JP2002079683A - Ink jet recorder and ink cartridge therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid occurrence of a trouble such as leakage of ink while an ink cartridge is attached to or detached from a recorder. SOLUTION: An ink pack containing ink therein is so constituted that the ink is introduced to the side of the recorder by a pressurized air introduced into a cartridge case. In the case where the ink cartridge 9 is loaded to the recorder, an inlet 51 for the pressurized air is coupled to a pressurized air outlet 58 at the side of the recorder after an ink outlet 50 of the ink cartridge 9 is coupled to an ink introduction pipe 57. As a result, when the cartridge is attached to or detached from the recorder, it is possible to prevent leakage of the ink from the ink outlet 50 of the cartridge due to the pressurized air.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus using an ink cartridge which is configured to supply ink to a recording head by applying air pressure generated by an air pressure pump.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet recording apparatus is generally mounted on a carriage and moves in the width direction of the recording paper, and relatively moves the recording paper in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the recording head. A paper feeding means for moving the recording paper is provided, and printing is performed on recording paper by discharging ink droplets from a recording head based on print data.

On the other hand, in this type of recording apparatus provided for office use or business use, it is necessary to provide a large-capacity ink cartridge in order to handle a relatively large amount of printing. 2. Description of the Related Art There has been provided a recording apparatus of a type in which a cartridge is loaded into a cartridge holder arranged on, for example, an apparatus body. A sub-tank is arranged on the carriage on which the recording head is mounted, supplies ink from each of the ink cartridges to each sub-tank via an ink supply tube, and further supplies ink from each sub-tank to the recording head. Is provided.

[0004]

By the way, recently, it is possible to perform printing on a larger sheet of paper.
There is an increasing demand for a large-sized printing apparatus having a long scanning distance of the carriage. In such a printing apparatus, in order to improve the throughput, the number of nozzles in the printing head is increased more and more. Furthermore, in order to improve the throughput, it is possible to sequentially supply ink from the ink cartridge to each sub-tank mounted on the carriage while performing printing, and to stabilize the ink from each sub-tank to the recording head. There is a demand for a recording device that supplies the data.

In such a recording apparatus, it is necessary to connect an ink supply tube corresponding to each ink from the ink cartridge to the sub tank.
Since the scanning distance of the carriage is large, the drawing distance of the tube necessarily increases. Moreover, as described above, since the number of nozzles in the recording head is increased,
There is a technical problem that a large amount of ink is consumed, a dynamic pressure (pressure loss) of ink is increased in each ink supply tube connected from the ink cartridge to the sub-tank, and the amount of ink supplied to the sub-tank is insufficient.

As one means for solving such a problem, for example, air pressure is applied to the ink cartridge side, a forced ink flow is generated from the ink cartridge to the sub-tank by air pressure, and A configuration in which necessary and sufficient ink is supplied can be employed.

An ink cartridge used in the recording apparatus having the above-described structure is formed by a flexible material in which an outer case is formed so as to be airtight, and ink is sealed therein. A configuration in which a pack is stored can be suitably employed. The ink pack in the ink cartridge having such a configuration acts so that the ink is pushed out by the pressurized air applied to the inside of the case and is sent to the recording head mounted on the carriage.

In the ink cartridge constructed as described above, in order to prevent the ink from leaking from the ink outlet when the cartridge is not mounted, a plug provided with a valve mechanism is disposed at the ink outlet. You. Then, when the cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus, the valve mechanism is opened to discharge the ink. However, as described above, in a printing apparatus having a function of introducing pressurized air into a cartridge case and sending out ink, in a transition period when an ink cartridge is inserted into and removed from the printing apparatus, the valve mechanism is used. If the sealing function is weakened and the action of pressurized air is applied in this state, a problem may occur that ink leaks from the ink outlet and contaminates the inside of the apparatus.

