JP2003211694A - Ink remaining amount indicator - Google Patents
Ink remaining amount indicatorInfo
- Publication number
- JP2003211694A JP2003211694A JP2002018491A JP2002018491A JP2003211694A JP 2003211694 A JP2003211694 A JP 2003211694A JP 2002018491 A JP2002018491 A JP 2002018491A JP 2002018491 A JP2002018491 A JP 2002018491A JP 2003211694 A JP2003211694 A JP 2003211694A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- ink
- valve
- indicator
- remaining amount
- ink tank
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Landscapes
- Ink Jet (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明はインクジェットプリ
ンタのインク残量の検出に関し、特にインク残量インジ
ケーターに関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the detection of the ink remaining amount of an ink jet printer, and more particularly to the ink remaining amount indicator.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】インクジェットプリンタは、インクタン
ク内に収納されたインクを印字ヘッドから吐出して記録
媒体に付着させて記録するもので、近年急速に普及して
きた。ところで、従来のインクジェットプリンタでは、
印字動作の途中でインク切れによる記録不良が生じるこ
とがあり、知らずに印字を続けていると、多くの記録媒
体を無駄にすることがあった。2. Description of the Related Art Ink jet printers are used for ejecting ink contained in an ink tank from a print head and adhering the ink to a recording medium for recording. By the way, in the conventional inkjet printer,
Recording failure may occur due to ink shortage during the printing operation, and many printing media may be wasted if printing is continued unknowingly.
【０００３】そのため、このようなインク切れを事前に
回避するために、これまで様々なインク残量の検出方法
が試みられている。例えば、吐出ドット数をカウントす
る方法（特開平０４−００７１５８号公報）や、光や電
極によるセンサを用いる方法（特開昭６２−２４６７３
９号公報，特開昭５９−０７５１２１号公報）、カート
リッジの重量をセンサにより検出する方法（特開昭５７
−０３４９６８号公報）などが現在用いられている。Therefore, various methods for detecting the remaining amount of ink have been attempted so far in order to avoid such ink shortage in advance. For example, a method of counting the number of ejected dots (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-007158) or a method of using a sensor using light or electrodes (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-24673).
No. 9, JP-A-59-075121), a method for detecting the weight of the cartridge by a sensor (JP-A-57 57).
No. 034968) is currently used.
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上述し
た従来の検出方式では、インクジェットプリンタの電源
を入れなければ、インクの残量表示を見ることができ
ず、また、センサを用いる場合は、特別なセンサが必要
となってコストアップなるなどの欠点がある。However, in the above-mentioned conventional detection method, it is impossible to see the remaining ink amount display unless the ink jet printer is turned on, and in the case of using a sensor, a special There is a drawback that a sensor is required and the cost is increased.
【０００５】本発明の目的は、かかる課題に鑑みてなさ
れたもので、簡単な構造で電源ＯＦＦ時にも表示可能で
あり、かつ視覚的にも分かり易いインク残量インジケー
ターを提供することにある。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ink level indicator which has a simple structure and can be displayed even when the power is turned off, and which is visually easy to understand.
【０００６】[0006]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明は、インクジェッ
トプリンタに用いられるインク残量インジケーターであ
って、内部に吸収体を収めたインクタンクと、このイン
クタンクの下方に連通された略Ｕ字型の流路とを有し、
前記流路内のインク液面高さが目視可能であり、流路途
中に双方に前記流路をそれぞれ開閉する第１の弁および
第２の弁を有する分岐を有し、他方に印字部と連通する
ことを特徴とする。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an ink remaining amount indicator used in an ink jet printer, which is an ink tank having an absorber inside and a substantially U-shape communicating below the ink tank. And the flow path of
The height of the ink surface in the flow channel is visible, and a branch having a first valve and a second valve for opening and closing the flow channel is provided in the middle of the flow channel, and a printing unit is provided on the other side. It is characterized by communication.
【０００７】次に、第１の弁および第２の弁を開閉する
駆動手段を有し、第１の弁を開いたときは第２の弁を閉
じ、かつ第１の弁を閉じたときは第２の弁を開くように
したことを特徴とする。Next, it has a drive means for opening and closing the first valve and the second valve, and when the first valve is opened, the second valve is closed and when the first valve is closed. It is characterized in that the second valve is opened.
【０００８】また、インクタンクおよびインジケーター
の上部に大気連通口を有すること、インジケーターの上
部が多孔質体を介して大気と連通するようにしたことを
特徴とする。Further, the present invention is characterized in that the ink tank and the indicator have an atmosphere communication port in the upper portion thereof, and the upper portion of the indicator communicates with the atmosphere through the porous body.
