Ink supply container kit, ink supply container and its package

Abstract

The present invention provides a technology capable of reducing waste generated by ink replenishment. An ink replenishment container kit comprises: an ink replenishment container, comprising: a container body that contains ink; an outlet interface that is provided on the container body and has an outlet for the ink to flow out of the container body; a sealing component that seals the outlet and is configured to open the seal of the outlet when an external force is applied; and an ink outlet component that is detachably mounted on the outlet interface and has a nozzle that communicates with the outlet interface whose seal of the outlet is opened and allows the ink to flow out of the ink replenishment container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ink supply container kit, an ink supply container and a package body thereof. Background Art

[0002] As an ink supply container kit, for example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a bottle kit for replenishing ink to an ink tank in an inkjet printer. The bottle kit of Patent Document 1 has the following structure: an ink outlet member having a nozzle for discharging ink is mounted at the front end of a container body constituting an ink container for containing ink.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-020787

[0006] In the ink refill container kit disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the refill ink contained in the container body is exhausted, the entire ink refill container kit including the ink outlet member and the container body is usually discarded, and a plurality of components become objects of disposal. Summary of the invention

[0007] One embodiment of the technology of the present invention provides an ink supply container kit, comprising: an ink supply container, which comprises: a container body that contains ink; an outlet interface that is provided on the container body and has an outlet for allowing the ink to flow out of the container body; and a sealing component that seals the outlet and is configured to open the seal of the outlet when an external force is applied; and an ink outlet component that is detachably mounted on the outlet interface and has a nozzle that is connected to the outlet interface whose seal of the outlet is opened and allows the ink to flow out of the ink supply container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a liquid ejecting device.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a schematic side view showing the ink refill container kit according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the ink refill container kit according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4A This is a first schematic diagram for explaining the installation of the ink outlet member to the ink supply container.

[0012] Figure 4BThis is a second schematic diagram for explaining the installation of the ink outlet member to the ink supply container.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a schematic perspective view showing the front end of the outlet interface in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing a package body of the ink supply container in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a schematic perspective view showing the front end of the outlet interface in the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a schematic side view showing an ink refill container kit according to a third embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 9 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an ink refill container kit according to a third embodiment.

[0018] Fig.10 It is a schematic side view showing an ink outlet member according to a third embodiment.

[0019] Fig.11 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an ink outlet member according to a third embodiment.

[0020] Fig.12 It is a schematic perspective view showing an ink outlet member according to a third embodiment.

[0021] Fig.13A This is a first schematic diagram showing a process of mounting the ink outlet member to the outlet port according to the third embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 13B This is a second schematic diagram showing the process of mounting the ink outlet member to the outlet port according to the third embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 13C This is a third schematic diagram showing a process of mounting the ink outlet member to the outlet port according to the third embodiment.

[0024] Fig.14 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a joined state of a sealing member in a third embodiment.

[0025] Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an ink refill container kit in a fourth embodiment.

[0026] Fig.16 It is a schematic perspective view showing a liquid supply unit according to a fifth embodiment and an ink replenishing container according to a fifth embodiment.

[0027] Fig.17It is a schematic perspective view showing an ink outlet member according to a fifth embodiment.

[0028] Fig.18 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ink outlet member according to the fifth embodiment.

[0029] [Description of symbols]

[0030] 10: liquid ejecting device; 11: ink tank; 12: injection port; 12c: cover; 13: housing; 14: hinge mechanism; 15: cover member; 16: discharge port; 17: operating unit; 20: bracket; 21: liquid ejecting head; 23: ink supply tube; 30: control unit; 40A: ink supply container kit; 40B: ink supply container kit; 40C: ink supply container kit; 40D: ink supply container kit; 40E: ink supply container kit; 50A: ink supply container; 50B: ink supply container; 50C: ink supply container; 50D: ink supply container; 50E: ink supply container; 51: container body; 52: outlet; 53: outlet interface; 54: second threaded portion; 55A: sealing member; 55C: sealing member; 55D: sealing member; 55s: threaded portion; 56: peripheral groove portion; 57: inner wall groove; 60A: ink outlet member; 60C: ink outlet member; 60E: ink outlet member; 61: nozzle; 62: nozzle opening; 63: plate-shaped portion; 64: cap mounting portion; 65: fourth threaded portion; 66: connecting portion; 67: first threaded portion; 68: top wall; 69: convex portion; 70: cap member; 72: third threaded portion; 73: plug portion; 80: package body; 81: package member; 9 0: protrusion; 92: padding part; 100: liquid supply unit; 101: housing; 101c: cover part; 102: window part; 103: hinge mechanism; 111: conduit; 112: adapter; 115: recess; 120: valve part; 121: slit; 122: retaining part; CX: center axis; IK: ink; PD: main scanning direction; PP: unjoined part; SD: sub-scanning direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] 1. First implementation method:

[0032] Figure 1 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the liquid ejecting device 10. The liquid ejecting device 10 is configured as a so-called inkjet printer. The liquid ejecting device 10 ejects ink onto a medium (not shown) to form an image on a medium such as printing paper. The ink consumed in the liquid ejecting device 10 is replenished by the user using an ink replenishing container kit described later.

[0033] The liquid ejection device 10 includes a plurality of ink tanks 11. Ink consumed in the liquid ejection device 10 is stored in the ink tanks 11. Ink of different colors is contained in each ink tank 11. Examples of color inks used in the liquid ejection device 10 include cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Each ink tank 11 is provided with an injection port 12 for receiving ink replenishment. The injection port 12 is usually hermetically sealed by a cap 12c, and when ink is replenished, the cap 12c is removed and opened.

[0034] In addition, the number of ink tanks 11 provided in the liquid ejecting device 10 is not particularly limited. In other embodiments, the liquid ejecting device 10 may be provided with only one ink tank 11 or with any number of two or more ink tanks 11. In addition, the color of the ink contained in the ink tank 11 is not limited to the above-mentioned colors. As the ink, for example, a special ink may also be used.

[0035] The liquid injection device 10 includes a housing 13 as an outer body having a substantially rectangular shape. On the front of the housing 13, a cover member 15 is provided which is opened and closed by rotating in the vertical direction by a hinge mechanism 14. The above-mentioned ink tanks 11 are arranged in a row on the cover member 15. When the cover member 15 is closed, each ink tank 11 is stored in the housing 13 in a state of being flipped vertically and horizontally. When the cover member 15 is opened, each ink tank 11 rotates together with the cover member 15 with the hinge mechanism 14 as a fulcrum. Thus, as shown in the figure, in front of the housing 13, the injection port 12 is in the following state: arranged in a row in the width direction in a state where the upper end of the ink tank 11 is open toward the top. In addition, the liquid injection device 10 may not have a structure in which each ink tank 11 can rotate with the hinge mechanism 14 as a fulcrum. In the liquid injection device 10, each ink tank 11 may also be fixedly arranged in a state of being arranged in a row in front of the liquid injection device 10.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the front of the housing 13 is also provided with: an outlet 16 for discharging a medium having a printed image formed thereon; and an operation unit 17 including a button or a touch panel for receiving a user's operation. The housing 13 contains: a carriage 20 that reciprocates in the main scanning direction PD; a liquid ejecting head 21 disposed on the bottom surface of the carriage 20; and an ink supply tube 23 that connects the carriage 20 and each ink tank 11.

