Ink refill container

Abstract

An ink supply container for rapidly supplying ink by gas-liquid exchange is provided. The ink supply container communicates with an ink tank of a printer via an ink inlet flow path member provided in the ink tank and having a plurality of flow paths separated by separators, to supply ink to the ink tank. The ink supply container includes a container main body, an ink outlet formation portion, and an outlet valve unit. The outlet valve unit includes a valve case installed in a barrel portion with a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the barrel portion and the valve case, the valve case being capable of being inserted and removed with the ink inlet flow path member; a seal member; and a valve core capable of taking a closed valve state in contact with the seal member and an open valve state away from the seal member. The valve core has a separation contact portion capable of abutting against the separators of the ink inlet flow path member. The valve case has a through hole communicating with the gap, the through hole communicating with the ink inlet flow path member in the open valve state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ink refill container. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, as an example of an inkjet device, an inkjet printer is known that can print on a printing medium by ejecting ink from a printhead onto the printing medium, such as printing paper. Among such inkjet printers, there are ink-refilling type inkjet printers that are used to refill ink cartridges. Patent Document 1 discloses an ink refill container used for refilling ink cartridges.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-144281

[0006] In the ink refill container of Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of enabling rapid liquid refilling or facilitating the manufacture or maintenance of the ink refill container. An ink refill container with a structure that improves at least one of these aspects is desired. Summary of the Invention

[0007] (1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, an ink refill container is provided, which is connected to the ink tank of a printer via an ink inlet flow path component, thereby refilling the ink tank with ink, the ink inlet flow path component being disposed in the ink tank and having a plurality of flow paths separated by partitions. The ink refill container comprises: a container body configured to contain ink; an ink outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion with an ink outlet; and an outlet valve unit installed within the cylindrical portion. The outlet valve unit comprises: a valve housing installed within the cylindrical portion with a gap between it and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion; a sealing member installed within the valve housing and having an opening for insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path component; and a valve core movably installed within the valve housing in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet, capable of being in a closed valve state in contact with the sealing member and an open valve state pushed away from the sealing member by the ink inlet flow path component. The valve core has a separating contact portion having an end face capable of abutting against the separating element of the ink inlet flow path component. The valve housing has a through hole communicating with the gap, and in the open valve state, the through hole communicates with the ink inlet flow path component.

[0008] (2) According to a second aspect of the present invention, an ink refill container is provided, which is connected to the ink tank of a printer via an ink inlet flow path component to refill the ink tank with ink, the ink inlet flow path component being disposed in the ink tank and having a plurality of flow paths separated by partitions. The ink refill container comprises: a container body configured to contain ink; an ink outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion with an ink outlet; and an outlet valve unit installed within the cylindrical portion, the outlet valve unit comprising: a valve housing having a engaging portion that engages with the cylindrical portion and is detachably installed within the cylindrical portion via the engaging portion; a spring member housed and supported within the valve housing; a sealing member installed within the valve housing at a position on the front end side of the ink outlet in the central axis direction of the ink outlet, positioned above the spring member at the front end of the ink outlet, and having an opening for insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path member; and a valve core movably installed within the valve housing in the central axis direction, capable of being in a closed valve state (when the spring member applies force towards the sealing member and contacts the sealing member) and an open valve state (when the ink inlet flow path member pushes away from the sealing member in the opposite direction of the applied force), the valve housing having an anti-detachment portion to prevent the sealing member from detaching.

