WO2010082296A1 - バルクインク供給システム - Google Patents
バルクインク供給システム Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2010082296A1 WO2010082296A1 PCT/JP2009/050311 JP2009050311W WO2010082296A1 WO 2010082296 A1 WO2010082296 A1 WO 2010082296A1 JP 2009050311 W JP2009050311 W JP 2009050311W WO 2010082296 A1 WO2010082296 A1 WO 2010082296A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- ink
- pack
- flow path
- ink pack
- male connector
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 38
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009795 derivation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007779 soft material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17506—Refilling of the cartridge
- B41J2/17509—Whilst mounted in the printer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17543—Cartridge presence detection or type identification
- B41J2/17546—Cartridge presence detection or type identification electronically
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17566—Ink level or ink residue control
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a bulk ink supply system for an inkjet printer that supplies ink from an ink reservoir to an inkjet head.
- a bulk ink supply system is known as an ink supply means of an ink jet printer.
- This bulk ink supply system is an ink pack in which a dummy cartridge is mounted in a cartridge mounting opening of an ink jet printer, and a 1L or 2L large-capacity ink is stored in an ink pack storage base installed at a position higher than the dummy cartridge. Wearing.
- the ink pack includes an ink pack portion in which ink is stored and a spout portion that is attached to the ink pack storage base. Then, the ink stored in the ink pack portion is attached to the male connector and the dummy cartridge by attaching the ink pack by penetrating the spout portion through the hollow rod-shaped male connector provided in the ink pack storage base. And supplied to the inkjet head. When the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink pack falls below the threshold, the ink pack is removed from the male connector, and a new ink pack is attached to the male connector. JP 2005-518974 A
- the ink pack storage base is installed at a position higher than the dummy cartridge, in the conventional bulk ink supply system, when the ink pack is removed from the male connector, air flows from the male connector.
- an ink filling operation for removing air that has flowed into the ink flow path, the dummy cartridge, the ink jet head, etc. must be performed each time the ink is exchanged.
- unnecessary ink is consumed in the ink filling operation, and the interruption time of the printing operation is prolonged.
- an object of the present invention is to provide a bulk ink supply system that can prevent air from flowing into an ink flow path when an ink pack is replaced.
- a bulk ink supply system is a bulk ink supply system of an ink jet printer that supplies ink to an ink jet head from an ink storage portion in which ink is stored, and the ink storage portion is detachably mounted inside.
- a connector in which an ink outlet path is formed, an ink flow path for supplying ink guided to the ink outlet path of the connector to the inkjet head, and the ink flow in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the ink reservoir with respect to the connector.
- an on-off valve that opens and closes the road.
- the on / off valve opens and closes the ink flow path in conjunction with the attachment / detachment of the ink storage section with respect to the connector, so that air flows into the ink flow path from the connector due to the attachment / detachment of the ink storage section. Ink discharge failure due to air flowing into the ink flow path or the ink jet head can be prevented.
- the ink storage unit Since the on / off valve opens and closes the ink flow path in conjunction with the attachment / detachment of the ink, it is possible to prevent the ink from flowing back through the ink flow path and overflowing from the connector.
- the on-off valve opens the ink flow path when the ink reservoir is attached to the connector, and closes the ink flow path when the ink reservoir is removed from the connector.
- the ink flow path is opened by the on-off valve, and the ink reservoir and the inkjet head are communicated via the ink flow path.
- the ink flow path is closed by the on-off valve, and the supply of ink to the inkjet head is stopped.
- the ink storage unit When the ink is removed from the connector, the ink flow path is closed by the on-off valve, so that the ink can be prevented from flowing back through the ink flow path and overflowing from the connector.
- the on-off valve includes an elastic film member that opens and closes the ink flow path, a pressure member that deforms the film member in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the ink reservoir to the connector, and opens and closes the ink flow path by the film member, It is preferable to provide.
- the pressure member deforms the membrane member in conjunction with the attachment and detachment, thereby opening and closing the ink flow path. That is, when the ink reservoir is attached to the connector, the membrane member is deformed by the pressure member to open the ink flow path, and when the ink reservoir is removed from the connector, the membrane member is deformed by the pressure member. As a result, the ink flow path is closed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent air from flowing into the ink flow path from the connector, and it is possible to prevent backflow of ink when the ink storage portion is removed.