【０００９】さらに、インジケーターの大気連通口にふ
たを有すること、インクタンクと流路とが着脱可能であ
ること、インジケーター部に吸引機構を有することを特
徴とする。Further, the present invention is characterized in that the indicator has an air communication port with a lid, that the ink tank and the flow path are detachable, and that the indicator has a suction mechanism.
【００１０】[0010]
【発明の実施の形態】次に、本発明について図面を参照
して説明する。図１，図３および図４は、本発明の一実
施の形態示す模式図であり、図２は、図１に示す一実施
の形態の動作を説明する図である。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are schematic diagrams showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG.
【００１１】まず、図１を参照すると、本発明のインク
残量インジケーターは、インクタンク１内に負圧発生部
材としての吸収体２が納められており、インクは吸収体
２に吸収された状態でインクタンク１に充填されてい
る。このインクタンク１には下方に流路３が設けられ、
一箇所の分岐を介して印字部４とインジケーター部５と
に繋がっている。First, referring to FIG. 1, in the ink remaining amount indicator of the present invention, an absorber 2 as a negative pressure generating member is housed in an ink tank 1, and ink is absorbed by the absorber 2. The ink tank 1 is filled with. The ink tank 1 is provided with a flow path 3 below,
The printing unit 4 and the indicator unit 5 are connected to each other via a branch at one location.
【００１２】流路３は、略Ｕ字型の形状になっており、
両端に繋げられたインジケーター部５とインクタンク１
とを連通する役割を果たしている。また、インクタンク
１の上部には大気連通口８を有し、インジケーター部５
の上部にも大気連通口９を有する。The flow path 3 has a substantially U-shape,
Indicator part 5 and ink tank 1 connected to both ends
Plays a role in communicating with. Further, the upper portion of the ink tank 1 has an atmosphere communication port 8, and the indicator portion 5
Has an air communication port 9 also in the upper part of.
【００１３】インジケーター部５内でのインク液面高さ
は、外部から目視で確認することが可能であり、インク
タンク１内のインク残量を表示することができる。ま
た、流路３の分岐より印字部４側には弁６が設けられ、
分岐よりインジケーター部５側には弁７が設けられてい
る。そして、弁６，弁７は駆動手段（図示せず）によっ
て開閉され、弁６が開いているときは弁７を閉じ、弁６
が閉じているときは弁６を閉じるようになっているが、
駆動手段を用いずに手動で開閉を行ってもよい。The height of the ink surface in the indicator portion 5 can be visually confirmed from the outside, and the amount of ink remaining in the ink tank 1 can be displayed. Further, a valve 6 is provided on the printing unit 4 side from the branch of the flow path 3,
A valve 7 is provided on the indicator portion 5 side of the branch. The valves 6 and 7 are opened and closed by a driving means (not shown), and when the valve 6 is open, the valve 7 is closed and the valve 6 is opened.
The valve 6 is closed when is closed,
You may open and close manually without using a drive means.
【００１４】次に、本発明の一実施の形態の動作につい
て、図面を参照して詳細に説明する。Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
【００１５】まず、通常の印字動作中は、弁６が開か
れ、弁７が閉じられるが、そのときはインク残量を正確
に表示することはできない。印字が終了すると、インク
残量を表示するために、弁６を閉じてから弁７を開い
て、インジケーター部５とインクタンク１との間の連通
を開放する。インクタンク１内のインク残量が多いとき
は、吸収体２による負圧が小さいため、インジケーター
５内のインク液面が高い位置にある（図１参照）。First, during the normal printing operation, the valve 6 is opened and the valve 7 is closed, but at that time, the remaining ink amount cannot be accurately displayed. When printing is completed, the valve 6 is closed and then the valve 7 is opened to display the remaining ink amount, and the communication between the indicator unit 5 and the ink tank 1 is opened. When the ink remaining amount in the ink tank 1 is large, the negative pressure due to the absorber 2 is small, so that the ink liquid level in the indicator 5 is at a high position (see FIG. 1).
【００１６】しかしながら、インクタンク１内のインク
残量が少なくなると、吸収体２による負圧が大きくな
り、インジケーター部５内のインクがインクタンク１側
に吸い上げられる。従って、インジケーター部５内のイ
ンク液面は低い位置に移動する（図２参照）。However, when the ink remaining amount in the ink tank 1 becomes small, the negative pressure by the absorber 2 becomes large, and the ink in the indicator portion 5 is sucked up to the ink tank 1 side. Therefore, the ink surface in the indicator portion 5 moves to a lower position (see FIG. 2).
