JP2012111176A - Ink supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

An ink supply device is provided that can reliably seal an opening of a supply needle when an ink cartridge is not mounted to prevent ink leakage.
A first engaging portion 41 is formed in a cap 34 of a holder 30, a second engaging portion 42 is formed in a supply port 51 of the ink cartridge 50, and the ink cartridge 50 is attached to the holder 30. The cap 34 and the supply port 51 are joined by the engagement of the first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42, and the cap 34 is unsealed from the sealing position against the urging force of the cap spring 36. The cap 34 is unsealed by the engagement of the first engagement portion 41 and the second engagement portion 42 and the urging force of the cap spring 36 as the ink cartridge 50 moves away from the holder 30 and moves away. After moving from the position to the sealing position, the engagement between the first engagement portion 41 and the second engagement portion 42 is released.
[Selection] Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink supply device, and more particularly to an ink supply device that supplies ink from an ink cartridge to an ink jet recording apparatus.

  Conventionally, as this type of ink supply device, when an ink flow path is connected using a supply needle from an ink cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body device of an ink jet type image forming apparatus, The flow path of the supply needle is opened by inserting the ink cartridge, and the opening of the supply needle is sealed by removing the ink cartridge from the main body device. A technique in which an ink receiver and an absorber are arranged is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, when an ink cartridge is not attached, a cap (valve) movable coaxially with a supply needle (ink supply needle) is urged by a biasing member (compression spring) to supply the supply needle. It was made to move to the sealing position which seals the opening part (supply port) of the front end side.

  However, in the technique of Patent Literature 1, when the ink is fixed to the sliding portion of the supply needle and the cap and the cap becomes difficult to slide, the opening portion of the supply needle is not used when the ink cartridge is not mounted. The cap covering the ink cannot return to the sealing position, and the opening of the supply needle is not sealed, causing ink leakage.

  In addition, when the sliding force of the cap is prevented by increasing the force of the spring that urges the cap to the sealing position, the ink cartridge is installed instead of being able to return the cap to the sealing position. There has been a problem that the operating force required for mounting is increased and the operability is lowered.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an ink supply device that can reliably seal an opening of a supply needle when an ink cartridge is not mounted to prevent ink leakage. Is to provide.

  The ink supply device according to the present invention includes a holder to which an ink cartridge is mounted, and the ink cartridge to be detachably mounted on the holder, and in the state where the ink cartridge is mounted on the holder, In the ink supply device, the supply needle of the holder is inserted into and connected to the supply port of the ink cartridge, and the ink in the ink cartridge is supplied from the holder to the outside via the supply needle. Between a sealing position that seals the opening on the distal side of the supply needle on the distal side of the needle and a non-sealing position that exposes the opening on the proximal side of the supply needle A sealing member movable in a longitudinal direction of the supply needle, a biasing member biasing the sealing member from the non-sealing position toward the sealing position, and the supply of the sealing member A first engaging portion formed on a side opposite to the ink cartridge, wherein the ink cartridge is formed in the supply port and is engaged with the first engaging portion by mounting the ink cartridge to the holder. And a second engagement portion that is disengaged from the first engagement portion when the ink cartridge is detached from the holder, and the ink cartridge is attached to the holder. The sealing member and the supply port are joined by the engagement of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, and the sealing member is against the urging force of the urging member. When the ink cartridge moves from the sealing position to the non-sealing position and the ink cartridge is detached from the holder, the engagement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion and the application of the biasing member are performed. The sealing member is not sealed by force. After moving to the sealing position from the position, characterized in that the engagement between the second engaging portion and the first engagement portion is released.

  With this configuration, the supply port on the ink cartridge side and the sealing member on the holder side are engaged at the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, so that the sealing member is difficult to move due to the adhesion of the ink. Even in this case, the operation of removing the ink cartridge from the holder can move the sealing member to the sealing position for sealing the opening of the supply needle, and ink leakage can be prevented.

  Therefore, when the ink cartridge is not mounted, the opening of the supply needle can be reliably sealed to prevent ink leakage.

  Further, the ink supply device according to the present invention is characterized in that the holder includes a regulating member that regulates movement of the sealing member to the proximal end side of the supply needle from the non-sealing position. To do.

  With this configuration, the sealing member does not move to the proximal end side of the supply needle from the non-sealing position due to the restriction by the restriction member, so that at least the sealing member is not sealed when the ink cartridge is attached to the holder. In the state where the movement to the stop position is completed, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion can be engaged.