- the pressurizing member is held in a movable manner in the attaching / detaching direction of the ink reservoir and is in contact with the ink reservoir, and the ink reservoir in the removal direction in which the ink reservoir is removed.
- a biasing unit that biases the mounting detection unit; and a protrusion that is fixed to the ink storage unit mounting detection unit and pressurizes the film member to close the ink flow path when the ink storage unit is removed. It is preferable.
- the ink reservoir mounting detector when the ink reservoir is mounted on the connector, the ink reservoir mounting detector is pressed by the ink reservoir and moves in the mounting direction of the ink reservoir. Is released or depressurized to open the ink flow path.
- the ink storage part detection part moves in the direction of removal of the ink storage part by the urging force of the urging part. Closes.
- the ink flow path can be opened and closed by a mechanical operation linked to the attachment and detachment of the ink reservoir, the ink flow path is surely opened and closed without being affected by an electrical failure or the like. be able to.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an ink pack storage base in a state where an ink pack is removed.
- FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink pack storage base shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the front.
- FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink pack storage base shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the side.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an ink pack storage base in a state where an ink pack is mounted.
- FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink pack storage base shown in FIG. 5 as viewed from the front.
- FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink pack storage base shown in FIG.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an ink pack storage base in a state where an ink pack is mounted in a bulk ink supply system according to a second embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a bulk ink supply system according to an embodiment.
- the bulk ink supply system 1 is an ink supply system that supplies ink to an inkjet printer 2 that prints an image or the like on a medium by ejecting ink. Therefore, the bulk ink supply system 1 includes an intermediate cartridge 4 that is detachably attached to the ink jet printer 2, an ink pack storage base 6 that is detachably attached to an ink pack 5 that stores ink, and an intermediate cartridge 4. And an ink tube 7 that communicates with the ink pack storage base 6.
- the intermediate cartridge 4 communicates with the inkjet head 3 mounted on the inkjet printer 2 and incorporates an intermediate ink pack 8 for storing ink.
- the intermediate cartridge 4 temporarily stores the ink supplied from the ink pack 5 via the ink tube 7 in the intermediate ink pack 8, and supplies the ink to the inkjet head 3 while adjusting the ink pressure.
- the ink tube 7 is formed in a tubular shape and is made of an elastic material such as rubber or resin.
- the ink pack 5 is a pack that stores a large amount of ink in order to supply ink to the inkjet printer 2. For this reason, the ink pack 5 includes an ink pack portion 9 in which ink is stored and a spout portion 10.
- the ink pack unit 9 is a large-capacity bag-like container that stores a large amount of ink such as 1L or 2L.
- the ink pack unit 9 has a sealed structure in which ink stored inside is blocked from the outside. For this reason, since the ink stored in the ink pack unit 9 does not directly touch the outside air, it is possible to prevent the ink from being deteriorated.
- the ink pack unit 9 is made of a soft material such as polyvinyl chloride or aluminum, and can be deformed according to the remaining amount of ink stored.
- the spout unit 10 is a base of the ink pack unit 9 that discharges the ink stored in the ink pack unit 9 while sealing the ink pack unit 9.
- the spout part 10 is comprised with elastic materials, such as rubber
- the spout unit 10 seals the ink pack part 9, and when the ink pack 5 is attached to the ink pack storage base 6, a male connector described later. 11 is inserted into the spout unit 10, whereby the ink stored in the ink pack unit 9 is supplied to the inkjet head 3 via the male connector 11 and the ink tube 7.
- the ink pack storage stand 6 is installed at a position higher than the position at which the intermediate cartridge 4 is attached to the inkjet printer 2 so that the ink stored in the ink pack 5 is supplied to the intermediate cartridge 4 by its own weight.
- the ink pack storage base 6 includes a male connector 11 and an automatic opening / closing valve 12 so that the ink pack 5 supplies ink to the ink tube 7.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the ink pack storage base with the ink packs removed
- FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink pack storage base illustrated in FIG. 2 as viewed from the front
- FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink pack storage base shown in FIG. 5
- FIG. 5 is a view showing the ink pack storage base with the ink pack mounted
- FIG. 6 is the ink pack shown in FIG. 5.