[0009] (3) According to a third aspect of the present invention, an ink refill container is provided, which communicates with an ink tank of a printer via an ink inlet flow path component to refill the ink tank with ink. The ink inlet flow path component is disposed in the ink tank and has a plurality of flow paths separated by a separator. The ink refill container comprises: a container body configured to contain ink; an ink outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion having an ink outlet; and an outlet valve unit installed within the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion has a cylindrical portion-side engaging portion capable of engaging with the outlet valve unit. The outlet valve unit is configured to selectively install a spring valve unit and a slit valve unit interchangeably. The spring valve unit comprises: a valve housing having an engaging portion capable of engaging with the cylindrical portion-side engaging portion of the cylindrical portion; a spring member housed and supported within the valve housing; and a sealing member installed within the valve housing at the center of the ink outlet. The valve unit has a slit valve located at the front end of the ink outlet in the axial direction, relative to the spring member, and has an opening for insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path member; and a valve core movably mounted in the valve housing in the central axial direction, capable of being in a closed state (when the spring member applies force toward the sealing member and contacts the sealing member) and an open state (when the ink inlet flow path member pushes away from the sealing member in the opposite direction of the applied force), the slit valve unit having a slit valve and an engaging portion capable of engaging with the cylinder-side engaging portion, the slit valve having a slit on the valve core for insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path member. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printer in the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the process of adding ink to the ink can using an ink refill container.

[0012] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the ink replenishment container in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is the first perspective view of the outlet valve unit.

[0014] Figure 5 This is the second perspective view of the outlet valve unit.

[0015] Figure 6 This is the front view of the ink refill container in its upright position.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Top view.

[0017] Figure 8This is a perspective view of the ink can according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the replenishment process of ink from the ink refill container to the ink canister.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container with the cap closed.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container during the opening of the lid.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container with the cap fully open.

[0022] [Label Explanation]

[0023] 100: Printer; 110: Housing; 160: Ink canister housing unit; 162: Lid; 164: Sealing cap component; 165: Sealing cap; 200: Ink refill container; 300: Container body; 312: External thread; 400: Ink outlet forming part; 410: Tubular flow path part; 411: Replenishment flow path; 420: Cylinder part; 450: Fitting part; 460: Ink outlet; 500: Outlet valve unit; 510: Sealing component; 517: Valve housing; 517A: Anti-falling part; 517B: Engaging part; 5 20: Valve core; 524: Cylindrical part; 526: Protrusion; 526A: Separating contact part; 526B: Inclined surface; 530: Spring component; 600: Cover; 602: Protrusion; 700, 700L, 700S: Ink reservoir; 710: Ink inlet flow path component; 711: Ink inlet flow path; 714: Separating wall; 721: Inner flow path; 750: Recess; 760: Ink receiving chamber; C: Central shaft; Co: Annular protrusion; D1: Front side direction; Fr: Flange part; Ho: Through hole; Kt: Engaging protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0024] A. First Implementation Method

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printer 100 in the first embodiment. The printer 100 is an inkjet printer that ejects ink onto a printing medium for printing. Figure 1The printer 100 is plotted with mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The X-axis corresponds to the width direction of the printer 100, the Y-axis corresponds to the depth direction of the printer 100, and the Z-axis corresponds to the height direction of the printer 100. The printer 100 is set on a horizontal mounting surface defined by the X and Y directions. Furthermore, the "X-axis direction" represents the concept of combining the +X and -X directions. Similarly, the "Y-axis direction" represents the concept of combining the +Y and -Y directions, and the "Z-axis direction" represents the concept of combining the +Z and -Z directions.

[0026] Printer 100 has a housing 110. Inside housing 110, a carriage (not shown) movable in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction) is provided. On the carriage, a printhead that ejects ink onto the printing medium is provided. At one end of the front of housing 110, an ink tank receiving unit 160 is provided to hold multiple ink tanks 700S and 700L. The ink tank receiving unit 160 has an openable and closable cover 162 on its upper part. Ink tank 700S is a small-capacity tank, and ink tank 700L is a large-capacity tank. However, in the following description, the two are referred to simply as "ink tank 700". Each ink tank 700 is connected to the printhead of the carriage via a tube (not shown). That is, ink tank 700 is a stationary type ink tank that is not mounted on the carriage of printer 100. In addition, each ink tank 700 is an ink refill type ink tank that is replenished with ink from an ink refill container when the ink level is low. In addition, in this embodiment, ink tank 700 is a stationary ink tank, but it can also be an ink tank 700 mounted on the tray of printer 100.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the state of ink being added to ink reservoirs 700 using ink refill container 200. The front surface of each ink reservoir 700 is formed of a transparent component, allowing the remaining ink level in each reservoir to be visually observed from the outside. When the remaining ink level decreases, as... Figure 2 As shown, the cap 162 can be opened to replenish ink from the ink inlet flow path component 710 of the ink tank 700.