  For this reason, even if the urging force of the urging member is weakened, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be engaged with each other by mounting the ink cartridge on the holder. The operability can be improved by weakening the force and reducing the operating force when the ink cartridge is inserted.

  In the ink supply device according to the present invention, the sealing member and the supply port may be either a magnet or a metal that can be magnetically attracted to the magnet, instead of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion. One of them is provided.

  With this configuration, since the sealing member and the supply port are smoothly joined by the magnet and the metal that can be magnetically attracted to the magnet, the operability of the operation of inserting and removing the ink cartridge from the holder can be improved.

  In addition, the ink supply device according to the present invention is characterized in that two or more of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are provided.

  With this configuration, for example, each of the two first engaging portions engages with the two second engaging portions, thereby sealing due to the engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. Since the inclination of the member can be prevented and the stable posture of the sealing member can be maintained, ink leakage can be more reliably prevented.

  In the ink supply device according to the present invention, the supply port includes a supply port rubber seal into which the supply needle is inserted, and an absorber disposed outside the supply port rubber seal.

  With this configuration, by providing an absorber at the supply port, it is possible to suck ink adhering to the supply needle and prevent ink scattering.

  In addition, the ink supply device according to the present invention includes a sealing member position detection unit that detects whether the position of the sealing member is the sealing position or the non-sealing position.

  With this configuration, it is possible to confirm whether or not the ink cartridge is mounted on the holder by detecting the position of the sealing member by the sealing member position detecting means.

  The ink supply device according to the present invention is characterized in that when the sealing member position detecting means detects that the position of the sealing member is the sealing position, an error signal is output. .

  With this configuration, when the sealing member does not return to the sealing position that seals the opening of the supply needle, an error signal is output by the sealing member position detection unit, and thus an image forming apparatus including an ink supply device Based on this error signal, for example, error notification can be performed or the operation can be stopped.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ink supply device that can reliably seal the opening of the supply needle when the ink cartridge is not attached to prevent ink leakage.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus including an ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an ink cartridge of the ink supply device according to the embodiment of the invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the ink cartridge of the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the holder of the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the holder of the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the detailed structure of the cap of the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows operation | movement in the case of inserting an ink cartridge in a holder in the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows operation | movement in the case of inserting an ink cartridge in a holder in the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows operation | movement in the case of inserting an ink cartridge in a holder in the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows operation | movement at the time of pulling out an ink cartridge from a holder in the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows operation | movement at the time of pulling out an ink cartridge from a holder in the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows operation | movement at the time of pulling out an ink cartridge from a holder in the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure provided with the stopper of the holder of the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure which provided the magnet in the cap of the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the 1st engaging part of the cap of the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure which provided the absorber in the supply port of the ink cartridge of the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure which provided the cap position sensor which detects the position of a cap in the holder of the ink supply apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus including an ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an inkjet recording apparatus 100 as an image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body 101, a paper feed tray 102 for loading paper mounted on the apparatus main body 101, and a detachable attachment to the apparatus main body 101. And a paper discharge tray 103 for stocking the paper on which the image is recorded. Ink supply for mounting an ink cartridge that protrudes from the front surface to the front side of the apparatus main body 101 and is lower than the upper surface is provided at one end of the front surface of the apparatus main body 101 (side of the paper supply / discharge tray section). The ink supply device 10 includes an operation display unit 105 such as operation buttons and a display.

  The ink supply device 10 contains a plurality of recording liquids (inks) that are different color materials, for example, black (K) ink, cyan (C) ink, magenta (M) ink, and yellow (Y) ink. Ink cartridges 50k, 50c, 50m, and 50y (hereinafter simply referred to as “ink cartridge 50” when not distinguishing colors) from the front side of the apparatus main body 101 to the rear side. A front cover (ink cartridge cover) 106 that is opened when the ink cartridge 50 is attached or detached is provided on the front side of the ink supply device 10 so as to be openable and closable. Further, the ink cartridges 50k, 50c, 50m, and 50y are configured to be mounted side by side in the horizontal direction in a vertically placed state.

  In the operation display unit 105, the remaining amounts of the ink cartridges 50k, 50c, 50m, and 50y for each color are near-end at the arrangement positions corresponding to the mounting positions (arrangement positions) of the ink cartridges 50k, 50c, 50m, and 50y for each color. In addition, remaining amount display portions 108k, 108c, 108m, and 108y for each color for displaying the end of the color are arranged. Further, the operation display unit 105 is also provided with a power button 109, a paper feed / print resume button 110, and a cancel button 111.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the ink supply device.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ink supply apparatus 10 mainly includes a case 20, a holder 30, and an ink cartridge 50 that is attached to and detached from the holder.

