JP2002347257A - Ink-jet printer, ink supply system for ink-jet printer, ink container and intermediate cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink-jet printer capable of reducing the waste to the minimum degree at a low cost by providing a part of the members of an ink cartridge separatably from the other members so as to be usable even after finishing the ink supplying operation. SOLUTION: This printer comprises an ink container 1 for storing an ink, an ink introduction part 2 provided in an ink-jet printer main body, and an intermediate cartridge 3 provided detachably with respect to the ink-jet printer main body having an ink supply path communicating with the ink container 1 in the case the ink container 1 is mounted, for supplying the ink from the ink container 1 to the ink introduction part 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an ink jet printer, an ink supply system for an ink jet printer, an ink container, and an intermediate cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an ink jet printer or an ink supply system for an ink jet printer, for example, there is an ink jet printer which is detachable from an ink jet printer main body and has an ink cartridge for supplying ink to the ink jet printer main body.

This ink cartridge has a structure in which an ink container 101 is housed inside a housing 100 as shown in FIG. The ink container 101 has an ink storage unit 101a and an ink supply unit 101b. The ink storage section 101a is formed in a bag shape, and ink is stored in the ink storage section 101a. Ink storage unit 10
1a is provided with a weight 110, and the weight of the weight 110 allows the ink in the ink storage unit 101a to be supplied from the ink supply unit 101b.

The ink supply section 101b is provided with an ink supply needle insertion section 111 and an erroneous loading prevention hole 112, and the ink supply needle insertion section 111 is provided with a rubber stopper 113. Further, a remaining amount detection window 114 is provided in the housing 100 so that the remaining amount can be detected by visually checking the state of the ink container 101 from outside.

As shown in FIG. 15, the ink cartridge is set in the ink introduction section 201 provided in the ink jet printer main body 200 with one touch, and the ink supply needle 202 of the ink introduction section 201 is connected to the rubber stopper 113 as shown in FIG. Piercing, hole 20 of ink supply needle 202
Ink is supplied to the inkjet printer main body 200 side from 2a. To prevent misloading of ink cartridges,
Erroneous loading prevention projection 203 provided on ink introduction section 201
Is inserted into the erroneous loading prevention hole 112.

[0006]

Incidentally, the conventional ink cartridge has a structure in which an ink container is housed inside a housing and is integrated. Since the housing other than the ink container is disposable, the manufacturing cost increases.

In addition, since the cost is reduced as much as possible,
A remaining amount detection window is provided in the housing of the ink cartridge,
There is a problem that only a simple remaining amount detection structure such as visually detecting the remaining amount from the state of the ink container from the outside can be provided in the housing, and the remaining amount cannot be detected with high accuracy.

Further, the conventional ink cartridge is not intended to be collected and reused, and the ink cartridge manufactured based on such a basic design is temporarily collected and the ink container is separated. Reusing a housing or the like other than the ink container is theoretically possible, but difficult in practice, or requires a great deal of cost.
In effect, any that can be recycled or reused is eventually discarded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can be used even after the ink supply is completed by making some members of the ink cartridge separable from other members. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet printer capable of minimizing an object.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink supply system for an ink jet printer which uses an intermediate cartridge which can be attached to and detached from the ink jet printer main body, and which can minimize waste at low cost. And

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink container which is easy to load, and which is lightweight, small in volume, and easy to handle, such as storage before use or disposal after use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an intermediate cartridge which can supply ink to an ink jet printer main body simply and reliably without ink leakage by loading an ink container.

[0013]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention has the following constitution.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink cartridge which is detachably mountable to an ink jet printer main body and supplies ink to the ink jet printer main body side. An ink jet printer comprising a plurality of members that can be separated from the member described above, wherein the part of the members can be used separately from the other members. ].

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the ink cartridge uses some of the members separately from the other members, so that some of the members are discarded even after the ink supply is completed. It can be used without waste, and it is possible to minimize waste at low cost.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink cartridge comprising: an ink container for storing ink; and an intermediate cartridge serving as an ink passage for supplying ink from the ink container to the ink jet printer main body. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein: ].

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the ink cartridge has an ink container and an intermediate cartridge, and has a simple structure in which the ink container is loaded into the intermediate cartridge. Can be supplied.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet printer according to the second aspect, wherein the other member includes at least the ink container. ].

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the other member includes at least the ink container, and the ink container may be discarded. Therefore, it is possible to minimize waste at low cost.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet printer according to the second or third aspect, wherein the some members are the intermediate cartridges. ].

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, some of the members are intermediate cartridges, and the intermediate cartridges can be used without being discarded, and the cost can be reduced as much as possible at low cost.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink container for storing ink, an ink introduction portion provided in an ink jet printer main body, and the ink container being connected to the ink container by being loaded with the ink container. An ink supply system for an ink jet printer, comprising: an ink supply passage for supplying ink from an ink container to the ink introduction unit; and an intermediate cartridge detachable from the ink jet printer main body. ].

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the use of the intermediate cartridge detachable from the main body of the ink jet printer allows the ink container to be loaded and the intermediate cartridge to be used without being discarded. It is possible to reduce waste as much as possible.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method as described above, wherein the intermediate cartridge includes an ink supply needle, and when the ink container is loaded, the ink supply needle pierces the ink container. The ink supply system for an inkjet printer according to claim 5, wherein the ink supply system is in communication with the ink supply device. ].