Therefore, in a recording apparatus using this type of cartridge which draws ink from the inside of an ink pack by the action of pressurized air, the timing at which an ink outlet formed in the ink cartridge is connected to the recording apparatus is determined. It is important to adjust the timing of applying the pressurized air into the cartridge case. Further, even when the ink cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus, it is necessary to adjust the timing of disconnection of the two similarly.

The present invention has been made based on such a technical problem, and when an ink cartridge is attached to or detached from a recording apparatus, the ink pack is connected without receiving the action of pressurized air. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink cartridge for a recording apparatus which employ a mechanism and can reliably prevent the occurrence of ink leakage due to the action of pressurized air.

[0011]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink-jet recording apparatus which is made of a flexible material and has an ink sealed therein. An ink cartridge including a pack and a cartridge case formed in an airtight state is loaded therein, and a recording apparatus configured to be able to introduce pressurized air into the case. When the ink cartridge is loaded on the recording device side, after the ink outlet formed on the ink cartridge side is connected to the recording device side, the pressurized air introduction port formed on the ink cartridge side is connected to the recording device side. The configuration includes a connection mechanism to be connected.

In this case, the cartridge case includes:
Preferably, there is provided positioning means for loading the recording apparatus, and in a state where the positional relationship of the ink cartridge with respect to the recording apparatus is determined by the positioning means, the ink outlet and the inlet for pressurized air are located on the side of the recording apparatus. It is configured to be connected sequentially.

In addition, the ink cartridge is equipped with readable storage means capable of storing information data relating to the ink sealed in the ink pack, and the connection mechanism is provided with the ink cartridge mounted on the recording apparatus side. In this case, it is preferable that a terminal mechanism for electrically connecting to the storage unit be provided after the inlet of the pressurized air is connected to the recording apparatus.

When the connection timing between the storage means on the cartridge side and the terminal mechanism on the recording apparatus is employed as described above, the electrical connection of the terminal mechanism on the recording apparatus side to the storage means on the cartridge side is performed. It is desirable to be configured to be able to drive a pressurizing pump that generates pressurized air when it is detected that the airflow has been performed.

On the other hand, an ink cartridge for a recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises an ink pack formed of a flexible material and having ink sealed therein, an ink pack containing the ink pack, and an outer shell formed in an airtight state. A cartridge case, wherein the ink cartridge for the recording device is configured such that pressurized air can be introduced from the recording device side into the case when the ink cartridge is loaded in the recording device, wherein the ink cartridge is provided on the recording device side. When the ink outlet is formed in the ink cartridge, the ink outlet is connected to the recording device,
The pressurized air introduction port formed on the ink cartridge side is configured to be connected to the recording apparatus side.

In this case, the cartridge case includes:
Preferably, there is provided positioning means for loading the recording apparatus, and in a state where the positional relationship of the ink cartridge with respect to the recording apparatus is determined by the positioning means, the ink outlet and the inlet for pressurized air are located on the side of the recording apparatus. It is configured to be connected sequentially.

In addition, the ink cartridge is equipped with readable storage means capable of storing information data on the ink sealed in the ink pack. When the ink cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus side, It is preferable that the storage means be electrically connected to a terminal mechanism on the recording device side after the inlet for the compressed air is connected to the recording device side.

Further, preferably, the inlet of the pressurized air provided in the ink cartridge has a hollow cylindrical shape formed integrally with the cartridge case, and the axis of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical body constituting the inlet is provided. The length in the direction is 2-2
It is formed to 0 mm.

According to the combination of the ink jet recording apparatus and the ink cartridge configured as described above, the connection mechanism disposed on the recording apparatus side can be used after the ink outlet of the ink cartridge is connected to the recording apparatus side. However, since the inlet of the pressurized air is dimensionally connected to the recording device, when the ink cartridge is loaded into the recording device, the ink outlet is connected after the ink outlet is connected to the recording device. Compressed air will be introduced into the cartridge case. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the ink is leaked from the ink outlet of the cartridge due to the action of the pressurized air during the mounting of the ink cartridge.

