranged on the main tank 100 side, and between the semiconductor storage means described later provided on the circuit board 153. You will be ready to send and receive data.

In addition, when the main tank 100 is attached to the cartridge holder 8, as shown in FIG. 20, the vertical type in which the said circuit board 153 arrange | positioned at the main tank 100 side is located in the gravity direction upper part is located. It is mounted in a state.

22 shows that the hollow ink lead-out tube 157 disposed on the holder side is stuck to the ink lead-out unit 150 attached to the ink pack by mounting the main tank 100 so that ink can be drawn out from the cartridge. It can be shown in cross-sectional view.

In addition, Fig. 22 (a) shows a state before both are connected, and Fig. 22 (b) shows a state where both are connected.

A rubber packing 150a formed in a round annular shape is fitted in the outlet portion of the ink lead-out portion 150 on the ink pack side. On the other hand, in the ink lead-out unit 150, a movable body 150b which is movable in the axial direction is accommodated.

The movable body 150b is configured to close the round annular center portion of the rubber packing 150a by the force of the coil spring member 150c. Moreover, the opening 157a is formed in the side surface of the hollow ink lead-out pipe 157 arrange | positioned at the holder 8 side near the front-end | tip part.

Therefore, in the state of Fig. 22A in which the main tank 100 as the cartridge is not mounted on the recording apparatus side, the movable body 150b is moved from the fixed end 141e by the force of the coil-like spring member 150c. In order to close the central portion of the round annular shape, the ink lead-out unit 150 may be in a closed valve state to prevent the ink from leaking from the ink pack.

In addition, when the main tank 100 is mounted on the recording apparatus, as shown in Fig. 22 (b), the tip of the ink lead-out tube 157 reacts with the force of the spring member 150c to move the movable body 150b. Since it acts to press the inside, an ink flow path indicated by an arrow is formed and ink is drawn out.

In this case, the round annular inner diameter at the fixed end portion 141e is in close contact with the outer portion of the ink lead-out tube 157, thereby preventing the ink from leaking from the portion.

Next, FIG. 23 shows the mounting state of the circuit board 153 arranged on the cartridge side, and FIG. 24 shows the external configuration of the circuit board 153. 24A shows a perspective view of the circuit board 153 as seen from the front side, and (b) shows a perspective view of the circuit board 153 as seen from the back side.

As shown in FIG. 23, the circuit board 153 is attached to the inner bottom part of which two orthogonal surfaces were opened in the corner part of the lower case 142 of a cartridge. One open side of the circuit board 153 is configured to be connected to the terminal mechanism 159 disposed on the cartridge holder 8 side, and the other open side mainly mounts the circuit board 153 to the cartridge case. It is used when doing.

That is, as shown in FIG. 24, the thermal welding projection 142c inserted and penetrated into the through hole 153a and the notch hole 153b for mounting the circuit board 153 to the lower case 142, and 142d is formed in advance.

When the circuit board 153 formed almost in a rectangular shape is mounted on the lower case 142, the circuit board 153 is fitted into the recessed portion 142b formed to position the circuit board as shown in FIG.

And the circuit board 153 shows the circuit board 153 shown in FIG. 23 by contacting and hot-melting the heater chip which is not shown in the edge part of the heat welding protrusion 142c and 142d shown by the virtual line in FIG. As can be attached to the lower case 142.

In this way, in order to mount the circuit board 153 on the lower case 142, the above-described heater chip is used as the mounting jig, and the tip of the heater chip is opened from one surface opened on the upper surface side of the circuit board 153. Will be inserted.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 24A, an electrode contact as a connection terminal in electrical contact with the terminal mechanism 159 on the holder 8 side when mounted on the cartridge holder on the front side of the circuit board 153. 153c is formed.

Moreover, the check electrode contact 153d formed in circular shape is also formed in the same surface.

These electrode contacts 153c and 153d are connected to semiconductor storage means 154 capable of reading and writing data arranged on the back surface of the circuit board 153, and the main tank 100 is connected to a cartridge holder of the recording apparatus. In the state attached to the main tank, the main tank is shielded, for example, to exchange data such as the type of ink, the remaining amount of ink, the serial number, and the expiration date.