[0028] On the top surface of each ink reservoir 700, a cylindrical ink inlet flow path component 710 for replenishing ink to the ink reservoir 700 is provided. The ink reservoir receiving unit 160 includes a sealing cap component 164, which has a sealing cap 165 for sealing the front end of the ink inlet flow path component 710. When the ink reservoir 700 is not being replenished with ink, the top end of the ink inlet flow path component 710 is sealed by the sealing cap 165 of the sealing cap component 164. When replenishing ink to the ink reservoir 700, the sealing cap component 164 is removed from the ink inlet flow path component 710, and the ink is replenished by inserting it into the front end of the ink replenishment container 200. Around the ink inlet flow path component 710, two recesses 750 are provided that engage with the fitting portion (described later) of the ink replenishment container 200. These recesses 750 have a shape that is rotationally symmetrical about the ink inlet flow path component 710 at a radius of 180 degrees.

[0029] In this manual, the term "ink replenishment" means the action of supplying ink to the ink tank 700 to increase the remaining ink level. However, it is not necessary to fill the ink tank 700 with ink through "ink replenishment". In addition, "ink replenishment" also includes the action of filling the empty ink tank 700 with ink when the printer 100 is used for the first time.

[0030] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the ink refill container 200 according to the first embodiment. The ink refill container 200 has a container body 300 capable of containing ink, an ink outlet forming portion 400 forming an ink outlet 460, an outlet valve unit 500, and a cap 600 mounted on the ink outlet forming portion 400. The cap 600 side, i.e., the upper end side, of the ink refill container 200 is referred to as the "front end side," and the container body 300 side, i.e., the lower end side, is referred to as the "rear end side." The container body 300 is a hollow cylindrical container with an opening on the front end side. An external thread 312 for mounting the ink outlet forming portion 400 is provided in the small-diameter portion located at the front end of the container body 300.

[0031] An ink outlet 460 is provided at the front end of the ink outlet forming section 400. The ink outlet forming section 400 is used to connect to the container body 300. The ink outlet forming section 400 includes a cylindrical section 420 with the ink outlet 460. An outlet valve unit 500 is installed inside the cylindrical section 420. Therefore, the outlet valve unit 500 can also be regarded as a component constituting part of the ink outlet forming section 400. When replenishing ink to the ink tank 700, the ink inlet flow path component 710 of the ink tank 700 ( Figure 2 It is inserted into the ink outlet 460.

[0032] The outlet valve unit 500 is configured to seal the ink outlet 460 in a non-replenishing state when ink is not being added to the ink tank 700, so that ink will not leak to the outside, and to release the seal in a replenishing state when ink is being added to the ink tank 700, so that ink flows into the ink inlet flow path component 710.

[0033] Figure 4 This is the first perspective view of the outlet valve unit 500. Figure 5 This is the second perspective view of the outlet valve unit 500. Figure 5 The image shows the ink inlet flow path component 710 inserted into the outlet valve unit 500. (Example) Figures 3-5 As shown, the outlet valve unit 500 includes a valve housing 517, a sealing component 510, a valve core 520, and a spring component 530. In this invention, the direction parallel to the central axis C of the ink refill container 200 is referred to as the "axial direction," and the direction from the central axis C toward the outside is referred to as the "radial direction."