In addition, because of the dimensional relationship described above, when the ink cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus, the inlet for pressurized air is first disconnected from the recording apparatus, and then the ink outlet is connected to the recording apparatus. Out of the operation sequence. Therefore, in a state where the ink outlet is removed from the recording device side, the inlet of the pressurized air is already open to the atmosphere, and therefore,
Similarly, it is possible to avoid a situation where the ink leaks from the ink outlet of the cartridge due to the pressurized air.

Further, since the cartridge case is provided with positioning means for loading the ink cartridge into the recording apparatus, the positional relationship between the ink cartridge and the ink cartridge with respect to the recording apparatus is determined. The order of the above-mentioned desorption of the inlet of the compressed air can be assured more reliably.

On the other hand, when using an ink cartridge provided with a readable storage means capable of storing information data relating to the ink sealed in the ink cartridge, an inlet for pressurized air is connected to the recording apparatus. After that, the terminal mechanism arranged in the connection mechanism is electrically connected to the storage means.

When it is detected that the terminal mechanism has been electrically connected to the storage means,
By configuring such that the pressurizing pump that generates the pressurized air can be driven, an operation of introducing the pressurized air into the cartridge is performed when the mechanical connection state is completed. Therefore, idle driving of the pressurizing pump can be avoided, and the timing for introducing the pressurized air can be more appropriately controlled.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink cartridge for a recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a basic configuration of a recording apparatus. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a carriage. The carriage 1 is guided by a scanning guide member 4 via a timing belt 3 driven by a carriage motor 2 in a longitudinal direction of a paper feeding member 5, that is, in a width direction of the recording paper. It is configured to reciprocate in a certain main scanning direction. Then, although not shown in FIG.
An ink jet recording head 6 described later is mounted on a surface facing the paper feed member 5.

The carriage 1 has sub-tanks 7a to 7d for supplying ink to the recording head. In this embodiment, four sub-tanks 7a to 7d are provided corresponding to the respective inks in order to temporarily store the respective inks therein. Each of the sub tanks 7a to 7d has a main tank 9a to 9c as an ink cartridge loaded in a cartridge holder 8 disposed in the apparatus main body.
9d, the flexible ink supply tubes 10, 10,...
Are respectively supplied via black, yellow, magenta, and cyan inks.

Each of the main tanks 9a to 9d as the ink cartridge has a flat outer shell as described later in detail, and the flat surface of the cartridge holder 8 has a flat surface. They are mounted in a so-called vertical position so as to face each other vertically.

On the other hand, in a non-printing area (home position) on the movement path of the carriage 1, a capping means 11 capable of sealing the nozzle forming surface of the recording head is arranged.
A cap member 11a made of a flexible material such as rubber capable of sealing the nozzle forming surface of the recording head is disposed on the upper surface of the recording head 1. When the carriage 1 moves to the home position, the cap member 11a
Thereby, the nozzle forming surface of the recording head can be sealed.

The cap member 11a seals the nozzle forming surface of the recording head during the period when the recording apparatus is at rest,
It functions as a lid that prevents drying of the nozzle openings. Although not shown in the drawing, one end of a tube of a suction pump (tube pump) is connected to the cap member 11a, and a negative pressure generated by the suction pump is applied to the recording head so that ink is discharged from the recording head. The cleaning operation for sucking and discharging is performed.
A wiping member 12 made of an elastic material such as rubber is arranged adjacent to the printing area side of the capping means 11 so that the nozzle forming surface of the recording head can be wiped and cleaned as necessary. It is configured.

Next, FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of an ink supply system mounted on the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1. In this ink supply system, corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. FIG. 1 and 2, reference numeral 21 denotes an air pressurizing pump. The air pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 21 is supplied to a pressure regulating valve 22, and furthermore, a pressure detector 2
The main tanks 9a to 9d (represented by reference numeral 9 in FIG. 2 and may be simply represented by reference numeral 9 in the following) may be supplied to the main tanks 9a to 9d, respectively. It is configured. The pressure regulating valve 22 has a function of releasing the pressure and maintaining the air pressure applied to each of the main tanks 9a to 9d in a predetermined range when the air pressure pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 21 reaches a predetermined value or more. have.