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the ink container is loaded, the ink supply needle pierces the ink container and can easily communicate with the ink container without using any special communication means. Can be.

The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the ink container has an expandable member at least in part, and the ink supply needle is inserted into the ink container through the expandable member. The ink supply system for an inkjet printer according to claim 6, wherein: ].

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the ink supply needle can easily and easily pierce the ink container through the elastic member, and the ink does not leak.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the intermediate cartridge is detachable from the ink jet printer main body in a state where the ink container is loaded. The ink supply system for an ink jet printer according to any one of the above. 』
It is.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the intermediate cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the ink jet printer while the ink container is loaded, so that the ink container can be taken out halfway.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink container for storing ink for an ink jet printer,
An ink container in the form of a soft packaging material in a pouch. ].

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the ink container is in the form of a pouch made of a soft wrapping material, can be easily deformed and can supply ink smoothly, and has a relatively small bag shape. Easy to handle.

The invention described in claim 10 is an ink container for storing ink for an ink jet printer, wherein the ink container is in the form of a standing pouch. ].

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the ink container is in the form of a standing pouch, is a relatively small, self-supporting bag, and is easy to store and load.

The invention described in claim 11 is an ink container for storing ink for an ink jet printer, wherein the ink container is in the form of a gusset. ].

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the ink container is in the form of a gusset, is relatively small, is easily deformed by folding the side, and can supply ink smoothly.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink container according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, wherein the ink container has at least a part thereof. ].

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the ink supply needle can be easily and easily pierced into the ink container through the elastic member at least in part, and ink leakage occurs. Absent.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink container according to the tenth aspect, wherein at least a bottom member of the standing pouch form is an elastic member. 』
It is.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, at least the bottom member of the standing pouch form is an elastic member, and the ink supply needle can easily and easily pierce the ink container through the elastic member. No leakage occurs.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink container according to the eleventh aspect, wherein at least one of the gusset-shaped gusset members is an elastic member. ].

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, at least one of the gusset-shaped gusset members is an elastic member, and the ink supply needle can easily and easily pierce the ink container through the elastic member. No ink leakage occurs.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided an ink container according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects, wherein the elastic member is a plastic film having elasticity. ].

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the ink supply needle can easily and easily pierce the ink container through the elastic plastic film, and the ink does not leak.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink container for storing ink for an ink jet printer, wherein at least a part of the ink container is provided with an elastic member formed of an elastic plastic film. Ink container. ].

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the ink container has at least a part of an elastic member formed of an elastic plastic film, and the ink supply needle is connected to the ink container through the elastic member. It can be easily and easily pierced, and no ink leakage occurs.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink container according to any one of the twelfth to sixteenth aspects, wherein the elastic member is fixed in a window shape by heat sealing. . ].

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the expandable member is easily and reliably fixed in a window shape by heat sealing, and is relatively small in a window shape so that air can be transmitted from the expandable member. Area can be reduced.

[0048] The invention described in Item 18 is the invention according to any one of Items 12 to 17, wherein the elastic member is provided at least in a portion for inserting an ink supply needle. Item 7. The ink container according to item 1. ].

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the ink supply needle can easily and easily pierce the ink container through the elastic member, and no ink leakage occurs.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet recording apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect, further comprising an ink leakage preventing means for preventing an ink from leaking when the ink supply needle is inserted. Ink container. ].

According to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to prevent ink from leaking when the ink supply needle is inserted.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink container according to any one of the ninth to nineteenth aspects, wherein ID information is provided. ].

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, I
By reading the D information, erroneous loading of the ink container can be prevented.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink-jet printer according to the fifth aspect, wherein the ink container is the ink container according to any one of the ninth to twentieth aspects. For ink supply system. ].

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the ink container is the ink container according to any one of the ninth to twentieth aspects, wherein the ink container is easily deformed and supplies the ink smoothly. The ink supply needle can be pierced easily and easily with a relatively small bag-like shape, and ink leakage does not occur.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink container for storing an ink for an ink jet printer, wherein the ink from the ink container can be supplied to an ink introduction section provided in the main body of the ink jet printer. An intermediate cartridge having a simple ink supply passage and detachable from an ink jet printer main body. ].

According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink supply passage through which ink from an ink container can be supplied to an ink introduction portion provided in the ink jet printer main body, and is detachable from the ink jet printer main body. The ink can be easily and reliably supplied to the plan view side showing the drive system of the reversing roller by loading the ink container without any ink leakage.

When it is desired to operate the ink jet printer unattended at night and the amount of ink remaining in the ink container is small, the ink container together with the intermediate cartridge is removed from the ink jet printer main body and, for example, a new ink container is inserted into the intermediate container. An unattended operation is performed by attaching the ink cartridge to the main body of the inkjet printer via the cartridge, and the detached ink container with the intermediate cartridge can be used up during the daytime of a manned operation.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: a housing and a slide case, wherein the housing is provided with an ink supply needle forming at least a part of the ink supply passage; An intermediate cartridge, wherein when the container is loaded and the slide case is pushed into the housing, the ink supply needle pierces the ink container and ink can be supplied to the ink introduction unit. . ].

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, when the ink container is loaded in the slide case and the slide case is pushed into the housing, the ink supply needle pierces the ink container and the ink is easily supplied. With a simple operation, the ink can be supplied to the ink introduction section.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided "a stopper member for regulating a pushing amount of the slide case into the housing to a predetermined position when the slide case is pushed into the housing. The intermediate cartridge according to claim 23, wherein: ].