[0037] The carriage 20 reciprocates on the medium conveying path by a driving mechanism (not shown) disposed in the housing 13. The driving mechanism of the carriage 20 includes a driving motor, a pulley connected to the driving motor, an endless belt connected to the carriage 20 and wound around the pulley, etc. The ink supply tube 23 is flexible and follows the reciprocating movement of the carriage 20.

[0038] An ink flow path (not shown) connecting the ink supply tube 23 and the liquid ejecting head 21 and a storage portion for temporarily storing ink are provided inside the carriage 20. The liquid ejecting head 21 ejects ink supplied from the ink tank 11 through the ink supply tube 23 toward a medium transported in the sub-scanning direction SD below the carriage 20. The liquid ejecting head 21 ejects liquid from a nozzle (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the liquid ejecting head 21 by a known method such as applying pressure by a piezoelectric element.

[0039] The liquid ejection device 10 also includes a control unit 30 in the housing 13. The control unit 30 controls the driving of each component of the liquid ejection device 10. The control unit 30 is composed of at least a microcomputer having a central processing unit and a main storage device. The control unit 30 reads various instructions or programs from the main storage device through the central processing unit and executes them, thereby performing various functions for controlling the liquid ejection device 10. At least part of the functions of the control unit 30 may also be composed of a hardware circuit. In addition to the function of executing the printing process, the control unit 30 also has a function of, for example, notifying the user and prompting the replenishment of ink when it is detected that the ink in the ink tank 11 is exhausted.

[0040] Refer to appropriately Figure 2 to Figure 6 The structure of the ink supply container kit 40A in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 2 and Figure 3 . Figure 2 1 is a schematic side view showing the ink supply container 50A, the ink outlet member 60A and the cover member 70 constituting the ink supply container set 40A in isolation. Figure 2 In FIG. 8 , the central axis CX of the ink supply container 50A, the ink outlet member 60A, and the cover member 70 is shown. Figure 3 It passes through Figure 2 3-3 line cuts the ink supply container 50A, the ink outlet member 60A and the cover member 70. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the ink supply container 50A is shown in an unused state with the outlet 52 sealed by the sealing member 55A.

[0041] The ink supply container kit 40A includes an ink supply container 50A, an ink outlet member 60A, and a cover member 70 as its components. The ink supply container 50A includes: a container body 51, which contains the ink IK supplied to the liquid ejecting device 10; and an outlet port 53, which has an outlet 52 for allowing the ink IK to flow out from the container body 51. The container body 51 and the outlet port 53 are integrally manufactured as one component by injection molding of a resin material. As the resin material constituting the container body 51 and the outlet port 53, for example, polypropylene can be used.

[0042] The container body 51 is a hollow part of the main body of the ink supply container 50A. In the first embodiment, the container body 51 has a cylindrical structure with one end in the central axis direction being closed and the other end being open. The container body 51 is not limited to such a cylindrical structure. In other embodiments, the container body 51 may also be configured as a polygonal tube, for example. In addition, the container body 51 may also be configured as a hollow part in a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a polyhedron shape, or a hollow part surrounded by a wall having a curved surface.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the wall of the container body 51 is configured to be elastically deformed by an external force of the user. Thus, when the user replenishes the ink IK to the ink tank 11, the user can squeeze the container body 51 to squeeze out the ink IK. In other embodiments, the wall of the container body 51 may have rigidity that is hardly deformed by squeezing by the user.

[0044] The outlet interface 53 is a tubular portion that communicates with the internal space of the container body 51 through the opening of the container body 51. In the first embodiment, the outlet interface 53 is configured as a cylindrical portion protruding from the container body 51. The outlet 52 described above is opened at the front end of the outlet interface 53. In the first embodiment, the central axis of the outlet interface 53 is located on the central axis of the container body 51. In other embodiments, the central axis of the outlet interface 53 may also be located at a position deviated from the central axis of the container body 51. On the outer peripheral side surface of the outlet interface 53, a second threaded portion 54 is provided that is screwed into a first threaded portion 67 of the ink outlet component 60A described later.

[0045] The container body 51 further includes a sealing member 55A, which hermetically seals the outlet 52. The sealing member 55A is configured to open the seal of the outlet 52 when an external force is applied, so that ink can flow out from the outlet 52. The sealing member 55A is, for example, composed of a film member having a welded layer formed on the surface of an aluminum foil. The sealing member 55A is bonded to the periphery of the outlet 52 in a manner such that it is peeled off from the outlet interface 53 when an external force of a predetermined magnitude or more in a direction away from the outlet interface 53 is applied. The sealing member 55A is bonded to the outlet interface 53, for example, by heat welding. The sealing member 55A is bonded to the front end surface of the outlet interface 53. The sealing member 55A may also be bonded to the side surface of the outlet interface 53.

[0046] As described later, before attaching the ink outlet member 60A to the outlet port 53, the user removes the sealing member 55A from the outlet port 53. The state in which the container body 51 hermetically seals the outlet 52 of the outlet port 53 means that the ink supply container 50A is in an unused state at factory shipment.

[0047] like Figure 3As shown, in the first embodiment, an outer peripheral groove portion 56 along the outer periphery of the outlet 52 is provided on the end surface of the peripheral edge of the outlet 52 of the outlet port 53. The outer peripheral groove portion 56 will be described in detail later.

[0048] The ink outlet component 60A is a component that can be detachably mounted on the outlet interface 53 of the ink supply container 50A and functions as a nozzle. When the ink supply container kit 40A is used, the ink outlet component 60A is mounted on the ink supply container 50A by the user. The ink outlet component 60A is made by injection molding of a resin material such as polypropylene. The ink outlet component 60A is a cylindrical component having a nozzle 61, a cap mounting portion 64, a connecting portion 66, and a top wall 68.

[0049] The nozzle 61 is a tubular portion constituting the front end of the ink outlet component 60A. In the first embodiment, the nozzle 61 is configured as a cylindrical portion that decreases in diameter from the rear end side connected to the cover mounting portion 64 toward the front end side. The nozzle 61 may also be configured as a conical portion that decreases in diameter from the rear end side toward the front end side. At the front end of the nozzle 61, a nozzle port 62 is opened through which the ink IK flows out. When the ink IK is supplied to the liquid ejection device 10, the front end of the nozzle 61 is inserted into the injection port 12 of the ink tank 11.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, a plate-like portion 63 extending in a direction away from the central axis CX is provided on the outer peripheral side of the nozzle 61. When the ink IK is supplied to the liquid ejecting device 10, the ink outlet component 60A is positioned relative to the injection port 12 by making the end surface of the front end side of the plate-like portion 63 abut against the peripheral edge of the injection port 12 of the ink tank 11. Thus, the posture of the ink supply container 50A and the ink outlet component 60A can be stabilized when the ink IK is supplied to the ink tank 11. In addition, in other embodiments, the plate-like portion 63 may be omitted.