Further, the pressure detector 23 functions to detect the air pressure pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 21 and control the driving of the air pressurizing pump 21. That is, when it is detected that the air pressure pressurized by the air pressurizing pump 21 has reached a predetermined pressure, the driving of the air pressurizing pump 21 is stopped, and the air pressure is determined by the pressure detector 23. When it is detected that the pressure has become equal to or lower than the pressure, control is performed so that the air pressurizing pump 21 is driven. Therefore, the air pressure applied to each of the main tanks 9a to 9d by this repetition is maintained in a predetermined range.

The detailed configuration of the ink cartridge as the main tank 9 will be described later. As shown in FIG. 2, the schematic configuration of the ink cartridge is such that an outer case is formed in an airtight state. Inside, an ink pack 24 formed of a flexible material in which ink is sealed is housed. A space formed by the outer case of the main tank 9 and the ink pack 24 constitutes a pressure chamber 25, and the pressure detector 2 is provided in the pressure chamber 25.
3 is configured to be supplied with pressurized air.

With this configuration, each of the main tanks 9a to 9a
Each of the ink packs 24 accommodated in the sub tanks d is pressurized by the pressurized air to generate an ink flow from the main tanks 9a to 9d to the sub tanks 7a to 7d at a predetermined pressure. .

The ink pressurized in the main tanks 9a to 9d is supplied to the ink supply valves 26, 26,... And the ink supply tubes 10, 1, respectively.
Each of the sub-tanks 7a to 7d mounted on the carriage 1 via 0,... (Represented by reference numeral 7 in FIG. 2 and may be simply represented by reference numeral 7 in the following). Is configured to be supplied.

As shown in FIG. 2, a float member 31 is disposed inside the sub-tank 7, and a permanent magnet 32 is attached to a part of the float member 31.
And magneto-electric conversion elements 33a, 33 represented by Hall elements
3 b is mounted on the substrate 34 and is attached to the side wall of the sub tank 7. With this configuration, the ink is generated by the Hall elements 33a and 33b to generate an electric output in accordance with the permanent magnet 32 disposed on the float member 31 and the magnetic force dose by the permanent magnet 32 according to the floating position of the float member. It constitutes an amount detecting means.

Therefore, for example, when the amount of ink in the sub-tank 7 decreases, the position of the float member 31 stored in the sub-tank moves in the direction of gravity, and accordingly, the position of the permanent magnet 32 also changes in the direction of gravity. Go to Therefore, the Hall elements 33a, 33b due to the movement of the permanent magnet
Can be sensed as the amount of ink in the sub tank 7, and the ink supply valve 26 is opened by the electric output obtained by the Hall elements 33a and 33b.

By such an operation, the ink pressurized in the main tank 9 is individually sent into each of the sub tanks 7 whose ink amount has been reduced. When the amount of ink in the sub tank 7 reaches a predetermined capacity, the ink supply valve 26 is closed based on the electrical outputs of the Hall elements 33a and 33b. By such repetition, the ink acts to intermittently replenish the ink from the main tank to the sub-tank, and a substantially constant range of ink is always stored in each sub-tank.