According to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, when the slide case is pushed into the housing, the amount of pushing of the slide case into the housing is regulated to a predetermined position, so that the ink supply needle is moved to the ink supply needle. It can be reliably pierced into the container.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the intermediate cartridge according to the twenty-fourth aspect, further comprising a recognition means for recognizing that the predetermined position has been reached. ].

According to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, by recognizing that a predetermined position has been reached, it is possible to pierce the ink supply needle into the ink container and notify that ink can be supplied.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus as set forth in any one of the twenty-third to twenty-fifth aspects, wherein the slide case has a lid member for pressing the ink container.
The intermediate cartridge according to item. ].

According to the twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the slide case has the lid member for pressing the ink container, and when the ink container is pressed by the lid member, pressure is applied to the ink container so that the ink supply needle is moved. It can be reliably pierced.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet printer comprising a sealing means for closing an ink supply port for supplying ink from the ink container to an ink inlet provided in an ink jet printer main body. The intermediate cartridge according to any one of claims 23 to 26. ].

According to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the intermediate cartridge is closed by closing the ink supply port for supplying the ink from the ink container to the ink inlet provided in the ink jet printer main body. Can be prevented from leaking when removed in the loaded state.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the intermediate cartridge according to the twenty-seventh aspect, wherein the closing means has a solenoid valve and a power supply terminal for supplying power to the solenoid valve. ].

According to the invention described in claim 28, there is provided an electromagnetic valve and a power supply terminal for supplying electric power to the electromagnetic valve,
By the operation of the solenoid valve, the supply of ink can be forcibly cut off simply and reliably.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the intermediate cartridge according to the twenty-eighth aspect, further comprising a battery connected to the power supply terminal. ].

According to the present invention, the solenoid valve can be driven by having the battery connected to the power supply terminal.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an intermediate cartridge according to any one of the twenty-second to twenty-ninth aspects, wherein the intermediate cartridge has a recognition unit for recognizing ID information of the ink container. ].

According to the thirtieth aspect of the present invention, erroneous loading of the ink container can be prevented by recognizing the ID information of the ink container.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an intermediate cartridge according to any one of the twenty-second to thirty-fourth aspects, further comprising a storage means for storing ID information of the ink container. ].

According to the thirty-first aspect of the present invention, the ID information of the ink container can be recorded, thereby preventing erroneous loading of the ink container.

(32) The intermediate cartridge according to (30) or (31), characterized in that the intermediate cartridge has an output unit for outputting the ID information of the ink container to the ink jet printer main body. ].

According to the thirty-second aspect of the present invention, the ID information of the ink container is output to the ink jet printer main body, thereby preventing erroneous loading of the ink container.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus according to any one of the twenty-third to thirty-second aspects,
6. The ink supply system for an ink jet printer according to claim 5, wherein the cartridge is an intermediate cartridge according to claim 5. ].

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, the intermediate cartridge is the intermediate cartridge according to any one of the twenty-third to thirty-second aspects, wherein the ink is supplied to the ink jet printer main body by loading an ink container. To
The ink can be supplied simply and reliably without ink leakage.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, wherein the ink container is the ink container according to any one of the ninth to twentieth aspects, and the intermediate cartridge is the one according to the twenty-third to thirty-second aspects. The ink supply system for an inkjet printer according to claim 5, wherein the intermediate cartridge is an intermediate cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6. ].

According to the thirty-fourth aspect, the ink container is the ink container according to any one of the ninth to twentieth aspects, wherein the ink container is easily deformed and smoothly supplies ink. The ink supply needle can be pierced easily and easily with a relatively small bag-like shape, and ink leakage does not occur.

Further, the intermediate cartridge is the intermediate cartridge according to any one of claims 23 to 32, and the ink can be easily and reliably supplied to the ink jet printer main body side without ink leakage by loading the ink container. Can be supplied.

[0084]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of an ink jet printer, an ink supply system for an ink jet printer, an ink container, and an intermediate cartridge according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. .

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an ink jet printer and an ink supply system for the ink jet printer. The ink jet printer of this embodiment is provided with an ink cartridge 1A, is detachable from the ink jet printer main body, and supplies ink to the ink jet printer main body.

The ink cartridge 1A includes an ink container 1 for storing ink, and an intermediate cartridge 3 serving as an ink passage for supplying ink from the ink container 1 to the ink jet printer main body. With a simple structure for loading, ink can be supplied from the ink container 1 to the ink jet printer main body side.

This ink cartridge 1A is composed of a plurality of members, some of which can be separated from other members, and some of which can be used separately from other members. At least the ink container 1 is included, and some members are intermediate cartridges 3. By allowing the intermediate cartridge 3 of some members to be separable from at least the ink container 1 of another member, the intermediate cartridge 3 of some members can be used without being discarded even after the supply of ink is completed. It is possible to reduce waste as much as possible.

As described above, the intermediate cartridge 3 can be used as it is without being discarded, and the intermediate cartridge 3 which can be used as it is without being discarded includes the ink container 1 as well as the housing 30 and the slide case 31 of the intermediate cartridge 3 described later.
Means 60 for recognizing the loading of the ink container 1, a recognition means 80 for recognizing the ID information 56 of the ink container 1, a storage means 81 for storing the ID information, an output means 82 for outputting the ID information, a battery 70e of the power supply, a sealing means 70 These can be provided in an ink jet printer or an ink supply system for an ink jet printer, and are collected and disposed of by the ink container 1, the ID information 56 attached to the ink container 1, the ink leakage prevention means, and the like. Only 55 mag.