【００１７】再度印字を開始する場合は、弁７を閉じて
から弁６を開き、印字部４とインクタンク１との間の流
路を連通させる。この場合、インクが溢れ出るのを防止
するために、大気連通口９に気体のみを通す多孔質体１
０を設けてもよい（図３参照）。または、インクの蒸発
防止のため、大気連通口９に開閉可能なふた１１を設
け、インク残量検出時のみ、ふた１１を開くような構造
にしてもよい（図３参照）。When printing is to be started again, the valve 7 is closed and then the valve 6 is opened to connect the flow path between the printing section 4 and the ink tank 1. In this case, in order to prevent the ink from overflowing, the porous body 1 that allows only gas to pass through the atmosphere communication port 9
0 may be provided (see FIG. 3). Alternatively, in order to prevent the evaporation of ink, a lid 11 that can be opened and closed may be provided in the atmosphere communication port 9, and the lid 11 may be opened only when the remaining ink amount is detected (see FIG. 3).
【００１８】さらに、弁６は、手動で開閉するものでは
なく、インクの流れに応じて自動的に開閉する逆止弁を
用いてもよい。また、インクタンク１と流路３を取り外
し可能な構造とし、インク切れの際にインクタンク１の
みを交換するような構造にしてもよい（図４参照）。Further, the valve 6 is not a valve that is manually opened and closed, but a check valve that is automatically opened and closed according to the flow of ink may be used. Alternatively, the ink tank 1 and the flow path 3 may be detachable so that only the ink tank 1 is replaced when the ink runs out (see FIG. 4).
【００１９】その場合は、インジケーター部５の大気連
通口９側に吸引機構１２を設け、インクタンク１取り外
し後の流路３内インク抜き、およびインクタンク１取り
付け後の流路３内へのインク充填を行うような仕組みに
する。In this case, a suction mechanism 12 is provided on the side of the air communication port 9 of the indicator portion 5 to remove ink in the flow path 3 after the ink tank 1 is removed and to ink inside the flow path 3 after the ink tank 1 is attached. Make a mechanism for filling.
【００２０】[0020]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように本発明によれば、特
別なセンサ等を必要とせずに、簡単な構造でありなが
ら、確実にインク残量を検出でき、プリンタの電源が入
っていないときでも、インク残量を確認することができ
る。また、インクの液面高さによりインク残量を表示す
るので、視覚的に分かり易い表示が可能になるという効
果がある。As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reliably detect the remaining amount of ink without requiring a special sensor and the like, and when the printer is not powered on. However, you can check the ink level. Further, since the remaining amount of ink is displayed according to the height of the liquid surface of the ink, there is an effect that it is possible to make a visually easy-to-understand display.
【図１】本発明の一実施の形態を示す模式図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】図１に示す一実施の形態の動作を説明する図で
ある。FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG.
【図３】本発明の別の実施の形態を示す模式図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.
【図４】本発明の別の実施の形態を示す模式図である。FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.
１ インクタンク ２ 吸収体 ３ 流路 ４ 印字部 ５ インジケーター部 ６，７ 弁 ８，９ 大気連通口 １０ 多孔質体 １１ ふた １２ 吸引機構 1 ink tank 2 absorber 3 channels 4 Printing section 5 Indicator section 6,7 valve 8, 9 Air communication port 10 Porous body 11 lid 12 Suction mechanism
Claims (8)
ンク残量インジケーターであって、内部に吸収体を収め
たインクタンクと、このインクタンクの下方に連通され
た略Ｕ字型の流路とを有し、前記流路内のインク液面高
さが目視可能なことを特徴とするインク残量インジケー
ター。1. An ink remaining amount indicator used in an ink jet printer, comprising an ink tank containing an absorber therein, and a substantially U-shaped flow path communicating below the ink tank. An ink level indicator, wherein the height of the liquid surface of the ink in the flow path is visible.
閉する第１の弁および第２の弁を有する分岐を有し、他
方に印字部と連通することを特徴とする請求項１に記載
のインク残量インジケーター。2. A flow path having a branch having a first valve and a second valve for opening and closing the flow path on both sides, and the other branch communicating with the printing unit. Ink level indicator as described.