From each sub tank 7, a valve 35 is provided.
And ink is supplied to the recording head 6 via a tube 36 connected to the recording head 6. The recording head 6 is supplied based on print data supplied to an actuator (not shown) of the recording head 6. The ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle openings 6a formed on the nozzle forming surface of the nozzle. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes the capping means described above, and the tube connected to the capping means 11 is connected to a suction pump (tube pump) not shown.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show examples of the main tank 9 as an ink cartridge used in the ink jet recording apparatus having the above-described configuration.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of the main tank, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main tank viewed from the line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ink pack 24 housed in the outer case shown in FIG. First, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer case includes an upper case 41 and a lower case 4.
2. The lower case 42 is formed in a flat box shape, and is configured such that the upper surface thereof is opened and the ink pack 24 (see FIG. 5) in a state where ink is sealed therein can be stored therein.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, in order to hold down the four sides of the ink pack 24 housed in the lower case 42, a quadrangular inner lid having a window opening at the center is provided. 43, and the lower case 42
The film member 44 is heat-welded at the flange 42a formed at the opening edge of the lower case 4 as shown by the thick line.
2 is closed so as to be airtight. An upper case 41 having a flat box shape is mounted from the upper part.

The upper case 41 has intermittently formed wedge-shaped claws 41a along the inner surface thereof. When the upper case 41 is pushed into the lower case 42, the claws 41a are lowered. Engage with the flange 42a formed at the opening edge of the case 42, and both are integrally connected. With this configuration, when pressurized air is introduced into the lower case 42 closed by the film member 44, the film member 44 is positioned so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the upper case 41. Film member 44 receiving air
Can be prevented from bulging outward.

FIG. 5 shows the structure of the ink pack 24 housed in the outer case formed as described above. The ink pack 24 is made of two flexible materials formed in a rectangular shape, for example, a polyethylene film, and is laminated on its surface with, for example, aluminum to improve gas barrier properties. A plug 50 constituting an ink outlet is attached to a substantially central portion of the side end in the longitudinal direction.

A side end to which the plug 50 is attached;
The three sides at both ends in the longitudinal direction orthogonal to this are first joined by heat welding to form a bag. Note that reference numeral 2
4b shows the heat-welded portions applied to the three sides. And
The ink is introduced into the ink pack 24 using the opening on the remaining one side of the ink pack 24 formed in the bag shape as described above, and finally, the remaining one side is joined by heat welding. Is filled with ink. Reference numeral 24c indicates a heat-welded portion applied to the remaining one side.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main tank 9 as an ink cartridge configured as described above is
On one surface of the cartridge case, a pair of opening holes 51 are formed as positioning means used when the cartridge case is loaded into the recording apparatus. The pair of opening holes 51 are spaced apart from each other at two places along the longitudinal direction on the one surface of the case. When the lower case 42 is injection-molded, for example, it is formed integrally at the same time. I have. Further, the stopper 50 constituting an ink outlet from the ink pack is attached to a substantially intermediate portion of the positioning opening holes 51 arranged at the two places in a state where an O-ring (not shown) for airtightness is bitten. Have been.

On both outer sides of each of the two openings 51, there are provided a pressurized air inlet 52 and a circuit board 53 constituting a terminal mechanism which will be described in detail later. ing. In addition, the inlet 52 of the pressurized air is
When the lower case 42 is formed, the lower case 42 is simultaneously formed integrally into a hollow shape, and through this, pressurized air can be introduced into the lower case 42 closed by the film member 44.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an end of the one side of the main tank 9 as an ink cartridge formed as described above, and a connection disposed in the cartridge holder 8 on the recording apparatus side. The state in which the main tank 9 is attached to (or removed from) the mechanism 55 is shown. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the connection mechanism 55 arranged on the cartridge holder 8 side. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a pair of cylindrical positioning pins 56 are disposed on the cartridge holder 8 side, and the pair of positioning opening holes 51 formed on the main tank 9 side are provided. , And are configured to be mounted so as to surround the positioning pins 56.

As described above, since the positioning opening holes 51 are arranged at two positions along the longitudinal direction on the one surface of the case on the cartridge side, the two opening holes 51 arranged on the recording apparatus side are formed. The three-dimensional positioning of the main tank 9 as a cartridge can be achieved by attaching the positioning pin 56 to the base end of the main tank 9. When the main tank 9 is attached to the positioning pins 56, a hollow ink outlet pipe 57 arranged substantially at the center of the pair of positioning pins 56 constitutes an ink outlet from the ink pack. It is inserted into the stopper 50 so that the ink can be discharged from the cartridge.