According to the ink cartridge according to the third aspect of the present invention, the second case is formed in the airtight state by the first case and the second case to accommodate the ink pack therein, and at the same time, the second case is formed in the blade portion formed at the opening edge of the first case. Since the claw-shaped member formed in the upper portion is coupled, the second case is bonded to the first case, so that the assembly and disassembly operation of the ink cartridge can be easily performed, thereby contributing to improving the recyclability of each constituent member.

Further, by forming a slit hole along the bending portion in the flat portion of the second case corresponding to the position where the claw member is disposed, flexibility of the bending portion in which the claw member is disposed can be improved. Unnecessary stress acts at the time of joining operation of a case, and the problem which whitens the formation part of a claw-shaped member or produces a crack can be effectively avoided, for example.

Next, the ink cartridge of the third aspect of the present invention will be described. In the ink cartridge of the fourth aspect, a press member of the ink pack accommodated in the cartridge case is provided together with the ink pack, and the ink capacity encapsulated in the ink pack can be adjusted by the volume of the press member. do.

Therefore, for the outer constitution of the ink cartridge, the constitution of the ink pack, and the like, the respective constitutions shown in Figs. 13 to 24 described above can be introduced as preferred embodiments.

25 and 26 show the structure of the pressing member 143 described above, and FIG. 25 shows the entirety of the pressing member in a perspective view. 26 (a) shows a pressing member in front view, FIG. 26 (b) shows a sectional view seen from the CC line in FIG. 26 (a) in the arrow direction, and FIG. 26 (c) shows FIG. It is shown by sectional drawing seen from the DD line in (a) by the arrow direction.

As shown in Figs. 25 and 26, the pressing member 143 is formed in the shape of a frame by forming a window-shaped opening 143a in the center, and is formed in a rectangular shape to shield the four sides of the ink pack 124 described above. It is configured to press each of four sides.

26 (b) and 26 (c), as shown in the cross-sectional view of the ink pack in the pressing member 143, the surface facing each of the four sides of the window-shaped opening ( It consists of the inclined surface 143b of thin thickness toward 143a.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, the inclined surface 143b is slightly curved, whereby ink is encapsulated so that the inclined surface 143b is adhered along the edge shape of the ink pack 124 in a bulging state. .

And when the ink pack 124 which enclosed a large amount of ink is accommodated in the lower case 142, as shown in FIG. 14, a small volume is introduce | transduced as the pressing member 143. As shown in FIG.

In addition, when the ink pack 124 containing a small amount of ink is stored in the lower case 142, as shown in FIG. 27, a large volume is introduced as the pressing member 143. As shown in FIG.

In the pressing member 143 used for the main tank 100 shown in FIG. 27, the opening area of the window-shaped opening 143a formed in the center is formed small compared with that shown in FIG. Similarly, a thin inclined surface 143b is formed toward the window opening 143a.

With the above configuration, the ink pack 124 in which a small amount of ink is encapsulated is pressed into four sides near the center by the pressing member 143.

By the above configuration, despite the small amount of encapsulation of the ink in the ink pack, it is possible to effectively prevent the ink pack from freely moving in the cartridge case, and to damage the ink pack by being impacted or the like during the transportation of the cartridge. And other problems can be avoided.

As apparent from the above description, according to the ink cartridge of the fourth aspect of the present invention, a pressing member of an ink pack accommodated in the cartridge case together with the ink pack is provided, and is enclosed in the ink pack by the volume of the pressing member. Since the ink capacity to be adjusted is adjusted, for example, various kinds of pressing members are prepared, and the pressing members are selected and stored in the cartridge case according to the ink capacity encapsulated in the ink pack, thereby storing the ink pack in the case. Can be stored without a big gap.

Therefore, the extent to which an ink pack is damaged by the impact at the time of conveyance can be greatly reduced.

On the other hand, when the present invention is introduced into an ink cartridge into which pressurized air is introduced into the cartridge case, since a pressing member having a volume selected according to the amount of ink encapsulated into the ink pack is accommodated, The amount can be reduced to a predetermined range.

Therefore, even if a small-capacity ink cartridge is used, it is not necessary to introduce a large amount of pressurized air into the case, and thus it is possible to prevent a long time, for example, that the standby state after turning on the operating power to the recording apparatus becomes long. This can contribute to improving throughput.