[0051] The cap mounting portion 64 is a cylindrical portion having a larger dimension in the radial direction orthogonal to the central axis CX than the nozzle 61. The cap mounting portion 64 has a fourth threaded portion 65 on its outer peripheral side surface, which is threadedly engaged with a third threaded portion 72 of a cap member 70 described later.

[0052] The connection portion 66 is a portion for fixing the ink outlet member 60A to the outlet interface 53. The connection portion 66 is located at a position closer to the rear end than the cap mounting portion 64, and is configured as a cylindrical portion having an internal space for accommodating the outlet interface 53. The connection portion 66 is larger in radial dimension than the cap mounting portion 64. In addition, the inner diameter of the connection portion 66 is larger than the outer diameter of the outlet interface 53. On the inner peripheral wall surface of the connection portion 66, a first threaded portion 67 is provided that is screwed with the second threaded portion 54 on the outer peripheral side surface of the outlet interface 53.

[0053] The top wall 68 is provided between the nozzle 61 and the connection portion 66, and is a wall portion that connects the cap mounting portion 64 and the connection portion 66. The top wall 68 is arranged at a position that is opposite to the periphery of the outlet 52 of the outlet port 53 when the ink outlet component 60A is mounted on the outlet port 53. In this specification, when two objects are said to be "opposed", both a state in which the two objects are directly opposite to each other and a state in which the two objects are opposite to each other with other objects interposed therebetween are included. In the ink outlet component 60A, the top wall 68 functions together with the cap mounting portion 64 as a relay portion that relays the connection between the nozzle 61 and the connection portion 66.

[0054] The cover member 70 is a member that can be detachably mounted on the ink outlet member 60A and seals the nozzle 61 of the ink outlet member 60A. The cover member 70 is made, for example, by injection molding of a resin material such as polypropylene. The cover member 70 is configured as a cylindrical member with one end closed and the other end open. As described above, a third threaded portion 72 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cover member 70 to be screwed with a fourth threaded portion 65 provided on the cover mounting portion 64 of the ink outlet member 60A. Inside the cover member 70, a plug portion 73 is provided that protrudes in a columnar shape from the end face of the cover member 70 along the central axis CX. When the cover member 70 is mounted on the ink outlet member 60A, the plug portion 73 is inserted into the nozzle opening 62 of the ink outlet member 60A to hermetically seal the nozzle opening 62.

[0055] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the installation of the ink outlet member 60A to the ink supply container 50A and the installation of the cover member 70 to the ink outlet member 60A will be described. Figure 4A When starting to use the ink supply container kit 40A, the user first installs the ink outlet member 60A on the unused ink supply container 50A that contains ink IK and hermetically seals the outlet 52 of the outlet interface 53 with the sealing member 55A. When installing the ink outlet member 60A to the ink supply container 50A, the user peels off the sealing member 55A from the outlet interface 53 to open the seal of the outlet 52, and the ink IK in the container body 51 is in a state where it can flow out from the outlet 52.

[0056] After the seal of the outlet 52 is opened, the first threaded portion 67 of the connecting portion 66 of the ink outlet member 60A is screwed into the second threaded portion 54 of the outlet port 53, thereby Figure 4BAs shown, the ink outlet component 60A is installed on the ink supply container 50A. In addition, when the ink outlet component 60A is installed on the ink supply container 50A, it is preferable to install the cover component 70 on the ink outlet component 60A so that the nozzle port 62 is in a sealed state. Therefore, when the ink outlet component 60A is installed on the ink supply container 50A, it is possible to prevent the ink IK in the ink supply container 50A from accidentally overflowing from the nozzle port 62. In addition, the ink outlet component 60A has a history of use, and even if the ink IK adheres to the periphery of the nozzle port 62, as long as the nozzle 61 is covered with the cover component 70, it is possible to prevent the ink IK on the periphery of the nozzle port 62 from adhering to the user's hand.

[0057] When the user replenishes the ink IK to the ink tank 11, the cover member 70 is removed from the ink outlet member 60A, and the nozzle 61 with the nozzle opening 62 opened is inserted into the injection port 12 of the ink tank 11. When the replenishment of the ink IK is completed, the user reinstalls the cover member 70 on the ink outlet member 60A. In this way, it is possible to suppress the ink IK remaining in the container body 51 from overflowing from the nozzle opening 62, or the occurrence of contamination caused by the ink IK attached to the periphery of the nozzle opening 62. In addition, the internal space of the ink replenishment container 50A is kept airtight by the cover member 70, so that the ink IK can be stored for a long time.

[0058] Here, the ink supply container 50A of the ink supply container set 40A becomes a discarded object when the ink IK contained therein is exhausted. In contrast, the ink outlet component 60A and the cover component 70 can be installed in a newly prepared unused ink supply container 50A for use, and can be repeatedly reused without being discarded. In this way, according to the ink supply container set 40A, the ink outlet component 60A and the cover component 70 can be reused, and the material discarded after the replenishment of the ink IK is completed can be reduced. Therefore, the operating cost of the liquid ejecting device 10 can be reduced.

[0059] Reference Figure 5 Next, the outer peripheral groove portion 56 provided on the outlet port 53 of the ink supply container 50A will be described. Figure 5 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the front end of the outlet port 53 of the ink supply container 50A. As described above, the peripheral groove portion 56 along the outer circumference of the outlet 52 is provided on the end surface of the peripheral edge of the outlet 52 of the outlet port 53. In the first embodiment, the peripheral groove portion 56 is formed as an annular groove surrounding the outlet 52. Figure 4AAs described above, when the ink supply container 50A starts to be used, the sealing member 55A is peeled off from the outlet port 53. If the peripheral groove portion 56 is provided on the periphery of the outlet port 52, when the sealing member 55A is peeled off, even if the ink IK attached to the surface of the sealing member 55A opposite to the outlet port 53 drips to the outlet port 53 side, the ink IK can be stored in the peripheral groove portion 56. In addition, even if the ink supply container 50A is swung by the impact when the sealing member 55A is peeled off, and the ink IK flies out from the inside of the ink supply container 50A and adheres to the periphery of the outlet port 52, the peripheral groove portion 56 can prevent the ink IK from dripping onto the outer peripheral side surface of the outlet port 53. Therefore, by having the peripheral groove portion 56, it is possible to prevent the ink IK from being contaminated by the ink IK flowing out of the nozzle port 62. In addition, after the sealing member 55A is peeled off and the ink outlet member 60A is installed, there is a case where the ink outlet member 60A is removed from the outlet port 53 for reuse in the ink supply container 50A stored during use. Even in such a case, the ink IK adhering to the inner side of the ink outlet member 60A and the peripheral edge of the outlet 52 can be captured by the peripheral groove portion 56, so that such ink IK can be suppressed from dripping on the peripheral side surface of the outlet port 53.

[0060] In other embodiments, the outer peripheral groove portion 56 may not surround the outlet 52 in an annular shape. The outer peripheral groove portion 56 may be composed of a plurality of groove portions arranged around the outlet 52 along the outlet 52, for example.