The ink supply system for an ink jet printer according to this embodiment includes an ink container 1 for storing ink, an ink introduction section 2 provided in the main body of the ink jet printer, and an intermediate cartridge 3.

The intermediate cartridge 3 has a housing 3
0 and a slide case 31
An ink supply needle 32 that forms an ink supply passage is provided in the housing 30, and ink is supplied from the ink supply unit 33 to the ink introduction unit 2. The housing 30 is provided with an erroneous loading prevention mechanism 34 to prevent the intermediate cartridge 3 from being erroneously loaded into the ink introduction unit 2.

Further, a stopper member 35 is provided in the housing 30. When the slide case 31 is pushed in, the stopper 30 is brought into contact with the stopper member 35 and the pushing amount of the slide case 31 is always restricted at a fixed position.

The ink container 1 is loaded in the slide case 31. A lid member 36 is provided on the slide case 31 so as to be openable and closable at a fulcrum 36a, and is constantly urged in an opening direction by a spring 37. An engaging concave portion 36b provided on the lid member 36 is provided with an engaging convex portion 31a provided on the slide case 31.
, The lid member 36 is closed. Inside the lid member 36, a slope 36c for holding down the ink container 1 is provided. When the lid member 36 is closed, the ink container 1 is pressed toward the notch 31b of the slide case 31.

The slide case 31 has a push lock 3
The slide case 31 is pushed in with the push lock 31c. When the slide case 31 is pushed in, the ink supply needle 32 pierces the ink container 1 so that ink can be supplied. When the ink supply needle 32 pierces the ink container 1,
The ink supply passage 39 is inserted from the hole 32a of the ink supply needle 32.
The ink can be supplied to the ink introduction unit 2 via.

As described above, the intermediate cartridge 3 is connected to the ink container 1 when the ink container 1 is loaded, and has the ink supply passage 39 for supplying the ink from the ink container 1 to the ink introduction unit 2. By using the intermediate cartridge 3 that is detachable from the main body and detachable from the ink jet printer main body, the ink container 1 can be loaded, and the intermediate cartridge 3 can be used without being discarded. Can be reduced as much as possible.

The intermediate cartridge 3 is provided with the ink supply needle 32. When the ink container 1 is loaded, the ink supply needle 32 pierces the ink container 1 and can be easily used without using any special communication means. It can communicate with the ink container 1.

The intermediate cartridge 3 is detachable from the ink jet printer main body with the ink container 1 loaded, and the ink cartridge 1A can be taken out halfway.

The ink container 1 contains ink, and has an elastic member 10 at least in part. In this embodiment, the ink container 1 has an ink supply needle 32 of the intermediate cartridge 3 through the elastic member 10. The ink can be supplied by stabbing into 1 and the ink can be supplied by a simple operation without leakage.

As the elastic member 10, the ink supply needle 3 is used.
2 can be pierced, and a member that is in close contact with the ink supply needle 32 and does not leak ink is used. Further, a member that can close the hole by the ink supply needle 32 in a state where the ink supply needle 32 is pulled out to prevent ink leakage may be used.

In this embodiment, one ink container 1 can be loaded into the intermediate cartridge 3, but a plurality of ink containers 1 can be loaded.
In this case, if at least one of them can be automatically replaced, unattended long-time continuous operation becomes possible. The intermediate cartridge 3 can be attached to and detached from the ink introduction unit 2 with the ink container 1 loaded.

In the case of an ink jet printer, there is a case where it is desired to take out the ink once and load a new ink container 1 when a small amount of ink remains. Therefore, a countermeasure is taken by using an intermediate cartridge 3 that can be removed while the ink container 1 is loaded.

The ink container 1 is configured as shown in FIGS. In FIG. 2, the ink container 1 has a bottle shape, and an expandable member 12 is provided in the insertion portion 11 by bonding. In the ink container 1, as shown in FIG. 2B, an ink supply needle 32 is inserted into the elastic member 12. The shape molding of the ink container 1 may be a hard molded product such as blow molding or injection molding.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the ink container 1.
3A is the same standing pouch bag as the ink container 1 of FIG. 1, FIG. 3B is a flat bottom pouch bag, and FIG.
(C) is a four side seal gusset bag, FIG. 3 (d) is a center pillow gusset bag, FIG. 3 (e) is a three side seal flat bag, FIG.
(F) is a pillow flat bag. In addition, for the ink containers shown in FIGS. 3C to 3F, the intermediate cartridge has an appropriate form corresponding to the intermediate cartridge.

The ink container 1 is preferably lightweight and small in volume other than the ink storage state, for example, during distribution before storage, storage or disposal after use. Therefore, the ink container 1 is desirably in a pouch shape formed of a soft packaging material.
Soft packaging material is a soft packaging material well-known as a packaging material, which has extremely low compression hardness, high flexibility, and recovers to its original shape as soon as stress is removed, leaving little distortion. Things are used.

The soft packaging material may be a single material or a composite material. In the case of a single material, a bag formed by heat-sealing a resin film formed by an inflation method or a T-die method may be used. In the case of the composite material, a so-called pouch form or a pack form in which a composite material prepared by laminating a plurality of films is heat-sealed to form a bag is preferable.

