Ink cartridge, method for manufacturing ink cartridge, and printing apparatus

Abstract

And the usage amount of plastic with great burden on the environment is reduced. The ink cartridge includes: an ink bag portion including a bag member that accommodates ink and that has a volume for accommodating the ink shrunk as a residual amount of the ink decreases, and a rib portion that is flat-plate-shaped and is fixed to the bag member so as to move as the bag member shrunk; an ejection head part which is connected with the ink bag part and can be connected with a printing device; and a housing part that accommodates the ink bag part and the nozzle part so that a part of the nozzle part is exposed, in the ink bag part, a surface of the bag member on the opposite side from a portion to which the rib part is fixed is fixed to an inner surface of the housing part, the housing part has a through hole that penetrates the inside and outside, and the rib part has a protrusion part. The protruding portion protrudes outward from the through hole when the remaining amount of ink becomes less than a predetermined value, the rib portion and the head portion are formed using a first material having a predetermined bending strength that does not deform when connected to the printing device, and the housing portion is formed using a second material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink cartridge, a method for manufacturing the ink cartridge, and a printing device. Background Art

[0002] In a printing device or the like having an inkjet head, an ink cartridge is used as a supply source for supplying ink to the head (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-519795 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In recent years, there has been a growing demand for reducing the use of environmentally harmful plastics in various products. In response to this, ink cartridges are also being required to have a structure that reduces the use of these environmentally harmful plastics.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an ink cartridge, a method for manufacturing an ink cartridge, and a printing device that can reduce the use of plastics that have a significant impact on the environment.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] The ink cartridge of the present invention comprises: an ink bag portion, which has a bag member for storing ink and shrinking the volume of the ink as the remaining amount of the ink becomes less, and a rib portion that is flat and fixed to the bag member in a manner that moves as the bag member shrinks; a nozzle head portion, which is connected to the ink bag portion and can be connected to a printing device; and a shell portion, which stores the ink bag portion and the nozzle head portion in a manner that the nozzle head portion is partially exposed, wherein in the ink bag portion, the surface of the bag member on the side opposite to the portion where the rib portion is fixed is fixed to the inner surface of the shell portion, the shell portion has a through hole that passes through the inside and the outside, the rib portion has a protrusion, which is provided in a manner that protrudes outward from the through hole when the remaining amount of the ink becomes less than a specified value, the rib portion and the nozzle head portion are formed using a first material having a specified bending strength that does not deform when connected to the printing device, and the shell portion is formed using a second material different from the first material.

[0011] In the manufacturing method of the ink cartridge of the present invention, the ink cartridge comprises: a bag member that stores ink and shrinks in volume as the remaining amount of the ink decreases; a rib portion that is formed using a first material having a specified bending strength that will not deform when connected to a printing device, is flat and has a specified protrusion; a nozzle head portion that is formed using the first material and can be connected to the printing device; and a shell portion that is formed using a second material different from the first material and has a specified through hole, wherein the manufacturing method of the ink cartridge includes: an ink bag forming step of forming an ink bag portion by fixing the rib portion relative to the bag member in a manner that the rib portion moves as the bag member shrinks; a connecting step of connecting the nozzle head portion to the ink bag portion; and a housing step of housing the ink bag portion and the nozzle head portion in the shell portion in a manner that the nozzle head portion is partially exposed.

[0012] The printing device of the present invention includes: a main body portion for performing printing using ink; and a mounting portion provided in the main body portion for mounting the above-mentioned ink cartridge as a supply source of the ink.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ink cartridge, an ink cartridge manufacturing method, and a printing apparatus capable of reducing the use of plastics that have a significant impact on the environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the ink cartridge according to this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the ink cartridge according to this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the ink cartridge according to this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view showing a part of the interior of the ink cartridge.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing an ink cartridge according to this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the ink cartridge manufacturing process.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the ink cartridge manufacturing process.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the ink cartridge manufacturing process.

