JP4281484B2 - Liquid refilling method and refilling apparatus for liquid cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid refilling method and a refilling apparatus for a liquid cartridge.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, ink jet recording apparatuses have been widely used as liquid ejecting apparatuses that eject liquid from a liquid ejecting head to a target. This ink jet recording apparatus includes a carriage and a recording head as a liquid ejecting head mounted on the carriage. Then, while moving the carriage with respect to the recording medium as the target, ink as liquid is ejected from the nozzles formed on the recording head, and printing is performed on the recording medium.

  The ink ejected from the recording head is usually stored in an ink cartridge as a liquid cartridge, and is supplied from the ink cartridge to the recording head. In addition, as such an ink cartridge, what was disclosed by patent document 1 was known.

  Specifically, the ink cartridge of Patent Document 1 has an ink storage chamber communicating with the atmosphere and a buffer chamber communicating with the ink storage chamber, and each stores ink. The buffer chamber is connected to an ink supply port for supplying ink to the recording head, and a differential pressure valve is provided between the buffer chamber and the ink supply port.

  The differential pressure valve is opened when the pressure on the buffer chamber side is higher than the pressure on the ink supply port side and the pressure difference exceeds a predetermined value, and is closed otherwise. It was. Further, as the ink in the buffer chamber decreases, the degassed ink is supplied from the ink storage chamber to the buffer chamber.

Therefore, the ink supplied from the ink cartridge to the recording head can be maintained in a deaerated state, and the ink droplet ejection characteristics in the recording head can be maintained in a good state.
JP 2003-145799 A

  By the way, the ink cartridge in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is removed from the ink jet recording apparatus and replaced with a new ink cartridge when the stored ink is used up. Therefore, an old ink cartridge is usually disposed of after being used only once.

  In addition, as a method of disposal, it has been troublesome to remove all ink remaining in the ink cartridge and empty the ink cartridge. In addition, the extracted ink is disposed of by being incinerated after drying, and the ink is disposed of wastefully.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a liquid refilling method and a refilling apparatus for a liquid cartridge that can be effectively used with a simple labor for the liquid contained in the liquid cartridge. There is to do.

The present invention relates to a first liquid storage chamber, a second liquid storage chamber, a flow path connecting the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber, and the second liquid storage chamber. In the liquid refilling method of the liquid cartridge provided with a liquid supply port that communicates with the liquid and can discharge the liquid to the outside, the flow path is in a first state in which the liquid cartridge faces the first direction. When the connecting portion with the first liquid storage chamber communicates with a lower region in the vertical direction in the first liquid storage chamber, and the liquid cartridge is in the second state facing the second direction, The connecting portion is formed so as to communicate with the upper region in the vertical direction in the first liquid storage chamber, and the pressure of the first liquid storage chamber is set to the first state while the liquid cartridge is in the first state. Pressure in the second liquid storage chamber And pressure change steps to increase remote, after the pressure change steps, and a injection step of injecting the liquid into the first liquid chamber.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, in the pressure change stage, the liquid cartridge is set in the first state, and the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber is made higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber, thereby allowing the flow path to flow. Siphon phenomenon can be generated in the interior. As a result, the liquid in the first liquid storage chamber can be moved to the second liquid storage chamber. Thereafter, in the injection stage, a new liquid can be injected into the first liquid storage chamber by injecting the liquid into the first liquid storage chamber.

  As a result, the liquid cartridge after refilling the liquid is brought into a state in which the old liquid exists in the second liquid storage chamber communicating with the liquid supply port and the new liquid exists in the first liquid storage chamber. be able to. Therefore, the liquid in the liquid cartridge refilled with liquid can be consumed in order from the old liquid. Therefore, even if a new liquid is refilled in the liquid cartridge, it is possible to prevent the old liquid from staying forever, and the liquid in the liquid cartridge can be used effectively without waste. Further, there is no operation for forcibly extracting the old liquid from the liquid cartridge in order to process the old liquid, and the liquid can be effectively used with simple labor.

  In the liquid refilling method of the liquid cartridge, in the pressure change step, when the liquid cartridge is in the first state, the first liquid storage is performed by flowing air into the first liquid storage chamber. In this step, the pressure in the chamber is made higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber.

  According to this, the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber is made higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber by allowing the atmosphere to flow into the first liquid storage chamber while keeping the liquid cartridge in the first state. The siphon phenomenon can be generated in the flow path by increasing the height. Therefore, in order to make the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber, there is no need to move the liquid cartridge so as to be in a state other than the first state. The liquid inside can be effectively used with less trouble.

In the liquid refilling method of the liquid cartridge, the flow path is configured such that when the liquid cartridge is in the second state, the connection portion with the second liquid storage chamber is vertical in the second liquid storage chamber . It is formed so as to communicate with the direction of the upper region, the pressure change steps, after the liquid cartridge to reduce the pressure the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber as the second state of the The pressure in the first liquid storage chamber is made higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber by opening the first liquid storage chamber to the atmosphere with the liquid cartridge in the first state. It is a stage.

According to this, in the pressure change stage, the liquid cartridge is brought into the second state and the first liquid storage chamber is depressurized, whereby the second liquid storage chamber can be depressurized via the flow path. . At this time, since the channel and the connection portion between the second liquid storage chamber is in communication with the upper region of the vertical direction in the second liquid storage chamber, the siphon phenomenon, the liquid is the first liquid storage chamber It can be prevented from moving to the side.

  Then, in a state where both the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber are depressurized, the liquid cartridge is set to the first state, and the first liquid storage chamber is opened to the atmosphere. The pressure in the first liquid storage chamber can be immediately higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber. At this time, since the liquid cartridge is in the first state, a siphon phenomenon can be generated in the flow path.

  Therefore, in order to make the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber, the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber are not pressurized above atmospheric pressure. . As a result, it is possible to prevent a force that spreads outward from acting on the first liquid storage chamber or the second liquid storage chamber. Therefore, for example, even if the wall surfaces of the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber are formed of a material that is relatively weak against the force of spreading outward, such as a flexible film, the film is welded. It is possible to prevent peeling or the like from occurring in the part or the like.

In this liquid cartridge refilling method, when the liquid cartridge is in the first state, the lower region in the vertical direction in the first liquid storage chamber communicates with the outside, and the second state A liquid injection port that communicates the upper region in the vertical direction in the first liquid storage chamber to the outside, and in the injection step, the liquid cartridge is placed in the second state so that the liquid cartridge is in the second state. Injecting the liquid through the inlet.

According to this, in the injection stage, the liquid cartridge is placed in the second state, and the liquid is injected through the liquid injection port. Accordingly, since the liquid is injected from the liquid inlet that communicates the upper region in the vertical direction in the first liquid storage chamber of the liquid cartridge with the outside , the liquid leaks out from the liquid inlet when the liquid is injected. This can be prevented and the liquid can be injected more reliably.

The present invention includes a first liquid storage chamber, a second liquid storage chamber, a flow path that communicates a lower region of the first liquid storage chamber and a lower region of the second liquid storage chamber, in the liquid refilling method of the liquid cartridge that includes a drainable liquid supply port of the liquid communication with the second liquid storage chamber to the outside, before Symbol wherein the pressure of the first liquid chamber second liquid chamber A pressure change stage in which the liquid in the first liquid storage chamber is moved to the second liquid storage chamber at a pressure higher than the pressure, and after the pressure change stage, the liquid is placed in the first liquid storage chamber. An injection stage for injection.

Therefore, according to the present invention, in the pressure change steps, the pressure of the first liquid chamber is made higher than the pressure of the second liquid storage chamber can produce a siphon phenomenon in the flow path. As a result, the liquid in the first liquid storage chamber can be moved to the second liquid storage chamber. Thereafter, in the injection stage, a new liquid can be injected into the first liquid storage chamber by injecting the liquid into the first liquid storage chamber.

