CN1697736A - Ink bag, ink cartridge and inkjet recording device, ink filling and refilling method, ink cartridge manufacturing method and ink cartridge recycling method - Google Patents

Abstract

An ink bag includes a generally rectangular flexible bag body and a support member connected to an edge of the bag body, wherein the support member includes: an ink filling port for filling the bag body with ink; an ink discharge port for discharging ink from the bag body; and an engaging portion for supporting the ink bag to an ink cartridge in which the ink bag is accommodated.

Description

Ink bag, ink cartridge and inkjet recording device, ink filling and refilling method, ink cartridge manufacturing method and ink cartridge recycling method

technical field

The invention relates to an ink bag, an ink box structure, an ink jet recording device, an ink filling and refilling method, an ink box manufacturing method and an ink box reusing method.

Background technique

Inkjet recording devices are widely used in image forming apparatuses (also referred to as image recording devices) such as printers, facsimile machines, copiers, and the like.

An inkjet recording device realizes image recording on a sheet by ejecting ink from a recording head. Here, the pages are not limited to paper, but also include OHP pages and the like. Thus, a "page" indicates a medium on which an image is formed, and is also referred to as a medium for recording or a recording medium, or recording paper. The inkjet recording apparatus has many advantages such as high-resolution image recording at high speed, low running cost, and low noise, and color image recording with ease using various color inks.

For ink cartridges used in conventional inkjet recording devices, a device is disclosed in Japanese Published Patent Application No. 10-202901, wherein the ink is filled in a hard shell of a rectangular housing, or in Japanese Published Patent Application No. 10-202900 A prior art device described in , which has a flexible bladder-like box provided with an ink outlet and a chassis (box) with an opening allowing loading and unloading of the ink cartridge from the chassis through the opening .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a known ink cartridge comprising an ink storage portion 501 for storing ink, a cylindrical case 502 in which the ink storage portion 501 is accommodated, and a cover member 503 covering the front surface of the cylindrical case 502. form. In this structure, a supporting member 504 integrated with the ink storage portion 501 is also provided, so that the supporting member 504 includes a sealed cylindrical ink filling port 505 for filling ink, and a column for supplying ink. Shaped ink supply port 506 . In operation, the support member 504 is fixed on the cylindrical housing 502 by pushing the support member 504 so that a protruding portion 504a of the support member 504 hooks the hole 502a in the middle of the outer wall of the cylindrical housing 502 .

Here, the ink storage member 501 forms a frame body 511 together with the supporting member 504, and a film-shaped member 512 formed of an inner resin film and an outer aluminum film is welded to the frame body 511 at its outer side.

Meanwhile, in recent inkjet recording apparatuses, the required picture quality is increasing, and the consumption of ink is also increasing accordingly. In this state, there arises a problem that in the conventional ink jet recording apparatus in which the ink cartridge is fixed on a carriage, the ink cartridge must be replaced frequently. Therefore, there is a tendency in the technology of the ink jet recording apparatus: to adopt such a structure, wherein, only a small sub-box is mounted on the carriage, and the ink from a main ink tank (which is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus on the main body) to the sub-box.

Thus, the size of the ink cartridge has increased, and this increase in the size of the ink cartridge has created a problem: just discarding the used ink cartridge (as in the case of the ink cartridge described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 10-202901) will cause serious damage. Waste of resources. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a structure that can reuse resources efficiently.

In view of the above, an ink cartridge is proposed in Japanese Published Patent Application No. 10-202900, which allows the detachable installation of the ink cartridge in the chassis part, but such a conventional structure has a disadvantage that the ink cartridge is unstable and it is difficult to supply it stably ink.

In this case, the ink cartridge is inserted into the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus from above with the ink supply port (supply port) oriented in a downward direction, and the ink cartridge is fixed to the chassis member in a somewhat stable state. On the other hand, in the case of using such a structure (in which the ink cartridge is inserted into the main body from the front side, which is oriented so that the ink supply port faces the lateral or horizontal direction, hereinafter, such a structure will be referred to as "front end Loading structure"), the ink cartridge is supported in the chassis in an inclined state. Therefore, this front loading structure cannot be used.

In addition, with the ink cartridge shown in Figure 1, when loading or unloading the ink cartridge, since the supporting member integrally formed with the frame body of the ink storage part must be pushed into the cylindrical case having an opening approximately the same size as the supporting member inside, and then pull out the support from the cylindrical case, there arises a problem of poor operability.

Also, when the ink is supplied by removing the ink storage member together with the support member from the cylindrical case, there is also a problem of poor stability. Furthermore, in the case of supplying ink while the ink storage member is mounted together with the support on the cylindrical case, there arises a problem that the state of the ink storage member cannot be ascertained. Therefore, it is difficult to refill ink in this structure.

In addition, due to the structure of the ink storage member in Fig. 1 (wherein the film-shaped member 512 is connected on the frame body 511, and the frame body 511 is integrally formed with the support member 504), some problems have arisen here, for example, between the frame body 511 and the film Cracks are easily formed between the film-shaped members 512, and it is difficult to apply external pressure to the film-shaped members 512, resulting in unused ink remaining in the ink storage member.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is preferable to construct the ink storage member in the form of a bladder, so that the entire ink storage member is flexible.

On the other hand, in the case where the ink storage member is constructed in the form of a flexible bag, it is necessary to provide a protective cover for improving the operability of attaching/detaching from the main body of the recording device and also for improving durability, such necessity This makes it necessary to provide a structure that allows easy attachment and detachment of the flexible ink bag with the protective cover when refilling the ink.

Contents of the invention

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been achieved in consideration of the above problems, and its object is to provide an ink bag in which waste of unused ink is minimized and which can be easily detachably and stably mounted to a protective housing. In addition, the present invention provides an ink cartridge for accommodating such an ink cartridge, an ink jet recording apparatus using the same, an ink refill method for easily adding ink to the ink cartridge, a recycling method for reusable ink cartridges method and method of manufacturing such an ink cartridge.

In order to solve the foregoing problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an ink bag comprising a substantially quadrangular flexible bag body and a support member connected to an edge of the ink bag body, the support member has a function for filling ink into the bag body An ink filling port and an ink discharge port for discharging ink from the above-mentioned bladder body.

The ink bag further includes an engaging portion for supporting the ink bag to an ink cartridge housing in which the ink bag is accommodated.

Here, it is preferable that the aspect ratio (W/H) of the capsule is in the range of 1≤W/H≤1.5 or the aspect ratio (H/W) 1≤H/W≤1.5. Likewise, the ink fill port and the ink discharge port on the support member are preferably located approximately in the central portion of the rim of the main body of the ink bag. In addition, it is preferable that the support member of the ink bag is supported when the ink bag is accommodated in the ink cartridge case, and the ink discharge port is located substantially at the center in the height direction of the ink cartridge case.

Also, it is preferable that the ink filling port is sealed by welding, wherein ink is filled into the bladder main body. Furthermore, it is preferable that the support is provided on the longer side of the bladder body.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the ink discharge port of the supporting member is provided with an elastic member for sealing the opening of the ink outlet hole at the distal end portion, and a cap member for supporting the elastic member is provided. In this case, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion has a stepped portion for engaging the engaging member of the above-mentioned cap member. In addition, it is preferable that the elastic member is formed of a columnar member made of rubber material such as silicone rubber, fluororubber, butyl rubber and the like. In addition, the cap member is formed of a cylindrical portion having a flange portion for supporting the pressing elastic member, and preferably the cylindrical portion has a plurality of engaging pieces bent inwardly.

The ink cartridge according to the present invention includes at least first and second housing parts having the same outer shape, wherein the first and second housing parts are assembled together to form a single ink cartridge housing, or are disassembled into separate parts. Therefore, the ink bag in the present invention is accommodated in the ink cartridge so that the ink bag is assembled by engaging the engagement means of the first housing portion with the support on the ink bag.

It should be noted that the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the ink cartridge is loaded from the front.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the present invention provides an ink filling method for filling ink into the ink sac used in the ink cartridge of the present invention. It should be noted that ink is filled from the ink filling port in a state where the support member of the ink bag is engaged with the first housing portion.

In addition, it should be noted that the present invention provides a refilling method for refilling ink into the ink bag used in the ink cartridge of the present invention, wherein, in the state where the ink bag support member is engaged with the first housing portion , the ink is refilled from the ink discharge port.

In addition, the refilling method of the present invention will fill ink into the ink bag used in the ink cartridge of the present invention, thus forming a split portion or piercing portion on the bag main body of the ink bag, and refilling through the split portion Ink is then used to seal the breach portion.

Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the ink cartridge of the present invention includes the step of connecting the second case part to the first case part after the support member of the ink bag filled with ink is engaged with the first case part.

In addition, the ink cartridge recycling method of the present invention realizes ink cartridge recycling through the steps of: detaching the first and second case parts, removing the ink bag holder by detaching it from the first case part; The ink sac is then engaged with the support of the ink-filled ink sac with the engaging portion of the first housing part, and then the first and second housing parts are assembled.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink bag support member capable of stabilizing a flexible ink bag accommodated in an ink cartridge, an ink cartridge accommodating an ink bag provided with the above-mentioned ink bag support member, and an ink cartridge provided with such an ink cartridge inkjet recording device.