[0023] Figure 9This is a diagram showing an example of the ink cartridge manufacturing process.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of the ink cartridge manufacturing process.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of a state where an ink cartridge is installed in a printing device.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of a state where an ink cartridge is installed in a printing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited by the embodiment. In addition, the structural elements in the following embodiments include parts that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art, or parts that are substantially the same.

[0028] Figures 1 to 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of the ink cartridge 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 It's a stereogram. Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the ink cartridge 100 is replaceably mounted in the printing apparatus and is used as a supply source for supplying ink to the printing apparatus.

[0029] The ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate that is longer in one direction. Hereinafter, when describing the direction of the ink cartridge 100, the XYZ coordinates will be used for description. That is, the long side direction of the ink cartridge 100 is set as the X direction. In addition, the width direction perpendicular to the long side direction is set as the Y direction, and the thickness direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is set as the Z direction. The ink cartridge 100 includes an ink bag portion 10, a nozzle head portion 20, and a shell portion 30. In addition, Figure 3 , the housing portion 30 is shown in a state where it is unfolded.

[0030] The ink bag portion 10 includes a bag member 11 and a rib 12. The bag member 11 is formed into a bag shape using a flexible material. The bag member 11 has, for example, a rectangular shape, but is not limited to this shape. The bag member 11 is formed, for example, by joining the peripheral edges of two sheet members 11a together by welding or the like. An opening corresponding to the bag mouth 13 described later is formed in a portion of the joining portion 11c of the sheet member 11a. The bag member 11 stores ink Q inside, that is, inside the joining portion 11c of the sheet member 11a. The bag member 11 is sealed inside when storing ink Q. As the remaining amount of ink Q stored inside decreases, the volume of the stored ink in the bag member 11 shrinks. In other words, the bag member 11 shrinks in the Z direction according to the amount of ink discharged as the ink is consumed and discharged from the state of being filled with ink Q. Alternatively, the bag member 11 may be formed, for example, by folding and pasting a single sheet member.

[0031] The bag member 11 has a bag spout 13. The bag spout 13 is provided at an end portion in the X direction. Figure 4 1 is an enlarged view showing a part of the interior of the ink cartridge 100. Figure 4 As shown, the spout 13 discharges the ink Q contained within the bag member 11 to the outside. When the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the printing device, the spout 13 is connected to the printing device, for example, via the printhead 20. The ink Q discharged from the spout 13 is supplied to the printing device. The spout 13 is located at one end of the bag member 11, which is formed, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular shape. The spout 13 has a radially protruding flange 13a. The flange 13a is housed and retained in a flange receiving portion 23a, described later.

[0032] return Figure 2 The ribs 12 are formed using a first material having a predetermined bending strength that does not deform when connected to a printing device, for example. As the first material, for example, plastic materials such as polypropylene (non-biodegradable plastic materials) can be cited. By using such a non-biodegradable plastic material to form the ribs 12, it is possible to suppress costs and ensure the rigidity of the ribs 12. The tensile strength of the ribs 12 formed using the first material is 630 to 800 kgf / cm 2 , flexural modulus is 25000~30000kgf / cm 2. The rib 12 is fixed to the bag member 11 in such a manner as to move as the bag member 11 contracts. The rib 12 is fixed in a state parallel to a reference plane S including the joining portion 11c of the two sheet members 11a of the bag member 11. In addition, the reference plane S is an imaginary plane that does not actually exist. In addition, the reference plane S can also be set to an imaginary plane that does not include the joining portion 11c. The fixing portion 11b of the fixed rib 12 of the sheet member 11a is flat in the shape of the rib 12. In addition, the fixing portion 11b can also be pre-formed into a flat shape along the reference plane S. By providing the rib 12, when the bag member 11 is deformed due to a reduction in the remaining amount of ink, it is deformed along the rib 12. Therefore, the skewness of the bag member 11 is suppressed. The rib 12 is fixed to the mounting surface 11b of the bag member 11. The mounting surface 11b is formed, for example, along the XY plane.

