Ink cartridge and method for using ink cartridge

Abstract

To provide an ink cartridge that can keep a clearance between a nozzle surface and a printing object small.SOLUTION: An ink cartridge 2 comprises: a body part 8 which accommodates an ink therein; a nozzle surface 10 which is arranged on the body part 8, and in which a nozzle hole 34 for discharging the ink accommodated in the body part 8 is formed; a cap member 12 for capping the nozzle surface 10; and a movement mechanism 14 that moves the cap member 12 along a side face of the body part 8 and the nozzle surface 10 from one of a cap position where the nozzle surface 10 is capped and a retreat position retreating from the nozzle surface 10 to the other. The cap member 12 projects from a virtual plane 52 including the nozzle surface 10 in the state where the same is positioned at the cap position, and does not project from the plane 52 in the state where the same is positioned at the retreat position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink cartridge that is detachably mounted in a printer and a method of using the ink cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Ink cartridges that are detachably mounted in printers are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Conventional ink cartridges include a main body that contains ink, a nozzle surface that is disposed on the bottom surface of the main body and has nozzle holes formed therein, and a cap member for capping the nozzle surface. The cap member moves along the bottom surface of the main body between a cap position that caps the nozzle surface and an uncap position that uncaps the nozzle surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,824,003 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional ink cartridge described above, the cap member is always positioned between the bottom surface of the main body and the printing object while moving between the cap position and the release position. As a result, in the conventional ink cartridge, it is necessary to ensure a clearance between the nozzle surface and the printing object by the thickness of the cap member, which creates a problem that the clearance between the nozzle surface and the printing object becomes large.

[0005] In particular, in ink cartridges for small printers, the flight distance of ink ejected from the nozzle holes on the nozzle surface is short (for example, about 2 mm to 3 mm). Therefore, if the clearance between the nozzle surface and the printing target becomes large, the ink from the nozzle holes on the nozzle surface will not land accurately on the printing target, resulting in a decrease in print quality.

[0006] The present invention seeks to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an ink cartridge and a method for using an ink cartridge that can keep the clearance between the nozzle face and the object to be printed small. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an ink cartridge according to a first aspect of the present invention is an ink cartridge that is removably attached to a printer, and comprises a main body portion that contains ink, a nozzle surface that is disposed in the main body portion and has nozzle holes formed therein for ejecting the ink contained inside the main body portion, a capping member for capping the nozzle surface, and a moving mechanism that moves the capping member along a side of the main body portion and the nozzle surface from one of a capping position where the nozzle surface is capped and a retracted position where the capping member is retracted from the nozzle surface to the other, wherein when the capping member is positioned at the capping position, the capping member protrudes from an imaginary plane that includes the nozzle surface, and when the capping member is positioned at the retracted position, the capping member does not protrude from the plane.

[0008] According to this aspect, when the capping member is in the capping position, it protrudes from a virtual plane including the nozzle face, and when the capping member is in the retracted position, it does not protrude from the plane. As a result, when the ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the capping member is moved from the capping position to the retracted position, so that the clearance between the nozzle face and the printing target can be kept small. As a result, even if the flight distance of the ink ejected from the nozzle holes of the nozzle face is relatively short, the ink from the nozzle holes of the nozzle face can be accurately landed on the printing target, and printing quality can be maintained.

[0009] For example, in the ink cartridge according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the capping member may be a roller rotatable around a central axis, and may be configured to move while rotating from the retracted position to the capping position.

[0010] According to this aspect, since the cap member moves from the retracted position to the capping position while rotating, it is possible to prevent the cap member from being elastically deformed due to friction between the side surface of the main body and the nozzle face, and as a result, it is possible to cap the nozzle face with high precision by the cap member.

[0011] For example, in an ink cartridge according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the ink cartridge may be further configured to include a regulating member that regulates rotation of the capping member while the capping member moves from the capping position to the retracted position.

[0012] According to this aspect, the regulating member regulates the rotation of the capping member while the capping member moves from the capping position to the retracted position, so that the capping member can wipe away ink adhering to the side and nozzle face of the main body portion.