As a result, the liquid cartridge after refilling the liquid is brought into a state in which the old liquid exists in the second liquid storage chamber communicating with the liquid supply port and the new liquid exists in the first liquid storage chamber. be able to. Therefore, the liquid in the liquid cartridge refilled with liquid can be consumed in order from the old liquid. Therefore, even if a new liquid is refilled in the liquid cartridge, it is possible to prevent the old liquid from staying forever, and the liquid in the liquid cartridge can be used effectively without waste. Further, there is no operation for forcibly extracting the old liquid from the liquid cartridge in order to process the old liquid, and the liquid can be effectively used with simple labor.

In the liquid refilling method of the liquid cartridge, the pressure change step, a step of vacuum pre-Symbol first liquid chamber and the second liquid storage chamber, only the pre-Symbol first liquid storage chamber to the atmosphere Causing the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber to be higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber by opening the first liquid storage chamber, and moving the liquid in the first liquid storage chamber to the second liquid storage chamber ; Consists of.

According to this, in the pressure change stage, in a state where both the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber are depressurized, by opening only the first liquid storage chamber to the atmosphere, The pressure in the first liquid storage chamber can be immediately higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber. As a result, a siphon phenomenon can be generated in the flow path of the liquid cartridge.

  Therefore, in order to make the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber, the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber are not pressurized above atmospheric pressure. . As a result, it is possible to prevent a force that spreads outward from acting on the first liquid storage chamber or the second liquid storage chamber. Therefore, for example, even if the wall surfaces of the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber are formed of a material that is relatively weak against the force of spreading outward, such as a flexible film, the film is welded. It is possible to prevent peeling or the like from occurring in the part.

  In the liquid refilling method of the liquid cartridge, the liquid cartridge is configured such that the first liquid storage chamber can communicate with the atmosphere, and the second liquid storage chamber is connected to the liquid via a differential pressure valve mechanism. It is in communication with the liquid supply port.

  Therefore, in the liquid cartridge in which the second liquid storage chamber communicates with the liquid supply port via the differential pressure valve mechanism, the liquid in the liquid cartridge can be consumed in order from the old liquid after refilling the liquid. Can be used effectively without waste.

The present invention relates to a first liquid storage chamber, a second liquid storage chamber, a flow path connecting the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber, and the second liquid storage chamber. In a refilling apparatus for refilling a liquid cartridge having a liquid supply port communicating with the liquid and capable of discharging the liquid to the outside, the liquid cartridge has a first flow path. When the first liquid storage chamber is in the first state, the connection portion with the first liquid storage chamber communicates with the lower region in the vertical direction in the first liquid storage chamber, and the liquid cartridge is in the second state. When in the second state facing the direction, the connection portion is formed so as to communicate with an upper region in the vertical direction in the first liquid storage chamber, and the liquid cartridge is configured to be in the first state. Switch to the second state A support means for supporting the liquid cartridge; a pressure changing means for making the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber of the liquid cartridge higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber; And injection means for injecting the liquid.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, first, the liquid cartridge is brought into the first state by the support means, and the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber is set higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber by the pressure changing means. As a result, a siphon phenomenon can be generated in the flow path. As a result, the liquid in the first liquid storage chamber can be moved to the second liquid storage chamber. Then, a new liquid can be injected into the first liquid storage chamber by injecting the liquid into the first liquid storage chamber by the injection means.

  As a result, the liquid cartridge can be brought into a state where the old liquid exists in the second liquid storage chamber communicating with the liquid supply port and the new liquid exists in the first liquid storage chamber. As a result, the liquid in the liquid cartridge refilled with liquid can be consumed in order from the old liquid. Therefore, even if a new liquid is refilled in the liquid cartridge, it is possible to prevent the old liquid from staying forever, and the liquid in the liquid cartridge can be used effectively without waste. In addition, it is not necessary to perform an operation of forcibly extracting the old liquid from the liquid cartridge in order to process the old liquid, and the liquid can be effectively used with simple labor.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, an ink cartridge 11 as a liquid cartridge in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink cartridge 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink cartridge 11 includes a cartridge body 14, first to fourth films 15 to 18, first and second valve mechanisms 19 and 20, a differential pressure valve mechanism 21, a lid body 23, A storage device 25 is provided.

  The cartridge body 14 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape having one side opened, and includes a bottom surface 14a, an upper side surface 14b, a right side surface 14c, a lower side surface 14d, and a left side surface 14e. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cartridge main body 14 has a first horizontal portion extending in a substantially horizontal direction so as to be erected from the bottom surface 14a at a substantially intermediate position in the vertical direction shown in FIG. A partition wall 31 is formed, and divides the space inside the cartridge body 14 vertically. One end of the first partition wall 31 is in contact with the left side surface 14e. Further, the first partition wall 31 is formed such that the right end portion shown in FIG. 3 is bent and extends downward, and the other end is in contact with the lower side surface 14d.

  In addition, a second partition wall 33 that is formed obliquely so as to rise to the right in the upper portion shown in FIG. The second partition wall 33 divides the upper space formed in the cartridge body 14 into left and right parts. The second partition wall 33 has one end in contact with the right side surface 14 c and the other end positioned in the vicinity of the first partition wall 31.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a third partition wall 35 formed so as to be substantially U-shaped at the left part shown in FIG. ing. The third partition wall 35 is formed such that one end thereof is in contact with the left side surface 14 e and the other end is positioned in the vicinity of the first partition wall 31.

Further, a fourth partition wall 36 formed in a keyhole shape is erected from the bottom surface 14 a between the first partition wall 31 and the third partition wall 35 inside the cartridge body 14. .
Furthermore, two partition walls 37 extending in the vertical direction are erected from the bottom surface 14a in the lower right portion shown in FIG. The partition wall 37 forms three first to third grooves 39a to 39c extending in the vertical direction. Note that one end of the first groove 39 a located on the leftmost side is communicated with a space formed below the second partition wall 33. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the other end of the first groove 39a communicates with a first ink supply port 41 as a connection portion formed on the lower side surface 14d. The first ink supply port 41 is also communicated with a space formed below the first partition wall 31.

  One end of the second groove 39b adjacent to the first groove 39a is communicated with a first through hole 43 formed through the bottom surface 14a. As shown in FIG. 4, the first through hole 43 is formed so as to be positioned on the bottom surface of the first concave portion 44 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape formed on the back surface side of the bottom surface 14 a of the cartridge body 14. ing. Further, a second recess 45 is formed in the lower side surface 14d of the cartridge body 14, and the other end of the second groove 39b (see FIG. 3) is formed in the second recess 45. The first communication hole 47 communicates with the first communication hole 47.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, one end of the third groove 39c adjacent to the second groove 39b is communicated with a second through hole 49 formed through the bottom surface 14a. As shown in FIG. 4, the second through hole 49 communicates with the third through hole 51 formed through the bottom surface 14a through a groove 53 formed on the bottom surface 14a. . Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the third through hole 51 communicates with the space below the first partition wall 31 of the cartridge body 14. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the other end of the third groove 39c communicates with the second communication hole 55 formed in the second recess 45 on the lower side surface 14d. Has been.

The first to fourth partition walls 31, 33, 35, 36 and the partition wall 37 configured as described above are formed so that the heights from the bottom surface 14a coincide with each other.
As shown in FIG. 4, a meandering groove 56 formed so as to meander is formed on the back side of the bottom surface 14 a of the cartridge body 14, and one end of the meandering groove 56 is formed in the first recess 44. The other end is located in the vicinity of the upper side surface 14 b of the cartridge body 14.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a substantially cylindrical third recess 57 that opens toward the back surface side is formed on the bottom surface 14 a. In the third recess 57, a fourth through hole 58 is formed in the center of the bottom surface. As shown in FIG. 3, the fourth through hole 58 communicates with the space inside the fourth partition wall 36 inside the cartridge body 14.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a fifth through hole 59 is formed through the third recess 57 at the top of the bottom surface. As shown in FIG. 3, the fifth through hole 59 communicates with the space surrounded by the third partition wall 35 inside the cartridge body 14. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the third recess 57 is formed with a sixth through hole 61 having a quadrangular cross section in the left part of the bottom surface thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, the sixth through hole 61 communicates with the space inside the fourth partition wall 36 inside the cartridge body 14.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the third recess 57 has a substantially annular projection 63 formed on the bottom surface so as to surround the fourth through hole 58. The convex portion 63 is formed so that a portion between the fourth through hole 58 and the fifth through hole 59 is cut out.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a cylindrical cylindrical portion 65 extends downward from the third concave portion 57 (see FIG. 5) in the cartridge main body 14. A third communication hole 67 as a liquid supply port is formed inside the cylindrical portion 65, and one end of the third communication hole 67 is inserted into the third recess 57 through the inside of the third recess 57. 6 through holes 61. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the other end of the third communication hole 67 is communicated with an ink discharge port 68 formed on the lower side surface 14 d of the cartridge body 14.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the cartridge main body 14 has an ink injection port 69 as a liquid injection port that communicates with the lower side surface 14d of the lower space of the first partition wall 31 with the outside. Is formed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the cartridge body 14 is formed with a lever 70 integrally with the left side surface 14 e thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second films 15, 16 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and the sizes thereof are such that they coincide with the bottom surface 14 a of the cartridge body 14. In the present embodiment, the first and second films 15 and 16 have a three-layer structure including an innermost layer, a strength layer, and a permeation preventive layer, and are formed to be elastically deformable.