Finally, the present invention is applied to the ink cartridge of each of the above aspects of the present invention, and it is possible to satisfactorily prevent troubles such as bursting of the ink pack due to vibration or drop of the ink cartridge, and not only an ink pack but also a case constituting the outside. The preferred form of the cartridge with excellent recyclability that can be recycled will also be described.

In the preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the hard case constituting the outside of the ink cartridge is filled with ink to form a recess corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the pillow-shaped ink pack, and at the same time, a rib for fixing the edge of the ink pack is provided. It is characterized by the formed points.

More preferably, a plurality of the ribs are formed in the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction of the hard case, respectively, the convex portion and the concave portion are formed in the area holding the edge of the ink pack, and the through hole is formed in the edge portion of the ink pack. And a point formed with a convex portion formed in the rib and entering the through hole.

In addition, another preferable aspect is that the inner surface of the hard case is configured in such a manner that the ink pack filled with the ink matches the cross-sectional shape and at the same time can fix the edge of the ink pack. Moreover, the point which formed the convex part and the recessed part in the area | region which hold | grips the said edge part, the through-hole is formed in the said edge part, and the point which the convex part which enters the said through hole is formed in a case, etc. are mentioned.

Below, these preferable forms are demonstrated in detail based on drawing. Fig. 28 shows an exploded view of a preferred example of the ink cartridge, and the ink pack 201 has a rectangular film formed by forming a layer of a material having high air barrier property such as metal on the surface of the polymer film, for example. 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d are thermally welded to form an envelope, and an ink supply port 201e is formed on one side 201a.

The hard case accommodating the ink pack 201 has two pieces, a case main body (lower case) 202 and a cover (upper case) 203 formed in a box shape, and the long sides 201b of the ink pack are provided on each opposite surface. , 201d) and short ribs 204, 204, 204, 204 ', 204', 204 ', and long ribs 205, 205, 205', and 205 'are formed to divide the plurality of short sides 201a and 201c into a plurality. have.

These ribs 204, 204 ', 205, and 205' are formed with recesses 204a, 204a ', 205a, and 205a' so as to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the ink pack filled with ink, respectively, and ink End portions 204b, 204b ', 205b, and 205b' opposite the edges 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d of the pack 201 are formed at the edges of the ink pack when the lid 203 is fixed to the case body 202. 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d are fixed at heights h and h 'capable of fixing them.

Reference numeral 206 in FIG. 28 denotes a recess for forming a window for drawing the ink supply port 201e outward.

In this example, when the ink pack 201 filled with a prescribed amount of ink is placed in the case main body 202 so that the ink supply port 201e is located in the recess 206, and the lid 203 is fixed, The ink filled region of the ink pack 201 is supported by the recesses 204a, 204a ', 205a, and 205a' of the ribs 204, 204 ', 205, and 205' without being pressed from both sides, and the edge ( 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d are fixed by end portions 204b, 204b ', 205b, and 205b' of opposing ribs 204, 204 ', 205, and 205'.

Even if vibrations or impacts are applied in the above state, the ink pack 201 is not significantly deformed because its shape is determined by the recesses 204a, 204a ', 205a, and 205a'.

In addition, since the edges 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d are fixed between the case body 202 and the lid 203, the ink pack does not move in the case due to ink fluctuations, It is not destroyed by impact or pressure.

When the lid 203 is removed in the step where ink is consumed and recovered to the manufacturer, the ink pack 201 can be simply removed because the ink pack 201 is released from being fixed between the case body 202 and the lid 203.

After removing the removed ink pack, replace consumables such as packing of the ink supply port, and then refill the ink.

When the ink pack filled with ink in this way is placed on the case body 202 as described above and the lid 203 is closed, recycling is completed.

According to this example, since the ink pack does not need to be held from the case, it can be removed without damaging the bag of the ink pack, and the ink cartridge can be reproduced with high reliability.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view taken along the line E-E in FIG. The ribs 204 and 204 'formed on the case body 202 and the lid 203 are recessed 204a and 204a' so as to follow the cross-sectional shape of the ink pack 201 filled with the ink 207 to form a pillow. Is formed. In addition, the edge portions 201b and 201d of the ink pack are fixed by opposing end portions 204b and 204b '.

By the ribs 204 and 204 'having the above-described shape, the ink pack 201 made of the flexible film is restricted from deformation so that the film does not bend at an acute angle.