In order to achieve the above objects, the ink bag support used in the present invention includes an ink filling port for filling ink into the bag main body, and an ink discharge port for discharging ink in the bag main body, wherein the ink bag The supporting member also includes an engaging portion for engaging engaging means provided to at least one of the case half bodies constituting the ink cartridge case together with another case half body.

Here, it is preferable that the supporting member is fixed to one edge of the substantially square ink bag main body by heat welding so that it is detachably supported by the case. Furthermore, it is preferred that the support has a connecting portion having a tapered edge at the portion where it is welded to the bladder body. It is more preferable that the connection portion, the ink filling port and the ink discharge port are integrally formed on different surfaces of the edge portion. Furthermore, it is desirable that a groove is formed on the side of the flange portion. Also, it is preferable that the ink filling port is sealed by thermal welding.

In addition, it should be noted that the ink cartridge of the present invention accommodates the ink bag with the ink bag support of the present invention.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the ink cartridge is loaded from the front side.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge which allows a casing to be reused while stably supplying ink without leakage and an inkjet recording apparatus using the same.

In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention provides an ink cartridge, which is composed of separate housing halves, the housing halves having means for supporting the support in at least one of the housing halves, the above-mentioned A row of ink ports is formed on the support member, wherein an elastic member is provided for sealing an opening at a far end portion of the ink outlet port (forming the ink discharge port in the support member), and a cap-shaped The component is connected to the ink discharge port for supporting and pressing the aforementioned elastic member.

Here, it is preferable that there is a stepped portion at the peripheral portion of the ink discharge port for allowing engagement with the engaging member of the cap member. In addition, the elastic member is preferably made of a rubber material, such as silicone rubber, fluororubber, butyl rubber and the like. In addition, the hat-shaped member preferably consists of a cylindrical portion having a flange portion for bearing against the elastic member, and preferably the cylindrical portion has a plurality of engaging members bent inwardly.

Furthermore, the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention is constructed so that the ink cartridge of the present invention can be loaded from the front side.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink bag in which the waste of unused ink is minimized, and can be easily and stably attached to and removed from a protective cover, and stable supply can be performed. ink. Furthermore, the present invention provides an ink cartridge accommodating an ink bag and an image forming apparatus using the ink cartridge.

In order to achieve the above object, the ink bag of the present invention has a structure in which a supporting member is fixed to a flexible bag main body so that the supporting member has an ink filling port for filling ink into the ink bag main body and a The ink discharge port for discharging ink from the main body of the ink bag, wherein the ink bag further includes an engaging portion for supporting the ink bag to an ink cartridge consisting of a housing divided into two halves, the ink bag Is accommodated inside the cartridge.

Here, the ink discharge port includes a cylindrical portion forming a discharge hole for discharging the ink in the ink bag, and it is preferable that the cylindrical portion is composed of a material that does not affect the properties of the ink. In this case, it is preferred that the cylindrical portion has a support for supporting the elastic member inserted into the outlet hole for the purpose of integral sealing.

Also, it is preferable that the ink discharge port has an elastic member that seals a discharge hole for discharging ink in the ink bag main body, and that the elastic member is composed of a material that does not affect ink properties. In this case, the elastic member is preferably composed of a rubber material, such as silicone rubber or silicon-based rubber that does not affect the properties of the ink.

In addition, it is preferable that the ink discharge port has a cap-shaped member which covers at least a part of the elastic member which seals the discharge hole for discharging the ink in the ink bag main body, and which does not affect the ink. properties of the material composition. In this case, it is preferable that there is a stepped portion on the peripheral surface of the ink discharge port for allowing engagement with the engaging piece of the cap member. Further, it is preferable that the cap member is composed of a cylindrical portion having a flange portion pressing the elastic member, and the cylindrical portion has a plurality of engaging pieces bent inwardly.

In addition, it is preferable that the ratio (D:D') of the outer diameter D of the elastic member to the inner diameter D' of the part into which the elastic member is inserted is in the range of 1:0.85-1:0.92, and furthermore it is preferable that the elastic member The ratio (t:H) of the thickness t of the elastic member to the depth H of the portion into which the elastic member is inserted is in the range of 1:0.77-1:1.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the diameter d of the hollow needle pierced into the elastic member for causing ink flow in the ink bag main body is set in such a manner that the ratio (d:D) of the diameter d of the hollow needle to the outer diameter D of the elastic member is at 1:3-1:10, and the ratio (d:t) of the diameter d of the hollow needle to the thickness t of the elastic member is within the range of 1:1.5-1:3.5.

In addition, it is preferable that the support of the ink bag is supported such that the ink discharge port is located approximately at the center of the vertically supported ink cartridge.

Furthermore, it is preferable to seal the ink filling port by thermal welding when ink is filled into the main body of the ink bag.

The ink cartridge for accommodating an ink bag according to the present invention includes at least first and second casing halves, which have similar profiles so that the first and second casings can be assembled together and can be divided into independent A casing in which the ink bag of the present invention is accommodated such that the support of the ink bag engages with the engaging support means provided on the first casing half.

Furthermore, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has a structure in which the ink cartridge of the present invention is housed.

Here, it is preferable that the ink cartridge is loaded from the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a conventional ink cartridge.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an ink cartridge according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a view showing the same ink cartridge with the third housing part removed.

Fig. 4 is a front sectional view showing the same ink cartridge from the front.

Fig. 5 is a side view of an ink bag according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the ink sac in FIG. 5 from below in order to explain a state in which ink is filled into the ink sac.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an aluminum laminate film constituting a bag main body of the ink bag of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a side view showing the ink bag support.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the support of FIG. 8 from behind.

Fig. 10 is a view showing the support of Fig. 8 from the front.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view showing a part of an ink discharge port of the same ink bag.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view showing a cap member provided to the ink discharge port.

Fig. 13 is a front view showing the same cap member.

Fig. 14 is a view explaining measurement of the relationship between the aspect ratio of the ink bag and the hydrostatic pressure.

Fig. 15 is an exemplary graph showing the measurement of the relationship between the aspect ratio of the ink bag and the hydrostatic pressure.

Figure 16 is a side view of a hollow needle.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged view showing the tip portion of the hollow needle.

Fig. 18 is a view explaining the relationship between the support portion and the hat member.

Fig. 19 is a side view showing another example of the ink bag of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the same ink bag filled with ink.

FIG. 21 is a view showing the ink sac filled with ink in FIG. 20 seen from the downward direction.

Fig. 22 is a side view showing a first housing portion of the ink cartridge in Fig. 2 .

Fig. 23 is a side view showing a second housing portion of the ink cartridge in Fig. 2 .

Fig. 24 is a side view showing a first housing portion of the ink cartridge in Fig. 2, to which the ink bag is supported.

Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing another example of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view showing still another example of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing still another example of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

Fig. 28 is a side view for explaining the connection between the ink cartridge and the main body of the recording apparatus.

Fig. 29 is a front view of Fig. 27 .

Fig. 30 is a perspective view of still another example of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention seen from the front.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention in which the cover of the ink cartridge housing portion thereof is opened.

Fig. 33 is a view showing the overall structure of the mechanical part of the inkjet recording apparatus.

Fig. 34 is a plan view showing mechanical parts.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[first embodiment]

2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an ink cartridge according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the ink cartridge in FIG. 2 with a third housing portion removed, and FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of the same ink cartridge.

Referring to the drawings, an ink cartridge 1 includes an ink bag 2 filled with ink and a case 3 accommodating the ink bag 2 . The housing 3 comprises a first housing part 11, a second housing part 12 and a third housing part 13, wherein the first housing part 11 and the second housing part 12 together form a protective cover which acts to protect the sides of the ink bag part of the housing. Accordingly, the case 3 housing the ink bag 2 is divided into a first case portion 11 and a second case portion 12 along a plane parallel to the ink supply direction (ink discharge direction).

First, an example of the ink bag 2 of the present invention is explained with reference to FIGS. 5-13, wherein FIG. 5 is a side view of the same ink bag, and FIG. 6 is a view showing the ink bag of FIG. Filled with ink; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the aluminum layer film that constitutes the main body of the ink bag, Figure 8 is a side view showing the ink bag support, Figure 9 is a view showing the support of Figure 8 from the rear, and Figure 10 is a view from the front 8, FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the ink discharge port of the ink bag, and FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the cap-shaped member provided to the ink discharge port. FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing the cap seen from its front. view of the shape part.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ink bag 2 includes a substantially square (rectangular in this example) flexible bag body 21 of an aluminum layer film, and a support member 22 of a resin material is fixed (welded) to the length of the bag body. side.

As shown in FIG. 7, the bag main body 21 is formed of an aluminum layer film 30, which has a structure in which a dry lamination (drylamination) 26, an aluminum film 27, a dry lamination 28 and a PA (polyamide) film 29 are successively laminated on an LDPE (low Density polyethylene) substrate 25. Thus, two such aluminum layer films 30 and 30 are welded together in the surrounding portion (shaded area in FIG. 2 ) and thus to the support 22 , thus forming a capsule as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 .

It should be noted that the bladder body 21 is not provided with a frame for supporting the shape of the bladder, unlike conventional bladders, and thus, the entire portion of the bladder is highly flexible. Thus the present invention minimizes the amount of unused waste ink remaining in the bladder.