[0061] Reference Figure 6 , a method for circulating the unused ink supply container 50A in the market will be described. Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram showing a package body 80 in which an unused ink supply container 50A is packaged. As described above, since the outlet 52 of the unused ink supply container 50A is airtightly sealed by the sealing member 55A, the ink supply container 50A can be circulated in the market as a single unit of the ink supply container 50A, separated from the ink outlet member 60A and the cover member 70. In the first embodiment, the ink supply container 50A is shipped from the factory as a package body 80 packaged by a package member 81 without including the ink outlet member 60A and the cover member 70, and circulated in the market. The package member 81 is composed of a bag member composed of a resin film such as polyethylene. In addition, the package member 81 is not limited to such a bag-shaped member. In other embodiments, the package member 81 may be, for example, a film, paper, or cloth wound in a manner to cover the ink supply container 50A, or may be a carton that accommodates the ink supply container 50A. By covering the ink refill container 50A with the packing member 81 , it is possible to suppress damage to the ink refill container 50A and to suppress separation of the sealing member 55A from the ink refill container 50A.

[0062] As described above, the packaging member 81 does not include the ink outlet member 60A and the cover member 70. Therefore, the packaging member 81 can be miniaturized, the material used can be reduced, and the amount of waste generated by removing the ink supply container 50A from the packaging member 81 can be reduced. In addition, since the packaging body 80 can be miniaturized and lightweight, the transportation cost of the packaging body 80 can also be reduced. Furthermore, by circulating the ink supply container 50A in the market without including the ink outlet member 60A and the cover member 70 in the packaging body 80, it is possible to encourage users to reuse the ink outlet member 60A and the cover member 70. Therefore, by using the ink supply container kit 40A, it is possible to prevent the ink outlet member 60A and the cover member 70 from being discarded as waste.

[0063] As described above, according to the ink refill container set 40A of the first embodiment, by including the ink refill container 50A in which the outlet 52 is hermetically sealed by the sealing member 55A, waste generated by use of the ink refill container set 40A can be reduced.

[0064] 2. Second implementation method:

[0065] Figure 7 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the front end of the outlet port 53 of the ink supply container 50B included in the ink supply container kit 40B according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 , for convenience, the sealing member 55A is shown in dashed lines. The structure of the ink supply container kit 40B in the second embodiment is substantially the same as the structure of the ink supply container kit 40A in the first embodiment, except that an inner wall groove 57 is provided on the inner wall surface of the outlet port 53 of the ink supply container 50B.

[0066] The ink supply container kit 40B of the second embodiment is the same as the ink supply container kit 40A of the first embodiment, and is used to supply the ink IK to the liquid ejecting device 10. In the ink supply container kit 40B of the second embodiment, the outlet 52 of the ink supply container 50B in an unused state is sealed airtightly by the sealing member 55A, as in the first embodiment. When the ink IK is supplied to the liquid ejecting device 10, the sealing member 55A is peeled off from the outlet interface 53, and the ink outlet member 60A described in the first embodiment is installed on the outlet interface 53. In addition, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the ink supply container 50B in an unused state is circulated in the market as a package body 80 packaged by a package member 81.

[0067] In the second embodiment, in the outlet interface 53 of the ink supply container 50B, an inner wall groove 57 extending from the outlet 52 toward the container body 51 is provided on the inner wall surface surrounding the outlet 52. In the second embodiment, one end of the inner wall groove 57 is connected to the peripheral groove portion 56. By having the inner wall groove 57, the ink stored in the peripheral groove portion 56 and the ink attached to the inner wall surface around the outlet 52 can be guided to the container body 51 side. Thus, it is possible to suppress the ink from dripping to the outside and overflowing from the ink supply container 50B after the seal of the outlet 52 performed by the sealing component 55A is opened. In addition, after the sealing component 55A is peeled off and the ink outlet component 60A is installed, in the ink supply container 50A stored during use, the ink IK captured in the peripheral groove portion 56 can be guided to the inside of the ink supply container 50B through the inner wall groove 57. Therefore, when the ink outlet component 60A is removed from the outlet interface 53 for reuse, the ink IK can be prevented from dripping from the peripheral groove 56 to the peripheral side of the outlet interface 53. In addition, a plurality of inner wall grooves 57 may be provided on the outlet interface 53, or only one inner wall groove 57 may be provided. In addition, in other embodiments, the inner wall groove 57 may not be connected to the peripheral groove 56. In this case, as described above, the ink attached to the inner wall surface around the outlet 52 can also be guided to the container body 51 side.

[0068] As described above, according to the ink supply container kit 40B of the second embodiment, the inner wall groove 57 provided in the outlet port 53 of the ink supply container 50B can prevent the ink from dripping out of the ink supply container 50B after the seal of the outlet port 52 performed by the sealing member 55A is opened. In addition, according to the ink supply container kit 40B of the second embodiment, the same various effects as those described in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0069] 3. The third implementation method:

[0070] Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing the structure of an ink supply container kit 40C in the third embodiment. Figure 8 , the ink outlet member 60C to which the cap member 70 is attached and the ink supply container 50C in which the outlet 52 is hermetically sealed by the sealing member 55C are arranged separately. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the central axes CX of the cover member 70 , the ink outlet member 60C, and the ink supply container 50C are shown. Fig. 9 It passes through Figure 8 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ink supply container kit 40C taken along line 9-9 of the central axis CX.

[0071] The structure of the ink supply container kit 40C of the third embodiment is substantially the same as the structure of the ink supply container kit 40B of the second embodiment except for the points described below. In the following referenced figures, the same reference numerals or reference numerals with letters added at the end are added to the components that are the same as or correspond to those described in the first and second embodiments.

[0072] The ink supply container kit 40C of the third embodiment is used, similarly to the ink supply container kit 40B of the second embodiment, to supply the ink IK to the liquid ejecting device 10. In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the unused ink supply container 50C is circulated in the market as a package body 80 packaged by the package member 81 described in the first embodiment.

[0073] In the ink supply container 50C of the third embodiment, the sealing member 55C is made of a material having such strength that a through hole is formed by an external force received from the protrusion 90 described later of the ink outlet member 60C when the ink outlet member 60C is installed. In the ink supply container 50C, when such a through hole is formed on the sealing member 55C, the seal of the outlet 52 is opened. The sealing member 55C is made of, for example, a resin film member. The sealing member 55C is similar to that described in the first embodiment, for example, joined to the periphery of the outlet 52 by heat welding. The details will be described later, and the sealing member 55C is joined to the area outside the peripheral groove portion 56. In the third embodiment, it is preferred that the sealing member 55C is joined to the periphery of the outlet 52 with such a strength that the sealing member 55C is not peeled off from the outlet interface 53 when the user pulls it. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the situation where the user mistakenly peels off the sealing member 55C and the ink IK overflows from the ink supply container 50C.

[0074] Reference Figure 10 to Figure 12 , the structure of the ink outlet member 60C according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig.10 It is a schematic side view of the ink outlet member 60C when viewed along a radial direction orthogonal to the central axis CX. Fig.11 It passes through Fig.10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the ink outlet member 60C taken along line 11-11 of the central axis CX is shown. Fig.12 This is a schematic perspective view of the ink outlet member 60C as viewed from the rear end side.