30 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the fixing structure of the edge portion of the ink pack. The lower case 202 and the lid 203 are formed with ribs 204 and 204 'along the shape of the ink pack 201, as in the example of FIG. 28, and further secures the edge portion 201b of the ink pack. The convex part 208 is formed in the edge part 204b, and the recessed part 208 'is formed in the edge part 204b' which opposes it. The convex portion 208 and the concave portion 208 'are formed at several places of the edge of the ink pack.

When the ink pack 201 is accommodated in the case body 202 and the lid 203 is covered and fixed from above, the edge 201b0 of the ink pack is formed by the convex portion 208 and the concave portion 208 '. It is fixed in a bent state.

By fixing a few of the edge portions of the ink pack in the above-described manner, the ink pack can be firmly fixed in the case. In this example, the ink pack 201 can be easily removed by removing the lid 203. Like the example of FIG. 28, the regeneration of the ink cartridge can be facilitated.

Fig. 31 is a cross sectional view showing another example of the preferred form in which the ink pack is fixed at the edge portion. The through hole 209 is formed in the edge part 201b of the ink pack 201. In addition, ribs 204 and 204 'along the shape of the ink pack 201 are formed in the lower case 202 and the lid 203, and the through hole (at the end 204b) is formed. The convex part 210 which enters 209 is formed, and the hole 210 'is formed in the edge part 204' which opposes. The through hole 209, the convex portion 210, and the hole 210 'are formed in several places of the edge of the ink pack.

When the ink pack 201 is accommodated in the case body 202 at the position where the convex portion 210 is inserted into the through hole 209, and the cover 203 is covered and fixed from above, the ink pack 201 is penetrated. Positioned and fixed by the hole 209 and the convex portion 210. In this example, by removing the lid 203, the ink pack 201 can be easily removed, and the ink cartridge can be easily regenerated as in the example of FIG.

32 shows another example in which the ink cartridge is disassembled, and the ink pack 201 has a configuration similar to that of the example of FIG.

The hard case accommodating the ink pack 201 is composed of two cases, a case body 202 and a cover 203 formed in a box shape, and the case body 202 and the cover 203 are filled with ink on the inner surface of the case. Convex portions 204, 205, 204 ', and 205' are formed in a shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the ink pack in the shape.

End portions 204b, 204b ', 205b, and 205b' opposite the edges 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d of the ink pack 201 are formed at the edges of the ink pack when the cover 203 is fixed to the case body 202. It is set to the height h, h 'which can fix 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d.

In addition, recesses 206 and 206 'are formed in a portion where the ink supply port 201e is fixed. In addition, ribs 204c and 204c 'are formed on the back of the surface where the ink pack 201 of the convex portions 204 and 204' abuts to improve rigidity.

In this example, the ink pack 201 filled with ink in a prescribed amount is placed in the case main body 202 so that the ink supply port 201e is located in the recess 206, and the lid 203 is fixed. The ink filled region of the pack 201 is supported by the case inner surfaces 202a and 203a and the convex portions 204, 205, 204 ', and 205' without being pressed from both sides, and also the edges 201a, 201b, 201c, 201d) is supported by opposing ends 204b, 204b ', 205b, 205b'.

Even if vibrations or impacts are applied in this state, the ink pack 201 is not significantly deformed because its shape is determined by the case inner surfaces 202a and 203a and the convex portions 204, 205, 204 ', and 205'. Do not.

In addition, since the edges 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d are fixed to the ends 204b, 204b ', 205b, and 205b', the ink pack does not move in the case due to the fluctuation of the ink, and It is not damaged by heavy shock or pressure.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure taken along the line F-F in FIG. As for the cross-sectional shape of the case main body 202 and the cover 203, the convex parts 204 and 204 'are formed like the ink pack 201 filled with the ink 207, and the ink pack 201 which follows the cross-sectional shape. Further, the edge portions 201b and 201d of the ink pack are fixed by opposing end portions 204b and 204b '.

Since the cross-sectional shapes of the case body 202 and the lid 203 follow the cross-sectional shapes of the ink pack 201, the ink pack 201 made of a flexible film is restricted from deformation and the film does not bend at an acute angle. .