Here, it should be noted that although the bag body 21 is formed of the aluminum layer film 30 in the present embodiment, the material for the bag body 21 is not limited thereto. Preferably, the bladder body is formed using a material comprising at least a film of an aluminum layer.

In addition, preferably, the width (W) height (H) ratio (W/H) of the bag body 21 is set at 1≤W/H≤1.5 or the aspect ratio (H/W) is set at 1≤H/W≤1.5 range to ensure sufficient hydrostatic pressure and reduce ink residue.

Here, the relationship between the shape of the bladder main body 21 and the hydrostatic pressure of the ink discharge port will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 .

In this example, the shape of the bladder main body 21 is determined to be a rectangle (width W greater than height H), as shown in FIG. 14 . In this way, three kinds of capsule bodies are tested: ① height H×width W is 90×116 (1:1.29), ② height H×width W is 70×106 (1:1.5), ③ height H×width W is 50 ×126 (1:2.52). In addition, two casings (thin type and thick type) different in thickness are prepared for the casing 3 .

Further, the relationship between the ink remaining amount and the hydrostatic pressure of the ink discharge port was measured for various assemblies of the bladder main body and the case. The result is shown in Figure 15. Here, it should be noted that no measurements were made for the assembly of a size of 50×126 and a thick case.

In order to stably supply ink to the sub tank, it should be noted that it is preferable to use a hydrostatic pressure of about 0 (gf/cm ² ) at the ink discharge port.

Now, evaluating the results of Figure 15, it can be seen that in case ① the width (W) height (H) ratio (W/H) of the capsule is 1:1.29, and in case ② the aspect ratio (W/H) of the capsule body is In the case of 1:1.5, a stable hydrostatic pressure independent of the amount of remaining ink can be obtained near 0 (gf/cm ² ), and it can be seen that when filling about 70 g of ink (this amount is less than the target amount of 100 g), The hydrostatic pressure suddenly rises to 2 (gf/cm ² ) (thin type) or 4 (gf/cm ² ) at the ink discharge port. Also, in case ③ in the bladder body with an aspect ratio (W/H) of 1:2.52, when about 50 g of ink was filled in an attempt to fill the target amount of 100 g, the hydrostatic pressure suddenly rose at the ink discharge port.

From this, it can be seen that although it depends on the thickness of the casing 3, the aspect ratio (W/H) of the bladder main body 21 is in the range of 1-1.5.

It should be noted that the support member 22 constitutes an integral connection portion 32 for welding the bladder body 21 to one side of the flange portion 31, as shown in FIGS. The other side of the portion 31 is formed integrally (representing the state before welding).

Here, it should be noted that the connection portion 32 is substantially chestnut-shaped by tapering both end portions (longer edge ends) of the support member 22, as shown in FIG. 9 . A concave portion 32a is further formed on the peripheral surface. In this way, the aluminum layer films 30 and 30 forming the bag main body 21 can be welded to the peripheral surface of the connecting portion 32 without interruption.

In the ink filling port 33, a perforated hole 35 for ink filling is formed such that the hole 35 penetrates the flange portion 31 and also penetrates the connecting portion 32, and the ink filling port is welded and sealed when the ink is filled into the ink bag 2 33 (shown as sealing portion 36 in Figures 5-6). By sealing the ink filling port 33 through a thermal welding process, a reliable seal is easily obtained.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the ink discharge port 34 has a cylindrical portion 37 and a seal support portion 38 integrally formed therewith, and a space 39 is formed between the cylindrical portion 37 and the seal support portion 38 . In addition, an ink outlet hole 40 is formed in the cylindrical portion 37 to penetrate the flange portion 31 and the connection portion 32 , and an opening 41 is formed in the seal supporting portion 38 for inserting an elastic member 45 to seal the ink outlet hole 40 . In addition, a stepped portion 42 is formed on the peripheral surface to fit a cap member between the cylindrical portion 37 and the packing support portion 38 .

As shown in FIG. 11 , an elastic member 45 is inserted into the opening 41 of the seal supporting portion 38 of the ink outlet port 34 for sealing the ink outlet hole 40 , and the elastic member 45 is covered with a cap member 46 .

The shape of the elastic member 45 can support the seal and can be any cylindrical (circular portion), triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc. column.

The cap member 46 has a cylindrical portion 47 having a flange portion 47a supporting an edge portion pressing against the elastic member 45, as shown in FIGS. Insert the supply needle from the inside of the recording unit. In addition, a plurality of engagement pieces 49 bent inwardly are formed in the cylindrical portion 47 . It should be noted that the shape of the hole 48 is not limited to a circle, and any one of a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, and an octagon may be used.

By inserting the cap member 46 into the support portion 38 of the ink discharge port 34, the engaging member 49 is engaged with the stepped portion 42 formed between the cylindrical portion 37 and the support portion 38 of the ink discharge port 34, as shown in FIG. Show, like this, cap-shaped part 46 can not throw off.

Here, it should be noted that the columnar portion 37 and the support portion 38 of the ink discharge port 34 are made of a material that does not affect the properties of the ink, such as high-density polyethylene. In this way, the columnar portion 37 and the like formed with the outlet 40 and often exposed to ink are prevented from dissolving into the ink.

Also, it is preferred that the elastic member 45 is made of a material that does not affect the properties of the ink, such as silicone or silicone-based rubber material. In this way, the problem of the elastic member forming the seal, which is normally exposed to ink, dissolving into the ink and causing clogging is solved.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the hollow ink supply needle 111 is pierced from the recording device side as the ink introduction means for introducing ink into the recording device, this elastic member 45 makes it possible to supply the ink to the recording device and support the sealed state.

Here, when the hollow needle 111 is taken out after piercing, the sealing member 45 still needs to reliably support the sealing state. It is considered that the hollow needle 111 may be supported in the piercing state or once the hollow needle 111 is taken out and retained after piercing.

Here, the hollow needle 111 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 16-17.

Referring to the drawings, the hollow needle 111 is a cylindrical portion in which an ink introduction channel 112 is formed, and has an ink ejection hole 113 on the peripheral surface of the distal end. By forming the ink ejection hole 113 on the side of the distal portion of the hollow needle 111, the needle can form a sharp point at its tip, and the needle 111 can be easily pierced into the elastic member 45 without causing defects or voids therein. In addition, there is no problem that the elastic member 45 is damaged and the damaged member blocks the ink introduction hole 113 .

In addition, it should be noted that the cap member 46 is formed of a material that does not affect ink properties, such as stainless steel. In this way, even in the case where the flange portion 47a of the contact elastic member 45 contacts ink, erosion or erosion can be prevented.

Here, the test results will be explained in terms of the material of the elastic member 45 .

In the test using EDPM+Si as the elastic material of the elastic member 45 arranged in the ink discharge port 34 of the ink bag 1, it can be observed that when the supporting hollow needle 111 penetrates the elastic member 45 at a humidity of 35% and a temperature of 50° C. After about 1 week, when the hollow needle 111 was removed, ink leaked from the needle hole.

Therefore, the inventors of the present invention conducted experiments on various materials to confirm whether the rubber penetrated by the hollow needle 111 was removed when the hollow needle 111 was taken out after being penetrated by the hollow needle 111 at a humidity of 35% and a temperature of 50°C for 3 days. The board has a light channel, and various materials include: EPDM+Si (hardness 40°, thickness t=2mm); EPDM+Si (hardness 50°, thickness t=2mm); fluororubber (hardness 55°, thickness t=2mm) ;Butyl rubber (hardness 50°, thickness t=2mm); Silicone rubber (market product with unknown hardness, thickness t=2mm); Silicone rubber (hardness 40°, thickness t=2mm); Silicone rubber (hardness 50°, thickness t=2mm).

The above results are summarized in Table 1 below, where × indicates the case where the optical channel was observed, and ○ indicates the case where the optical channel was not observed.

Table 1

Material evaluate EPDM+Si(40°, t=2mm) × EPDM+Si(50°, t=2mm) × Fluorine (55°, t=2mm) × Butyl (50°, t=2mm) × Commercial silicone (t=2mm) ○ Silicone resin (40°, t=2mm) ○ Silicone resin (50°, t=2mm) ○

From the results in Table 1, it can be confirmed that for the elastic member of (EPDM+Si), creep deformation occurs in the holes penetrated by the hollow needles. Also in this case, it was confirmed that although the diameter of the hole can be reduced to some extent by inserting the elastic member pressed in the diametrical direction, an increase in deformation with the lapse of time is unavoidable.

On the other hand, it was confirmed that when Si rubber was used as the elastic member 45, the insertion and withdrawal of the hollow needle did not cause ink leakage.

Next, the relationship between the outer diameter D of the elastic member 45 and the inner diameter D′ of the opening 41 of the support portion 38 into which the elastic member 45 is inserted will be described with reference to FIG. 18 .

As described above, the elastic member 45 into which the hollow needle 111 is inserted and pulled out needs to return to the initial sealing state after the hollow needle 111 is pulled out to avoid ink leakage. Therefore, it is preferable to insert the elastic member 45 into the opening 41 of the support portion 38 while being compressed in the diametrical direction.