[0013] For example, in an ink cartridge according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the moving mechanism may be a flexible film member that is movable from one of a first position and a second position to the other along the side of the main body portion, the film member having an opening for exposing the nozzle surface, and the cap member is supported by the opening of the film member, and as the film member moves from the first position to the second position, the cap member moves from the cap position to the retracted position, and as the film member moves from the second position to the first position, the cap member moves from the retracted position to the cap position.

[0014] According to this aspect, the cap member can be moved from one of the cap position and the retracted position to the other with a relatively simple configuration.

[0015] For example, in an ink cartridge according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the moving mechanism may have a first arm member tiltably supported on the main body portion, and a second arm member tiltably supported on the first arm member, and the cap member may be supported on the second arm member, and the cap member may be configured to move from one of the cap position and the retracted position to the other as the first arm member tilts relative to the main body portion and the second arm member tilts relative to the first arm member.

[0016] According to this aspect, the cap member can be moved from one of the cap position and the retracted position to the other with a relatively simple configuration.

[0017] For example, in an ink cartridge according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the moving mechanism may have a slide member that is movable from one of a stored position stored inside the main body portion and a protruding position where the cap member protrudes outside the main body portion and covers the nozzle face, and the cap member is supported by the slide member, and as the slide member moves from the stored position to the protruding position, the cap member moves from the retracted position to the capping position, and as the slide member moves from the protruding position to the stored position, the cap member moves from the capping position to the retracted position.

[0018] According to this aspect, the cap member can be moved from one of the cap position and the retracted position to the other with a relatively simple configuration.

[0019] For example, in an ink cartridge according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the moving mechanism may be configured to move the capping member from the capping position to the retracted position in conjunction with the action of installing the ink cartridge in the printer.

[0020] According to this aspect, the cap member can be easily moved from the capping position to the retracted position.

[0021] Furthermore, a method of using an ink cartridge according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a method of using an ink cartridge that is removably attached to a printer, the ink cartridge comprising a main body portion that contains ink, a nozzle surface that is disposed in the main body portion and has nozzle holes formed therein for ejecting the ink contained inside the main body portion, and a capping member for capping the nozzle surface, the method of using the ink cartridge comprising the step of moving the capping member along a side of the main body portion and the nozzle surface from one of a capping position that caps the nozzle surface and a retracted position that retracts from the nozzle surface to the other, wherein in the moving step, the capping member protrudes from an imaginary plane that includes the nozzle surface when positioned at the capping position, and does not protrude from the plane when positioned at the retracted position.

[0022] According to this aspect, when the capping member is in the capping position, it protrudes from a virtual plane including the nozzle face, and when the capping member is in the retracted position, it does not protrude from the plane. As a result, when the ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the capping member is moved from the capping position to the retracted position, so that the clearance between the nozzle face and the printing target can be kept small. As a result, even if the flight distance of the ink ejected from the nozzle holes of the nozzle face is relatively short, the ink from the nozzle holes of the nozzle face can be accurately landed on the printing target, and printing quality can be maintained. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the ink cartridge and the method of using the ink cartridge pertaining to one aspect of the present invention, the clearance between the nozzle face and the printing target can be kept small. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of use of the ink cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 1B]1 is a perspective view showing an example of use of the ink cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an ink cartridge according to a first embodiment with a cap member in a capping position. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing an ink cartridge according to a first embodiment with a cap member in a capping position. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the ink cartridge taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view showing an ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 in a state where a cap member is located at a retracted position. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing an ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 in a state where a cap member is located at a retracted position. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the ink cartridge taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 13 is a perspective view of a main portion of an ink cartridge according to a second embodiment when the cap member is in the capping position. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a perspective view of a main portion of an ink cartridge according to a second embodiment in a state in which the cap member is located between the cap position and the retracted position. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a perspective view of a main portion of an ink cartridge according to a second embodiment when the cap member is in the retracted position. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a main portion of an ink cartridge according to a third embodiment when the cap member is in the capping position. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the ink cartridge taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a main portion of an ink cartridge according to a third embodiment in a state in which the cap member is located between the cap position and the retracted position. [Figure 14]13 is a perspective view of a main portion of an ink cartridge according to a third embodiment when the cap member is in the retracted position. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of an ink cartridge according to a modified example of the third embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0026] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Ink cartridge configuration] First, the configuration of the ink cartridge 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1A to 7. Figs. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing an example of use of the ink cartridge 2 according to the first embodiment. Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the ink cartridge 2 according to the first embodiment in a state where the cap member 12 is located at the capping position. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the ink cartridge 2 taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2. Figs. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the ink cartridge 2 according to the first embodiment in a state where the cap member 12 is located at the retracted position. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the ink cartridge 2 taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 5.