[0034] Valve housing 517 internally houses spring component 530, sealing component 510, and valve core 520. Valve housing 517 has a generally cylindrical shape with an axially open front end and a closed end. Valve housing 517 allows ink inlet flow path component 710 to be inserted and removed through the front opening. Figure 4 As shown, the valve housing 517 has an anti-detachment portion 517A on its front end side to prevent the sealing member 510 from detaching, and an engagement portion 517B that engages with the cylinder portion 420. Therefore, the outlet valve unit 500 is integrated when assembled into the cylinder portion 420. Furthermore, since the outlet valve unit 500 can be installed and removed as a single unit, manufacturing and handling are easy. Additionally, it allows for conveying as a single unit, and can be replaced when the ink refill container 200 is reused. The valve housing 517 is installed within the cylinder portion 420 with a radially spaced gap between it and the cylinder portion 420. Figure 5 As shown, the valve housing 517 has a total of four through holes Ho extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction. The through holes Ho communicate with the radial gap between the valve housing 517 and the cylindrical portion 420. The through holes Ho are also formed to extend axially.

[0035] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the spring component 530 is housed within the valve housing 517. The spring component 530 is housed within the valve housing 517 on its axial rear end side and is supported by the valve housing 517. The spring component 530 may be formed of metal, for example. In this embodiment, the spring component 530 is a helical spring.

[0036] A sealing member 510 is installed within the valve housing 517. The sealing member 510 is axially positioned at the front end of the spring member 530 near the ink outlet 460. The sealing member 510 has a generally annular shape. The sealing member 510 may be formed, for example, from a resilient rubber component (elastomer). The sealing member 510 has an opening that allows the ink inlet flow path member 710 to be inserted and removed.

[0037] The valve core 520 is axially movable and mounted on the valve housing 517. The valve core 520 has a cylindrical portion 524 and a protrusion 526. The valve core 520 has a structure in which the protrusion 526 is disposed on the end face of the cylindrical portion 524, which is a generally cylindrical component. The cylindrical portion 524 faces the inner surface of the valve housing 517. The cylindrical portion 524 is configured to be guided and slidable by the inner surface of the valve housing 517. Therefore, the opening and closing action of the valve core 520 is performed smoothly. The open and closed states of the valve core 520 will be described later. The valve core 520 can be formed, for example, from a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Figure 4 As shown, the protrusion 526 of the valve core 520 has a separating contact portion 526A, which has a circular end face capable of abutting against the partition wall 714 of the ink inlet flow path component 710 (described later). The protrusion 526 is formed such that, in the axial direction, the cross-sectional area at the rear end side is larger in the orthogonal direction to the axial direction compared to the front end side where the separating contact portion 526A is located. Furthermore, while the separating contact portion 526A has a circular end face, it is not limited to a circular end face; other arbitrary shapes, such as an elliptical end face, can be used to achieve the desired effect of the invention.

[0038] The valve core 520 can be in a "closed valve state" and an "open valve state". Specifically, the valve core 520 is forced towards the sealing member 510 by the spring member 530. This force causes the cylindrical portion 524 to contact the sealing member 510, resulting in a "closed valve state". In this "closed valve state", the axial opening is closed due to the contact between the cylindrical portion 524 and the sealing member 510. Alternatively, the valve core 520 can be pushed in the opposite direction to the force applied by the ink inlet flow path member 710. This push causes the cylindrical portion 524 to move away from the sealing member 510, resulting in an "open valve state". In this "open valve state", the axial opening is created by the movement of the cylindrical portion 524 away from the sealing member 510.