[0033] The rib 12 includes a base 12a, a protrusion 12b, and a projection 12c. The base 12a is rectangular and sized to match the bag member 11. The base 12a is fixed to the bag member 11. The protrusion 12b protrudes from the base 12a in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). The projection 12c protrudes from the protrusion 12b in the thickness direction of the base 12a. The projection 12c is configured to protrude outward from a through-hole 31h (described later) of the housing 30 when the remaining ink level falls below a specified value. The printing device is provided with a detection device that detects, for example, when the projection 12c protrudes from the through-hole 31h or when the projection 12c protrudes from the through-hole 31h beyond a specified amount. When the detection device detects the protrusion 12c protruding, the printing device determines that the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge 100 is below a specified level.

[0034] The nozzle head 20 is connected to the ink bag portion 10. The nozzle head 20 is connected to the printing device. The nozzle head 20 has a main body member 21 and a cover member 22. The main body member 21 and the cover member 22 are respectively formed using a first material having a predetermined bending strength that does not deform when connected to the printing device. As the first material, plastic materials such as polypropylene (non-biodegradable plastic materials) can be cited. By using such a non-biodegradable plastic material to form the main body member 21 and the cover member 22, it is possible to suppress costs and ensure the rigidity of the main body member 21 and the cover member 22. The tensile strength of the main body member 21 and the cover member 22 formed using the first material is 630 to 800 kgf / cm 2 , flexural modulus is 25000~30000kgf / cm 2 .

[0035] The main component 21 includes a base 21a, side portions 21b and 21c, and a facing portion 21d. The base 21a supports the bag member 11 of the ink bag portion 10. The side portions 21b and 21c are arranged on both sides of the base 21a in the width direction. The facing portion 21d is the portion that faces the printing device when the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the printing device. Positioning holes 21h are provided in the facing portion 21d. The positioning holes 21h are provided at both ends of the facing portion 21d, for example, in the Y direction. The positioning holes 21h are for inserting positioning pins on the printing device side when the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the printing device. By inserting the positioning pins on the printing device side into the positioning holes 21h, positioning is achieved between the printing device side and the ink cartridge 100. Since the main component 21 is formed using a non-biodegradable plastic material, the rigidity of the facing portion 21d can be ensured, and the positioning between the printing device side and the ink cartridge 100 can be properly performed.

[0036] The main body member 21 includes a bag spout mounting portion 23 and a positioning portion 24. The bag spout mounting portion 23 and the positioning portion 24 are provided on the base portion 21a. The bag spout mounting portion 23 is used to mount the bag spout 13 of the bag member 11 provided on the ink bag portion 10. The bag spout mounting portion 23 includes a flange receiving portion 23a. The flange receiving portion 23a receives the flange portion 13a of the bag spout 13. The bag spout mounting portion 23 is a structure for positioning the ink bag portion 10 by receiving the flange portion 13a of the bag spout 13 in the flange receiving portion 23a (see Figure 4 The positioning portion 24 is a hole formed in the main body member 21. The positioning portion 24 is used when aligning with the housing portion 30 described later.

[0037] The cover member 22 is mounted to cover the opening of the main body member 21. The cover member 22 has a substrate mounting portion 25. The substrate mounting portion 25 is where a substrate 26 is mounted. The substrate 26 is a storage medium that stores information related to the ink cartridge 100. The information stored on the substrate 26 is used by the printing device.

[0038] The shell portion 30 houses the ink bag portion 10 and the nozzle head 20 in a manner that partially exposes the nozzle head 20. The shell portion 30 has a supporting portion 31, side portions 32, 33, an opposing surface portion 34, and an end portion 35. The shell portion 30 is formed using a second material that is different from the rib portion 12 and the nozzle head 20. In the present embodiment, the second material is, for example, a paper material. More specifically, as the paper material, for example, corrugated cardboard, thick paper, etc. can be used. As the second material, it is not limited to paper material, and for example, other biodegradable materials such as wood materials and biodegradable plastic materials can be used.