  The innermost layer is formed of the same material as that constituting the cartridge main body 14 such as polypropylene, and is formed of a material that is easily thermally welded to the cartridge main body 14. The strength layer is formed of a material that has higher strength than the innermost layer and can increase the strength of the first and second films 15 and 16.

  Further, the permeation preventive layer is formed of a material capable of preventing permeation of the solvent of the ink as a liquid and the atmosphere, and is formed of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

  And the 1st and 2nd films 15 and 16 comprised as mentioned above are respectively in the state which orient | assigned the innermost layer to the cartridge main body 14 side, with respect to the surface side and back surface side of the said cartridge main body 14 It is heat welded. Specifically, the first film 15 is thermally welded to the first to fourth partition walls 31, 33, 35, 36, 37, etc. and the side surfaces 14 b to 14 e inside the cartridge body 14. Yes. As a result, inside the cartridge body 14, a plurality of rooms and flow paths partitioned by the partition walls 31, 33, 35, 36, 37, the bottom surface 14 a, the side surfaces 14 b to 14 e, and the first film 15. Is formed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, an atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 as a first liquid storage chamber is formed below the first partition wall 31 of the cartridge body 14. A first ink supply chamber 73 constituting a second liquid storage chamber is formed on the lower right side of the second partition wall 33. Further, on the upper left side of the second partition wall 33, a second ink supply chamber 75 constituting a second liquid storage chamber is formed.

  In addition, a first communication path 81 that connects the second ink supply chamber 75 and the fifth through hole 59 is formed inside the third partition wall 35 of the cartridge body 14. Furthermore, a second communication path 82 is formed inside the fourth partition wall 36 of the cartridge body 14.

Then, the first groove 39 a of the cartridge body 14 is closed by the first film 15, so that the first ink supply chamber 73 and the first ink supply port 41 communicate with each other. A third communication path 83 is formed. Further, a fourth communication path 84 that allows the first through hole 43 and the first communication hole 47 to communicate with each other by closing the second groove 39 b of the cartridge body 14 with the first film 15. Is formed. Further, a fifth communication passage 85 for communicating the second through hole 49 and the second communication hole 55 by closing the third groove 39c of the cartridge body 14 with the first film 15 is provided. Is formed.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which the second film 16 is thermally welded to the cartridge body 14. In this way, a plurality of flow paths and the like are formed in the cartridge body 14. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a filter chamber 87 that allows the first through hole 43 and the meandering groove 56 to communicate with each other by closing the first recess 44 of the cartridge body 14 with the second film 16. Is formed.

  In the present embodiment, the filter chamber 87 accommodates a rectangular filter 88 (see FIG. 2). The filter 88 has functions of ink repellency and air permeability. Further, a sixth communication passage 89 that allows the second through hole 49 and the third through hole 51 to communicate with each other is formed by closing the groove 53 of the cartridge body 14 with the second film 16. .

  In addition, a meandering flow path 90 that allows the filter chamber 87 to communicate with the atmosphere is formed by closing the meandering groove 56 of the cartridge body 14 with the second film 16. Further, the third concave portion 57 of the cartridge body 14 is closed by the second film 16, thereby forming a substantially cylindrical differential pressure valve housing chamber 91.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the 3rd and 4th films 17 and 18 are formed with the material similar to the said 1st and 2nd films 15 and 16, and are formed in the substantially rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 6, the third and fourth films 17 and 18 are thermally welded to the lower side surface 14 d of the cartridge body 14. As a result, the first ink supply port 41, the second recess 45, and the ink injection port 69 (all of which are shown in FIG. 4) are blocked by the third film 17. Further, the ink discharge port 68 (see FIG. 4) is blocked by the fourth film 18.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first valve mechanism 19 includes an atmospheric valve 93 and a first coil spring 95. The atmospheric valve 93 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter larger than that of the second communication hole 55 (see FIG. 4), and a shaft portion 97 having an outer diameter smaller than that of the second communication hole 55 from the lower surface. Is extended. As shown in FIG. 3, the first valve mechanism 19 is accommodated in the fifth communication passage 85 in the order of the first coil spring 95 and the atmospheric valve 93 from the top. As shown in FIG. 4, the shaft portion 97 is inserted through the second communication hole 55. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the atmospheric valve 93 is urged downward by the first coil spring 95.

  Therefore, when no force is applied from the outside, the atmospheric valve 93 contacts the lower side surface 14d of the cartridge body 14 and closes the second communication hole 55. Further, by applying a force to the shaft portion 97 to move upward from the outside of the cartridge main body 14, the atmospheric valve 93 moves upward against the biasing force of the first coil spring 95, The second communication hole 55 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second valve mechanism 20 includes a seal member 99, a discharge valve 101, and a second coil spring 103. The seal member 99 is formed in an annular shape, and is fitted in the ink discharge port 68 so as to be tightly fitted as shown in FIGS. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the discharge valve 101 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the seal member 99. The discharge valve 101 and the second coil spring 103 are accommodated in the third communication hole 67 so that the discharge valve 101 and the second coil spring 103 are arranged in order from the lower side.

  In the third communication hole 67, the discharge valve 101 is urged downward by the second coil spring 103. Accordingly, in a state where no force is applied from the outside, the discharge valve 101 contacts the seal member 99 and closes the ink discharge port 68. Further, when a force is applied to the discharge valve 101 to move upward from the outside of the cartridge body 14, the discharge valve 101 moves upward against the biasing force of the second coil spring 103. The ink discharge port 68 is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the differential pressure valve mechanism 21 includes a membrane valve 105, a third coil spring 107, and a pressing member 109. The membrane valve 105 is formed in a circular shape smaller than the third recess 57 (see FIG. 5), and is formed of an elastically deformable material such as an elastomer. As shown in FIG. 7, the membrane valve 105 is accommodated in the third recess 57, and is located at a position facing the fourth through hole 58 formed in the third recess 57. A cylindrical first convex portion 105a is formed.

  On the surface of the membrane valve 105 facing the third concave portion 57, an annular second convex portion 105b is formed on the periphery thereof. The height of the second convex portion 105b is the same as that of the first convex portion 105a, and is higher than the height of the convex portion 63 formed in the third concave portion 57. . A cylindrical third convex portion 105 c is formed on the surface of the membrane valve 105 opposite to the surface facing the third concave portion 57.

  The pressing member 109 is formed in a cylindrical shape that opens on one side, and is fitted in a state in which the opening side faces the third recess 57. Thus, the membrane valve 105 is fixed in a state where the second convex portion 105 b is in contact with the bottom surface of the third concave portion 57. Further, a discharge side communication chamber 111 is formed by the pressing member 109 and the membrane valve 105. The presser member 109 includes a communication part 110 that communicates the inside of the presser member 109 with the outside at a position facing the third communication hole 67 (see FIG. 2), and the discharge side communication chamber 111 includes the communication part. The third communication hole 67 communicates with the third communication hole 67. In addition, a cylindrical portion 109 a is formed inside the pressing member 109 at a position facing the third convex portion 105 c of the membrane valve 105.