[0039] Components of the ink replenishment container 200, other than the outlet valve unit 500, can be formed from thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0040] like Figure 3As shown, two fitting portions 450 are provided around the ink outlet 460. These fitting portions 450 are connected to the recesses 750 provided around the ink inlet flow path component 710 of the ink tank 700. Figure 2 The positioning component is used to position the ink refill container 200 by fitting together. Positioning refers to, for example, ensuring that the ink refill container 200 for refilling yellow ink fits into the recess 750 corresponding to the ink tank 700 containing yellow ink, while preventing the ink refill container 200 for refilling other colors such as magenta and cyan from fitting into it, thereby preventing accidental ink injection, and stabilizing the ink injection posture of the ink refill container as described later. The function of preventing accidental ink injection is not limited to the color of the ink; for example, for black ink, it can also prevent accidental injection of dye ink and pigment ink. In the first embodiment, the two fitting portions 450 have a shape that is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis C of the ink refill container 200 by 180 degrees. Similarly, the recess 750 provided around the ink inlet flow path component 710 of the ink tank 700 also has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical about the ink inlet flow path component 710 by 180 degrees. When refilling ink, the ink refill container 200 engages with the recess 750 surrounding the ink inlet flow path component 710 of the ink tank 700, thereby limiting the orientation of the ink refill container 200 to two orientations that are rotationally symmetrical about 180 degrees. As a result, the ink refill container 200 can be maintained in a stable posture during ink refilling. However, the engagement portion 450 can be omitted.

[0041] Figure 6 This is the front view of the ink refill container 200 in its upright position. Figure 7 This is its top view. "The ink refill container 200 in its upright position" indicates that the container body 300 is placed with its bottom facing down on a horizontal surface such as a table. As described above... Figure 2 As shown, ink is replenished to the ink reservoir 700 by inverting the ink replenishment container 200 with its front end facing downwards. Additionally, Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 It's the 600-degree state after removing the cover.

[0042] Figure 8This is a perspective view of the ink reservoir 700 according to the first embodiment. The ink inlet flow path component 710 of the ink reservoir 700 protrudes upward from the ink reservoir 700. The ink inlet flow path component 710 has two flow paths 711 and 712. The two flow paths 711 and 712 are divided by a partition wall 714. In the first embodiment, the front end face of the ink inlet flow path component 710 is flat, and the two flow paths 711 and 712 open at the front end face of the ink inlet flow path component 710. Furthermore, a portion of the front end face of the ink inlet flow path component 710 corresponds to the end of the partition wall 714. When refilling ink, the fitting portion 450 of the ink refill container 200 engages with the recess 750 around the ink inlet flow path component 710 of the ink reservoir 700, positioning the ink refill container 200 circumferentially. Thus, the two flow paths 711 and 712 communicate with two in-can flow paths 721 and 722 protruding downward into the ink receiving chamber 760, respectively. The lower ends of these internal flow paths 721 and 722 extend to a position lower than the top wall of the ink reservoir 760. The reason for this is that when ink is replenished from the ink replenishment container 200 to the ink tank 700, the gas-liquid exchange stops when the liquid level in the ink reservoir 760 reaches the lower ends of the internal flow paths 721 and 722, and the ink replenishment also stops, thus making the ink replenishment operation easy.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the replenishment state of ink from the ink replenishment container 200 to the ink tank 700. In this replenishment state, the ink replenishment container 200 is inverted, and the direction of the front end of the ink replenishment container 200 is the front end direction D1. The barrel portion 420 has: a flange portion Fr extending in the radial direction of an ink outlet 460 that can abut against the front end of the outlet valve unit 500 in the axial direction; an engaging protrusion Kt extending axially from the flange portion Fr toward the barrel portion 420; and an annular protrusion Co that can engage with an engaging portion, i.e., an annular protrusion Co2, provided on the outer periphery of the outlet valve unit 500. Here, the engaging protrusion Kt and the annular protrusion Co constitute the barrel-side engaging portion. In addition, in Figure 9 The text only represents a portion of the ink refill container 200 and the ink can 700. The engagement of the annular protrusion Co2 with the annular protrusion Co, and the engagement of the engagement protrusion Kt with the front end of the sealing member 510, particularly the latter, also serves to seal against ink leakage.