- 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the storage table viewed from the front
- FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink pack storage table shown in FIG. 5 viewed from the side.
- the male connector 11 is formed in a bar shape that stands up.
- An ink outlet path 13 is formed inside the male connector 11.
- the ink lead-out path 13 is formed in an elongated hole shape passing through the central axis of the male connector 11 upward from an opening 14 formed at the lower end of the male connector 11.
- a hole 15 is formed in the upper portion of the male connector 11 to guide ink from the ink pack 5 to the ink outlet path 13. For this reason, when the male connector 11 is inserted into the spout portion 10 of the ink pack 5, the ink stored in the ink pack portion 9 is led out from the hole portion 15 of the male connector 11 to the ink outlet path 13.
- the automatic opening / closing valve 12 opens and closes the ink flow path led out to the male connector 11. For this reason, the automatic opening / closing valve 12 includes an opening / closing valve portion 16 and an ink pack detection portion 17.
- the on-off valve portion 16 is an on-off valve provided with a diaphragm type valve, and includes a box-shaped ink chamber 18 whose lower surface is opened, and a diaphragm valve 19 attached to the lower surface of the ink chamber 18.
- the ink chamber 18 is an ink flow path through which the ink drawn into the male connector 11 flows and the flowed ink flows out to the ink tube 7. For this reason, the male connector 11 is fixed through the ink chamber 18 from above, and the ink tube 7 is fixed through the side.
- the ink chamber 18 is fixed to the frame of the ink pack storage base 6. For this reason, the position of the ink connector 18 and the male connector 11 penetratingly fixed to the ink chamber 18 does not change regardless of the attached / detached state of the ink pack 5.
- the diaphragm valve 19 is a thin film that separates the inside and outside of the ink chamber 18.
- the diaphragm valve 19 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or resin, and can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction.
- the diaphragm valve 19 When the diaphragm valve 19 is pressed from below by a projection 30 described later, the diaphragm valve 19 enters the ink chamber 18 and is elastically deformed in a convex shape toward the upper male connector 11, thereby opening the male connector 11. The part 14 is blocked.
- the pressing by the protrusion 30 is released, it is restored to a flat shape and the opening 14 of the male connector 11 is opened.
- the ink pack detection unit 17 is held so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the on-off valve unit 16, and is configured by a frame having a square cross section surrounding the on-off valve unit 16. That is, the ink pack detection unit 17 includes a pair of a ceiling portion 21 disposed above the on-off valve portion 16, a bottom portion 22 disposed below the on-off valve portion 16, and a pair of the ceiling portion 21 and the bottom portion 22. It is comprised by the side wall part 23.
- FIG. A through hole 24 through which the male connector 11 fixed to the ink chamber 18 passes is formed in the ceiling portion 21.
- the bottom portion 22 is formed with a pair of locking portions 25 projecting sideways.
- the locking portion 25 is provided on the frame of the ink pack storage base 6.
- a hook portion 26 having an inverted L-shaped cross section that is locked from above is formed.
- the ink pack detection unit 17 is biased upward by the compression force of the compression spring 27 disposed on the bottom surface of the ink pack storage base 6, and is in a natural state (normal state) in which the ink pack 5 is not mounted. Then, the latching
- the ink pack detection unit 17 is fixed with a protrusion 30 standing on the upper surface of the bottom 22.
- the protruding portion 30 is a rod-like member whose upper end is formed in a hemispherical shape.
- the protrusion 30 does not come into contact with the diaphragm valve 19 when the ink pack detection unit 17 moves downward, but presses the diaphragm valve 19 upward when the ink pack detection unit 17 moves upward.
- the length enters the chamber 18 and closes the opening 14 of the male connector 11.
- the ink pack detection unit 17 of the automatic opening / closing valve 12 is pushed down by the spout unit 10 with the mounting operation of the ink pack 5. Then, since the protrusion 30 that has entered the ink chamber 18 moves downward, the diaphragm valve 19 is restored to a flat shape by its own restoring force, and the opening 14 of the male connector 11 is opened. As a result, the male connector 11 and the ink tube 7 are communicated with each other via the ink chamber 18, so that the ink led out from the ink pack 5 to the male connector 11 is sent out to the ink tube 7. The ink is supplied to the ink jet head 3 after being supplied to the intermediate ink pack 8 of the intermediate cartridge 4.