  The third coil spring 107 is interposed between the membrane valve 105 and the pressing member 109, one end is externally fitted to the third convex portion 105 c of the membrane valve 105, and the other end is the pressing member 109. Is fitted in the cylindrical portion 109a. Then, the third coil spring 107 urges the membrane valve 105 so that the first convex portion 105 a comes into contact with the fourth through hole 58 formed in the third concave portion 57. ing. Therefore, in a state where no force is applied from the outside, the fourth through hole 58 is in a state of being closed by the first convex portion 105a.

  The pressure of the ink flowing into the membrane valve 105 between the membrane valve 105 and the bottom surface of the third recess 57 and the ink staying in the discharge side communication chamber 111 via the fifth through hole 59 is applied. Based on the difference, it receives power. That is, when the pressure of the ink on the discharge side communication chamber 111 side becomes lower than the pressure of the ink on the fifth through hole 59 side by a predetermined level or more, a force in a direction away from the bottom surface of the third recess 57 is received.

  As a result, the membrane valve 105 moves against the biasing force of the third coil spring 107, and the fourth through hole 58 is not blocked by the first convex portion 105a. Accordingly, the fifth through hole 59 and the fourth through hole 58 communicate with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lid body 23 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape having a size matching the bottom surface 14 a of the cartridge body 14. The lid body 23 is provided with a plurality of engaging portions 23a. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the lid 23 covers the cartridge main body 14 with the engaging portion 23 a (FIG. 2) so as to cover the surface on which the first film 15 is thermally welded. Is attached via). The lid 23 prevents the first film 15 from being excessively expanded or damaged due to a collision or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the storage device 25 includes a positioning block 113 and a circuit board 115. As shown in FIG. 1, the positioning block 113 is fixed to the lower portion of the right side surface 14 c of the cartridge body 14. The circuit board 115 is fixed to the positioning block 113, and a semiconductor memory element is mounted on the back surface thereof. The semiconductor storage element of the circuit board 115 stores identification information such as the type of the ink cartridge 11, information on the color of the ink held by the ink cartridge 11, and information such as the existing amount of ink.

  In the ink cartridge 11 configured as described above, ink is stored in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71, the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 (see FIG. 3), etc. at the start of use. It is in a filled state.

  When the ink cartridge 11 is used in an ink jet recording apparatus (not shown), the ink cartridge 11 is mounted on a carriage (not shown) provided in the ink jet recording apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink cartridge is mounted on the carriage such that the upper side surface 14b of the cartridge body 14 is positioned at the uppermost portion in the vertical direction.

  Then, by mounting the ink cartridge 11 on the carriage, an ink supply needle (not shown) provided on the carriage is inserted into the ink discharge port 68 (see FIG. 4). At this time, the ink supply needle is a hollow needle communicating with a recording head (not shown) of the ink jet recording apparatus, and the fourth film 18 (see FIG. 6)).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the discharge valve 101 accommodated in the third communication hole 67 of the ink cartridge 11 is pushed up by the ink supply needle, and the third communication hole 67 and the ink supply needle are Are communicated with each other.

  Further, by mounting the ink cartridge 11 on the carriage, a pressing member (not shown) provided on the carriage presses the shaft portion 97 upward via the third film 17 (see FIG. 6). It is like that. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the atmospheric valve 93 is moved upward against the urging force of the first coil spring 95, and the second communication hole 55 is opened.

  Therefore, this causes the second communication hole 55 to communicate with the fourth communication path 84 shown in FIG. 3 via the second recess 45 shown in FIG. The fourth communication path 84 communicates with the atmosphere via the filter chamber 87 and the meandering flow path 90 shown in FIG. That is, the second communication hole 55 communicates with the atmosphere.

Further, the second communication hole 55 includes a fifth communication path 85 shown in FIG. 3, a sixth communication path 89 shown in FIG. 5, a third atmosphere side accommodation chamber 71, a third communication path 83, The first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 and the first communication path 81 communicate with each other in this order. Therefore, the ink cartridge 11 mounted on the carriage is in a state where ink, air, and the like existing between the meandering flow path 90 and the first communication path 81 are maintained at atmospheric pressure.

  In this state, by ejecting ink from the recording head, as shown in FIG. 7, downstream of the membrane valve 105 of the ink cartridge 11, that is, the second communication path 82 and the discharge side communication chamber 111. The pressure in the third communication hole 67 decreases. As a result, a pressure difference is generated between the first communication path 81 maintained at atmospheric pressure and the discharge side communication chamber 111, and the membrane valve 105 is moved. As a result, the fourth through hole 58 is opened, and ink is supplied from the first communication path 81 to the third communication hole 67 via the second communication path 82. When the pressure in the discharge side communication chamber 111 approaches atmospheric pressure, the membrane valve 105 moves in a direction to close the fourth through hole 58.

  That is, the membrane valve 105 moves based on the ejection of ink from the recording head, and ink is gradually supplied from the upstream side to the downstream side of the membrane valve 105. As shown in FIG. 3, the first communication path 81 located upstream of the membrane valve 105 communicates with the second ink supply chamber 75, and the second ink supply chamber is based on the discharge of ink. Ink 75 is supplied to the downstream of the membrane valve 105 via the first communication path 81.

  The second ink supply chamber 75 is connected to the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 via the first ink supply chamber 73 and the third communication passage 83, and the ink in the second ink supply chamber 75 is reduced. Along with this, the ink is moved from the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71 to the second ink supply chamber 75.

  At this time, the first ink supply port 41, which is a connection portion between the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 and the third communication path 83, is connected to the ink I in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 as shown in FIG. The liquid level is lower than the liquid level L1. In other words, the third communication passage 83 is provided so as to communicate the lower region of the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 and the lower region of the first ink supply chamber 73. Therefore, a so-called siphon phenomenon occurs in the third communication path 83 due to a pressure difference between the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 and the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75.

  As a result, as the ink decreases, the atmosphere flows into the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71 from the third through-hole 51 communicating with the atmosphere. It stays and does not move to the second ink supply chamber 75.

  As a result, the degassed ink is supplied to the second ink supply chamber 75. Ink cartridge 11 continues to eject ink from the recording head, so that the amount of ink decreases in the order of air-side storage chamber 71, first ink supply chamber 73, and second ink supply chamber 75. It is like that.

Next, the refilling device 121 for refilling ink inside the ink cartridge 11 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 8, the refilling apparatus 121 of the present embodiment includes a holder portion 123 that constitutes a support means, a holder drive portion 124 that constitutes a support means, an ink tank 125, a flexible tube 127, a pipe 129, and ink A delivery pump 133 and a pressurized air generation pump 135 are provided.

The holder portion 123 includes a cartridge support portion 137 formed in a substantially U-shape, and a cover portion 139 that is rotatably attached to the cartridge support portion 137. The cartridge support portion 137 is formed in a shape that can accommodate the ink cartridge 11 therein. Further, the cartridge support portion 137 includes an engagement portion 143, and the engagement portion 1
43 is configured to engage with the lever 70 of the ink cartridge 11 to prevent the ink cartridge 11 from coming off from the cartridge support portion 137 when the ink cartridge 11 is accommodated inside the cartridge support portion 137. .

  Further, the cartridge support portion 137 includes a probe 145 at a position where it comes into contact with the circuit board 115 (see FIG. 1) fixed to the positioning block 113 of the ink cartridge 11 when the ink cartridge 11 is accommodated. The probe 145 can read or overwrite information in the circuit board 115.

  The cartridge support portion 137 includes a hollow hollow needle 147 that is inserted into the ink injection port 69 of the ink cartridge 11 when the ink cartridge 11 is accommodated. Further, the cartridge support portion 137 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 137a on the side surface.

  The cover part 139 is fixed to the cartridge support part 137 so as to be rotatable. Then, in a state where the ink cartridge 11 is accommodated in the cartridge support portion 137, the cover portion 139 is rotated so as to close the cartridge support portion 137, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 11 from being detached from the cartridge support portion 137. Be able to.