Fig. 34 is a sectional view showing another form of the ink pack at the edge portion of the ink pack. The cross-sectional shape of the lower case 202 and the cover 203 is formed with convex portions 204 and 204 'so as to follow the cross-sectional shape of the ink pack 201 which is filled with ink 207 and is shaped like a pillow. The convex part 208 is formed in the edge part 204b which fixes the edge part 201b of an ink pack, and the recessed part 208 'is formed in the edge part 204b' which opposes. The convex portion 208 and the concave portion 208 'are formed at several places of the edge of the ink pack.

When the ink pack 201 is accommodated in the case body 202 and the cover 203 is covered with the cover from above, the edge 201b of the ink pack is formed in the convex portion 208 and the concave portion 208 '. Is fixed in a bent state. By fixing several edge portions of the ink pack in the above-described manner, the ink pack can be made firm in the case.

In this embodiment, by removing the lid 203, the ink pack 201 can be easily removed, and the ink cartridge can be easily regenerated as in the example of FIG.

35 is a cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment of the ink pack at the edge portion of the ink pack. The through hole 209 is formed in the edge part 201b of the ink pack 201. The cross-sectional shape of the lower case 202 and the cover 203 is formed with convex portions 204 and 204 'so as to follow the cross-sectional shape of the ink pack 201 which is filled with ink 207 and is shaped like a pillow. At the end portion 204, a convex portion 210 entering the through hole 209 is formed, and a hole 210 'is formed at the end portion 204' opposite thereto. The through hole 209, the convex portion 210, and the hole 210 'are formed in several places of the edge of the ink pack.

When the ink pack 201 is stored in the case body 202 at the position where the convex portion 210 is inserted into the through hole 209, and the cover 203 is covered and fixed from above, the ink pack 201 is penetrated. Positioned and fixed by the hole 209 and the convex portion 210.

In this example, by removing the lid 203, the ink pack 201 can be easily removed, and the ink cartridge can be easily regenerated as in the embodiment of FIG.

As described above, when the configuration of the ink cartridge of each preferred embodiment is introduced, deformation of the ink pack due to vibration and shock applied to the cartridge is regulated in all directions, thereby preventing damage and rupture of the ink pack. can do.

Since the positioning of the ink pack is made according to the case shape, the nonuniformity of the quality due to the degree of assembly can be reduced.

In addition, since it is not necessary to perform the fixing of the ink pack using the adhesive, it is possible to reduce the number of parts, it is possible to see the effect of reducing the cost by improving the assembly efficiency. Moreover, since it can disassemble easily, an ink cartridge can be reproduced with high reliability.

According to the present invention, since deformation of the ink pack due to vibration and shock applied to the cartridge is regulated in all directions, damage and rupture of the ink pack can be prevented.

Since the positioning of the ink pack is made according to the case shape, the nonuniformity of the quality due to the degree of assembly can be reduced.

In addition, since it is not necessary to perform the fixing of the ink pack using the adhesive, it is possible to reduce the number of parts, it is possible to see the effect of reducing the cost by improving the assembly efficiency. Moreover, since it can disassemble easily, an ink cartridge can be reproduced with high reliability.

Claims (41)