手段を有し、前記第１の弁を開いたときは前記第２の弁
を閉じ、かつ前記第１の弁を閉じたときは前記第２の弁
を開くようにしたことを特徴とする請求項２に記載のイ
ンク残量インジケーター。3. A driving means for opening and closing the first valve and the second valve, wherein when the first valve is opened, the second valve is closed and the first valve is closed. The ink level indicator according to claim 2, wherein the second valve is opened at this time.
部に大気連通口を有することを特徴とする請求項１，２
もしくは３のいずれか１項に記載のインク残量インジケ
ーター。4. The atmosphere communication port is provided above the ink tank and the indicator.
Alternatively, the ink level indicator according to any one of 3 above.
て大気と連通することを特徴とする請求項４に記載のイ
ンク残量インジケーター。5. The ink level indicator according to claim 4, wherein the upper portion of the indicator communicates with the atmosphere via a porous body.
することを特徴とする請求項４または５に記載のインク
残量インジケーター。6. The ink level indicator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the indicator has an air communication port having a lid.
ことを特徴とする請求項４，５もしくは６のいずれか１
項に記載のインク残量インジケーター。7. The ink tank and the flow path are attachable / detachable to any one of claims 4, 5 and 6.
Ink level indicator as described in item.
とを特徴とする請求項７項に記載のインク残量インジケ
ーター。8. The ink level indicator according to claim 7, wherein the indicator portion has a suction mechanism.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002018491A JP2003211694A (en) | 2002-01-28 | 2002-01-28 | Ink remaining amount indicator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002018491A JP2003211694A (en) | 2002-01-28 | 2002-01-28 | Ink remaining amount indicator |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2003211694A true JP2003211694A (en) | 2003-07-29 |
Family
ID=27653819
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002018491A Pending JP2003211694A (en) | 2002-01-28 | 2002-01-28 | Ink remaining amount indicator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2003211694A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR100936840B1 (en) | 2006-08-11 | 2010-01-14 | 세이코 엡슨 가부시키가이샤 | Liquid injecting method and liquid container |
| WO2015115081A1 (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2015-08-06 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Liquid supply device, liquid ejection device, and liquid container unit |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS49124918U (en) * | 1973-02-27 | 1974-10-25 | ||
| JPS60154074A (en) * | 1984-01-23 | 1985-08-13 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Ink jet recording apparatus |
| JPH03138158A (en) * | 1989-10-18 | 1991-06-12 | Hewlett Packard Co <Hp> | Ink supply detector |
| JPH05116333A (en) * | 1991-10-28 | 1993-05-14 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Ink-remainder detector |
| JPH08197743A (en) * | 1995-01-27 | 1996-08-06 | Fujitsu Ltd | Ink cartridge |
| JPH08207298A (en) * | 1994-08-23 | 1996-08-13 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Ink supplying device and recording device |
| JPH1024599A (en) * | 1996-07-09 | 1998-01-27 | Canon Inc | Ink jet recorder |
-
2002
- 2002-01-28 JP JP2002018491A patent/JP2003211694A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS49124918U (en) * | 1973-02-27 | 1974-10-25 | ||
| JPS60154074A (en) * | 1984-01-23 | 1985-08-13 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Ink jet recording apparatus |
| JPH03138158A (en) * | 1989-10-18 | 1991-06-12 | Hewlett Packard Co <Hp> | Ink supply detector |
| JPH05116333A (en) * | 1991-10-28 | 1993-05-14 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Ink-remainder detector |
| JPH08207298A (en) * | 1994-08-23 | 1996-08-13 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Ink supplying device and recording device |
| JPH08197743A (en) * | 1995-01-27 | 1996-08-06 | Fujitsu Ltd | Ink cartridge |
| JPH1024599A (en) * | 1996-07-09 | 1998-01-27 | Canon Inc | Ink jet recorder |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR100936840B1 (en) | 2006-08-11 | 2010-01-14 | 세이코 엡슨 가부시키가이샤 | Liquid injecting method and liquid container |
| WO2015115081A1 (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2015-08-06 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Liquid supply device, liquid ejection device, and liquid container unit |
| JP2015163462A (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2015-09-10 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Liquid supply device, liquid ejection device, and liquid container unit |
| US9555639B2 (en) | 2014-01-28 | 2017-01-31 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid supplying apparatus, liquid ejecting apparatus, and liquid container unit |
| US10105959B2 (en) | 2014-01-28 | 2018-10-23 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid supplying apparatus, liquid ejecting apparatus, and liquid container unit |
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Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A02 Effective date: 20070320 |