  The holder driving unit 124 includes a support unit 149 and a rotation motor 151. The support portion 149 is fixed to a base (not shown) of the refilling device 121, and the shaft portion 137a of the cartridge support portion 137 is rotatably supported by the support portion 149. Similar to the support portion 149, the rotary motor 151 is fixed to a base or the like, and includes a pulley 151a. The pulley 151a is connected to the shaft portion 137a via a belt 152, and a rotational force is transmitted to the shaft portion 137a by driving of the rotary motor 151. As a result, the holder portion 123 that is integral with the shaft portion 137a is rotated in the direction of arrow R shown in FIG. 8 and in the opposite direction.

  In the present embodiment, the ink cartridge 11 is accommodated in the holder portion 123 and the rotary motor 151 is driven, so that the upper side surface 14b of the ink cartridge 11 is the upper portion in the vertical direction. It is possible to change between a first state facing the direction and a second state facing the second direction in which the lower side surface 14d is an upper portion in the vertical direction.

  The ink tank 125 is fixed to the base or the like, and ink I is accommodated therein. The flexible tube 127 has flexibility, and one end of the flexible tube 127 is connected to the hollow needle 147 of the cartridge support portion 137. One end of the pipe 129 is connected to the other end of the flexible tube 127. Further, the pipe 129 is branched in the middle, and one is an ink supply pipe 153 and the other is a pneumatic feed pipe 155.

  An end of the ink supply pipe 153 is located in the ink tank 125. In addition, the end of the pneumatic feeding pipe 155 is open to the atmosphere. Further, on the pipes 153 and 155, first and second valves 153a and 155a capable of opening and closing pipes of the pipes 153 and 155 are provided, respectively.

  The ink delivery pump 133 is provided on the ink supply pipe 153 between the ink tank 125 and the first valve 153a. The ink in the ink tank 125 can be sent to the flexible tube 127 side by driving the ink delivery pump 133.

  The pressurized air generation pump 135 is provided at a position farther from the flexible tube 127 than the second valve 155 a of the pneumatic feeding pipe 155. Then, by driving the pressurized air generation pump 135, the atmosphere can be sent to the flexible tube 127 side.

  In the present embodiment, the ink tank 125, the flexible tube 127, the ink delivery pump 133, the hollow needle 147, the ink supply pipe 153, and the first valve 153a constitute an injection unit. Further, the flexible tube 127, the pressurized air generating pump 135, the hollow needle 147, the pneumatic feeding pipe 155, and the second valve 155a constitute pressure changing means.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the refilling apparatus 121 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the refilling device 121 includes a CPU 161, a ROM 163, and a RAM 165, which are connected by a bus 167.

  Further, the CPU 161 is connected to the probe 145 of the cartridge support portion 137, and inputs information in the circuit board 115 (see FIG. 1) of the ink cartridge 11 read by the probe 145, or inputs information to the probe 145. The information is output and the information in the circuit board 115 is overwritten.

  The CPU 161 is connected to the rotary motor 151 and outputs a drive signal for driving the rotary motor 151 to rotate. The CPU 161 is connected to the pressurized air generation pump 135 and outputs a drive signal for driving the pressurized air generation pump 135. Further, the CPU 161 is connected to the ink delivery pump 133 and outputs a drive signal for driving the ink delivery pump 133.

  The CPU 161 is connected to the first and second valves 153a and 155a, and outputs a drive signal for opening and closing the first and second valves 153a and 155a.

  The CPU 161 operates in accordance with various programs stored in the ROM 163, and stores the calculation processing results and the like in the primary RAM 165. More specifically, the ROM 163 includes an ink remaining amount determination program, an ink refill program, a data writing program, and other various programs.

  When the ink cartridge 11 is accommodated in the holder portion 123 and the circuit board 115 and the probe 145 come into contact with each other, the CPU 161 causes the ink of the ink cartridge 11 to be transferred from the circuit board 115 via the probe 145. This is a program for reading data representing the remaining amount. The ink remaining amount determination program is a program for the CPU 161 to compare the data representing the read ink remaining amount with a threshold value stored in the ROM 163.

  That is, when the ink cartridge 11 is accommodated in the holder portion 123 and the circuit board 115 and the probe 145 come into contact with each other, the CPU 161 sends data representing the ink remaining amount from the circuit board 115 via the probe 145 according to the ink remaining amount determination program. read. In addition, the CPU 161 compares the data indicating the read ink remaining amount with a threshold value stored in the ROM 163.

In the ink refill program, the CPU 161 drives the rotation motor 151 to change the state of the ink cartridge 11 when the data indicating the ink remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold as a result of the execution of the ink remaining amount determining program. , A program for achieving the first state. The ink refill program is a program for the CPU 161 to drive the first valve 153a to be in a closed state and to drive the second valve 155a to be in an open state.

  The ink refill program is a program for the CPU 161 to drive the pressurized air generation pump 135 and send a predetermined amount of air into the ink cartridge 11 via the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147. . Furthermore, the ink refilling program is a program for causing the CPU 161 to drive the rotation motor 151 so that the state of the ink cartridge 11 becomes the second state.

  The ink refill program is a program for the CPU 161 to drive the first valve 153a to be in an open state and to drive the second valve 155a to be in a closed state. Further, the ink refilling program is a program for the CPU 161 to drive the ink delivery pump 133 and deliver a predetermined amount of ink into the ink cartridge 11 via the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147.

  That is, as a result of the execution of the ink remaining amount determination program, the CPU 161 drives the rotation motor 151 according to the ink refilling program when the data indicating the ink remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold value, and Let the state be the first state. Subsequently, the CPU 161 drives the first valve 153a to be in a closed state and drives the second valve 155a to be in an open state.

  Next, the CPU 161 drives the pressurized air generation pump 135 to send a predetermined amount of air into the ink cartridge 11 through the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147. Thereafter, the CPU 161 drives the rotary motor 151 to change the state of the ink cartridge 11 to the second state.

  Subsequently, the CPU 161 drives the first valve 153a to be in an open state and drives the second valve 155a to be in a closed state. Thereafter, the CPU 161 drives the ink delivery pump 133 to deliver a predetermined amount of ink into the ink cartridge 11 via the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147.

  The data writing program is a program for updating data representing the remaining amount of ink stored in the circuit board 115 via the probe 145 when the CPU 161 finishes the processing according to the ink refilling program. That is, when the process according to the ink refill program is completed, the CPU 161 updates the data representing the remaining ink amount stored in the circuit board 115 via the probe 145 according to the data writing program.

  In the present embodiment, the data to be updated is the ink remaining amount represented by the data read in the process of the ink remaining amount determination program, and the ink cartridge 11 from the ink tank 125 by the process of the ink refill program. It is assumed that the data represents the amount obtained by adding the amount of ink injected into the ink.

Next, the operation when the ink in the ink cartridge 11 is refilled using the refilling device 121 in the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
If it is determined by the user or the like that the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 11 has decreased and it is desired to refill the ink with the refilling device 121, the user or the like is shown in FIG. Thus, the ink cartridge 11 is accommodated in the holder portion 123 of the refilling device 121. As a result, the hollow needle 147 of the holder portion 123 is inserted into the ink injection port 69 (see FIG. 4) of the ink cartridge 11 so as to break through the third film 17 (see FIG. 6). Further, the circuit board 115 of the ink cartridge 11 and the probe 145 of the holder portion 123 come into contact with each other.

  Then, the CPU 161 of the refill device 121 reads data representing the remaining ink amount from the circuit board 115 via the probe 145 according to the ink refill program. Then, the CPU 161 compares the data indicating the read ink remaining amount with a threshold value stored in the ROM 163.

  As a result of the comparison, if the CPU 161 determines that the data indicating the remaining amount of ink is larger than the threshold value, the CPU 161 ends the process of the ink refill program, and then waits until the ink cartridge 11 is accommodated in the holder unit 123. To do. On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, when the CPU 161 determines that the data indicating the remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to the pressure change stage, and the rotation motor 151 is driven according to the ink refilling program. Is in the first state.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the ink cartridge 11 is maintained in a state in which the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71 is positioned below the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 in the vertical direction. . Accordingly, the first ink supply port 41 (see FIG. 4) provided in the ink cartridge 11 is positioned so as to be lower in the vertical direction than the liquid level L1 of the ink I in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71. ing.

  In this state, the CPU 161 drives the first valve 153a to be in a closed state and drives the second valve 155a to be in an open state according to an ink refill program.