[0027] 1A to 7, the front-to-rear direction of the ink cartridge 2 will be described as the X-axis direction, the left-to-right direction of the ink cartridge 2 as the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction of the ink cartridge 2 as the Z-axis direction. Additionally, the negative side in the Y-axis direction will be described as the "right", the positive side in the Y-axis direction will be described as the "left", the negative side in the Z-axis direction will be described as the "up" and the positive side in the Z-axis direction will be described as the "down". That is, for convenience of explanation, in FIGS. 1A to 7, the ink cartridge 2 is illustrated upside down from its orientation during normal use.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the ink cartridge 2 is removably attached to a holder 4 of a printer. The printer is a small-sized commercial inkjet printer installed, for example, on a production line in a factory, and controls the ejection of ink from the ink cartridge 2. The holder 4 is for holding the ink cartridge 2, and is mounted on the printer. As shown in FIG. 1B, an engagement portion 6 is formed on the inner surface of the holder 4. When attached to the holder 4, the ink cartridge 2 ejects a mist of ink (droplets) toward a printing object placed below (the positive side of the Z axis).

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the ink cartridge 2 includes a main body 8, a nozzle surface 10, a cap member 12, a moving mechanism 14, and a restricting member 16. As shown in FIG.

[0030] The main body 8 has a tank 18 and a head 20. The tank 18 is formed in a box shape with an opening 22 on the top surface. Although not shown, a lid is attached to the opening 22 of the tank 18. A storage space for storing ink is formed inside the tank 18. The storage space stores, for example, four types of ink, CMYK (C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow, K: black). As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of protrusions 24, 26 are formed near the lower end of the right side surface 18a of the tank 18. A protrusion 28 is formed in a portion of the right side surface 18a of the tank 18 that is slightly biased toward the upper end side from the lower end side. A torsion spring 30 is supported by this protrusion 28. As shown in FIG. 3, a protrusion 32 is formed near the lower end of the left side surface 18b of the tank 18.

[0031] The head portion 20 protrudes downward in a generally quadrangular pyramid shape from the lower surface 18c of the tank portion 18. The head portion 20 has a tip surface 20c, a right inclined surface 20a that inclines from one side of the tip surface 20c toward the right side surface 18a of the tank portion 18, and a left inclined surface 20b that inclines from the other side of the tip surface 20c toward the left side surface 18b of the tank portion 18.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 4, the nozzle surface 10 is disposed on the tip surface 20c of the head portion 20. A plurality of minute nozzle holes 34 (e.g., about 20 µm in diameter) for ejecting ink contained in the storage space of the tank portion 18 are formed in the nozzle surface 10. The plurality of nozzle holes 34 are arranged in one row (or two or more rows) at intervals along the X-axis direction, for example, in the center in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the nozzle surface 10. Note that since the nozzle holes 34 are minute, illustration of the nozzle holes 34 is omitted in Figs. 4 and 7.

[0033] The cap member 12 is a cylindrical roller for capping (sealing) the multiple nozzle holes 34 of the nozzle surface 10. The cap member 12 is made of a rubber material such as EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Methylene Linkage) or Viton (registered trademark) fluoroelastomer.