[0075] like Fig.11 and Fig.12As shown in the figure, a protrusion 90 is provided inside the ink outlet component 60C. Inside the connection part 66, the protrusion 90 protrudes from the inner wall surface of the ink outlet component 60C toward the rear end side of the ink outlet component 60C, that is, toward the side connected to the outlet interface 53 of the ink supply container 50C. In the third embodiment, the protrusion 90 protrudes from the top wall 68. In addition, in other embodiments, the protrusion 90 may also protrude obliquely from the inner wall surface of the cover mounting portion 64 toward the inside of the connection part 66. Alternatively, the protrusion 90 may also protrude from the rear end portion of the nozzle 61 toward the inside of the connection part 66.

[0076] The protrusion 90 has a length that allows it to enter the outlet port 53 when the first threaded portion 67 provided on the connection portion 66 of the ink outlet component 60C and the second threaded portion 54 provided on the outlet port 53 of the ink supply container 50C are screwed together. As will be described in detail later, the front end of the protrusion 90 reaches the sealing component 55C and penetrates the sealing component 55C during the process of installing the ink outlet component 60C on the ink supply container 50C, thereby opening the seal of the outlet 52 performed by the sealing component 55C. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the front end of the protrusion 90 is sharp at a sharp angle so as to easily pierce the sealing member 55C. In addition, by adjusting the length of the protrusion 90, the timing when the protrusion 90 reaches the sealing member 55C and forms a through hole can be adjusted during the process of installing the ink outlet member 60C in the ink supply container 50C.

[0077] A packing member 92 is disposed inside the connection portion 66. Fig. 9 , Fig.11 In the figure, for the sake of convenience, dot hatching is added to the surface of the gasket member 92, and oblique hatching is added to the cross section of the gasket member 92. The gasket member 92 is formed in an annular shape, for example, it is composed of a resinous elastic body such as rubber. The gasket member 92 is arranged along the inner wall surface of the connecting portion 66 and is fixed to the top wall 68. As described later, when the ink outlet member 60C is installed on the outlet interface 53 of the ink supply container 50C, the gasket member 92 is clamped and compressed by the top wall 68 and the peripheral portion of the outlet 52. By having the gasket member 92, when the ink outlet member 60C is installed on the ink supply container 50C, the gasket member 92 functions as a sealing portion to suppress the ink IK from leaking from the boundary between the ink outlet member 60C and the ink supply container 50C.

[0078] In the third embodiment, the protrusion 90 is provided in the region surrounded by the cushion member 92. More specifically, the protrusion 90 is formed at a position adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of the cushion member 92. Thus, the protrusion 90 can be protected by the cushion member 92. Fig.11As shown, the protrusion 90 has a length substantially equal to the thickness of the cushion member 92 in an uncompressed state. The reason for this will be described later.

[0079] Reference Figures 13A to 13C , the installation process of the ink outlet component 60C relative to the outlet interface 53 of the ink supply container 50C is described. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B . The connection portion 66 of the ink outlet component 60C is covered on the outlet interface 53 of the ink supply container 50C, and the ink outlet component 60C is rotated around the central axis CX, so that the first threaded portion 67 of the connection portion 66 is screwed into the second threaded portion 54 of the outlet interface 53. As a result, the gasket component 92 is clamped by the top wall 68 and the peripheral portion of the outlet 52, and the front end of the protrusion 90 reaches the sealing component 55C. Furthermore, when the first threaded portion 67 is screwed into the second threaded portion 54, the gasket component 92 is gradually compressed, and the front end of the protrusion 90 moves in a manner of describing an arc on the sealing component 55C, cutting the sealing component 55C to form a through hole.

[0080] As described above, in the third embodiment, the protrusion 90 is Fig.11 As shown, the length of the gasket member 92 is substantially the same as the thickness of the gasket member 92 in an uncompressed state. Therefore, when the front end of the protrusion 90 reaches the sealing member 55C, the gasket member 92 begins to be compressed and the sealing property generated by the gasket member 92 begins to appear. Therefore, just after the through hole is formed in the sealing member 55C by the protrusion 90, it is possible to suppress the ink from leaking from the boundary between the ink supply container 50C and the ink outlet member 60C. In addition, in other embodiments, the protrusion 90 may also be configured to be shorter than the thickness of the gasket member 92 in an uncompressed state. If such a structure is used, the timing when the gasket member 92 begins to be compressed can be advanced compared to the timing when the front end of the protrusion 90 reaches the sealing member 55C. Therefore, the sealing property generated by the gasket member 92 just after the through hole is formed in the sealing member 55C by the protrusion 90 can be improved.

[0081] exist Fig. 13B and Fig. 13C In FIG. 5 , the seal member 55C is indicated by a dotted line, schematically showing that the seal of the outlet 52 is opened. Fig. 13B and Fig. 13C As shown, the further the first threaded portion 67 and the second threaded portion 54 are screwed together, the more the packing member 92 is compressed, and the airtightness between the top wall 68 and the peripheral edge of the outlet 52 is improved. In addition, the protrusion 90 is inserted deeper into the outlet 52, and the through hole, i.e., the crack, of the sealing member 55C formed by the protrusion 90 is enlarged, so that the ink IK easily flows out through the outlet 52 into the ink outlet member 60C.

[0082] Reference Fig.14 , a bonding state of the sealing member 55C according to the third embodiment will be described. Fig.14 FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the front end portion of the outlet port 53 to which the sealing member 55C is joined. Fig.14 In FIG. 1 , a state in which a non-engaged portion PP of the sealing member 55C not engaged with the outlet port 53 is separated from the outlet port 53 and folded up is schematically shown by a dotted line.

[0083] The outlet port 53 of the ink supply container 50C of the third embodiment is provided with the peripheral groove portion 56 and the inner wall groove 57 described in the third embodiment. As described above, the sealing member 55C is joined to the portion outside the peripheral groove portion 56 of the front end surface of the outlet port 53. Therefore, the ink IK can reach the peripheral groove portion 56 through the gap between the portion on the inner peripheral side of the peripheral groove portion 56 of the front end surface of the outlet port 53 and the sealing member 55C. Thus, after the seal of the outlet 52 is opened by forming a through hole through the protrusion 90 of the ink outlet member 60C, the ink IK attached to the sealing member 55C remaining at the periphery of the outlet 52 can flow into the peripheral groove portion 56 along the surface of the sealing member 55C. In this way, since the ink IK attached to and remaining on the sealing member 55C can be captured by the peripheral groove portion 56, when the ink outlet member 60C is removed from the ink supply container 50C, such ink IK can be suppressed from being dispersed around.

[0084] In other embodiments, the sealing member 55C may be joined to the inner peripheral portion of the peripheral groove 56. Even with such a structure, when the user peels the sealing member 55C from the outlet port 53, the peripheral groove 56 can suppress the ink IK from dripping from the outlet 52 to the outer peripheral side of the outlet port 53.

[0085] As described above, according to the ink supply container kit 40C of the third embodiment, by providing the protrusion 90 on the ink outlet component 60C, the seal of the outlet 52 can be opened even if the sealing component 55C is not peeled off from the outlet interface 53. As a result, the user does not need to spend time peeling off the sealing component 55C or discarding the sealing component 55C, which is efficient. In addition, when the seal of the outlet 52 performed by the sealing component 55C is opened, the ink IK can be suppressed from adhering to the user's hand. In addition, according to the ink supply container kit 40C of the third embodiment, the same various effects as those described in the above-mentioned embodiments can be achieved.