  Next, the CPU 161 drives the pressurized air generation pump 135 to send a predetermined amount of air into the ink cartridge 11 through the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147. As a result, the atmosphere flows into the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 of the ink cartridge 11 and the pressure in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 increases. A pressure difference is generated between the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 and the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75.

  As described above, the ink in the ink cartridge 11 decreases in the order of the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71, the first ink supply chamber 73, and the second ink supply chamber 75 with the use of the ink. However, depending on the use environment, even if the amount of ink in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 is reduced, as shown in FIG. May remain.

  Therefore, when the ink I remains in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 as described above, the space between the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 and the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 as described above. As a result, a siphon phenomenon occurs in the third communication passage 83. As a result, the ink I in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 is moved to the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 side. As a result, the ink I does not remain in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71.

Next, when the driving of the pressurized air generation pump 135 is stopped, the CPU 161 proceeds to the injection stage, drives the rotary motor 151, and sets the state of the ink cartridge 11 to the second state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the ink cartridge 11 is maintained in a state in which the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 is positioned above the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 in the vertical direction. . Then, the position of the ink injection port 69 (see FIG. 4) is positioned above the liquid level L1 of the ink I in the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71 in the vertical direction.

  Subsequently, according to the ink refill program, the CPU 161 drives the first valve 153a to be in an open state and drives the second valve 155a to be in a closed state. Thereafter, the CPU 161 drives the ink delivery pump 133 to deliver a predetermined amount of ink I into the ink cartridge 11 via the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147. As a result, a predetermined amount of ink I is injected into the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71. Therefore, in the ink cartridge 11, the new ink I is stored in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71, and the old ink I is stored in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75.

  Then, when a predetermined amount of ink I is injected into the ink cartridge 11, the CPU 161 ends the process of the ink refill program. Subsequently, the CPU 161 updates data representing the remaining amount of ink stored in the circuit board 115 via the probe 145 according to the data writing program.

  When the data update by the CPU 161 is completed, the user removes the ink cartridge 11 from the holder portion 123 of the refilling device 121, and the ink inlet 69 (see FIG. 4) of the ink cartridge 11 becomes a new film. (Not shown). In addition, as a new film, the thing similar to the said 3rd film 17 (refer FIG. 6) shall be used.

  Then, the refilling of the ink into the ink cartridge 11 is completed as described above. The ink cartridge 11 that has been refilled is mounted again on the carriage of the ink jet recording apparatus and used. When used in the ink jet recording apparatus, as described above, the ink in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 is used before the ink in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71. It has become. Therefore, the old ink is used before the new ink.

  As a result, even if the ink cartridge 11 is repeatedly refilled, the old ink is always consumed before the new ink, and it is possible to prevent the old ink from staying in the ink cartridge 11. It can be done. The ink in the ink cartridge 11 can be effectively used without being discarded.

According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the first embodiment, when the ink cartridge 11 to be refilled with ink is accommodated in the holder portion 123 of the refill device 121, the CPU 161 of the refill device 121 causes the ink cartridge 11 to be stored in the first cartridge. I made it to the state of. Then, the CPU 161 drives the pressurized air generation pump 135 so that the atmosphere flows into the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71 of the ink cartridge 11. As a result, the pressure in the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71 can be made higher than that in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75, and a siphon phenomenon can be caused in the third communication path 83. Accordingly, the ink I in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 can be moved to the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75.

  Thereafter, the CPU 161 drives the ink delivery pump 133 so as to inject a predetermined amount of ink I into the ink cartridge 11. Therefore, with respect to the ink cartridge 11 after being refilled with ink, a new ink is stored in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71, and an old ink is stored in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75. It can be.

  As a result, the ink cartridge 11 refilled with the ink I can be consumed in order from the old ink I. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the old ink I from staying in the ink cartridge 11 indefinitely, and the ink I in the ink cartridge can be used effectively without waste. Further, since there is no operation for forcibly removing the old ink I from the ink cartridge 11 in order to process the old ink I, the ink I can be effectively used with a simple effort.

  (2) In the first embodiment, the pressure in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 is changed to the first and second by causing the atmosphere to flow into the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 while the ink cartridge 11 is kept in the first state. The pressure in the second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 is set higher to cause a siphon phenomenon in the third communication path 83. Therefore, in order to make the pressure in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 higher than the pressures in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75, it is troublesome to move the ink cartridge 11 so as to be in a state other than the first state. For example, the ink I in the ink cartridge 11 can be effectively used with less trouble.

  (3) In the first embodiment, when the ink I is injected into the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 of the ink cartridge 11, the CPU 161 is configured to put the ink cartridge 11 in the second state. Accordingly, the position of the ink injection port 69 for injecting the ink I can be positioned above the liquid level L1 of the ink I in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 in the vertical direction. As a result, when the ink I is injected, the ink I can be prevented from leaking outside from the ink injection port 69, and the ink I can be injected more reliably.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, since 2nd Embodiment is a structure which changed only the refilling apparatus 121 of 1st Embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted about the same part.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the refilling apparatus 171 in the present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in the holder part 123, the holder driving part 124, the ink tank 125, the flexible tube 127, and the ink delivery pump. 133 is provided. Further, in the first embodiment, the pipe 129 that branches into two branches is provided, but in this embodiment, a pipe 173 that branches into three branches instead of the pipe 129 is provided.

  Specifically, the pipe 173 has one end connected to the other end of the flexible tube 127. The pipe 173 is branched in the middle, and is branched into an ink supply pipe 153, an air discharge pipe 175, and an air release pipe 177 similar to those of the first embodiment. The air discharge pipe 175 and the atmosphere release pipe 177 are open to the atmosphere at their respective ends.

  Further, the first valve 153a is provided on the ink supply pipe 153 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The air discharge pipe 175 and the air release pipe 177 are provided with third and fourth valves 175a and 177a that can open and close the pipes of the pipes 175 and 177, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, a suction pump 179 is provided on the air discharge pipe 175 at a position farther from the flexible tube 127 than the third valve 175a. By driving the suction pump 179, the portion of the air discharge pipe 175 closer to the flexible tube 127 than the suction pump 179 can be decompressed.

  In the present embodiment, the ink tank 125, the flexible tube 127, the ink delivery pump 133, the hollow needle 147, the ink supply pipe 153, and the first valve 153a constitute an injection unit. The flexible tube 127, the hollow needle 147, the air discharge pipe 175, the atmosphere release pipe 177, the third and fourth valves 175a and 177a, and the suction pump 179 constitute pressure changing means.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the refilling apparatus 171 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the refilling apparatus 171 includes a CPU 161, a ROM 163, and a RAM 165, and is connected via a bus 167 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the CPU 161 is connected to the probe 145, the rotary motor 151, the ink delivery pump 133, and the first valve 153a. Further, in the present embodiment, the CPU 161 is connected to the suction pump 179 and the third and fourth valves 175a and 177a. The CPU 161 outputs drive signals for driving the suction pump 179 and the third and fourth valves 175a and 177a.

  The CPU 161 operates according to various programs stored in the ROM 163, and stores the calculation processing result and the like in the temporary RAM 165. More specifically, the ROM 163 includes an ink remaining amount determination program, an ink refill program, a data writing program, and other various programs. Note that the remaining ink amount determination program and the data writing program are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 161 drives the rotary motor 151 when the data representing the remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than a threshold as a result of the execution of the remaining ink amount determining program. This is a program for setting the state of the ink cartridge 11 to the second state. The ink refilling program is a program for the CPU 161 to drive the first valve 153a and the fourth valve 177a to be closed and to drive the third valve 175a to be open. It is.

  The ink refill program is a program for the CPU 161 to drive the suction pump 179 and decompress the ink cartridge 11 through the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147. Further, the ink refilling program is a program for causing the CPU 161 to drive the rotation motor 151 so that the state of the ink cartridge 11 becomes the first state.

  The ink refilling program is a program for the CPU 161 to drive the first and third valves 153a and 175a to be in a closed state and to drive the fourth valve 177a to be in an open state. is there. Further, the ink refill program is a program for the CPU 161 to drive the rotation motor 151 so that the state of the ink cartridge 11 becomes the second state.