[0039] The housing 30 comprises a support portion 31, side portions 32 and 33, a facing surface portion 34, and an end portion 35, all formed as a single component. The housing 30 is formed into a box-like shape capable of housing the ink bag portion 10 and the nozzle head 20 by folding the boundaries of the various components. When the components are unfolded, the housing 30 resembles a flat sheet of paper. Therefore, when storing the unassembled housing 30, stacking them in a predetermined space allows for space saving.

[0040] The support portion 31 has an adhesive member, such as double-sided tape, attached to its inner surface 31a. The ink bag portion 10 is secured to the support portion 31 by means of this adhesive member. The support portion 31 has an alignment portion 37. The alignment portion 37 is a hole formed in the support portion 31. The alignment portion 37 is used for alignment with the aforementioned nozzle head 20. Specifically, when aligning the nozzle head 20 with the housing 30, the alignment portion 24 of the nozzle head 20 overlaps the alignment portion 37 of the housing 30.

[0041] The support portion 31 has a through-hole 31h. The through-hole 31h is formed to penetrate the interior and exterior of the housing portion 30 when the housing portion 30 is assembled. When the ink bag portion 10 is fixed to the support portion 31, the through-hole 31h is located at a position corresponding to the protrusion 12c of the rib portion 12. More specifically, when the ink bag portion 10 is fixed to the support portion 31, the through-hole 31h is located at a position overlapping the protrusion 12c of the rib portion 12 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support portion 31. With this arrangement, if the remaining amount of ink contained in the bag member 11 becomes less than a specified value, the protrusion 12c of the rib portion 12 protrudes outward from the through-hole 31h of the housing portion 30.

[0042] The side portions 32 and 33 are connected to both sides of the support portion 31 in the width direction. The side portion 32 is provided with a bending allowance portion 36. A locking hole 36h is formed in the bending allowance portion 36. The locking piece 34b of the facing surface portion 34 described later is inserted into the locking hole 36h.

[0043] The facing surface 34 is connected to the side portion 33. When the housing 30 is assembled, the facing surface 34 is positioned so as to face the support portion 31. The facing surface 34 has a printing surface 34a on its surface. Information related to, for example, ink is printed on the printing surface 34a. By forming the housing 30 from paper, information related to ink can be visually applied to the surface of the housing 30 without using a label or the like.

[0044] The facing surface portion 34 includes a locking tab 34b. When the housing portion 30 is assembled, the locking tab 34b is inserted into the locking hole 36h of the bending allowance portion 36 and locked to the bending allowance portion 36. A positioning portion 38 is formed on the facing surface portion 34. The positioning portion 38 is a notch provided in the facing surface portion 34. When the locking tab 34b is inserted into the locking hole 36h, the positioning portion 38 is positioned corresponding to the substrate mounting portion 25 of the cover member 22 of the showerhead portion 20.

[0045] Next, a method for manufacturing the ink cartridge 100 formed as described above will be described. Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing the ink cartridge 100 according to this embodiment. Figures 6 to 10 1 is a diagram showing an example of a manufacturing process of the ink cartridge 100. Figure 5 As shown, the method for manufacturing an ink cartridge according to this embodiment includes an ink bag forming step ( S10 ), a connecting step ( S20 ), and a housing step ( S30 ).

[0046] The ink bag forming step S10 forms the ink bag portion 10 by fixing the rib portion 12 to the bag member 11 containing the ink. Figure 6 As shown, the rib 12 is fixed to the mounting surface 11 b of the bag member 11 so as to move as the bag member 11 contracts.

[0047] In the connection step S20, the nozzle head 20 is connected to the ink bag unit 10. Figure 7 As shown, in the connection step S20, the bag nozzle 13 of the ink bag part 10 is mounted on the bag nozzle mounting portion 23 of the main body member 21 of the nozzle head 20. At this time, the flange portion 13a provided on the bag nozzle 13 is accommodated in the flange receiving portion 23a of the bag nozzle mounting portion 23. In this way, the ink bag part 10 and the main body member 21 are positioned. After the bag nozzle 13 is mounted on the bag nozzle mounting portion 23, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 2 , the cover member 22 is attached to the main body member 21. Thus, the nozzle head 20 in a state in which the ink bag unit 10 is connected is formed.