An ink cartridge used in a recording apparatus, wherein an air pressure generated by an air pressurizing pump is applied, and configured to supply ink to the recording head side by the action of the air pressure, The ink cartridge accommodates an ink pack formed of a flexible material in which ink is enclosed therein, and at least one of the outer members joins at least the first outer member and the second outer member so that the outer member is hermetically sealed. And an air pressure generated by the air pressurizing pump is applied to the pressure chamber formed by the outer member and the ink pack. The method of claim 1, An ink cartridge for a recording apparatus, wherein the first outer constituent member and the second outer constituent member are hermetically bonded to each other by vibration welding. The method of claim 2, On the edge of the lower case as the first outer constituent member, a series of welded surfaces are formed almost in one face along the entire circumference of the edge, and the lower case at the edge of the upper case as the second outer constituent member. And a series of directors which are frictionally welded in contact with the series of to-be-welded surfaces at the edges of the film. The method of claim 3, wherein An ink cartridge for a recording apparatus, characterized in that a projection is further formed integrally with the outer periphery of the series of welded surfaces on the edge of the lower case as the first outer constituting member. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An ink cartridge for a recording apparatus, wherein reinforcing ribs for preventing deformation due to air pressure are formed in advance on a surface forming the pressure chamber of the first outer member and / or the second outer member. The method of claim 1, The ink cartridge for a recording apparatus, wherein the first outer constituent member and the second outer constituent member are joined to each other in an airtight state by thermal welding. The method of claim 6, On the edge of the lower case as the first outer constituting member, a series of welded surfaces are formed almost on one side along the entire circumference of the edge, and the thermal welding film as the second outer constituting member is at the edge of the lower case. And a thermal welding process on said series of to-be-welded surfaces of said recording apparatus. The method of claim 7, wherein An ink cartridge for a recording apparatus, further comprising a reinforcing member for covering the thermal welding film as the second outer constituting member from the outside. The method of claim 8, An ink cartridge for a recording apparatus, characterized in that the engaging portion detachably formed with respect to the edge of the lower case as the first outer constituent member is integrally formed at the edge of the reinforcing member. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, An ink cartridge for a recording apparatus, wherein reinforcing ribs for preventing deformation due to air pressure are formed in advance on a surface forming the pressure chamber of the first outer member. The method of claim 1, The lower case as the first outer constituting member is formed with a series of adhered surfaces along the entire circumference of the edge, and the edge of the lid as the second outer constituent member is in close contact with the series of adhered surfaces at the edge of the lower case. A close contact surface is formed, and at the same time, the cover is integrally formed with a detachable coupling part with respect to the edge of the lower case, and is configured to maintain an airtight state between the case and the cover by the action of the coupling part. An ink cartridge for a recording apparatus. An ink cartridge, to which an air pressure generated by an air pressure pump is applied, and configured to supply ink to the recording head side by the action of the air pressure, In the ink cartridge, an ink pack formed by a flexible material encapsulating ink is accommodated, and a pressure chamber is applied between the outer member of the cartridge and the ink pack to which an air pressure supplied from an air pressure pump is applied. A pressurized air inlet port through which pressurized air supplied from an air pressurizing pump is introduced is formed in the outer member of the cartridge, and the ink pack is provided with an ink extracting unit for drawing ink from the ink pack. And the ink cartridge is configured such that the pressurized air inlet is opened so that the pressure chamber is connected to the atmosphere when the ink cartridge is detached from the recording apparatus, and the ink outlet is in a closed valve state. The method of claim 12, And the pressurized air inlet is formed integrally with the outer member of the cartridge and is formed by a common body which forms an air passage connected to the pressure chamber. The method of claim 12, The ink extracting portion attached to the ink pack is provided with a valve member which, when loaded into the recording apparatus, contacts the connecting portion on the recording apparatus side and retracts in the axial direction to be in an open valve state, and the valve member is removed from the recording apparatus. An ink cartridge configured to advance in the axial direction and to maintain a closed valve state when the earthquake occurs. The method of claim 14, And a spring member for applying a force to advance the valve member in the axial direction. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, The ink lead-out portion is drawn out from the outer member through an opening formed in the outer member of the cartridge, and at the same time, an O-ring is disposed between the opening and the ink lead-out portion and presses the O-ring to extract the opening and ink. An ink cartridge, characterized in that a coupling member for shielding between portions is provided. The ink pack is formed of a flexible material, and includes an ink pack in which ink is enclosed therein, and a cartridge casing containing the ink pack in an airtight state so that pressurized air is introduced into the case in a loaded state to the recording apparatus. An ink cartridge for a recording apparatus, comprising: The cartridge case includes a first case and a second case, and the claw-shaped member formed on the second case is coupled to a blade portion formed around the opening of the first case so that the second case is bonded to the first case. An ink cartridge, characterized in that configured. The method of claim 17, The ink pack is accommodated in the