- the ink pack detection unit 17 is released from the pressing force by the spout unit 10 in accordance with the removal operation of the ink pack 5. Then, the ink pack detection unit 17 is pulled up by the compression force of the compression spring 27 and moves to a position where the locking portion 25 is locked to the hook portion 26. The protrusion 30 pushed up by the ink pack detection unit 17 pushes up the diaphragm valve 19 and enters the ink chamber 18, and the diaphragm valve 19 closes the opening 14 of the male connector 11.
- the bulk ink supply system 101 according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment, although the configuration and operation of the automatic on-off valve are different from the bulk ink supply system 1 according to the first embodiment. is there. For this reason, below, description of the same part as 1st Embodiment is abbreviate
- FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the ink pack storage base in a state where the ink pack is removed in the bulk ink supply system according to the second embodiment
- FIG. 9 is a diagram in the bulk ink supply system according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an ink pack storage base in a state where an ink pack is mounted.
- the bulk ink supply system 101 includes an ink pack storage base 103 instead of the ink pack storage base 6 of the bulk ink supply system 1 according to the first embodiment.
- the ink pack storage base 103 is installed at a position higher than the position at which the intermediate cartridge 4 is attached to the inkjet printer 2 so that the ink stored in the ink pack 5 is supplied to the intermediate cartridge 4 by its own weight.
- the ink pack storage base 103 is provided with a male connector 11 and an automatic opening / closing valve 106 in order to supply ink from the ink pack 5 to the ink tube 7.
- the automatic opening / closing valve 106 opens and closes the ink flow path led out to the male connector 11. Therefore, the automatic opening / closing valve 106 includes the opening / closing valve unit 16 and the ink pack detection unit 110.
- the on-off valve portion 16 is an on-off valve provided with a diaphragm-type valve, and includes a box-shaped ink chamber 18 having an open lower surface, and a diaphragm attached to the lower surface of the ink chamber 18. And a valve 19.
- the ink pack detection unit 110 is held so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the on-off valve unit 16, and is configured by a frame having a square cross section surrounding the on-off valve unit 16. That is, the ink pack detection unit 110 includes a pair of a ceiling portion 111 disposed above the on-off valve portion 16, a bottom portion 112 disposed below the on-off valve portion 16, and a pair of the ceiling portion 111 and the bottom portion 112. It is comprised by the side wall part 113.
- FIG. A through hole 114 through which the male connector 11 fixed to the ink chamber 18 passes is formed in the ceiling portion 111.
- the bottom 112 is connected to a tension spring 115 connected to the lower surface of the ink chamber 18 (or the frame of the ink pack storage base 103).
- the ink pack detection unit 110 is biased downward by the tensile force of the tension spring 115.
- the ink pack detection unit 110 is fitted and fixed with a protrusion 117 extending upward.
- the protrusion 117 is a rod-shaped member whose upper end is formed in a hemispherical shape. The protrusion 117 does not contact the diaphragm valve 19 when the ink pack detection unit 110 moves downward, but presses the diaphragm valve 19 upward when the ink pack detection unit 110 moves upward. The length enters the chamber 18 and closes the opening 14 of the male connector 11.
- the ink pack detection unit 110 of the automatic opening / closing valve 106 is pushed down by the spout unit 10 with the mounting operation of the ink pack 5. Then, since the projection 117 that has entered the ink chamber 18 moves downward, the diaphragm valve 19 is restored to a flat shape by its own restoring force, and the opening 14 of the male connector 11 is opened. As a result, the male connector 11 and the ink tube 7 are communicated with each other via the ink chamber 18, so that the ink led out from the ink pack 5 to the male connector 11 is sent out to the ink tube 7. The ink is supplied to the ink jet head 3 after being supplied to the intermediate ink pack 8 of the intermediate cartridge 4.
- the ink pack detection unit 110 is released from the pressing force by the spout unit 10 with the operation of removing the ink pack 5. Then, the ink pack detection unit 110 is pulled up by the tensile force of the tension spring 115. The protrusion 117 pushed up by the ink pack detection unit 110 pushes up the diaphragm valve 19 and enters the ink chamber 18 to close the opening 14 of the male connector 11. As a result, since the male connector 11 and the ink tube 7 are blocked in the ink chamber 18, the ink led out to the male connector 11 remains in the ink lead-out path 13 of the male connector 11, and a new ink lead-out path. Air is prevented from flowing into 13.