[0048] In the housing step S30, the ink bag unit 10 and the nozzle head unit 20 are housed in the housing unit 30 with a portion of the nozzle head unit 20 exposed. The housing step S30 includes a mounting step S31 and an assembling step S32.

[0049] In the installation process S31, Figure 9 As shown, first, the ink bag unit 10 and the nozzle head 20 are aligned with respect to the unfolded housing 30. During alignment, the alignment portion 24 of the nozzle head 20 corresponds to the alignment portion 37 of the housing 30, and the substrate mounting portion 25 of the nozzle head 20 corresponds to the alignment portion 38 of the housing 30.

[0050] After completing the alignment, Figure 10 As shown, the surface of the bag member 11 of the ink bag portion 10 opposite to the fixing rib 12 is fixed to the inner surface 31 a of the support portion 31 of the case portion 30 using a double-sided tape (not shown).

[0051] In assembly step S32, the housing 30 is assembled with the ink bag 10 and the nozzle head 20 already attached. In assembly step S32, the boundary 41 between the support 31 and the side portion 32, the boundary 42 between the side portion 32 and the bending allowance 36, the boundary 43 between the support 31 and the side portion 33, the boundary 44 between the side portion 33 and the opposing surface portion 34, and the boundary 45 between the support 31 and the end portion 35 are bent inward.

[0052] When bending the various parts, for example, the end portion 35 is first bent inward, and the side portion 32 and the bending allowance portion 36 are bent so as to partially cover the end portion 35. Next, the facing surface portion 34 is bent so that the locking piece 34b is inserted into the locking hole 36h of the bending allowance portion 36. This allows the housing portion 30 to be assembled so that the protrusion 12c of the rib 12 is positioned corresponding to the through hole 31h of the housing portion 30.

[0053] Figure 11 and Figure 12 1 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the printing apparatus 200 . Figure 11 For a three-dimensional image, Figure 12 It is a partial cross-sectional view. Figure 11 The printing device 200 shown is, for example, an inkjet printer. Figure 11 As shown, the printing device 200 includes a main body 51 and an attachment 52. The main body 51 performs printing using ink. The attachment 52 is provided on the main body 51. The attachment 52 attaches the ink cartridge 100 as an ink supply source.

[0054] The main body 51 includes, for example, an inkjet head that ejects ink. The inkjet head receives ink from an ink cartridge 100 mounted on the mounting portion 52. The printing apparatus 200 prints on a medium by ejecting the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 100 onto the medium.

[0055] like Figure 11As shown, when the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the printing device 200, it maintains its pre-installation shape. Specifically, the ribs 12 of the ink bag portion 10 and the nozzle head 20 are strong enough to resist deformation due to pressure applied during installation. Similarly, the housing portion 30 is strong enough to resist deformation due to pressure applied during installation. Furthermore, in the ink cartridge 100, a protrusion 12c protrudes from the through-hole 31h of the housing portion 30. The protrusion 12c protrudes outward from the through-hole 31h when the remaining ink level falls below a specified value. The printing device 200 is provided with a detection device 53. The detection device 53 detects protrusion of the protrusion 12c from the through-hole 31h, or when the protrusion 12c protrudes from the through-hole 31h beyond a specified amount. When the detection device 53 detects protrusion of the protrusion 12c, the printing device 200 determines that the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge 100 is below a specified amount.