first case and the periphery of the opening of the case is shielded by the film member, thereby forming an airtight state and simultaneously preventing the second member from receiving pressurized air and expanding the film member. An ink cartridge, characterized in that configured. The method of claim 17, And a tapered surface and a fixed end portion formed on the claw-shaped member to be joined to the blade portion beyond the blade portion formed on the first case when the second case is bonded to the first case. The method of claim 17, And the second case comprises a flat portion functioning as a cover and a bending portion integrally formed to be orthogonal thereto, wherein the toenail member is formed on an inner surface of the bending portion. The method of claim 20, An ink cartridge, characterized in that a plurality of independent claw-shaped members are formed intermittently along the inner surface of the bending portion. The method of claim 21, And a slit hole is formed in the flat portion of the second case corresponding to the arrangement position of the plurality of independent claw-shaped members, respectively along the bending portion. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, An ink cartridge, wherein a film member is shielded by thermal welding around the opening of the first case. An ink cartridge for a recording apparatus formed of a flexible material, the ink pack including ink enclosed therein, and a cartridge case accommodating the ink pack to form an outline, And an ink pack holding member of the ink pack housed in the cartridge case together with the ink pack, and the ink capacity encapsulated in the ink pack is adjusted by the volume of the pressing member. The method of claim 24, The ink pack is formed in an almost rectangular shape, and four sides are shielded to form an envelope. The pressing member accommodated in the cartridge case together with the ink pack is formed in a frame shape by forming a window-shaped opening in the center thereof. An ink cartridge, characterized in that each of the four sides of the ink pack is pressed by a pressing member. The method of claim 25, An ink cartridge according to claim 4, wherein a surface of the pressing member facing each of the four sides of the ink pack is formed of an inclined surface that is thinner toward a window-shaped opening formed in the center. The method of claim 26, And the inclined surface is curved. The method of claim 24, An ink cartridge, wherein the pressing member is made of an elastic material. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein And the cartridge case is formed in an airtight state, and pressurized air is introduced into the case in a loaded state to the recording apparatus so that the ink pack is pressurized to air pressure. The method of claim 29, The cartridge case is composed of a first case and a second case, and the ink pack and the pressing member are accommodated in the first case so that the opening circumference of the case is shielded by the film member, thereby forming an airtight state, and The second cartridge is configured as a lid for preventing the film member from expanding due to the pressurized air. The method of claim 30, When joining the second case to the first case, the second case is provided with a claw-like member having a tapered surface and a fixed end that engages the blade portion beyond the blade portion formed around the opening of the first case. Ink cartridge. An inkjet recording apparatus in which an ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 31 is detachably loaded. A recording head mounted on the carriage and reciprocated in the width direction of the recording paper, and mounted on the carriage together with the recording head to receive ink from the ink cartridge through the ink supply path and to supply ink to the recording head. An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a sub tank, configured to supply ink from the ink cartridge to the sub tank by the action of air pressure applied to the ink cartridge. The method of claim 32, And an ink supply passage extending from the ink cartridge to the sub tank is constituted by a flexible ink supply tube. The method of claim 32, An ink replenishment valve is further disposed in the ink replenishment path between the ink cartridge and the sub tank, and the ink replenishment valve is configured to be opened and closed by a control signal generated by an ink amount detecting means for detecting the amount of ink in the sub tank. Inkjet recording apparatus. The method of claim 32, The cartridge holder in which the ink cartridge is removably loaded is provided with a ring-shaped packing member which is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the ordinary body which forms an air passage communicating with the pressure chamber of the cartridge while the ink cartridge is loaded. An inkjet recording apparatus. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 35, In the cartridge holder in which the ink cartridge is removably loaded, an opening / closing valve unit arranged in an open valve state is disposed in a state in which the ink cartridge is loaded, retracts in the axial direction in contact with the ink outlet portion on the ink cartridge side, and opens and closes. And the valve unit extends in the axial direction from the unloaded state of the cartridge holder to maintain the closed valve state. The method of claim 36, The on-off valve unit is arranged to be slidable by enclosing a hollow needle having an ink introduction hole and an outer circumference of the hollow needle, and ink formed in the hollow needle under the force of a spring member in an unloaded state of the cartridge holder. An ink jet recording apparatus characterized by comprising a sliding member for moving to a position for closing the introduction hole. A flexible ink pack for storing ink and having an ink outlet which is normally closed; An outer member accommodating the flexible ink pack and having an ink inlet that is normally open, wherein at least a portion of the ink outlet portion is exposed outward; And a sealing member provided between the ink lead-out portion and the outer member. The method of claim 38, And the outer member includes a first member and a second member integrally sealed to each other. The method of claim 38, And the outer member includes a first member and a second member integrally coupled by engagement. 41. The method of any of claims 38-40. And a pressing member which is selected from a plurality of pressing members having different volumes and is accommodated in the outer member.