[0086] 4. Fourth embodiment:

[0087] Fig.151 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an ink supply container kit 40D according to a fourth embodiment. The ink supply container kit 40D according to the fourth embodiment is substantially the same in structure as the ink supply container kit 40B according to the second embodiment, except that the ink supply container 50D has a sealing member 55D formed of a cover member. Fig.15 Although not shown in the figure, the ink supply container kit 40D of the fourth embodiment includes a cover member 70. In the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the unused ink supply container 50D is distributed in the market as a package body 80 packaged by a package member 81.

[0088] The sealing component 55D of the fourth embodiment is configured as a concave hollow component capable of accommodating the outlet interface 53 of the ink supply container 50D inside. The sealing component 55D is made by injection molding of a resin material such as polypropylene, for example. A threaded portion 55s that is screwed with the second threaded portion 54 of the outlet interface 53 is provided on the inner wall surface of the sealing component 55D, and the sealing component 55D is installed on the outlet interface 53 in a detachable state by a threaded manner. When the ink tank 11 is replenished with ink, the user applies an external force to the sealing component 55D to rotate it, and removes the sealing component 55D from the outlet interface 53, thereby opening the seal of the outlet 52, and installing the ink outlet component 60A on the outlet interface 53.

[0089] According to the ink refill container set 40D of the fourth embodiment, since the sealing member 55D is configured as a cap member that is detachably configured to be threaded on the outlet port 53, it is possible to easily open the seal of the outlet 52. In addition, the sealing member 55D can be reattached to the outlet port 53 to seal the outlet 52. In addition, according to the ink refill container set 40D of the fourth embodiment, the various effects described in the above-mentioned embodiments can be achieved.

[0090] 5. Fifth embodiment:

[0091] Reference Figure 16 to Figure 18 The fifth embodiment is described below. Figure 16 to Figure 18 In the drawings, components that are the same as or correspond to those described in the above-mentioned embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals or reference numerals with alphabetical letters at the end.

[0092] Fig.16 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a liquid supply unit 100 provided in a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a fifth embodiment and an ink supply container kit 40E according to the fifth embodiment. Fig.16 , a state in which ink is replenished to one ink tank 11 provided in the liquid supply unit 100 using the ink replenishment container kit 40E is schematically shown.

[0093] The structure of the liquid ejecting device of the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as the structure of the liquid ejecting device 10 described in the first embodiment, except that the liquid ejecting device 10 is provided with a liquid supply unit 100. The liquid supply unit 100 includes a plurality of ink tanks 11, and supplies ink to a liquid ejecting head 21 of the liquid ejecting device. The liquid supply unit 100 includes a housing 101 for accommodating the plurality of ink tanks 11. A window 102 is provided on the front of the housing 101 for the user to visually check the ink level in each ink tank 11, that is, the position of the liquid surface of the ink.

[0094] In addition, the housing 101 includes a cover member 101c that is opened and closed by a hinge mechanism 103, and a cover handle provided with a cover 12c that seals an injection port 12 described later. In the liquid supply unit 100, it is configured as follows: when the cover member 101c is opened and the cover handle is rotated to open the cover 12c, a conduit 111 constituting a portion of each ink tank 11 is exposed. The conduit 111 constitutes an ink flow path through which the ink supplied to the ink tank 11 flows. An adapter 112 is arranged around each conduit 111, and the adapter 112 receives the connection of the ink outlet member 60E provided in the ink supply container kit 40E. A substantially cylindrical through hole is formed on the adapter 112 through which the conduit 111 is inserted. The conduit 111 extends upward at the center of the through hole. In the fifth embodiment, the through hole of the adapter 112 and the conduit 111 constitute the injection port 12 for receiving the supply of ink. When the ink tank 11 is replenished with ink, the nozzle 61 of the ink outlet component 60E is inserted into the through hole of the injection port 12, and the conduit 111 of the injection port 12 is inserted into the nozzle 61. On the adapter 112, a pair of recesses 115 are provided around the injection port 12 for each ink tank 11, into which the convex portion 69 described later of the ink outlet component 60E is inserted. Each recess 115 is connected to the through hole constituting the injection port 12. The front end portion of the ink outlet component 60E is inserted into the injection port 12 and the recess 115 along its central axis CX. The pair of recesses 115 are provided in such a manner that, when viewed along the insertion direction of the ink outlet component 60E, they are in a radially point-symmetrical shape with the injection port 12 having a circular opening shape as the center, and each has a rectangular opening shape.

[0095] The ink supply container kit 40E of the fifth embodiment includes an ink supply container 50E and an ink outlet member 60E. Although not shown in the figure, the ink supply container kit 40E also includes the cover member 70 described in the first embodiment. Fig.16As shown, the ink in the ink supply container set 40E is replenished by installing the ink outlet member 60E on the ink supply container 50E and inserting the front end of the ink outlet member 60E into the injection port 12 and the recessed portion 115 of the adapter 112. In the state where the ink outlet member 60E is connected to the adapter 112, the ink supply container 50C stands on the adapter 112.

[0096] Fig.17 It is a schematic perspective view showing an ink outlet member 60E according to the fifth embodiment. Fig.18 It passes through Fig.17 The ink outlet member 60E is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ink outlet member 60E cut along the line 18-18 of the central axis CX shown in FIG. The structure of the ink outlet member 60E of the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as the ink outlet member 60C of the third embodiment except for the following points.

[0097] like Fig.17 As shown, in the ink outlet component 60E, a pair of protrusions 69 extending along the central axis CX are provided on the side of the nozzle 61. The pair of protrusions 69 are provided at positions opposite to each other across the central axis CX. The outer peripheral shape of the protrusion 69 has a shape corresponding to the opening shape of the recess 115 provided on the adapter 112 of the above-mentioned liquid supply unit 100. When the nozzle 61 and the protrusion 69 of the ink outlet component 60E are inserted into the injection port 12 and the recess 115, since the ink outlet component 60E is fixed to the adapter 112, the ink tank 11 can be replenished with ink in a stable posture.

[0098] like Fig.17 As shown, in the ink outlet member 60E, a fourth threaded portion 65 is provided on the outer periphery of the connection portion 66 to be threadedly engaged with the third threaded portion 72 of the cap member 70. In the ink outlet member 60E, the connection portion 66 also functions as a cap mounting portion 64 for mounting the cap member 70.

[0099] exist Fig.18 , a state in which an ink outlet component 60E is installed on an ink supply container 50E is illustrated. The ink supply container 50E of the fifth embodiment has the same structure as the ink supply container 50C described in the third embodiment, and the outlet 52 is sealed by a sealing component 55C when not in use. The inside of the ink outlet component 60E is provided with a protrusion 90 and a gasket component 92 that are the same as those described in the third embodiment. When the ink outlet component 60E is installed on the outlet interface 53 of the ink supply container 50E, a through hole is formed in the sealing component 55C through the protrusion 90, and the seal performed by the sealing component 55C is opened. In addition, in Fig.18 In FIG. 1 , the seal member 55C is shown by a dotted line to schematically show a state in which the seal is opened.