[0056] like Figure 12 As shown, in the main body member 21 of the printhead 20, when the ink cartridge 100 is mounted on the printing device 200 (mounting portion 52), the opposing portion 21d faces the mounting portion 52. Positioning holes 21h in the opposing portion 21d allow for insertion of positioning pins 52a on the mounting portion 52 side when the ink cartridge 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 52. Positioning pins on the printing device side are inserted into positioning holes 21h, thereby achieving positioning between the printing device side and the ink cartridge 100. Since the main body member 21 is formed of a non-biodegradable plastic material, the rigidity of the opposing portion 21d is ensured, enabling proper positioning between the printing device side and the ink cartridge 100.

[0057] As described above, the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment includes: an ink bag portion 10 having a bag member 11 for storing ink and shrinking in volume as the remaining amount of ink decreases; and a rib portion 12 that is flat and fixed to the bag member 11 in a manner that moves as the bag member 11 shrinks; a nozzle head 20 that is connected to the ink bag portion 10 and can be connected to a printing device; and a housing portion 30 that stores the ink bag portion 10 and the nozzle head 20 in a manner that partially exposes the nozzle head 20. In the ink bag portion 10, the bag member 11 is fixed to the bag member 11 in a manner that moves as the bag member 11 shrinks. The surface on the side opposite to the portion where the rib 12 is fixed is fixed to the inner surface of the shell 30, the shell 30 has a through hole 31h that passes through the inside and outside, the rib 12 has a protrusion 12c, and the protrusion 12c is arranged in a manner that protrudes from the through hole 31h to the outside when the remaining amount of ink becomes less than a specified value, the rib 12 and the nozzle head 20 are formed using a first material having a specified bending strength that will not be deformed when connected to the printing device, and the shell 30 is formed using a second material different from the first material.

[0058] According to this structure, the ribs 12 and the nozzle head 20 are formed from a first material having a predetermined bending strength that prevents deformation when connected to a printing device. In contrast, the housing 30 is formed from a second material different from the first material. Therefore, when a non-biodegradable plastic is used as the first material, the housing 30 is formed from a second material different from the non-biodegradable plastic. In this case, the amount of non-biodegradable plastic material used in the entire ink cartridge 100 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the ribs 12 and the nozzle head 20 are formed from a first material having a predetermined bending strength that prevents deformation when connected to a printing device, the rigidity of the ribs 12 and the nozzle head 20 can be ensured.

[0059] In the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the second material is paper or biodegradable plastic. This configuration allows the material constituting the case 30 to be easily reused.

[0060] In the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the second material is paper, and the housing 30 has a print surface 34a printed with ink-related information on its surface. This structure allows the ink-related information to be visually attached to the housing 30 without forming a separate label or the like.

[0061] In the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the nozzle head 20 and the housing 30 have positioning portions 24, 37, and 38 at corresponding positions, respectively. This structure ensures accuracy when assembling the ink cartridge 100.

[0062] In the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the ink bag portion 10 includes a spout 13 provided on the bag member 11 for discharging ink, and the nozzle head 20 includes a spout mounting portion 23 for positioning the ink bag portion 10 and mounting the spout 13. With this structure, by mounting the spout 13 on the spout mounting portion 23, the ink bag portion 10 and the nozzle head 20 can be positioned.

[0063] In the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the tensile strength of the rib 12 and the nozzle head 20 is 630 to 800 kgf / cm 2 , flexural modulus is 25000~30000kgf / cm 2 According to this structure, the rib 12 and the nozzle head 20 formed of the first material can ensure sufficient bending strength so as not to deform when connected to the printing device.

[0064] The manufacturing method of the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment includes: an ink bag forming process S10, in which a bag member 11 that stores ink and shrinks in volume as the remaining amount of ink decreases is fixed, and the rib 12 is fixed in a manner that moves with the contraction of the bag member 11 to form the ink bag portion 10, the rib 12 is flat and is formed using a first material having a specified bending strength that will not deform when connected to a printing device, and has a specified protrusion 12c; a connecting process S20, in which the nozzle head 20 is connected to the ink bag portion 10, the nozzle head 20 is formed using the first material and can be connected to the printing device; and a storing process S30, in which the ink bag portion 10 and the nozzle head 20 are stored in the shell portion 30 in a manner in which the nozzle head 20 is partially exposed, the shell portion 30 being formed using a second material different from the rib 12 and the nozzle head 20 and having a specified through hole 31h.