[0034] A columnar or cylindrical shaft 36 is inserted into the cap member 12, and the cap member 12 and the shaft 36 are fixed to each other with an adhesive or the like. The shaft 36 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. Both ends of the shaft 36 in the axial direction (X-axis direction) protrude from both ends of the cap member 12 in the axial direction (X-axis direction). Both ends of the shaft 36 in the axial direction may be crimped.

[0035] The movement mechanism 14 is a mechanism for moving the cap member 12 from one of the cap position (position shown in Figs. 2 to 4) and the retracted position (position shown in Figs. 5 to 7) to the other along the left inclined surface 20b and the tip surface 20c of the head portion 20 and the nozzle surface 10 (i.e., along the side surface of the main body portion 8 and the nozzle surface 10). The movement mechanism 14 has a flexible film member 38. The film member 38 is formed of a polyimide film such as Kapton (registered trademark). The film member 38 has a thickness of, for example, about 0.1 mm.

[0036] The film member 38 is disposed from the right side surface 18a of the tank portion 18 through the head portion 20 to the left side surface 18b of the tank portion 18. The film member 38 is movable along the right side surface 18a of the tank portion 18, the head portion 20, and the left side surface 18b of the tank portion 18 (i.e., along the side surface of the main body portion 8) from one of a first position (position shown in Figs. 2 to 4) and a second position (position shown in Figs. 5 to 7) to the other. The film member 38 has a right guide portion 38a, a left guide portion 38b, and a support portion 38c connected between the right guide portion 38a and the left guide portion 38b.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of elongated slits 40, 42 are formed in the right guide portion 38a. A pair of protrusions 24, 26 formed on the right side surface 18a of the tank portion 18 are movably inserted into the pair of slits 40, 42, respectively. A long slit 44 is further formed in the right guide portion 38a. A protrusion 28 formed on the right side surface 18a of the tank portion 18 is movably inserted into the slit 44. In addition, both ends of the torsion spring 30 are fixed to the surface of the right guide portion 38a. As a result, the film member 38 is biased by the torsion spring 30 in a direction from the second position toward the first position.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 3, a rectangular slit 46 is formed in the left guide portion 38b. The protrusion 32 formed on the left side surface 18b of the tank portion 18 is movably inserted into the slit 46. An engaged portion 48 that protrudes approximately perpendicularly to the left side surface 18b of the tank portion 18 is connected to the tip of the left guide portion 38b. The engaged portion 48 is made of a material having a certain degree of rigidity.

[0039] 2, a rectangular opening 50 is formed in the support portion 38c. Both axial ends of the shaft 36 are rotatably supported by a pair of opposing side edges of the periphery of the opening 50. That is, the cap member 12 is rotatably supported by the opening 50 of the film member 38 via the shaft 36. This allows the cap member 12 to rotate around the shaft 36 (that is, around the central axis of the cap member 12).

[0040] 2 and 3, when the film member 38 is in the first position, the right guide portion 38a is disposed along the right side surface 18a of the tank portion 18, the left guide portion 38b is disposed along the left inclined surface 20b of the head portion 20 and the left side surface 18b of the tank portion 18, and the support portion 38c is disposed along the right inclined surface 20a and the tip surface 20c of the head portion 20. At this time, the nozzle surface 10 is exposed through the opening 50 of the support portion 38c.

[0041] 5 and 6, when the film member 38 is in the second position, the right guide portion 38a is disposed along the right inclined surface 20a of the head portion 20 and the right side surface 18a of the tank portion 18, the left guide portion 38b is disposed along the left side surface 18b of the tank portion 18, and the support portion 38c is disposed along the left inclined surface 20b and the tip surface 20c of the head portion 20. At this time, the nozzle surface 10 is exposed through the opening 50 of the support portion 38c.

[0042] The restricting member 16 is a member for restricting the rotation of the cap member 12 while the cap member 12 moves from the cap position to the retracted position, and is formed in a protruding piece shape. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the restricting member 16 is connected to one end edge (i.e., the edge on the side closer to the left guide portion 38b) of the periphery of the opening 50 of the support portion 38c of the film member 38, and is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cap member 12. The restricting member 16 is formed of a material having a certain degree of rigidity and coefficient of friction.