[0100] like Fig.18 As shown, in the ink outlet member 60E, a valve member 120 that opens and closes by elastic deformation is arranged in the nozzle 61. The valve member 120 is arranged so as to block the nozzle opening 62. The valve member 120 is supported from below by a holding member 122 and fixed in the nozzle 61. The valve member 120 generally has a slit 121 that is closed airtightly. The slit 121 of the valve member 120 receives Fig.16 121 of the valve member 120. When the conduit 111 is inserted into the slit 121 of the valve member 120, the ink IK in the container body 51 flows into the injection port 12 of the conduit 111. In addition, in the conduit 111, in addition to the ink flow path connected to the injection port 12, an air flow path for introducing the air of the ink tank 11 into the container body 51 is provided in parallel with the ink flow path. When the ink is replenished to the liquid supply unit 100 by the ink replenishment container kit 40E, the ink IK flows from the container body 51 into the ink tank 11 through the injection port 12, and at the same time, the air of the ink tank 11 flows into the container body 51 through the air flow path of the conduit 111.

[0101] According to the ink supply container kit 40E of the fifth embodiment, the ink outlet component 60E is connected to the recess 115 of the adapter 112, so that the ink tank 11 can be supplied with ink IK in a stable posture. In addition, when replenishing ink, even if the user does not squeeze the container body 51, as described above, the ink IK and air are exchanged between the ink tank 11 and the ink supply container 50C through the conduit 111. Therefore, the situation in which the user squeezes the container body 51 excessively and deteriorates the ink supply container 50C is suppressed. In addition, according to the ink supply container kit 40E of the fifth embodiment, the various effects described in the above-mentioned embodiments can be achieved.

[0102] 6. Other implementation methods:

[0103] The various structures described in the above-mentioned embodiments can be changed, for example, as follows. The other embodiments described below are positioned as examples of the mode for implementing the technology of the present invention, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0104] Other implementation methods 1:

[0105] In the ink refill container sets 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D of the above-described embodiments, the cap member 70 may be omitted. In this case, the cap attachment portion 64 may be omitted in the ink outlet members 60A and 60C.

[0106] Other implementation methods 2:

[0107] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the ink outlet members 60A and 60C may be mounted on the outlet ports 53 of the ink supply containers 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D by methods other than screwing. For example, the ink outlet members 60A and 60C may be mounted on the outlet ports 53 simply in an airtight fit.

[0108] Other implementation methods 3:

[0109] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the outer peripheral groove 56 may not be formed on the front end surface of the outlet port 53. In addition, the outlet port 53 may not be provided with the outer peripheral groove 56 but only with the inner wall groove 57.

[0110] Other implementation methods 4:

[0111] The ink supply containers 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D according to the above-described embodiments may be shipped from the factory and distributed in the market without being packaged with the packaging member 81 .

[0112] Other implementation methods 5:

[0113] In the third embodiment described above, the sealing member 55C may be configured to be peeled off from the peripheral edge of the outlet 52 when pressed by the protrusion 90 , thereby releasing the seal of the outlet 52 .

[0114] Other implementation methods 6:

[0115] The ink supply container kits 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D of the above-mentioned embodiments can also be used for supplying ink other than printers. In the present invention, the so-called "ink" includes various liquid compositions such as general water-based inks and oil-based inks as well as dye inks, pigment inks, gel inks, and hot melt inks.

[0116] 7. Method example:

[0117] The technology of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments or examples, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope of the subject. For example, the technology of the present invention can be implemented as the following. In order to solve part or all of the problems that the technology of the present invention should achieve, or to achieve part or all of the effects that the technology of the present invention should play, the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various modes described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, if the technical feature is not described as a necessary technical feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0118] (1) A first method provides an ink supply container kit, comprising: an ink supply container, comprising: a container body that contains ink; an outlet interface that is provided on the container body and has an outlet for allowing the ink to flow out of the container body; and a sealing component that seals the outlet and is configured to open the seal of the outlet when an external force is applied; and an ink outlet component that is detachably mounted on the outlet interface and has a nozzle that is connected to the outlet interface whose seal of the outlet is opened and allows the ink to flow out of the ink supply container.

[0119] According to the ink supply container kit of this mode, when the ink supply container is replaced with a new ink supply container sealed with ink by the sealing member, the ink outlet member of the replaced ink supply container can be reused. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink outlet member from being discarded together with the ink supply container, thereby preventing an increase in waste.

[0120] (2) In the ink supply container kit of the above-mentioned method, it can also be that the ink outlet component has an internal space connected to the nozzle, and has a cylindrical connecting portion with a first threaded portion on the inner wall surface, and a second threaded portion screwed into the first threaded portion is provided on the outer peripheral side of the outlet interface. The ink outlet component has a protrusion, which protrudes from the inside of the connecting portion toward the side connected to the outlet interface and has a length that enters the outlet interface when the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are screwed together. Due to the external force received from the protrusion when the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are screwed together, a sealed through hole that opens the outlet is formed on the sealing component.

[0121] According to the ink supply container kit of this mode, when the ink outlet component is mounted on the outlet interface of the ink supply container, a through hole is formed in the sealing component through the protrusion of the ink outlet component, so that the ink can flow out from the outlet of the outlet interface. Therefore, the user can save the trouble of removing the sealing component from the outlet interface.

[0122] (3) In the ink supply container kit of the above-mentioned manner, it may be that the ink outlet component has a top wall, the top wall is arranged between the nozzle and the connecting portion, and when the ink outlet component is installed on the outlet interface, the top wall is arranged at a position opposite to the peripheral portion of the outlet, and the protrusion protrudes from the top wall. The ink supply container kit also has a cushioning component, and when the ink outlet component is installed on the outlet interface, the cushioning component is clamped by the top wall and the peripheral portion of the outlet.

[0123] According to the ink refill container kit of this aspect, after the through hole is formed in the sealing member by the protrusion, the gasket member can function as a sealing portion, thereby preventing ink from leaking from the boundary between the ink refill container and the ink outlet member.

[0124] (4) In the ink refill container kit of the above aspect, the protrusion may have a length equal to or less than the thickness of the packing member in a state before being sandwiched and compressed by the top wall and the peripheral edge of the outlet.

[0125] According to the ink supply container kit of this mode, when the protrusion reaches the sealing member, the cushion member can be in a compressed state, so that it is possible to suppress the situation that ink leaks immediately after the through hole is formed in the sealing member by the protrusion.

[0126] (5) In the ink refill container kit of the above aspect, the outlet port may be provided with an outer peripheral groove portion along the outer periphery of the outlet on an end surface of the peripheral edge of the outlet.

[0127] According to the ink refill container kit of this aspect, since the ink can be captured in the outer peripheral groove portion, it is possible to suppress the ink from dripping onto the outer peripheral side surface of the outlet port.

[0128] (6) In the ink supply container kit of the above aspect, an inner wall groove portion extending from the outlet toward the container body may be provided on the inner wall surface of the outlet port.