  The ink refill program is a program for the CPU 161 to drive the first valve 153a to be in an open state and to drive the third and fourth valves 175a and 177a to be in a closed state. is there. Further, the ink refilling program is a program for the CPU 161 to drive the ink delivery pump 133 and deliver a predetermined amount of ink into the ink cartridge 11 via the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147.

That is, as a result of the execution of the ink remaining amount determination program, the CPU 161 drives the rotation motor 151 according to the ink refilling program when the data indicating the ink remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold value, and The state is set to the second state. Then, the CPU 161 drives the first valve 153a and the fourth valve 177a to be in a closed state, and drives the third valve 175a to be in an open state.

  Subsequently, the CPU 161 drives the suction pump 179 to depressurize the ink cartridge 11 through the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147. Further, the CPU 161 drives the rotation motor 151 so that the state of the ink cartridge 11 becomes the first state. Thereafter, the CPU 161 drives the first and third valves 153a and 175a to be in a closed state and drives the fourth valve 177a to be in an open state. Then, the CPU 161 drives the rotary motor 151 so that the state of the ink cartridge 11 becomes the second state.

  Subsequently, the CPU 161 drives the first valve 153a to be in an open state and drives the third and fourth valves 175a and 177a to be in a closed state. Then, the CPU 161 drives the ink delivery pump 133 to deliver a predetermined amount of ink into the ink cartridge 11 through the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147.

  Next, the operation when the ink in the ink cartridge 11 is refilled using the refilling apparatus 171 in the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. It is assumed that the ink cartridge 11 of this embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

  The operation until the CPU 161 reads the remaining amount of ink from the circuit board 115 via the probe 145 and compares it with the threshold value is the same as in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted in this embodiment. To do.

  As a result of the comparison, when the CPU 161 determines that the data indicating the remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than the threshold value, the CPU 161 proceeds to the pressure change stage, and drives the rotation motor 151 according to the ink refilling program, thereby ink cartridges. The state 11 is the second state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the ink cartridge 11 is maintained in a state in which the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 is positioned above the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 in the vertical direction. .

  Subsequently, the CPU 161 drives the first valve 153a and the fourth valve 177a to be in a closed state and drives the third valve 175a to be in an open state according to an ink refill program.

  Then, the CPU 161 drives the suction pump 179 to depressurize the ink cartridge 11 through the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147. As a result, the air in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 of the ink cartridge 11 is sucked, and the pressure in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 decreases. At this time, since the ink cartridge 11 is maintained in the second state, the ink I remaining in the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71 is located below the hollow needle 147, and the ink I is prevented from being sucked by the hollow needle 147.

As a result, the air in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 communicating with the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 is also sucked, and the pressure in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 is sucked. Is also reduced. At this time, the connecting portion between the third communication path 83 and the first ink supply chamber 73 is positioned above the liquid level L2 of the ink I in the first ink supply chamber 73 in the vertical direction. So
Due to the siphon phenomenon, the ink I in the first ink supply chamber 73 is not moved to the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 side.

  When a predetermined amount of air is sucked from the ink cartridge 11, the CPU 161 stops driving the suction pump 179 and drives the rotation motor 151 to change the state of the ink cartridge 11 to the first state. Like that. Thereafter, the CPU 161 drives the first and third valves 153a and 175a to be in a closed state and drives the fourth valve 177a to be in an open state.

  As a result, the atmosphere side accommodation chamber 71 in the ink cartridge 11 is opened to the atmosphere via the hollow needle 147, the flexible tube 127, and the atmosphere release pipe 177. Accordingly, the pressure in the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71 that is maintained in a reduced pressure state is increased to atmospheric pressure all at once. As a result, a pressure difference is generated with the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13, the ink I remaining in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 is similar to the first embodiment, and the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 and the first and second ink supply chambers 73. , 75 is moved to the first and second ink supply chambers 73, 75 side by a siphon phenomenon. As a result, the ink I does not remain in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71.

  Next, the CPU 161 proceeds to the injection stage, and drives the rotary motor 151 so that the state of the ink cartridge 11 becomes the second state. Then, the CPU 161 drives the first valve 153a to be in an open state, and drives the third and fourth valves 175a and 177a to be in a closed state. Then, the CPU 161 drives the ink delivery pump 133 to deliver a predetermined amount of ink I into the ink cartridge 11 through the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147. As a result, a predetermined amount of ink I is injected into the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71 of the ink cartridge 11. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the new ink I is in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 of the ink cartridge 11 and the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 are old. Ink I is contained.

  Thereafter, the CPU 161 updates the data representing the remaining ink amount stored in the circuit board 115 via the probe 145 in accordance with the data writing program in the same manner as in the first embodiment. When the data update is completed, the user or the like removes the ink cartridge 11 from the holder portion 123 of the refilling apparatus 171, and the ink injection port 69 (see FIG. 4) of the ink cartridge 11 is replaced with a new film (illustrated). Not).

  Then, the refilling of the ink into the ink cartridge 11 is completed as described above. The ink cartridge 11 that has been refilled is mounted and used again on the carriage of the ink jet recording apparatus, and the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

According to the said 2nd Embodiment, in addition to the effect of (3) as described in 1st Embodiment, the following effects can be acquired.
(4) In the second embodiment, when the ink cartridge 11 that uses ink refilling is accommodated in the holder portion 123 of the refilling apparatus 171, the CPU 161 of the refilling apparatus 171 causes the ink cartridge 11 to be second. I made it to the state of. Then, the CPU 161 drives the suction pump 179 to suck the air in the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71. Then, the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 and the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 are depressurized. Thereafter, the CPU 161 changes the state of the ink cartridge 11 to the first state, and opens the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71 to the atmosphere.

  As a result, the pressure in the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71 can be made higher than that in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75, and a siphon phenomenon can be caused in the third communication path 83. Accordingly, the ink I in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 can be moved to the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75.

  Thereafter, the CPU 161 drives the ink delivery pump 133 so as to inject a predetermined amount of ink I into the ink cartridge 11. Therefore, with respect to the ink cartridge 11 after being refilled with ink, a new ink is stored in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71, and an old ink is stored in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75. It can be.

  As a result, the ink cartridge 11 refilled with the ink I can be consumed in order from the old ink I. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the old ink I from staying in the ink cartridge 11 indefinitely, and the ink I in the ink cartridge can be used effectively without waste. Further, since there is no operation for forcibly removing the old ink I from the ink cartridge 11 in order to process the old ink I, the ink I can be effectively used with a simple effort.

  (5) In the second embodiment, in order to make the pressure in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 higher than the pressure in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75, the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 and After the pressure in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 was reduced as a whole, the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 was opened to the atmosphere. Accordingly, since the pressure in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 or the like is not increased to atmospheric pressure or higher, it can be pushed outward to the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 and the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75. Can be prevented from acting.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the force that is spread outward from acting on the first film 15 constituting the atmosphere-side accommodation chamber 71 and the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75. As a result, it is possible to prevent peeling or the like from occurring in the welded portion or the like of the first film 15.

In addition, you may change this embodiment as follows.
In the first embodiment, in the pressure change stage, the air in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 is caused to flow into the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71, whereby the pressure in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 is changed to the first and second ink supply chambers 73, The pressure was higher than 75. In the second embodiment, the pressure in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 and the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 is once reduced in the pressure change stage, and then the atmosphere-side storage chamber. By opening 71 to the atmosphere, the pressure in the atmosphere-side containing chamber 71 is made higher than the pressure in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75.

  If the pressure in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71 can be made higher than the pressure in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 in the pressure change stage, the first and second implementations described above. You may make it employ | adopt methods other than the method in a form.

  In the first and second embodiments, the refilling devices 121 and 171 are devices that place the ink cartridge 11 in the second state in the injection stage. The apparatus may be in a state other than the above. For example, the apparatus may be such that the ink cartridge 11 is in the first state in the injection stage.

In the first embodiment, the ink supply pipe 153 and the pneumatic feed pipe 155 of the refilling device 121 are both connected to the common hollow needle 147 via the common flexible tube 127. Connected. Alternatively, the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147 may be provided for each of the pipes 153 and 155.