Therefore, the light passage obtained by changing the outer diameter D of the elastic member 45 and the inner diameter D′ of the opening 41 of the support portion 38 inserted into the elastic member 45 was evaluated. In this test, silicone rubber was used as the material of the elastic member 45 .

Table 2 below summarizes the results.

Table 2 The outer diameter of the elastic member D The inner diameter of the support part D' D'/D evaluate 5.5 4.5 0.82 x 5.4 4.6 0.85 ○ 5.3 4.7 0.89 ○ 5.2 4.8 0.92 ○ 5.1 4.9 0.96 x

As shown in Table 2 above, it is preferable to set the ratio (D:D') between the outer diameter D of the elastic member 45 and the inner diameter D' of the opening 41 of the support portion 38 in the range of 1:0.85-1:0.92 .

Therefore, when the ratio (D:D′) is lower than 0.85, the elastic member 45 is excessively compressed and it is difficult to insert the elastic member 45 into the opening 41 . On the contrary, when the ratio (D:D') is greater than 0.95, the compression of the elastic member 45 is too small to recover the sealed state and it is determined that ink leakage may occur.

Next, the relationship between the thickness t of the elastic member and the depth (height) H of the opening 41 of the support portion 38 inserted into the elastic member will be described with reference to FIG. 18 .

It should be noted that after the elastic member 45 is inserted into the opening 41 of the supporting portion 38, the elastic member is supported by the flange portion 47a of the hat-shaped member 46, and the hat-shaped member 46 is supported at the On the periphery of the support portion 38 .

Therefore, when the thickness t of the elastic member 45 is equal to or smaller than the depth (height) H of the opening 41 of the support portion 38 , it is impossible to support the elastic member 45 by the cap member 46 . On the other hand, when the compression of the elastic member 45 in the thickness direction is excessive, the cap member 46 may come off due to the restoring force of the elastic member 45 .

Next, the thickness t of the elastic member 45 and the depth H of the opening 41 of the support portion 38 into which the elastic member 45 is inserted were varied differently from each other, and light propagation was evaluated. In the test, silicone rubber was used as the material of the elastic member 45 .

Table 3 shows the test results.

table 3 Elastic piece thickness t Support part depth H H/t evaluate 2.8 1.65 0.59 x 2.6 1.75 0.67 x 2.4 1.85 0.77 ○ 2.2 1.95 0.89 ○ 2.1 20.5 0.98 ○ 2.0 2.10 1.03 x

As shown in Table 3 above, a preferable ratio (t:H) between the outer diameter D of the elastic member 45 and the depth H of the opening 41 of the support portion 38 is in the range of 1:0.77-1:1.

When the ratio (H/t) is less than 0.77, the elastic member 45 is excessively compressed and causes a problem of deformation of the engagement member 49 like the cap member 46 . On the other hand, when the ratio is greater than 1, the elastic member 45 cannot be supported by the hat member 46 .

Next, the relationship between the diameter d of the hollow needle (see FIG. 17) and the outer diameter D of the elastic member will be explained.

As described above, the relationship between the diameter of the hollow needle 111 and the diameter of the elastic member must be appropriately set in consideration of piercing and pulling out of the elastic member 45 by the hollow needle 111 in order to avoid damage to the elastic member 45 .

Thus, experiments were performed by changing the diameter D of the elastic member 45 while keeping the diameter d of the supporting hollow needle 111 constant. In this test, silicone rubber was used as the material of the elastic member 45 .

Table 4 shows the test results.

Table 4 The diameter of the hollow needle d The outer diameter of the elastic member D D/d evaluate 1.28 2.56 2 x 3.20 2.5 x 3.84 3.0 ○ 5.20 4 ○ 8.96 7 ○ 12.80 10 ○ 15.36 12 x

It can be seen from Table 4 that the ratio (d:D) between the diameter d of the hollow needle and the outer diameter D of the elastic member is preferably set in the range of 1:3-1:10.

When the ratio (D/d) is less than 3, the edge of the elastic member 45 around the hollow needle 111 is reduced, and the elastic member is easily broken. On the other hand, when the ratio is greater than 10, when the hollow needle 111 is inserted, the stability of the hollow needle 111 in the diameter direction of the elastic member 45 becomes poor.

The relationship between the diameter d of the hollow needle and the thickness t of the elastic member will be explained below.

The elastic member 45 mentioned above must consider that the hollow needle 111 is inserted and pulled out, the hollow needle 111 must penetrate through the elastic member 45, the entry of the hollow needle 111 is not hindered, and the hollow needle 111 still supports the sealed state when it is pulled out Instead, the relationship between the diameter of the hollow needle 111 and the thickness of the elastic member is appropriately set.

Thus, experiments were performed by varying the thickness t of the elastic member 45 while keeping the diameter d of the supporting hollow needle 111 constant. In this test, silicone rubber was used as the material of the elastic member 45 .

Table 5 summarizes the test results.

table 5 The diameter of the hollow needle d The thickness of the elastic part t t/d evaluate 1.28 1.8 1.41 x 2.0 1.56 ○ 2.3 1.8 ○ 3.0 2.34 ○ 3.5 2.73 ○ 4.0 3.13 ○ 4.5 3.5 ○ 5.0 3.91 x 5.5 4.30 x

It can be seen from FIG. 5 that the ratio (d:t) between the diameter d of the hollow needle and the thickness t of the elastic member 45 is preferably set in the range of 1:1.5-1:3.5.

When the ratio (t/d) is less than 1.5, the elastic member 45 is too thin and easily damaged when the hollow needle 111 is inserted into the elastic member 45 . In addition, it was confirmed that the hole formed after the hollow needle 111 was pulled out was not completely closed. On the other hand, when the ratio is greater than 3.5, the penetration resistance is too large when the hollow needle 111 is pierced into the elastic member 45 .

Here, it should be noted that the ink discharge port 34 of the support member 22 is located approximately in the middle portion of the ink bag 2 in the height direction, as shown in FIG. 4 . In this way, when the ink cartridge 1 is used in the vertical state (the state of FIG. 2 ), compared with the case where the ink outlet of FIG. 1 is set toward one end of the ink cartridge, the flow of ink in the bag main body 21 of the ink bag 2 is gentle, and Ink can be more or less used up without remaining unused ink.

In addition, engaging portions 51 and 52 are integrally provided to the support member 22 for engaging with catch nails provided on the first housing portion 11, which will be described later. Further, the side walls of the flange portion 31 corresponding to the engaging portions 51 and 52 are formed with grooves 31 a and 31 b corresponding to the engaging portions 51 and 52 , respectively.

Therefore, the ink bag 2 is configured such that the support member 22 is fixed to the edge of the substantially quadrangular flexible bag body 21, and the support member 22 is provided with an ink filling port 33 for filling ink into the bag body 21, and for discharging ink in the bag body. The ink discharge port 34 of ink. Further, since the engaging portions 51 and 52 are provided for supporting the ink bag 2 on the ink cartridge case 3 accommodating the ink bag 2, ink remaining in the bag is minimized and the ink bag 2 is easily connected to the case 3 to function as a Remove and stabilize the protective cover.

Meanwhile, the ink discharge port 34 of the support member 22 is located approximately at the center of the ink bag 2 in the height direction, as shown in FIG. 4 . Further, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the ink bag 2 is supported in the ink cartridge 1 , the ink discharge port 34 is formed so that the ink discharge port 34 is located approximately at the center of the housing 3 . In this way, when the ink cartridge 1 is used in the vertical state (the state of FIG. 2 ), compared with the situation where the ink outlet of FIG. Run out of ink.

Further, as described above, the engagement portions 51 and 52 are integrally formed on the support member 22 to engage with a stopper nail provided to the first case portion 11 as described below. Further, grooves 31 a and 31 b are formed on the side of the flange portion 31 corresponding to the engaging portions 51 and 52 . As a result, the contact area on the side of the first case part 11 and the second case part 12 is reduced, and a more stable support is obtained on the side of the case 3 .

In this way, the ink bag 2 is connected with a support member 22, which constitutes the ink bag support member of the present invention, so that the support member 22 is fixed to the edge of the substantially quadrangular flexible bag body 21, and the support member 22 includes a An ink filling port 33 for filling ink and an ink discharge port 34 for discharging ink in the bladder main body. Further, the supporting member 22 includes engaging portions 51 and 52 for supporting the ink bag 2 into the ink cartridge case 3, and the ink bag 2 can be detachably mounted to the case 3, serving as an easy and stable protective cover, This minimizes unused ink remaining in the capsule.

Because the far end portion of the ink discharge port 34 of the supporting member 22 is provided with the elastic member 45 sealing the opening and the cap member 46 supporting the elastic member 45, even if the ink cartridge 1 is repeatedly mounted to or unloaded from the recording apparatus main body, And when the ink supply needle of the recording device (used as an ink introduction device to introduce ink into the recording device) repeatedly penetrates into the ink discharge port 34, a reliable seal is obtained by the restoring force of the elastic member 45 and ink leakage is eliminated, which can The ink is supplied stably to the recording device.

[Second embodiment]

Next, another example of the ink bag of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 19-21, wherein FIG. 19 is a side view of the ink bag, FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the same ink bag filled with ink, and FIG. Bottom view of the ink sac.