- the ink flow path is opened by the automatic opening / closing valve 12, and the ink pack 5.
- the ink pack 5 is removed from the male connector 11 by connecting the inkjet head 3 and the inkjet head 3 via the ink tube 7, the ink flow path is closed by the automatic opening / closing valve 12.
- the supply of ink to the inkjet head 3 is stopped.
- the protrusions 30, 117 interlock the diaphragm valve 19 with the attachment / detachment.
- the ink flow path is opened and closed by the deformation. That is, when the ink pack 5 is attached to the male connector 11, the diaphragm valve 19 is deformed by the protrusions 30 and 117, so that the ink flow path is opened and the ink pack 5 is removed from the male connector 11.
- the diaphragm valve 19 is deformed by the protrusions 30 and 117, the ink flow path is closed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent air from flowing into the ink tube 7 from the male connector 11, and it is possible to prevent the backflow of ink when the ink pack 5 is removed.
- the ink pack detection units 17 and 110 are pressed by the spout unit 10 of the ink pack 5 and moved in the mounting direction of the ink pack 5.
- the opening 14 of the male connector 11 is opened and the ink flow path is opened.
- the ink pack detection units 17 and 110 are moved in the removal direction of the ink pack 5 by the urging force of the compression spring 27 or the tension spring 115.
- the diaphragm valve 19 is pressurized by 117, the opening 14 of the male connector 11 is closed and the ink flow path is closed.
- the ink flow path can be opened and closed by a mechanical operation linked to the attachment and detachment of the ink pack 5, the ink flow path is surely opened and closed without being affected by an electrical failure or the like. be able to.
- the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
- the protrusions 30 and 117 are completely extracted from the ink chamber 18 when the ink pack 5 is extracted from the male connector 11, but the male connector 11 is operated by the diaphragm valve 19. If the opening 14 can be opened, a part of the protrusions 30 and 117 is inserted into the ink chamber 18 and the diaphragm valve 19 is pressurized by the protrusions 30 and 117. Also good.
- the rod-shaped male connector 11 is used as a connector for drawing ink from the ink pack 5.
- any shape and structure of the connector can be used as long as the ink can be drawn from the ink pack 5. It may be.
- the spout part 10 of the ink pack 5 was demonstrated as what derives
- the diaphragm valve 19 is used as the valve for opening and closing the ink flow path.
- a butterfly type valve, a tube opening / closing type valve, a rotary type valve, or the like may be used.
- the ink flow path is opened and closed by a mechanical operation in which the diaphragm valve 19 is deformed by the movement of the ink pack detection units 17 and 110 in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the ink pack 5.
- the ink flow path may be opened and closed using electrical or optical means.
- an ink pack detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of the ink pack 5 electrically or optically, and a drive unit that moves the protrusion or the like to deform the diaphragm valve 19 are provided.
- the drive unit moves the protrusion and opens the ink flow path by the diaphragm valve.
- the ink pack detection sensor detects that the ink pack 5 is not attached, the drive unit moves the protrusion.
- the ink flow path may be blocked by a diaphragm valve.
- the presence or absence of the ink pack 5 may be displayed on a display device such as an LED based on the detection result of the ink pack detection sensor, and the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink pack 5 is detected.
- a remaining amount detection sensor may be provided, and the remaining amount of ink may be displayed on a display device such as an LED based on the detection result of the remaining amount detection sensor. Note that information such as the presence / absence of the ink pack 5 and the remaining amount of ink may be notified to the ink-jet printer 2 or a personal computer by electrical means.
- the present invention can be used as a bulk ink supply system for an inkjet printer that supplies ink from an ink reservoir to an inkjet head.