In the case of a soft packaging material, since it has no rigidity, its shape is not maintained when it is loaded into the intermediate cartridge 3, and it is difficult to load it at a fixed position. Therefore, the intermediate cartridge 3 is formed as a slide-type container including the housing 30 and the slide case 31, so that the ink container 1 can be easily loaded into a fixed position.

The pouch form is a relatively small bag, and the standing pouch bag shown in FIG.
Is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. Since the ink container 1 is in the form of a pouch made of a soft wrapping material, the ink container 1 can be easily deformed and can supply ink smoothly, and is relatively small in bag-like shape and easy to handle. The standing pouch form is a relatively small, self-supporting bag-shaped one that can stand alone with ink stored therein, and is easy to handle such as storage and loading. Further, in the standing pouch form, when the ink supply needle is pierced into the bottom member, a force is applied almost straight to the film, the piercing is easy, the hole is less widened, and the possibility of ink leakage can be reduced.

Further, in the pouch form, at least the bottom member is an elastic member, and a slight force is applied when the ink supply needle is inserted into the elastic member. At this time, when the pouch form escapes, a desired hole is formed at a predetermined position. Since ink leakage etc. occurs without opening, the pouch form needs rigidity to receive this force,
As a form, a standing pouch form is suitable.
Further, since the bottom of the standing pouch can receive a certain amount of force in terms of structure, it is suitable as a position where the ink supply needle is pierced. In the standing pouch, it is preferable that at least the bottom member is an elastic member.

Further, since the shape of the pouch is close to a rectangular parallelepiped, the volume efficiency is high and the apparatus can be made compact. More preferably, it is a flat bottom pouch bag in which the shape of the bottom portion is rectangular in the form of a standing pouch, and has the same plane area at the time of loading and at the time of collection, so that there is no bad wrinkle in the remaining ink. In the case of a standing pouch bag, it can be manufactured at low cost, but the flat area increases at the time of collection, and the volume of the intermediate cartridge must be increased accordingly. Improved with pouch bags.

As described above, it is preferable that the ink container 1 be lightweight and small in volume other than the ink storage state, for example, during distribution before storage, storage, or disposal after use.
A pouch form of a soft packaging material is desirable.

As a pouch-shaped soft packaging material, preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, a surface base material layer 40 having an outer protective property is provided.
a and the gas barrier layer 40b such as aluminum foil or aluminum vapor deposition or inorganic material (silicon oxide compound or aluminum oxide compound) vapor deposition and heat sealing to form a bag. A laminate material 40 composed of a possible sealant layer 40c is used. The surface base material layer 40a is made of nylon, PE
It can be a general film of T or OPP film, and can be printed to express the ID of a product. When an inorganic vapor-deposited film is used for the gas barrier layer 40b, the inside can be seen and the remaining amount can be visually checked. Further, a pattern may be formed on the gas barrier layer 40b by printing, and a moire pattern or the like is effective as the pattern. In addition, the sealant layer 40c generally contains fatty acids. In the case of an ink jet printer, it is known that salts are precipitated by the fatty acids and sodium ions in the ink to block the nozzle, and this problem is avoided. For this purpose, it is preferable to use the film disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-6247.

The gusset is formed by folding the bag into a V-shape on the side of the bag. FIG. 3C shows a four-side seal gusset bag, and FIG. 3D shows a center pillow gusset bag. More preferably, a four-seal gusset bag is preferred.

Since the ink container 1 is in the form of the pouch or gusset described above, it is relatively small and easily deformed by folding the side, so that ink can be supplied smoothly. In the gusset form shown in FIG. 3 (c), welding is performed using a gusset member 1a made of a material that can be welded so as to be located at a portion corresponding to both end portions. FIG. 3 (d)
In the gusset form shown in (1), gusset portions 1b are provided at both end portions. In the ink container shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, since at least the gusset member 1a or the gusset portion 1b is provided on one surface, the volume efficiency is high and the device is compact. One end of the gusset member 1a or the gusset 1b (at least one surface)
By using an elastic member, or by providing a part of the elastic member, it is easy to pierce the ink supply needle,
In addition, ink can be supplied by a simple operation without leakage.

The ink container 1 is a three-side sealed flat bag shown in FIG. 3E or a four-side sealed flat bag (not shown).
Anything such as the pillow flat bag shown in FIG.

The ink container 1 contains ink and has at least a part of an elastic member. The elastic member is made of a plastic film having elasticity. As the plastic film having gentle shrinkage, a member that can pierce the ink supply needle and is in close contact with the ink supply needle and does not leak ink is used.

For example, a resin having a large elongation, such as a polyethylene-based or vinyl chloride-based resin, is preferable. In particular, it is preferable to use a material generally used as a stretch film, such as one used for food wrap packaging. Further, a resin classified as an elastomer may be used. However, since the strength and sealing strength as a film are weak, it is preferable to select the film in consideration of productivity and distribution suitability. By using such elastic resin, the ink supply needle 3
No ink leaks when piercing 2.