[0065] According to this structure, the ink cartridge 100 can be efficiently manufactured while reducing the amount of non-biodegradable plastic material used.

[0066] In the manufacturing method of the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the storage step S30 further includes: a mounting step S31 of aligning and mounting the ink bag portion 10 and the nozzle head portion 20 relative to the unfolded housing portion 30; and an assembly step S32 of assembling the housing portion 30 with the ink bag portion 10 and the nozzle head portion 20 mounted. This configuration allows for efficient storage step S30.

[0067] In the method for manufacturing the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the nozzle head 20 and the housing 30 have alignment portions 24, 37, and 38 at corresponding positions, respectively. Alignment is achieved by coupling the alignment portion 24 on the nozzle head 20 side with the alignment portions 37 and 38 on the housing 30. This structure allows for high-precision alignment of the nozzle head 20 and the housing 30.

[0068] In the method for manufacturing the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment, in the mounting step S31, the surface of the bag member 11 of the ink bag portion 10 opposite to the portion where the rib 12 is fixed is fixed to the inner surface of the housing portion 30. In the assembly step S32, the housing portion 30 is assembled such that the through-hole 31h is positioned such that, when the remaining amount of ink falls below a predetermined value, the protrusion 12c of the rib 12 protrudes toward the outside of the housing portion 30. With this configuration, the rib 12 can be appropriately positioned using the mounting step S31 and the assembly step S32.

[0069] In the method for manufacturing the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the bag member 11 includes a sheet member 11a. The sheet members 11a are joined together along their outer peripheries, leaving a portion corresponding to the ink discharge port. This forms a space for storing ink. The ribs 12 are fixed parallel to a reference plane including the joined portions of the sheet members 11a. This structure allows the ribs 12 to be positioned and arranged appropriately relative to the bag member 11.

[0070] In the method for manufacturing the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the tensile strength of the rib 12 and the nozzle head 20 is 630 to 800 kgf / cm 2 , flexural modulus is 25000~30000kgf / cm 2 According to this structure, the rib 12 and the nozzle head 20 formed of the first material can ensure sufficient bending strength so as not to deform when connected to the printing device.

[0071] In the method for manufacturing the ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the second material is a paper material or a biodegradable plastic material. With this configuration, the material constituting the case portion 30 can be easily reused.

[0072] The printing device 200 of this embodiment includes a main body 51 for printing using ink, and an attachment portion 52 provided on the main body 51 for attaching the ink cartridge 100, which serves as an ink supply source. This configuration allows for a printing device 200 that can be appropriately connected to an environmentally friendly ink cartridge 100.

[0073] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications may be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the example of printing ink-related information on the printing surface 34a of the facing surface 34 of the housing 30 is used for description, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a label printed with ink-related information may be attached to the surface of the housing 30.