It should be noted that this ink bag 2 includes a bag main body 21 of two aluminum layer films 30 and 30, in which a rear portion (bottom) 21a is further provided on the rear side also formed of the aluminum layer film. By using such three aluminum layer films 30, the capacity of the ink bag 2 can be increased.

Next, the structure of the housing of the ink cartridge 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, wherein it should be noted that FIG. Side view of part 12.

It should be noted that the case 3 of the ink cartridge 1 is formed by assembling the first case part 11 and the second case part 12 divided into substantially the same shape from a single substantially rectangular body, with the third case part 13 connected to its front on the lower part. As will be described later, in the assembled state of the ink cartridge 1, a recess 61 and a hook portion 62 are formed on the rear side thereof for snapping when the ink cartridge 1 is attached to or unloaded from the recording apparatus main body. Further, an opening 73 is formed on its front side to be aligned with the ink discharge port 34 of the main body of the inkjet recording apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 22 , the first housing portion 11 has a substantially rectangular shape and includes, at its peripheral portion, a recess 61A and a hook portion 62A that divide the recess 61 and the hook portion 62 into two halves, respectively, for forming a space to allow The cutout portion 63A where the ink filling device enters is used to guide the ink filling device to fill ink when the ink bag 2 is supported by the first case portion 11 and the second case portion 12, and to be attached to the main body of the recording device or Guide portions 64 and 65 for loading to the ink filling unit, which are integral.

Also, engaging portions 66a, 66b, and 66c for engaging with stopper nails of the second housing portion 12 described later are formed on three corners of the inner wall surface of the first housing portion 11. As shown in FIG. In addition, positioning portions 67 and 68 for positioning the support member 22 are formed on the inner wall surface of the first case portion 11 to support the support member 22 of the ink bag 2 . Further, stopper nails 71 and 72 are formed to support the engaging protrusions 51 and 52 of the support 22 . It should be noted that these positioning portions 67 and 68 and the stopper nails 71 and 72 constitute supporting means or engaging supporting means (means supporting by engaging) that supports the supporting member 22 of the ink bag 2 .

In addition, a 1/4 arc-shaped portion 73A constituting a part of the opening 73 is formed on the front side of the first case portion 11 (the front side when attached to the device main body).

Likewise, the first housing part 11 is formed with a recess 79 for engaging with a detent stud of the third housing part 13 when connected to the third housing part 13 .

Further, it should be noted that the outer shape of the second housing part 12 is substantially similar to that of the first housing part 11, as shown in FIG. The recess 61B and the hook portion 62B are used to form a space to allow the ink filling device to enter the cut-off portion 63A, which is used to guide when the ink bag 2 is supported by the first housing part 11 and the second housing part 12. The ink filling device fills with ink, and the protruding feature means 84 indicating the color of the ink filled in the ink bag 2 of the ink cartridge 1 .

Also, engaging portions 86a, 86b, and 86c for engaging with engaging portions 66a, 66b, and 66c of the integrated first housing portion 12, respectively, are formed on three corners of the inner wall surface of the second housing portion 12. In addition, engaging portions 87 and 88 having grooves for engaging with the support member 22 of the ink bag 2 are formed on the inner wall surface of the second case portion 12 .

In addition, a 1/4 arc-shaped portion 73B constituting a part of the opening 73 is formed on the front side of the first case portion 12 (the front side when attached to the device main body).

Likewise, the second housing part 12 is formed with a recess 89 for engaging with a detent stud of the third housing part 13 when connected to the third housing part 13 .

As shown in FIG. 3, at the front side where the ink is supplied when the first housing part 11 and the second housing part 12 are assembled, the third housing part 13 is inserted into the first housing part 11 and the second housing part 11. In the cut-out portions 63A and 63B of the housing portion 12 . This third case portion 13 is provided with stopper nails 91 and 92 for engaging with the engagement recesses 79 and 89 of the first case portion 11 and the second case portion 12, respectively, and also includes a portion forming the aforementioned opening 73. The 1/2 arc portion 73C.

With this structure, the ink cartridge 1 as shown in FIG. 24 is manufactured (assembled) by urging the support member 22 of the ink bag 2 and positioning by using the positioning portions 67 and 68 of the first case portion 11 . Thus, it should be noted that the stoppers 71 and 72 of the first housing part 11 are respectively engaged with the protrusions 51 and 52 of the support part 22 of the ink bag 2, so that the support part 22 is supported on the first housing part 11. .

Thereafter, the second housing part 12 is arranged on the first housing part 11 and the first housing part 11 and the second housing part 12 are pressed against each other. In this way, the stop nails 86a-86c of the second housing part 12 are engaged with the engagement parts 66a-66c of the first housing part 11, and an assembly of the first housing part 11 and the second housing part 12 is obtained. (See Figure 3).

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the third housing part 13 is fitted to the first housing part 11 and the second housing part 12, so that the stop nails 91 and 92 of the third housing part 13 are in contact with the first housing part 13. The corresponding recesses 79 and 89 of the body part 11 and the second housing part 12 engage. Thus, the ink cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 2 is completed.

Further, when the ink cartridge 1 is reused by taking out the ink bag 2 from the ink cartridge 1 and replacing it with a new one, the third case part 13 is removed and the second case part 12 and the first case part are detached in reverse order. 11. Here, it should be noted that the third housing part 13 , the first housing part 11 and the second housing part 12 are easy to disassemble, since they are lightly engaged by the stop pegs and the corresponding recesses.

Here, it should be noted that when the third housing part 13 is used repeatedly, damage to the stop nail may be caused. On the other hand, the user can check the state of the stop nail only by removing the third housing part 13 . Thus, the user's work steps can be minimized by discarding the third housing part 13 when its locking stud is damaged.

Thus, by using a new ink bag 2 filled with ink or using a used ink bag 2 filled with ink, and by subsequently performing the aforementioned steps for the ink cartridge 1, a recycled ink cartridge 1 is completed.

Here, the ink filling step of the ink bag 2 will be explained.

In this step, the hollow filling needle is inserted into the ink filling port 33 while the support 22 of the ink bag 2 is supported in the first housing part 11 . By supplying ink from the outside at this time, the ink bag main body 21 is filled.

Here, it should be noted that ink ejection can be performed while the ink bag 2 is supported by the first housing portion 11 , and therefore, ink can be supplied while confirming the condition of the ink bag 2 . In addition, since the ink bag 2 is supported by the first case portion 11 in the ink filling step, the ink bag 2 is stably supported when the ink is filled.

When filling ink into the bag body 21 of the ink bag 2 is completed, a thermal head is pushed toward the ink filling port 33 from both sides, so that the ink filling port 33 is sealed due to the welding process caused by the thermal head.

Next, the filling of the used ink bag 2 with ink will be explained.

First, a hollow filling needle is inserted into the ink discharge port 34, and ink is supplied from the outside. In this way, ink is filled to the bladder main body 21 . Here, this step is applicable to the ink bag 2 in an independent state or in a state in which the aforementioned ink bag 2 is supported by the first case portion 11 . In this way, refilling of ink to the ink bag 2 is easily performed.

Further, a part of the bag main body 21 of the ink bag 2 can be breached or a hole is punched in a part thereof and ink is filled into the bag main body 21 from this hole. In this case, the breach or perforation is sealed by the seal after the refilling step. Further, in the case where the ink filling port 33 has a sufficient length, the sealing portion 36 can be cut off and refilling can be performed through the ink filling port 33 in the same manner as the initial ink filling. Thereafter, the ink filling port 33 is sealed by a thermal welding process.

After thus refilling the used ink bag 2, the ink cartridge case 3 is assembled in the same manner as previously described, and the ink cartridge 1 accommodating the ink bag 2 can be obtained.

Therefore, the composition of the ink cartridge 1 of the present invention can be by using the first housing part of the support member of supporting ink bag, have the second housing part of the similar shape with the first housing part and the first housing in its assembled state. The third housing part with the body part joined to the second housing part is disassembled and reassembled. Therefore, replacement of the ink bag is easy. Further, since the support member of the ink bag is supported by the first and second case parts forming divided halves, and since the first and second case parts are divided along a plane parallel to the ink supply direction, when With the front loading structure, the state of the ink bag is stable and ink supply is stable.

In addition, it should be noted that the relationship between the stopper nail and the engagement portion may be reversed from the previous embodiment.

More specifically, a detent spike may be provided to the first housing portion, the engaging portion to the second housing portion to jointly engage the first and second housing portions, or alternatively, a detent spike may be provided to the The first and second case parts, the engaging portion (engagement recess) to the third case part to engage the first, second and third case parts. Further, the foregoing is an explanation of the case where the ink cartridge 1 is loaded from the front side of the inkjet recording apparatus in a vertical state, and the present invention is also applicable to the case where the ink cartridge 1 is loaded from the front side in a horizontal state.

[Third embodiment]

Another embodiment of the ink cartridge 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 25-30.

The embodiment of Figure 25 strengthens the connection of the stopper 91 to the first housing part 11, the second housing part 12 and the second housing part 12 by affixing the label 101 to the outside of the first housing part 11 and the second housing part 12. The joint between the three housing parts 13 . In this way, the third case part 13 can be prevented from falling when the ink cartridge 1 is frequently inserted or removed.