[0043] [1-2. Ink cartridge operation] Next, the operation of ink cartridge 2 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 7. FIG.

[0044] When the ink cartridge 2 is removed from the holder 4, the film member 38 is located at the first position, and the cap member 12 is located at the cap position, as shown in Figures 2 to 4. In this state, as shown in Figure 4, the multiple nozzle holes 34 of the nozzle surface 10 are capped (sealed) by the cap member 12, so that the ink contained in the storage space of the tank portion 18 is prevented from leaking out of the nozzle holes 34. As shown in Figure 4, when the cap member 12 is located at the cap position, it protrudes downward from the nozzle surface 10 (to the positive side in the Z-axis direction) from an imaginary plane 52 that includes the nozzle surface 10.

[0045] When printing is performed by the printer, the ink cartridge 2 is inserted into the holder 4 in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. 1B, and then the ink cartridge 2 is attached to the holder 4 as shown in FIG. 1A. At this time, the engaging portion 6 of the holder 4 and the engaged portion 48 of the film member 38 are engaged, so that the film member 38 moves from the first position to the second position against the biasing force of the torsion spring 30 in conjunction with the operation of attaching the ink cartridge 2 to the holder 4. At this time, the slits 40, 42, 44, and 46 of the film member 38 are guided by the protrusions 24, 26, 28, and 32 of the tank portion 18, respectively, so that the film member 38 can be stably moved from the first position to the second position. Accordingly, the cap member 12 moves from the cap position to the retracted position in the direction shown by the arrow P in FIG. 7.

[0046] While the capping member 12 moves from the capping position to the retracted position, the rotation of the capping member 12 in the direction indicated by the arrow R1 in Fig. 7 is restricted by frictional force generated between the restricting member 16 and the outer peripheral surface of the capping member 12 by being pressed obliquely against the outer peripheral surface of the capping member 12. As a result, the capping member 12 moves from the capping position to the retracted position while wiping off ink adhering to the nozzle surface 10 and the tip surface 20c and left inclined surface 20b of the head portion 20.

[0047] 7, when the cap member 12 is in the retracted position, it does not protrude below the nozzle face 10 from an imaginary plane 52 that includes the nozzle face 10. By operating the cap member 12 while taking into account the distance between the plane 52 and the printing object, it is possible to keep the clearance between the nozzle face 10 and the printing object small.

[0048] After the printer has completed printing, the ink cartridge 2 is removed from the holder 4. At this time, the engagement between the engaging portion 6 of the holder 4 and the engaged portion 48 of the film member 38 is released, and the film member 38 moves from the second position to the first position due to the bias of the torsion spring 30. At this time, the slits 40, 42, 44, and 46 of the film member 38 are guided by the protrusions 24, 26, 28, and 32 of the tank portion 18, respectively, so that the film member 38 can be stably moved from the second position to the first position. Accordingly, the cap member 12 moves from the retracted position to the cap position in the direction indicated by the arrow Q in FIG. 4 while rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow R2 in FIG. 4.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the film member 38 moves from the first position to the second position in conjunction with the operation of mounting the ink cartridge 2 in the holder 4, but is not limited to this. For example, the user may manually move the film member 38 from the first position to the second position (or from the second position to the first position).

[0050] [1-3. Effects] In this embodiment, as described above, when the cap member 12 is in the retracted position, it does not protrude below the nozzle surface 10 from the imaginary plane 52 including the nozzle surface 10. As a result, when the ink cartridge 2 is attached to the holder 4, the cap member 12 is moved from the cap position to the retracted position, thereby making it possible to keep the clearance between the nozzle surface 10 and the printing target small. As a result, even if the flight distance of the ink ejected from the multiple nozzle holes 34 of the nozzle surface 10 is relatively short, for example, the ink from the multiple nozzle holes 34 of the nozzle surface 10 can be accurately landed on the printing target, and printing quality can be maintained.