  In such a case, the hollow needle 147 connected to the pneumatic feeding pipe 155 is inserted into the ink injection port 69 of the ink cartridge 11 in the pressure change stage, and connected to the ink supply pipe 153 in the injection stage. The hollow needle 147 is inserted into the ink injection port 69. The refilling device 121 may be provided with a switching device for switching the insertion of the plurality of hollow needles 147.

  In the second embodiment, the ink supply pipe 153, the air discharge pipe 175, and the air release pipe 177 of the refilling apparatus 171 are all connected to the common hollow needle via the common flexible tube 127. 147 to be connected. Alternatively, the flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147 may be provided for each of the pipes 153, 175, and 177. Alternatively, only the ink supply pipe 153 may be made independent of the pipes 175 and 177 and the dedicated flexible tube 127 and the hollow needle 147 may be provided.

  In such a case, in the pressure change stage, the hollow needle 147 connected to the air discharge pipe 175 and the atmosphere release pipe 177 is inserted into the ink injection port 69 of the ink cartridge 11, and in the injection stage. The hollow needle 147 connected to the ink supply pipe 153 is inserted into the ink injection port 69. The refilling device 171 may be provided with a switching device for switching the insertion of the plurality of hollow needles 147.

  In the first and second embodiments, as the first state, the state of the ink cartridge 11 is such that the upper side surface 14b is the upper part in the vertical direction. If the first ink supply port 41 of the ink cartridge 11 is lower than the liquid level L1 of the ink I in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71, the first state is changed to the other state of the ink cartridge 11. You may make it be.

  In the first and second embodiments, as the second state, the state of the ink cartridge 11 is such that the lower side surface 14d is the upper part in the vertical direction. If the first ink supply port 41 of the ink cartridge 11 becomes higher than the liquid level L1 of the ink I in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71, the second state is changed to the other state of the ink cartridge 11. You may make it be.

  In the first and second embodiments, the ink cartridge 11 that is refilled with ink in the refilling devices 121 and 171 is embodied to have the differential pressure valve mechanism 21 or the like. This is embodied in the other ink cartridge 11 including the atmosphere-side storage chamber 71, the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75, the third communication passage 83, and the third communication hole 67. Also good.

  In the first and second embodiments, the refilling devices 121 and 171 each perform the pressure change stage and the injection stage once. This may be repeated alternately between the pressure change stage and the injection stage. In this way, the filling degree of the ink I in the first and second ink supply chambers 73 and 75 can be improved.

In the first and second embodiments, the ink cartridge 11 used in an ink jet recording apparatus (printing apparatus including a fax machine, a copier, etc.) that discharges ink as a liquid cartridge has been specifically described. The liquid cartridge may be used in a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects another liquid. For example, a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a liquid such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL display, an FED (surface emitting display), or the like, or a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a bioorganic material used for biochip manufacturing A liquid cartridge used in a sample ejecting apparatus as a precision pipette may be used.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge according to the first embodiment. Similarly, an exploded perspective view of an ink cartridge. Similarly, the partial exploded front view of an ink cartridge. Similarly, the partial exploded perspective view of an ink cartridge. Similarly, the partially exploded back view of an ink cartridge. Similarly, the partial exploded perspective view of an ink cartridge. Similarly, sectional drawing of an ink cartridge. Similarly, the conceptual diagram of a refilling apparatus. Similarly, the electrical block diagram of a refilling apparatus. Similarly, the figure explaining the effect | action of a refilling apparatus. The conceptual diagram of the refilling apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. Similarly, the electrical block diagram of a refilling apparatus. Similarly, the figure explaining the effect | action of a refilling apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS I ... Ink as a liquid, L1, L2 ... Liquid surface, 11 ... Ink cartridge as a liquid cartridge, 21 ... Differential pressure valve mechanism, 41 ... 1st ink supply port as a connection part, 67 ... 1st ink supply port as a liquid supply port 3 communication holes, 69 ... an ink injection port as a liquid injection port, 71 ... an atmosphere side storage chamber as a first liquid storage chamber, 73, 75 ... a first and a second constituting a second liquid storage chamber Ink supply chamber, 83... Third communication path as a flow path, 121, 171... Refilling device, 123... Holder part constituting support means, 124.

Claims (8)

A first liquid storage chamber, a second liquid storage chamber, a flow path connecting the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber, and a liquid communicating with the second liquid storage chamber In a liquid refilling method of a liquid cartridge comprising a liquid supply port capable of discharging the liquid to the outside,
When the liquid cartridge is in a first state in which the liquid cartridge faces in the first direction, a connection portion with the first liquid storage chamber is located in a lower region in the vertical direction in the first liquid storage chamber . The connection portion is formed so as to communicate with the upper region in the vertical direction in the first liquid storage chamber when the liquid cartridge is in the second state facing the second direction.
A pressure change stage in which the liquid cartridge is in the first state, and the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber is higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber;
A liquid refilling method for a liquid cartridge, comprising: an injection stage for injecting the liquid into the first liquid storage chamber after the pressure change stage. The method of refilling a liquid cartridge according to claim 1.
The pressure change step includes
When the liquid cartridge is in the first state, the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber is made higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber by flowing the atmosphere into the first liquid storage chamber. A liquid refilling method for a liquid cartridge, characterized in that: The method of refilling a liquid cartridge according to claim 1.
The flow path is formed such that when the liquid cartridge is in the second state, a connection portion with the second liquid storage chamber communicates with an upper region in the vertical direction in the second liquid storage chamber . Has been
The pressure change step includes
After reducing the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber with the liquid cartridge in the second state, the liquid cartridge is in the first state and the atmosphere in the first liquid storage chamber The liquid refilling method for a liquid cartridge is characterized in that the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber is made higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber by opening the first liquid storage chamber. In the liquid refilling method of the liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the liquid cartridge is in the first state, the lower region in the vertical direction in the first liquid storage chamber communicates with the outside, and when the liquid cartridge is in the second state, the first liquid A liquid inlet for communicating the upper region in the vertical direction in the storage chamber to the outside ,
The liquid refilling method for a liquid cartridge, wherein the liquid injection step is a step of injecting the liquid through the liquid injection port so that the liquid cartridge is in the second state. A first liquid storage chamber, a second liquid storage chamber, a flow path communicating the lower region of the first liquid storage chamber and the lower region of the second liquid storage chamber, and the second liquid In a liquid refilling method of a liquid cartridge comprising a liquid supply port that communicates with a storage chamber and can discharge liquid to the outside .
A pressure changing step in which the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber is made higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber and the liquid in the first liquid storage chamber is moved to the second liquid storage chamber ;
A liquid refilling method for a liquid cartridge, comprising: an injection stage for injecting the liquid into the first liquid storage chamber after the pressure change stage. In the liquid refilling method of the liquid cartridge according to claim 5,
The pressure change step comprises :
Depressurizing the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber ;
By opening only the first liquid storage chamber to the atmosphere, the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber is made higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber, so that the liquid in the first liquid storage chamber is A liquid refilling method for a liquid cartridge comprising the step of moving to a second liquid storage chamber . In the liquid refilling method of the liquid cartridge as described in any one of Claims 1-6,
The liquid cartridge is
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the first liquid storage chamber is configured to be able to communicate with the atmosphere, and the second liquid storage chamber is connected to the liquid supply port via a differential pressure valve mechanism. Liquid refilling method. A first liquid storage chamber, a second liquid storage chamber, a flow path connecting the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber, and a liquid communicating with the second liquid storage chamber In a refilling device for refilling liquid with respect to a liquid cartridge having a liquid supply port capable of discharging to the outside,
When the liquid cartridge is in the first state facing the first direction, the flow path of the liquid cartridge has a connection portion with the first liquid storage chamber in the vertical direction in the first liquid storage chamber . communicates with the lower region of the formation such that the liquid cartridge when in the second state facing the second direction, wherein the connecting portion communicates with the vertical direction of the upper region of the first liquid chamber Has been
Support means for supporting the liquid cartridge in a switchable manner between the first state and the second state;
Pressure changing means for making the pressure in the first liquid storage chamber of the liquid cartridge higher than the pressure in the second liquid storage chamber;
A refilling apparatus comprising: an injection unit that injects the liquid into the first liquid storage chamber.

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