As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a window 50 through which an ink supply needle is inserted may be provided in the bottom member of the ink container 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the hole 40 e formed in the laminate material 40 is fixed to the sealant layer 40 c by the heat seal 52 so as to be closed by the elastic member 51. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
Is fixed by a heat seal 52 so as to close the hole 40e formed by the elastic member 51, but the sealant layer 40c is also used as the sealant layer 40c without providing the sealant layer 40c. In this manner, by fixing the elastic member 51 in a window shape with the heat seal 52 or the adhesive layer 53, the ink supply needle is stabbed at the position of the elastic member 51, and ink can be supplied by a simple operation without leakage. Can be

If the thickness of the ink supply needle 32 is too large, ink leakage is likely to occur. If the thickness is too small, the supply amount of ink is insufficient, and the thickness is preferably 1 mm to 5 mm. The ink supply needle 32 is not provided with a hole 32a at the tip,
The hole 32a is formed on the side surface near the tip so that the hole 32a is not crushed even if the tip is worn repeatedly.

This is also effective against ink dripping after the ink container 1 is pulled out. The tip of the ink supply needle 32 is sharply pointed in a conical shape to break through the film. In this case, if the film is torn, ink leaks. The reason for the tearing is that a slight force is applied, and the direction of the tearing cannot be controlled. Therefore, the tip of the ink supply needle 32 is formed into a pointed ten-shape (tip shape of a Phillips screwdriver), and the cylindrical part is bent. By making the film thicker, the occurrence of cracks can be suppressed, the shape of the holes in the film can be controlled, and ink leakage can be intentionally prevented.

Further, as shown in FIG.
May have an ink leakage prevention means 55 near the needle hole into which the ink supply needle is inserted. The ink leakage prevention means 55 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A is made of an absorbing material 55a that absorbs ink. As the absorbent 55a, a porous member such as sponge or cotton is used. FIG.
The ink leakage prevention means 55 of the embodiment (b) is constituted by a chuck member 55b that sandwiches the gusset member 1a of the ink container 1, and has a simple structure and a hole formed when the ink supply needle 32 is inserted. Can be prevented from leaking ink. The chuck member 55b is formed of a spring or the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, the ink container 1 may have ID information 56. ID information 56
The ID information 56 includes, for example, a manufacturing serial number of the ink container 1, a specific number, and a specific character. The ID information 56 is read by a recognition unit 80 provided in the intermediate cartridge 3, and is sent to the ink jet printer to prevent erroneous loading. can do.

As a technique for preventing erroneous loading, there is a technique by fitting projections and the like. However, since the shape of the projections needs to be changed for each color, the number of types of parts increases and this is one of the causes of cost increase. The ID information 56 is displayed on the ink container 1 by printing or the like, and is read by the recognition unit 80. The ID information 56 includes a barcode as a known method. In this manner, by receiving the ID information 56 of the ink container 1 and comparing the ID information 56 with the information of the ink jet printer main body, it is possible to judge whether the ink container 1 is appropriate or not. Loading and the like can be prevented. Further, as information to be applied to the ink container 1 by printing or the like, manufacturing information (information for lot management such as manufacturing date) and quality information (performance variation information within quality standards) can be given. And at least one of the information
One set of information may be provided in the ink container 1.

The ink container 1 is given a color corresponding to the ink color, for example, or is displayed with characters, symbols, etc., and the intermediate cartridge 3 is also given the same color, or displayed with characters, symbols, etc. Is performed, the intermediate cartridge 3 can be easily recognized in advance so as not to be loaded with an ink container of the wrong ink color by mistake, and the erroneous loading can be prevented without having to load the ink container 1. Is preferred.

The intermediate cartridge 3 of this embodiment is
As described above, the housing 30 and the slide case 31
When the ink container 1 is loaded into the slide case 31 and the ink supply needle 32 pierces the ink container 1 when the slide case 31 is pushed in as shown in FIG. 9, ink can be supplied. To As described above, when the ink container 1 is loaded in the slide case 31 and the slide case 31 is pushed into the housing 30, the ink supply needle 32 pierces the ink container 1, so that the ink can be easily operated. The ink can be supplied to the ink introduction section.

When the ink container 1 is loaded into the intermediate cartridge 3, the shape is not maintained, and it is difficult to load the ink container 1 at a fixed position.
By adopting the slide type consisting of 1, the ink container 1 can be easily loaded at a fixed position.

Since the stopper member 35 is always fixed at a fixed position when the slide case 31 is pushed in, the leading end position of the slide is clarified. As described above, when the stopper case 35 pushes the slide case 31 into the housing 30, the amount of pushing of the slide case 31 into the housing 30 is regulated to a predetermined position, so that the ink supply needle 32 moves the ink container 1. And it can be easily pushed into an appropriate position, and it is possible to provide the operator with comfort during loading.

As shown in FIG. 1, the slide case 31 has a recognizing means 60 for recognizing that the slide case 31 has reached a predetermined position. The slide case 31 is activated when the detecting piece 60a comes into contact with the stopper member 35. When the 31 is loaded in place, it can be known to the operator.
The recognition means 60 may be a click feeling, a visual display function, or a sound notification.

The recognizing means 60 can pierce the ink supply needle 32 into the ink container 1 by recognizing that the slide case 31 has reached the predetermined position, thereby notifying that the ink can be supplied.

The length of the ink supply needle 32 is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the length of the welded portion L11 of the ink container 1 and the bent portion size L12 at the end of the supply of the ink are pierced into the inside of the ink container 1 by a length greater than or equal to the length. The ink does not leak out of the supply needle 32.

As shown in FIG. 10, the dimensions L4 and L5 of the ink container 1 when viewed from the folded plane at the end of the ink supply are the planes of the ink container 1 before the ink supply. Dimensions L2 and L3 when viewed from above. For this reason, when the ink is supplied and the internal volume is reduced, the inside of the ink container becomes negative pressure and approaches a folded state. 1 does not hit the side wall of the slide case 31, and an increase in the remaining amount due to wrinkles or the like in the ink container 1 can be prevented.