[0051] (Embodiment 2) [2-1. Ink cartridge configuration and operation] The configuration of an ink cartridge 2A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a main part of the ink cartridge 2A according to the second embodiment when the cap member 12 is located at the cap position. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a main part of the ink cartridge 2A according to the second embodiment when the cap member 12 is located between the cap position and the retracted position. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a main part of the ink cartridge 2A according to the second embodiment when the cap member 12 is located at the retracted position. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] 8, in an ink cartridge 2A according to embodiment 2, the shape of a head portion 20A of a main body portion 8A is different from that of embodiment 1. Specifically, a stepped cutout portion 54 is formed in a left inclined surface 20b of the head portion 20A.

[0053] 8 to 10, in the ink cartridge 2A according to the second embodiment, the configuration of the movement mechanism 14A is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the movement mechanism 14A has a first arm portion 56 and a second arm portion 58. The first arm portion 56 is supported so as to be tiltable by a bearing portion 60 disposed in a cutout portion 54 of the head portion 20A. The second arm portion 58 is supported so as to be tiltable by the first arm portion 56.

[0054] The cap member 12 is rotatably supported by the second arm portion 58. The restricting member 16A is supported by the second arm portion 58 and is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cap member 12.

[0055] When the ink cartridge 2A is mounted in a holder (not shown) of the printer, as shown in Fig. 8, the cap member 12 is positioned in the cap position, and as shown in Fig. 9, the first arm portion 56 tilts in the direction indicated by arrow R3 relative to the head portion 20A, and the second arm portion 58 tilts in the direction indicated by arrow R4 relative to the first arm portion 56. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 10, the cap member 12 moves from the cap position to the retracted position along the nozzle surface 10 and the tip surface 20c of the head portion 20A.

[0056] As in the first embodiment, while the cap member 12 moves from the cap position to the retracted position, the regulating member 16A regulates the rotation of the cap member 12. This allows the cap member 12 to move from the cap position to the retracted position while wiping off ink adhering to the nozzle surface 10 and the tip surface 20c of the head portion 20A.

[0057] When the cap member 12 is in the retracted position, it is positioned in the cutout portion 54 of the head portion 20A and does not protrude below the nozzle surface 10 from an imaginary plane 52 (see Figures 4 and 7) including the nozzle surface 10.

[0058] On the other hand, when the ink cartridge 2A is removed from the printer holder, as shown in Fig. 10, the cap member 12 is in the retracted position, and as shown in Fig. 9, the first arm portion 56 tilts in the direction indicated by arrow R5 (opposite to the direction indicated by arrow R3) relative to the head portion 20A, and the second arm portion 58 tilts in the direction indicated by arrow R6 (opposite to the direction indicated by arrow R4) relative to the first arm portion 56. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 8, the cap member 12 moves from the retracted position to the cap position while rotating along the tip surface 20c of the head portion 20A and the nozzle surface 10.

[0059] In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the first arm portion 56 may tilt relative to the head portion 20A, and the second arm portion 58 may tilt relative to the first arm portion 56, in conjunction with the action of attaching or detaching the ink cartridge 2A to or from the holder. Alternatively, the user may manually tilt the first arm portion 56 relative to the head portion 20A, and tilt the second arm portion 58 relative to the first arm portion 56.

[0060] [2-2. Effects] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0061] (Embodiment 3) [3-1. Ink cartridge configuration and operation] The configuration of the ink cartridge 2B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 14. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 2B according to the third embodiment with the cap member 12 positioned at the cap position. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 2B taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 2B according to the third embodiment with the cap member 12 positioned between the cap position and the retracted position. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 2B according to the third embodiment with the cap member 12 positioned at the retracted position. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 11, in an ink cartridge 2B according to the third embodiment, the shape of a head portion 20B of a main body portion 8B differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the head portion 20B protrudes downward in a substantially rectangular prism shape from a lower surface 18c of the tank portion 18. A recess 62 is formed on a tip surface 20c of the head portion 20B, recessed toward the inside of the head portion 20B.