It should be noted that the embodiment of FIG. 26 secures the first housing part 11 and the second housing part 12 by tightening the screw 102 . In this way, disassembly of the third case part 13 is prevented when the ink cartridge 1 is frequently inserted or removed.

In the embodiment of FIG. 27, cut-off portions 69A and 69B are formed on the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12, respectively, so that they are located at the ink discharge port 34 of the ink bag 2 and/or are disposed at the ink discharge port. The side portion of the cap-shaped member 42 of the distal end portion of 34. Further, the third case portion 13 is also formed with a cut-off portion 99 on the side of the ink discharge port 34 of the ink bag 2 and/or the cap member 42 provided at the distal end portion of the ink discharge port 34 .

In this way, when the ink cartridge case is thin, when the needle is inserted into the ink discharge port 34 from the recording device side, the needle guard (needle guard) provided around the needle and the first case part 11, the second case part 12 or the third housing part 13.

More specifically, the needle 111 penetrates the ink discharge port 34 of the ink cartridge 1 from the main body side of the recording apparatus, as shown in FIG. A needle guard 112 is provided on the device side to surround the needle 111 to protect the needle 111 .

Now, when the thickness of the cartridge 1 is reduced, the opening for receiving the needle guard 112 cannot be fixed only by the opening 73 . On the other hand, the needle guard 112 can be made to penetrate the opening by providing a cut-off to the ink discharge port 34 of the housing parts 11, 12 and 13 and/or the lateral side of the cap member 42, which is continuous with the opening 73 at its side. 73 without touching the housing, as shown in Figure 29. Therefore, the present invention can further reduce the thickness of the ink cartridge.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 30, it can be seen that in the first housing part 11 and the second housing part 12, respectively, at the far end of the ink discharge port 34 provided to the ink bag 2 serving as the ink storage device Cutaway portions 69A and 69B are formed at the lateral sides of part of the cap member 46 and/or the ink discharge port 34 . Depending on the positions of the cutout portions 69A and 69B, no cutout portion may be formed in the third case portion 13 .

Next, an example of an inkjet recording apparatus using the above ink cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 34, wherein FIG. A view of the ink cartridge loading portion of the recording apparatus, in which the cover is opened, FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the mechanical portion of the inkjet recording apparatus, and FIG. 34 is a view showing details of the mechanical portion.

Referring to the drawings, the inkjet recording apparatus includes an apparatus main body 201, a sheet feed tray 202 for loading a sheet set into the apparatus main body 201, and a sheet connected to the apparatus main body 201 for collecting recorded images. The page-out tray 203. The top cover 211 of the device main body 201 forms a substantially flat surface, and the front cover of the device main body 201 has a front surface 212 inclined in a rear-bottom direction relative to the aforementioned top surface.

Further, a discharge tray 203 is provided at a lower portion of the inclined front surface 212, and the sheet feed tray 202 protrudes in a forward (front side) direction.

Further, an ink cartridge loading portion 204 is provided at the end of the front surface 212 to protrude from the aforementioned front surface 212 in the forward direction under the top cover 211, and an operation portion 205 including various keys and indications is provided on the ink cartridge Mounted on the top surface of part 204. The ink cartridge loading portion 204 is further provided with a front cover 215 which is opened and closed for loading and unloading the ink cartridge 1 .

In the device main body 201, the carriage 233 is supported movably in the main scanning direction by the guide bar 231, and is laterally supported by a pair of side plates and pillars 232 provided to the left and right, not shown, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, wherein the The carriage is driven by an unshown main scanning motor to move in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 34 .

On the carriage 233, there is provided a recording head 234 formed of four inkjet heads ejecting inks of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (Bk), respectively. drops so that the inkjet nozzles are aligned in a direction across the main scanning direction. Therefore, ink droplets are ejected in the downward direction.

For the inkjet head constituting the recording head 234, a piezoelectric actuator including, for example, a piezoelectric element, utilizing a phase change (for example, by electrothermal conversion such as a resistance heater) can be used as a power source for ink ejection. The boiling of the liquid film caused by the element), the shape memory alloy actuator using the metal phase transition caused by the temperature change, the electrostatic actuator using the static electricity and so on.

Further, the carriage 233 carries sub-cassettes 235 of respective colors for supplying ink to the recording head 234 . Thus, ink is supplied to the sub-cassette 235 from the ink discharge port 34 of the ink bag 2 of the ink cartridge 1 loaded into the ink cartridge loading portion 205 through an ink supply tube not shown.

Further, there is provided a sheet feeding section for feeding sheets 242 loaded on the sheet storage section (pressure plate) 241 of the sheet feeding tray 203 one by one, wherein the sheet feeding section includes semicircular rollers (sheet feeding rollers) 243, which feeds sheets 242 one sheet at a time from a sheet loading portion 241, and a separation pad 244 opposed to a sheet feed roller 243 and formed of a material having a large coefficient of friction, this separation pad 244 abuts against the sheet feed roller 243.

Further, a page conveying part is provided for conveying the sheet 242 provided by the aforementioned sheet supply part to under the recording head 234, wherein the sheet conveying part includes a conveying belt 251 which utilizes electrostatic attraction to convey the page 242, sandwiched together with the conveying belt 251 through the guide The member 245 is a reverse roller 252 conveyed from the sheet 242 fed by the sheet supply section, a conveying guide 253 for changing the direction of the sheet 242 vertically provided in the upward direction by about 90 degrees to cause the sheet to coincide with the conveying belt 251, and a conveying guide 253 composed of The pressure member 254 presses against the end pressure roller 255 of the conveyor belt 251 . Further, a charging roller 256 for electrostatically charging the surface of the conveyor belt 251 is provided.

Here, it should be noted that the conveying belt 251 is an endless belt between the conveying roller 257 and the tension roller 258, which is looped in the belt conveying direction. It should be noted that the conveyer belt 251 may include a surface layer part which functions as a sheet connecting surface and is made of, for example, a resin material such as ETFE pure material which has a thickness of 40 μm and has not undergone resistance control, and the same process as the surface layer part material. The back layer portion of the resistance control carbon (middle resistance layer or ground layer).

Further, a guide 261 is provided on the opposite side of the conveyor belt 251 corresponding to a page recording area where recording is performed by the recording head 234 .

Further, a sheet discharge portion is formed in which the sheet 242 on which an image is recorded by the recording head 234 is discharged by separating pins 271 for separating the sheet 242 from the conveyor belt 251 , the sheet discharge roller 272 and the sheet discharge roller 273 . Further, a sheet discharge tray 203 is provided below the sheet discharge roller 272 .

Also, on the rear side of the apparatus main body, there is detachably provided a sheet feeding unit 281 for double-sided recording, wherein the sheet feeding unit 281 for double-sided recording picks up the returned sheet 242 due to the reverse rotation of the conveyor belt 251 and Turn the page. Thereafter, the sheet is fed again between the reverse roller 252 and the conveyor belt 251 . Also, a manual sheet feeding section 282 is provided on the sheet feeding unit 281 for double-sided recording.

Therefore, in the inkjet recording apparatus having the above-mentioned structure, the sheets 242 are separated from the sheet supply portion one by one, wherein the sheets 242 fed in the substantially upward direction are guided by the guide 245 and sandwiched between the conveyor belt 251 and the reverse direction. The transfer is performed between rollers 252 . The sheet is further guided at its top by a transport guide 253 and pressed against the transport belt 251 at the tip by a pressure roller 255 . Thus, the direction of transmission changes by about 90 degrees.

Here, it should be noted that the conveying belt 257 is charged by the charging roller 256, and the sheet 242 is conveyed by the conveying belt 251 when the sheet 242 is adhered to the conveying belt 251 by static electricity.

Therefore, by driving the recording head 234 with an image signal to move the carriage 233, one line is recorded on the sheet 242 by ejecting ink droplets while the recording sheet 242 is statically supported. Further, after the page 242 is conveyed by a predetermined amount, the recording of the next line is performed.

When a signal indicating that the edge of the page 242 has been reached or that the recording is complete, the recording operation is terminated and the page 242 is sent out to the page-out tray 203 .

Now, when the near-end of the ink in the sub-tank 235 is detected, a necessary amount of ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 1 to the sub-tank 235 .

Since the inkjet recording apparatus is provided with the ink cartridge 1 of the present invention, the ink bag 2 in the ink cartridge 1 can be replaced by detaching the housing 3 to replace only the ink bag 2 in the ink cartridge 1 when the ink therein is exhausted. Further, such a structure allows stable ink supply when the ink cartridge 1 in the upright state is loaded from the front side, and thus can be used even if the upper part of the apparatus main body 201 is occupied (as the inkjet recording apparatus is housed in a rack or The top surface of the inkjet device main body 201 is used to support some other objects), and it is easy to replace the ink cartridge 1.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the example of a reciprocating type inkjet recording apparatus in which a carriage scans a recording sheet, the present invention can also be applied to a line type inkjet recording apparatus provided with a line type head. Also, the inkjet recording device of the present invention can be applied to other various types of devices other than inkjet printers, such as facsimile machines, copiers, print/fax/copy multifunction machines, and the like.