Abstract
Description
図1は、実施形態に係るバルクインク供給システムを示すブロック構成図である。図1に示すように、バルクインク供給システム1は、インクを吐出させることによりメディアに画像などを印刷するインクジェットプリンタ2にインクを供給するインク供給システムである。このため、バルクインク供給システム1は、インクジェットプリンタ2に脱着可能に装着される中間カートリッジ4と、インクが貯留されたインクパック5が脱着可能に装着されるインクパック収納台6と、中間カートリッジ4とインクパック収納台6とを連通するインクチューブ7とを備えている。
次に、図8及び図9を参照して、第2の実施形態について説明する。第2の実施形態に係るバルクインク供給システム101は、自動開閉弁の構成及び動作が第1の実施形態に係るバルクインク供給システム1と相違するが、基本的に第1の実施形態と同一である。このため、以下では、第1の実施形態と同一の部分の説明は省略し、第1の実施形態と相違する部分のみを説明する。
Claims (4)
- インクが貯留されるインク貯留部からインクジェットヘッドにインクを供給するインクジェットプリンタのバルクインク供給システムであって、
前記インク貯留部が着脱可能に装着されて内部にインク導出路が形成されるコネクタと、
前記コネクタの前記インク導出路に導出されたインクを前記インクジェットヘッドに供給するインク流路と、
前記コネクタに対する前記インク貯留部の着脱に連動して前記インク流路を開閉する開閉弁と、
を有することを特徴とするバルクインク供給システム。 - 前記開閉弁は、前記インク貯留部が前記コネクタに装着されると前記インク流路を開き、前記インク貯留部が前記コネクタから抜去されると前記インク流路を閉じることを特徴とする請求項1に記載のバルクインク供給システム。
- 前記開閉弁は、
前記インク流路を開閉する弾性の膜部材と、
前記コネクタに対する前記インク貯留部の着脱に連動して前記膜部材を変形させて、前記膜部材により前記インク流路を開閉させる加圧部材と、
を備えることを特徴とする請求項1又は2に記載のバルクインク供給システム。 - 前記加圧部材は、
前記インク貯留部の着脱方向に移動可能に保持されて前記インク貯留部が当接されるインク貯留部装着検出部と、
前記インク貯留部が抜去される抜去方向に前記インク貯留部装着検出部を付勢する付勢部と、
前記インク貯留部装着検出部に固定されて、前記インク貯留部が抜去されたときに前記膜部材を加圧して前記インク流路を閉じる突起部と、
を有することを特徴とする請求項3に記載のバルクインク供給システム。
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020117006785A KR20110045085A (ko) | 2009-01-13 | 2009-01-13 | 벌크잉크 공급시스템 |
PCT/JP2009/050311 WO2010082296A1 (ja) | 2009-01-13 | 2009-01-13 | バルクインク供給システム |
CN2009801389813A CN102171046A (zh) | 2009-01-13 | 2009-01-13 | 散装墨供给系统 |
JP2010546481A JPWO2010082296A1 (ja) | 2009-01-13 | 2009-01-13 | バルクインク供給システム |
EP09838266A EP2316653A4 (en) | 2009-01-13 | 2009-01-13 | INK SUPPLY SYSTEM GROUND |
US13/069,413 US8376532B2 (en) | 2009-01-13 | 2011-03-23 | Bulk ink supply system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2009/050311 WO2010082296A1 (ja) | 2009-01-13 | 2009-01-13 | バルクインク供給システム |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/069,413 Continuation US8376532B2 (en) | 2009-01-13 | 2011-03-23 | Bulk ink supply system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2010082296A1 true WO2010082296A1 (ja) | 2010-07-22 |
Family
ID=42339565
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2009/050311 WO2010082296A1 (ja) | 2009-01-13 | 2009-01-13 | バルクインク供給システム |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8376532B2 (ja) |
EP (1) | EP2316653A4 (ja) |
JP (1) | JPWO2010082296A1 (ja) |
KR (1) | KR20110045085A (ja) |
CN (1) | CN102171046A (ja) |
WO (1) | WO2010082296A1 (ja) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN102615983A (zh) * | 2011-02-01 | 2012-08-01 | 兄弟工业株式会社 | 液体盒 |
JP2015202582A (ja) * | 2014-04-11 | 2015-11-16 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | 液体容器、アダプター、ならびに液体噴射装置 |
KR101929768B1 (ko) | 2015-09-24 | 2018-12-17 | 송진철 | 액체 공급 조절 장치 및 이를 구비하는 액체 공급 용기 및 프린터 |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2014100814A (ja) * | 2012-11-17 | 2014-06-05 | Mimaki Engineering Co Ltd | インク供給装置 |
Citations (3)
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JP2005041083A (ja) * | 2003-07-28 | 2005-02-17 | Seiko Epson Corp | 流路弁及び同流路弁を備えた液体噴射装置 |
JP2005518974A (ja) | 2002-03-12 | 2005-06-30 | ハンリン メカトロニクス カンパニー リミテッド | 大型インクジェットプリンタのインク供給装置 |