[0129] According to the ink supply container kit of this aspect, the ink adhering to the inner wall surface near the outlet of the outlet port can be guided to the container body side by the inner wall groove portion, thereby preventing the ink from overflowing from the outlet of the outlet port.

[0130] (7) The ink refill container kit of the above aspect may further include a cap member that is detachably mounted on the ink outlet member and seals the nozzle.

[0131] According to the ink refill container kit of this aspect, leakage of ink from the nozzle can be suppressed by the cap member.

[0132] (8) The second method provides an ink supply container, which comprises: a container body that accommodates ink; an outlet interface that is arranged on the container body and has an outlet for allowing the ink to flow out of the container body; a second threaded portion that is arranged on the outer peripheral side surface of the outlet interface and is screwed with the first threaded portion, and the first threaded portion is arranged on the inner wall surface of an ink outlet component installed on the outlet interface; and a sealing component that seals the outlet and is configured to open the seal of the outlet when an external force is applied.

[0133] According to the ink supply container of this mode, since the outlet is sealed by the sealing member, it can be circulated in the market separately from the ink outlet member. In addition, according to the ink supply container of this mode, the ink outlet member with a history of use can be installed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink outlet member from being discarded, thereby reducing waste generated by the replenishment of ink.

[0134] (9) In the ink supply container of the above-mentioned method, the sealing component may also include a film component, which is joined to the periphery of the outlet in such a manner that the film component is peeled off from the outlet interface and the seal of the outlet is opened when the external force is greater than the predetermined magnitude in the direction away from the outlet interface.

[0135] According to the ink supply container of this aspect, the outlet of the outlet port can be easily opened by peeling off the film member.

[0136] (10) In the ink supply container of the above-mentioned method, the sealing component may include a cover component, which is detachably mounted on the outlet interface by a thread and is removed from the outlet interface by rotation generated by the external force, thereby opening the seal of the outlet.

[0137] According to the ink supply container of this mode, the outlet of the outlet interface can be easily opened by rotating and removing the cover member. Thus, it is possible to suppress the ink from overflowing from the outlet due to the vibration of the container body caused by the impact when the sealing member is removed. In addition, when the cover member is installed on the film member, since the film member is protected by the cover member, damage such as peeling or breakage of the film member is suppressed, and the occurrence of ink leakage caused by peeling or damage of the film member is suppressed.

[0138] (11) In the ink supply container of the above aspect, the outlet port may be provided with an outer peripheral groove along the outer periphery of the outlet on an end surface of the peripheral edge of the outlet.

[0139] According to the ink supply container of this aspect, since the ink can be captured in the outer peripheral groove portion, it is possible to suppress the ink from dripping onto the outer peripheral side surface of the outlet port.

[0140] (12) In the ink supply container of the above aspect, an inner wall groove portion extending from the outlet toward the container body may be provided on the inner wall surface of the outlet port.

[0141] According to the ink supply container of this aspect, the ink adhering to the inner wall surface near the outlet of the outlet port can be guided to the container body side by the inner wall groove portion, thereby preventing the ink from overflowing from the outlet of the outlet port.

[0142] (13) A third aspect provides a package body comprising: the ink refill container of the above aspect; and a package member that accommodates the ink refill container without the ink outlet member.

[0143] According to the package body of this mode, since the package body is miniaturized and lightweight due to the fact that the ink outlet component is not included, the transportation cost of the ink supply container can be saved. In addition, since the package component can be reduced due to the fact that the ink outlet component is not included, the waste after unpacking the ink supply container can be reduced.

[0144] 8. Others:

[0145] The technology of the present invention can also be implemented in various ways other than an ink supply container kit, an ink supply container, and a package. For example, it can also be implemented by an ink outlet component, an ink supply method, an ink supply container packaging method, an ink supply container circulation method, etc. The ink supply container kit, ink supply container, and package in the present invention can also be bundled together with a new liquid injection device. In the "ink replenishment" of the present invention, in addition to the act of supplying ink to an ink tank in a liquid injection device after the ink is consumed, it also includes the act of supplying ink to an empty ink tank in a new liquid injection device for the first time.

Claims

1. An ink supply container kit, characterized in that: have: An ink supply container, comprising: a container body that contains ink; an outlet port that is provided on the container body and has an outlet for allowing the ink to flow out of the container body; and a sealing member that seals the outlet and is configured to open the seal of the outlet when an external force is applied; an ink outlet member which is removably mounted on the outlet interface and has a nozzle which communicates with the outlet interface whose seal of the outlet is opened and allows the ink to flow out from the ink supply container; as well as a cap member that seals the nozzle and is separate from the ink outlet member, the cap member being detachably mounted on the ink outlet member and being removably mounted on the ink supply container through the ink outlet member, The ink outlet component has an internal space connected to the nozzle, and has a cylindrical connecting portion provided with a first threaded portion on the inner wall surface. A second threaded portion is provided on the outer peripheral side of the outlet interface and is threadedly engaged with the first threaded portion. The ink outlet component has a protrusion, which protrudes from the inside of the connecting portion toward the side connected to the outlet interface and has a length that enters the outlet interface when the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are screwed together. The sealing member forms a sealed through hole that opens the outlet due to the external force applied from the protrusion when the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are screwed together. The ink outlet component has a top wall, which is disposed between the nozzle and the connecting portion, and is arranged at a position opposite to the peripheral edge of the outlet when the ink outlet component is mounted on the outlet interface. The protrusion protrudes from the top wall, The ink supply container kit further includes a cushion member, and when the ink outlet member is mounted on the outlet interface, the cushion member is clamped by the top wall and the peripheral edge of the outlet. The protrusion has a length that is less than or equal to the thickness of the cushion member in a state before being compressed by being sandwiched between the top wall and the peripheral edge of the outlet.

2. The ink supply container kit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet port is provided with an outer peripheral groove portion along the outer periphery of the outlet on an end surface of the peripheral edge of the outlet.

3. The ink supply container kit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An inner wall groove portion extending from the outlet toward the container body is provided on the inner wall surface of the outlet interface.

4. An ink supply container, characterized in that: have: a container body that contains ink; An outlet interface, which is arranged on the container body and has an outlet for allowing the ink to flow out of the container body; a second threaded portion, which is provided on an outer peripheral side surface of the outlet interface and is threadedly engaged with a first threaded portion, the first threaded portion being provided on an inner wall surface of an ink outlet component mounted on the outlet interface; and a sealing member that seals the outlet and is configured to open the seal of the outlet when an external force is applied, The outlet interface is provided with an outer peripheral groove along the outer periphery of the outlet on the end surface of the peripheral edge of the outlet. The sealing member is joined to a portion of the front end surface of the outlet port outside the outer peripheral groove portion. The ink outlet member has a protrusion, The sealing member comprises a membrane member, The protrusion forms a through hole in the sealing member to release the seal of the outlet.

5. The ink supply container according to claim 4, characterized in that: An inner wall groove portion extending from the outlet toward the container body is provided on the inner wall surface of the outlet interface.

6. A package body, characterized in that: have: The ink supply container according to claim 4 or 5; and A packaging member that accommodates the ink supply container without including the ink outlet member.

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