[0074] Description of Reference Numerals

[0075] Q, ink; S10, ink bag forming process; S20, connecting process; S30, storing process; S31, mounting process; S32, process; PR, printing device; 10, ink bag portion; 11, bag member; 11a, 35, end portion; 11b, mounting surface; 12, rib; 12a, base portion; 12b, protrusion; 12c, protrusion; 13, bag nozzle; 20, nozzle head; 21, main body member; 21a, base portion; 21b, 21c, 32, 33, Side portion; 21d, opposing portion; 21h, positioning hole; 22, cover member; 23, bag mouth mounting portion; 24, 37, 38, alignment portion; 25, substrate mounting portion; 26, substrate; 30, shell portion; 31, supporting portion; 31a, inner surface; 31h, through hole; 34, opposing surface portion; 34a, printing surface; 34b, locking piece; 36, bending allowance portion; 36h, locking hole; 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, boundary portion; 100, ink cartridge.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge, wherein: This ink cartridge features: an ink bag portion including a bag member that stores ink and contracts in volume as the remaining amount of the ink decreases, and a rib portion that is flat and fixed to the bag member so as to move as the bag member contracts; a nozzle head connected to the ink bag portion and capable of being connected to a printing device; as well as a housing portion that houses the ink bag portion and the nozzle head portion with a portion of the nozzle head portion exposed; In the ink bag portion, a surface of the bag member opposite to a portion to which the rib is fixed is fixed to an inner surface of the housing portion. The housing has a through hole that allows the inside and outside to pass through. The rib has a protrusion provided so as to protrude from the through hole to the outside when the remaining amount of the ink becomes less than a predetermined value. The rib and the nozzle head are formed of a first material having a predetermined bending strength that does not deform when connected to a printing device. The casing portion is formed using a second material different from the first material.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The second material is a paper material or a biodegradable material.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The second material is a paper material, The housing portion has a printing surface on which information related to the ink is printed on a front surface side.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The nozzle head and the shell body respectively have alignment parts at corresponding positions.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The ink bag portion has a bag spout provided on the bag member and configured to discharge the ink. The nozzle head includes a nozzle mounting portion for positioning the ink bag portion and mounting the nozzle.

6. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The tensile strength of the ribs and the nozzle head is 630-800 kgf / cm 2 , flexural modulus is 25000~30000kgf / cm 2 .

7. A method for manufacturing an ink cartridge, the ink cartridge comprising: a bag member that stores ink and shrinks in volume as the remaining amount of the ink decreases; The rib is formed of a first material having a predetermined bending strength that does not deform when connected to the printing device, is flat and has a predetermined protrusion; a nozzle head, formed of the first material and capable of being connected to a printing device; as well as The shell portion is formed of a second material different from the first material and has a predetermined through hole, wherein The manufacturing method of the ink cartridge comprises: an ink bag forming step of forming an ink bag portion by fixing the rib portion relative to the bag member so that the rib portion moves as the bag member contracts; a connecting step of connecting the nozzle head portion and the ink bag portion; and The housing step houses the ink bag unit and the nozzle head unit in the housing unit such that a portion of the nozzle head unit is exposed.

8. The method for manufacturing an ink cartridge according to claim 7, wherein: The storage process further includes: An installation step of aligning and installing the ink bag portion and the nozzle head portion relative to the housing portion in the expanded state; and The assembling step assembles the housing portion with the ink bag portion and the nozzle head portion mounted thereon.

9. The method for manufacturing an ink cartridge according to claim 8, wherein: The nozzle head and the shell have alignment parts at corresponding positions respectively. The alignment portion on the shower head side and the alignment portion on the housing side are coupled to each other, thereby performing alignment.

10. The method for manufacturing an ink cartridge according to claim 8, wherein: In the mounting step, a surface of the bag member of the ink bag portion opposite to a portion where the rib is fixed is fixed to an inner surface of the housing portion. In the assembling step, the case portion is assembled such that the through hole is arranged at a position where the protrusion of the rib protrudes to the outside of the case portion when the remaining amount of the ink becomes less than a predetermined value.

11. The method for manufacturing an ink cartridge according to claim 7, wherein: The bag member has a sheet-like member, The sheet-like member is joined at its outer periphery with a portion corresponding to the nozzle for discharging the ink being left open, thereby forming a space for storing the ink. The rib is fixed in parallel with a reference plane including a joining portion of the sheet-like member.

12. The method for manufacturing an ink cartridge according to claim 7, wherein: The tensile strength of the ribs and the nozzle head is 630-800 kgf / cm 2 , flexural modulus is 25000~30000kgf / cm 2 .

13. The method for manufacturing an ink cartridge according to claim 7, wherein: The second material is a paper material or a biodegradable material.

14. A printing device, wherein: The printing device has: a main body portion that performs printing using ink; and The mounting portion is provided on the main body portion and mounts the ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6 as a supply source of the ink.

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