The slide case 31 has a lid member 36 for holding down the ink container 1 as shown in FIG. 1, and the ink container 1 is held down by the lid member 36 as shown in FIG. Thus, pressure is applied to the ink container 1 and the ink supply needle 32 can be reliably pierced.

As shown in FIG. 11, the intermediate cartridge 3 has a sealing means 70 which can be used repeatedly.
The sealing means 70 of this embodiment can be constituted by a rubber stopper 70a or the like. When the intermediate cartridge 3 is inserted into the ink introduction section 2, the suction pipe 2a pierces the rubber stopper 70a and communicates with it. When the intermediate cartridge 3 is removed, the rubber stopper 70a is tightened and there is no leakage of ink.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the intermediate cartridge 3 is provided with a closing means 7 for forcibly shutting off the supply of ink.
0 and may be configured to be detachable from the ink jet printer main body. This closing means 70 is provided with the electromagnetic valve 7.
0c or the like. The intermediate cartridge 3 is inserted into the ink introduction unit 2 and the electromagnetic valve 70c is opened to open the suction pipe 2
When the intermediate cartridge 3 is detached, the solenoid valve 70c is closed, so that there is no ink leakage.

As described above, the closing means 70 includes the solenoid valve 70
c, which has a power supply terminal 70 d for supplying power to the solenoid valve 70 c, and is connected to the power supply terminal 2 b of the ink introduction unit 2. As described above, by using the electric connector including the power supply terminal 70d and the power supply terminal 2b, the power supply 2c is driven by the ink jet printer main body, and the ink supply can be forcibly and reliably cut off easily and reliably. . Of course, the power from the power supply terminal 2b is not only supplied to the solenoid valve 70c, but may be used to supply other parts.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the intermediate cartridge 3 has a battery 7 connected to a power supply terminal 70d.
0e, and power may be supplied from the battery 70e to drive the solenoid valve 70c. The provision of the battery 70e in the intermediate cartridge 3 enables the operation even if the power supply of the ink jet printer main body is not turned on.

Before the ink supply needle 32 of the intermediate cartridge 3 pierces the ink container 1, the ID of the ink container 1
Preferably, the information 56 is confirmed by the recognition means 80.
Therefore, it is preferable that the intermediate cartridge 3 be provided with a battery 70e, and if a rechargeable battery is used, the need for replacement is eliminated.

In the intermediate cartridge 3, the ID information 56 of the ink container 1 provided in the ink container 1 is read by the recognition means 80. The recognizing unit 80 includes a sensor (reader) and the like.

The ID information 56 of the ink container 1 is recorded in the storage means 81, and the stored ID information 56 is output to the ink jet printer main body by the output means.
The output means 82 has a terminal 82a for outputting stored information.
The intermediate cartridge 3 can be detached by connecting to the storage information output terminal 2d of the ink jet printer main body and using a signal connector including the storage information output terminal 82a and the storage information output terminal 2d.

The ink jet printer main body receives the ID information 56 of the ink container 1 and compares the ID information 56 with the information of the ink jet printer main body to determine whether or not the ink container 1 is appropriate. It is possible to prevent erroneous loading of the container.

In order to prevent erroneous loading or the like, the inside of the slide case 31 of the intermediate cartridge 3 is made the same color as the loaded ink, or is clearly indicated by characters, symbols, etc. Misloading can be prevented.

Further, in order to prevent a wrong loading in advance, it is made clear when the lid member 36 is set. For example, when the ink container 1 is placed on the slide case 31 and the lid member 36 is to be closed, the difference in loaded type is recognized. That is, for example, a hole is provided in the ink container 1 and a pin is provided in the corresponding lid member 36 so that the lid member 36 is not closed unless the ink container 1 is damaged. A code may be provided on the container 1 and a sensor may be provided on the lid member 36 so that if the codes do not match, the lid member 36 may not be closed.

Further, in the case of a color ink jet printer, if the intermediate cartridge 3 can be attached to and detached from the main body of the ink jet printer for each color, the intermediate cartridge 3 is clearly indicated by a color, characters, symbols, or the like. Can be prevented from causing color mixing.

Incidentally, the ink introduction section provided on the ink jet printer main body side may be provided on the ink head, and it is a matter of course that the intermediate cartridge may be detachable from the head.

[0143]

As described above, in the ink jet printer according to the present invention, a part of the ink cartridge can be separated from the other members so that the ink cartridge can be used even after the supply of the ink is completed. It is possible to reduce as much as possible.

Further, in the ink supply system for an ink jet printer according to the present invention, by using an intermediate cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the ink jet printer main body, it is possible to minimize waste at low cost.

In addition, the ink container of the present invention is easy to load, and is lightweight, small in volume, and easy to handle such as storage before use or disposal after use.