When the main tank 9 is mounted, the pressurized air inlet 52 is connected to the pressurized air outlet 58 disposed on the holder 8 side, and pressurized air is introduced into the main tank 9 side. Be prepared to be able to. Further, a terminal mechanism 59 having a plurality of contact pieces is connected to the circuit board 53 arranged on the main tank 9 side, and the circuit board 5
3. Data is exchanged with the semiconductor storage means described later provided in 3. When the main tank 9 is mounted on the cartridge holder 8, as shown in FIG. 6, the circuit board 53 disposed on the main tank 9 side is mounted in a vertically placed state located at the top in the direction of gravity. .

Here, the inlet 52 of the pressurized air provided in the ink cartridge has a hollow cylindrical shape formed integrally with the cartridge case.
The axial length L of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical body constituting
Desirably, it is formed in a range of 2 to 20 mm.
That is, it is desirable that the diameter of the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical body be uniform along the axial direction in order to connect to the outlet 58 of the pressurized air disposed on the holder 8 side.

Therefore, when the cartridge case is injection-molded, it is not preferable to apply a draft taper for releasing the mold to the cylindrical surface, and therefore, the axial length L of the cylindrical surface is 20 mm. It is necessary to set the following. The length L in the axial direction is 2 m
By molding the ink cartridge to a length of m or more, even if the ink cartridge is slightly displaced in the insertion direction, it is possible to maintain a good connection with the pressurized air outlet 58 disposed on the holder 8 side.

FIG. 8 shows that when the main tank 9 is mounted, the hollow ink outlet pipe 57 arranged on the holder side is inserted into the stopper 50 constituting the ink outlet from the ink pack, and ink is discharged from the cartridge. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which it can be derived. FIG. 8A shows a state before both are connected,
FIG. 8B shows a state in which both are connected.
An annular rubber packing 50a is fitted into an outlet portion of the plug 50 on the ink pack side.

On the other hand, a movable body 50b which is movable in the axial direction is accommodated in the stopper 50. The movable body 50b is configured to close an annular central portion of the rubber packing 50a by the urging force of the coil-shaped spring member 50c. An opening 57a is formed in a side surface near the tip of the hollow ink outlet tube 57 disposed on the holder 8 side.

Therefore, in the state of FIG. 8A in which the main tank 9 as a cartridge is not mounted on the recording apparatus side, the movable body 50b is formed into an annular shape in the rubber packing 50a by the urging force of the coil-shaped spring member 50c. In order to close the center, the plug 50 is closed.
It is possible to prevent the ink from leaking from the ink pack.

When the main tank 9 is mounted on the recording apparatus, as shown in FIG. 8B, the distal end of the ink lead-out tube 57 is movable against the urging force of the spring member 50c. In order to push the inside of the ink passage 50b, an ink flow path indicated by an arrow is formed, and the ink is led out. In this case, the annular inner diameter portion of the rubber packing 50a is in close contact with the outer shape portion of the ink outlet tube 57, so that leakage of ink from the portion can be prevented.

Next, FIG. 9 shows the mounted state of the circuit board 53 arranged on the cartridge side.
0 indicates the external configuration of the circuit board 53. FIG.
0A shows a perspective view of the circuit board 53 viewed from the front side, and FIG. 0B shows a perspective view of the circuit board 53 viewed from the back side. As shown in FIG. 9, the circuit board 53 is attached to the inner bottom of the lower case 42 where two orthogonal surfaces are open at the corners of the lower case 42. One of the open surfaces allows the circuit board 53 to be connected to a terminal mechanism 59 disposed on the cartridge holder 8 side. It is used when mounting on a case.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10, a through hole 53a and a notch hole 53b for mounting the circuit board 53 in the lower case 42 are formed in the circuit board. The lower case 42 is formed in advance with heat welding projections 42c and 42d that are inserted into the through holes 53a and the notch holes 53b as indicated by phantom lines in FIG. When mounting the substantially rectangular circuit board 53 on the lower case 42, the circuit board 53 is fitted into a recess 42b formed for positioning the circuit board as shown in FIG. Then, a heater chip (not shown) is brought into contact with the tops of the projections 42c and 42d for thermal welding indicated by imaginary lines in FIG. 10 (A) and thermally fused, so that the circuit board 53 is shown in FIG. It can be attached to the lower case 42 as described above.