Industrial applicability

As described above, the ink bag of the present invention includes a substantially quadrangular flexible bag body and a support member fixed on an edge of the flexible bag body, wherein the support member is provided with an ink filling mechanism for filling the above-mentioned bag body with ink. and an ink discharge port for discharging ink in the above-mentioned bag main body; and an engaging portion for supporting the above-mentioned ink bag into an ink cartridge accommodating the above-mentioned ink bag. Due to such a structure, the unused ink remaining in the ink bag is minimized, and the ink bag can be detachably attached to the case conveniently and stably.

Ink cartridge of the present invention comprises at least first and second casing part, and it has similar external shape, and therefore first and second casing part can be mutually assembled together, and disassembles into independent piece, and owing to joining effect, this The support of the inventive ink bag is supported on engaging support means on the first housing part. As a result, the ink cartridge can be easily assembled and disassembled with minimal remaining unused ink. In addition, the ink bag can be easily attached to and detached from the ink cartridge housing.

The inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention is structured such that loading of the ink cartridge of the present invention can be performed from the front side of the apparatus. Thus, only the ink bag can be replaced when the ink in the ink cartridge is used up. In addition, ink can be supplied stably.

According to the ink filling method of the present invention, ink is filled from the ink filling port in a state where the support member of the ink bag is supported on the first housing portion, so that ink can be easily filled in a stable state.

According to the ink refilling method of the present invention, in the state where the support member of the ink bag is supported on the first case portion, ink is filled from the ink discharge port, thereby, the ink refilling becomes easy in a stable state. possible.

According to the ink refilling method of the present invention, a breach portion or perforation is provided on a part of the bag body of the ink bag, and after ink is filled into the bag body from this breach portion or perforation, the breach portion is sealed, thereby, it is easy to Refill the ink.

According to the manufacturing method of the ink cartridge of the present invention, the support member of the ink bag filled with ink is supported to the first case part, and then the second case part is connected to the first case part. Therefore, it is easy to assemble the ink cartridge.

According to the ink cartridge recycling method of the present invention, the first and second case parts are separated from each other, and the ink bag is removed by unloading the support member of the ink bag from the first case part. Further, the support member of the ink bag filled with ink is supported to the engaging support portion of the first case portion, and the first and second case portions are assembled with each other. Therefore, the ink cartridge case is not wasted, and is effectively reused.

As described above, the ink bag support of the present invention is used to accommodate the flexible ink bag body into the ink cartridge, and includes an ink filling port for filling ink into the bag body, an ink discharge port for discharging ink in the bag body, There is also an engaging portion supported by engaging means provided on at least one of the housing portions forming the cartridge halves.

According to the ink cartridge of the present invention, the ink bag having the ink bag support of the present invention is housed therein, and therefore, the flexible ink bag can be stably housed therein.

According to the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention, the ink cartridge of the present invention can be loaded from the front, and therefore, only the ink bag can be replaced when the ink in the cartridge is exhausted.

According to the ink cartridge of the present invention, a housing formed of housing halves is provided, at least one of the housing halves has means for supporting a supporting member formed with an ink discharge port, and an elastic member is provided on the supporting member formed on the supporting member. The distal portion of the ink discharge port in the part is used to seal the opening. Further, a hat-shaped member for supporting and pressing the elastic member is provided. As a result, stable ink supply is possible without causing ink leakage. Further, it is easy to reuse the cartridge case or the ink storage device.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the ink cartridge of the present invention can be loaded from its front side, and therefore, only the ink storage unit can be replaced when the ink in the ink cartridge is used up. Thus, stable ink supply is achieved.

According to the ink bag of the present invention, the support member is fixed to the bag body having flexibility, wherein the support member is provided with an ink filling port for filling the above bag body with ink and an ink discharge port for discharging ink in the above bag body. Further, the support member is provided with an engaging portion for supporting the ink bag to the ink cartridge case formed by the case half. As a result, the residue of unused ink is minimized and the ink bag is detachably easily and stably attached to the housing. Thus, stable ink supply is achieved.

According to the ink cartridge of the present invention, the ink cartridge includes a case formed of at least first and second case parts having the same outer shape, wherein the first and second case parts can be assembled or disassembled from each other. Further, the support member of the ink bag of the present invention is supported at the engaging support means provided to the first housing part. Therefore, assembly and disassembly are easy and unused ink remains to a minimum. It is then possible to stably and easily detachably connect the ink bag to the case.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in which the ink cartridge of the present invention is incorporated, only the ink bag can be replaced when the ink in the ink cartridge is used up. This leads to stable ink supply.

The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, as changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

The present invention is based on Japanese priority patent applications 2003-074520 filed on March 18, 2003, 2003-076676 filed on March 20, 2003, 2003-076663 filed on March 20, 2003 and June 26, 2003 2003-183326 of the Japanese application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (46)

1. one kind wherein accommodates black ink sac, comprising:

The flexible pocket main body of one essentially rectangular; With

One is connected to the supporting member at an edge of described capsule main body,

Described supporting member comprises: an ink filling port that is used for stopping out described capsule main body; One is used to discharge the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner of described capsule main body China and Mexico; With a bonding part that is used for described ink sac is supported to the print cartridge that holds described ink sac.

2. the ink sac described in claim 1, the ratio of width to height of wherein said capsule main body (W/H) is in the scope of 1≤W/H≤1.5.

3. the ink sac described in claim 1, the described ink filling port of wherein said supporting member and described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner roughly are positioned at the center at an edge of described capsule main body.

4. the ink sac described in claim 1, the described supporting member of wherein said ink sac are supported during with following state: in the time of in described ink sac is housed inside described print cartridge, described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner roughly is positioned at the center of described print cartridge in its short transverse.

5. the ink sac described in claim 1, wherein said ink filling port are filled with in described capsule main body under the state of China ink and seal by welding.

6. the ink sac described in claim 1, wherein said supporting member are set on long one side of described ink sac main body.

7. the ink sac described in claim 1 wherein also comprises at described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner place: one be used to seal described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner distal portion office an opening elastic component and be used to push down the cup member of described elastic component.

8. the ink sac described in claim 7, wherein said supporting member comprises: the step part on described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner periphery surface is used to engage the fastener that is arranged on the described cup member.

9. the ink sac described in claim 7, wherein said elastic component are cylindrical sections of being made up of the elastomeric material of one of silicones, fluorine and butyl.

10. the ink sac described in claim 7, wherein said cup member are one to have the cylindrical section of a flange portion, and this flange portion is pushed down described elastic component, and wherein said cylindrical section has the inside fastener of a plurality of bendings.

11. a print cartridge that holds ink sac comprises:

At least the first and second housing parts, its appearance similar and formation single housing when assembling mutually;

Described first and second housing parts are configured to described single housing can be splitted into described first and second housing parts;

Described ink sac comprises: the flexible pocket main body and of an essentially rectangular is connected to the supporting member at an edge of described capsule main body, and described supporting member comprises: an ink filling port that is used for stopping out described capsule main body; One is used to discharge the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner of described capsule main body China and Mexico; With a bonding part that is used for described ink sac is supported to the print cartridge that wherein holds described ink sac,

The described supporting member of wherein said ink sac is supported the bonding part that is arranged on described first housing parts.

12. an ink-jet recording apparatus can be packed the print cartridge that wherein holds an ink sac into from the front side of this ink-jet recording apparatus,

Described print cartridge comprises: at least the first and second housing parts, and it has similar profile, and when assembling mutually, forms single housing;

Described first and second housing parts are configured to described single housing can be splitted into described first and second housing parts;

Described ink sac comprises: the flexible pocket main body and of an essentially rectangular is connected to the supporting member at an edge of described capsule main body, and described supporting member comprises: an ink filling port that is used for stopping out described capsule main body; One is used to discharge the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner of described capsule main body China and Mexico; With a bonding part that is used for described ink sac is supported to the print cartridge that holds described ink sac,

The described supporting member of wherein said ink sac is supported the bonding part that is arranged on described first housing parts.

13. the method for stopping out again in the ink sac that is used for being contained in print cartridge with stopping out, described print cartridge comprises: at least the first and second housing parts, it has similar profile, and when it is assembled mutually, form single housing, described first and second housing parts are configured to described single housing can be splitted into described first and second housing parts, described ink sac comprises: the flexible pocket main body of an essentially rectangular, with a supporting member that is connected to an edge of described capsule main body, described supporting member comprises: an ink filling port that is used for stopping out described capsule main body; One is used to discharge the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner of described capsule main body China and Mexico; With a bonding part that is used for described ink sac is supported to the print cartridge that holds described ink sac, the described supporting member of described ink sac is supported the bonding part that is arranged on described first housing parts,

When the described supporting member of described ink sac engaged with described first housing parts, described method was filled described China ink from described ink filling port.

14. the method for stopping out again described in claim 13 wherein when the described supporting member of described ink sac is supported described first housing parts, recharges described China ink from described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner.

15. the method for stopping out again described in claim 13 may further comprise the steps:

On the part of the described capsule main body of described ink sac, form arbitrary breach part;

From described breach part with the described described capsule main body of stopping out again; With

Seal described breach part described after recharging step.