  The case 20 has a groove or the like for guiding the ink cartridge 50 for each color to be correctly attached to the corresponding color holder 30 when the ink cartridge 50 is attached. Further, the holder 30 has a supply needle 33 (see FIG. 5) for each color. The ink cartridge 50 is fixed for each color by the holder 30 and the case 20.

  Further, when the ink cartridge 50 is removed, the ink cartridge 50 can be pulled out in the direction of the arrow A for each color, and the ink cartridge can be replaced. For example, CMYK four-color ink cartridges 50 can be mounted, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which two ink cartridges 50 are mounted.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ink cartridge. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the ink cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a supply port 51 for supplying ink to the holder 30 side is provided on the holder 30 side of the ink cartridge 50.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the ink cartridge 50 has a structure in which an ink bag 53 filled with ink is provided in an ink cartridge case 52, and the ink bag 53 has one side portion of the ink cartridge case 52. Connected to the supply port 51. The supply port 51 is provided with a supply port rubber seal 55 that seals the supply port 51. The supply port rubber seal 55 is fixed to the supply port 51 by a cylindrical supply port cover 54 provided at the tip of the supply port 51.

  When the ink cartridge 50 is mounted on the holder 30, the supply needle 33 (see FIG. 5) of the holder 30 is pierced into the supply port rubber seal 55 of the supply port 51, and the flow path is connected. The ink in the ink cartridge 50 is The ink is supplied to the outside, that is, the print head of the inkjet recording apparatus 100 by a pump (not shown).

  The supply port 51 is provided with a second engagement portion 42 that engages with the cap 34 (see FIG. 6) on the holder 30 side. In FIG. 4, the substance of the second engaging portion 42 is a step portion with the supply port 51 at the rear end portion of the supply port cover 54.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the holder of the ink supply device. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the holder.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the holder 30 is provided with a hollow supply needle 33 that is connected to the supply port 51 of the ink cartridge 50 in a flow path. The holder 30 is provided with a cylindrical cap 34 that can slide in the longitudinal direction of the supply needle 33 (left and right in FIG. 6) and can cover the tip of the supply needle 33. A supply needle rubber seal 35 that seals the opening 33 a on the side surface of the distal end portion of the supply needle 33 is mounted therein. The cap 34 and the supply needle rubber seal 35 are urged toward the distal end side of the supply needle 33 (left direction in FIG. 6) by a cap spring 36.

  The cap 34 and the supply needle rubber seal 35 cover the tip of the supply needle 33 and the opening 33a on the side surface of the tip of the supply needle 33 when the ink cartridge 50 is not attached to the holder 30 by the biasing force of the cap spring 36. It moves to the sealing position which is a position which seals. In FIG. 6, the cap 34 and the supply needle rubber seal 35 are disposed at the sealing position.

  Further, the cap 34 and the supply needle rubber seal 35 are pressed in the supply port 51 of the ink cartridge 50 when the ink cartridge 50 is attached to the holder 30 and supplied in FIG. 6 against the urging force of the cap spring 36. The needle 33 is moved in the right direction, which is the base end side of the needle 33, and is arranged at a non-sealing position where the tip of the supply needle 33 is exposed and the opening 33a on the tip side surface of the supply needle 33 is opened.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the cap 34. As shown in FIG. 7, a first engagement portion 41 that engages with the supply port 51 of the ink cartridge 50 is provided at the tip of the cap 34.

  The operation when the ink cartridge 50 is inserted into the holder 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the ink cartridge 50 is moved in the arrow B direction (right direction) and the ink cartridge 50 starts to be inserted into the holder 30, the first engagement portion 41 of the cap 34 on the holder 30 side, The second engaging portion 42 of the supply port 51 on the ink cartridge 50 side is not yet in contact.

  When the ink cartridge 50 is further inserted into the holder 30 from the state of FIG. 8, the tip of the cap 34 on the holder 30 side and the supply port 51 on the ink cartridge 50 side come into contact with each other and are provided in the cap 34 as shown in FIG. The first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42 of the supply port 51 are engaged, and the cap 34 and the supply port 51 are joined. However, in this state, the tip of the supply needle 33 and the supply port rubber seal 55 are not in contact with each other, and the flow path connection is not established.