JP2007175998A (ja) * | 2005-12-28 | 2007-07-12 | Brother Ind Ltd | インクカートリッジ、インクジェットプリンタ、及び、インク供給装置 |
Family Cites Families (12)
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JPH08174860A (ja) * | 1994-10-26 | 1996-07-09 | Seiko Epson Corp | インクジェットプリンタ用インクカートリッジ |
US5751319A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 1998-05-12 | Colossal Graphics Incorporated | Bulk ink delivery system and method |
DE69833054T2 (de) * | 1997-06-04 | 2006-09-07 | Hewlett-Packard Development Co., L.P., Houston | Tintenzuführsystemadapter |
US6935730B2 (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2005-08-30 | Unicorn Image Products Co. Ltd. Of Zhuhai | One-way valve, valve unit assembly, and ink cartridge using the same |
CN100351090C (zh) * | 2003-03-05 | 2007-11-28 | 精工爱普生株式会社 | 液体容器,形成液体容器用构件和制造液体容器的方法 |
US7334889B2 (en) * | 2003-11-25 | 2008-02-26 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink cartridge |
US7578584B2 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2009-08-25 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink cartridge |
JP4318053B2 (ja) * | 2006-12-28 | 2009-08-19 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | インク供給装置、及びインクジェット画像記録装置 |
JP4179382B2 (ja) * | 2007-02-05 | 2008-11-12 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | 液体収容袋及び液体噴射装置 |
JP2008194826A (ja) * | 2007-02-08 | 2008-08-28 | Mimaki Engineering Co Ltd | 印刷装置 |
JP2008238465A (ja) * | 2007-03-26 | 2008-10-09 | Seiko Epson Corp | バルブユニット及び流体噴射装置 |
JP5150129B2 (ja) * | 2007-04-20 | 2013-02-20 | 株式会社ミマキエンジニアリング | プリンター装置 |
-
2009
- 2009-01-13 WO PCT/JP2009/050311 patent/WO2010082296A1/ja active Application Filing
- 2009-01-13 EP EP09838266A patent/EP2316653A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-01-13 JP JP2010546481A patent/JPWO2010082296A1/ja active Pending
- 2009-01-13 CN CN2009801389813A patent/CN102171046A/zh active Pending
- 2009-01-13 KR KR1020117006785A patent/KR20110045085A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2011
- 2011-03-23 US US13/069,413 patent/US8376532B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP2005518974A (ja) | 2002-03-12 | 2005-06-30 | ハンリン メカトロニクス カンパニー リミテッド | 大型インクジェットプリンタのインク供給装置 |
JP2005041083A (ja) * | 2003-07-28 | 2005-02-17 | Seiko Epson Corp | 流路弁及び同流路弁を備えた液体噴射装置 |
JP2007175998A (ja) * | 2005-12-28 | 2007-07-12 | Brother Ind Ltd | インクカートリッジ、インクジェットプリンタ、及び、インク供給装置 |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
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See also references of EP2316653A4 |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN102615983A (zh) * | 2011-02-01 | 2012-08-01 | 兄弟工业株式会社 | 液体盒 |
JP2015202582A (ja) * | 2014-04-11 | 2015-11-16 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | 液体容器、アダプター、ならびに液体噴射装置 |
KR101929768B1 (ko) | 2015-09-24 | 2018-12-17 | 송진철 | 액체 공급 조절 장치 및 이를 구비하는 액체 공급 용기 및 프린터 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8376532B2 (en) | 2013-02-19 |
US20110221836A1 (en) | 2011-09-15 |
EP2316653A4 (en) | 2013-04-03 |
JPWO2010082296A1 (ja) | 2012-06-28 |
CN102171046A (zh) | 2011-08-31 |
KR20110045085A (ko) | 2011-05-03 |
EP2316653A1 (en) | 2011-05-04 |
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