16. hold the manufacture method of the print cartridge of an ink sac, described print cartridge comprises: at least the first and second housing parts, it has similar profile, and when it is assembled mutually, form single housing, described first and second housing parts are configured to described single housing can be splitted into described first and second housing parts, described ink sac comprises: the flexible pocket main body of an essentially rectangular, with a supporting member that is connected to an edge of described capsule main body, described supporting member comprises: an ink filling port that is used for stopping out described capsule main body; One is used to discharge the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner of described capsule main body China and Mexico; With a bonding part that is used for described ink sac is supported to the print cartridge that holds described ink sac, the described supporting member of described ink sac is supported the bonding part that is arranged on described first housing parts;

Described manufacture method comprises the steps:

On described first housing parts, described ink sac is filled with described China ink with the supporting members support of described ink sac; With

Described second housing parts is connected on first housing parts.

17. wherein accommodate the recycling method of the print cartridge of ink sac, described print cartridge comprises: at least the first and second housing parts, it has similar profile, and when it is assembled mutually, form single housing, described first and second housing parts are configured to described single housing can be splitted into described first and second housing parts, described ink sac comprises: the flexible pocket main body of an essentially rectangular, with a supporting member that is connected to an edge of described capsule main body, described supporting member comprises: an ink filling port that is used for stopping out described capsule main body; One is used to discharge the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner of described capsule main body China and Mexico; With a bonding part that is used for described ink sac is supported to the print cartridge that holds described ink sac, the described supporting member of described ink sac is supported the bonding part that is arranged on described first housing parts;

Described recycling method comprises the steps:

Described single housing is splitted into first and second housing parts;

Remove described ink sac by removing described supporting member from described first housing parts;

The supporting member that is filled with the described ink sac of China ink is engaged with the described supporting part that engages of described first housing parts; With

Described first and second housing parts are assembled into described single housing.

18. an ink sac supporting member is used for flexible ink sac body abutment at print cartridge, described ink sac supporting member comprises:

One is used for and will stops out to the ink filling port of described capsule main body;

One is used for the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner with the venting of described capsule main body; With

One bonding part is used for partly engaging with being arranged on the re-spective engagement of housing halfbody on one of at least, and described housing halfbody has constituted the cartridge case of described print cartridge together.

19. the ink sac supporting member described in claim 18, wherein said ink sac supporting member are fixed on by welding on the edge of described capsule main body, this capsule main body is roughly square, and described supporting member removably supports to described cartridge case.

20. the ink sac supporting member described in claim 18, wherein said ink sac supporting member has a taper connection part, and an end is fused to described capsule main body, and described attaching parts, described ink filling port and described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner are formed on the different surfaces of flange portion.

21. the ink sac supporting member described in claim 20 has wherein formed a groove on a side of described flange portion.

22. the ink sac supporting member described in claim 21, wherein said ink filling port is by frit seal.

23. a print cartridge that wherein holds an ink sac,

Described ink sac comprises:

One is used for and will stops out to the ink filling port of described capsule main body;

One is used for the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner with the venting of described capsule main body; With

One bonding part is used for partly engaging with being arranged on the re-spective engagement of housing halfbody on one of at least, and described housing halfbody has constituted the cartridge case of described print cartridge together.

24. an ink-jet recording apparatus, the print cartridge of packing into from its front side is holding an ink sac in the described print cartridge,

Described ink sac comprises:

One is used for and will stops out to the ink filling port of described capsule main body;

One is used for the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner with the venting of described capsule main body; With

One bonding part is used for partly engaging with being arranged on the re-spective engagement of housing halfbody on one of at least, and described housing halfbody has constituted the cartridge case of described print cartridge together.

25. a print cartridge is outwards supplied with China ink by a discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner, comprising:

The housing halfbody, it forms the single cartridge case of described print cartridge together, and at least one has a supporting part in the described housing halfbody, and this supporting part is used to support the supporting member that is formed with described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner;

One elastic component, a distal portions of described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner that is arranged on described supporting member is to be used to seal an opening; With

One is used to push down the cup member of described elastic component.

26. the print cartridge described in claim 25, wherein the periphery surface at described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner is provided with a step part, is used for engaging with the fastener that is provided with on the described cup member.

27. the print cartridge described in claim 25, wherein said elastic component is formed by any the elastomeric material that is selected from silicone rubber material, fluorubber material and the butyl rubber material.

28. the print cartridge described in claim 25, wherein said cup member comprise that one has a cylindrical section that is used to push down the flange portion of described elastic component, and wherein said cylindrical section has the inside fastener of a plurality of bendings.

29. the ink-jet recording apparatus of the print cartridge of packing into from its front side,

Described print cartridge will be inked in the described ink-jet recording apparatus by a discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner, and comprise:

The housing halfbody, it forms the single cartridge case of described print cartridge together, and at least one has a supporting part in the described housing halfbody, and this supporting part is used to support the supporting member that is formed with described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner;

One elastic component, it is arranged on the distal portions of described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner of described supporting member and is used to seal an opening; With

One is used to push down the cup member of described elastic component.

30. an ink sac that is used to hold China ink comprises:

One flexible pocket main body; With

One is fixed on the supporting member on the described capsule main body,

Described supporting member comprises that one is used for and will stops out to the ink filling port of described capsule main body, and one is used for a discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner and the bonding part with the venting of described capsule main body, is used for described ink sac is bearing in the cartridge case of being made up of the housing halfbody.

31. the ink sac described in claim 30, wherein said discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner comprises a cylindrical section, form portalling of China ink described in the described capsule main body, and wherein said cylindrical section is made up of the material that does not influence described black character.

32. the ink sac described in claim 31, wherein said cylindrical section has a supporting part, is used to support one and inserts described portalling with the elastic component of integral sealing.

33. the ink sac described in claim 30, wherein said discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner have an elastic component that portals that is used for sealing the described China ink of described capsule main body, and wherein said elastic component is made up of the material that does not influence described black character.

34. the ink sac described in claim 33, wherein said elastic component is made of silicone rubber that does not influence described black character or silicon-based rubber.

35. the ink sac described in claim 30, wherein said discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner is provided with a cup member, at least a portion of the elastic component that the China ink that makes covering seal the described China ink in the described capsule main body portals, described cup member is made up of the material that does not influence described black character.

36. the ink sac described in claim 34 has wherein formed a step part, is used for engaging with the fastener on the described cup member on the periphery surface that is arranged on described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner.

37. the ink sac described in claim 34, wherein said cup member is formed by a cylindrical section, and this cup member has a flange portion, is used to push down described elastic component, and wherein said cylindrical section has the inside fastener of a plurality of bendings.

38. the ink sac described in claim 33, the outer diameter D of wherein said elastic component becomes ratio D a: D ' with the interior diameter D ' that elastic component inserts part wherein, and this ratio is 1: 0.85-1: in 0.92 the scope.

39. the ink sac described in claim 33, the thickness t of wherein said elastic component becomes ratio t a: H with the depth H that elastic component inserts part wherein, 1: 0.77-1: in 1 the scope.

40. the ink sac described in claim 33, wherein one thrust and be used in the described elastic component that the hollow needle that the described China ink that described capsule main body is held is taken out of is had a diameter d, this diameter is by the ratio d of the outer diameter D of described diameter d and described elastic component: D decision, and this ratio is 1: 3-1: in 10 the scope.

41. the ink sac described in claim 33, wherein one thrust and be used in the described elastic component that the hollow needle that the described China ink of described capsule main body is taken out of is had a diameter d, this diameter is by the ratio d of the thickness t of described diameter d and described elastic component: t decision, and this ratio is 1: 1.5-1: in 3.5 the scope.

42. the ink sac described in claim 30, wherein when described ink sac was contained in the described print cartridge, described discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner roughly was positioned at the center of described print cartridge short transverse, and in this state, the described supporting member of described ink sac is supported.

43. the ink sac described in claim 30, wherein said ink filling port is filled with described when China ink by frit seal at described ink sac.

44. a print cartridge that is holding an ink sac comprises: at least the first and second housing parts, its appearance similar, described first and second housing parts form single housing when it is assembled mutually,

Described single housing can be splitted into described first and second housing parts;

Described ink sac comprises: a flexible pocket main body, with a supporting member that is fixed to described capsule main body, described supporting member comprises: an ink filling port that is used for stopping out described capsule main body, one is used to discharge the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner of described capsule main body China and Mexico, with one be used for described ink sac is supported to bonding part on the print cartridge that is formed by the housing halfbody

The described supporting member of described ink sac is supported on the joint supporting arrangement that is arranged on described first housing parts.

45. an ink-jet recording apparatus, it is equipped with one and accommodates black print cartridge,

Described print cartridge comprises:

At least the first and second housing parts, its appearance similar, described first and second housing parts form single housing when it is assembled mutually,

Described single housing can be splitted into described first and second housing parts;

Described ink sac comprises: a flexible pocket main body, with a supporting member that is fixed to described capsule main body, described supporting member comprises: an ink filling port that is used for stopping out described capsule main body, one is used to discharge the discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner of described capsule main body China and Mexico, with one be used for described ink sac is supported to bonding part on the print cartridge that is formed by the housing halfbody

The described supporting member of described ink sac is supported on the joint supporting arrangement that is arranged on described first housing parts.

46. the ink-jet recording apparatus described in claim 45, wherein said print cartridge is packed into from the front side of the apparatus main body of described ink-jet recording apparatus.

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