  When the ink cartridge 50 is further inserted into the holder 30 from the state shown in FIG. 9, the cap 34 and the supply port 51 are engaged with each other by the engagement of the first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42 as shown in FIG. While wearing, the cap 34 and the supply needle rubber seal 35 move to the non-sealing position against the urging force of the cap spring 36. Further, the supply needle 33 breaks through the supply port rubber seal 55, and the flow path connection is completed. In this state, the ink cartridge 50 is fixed to the holder 30 by a lock mechanism (not shown).

  The operation when the ink cartridge 50 is pulled out from the holder 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in a state where the ink cartridge 50 is set in the holder 30, the cap 34 and the supply port 51 are attached by the engagement of the first engagement portion 41 and the second engagement portion 42. As it is, the supply needle 33 breaks through the supply port rubber seal 55 and is connected to the flow path.

  When the ink cartridge 50 is pulled out in the arrow A direction (left direction) from the state shown in FIG. 11, the cap 34 and the supply port 51 are connected to the first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42 as shown in FIG. The cap 34 and the supply needle rubber seal 35 are moved together with the supply port 51 by the engagement between the cap 34 and the supply port 51 and the urging force of the cap spring 36 and return to the sealing position. .

  When the ink cartridge 50 is further pulled out from the state of FIG. 12, the cap 34 and the supply needle rubber seal 35 are stopped at the sealing position as shown in FIG. 13, and the engagement between the cap 34 and the supply port 51 is released. It becomes a state.

  Thus, in this embodiment, when the ink cartridge 50 is mounted in the holder 30, the cap 34 and the supply port 51 are engaged, and when removing the ink cartridge 50, the cap 34 moves to the sealing position together with the supply port 51. Therefore, even if ink adheres to the sliding portion of the supply needle 33 and the cap 34, the cap 34 can be returned to the sealing position, and the return operation failure of the cap 34 can be prevented.

  FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which a holder is provided with a stopper.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a stopper 43 that restricts movement of the cap 34 to the proximal end side (right side) of the supply needle 33 from the non-sealing position is provided on the right side of the cap 34.

  For this reason, a cap is required when the ink cartridge 50 is mounted because the force required to engage the first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42 is large or the biasing force of the cap spring 36 is weak. Even if the cap 34 and the supply port 51 cannot be engaged before the movement of the cap 34 to the non-sealing position is completed, the right end of the cap 34 abuts against the stopper 43 by providing the stopper 43. Then, the movement of the cap 34 from the position to the proximal end side of the supply needle 33 is restricted, the cap 34 and the supply port 51 are pressed against each other, and the first engagement portion 41 and the second engagement portion 42 are engaged. Therefore, the cap 34 and the supply port 51 can be engaged with each other.

  Further, by providing the stopper 43, the cap 34 and the supply port 51 can be engaged when the ink cartridge 50 is mounted even when the cap spring 36 having a weak urging force is used. The operating force required for mounting can be reduced.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which a magnet is provided in the cap.

  As shown in FIG. 15, it is preferable to provide a magnet 44 at the tip of the cap 34 and to configure the supply port cover 54 (see FIG. 4) with a metal (magnetic metal) that can be magnetically attracted to the magnet 44. In this case, when the ink cartridge 50 is mounted on the holder 30, the cap 34 and the supply port cover 54 of the supply port 51 are attached by magnetic adsorption, and when removing the ink cartridge 50, the cap 34 is sealed together with the supply port 51. Therefore, even if ink adheres to the sliding portion of the supply needle 33 and the cap 34, the cap 34 can be returned to the sealing position, and the return operation failure of the cap 34 can be prevented.

  In addition, as the metal capable of magnetic adsorption used for the supply port cover 54, for example, 400 series stainless steel (SUS430 or the like) in which chromium is mixed with 10.5% or more is used, so that the supply port cover 54 is not rusted. 34 and the supply port cover 54 of the supply port 51 can be bonded together by magnetic adsorption.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another example of the first engagement portion of the cap 34.