[0044] The ink inlet flow path component 710 of the ink tank 700 is inserted into the tubular flow path section 410 through the opening of the sealing component 510. The flow path (also referred to as the "supplementary flow path") on the inner circumferential surface side of the cylindrical section 420, which is closer to the center in the radial direction of the tubular flow path section 410, is divided into two supplementary flow paths 411 and 412 formed by the gap between the valve housing 517 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical section 420. The gap forming the supplementary flow paths 411 and 412 may also include the gap between the valve core 520 housed in the valve housing 517 and the spring component 530 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical section 420, through the through hole Ho. Therefore, the gap can also be described as the gap between the outlet valve unit 500 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical section 420 through the through hole Ho. In addition, as described later, in the ink replenishment state, one of the two supplementary flow paths 411 and 412 is used as an ink flow path, and the other is used as an air flow path. As a result, the ink refill container 200 can refill ink while exchanging gas and liquid with the ink tank 700. When refilling ink using gas-liquid exchange, it is not necessary to squeeze the container body 300. Thus, the type of ink refill container that can refill ink without squeezing the container body 300 is called a "non-squeezable type". Furthermore, the flow path of the tubular flow path section 410 does not need to be divided into two refill flow paths 411 and 412 via the flow paths 711 and 712 of the ink inlet flow path component 710 and the through hole Ho of the valve housing 517; it can also be formed as a single refill flow path. Alternatively, the tubular flow path section 410 can be divided into three or more refill flow paths.

[0045] The outlet valve unit 500 is configured such that, in the replenishment state, the replenishment flow paths 411 and 412, located on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 420 closer to the center in the radial direction of the tubular flow path portion 410, are connected to the two flow paths 711 and 712. Furthermore, in order to allow gas and liquid to enter and exit through the connection between the replenishment flow paths 411 and 412 and the two flow paths 711 and 712 of the ink inlet flow path component 710, the outlet valve unit 500 needs to be in an "open valve state" capable of passing through the through-hole Ho.

[0046] The protrusion 526 of the valve core 520 is positioned axially opposite the partition wall 714 of the ink inlet flow path component 710. In the replenishment state, the protrusion 526 of the valve core 520 is pressed back towards the container body 300 by the ink inlet flow path component 710, and the two flow paths 711 and 712 of the ink inlet flow path component 710 are respectively connected via through holes Ho to the replenishment flow paths 411 and 412 on the inner circumferential surface side of the cylindrical portion 420, which are located radially closer to the center of the tubular flow path portion 410. This state is the aforementioned "valve open state". As a result, ink in the container body 300 is allowed to flow into the ink inlet flow path component 710 via the replenishment flow paths 411 and 412. Figure 9In the diagram, solid arrows represent ink flow, and dashed arrows represent air flow. Thus, in the replenishment state, ink can be efficiently replenished from the ink replenishment container 200 to the ink tank 700 while gas-liquid exchange occurs using the two flow paths 711, 712 of the ink inlet flow path component 710 and the two replenishment flow paths 411, 412 of the tubular flow path section 410. To facilitate this gas-liquid exchange, it is preferable to divide the replenishment flow path of the tubular flow path section 410 into multiple replenishment flow paths. The same applies to the ink inlet flow path of the ink inlet flow path component 710. In this case, it is preferable that, in the replenishment state, at least one of the multiple replenishment flow paths is connected to at least one of the multiple ink inlet flow paths, and at least one other of the multiple replenishment flow paths is connected to at least one other of the multiple ink inlet flow paths.

[0047] As described above, the protrusion 526 is formed such that, in the axial direction, the cross-sectional area in the orthogonal direction to the axial direction is larger on the rear end side compared to the front end side having the separating contact portion 526A. Therefore, since the cross-sectional area on the side contacting the separating wall 714 is smaller than the cross-sectional area on the rear end side, it is less likely to obstruct the inflow of ink into multiple flow paths and the outflow of air, thereby enabling smooth gas-liquid exchange. Furthermore, because the rear end side is thicker, the strength of the protrusion 526 of the valve core 520 when in contact with the separating wall 714 can be maintained, thus effectively maintaining the separating function.