[0063] As shown in Figs. 11 to 14, in the ink cartridge 2B according to the third embodiment, the configuration of the moving mechanism 14B is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the moving mechanism 14B has a slide member 64. The slide member 64 is formed in a hollow box shape having an opening 66 (see Fig. 12) on the upper surface (surface facing the head portion 20B). The slide member 64 is slidable from one of a protruding position (position shown in Figs. 11 and 12) where it protrudes to the outside of the head portion 20B and covers the nozzle surface 10, and a stored position (position shown in Fig. 14) where it is stored in the recess 62 of the head portion 20B (i.e., inside the head portion 20B) to the other. The slide member 64 is biased from the stored position toward the protruding position by a spring (not shown).

[0064] 12, the cap member 12 is rotatably supported inside a slide member 64. When the cap member 12 is in the cap position, it caps the multiple nozzle holes 34 in the nozzle surface 10 through openings 66 of the slide member 64. The restricting member 16B is supported inside the slide member 64, and is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cap member 12.

[0065] When the ink cartridge 2B is mounted in a printer holder (not shown), as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the cap member 12 is positioned in the cap position, and as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the slide member 64 slides in the direction indicated by arrow S1 from the protruding position to the stored position. Accordingly, the cap member 12 moves from the cap position to the retracted position along the nozzle surface 10 and the tip surface 20c of the head portion 20B. When the cap member 12 moves from the cap position to the retracted position, it is held in the retracted position by a latch mechanism (not shown).

[0066] As in the first embodiment, while the cap member 12 moves from the cap position to the retracted position, the regulating member 16B regulates the rotation of the cap member 12. This allows the cap member 12 to move from the cap position to the retracted position while wiping off ink adhering to the nozzle surface 10 and the tip surface 20c of the head portion 20B.

[0067] When in the retracted position, the cap member 12 is disposed in a recess 62 of the head portion 20B, and therefore does not protrude below the nozzle surface 10 from an imaginary plane 52 (see FIGS. 4 and 7) including the nozzle surface 10.

[0068] On the other hand, when removing the ink cartridge 2B from the printer holder, as shown in Fig. 14, by releasing the latch mechanism from a state in which the cap member 12 is held in the retracted position, the sliding member 64 slides in the direction indicated by the arrow S2 (the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrow S1) due to the biasing force of the spring, as shown in Figs. 11 to 13. Accordingly, the cap member 12 moves while rotating along the tip surface 20c of the head portion 20B and the nozzle surface 10 from the retracted position to the cap position.

[0069] In this embodiment, similarly to embodiment 1, the sliding member 64 may be slid from one of the protruding position and the stored position to the other in conjunction with the action of attaching or detaching the ink cartridge 2B to or from the holder. Alternatively, the user may manually slide the sliding member 64 from one of the protruding position and the stored position to the other.

[0070] [3-2. Effects] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0071] [3-3. Modifications] The configuration of an ink cartridge 2C pertaining to a variation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of an ink cartridge 2C pertaining to a variation of the third embodiment.

[0072] 15(a) and (b), in an ink cartridge 2C pertaining to a variation of the third embodiment, a restricting member 16C is defined by a side wall of a slide member 64C. Both axial ends of the shaft 36 are supported by bearings 68 formed on the slide member 64C. The width (size in the Y-axis direction) of the bearings 68 is greater than the diameter of the shaft 36.

[0073] 15(a), when the cap member 12 moves from the cap position to the retracted position, the shaft 36 moves toward one side in the lateral direction of the bearing portion 68, causing the restricting member 16C to come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cap member 12. As a result, while the cap member 12 moves from the cap position to the retracted position, the friction between the restricting member 16C and the outer circumferential surface of the cap member 12 restricts the rotation of the cap member 12.

[0074] 15(b), when the cap member 12 moves from the retracted position to the cap position, the shaft 36 moves toward the other side in the width direction of the bearing portion 68, forming a gap between the restricting member 16C and the outer circumferential surface of the cap member 12. As a result, the cap member 12 moves from the retracted position to the cap position while rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.

[0075] (Modification) Although the ink cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0076] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the ink cartridges 2 (2A, 2B, 2C) are installed in a printer for commercial use, but the present invention is not limited to this and the ink cartridges 2 (2A, 2B, 2C) may be installed in a printer for home use.