In order to mount the circuit board 53 on the lower case 42 in this manner, the above-described heater chip is used as a mounting jig, and the heater chip is opened from one surface opened on the upper surface side of the circuit board 53. Is made to be inserted. In addition, as shown in FIG.
On the front side of the circuit board 53, an electrode contact 53c that is electrically connected to the terminal mechanism 59 on the holder 8 side when mounted on the cartridge holder is formed. Also,
A check electrode contact 5 formed in a circular shape on the same surface.
3d is also formed.

Then, these electrode contacts 53c, 53d
Is connected to a semiconductor storage means 54 arranged on the back surface of the circuit board 53 and capable of reading and writing data. In a state where the main tank 9 is mounted on a cartridge holder of the recording apparatus, for example, Data such as the type of ink, the remaining amount of ink, the serial number, the expiration date, and the like are exchanged.

Returning to FIG. 6, when the main tank 9 as an ink cartridge is mounted on the connection mechanism 55 in the cartridge holder 8, first, a pair of positioning openings 51 arranged in the main tank 9 are formed. , And proceeds to the respective positioning pins 56 arranged in the connection mechanism 55 to surround them. Therefore, at this point, temporary positioning between the hollow ink outlet pipe 57 arranged in the connection mechanism 55 and the connection plug 50 on the in-tank side is achieved. In this state, the main tank still proceeds to the connection mechanism 55 side, so that the connection plug 50 in the main tank is arranged in the connection mechanism 55 and connected to the hollow ink outlet pipe 57.

After the connection plug 50 in the main tank is connected to the hollow ink outlet pipe 57 disposed in the connection mechanism 55 as described above, the main tank further advances to the connection mechanism 55 side, and The pressurized air introduction port 52 disposed in the tank 9 is connected to a connection mechanism 55.
Are connected to the pressurized air outlet 58 disposed at the, so that the pressurized air inlet 52 is connected to the pressurized air outlet 58.

Further, after the pressurized air inlet 52 is connected to the pressurized air outlet 58, the main tank similarly proceeds to the connection mechanism 55 side, so that the circuit disposed in the main tank 9 lastly Electrode contact 5 on substrate 53
3c has a dimensional relationship electrically connected to the terminal mechanism 59 disposed on the connection mechanism 55. Then, the electrode contact 53c on the circuit board 53 to be connected last is
When it is detected that the terminal device 59 is electrically connected to the terminal mechanism 59 disposed in the connection mechanism 55, the pressure pump 21 that generates pressurized air can be driven.

The dimensional relationship between the main tank 9 as an ink cartridge and the connection mechanism 55 on the printing apparatus side is configured as described above, so that when the main tank 9 is removed from the printing apparatus. Means that the connection between them is sequentially disconnected in the reverse order.

[0062]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the recording apparatus and the ink cartridge of the present invention, when the ink cartridge is loaded in the recording apparatus, the ink outlet of the cartridge is connected to the ink outlet of the recording apparatus. After the connection to the pipe, the connection mechanism for connecting the introduction port of the pressurized air to the recording apparatus side is provided, so that when the cartridge is mounted and removed, the ink outlet of the cartridge is acted upon by the action of the pressurized air. Can be prevented from leaking ink.

In addition, the terminal mechanism is configured to be connected last to the circuit board mounted on the cartridge, and when it is detected that both are electrically connected, the pressurized air is discharged. By configuring so that the generated pressurizing pump can be driven, the operation of introducing pressurized air into the cartridge at the time when the above-described mechanical connection state is completed can be performed, and the pressurized air can be executed. Can be more appropriately controlled.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an ink supply system from an ink cartridge to a print head in the printing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an ink cartridge according to the present invention.