  As shown in FIG. 16, it is preferable to provide two first engaging portions 41 of the cap 34. In this case, in FIG. 4, two places on the upper side and the lower side of the stepped portion with the supply port 51 at the rear end of the supply port cover 54 become the second engaging portion 42. Two or more pairs of the first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42 may be provided. By providing a plurality of first engaging portions 41 and second engaging portions 42, the posture of the cap 34 can be stabilized, and the first engaging portion at the start of engagement, during engagement, and at the time of disengagement. It is possible to prevent the cap 34 from being inclined due to the bias of the force related to the engagement between the first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which an absorber is provided at the supply port of the ink cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the ink cartridge 50, it is preferable to provide an absorber 45 between the supply port cover 54 and the supply port rubber seal 55. As a result, the ink adhering to the supply needle 33 can be sucked by the absorber 45, and ink scattering can be prevented.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a cap position sensor for detecting the position of the cap is provided on the holder.

  As shown in FIG. 18, a cap position sensor 46 that detects the position of the cap 34 is provided in the holder 30. When the cap 34 does not return to the sealing position due to a failure such as breakage of the cap 34, the cap position sensor 46 is provided. However, it is preferable to output an error signal. In this case, when receiving an error signal from the cap position sensor 46, the ink jet recording apparatus 100 displays an error on the operation display unit 105 to notify the user, and further stops the driving operation.

  Thus, by providing the cap position sensor 46, it is possible to check whether the ink cartridge 50 is mounted, and by outputting an error signal and notifying the error and stopping the operation on the inkjet recording apparatus 100 side. The user can be informed of problems such as breakage of the cap 34.

  As described above, in the ink supply apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the holder 30 is on the distal end side of the supply needle 33 and seals the opening 33a on the distal side surface of the supply needle 33, and the supply A cap 34 that is movable in the longitudinal direction of the supply needle 33 between a base end side of the needle 33 and exposing the opening 33a, and the cap 34 is moved from the non-sealing position to the sealing position. A cap spring 36 that urges in the direction, and a first engagement portion 41 formed on the side of the cap 34 that faces the supply port 51, and an ink cartridge 50 is formed in the supply port 51. The second engagement portion 42 is engaged with the first engagement portion 41 when the ink cartridge 50 is attached to the first engagement portion 41 and is disengaged from the first engagement portion 41 when the ink cartridge 50 is detached from the holder 30. And having a holder With the mounting of the ink cartridge 50 to 0, the cap 34 and the supply port 51 are joined by the engagement of the first engagement portion 41 and the second engagement portion 42, and the biasing force of the cap spring 36 is applied. On the contrary, the cap 34 moves from the sealing position to the non-sealing position, and the engagement of the first engagement portion 41 and the second engagement portion 42 and the cap spring with the detachment of the ink cartridge 50 from the holder 30. After the cap 34 is moved from the non-sealing position to the sealing position by the urging force 36, the engagement between the first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42 is released.

  With this configuration, the supply port 51 on the ink cartridge 50 side and the cap 34 on the holder 30 side are engaged at the first engagement portion 41 and the second engagement portion 42, so that the cap 34 moves due to the adhesion of the ink. Even when it becomes difficult, the cap 34 can be moved to the sealing position for sealing the opening 33a of the supply needle 33 by the operation of removing the ink cartridge 50 from the holder 30 to prevent ink leakage. Can do.

  Therefore, when the ink cartridge 50 is not attached, the opening 33a of the supply needle 33 can be reliably sealed to prevent ink leakage.

  In addition, the ink supply device 10 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the holder 30 includes a stopper 43 that restricts the movement of the cap 34 to the proximal end side of the supply needle 33 from the non-sealing position. To do.

  With this configuration, the cap 34 does not move to the proximal end side of the supply needle 33 from the non-sealing position due to the restriction by the stopper 43, so that at least the cap 34 is not attached when the ink cartridge 50 is attached to the holder 30. In a state where the movement to the sealing position is completed, the first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42 can be engaged.

  For this reason, even if the urging force of the cap spring 36 is weakened, the first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42 can be engaged with each other by mounting the ink cartridge 50 to the holder 30. The urging force of the spring 36 can be weakened to reduce the operating force when the ink cartridge 50 is inserted, thereby improving the operability.

  In addition, in the ink supply device 10 according to the present embodiment, the cap 34 and the supply port 51 can be magnetically attracted to the magnet 44 and the magnet 44 instead of the first engagement portion 41 and the second engagement portion 42. One of the metals is provided, respectively.

  With this configuration, the cap 34 and the supply port 51 are smoothly attached by the magnet 44 and the metal that can be magnetically attracted to the magnet 44, so that the operability of the insertion and removal operations of the ink cartridge 50 with respect to the holder 30 is improved. be able to.