[0077] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the regulating member 16 (16A, 16B, 16C) is formed in a protrusion shape, but this is not limited to this, and the regulating member 16 (16A, 16B, 16C) may be configured as a mechanical one-way clutch mechanism that regulates the rotational direction of the cap member 12 in only one direction. [Industrial Applicability]

[0078] The present invention can be applied, for example, to an ink cartridge to be mounted in a small inkjet printer for commercial use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 2, 2A, 2B, 2C ink cartridges 4 Holder 6 Engagement part 8, 8A, 8B Main body 10 Nozzle surface 12 Cap member 14,14A,14B Moving mechanism 16, 16A, 16B, 16C Regulatory members 18 Tank section 18a Right side 18b Left side 18c bottom side 20, 20A, 20B Head section 20a Right slope 20b Left slope 20c tip surface 22,50,66 Opening 24, 26, 28, 32 Protrusion 30 Torsion spring 34 Nozzle hole 36 Shaft 38 Film material 38a Right guide part 38b Left guide part 38c Support part 40,42,44,46 Slit 48 Engaged part 52 plane 54 Cutout 56 First arm 58 Second arm 60 Bearing section 62 Recess 64,64C Slide member 68 Bearing section

Claims

1. An ink cartridge that is removably mounted in a printer, A main body that contains ink; a nozzle surface disposed in the main body portion and having nozzle holes formed therein for ejecting ink contained inside the main body portion; a cap member for capping the nozzle surface; a moving mechanism that moves the cap member along a side surface of the main body and the nozzle surface from one of a cap position where the cap member caps the nozzle surface and a retracted position where the cap member is retracted from the nozzle surface to the other, When the cap member is located at the capping position, the cap member protrudes from an imaginary plane including the nozzle face, and when the cap member is located at the retracted position, the cap member does not protrude from the imaginary plane. Ink cartridges.

2. The capping member is a roller that is rotatable around a central axis and moves from the retracted position to the capping position while rotating. The ink cartridge according to claim 1 .

3. The ink cartridge further includes a restricting member that restricts rotation of the capping member while the capping member moves from the capping position to the retracted position. The ink cartridge according to claim 2 .

4. the moving mechanism includes a flexible film member that is movable from one of a first position and a second position along the side surface of the main body portion to the other, the film member has an opening for exposing the nozzle surface, the cap member is supported by the opening of the film member, As the film member moves from the first position to the second position, the cap member moves from the cap position to the retracted position, As the film member moves from the second position to the first position, the cap member moves from the retracted position to the cap position. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The moving mechanism includes: A first arm member tiltably supported by the main body portion; a second arm member tiltably supported by the first arm member, the cap member is supported by the second arm member, As the first arm member tilts relative to the main body portion and the second arm member tilts relative to the first arm member, the cap member moves from one of the cap position and the retracted position to the other. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the moving mechanism has a slide member that is movable from one of a storage position in which the slide member is stored inside the main body portion and a protruding position in which the slide member protrudes outside the main body portion and covers the nozzle surface, to the other of the storage position, The cap member is supported by the slide member, As the slide member moves from the storage position to the protruding position, the cap member moves from the retracted position to the cap position, As the slide member moves from the protruding position to the retracted position, the cap member moves from the cap position to the retracted position. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The moving mechanism moves the capping member from the capping position to the retracted position in conjunction with an operation of mounting the ink cartridge in the printer. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A method of using an ink cartridge that is removably installed in a printer, comprising: The ink cartridge comprises: A main body that contains ink; a nozzle surface disposed in the main body portion and having nozzle holes formed therein for ejecting ink contained inside the main body portion; a cap member for capping the nozzle surface, A method of using the ink cartridge includes: a step of moving the cap member along a side surface of the main body and the nozzle surface from one of a cap position where the cap member caps the nozzle surface and a retracted position where the cap member retracts from the nozzle surface to the other, In the moving step, the cap member protrudes from an imaginary plane including the nozzle face when the cap member is located at the capping position, and does not protrude from the plane when the cap member is located at the retracted position. How to use ink cartridges.

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