4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge when viewed in the direction of the arrow from line AA shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an ink pack housed in the cartridge illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a connection mechanism disposed on an end portion on one surface side of the ink cartridge and a cartridge holder.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a connection mechanism arranged on the cartridge holder.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a configuration of an ink outlet plug on the cartridge side and an ink outlet tube on the cartridge holder side.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a mounted state of a circuit board mounted on a cartridge side.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a further enlarged appearance of the circuit board shown in FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 carriage 6 recording head 7 (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) sub tank 8 cartridge holder 9 (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) main tank (ink cartridge) 10 ink supply tube 21 air pressurizing pump 22 pressure regulating valve 23 pressure Detector 24 Ink pack 25 Pressure chamber 26 Ink supply valve 41 Upper case 42 Lower case 42c, 42d Heat welding protrusion 50 Plug body (ink outlet) 51 Opening hole (positioning means) 52 Pressurized air inlet 53 Circuit board 53a Through hole 53b Notch hole 53c Electrode contact (connection terminal) 54 Semiconductor storage means 55 Connection mechanism 56 Positioning pin 57 Ink lead-out tube 58 Pressurized air supply port 59 Terminal mechanism

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An ink cartridge, comprising: an ink pack formed of a flexible material and filled with ink therein; and a cartridge case accommodating the ink pack and formed in an airtight state, is loaded, A recording device configured to be able to introduce pressurized air into a case, wherein when the ink cartridge is mounted on the recording device side, an ink outlet formed on the ink cartridge side is a recording device. An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a connection mechanism for connecting a pressurized air inlet formed on an ink cartridge side to a recording apparatus side after being connected to the recording apparatus side. 2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said cartridge case is provided with positioning means for loading the ink cartridge into said recording apparatus. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air introduction port is sequentially connected to the recording apparatus. 3. The ink cartridge is equipped with readable storage means capable of storing information data on the ink sealed in the ink pack, and the connection mechanism has the ink cartridge mounted on the recording device side. 3. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, further comprising a terminal mechanism for making an electrical connection to the storage unit after the inlet of the pressurized air is connected to a recording apparatus. Expression recording device. 4. A pressurizing pump for generating pressurized air can be driven when it is detected that an electrical connection of a terminal mechanism on the recording apparatus side to the storage means on the cartridge side is detected. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, which is configured. 5. An ink pack formed of a flexible material and filled with ink therein, and a cartridge case accommodating the ink pack and having an outer shell formed in an airtight state. An ink cartridge for a recording apparatus configured such that pressurized air can be introduced into the case from the recording apparatus side in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus side. An ink cartridge for a recording apparatus, wherein the ink outlet port formed in the ink cartridge is connected to the recording apparatus side, and then the pressurized air introduction port formed in the ink cartridge side is connected to the recording apparatus side. 6. The cartridge case is provided with positioning means for loading the ink cartridge into a recording apparatus, and the ink outlet and the pressurizing means are provided in a state where the positional relationship of the ink cartridge with respect to the recording apparatus is determined by the positioning means. 6. The ink cartridge for a recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the air introduction port is configured to be sequentially connected to the recording apparatus side. 7. An ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said ink cartridge is provided with readable storage means capable of storing information data relating to the ink enclosed in said ink pack. After the compressed air inlet is connected to the recording device side,
7. The ink cartridge for a printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the storage unit is configured to be electrically connected to a terminal mechanism of the printing apparatus. 8. An inlet for the pressurized air provided in the ink cartridge has a hollow cylindrical shape integrally formed with the cartridge case, and is formed in an axial direction of a cylindrical surface of a cylindrical body constituting the inlet. The ink cartridge for a recording apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the length is formed to be 2 to 20 mm.