  Further, the ink supply device 10 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that two or more first engaging portions 41 and two second engaging portions 42 are provided.

  With this configuration, for example, each of the two first engaging portions 41 engages with the two second engaging portions 42, thereby engaging the first engaging portion 41 and the second engaging portion 42. As a result, the cap 34 can be prevented from tilting, and the cap 34 can maintain a stable posture, so that ink leakage can be prevented more reliably.

  In addition, in the ink supply device 10 according to the present embodiment, the supply port 51 includes the supply port rubber seal 55 into which the supply needle 33 is inserted, and the absorber 45 disposed outside the supply port rubber seal 55. It is characterized by.

  With this configuration, by providing the absorber 45 at the supply port 51, the ink adhering to the supply needle 33 can be sucked off, and ink scattering can be prevented.

  In addition, the ink supply device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a cap position sensor 46 that detects whether the position of the cap 34 is a sealed position or a non-sealed position.

  With this configuration, it is possible to confirm whether or not the ink cartridge 50 is attached to the holder 30 by detecting the position of the cap 34 by the cap position sensor 46.

  Further, the ink supply device 10 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that an error signal is output when the cap position sensor 46 detects that the position of the cap 34 is the sealing position.

  With this configuration, when the cap 34 does not return to the sealing position for sealing the opening 33 a of the supply needle 33, an error signal is output by the cap position sensor 46, and thus the inkjet recording apparatus 100 including the ink supply device 10. Based on this error signal, for example, error notification can be performed or the operation can be stopped.

  As described above, the ink supply device according to the present invention has an effect that the opening of the supply needle can be surely sealed when the ink cartridge is not attached, thereby preventing ink leakage. It is useful as an ink supply device that supplies ink from an ink cartridge to an ink jet recording apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ink supply apparatus 20 Case 30 Holder 33 Supply needle 33a Opening part 34 Cap (sealing member)
35 Supply needle rubber seal 36 Cap spring (biasing member)
41 First engaging portion 42 Second engaging portion 43 Stopper (regulating member)
44 Magnet 45 Absorber 46 Cap position sensor (sealing member position detecting means)
50, 50k, 50c, 50m, 50y Ink cartridge 51 Supply port 52 Ink cartridge case 53 Ink bag 54 Supply port cover 55 Supply port rubber seal 100 Inkjet recording device 105 Operation display unit

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-341086

Claims (7)

A holder to which the ink cartridge is mounted; and the ink cartridge to be detachably mounted on the holder. When the ink cartridge is mounted on the holder, the supply port of the ink cartridge has the holder In an ink supply device in which a supply needle is inserted and connected, and the ink in the ink cartridge is supplied from the holder to the outside via the supply needle.
The holder is
A sealing position that seals the opening on the distal side of the supply needle and on the side surface of the distal end of the supply needle; and a non-sealing position that is on the proximal end side of the supply needle and exposes the opening. A sealing member movable in the longitudinal direction of the supply needle between,
A biasing member for biasing the sealing member from the non-sealing position toward the sealing position;
A first engaging portion formed on a side of the sealing member facing the supply port,
The ink cartridge is
The ink cartridge is engaged with the first engaging portion when the ink cartridge is mounted on the holder, and is engaged with the first engaging portion when the ink cartridge is detached from the holder. A second engaging portion to be released,
As the ink cartridge is attached to the holder, the sealing member and the supply port are joined by the engagement of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, and the biasing member The sealing member moves from the sealing position to the non-sealing position against the urging force of
With the detachment of the ink cartridge from the holder, the sealing member is moved from the non-sealing position by the engagement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion and the urging force of the urging member. The ink supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are disengaged after moving to the sealing position.   The ink supply device according to claim 1, wherein the holder includes a regulating member that regulates movement of the sealing member toward a proximal end side of the supply needle from the non-sealing position.   The sealing member and the supply port are each provided with either one of a magnet and a metal that can be magnetically attracted to the magnet, instead of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. The ink supply device according to claim 1 or 2.   The ink supply device according to claim 1, wherein two or more of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are provided.   The said supply port is provided with the supply port rubber seal in which the said supply needle is inserted, and the absorber arrange | positioned on the outer side of the said supply port rubber seal, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Ink supply device.   The sealing member position detection means for detecting whether the position of the sealing member is the sealing position or the non-sealing position is provided. Ink supply device.   The ink supply device according to claim 6, wherein when the sealing member position detection unit detects that the position of the sealing member is the sealing position, an error signal is output.

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