In the intermediate cartridge according to the present invention,
By loading the ink container, ink can be easily and reliably supplied to the ink jet printer main body side without ink leakage.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ink supply system for an inkjet printer.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink container.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of another embodiment of an ink container.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a layer configuration of a laminate material.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a window of the ink container.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a window of the ink container.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an ink leakage prevention unit of the ink container.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating reading of ID information of an ink container.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a piercing state of the ink supply needle.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which an ink container is loaded into an intermediate cartridge.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a loaded state of the intermediate cartridge.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a loaded state of an intermediate cartridge.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a loaded state of the intermediate cartridge.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a conventional ink cartridge.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an ink supply structure of a conventional ink cartridge.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink container 2 Ink introduction part 3 Intermediate cartridge 39 Ink supply passage

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Katsutoshi Sawada 1 Sakuracho, Hino-shi, Tokyo Konica Corporation F term (reference) 2C056 EA19 EA22 EA24 EB20 EB45 KB05 KB08 KC06 KC10 KC14 KC22

Claims (34)

[Claims] An ink cartridge which is detachably attached to an ink jet printer main body and supplies ink to the ink jet printer main body, wherein the ink cartridge has a plurality of members capable of separating some members from other members. An ink jet printer comprising a member, wherein the part of the member can be used separately from the other member. 2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the ink cartridge includes an ink container for storing the ink, and an intermediate cartridge serving as an ink passage for supplying the ink from the ink container to the ink jet printer main body. 2. The inkjet printer according to item 1. 3. The ink jet printer according to claim 2, wherein the other member includes at least the ink container. 4. An ink jet printer according to claim 2, wherein said part of said member is said intermediate cartridge. 5. An ink container for accommodating ink, an ink introduction unit provided in an ink jet printer main body, and an ink container which is in communication with the ink container by being loaded with the ink container. An ink supply system for an ink jet printer, comprising: an intermediate supply cartridge having an ink supply passage for supplying the ink; 6. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate cartridge includes an ink supply needle, and the ink supply needle is pierced into the ink container by being loaded with the ink container. The ink supply system for an ink jet printer according to claim 5. 7. The ink container according to claim 6, wherein the ink container has an elastic member at least in part, and the ink supply needle penetrates the ink container through the elastic member. Ink supply system for inkjet printer. 8. The ink jet printer according to claim 5, wherein the intermediate cartridge is detachable from the ink jet printer main body in a state where the ink container is loaded. Ink supply system for inkjet printer. 9. An ink container for storing ink for an ink jet printer, wherein the ink container is in the form of a pouch of a soft wrapping material. 10. An ink container for storing ink for an ink jet printer, wherein the ink container is in the form of a standing pouch. 11. An ink container for storing ink for an ink jet printer, wherein the ink container is in the form of a gusset. 12. The ink container according to claim 9, wherein the ink container has an elastic member at least in part. 13. The standing pouch-shaped at least bottom member is a telescopic member.
The ink container according to 0. 14. The ink container according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the gusset-shaped gusset members is an elastic member. 15. The ink container according to claim 12, wherein the elastic member is a plastic film having elasticity. 16. An ink container for storing ink for an ink jet printer, comprising at least a part of an elastic member formed of an elastic plastic film. 17. The ink container according to claim 12, wherein the elastic member is fixed in a window shape by heat sealing. 18. The ink container according to claim 12, wherein the elastic member is provided at least in a portion for inserting an ink supply needle. 19. When the ink supply needle is pierced,
19. The ink container according to claim 18, further comprising an ink leak preventing unit for preventing ink from leaking. 20. The ink container according to claim 9, wherein ID information is provided. 21. An ink supply system for an ink jet printer according to claim 5, wherein said ink container is the ink container according to any one of claims 9 to 20. 22. An ink supply passage which can be loaded with an ink container for accommodating ink for an ink jet printer, and which can supply ink from the ink container to an ink introduction section provided in the ink jet printer main body. An intermediate cartridge that is detachable from an ink jet printer main body. 23. A housing having a housing and a slide case,
An ink supply needle forming at least a part of the ink supply passage is provided in the housing, and the ink container is loaded in the slide case, and when the slide case is pushed into the housing, the ink is supplied to the ink container. An intermediate cartridge, wherein a supply needle pierces the ink container so that ink can be supplied to the ink introduction unit. 24. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a stopper member for restricting an amount of pushing of the slide case into the housing to a predetermined position when the slide case is pushed into the housing. Intermediate cartridge. 25. The intermediate cartridge according to claim 24, further comprising a recognizing means for recognizing that the predetermined position has been reached. 26. The intermediate cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the slide case has a lid member for pressing the ink container. 27. The ink jet printer according to claim 23, further comprising a closing means for closing an ink supply port for supplying ink from said ink container to an ink introduction section provided in an ink jet printer main body. An intermediate cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims. 28. The intermediate cartridge according to claim 27, wherein said closing means has a solenoid valve and a power supply terminal for supplying power to said solenoid valve. 29. The intermediate cartridge according to claim 28, further comprising a battery connected to the power supply terminal. 30. The intermediate cartridge according to claim 22, further comprising a recognition unit that recognizes ID information of the ink container. 31. The intermediate cartridge according to claim 22, further comprising storage means for storing ID information of the ink container. 32. The intermediate cartridge according to claim 30, further comprising output means for outputting the ID information of the ink container to the ink jet printer main body. 33. An ink supply system for an ink jet printer according to claim 5, wherein said intermediate cartridge is the intermediate cartridge according to any one of claims 23 to 32. 34. The ink container according to any one of claims 9 to 20, wherein the ink container is the ink container according to any one of claims 9 to 20, and the intermediate cartridge is the ink container according to any one of claims 23 to 32. The ink supply system for an inkjet printer according to claim 5, wherein the ink supply system is an intermediate cartridge.