[0048] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion 526 of the valve core 520 has an inclined surface 526B that expands from the front end to the rear end. Therefore, since the gas and liquid flow along the inclined surface 526B, the portion that interferes with each other is reduced, and rapid liquid replenishment is possible through smooth gas-liquid exchange.

[0049] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the center of the rear end side of the valve housing 517 is sealed. Therefore, interference between gas and liquid is prevented, and gas-liquid exchange can be carried out smoothly, thereby enabling rapid ink replenishment.

[0050] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container 200 with the cap 600 closed. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container 200 during the opening of the 600-cap. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container 200 with the cap 600 fully opened. Additionally, Figure 11 The arrow inside the ink refill container 200 shown indicates open airflow. (As shown) Figures 10-12 As shown, cover 600 has a protrusion 602. (As indicated...) Figure 10As shown, with the cover 600 closed, the protrusion 602 pushes the valve core 520 axially towards its rear end, thus opening the valve. This creates a through-hole Ho, which connects to the supplementary flow paths 411 and 412. Because the cover 600 is closed, although no atmosphere is open, the through-hole Ho connects the supplementary flow paths 411 and 412 to the radially inner side of the sealing member 510. Figure 11 As shown, the valve core 520 moves axially towards the front end, and the axial length of the through hole Ho shortens, but it is opened to the atmosphere by the cover being opened, causing the internal pressure to drop. Figure 12 As shown, the valve core 520 moves further towards the front end direction D1, and the through hole Ho closes, becoming a closed valve. Therefore, even if the cap 600 is fully open, ink will not leak. By providing the cap 600, when the internal pressure of the ink replenishment container 200 rises due to temperature or air pressure changes, the internal pressure is released when the cap 600 is opened from the closed state, thus preventing ink from spraying out.

[0051] According to the first embodiment described above, air rises from one of the multiple flow paths separated by the ink inlet flow path component 710, enters the container body 300 through the through hole Ho of the valve housing 517 and through the gap between the cylinder portion 420 and the valve housing 517, and on the other hand, ink in the container body 300 flows through the gap and through the through hole Ho into another of the multiple flow paths. Therefore, compared with the structure where gas and liquid pass through the valve housing 517, gas-liquid separation is better achieved, and rapid liquid replenishment is possible through smooth gas-liquid exchange.

[0052] In the first embodiment, in the supplementary state, the sealing member 510 is separated from the valve core 520 by the abutment 526 of the valve core 520 against the partition wall 714 of the ink inlet flow path member 710, and this gap communicates with the through hole Ho of the valve housing 517. Through the through hole Ho, the supplementary flow paths 411 and 412, which are formed in the tubular flow path section 410 as a gap between the inner peripheral surfaces of the valve housing 517 and the cylindrical section 420, communicate with the flow paths 711 and 712 of the ink inlet flow path member 710. In this way, by providing a protrusion 526 at the front end of the valve core 520 and a through hole Ho on the valve housing 517, when the valve is open and the protrusion 526 abuts against the partition wall 714 of the ink inlet flow path component 710, the flow paths 711 and 712 communicate with the through hole Ho through the gap between the sealing component 510 and the front end of the cylindrical portion 524 of the valve core 520. Thus, it is easy to achieve communication with the supplementary flow paths 411 and 412 formed as the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the valve housing 517 and the cylindrical portion 420.

[0053] Furthermore, in the replenished state, the sealing member 510 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the ink inlet flow path member 710 to seal the outer peripheral surface of the ink inlet flow path member 710. This structure prevents ink leakage to the outside, thereby improving the sealing performance of the outer peripheral surface of the ink inlet flow path member 710.

[0054] Furthermore, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the side of the protrusion 526 of the valve core 520 that contacts the partition wall 714 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rear end side, it is less likely to obstruct the inflow of ink and the outflow of air relative to multiple flow paths, thereby enabling smooth gas-liquid exchange. In addition, since the rear end side is thickened, the strength of the protrusion 526 of the valve core 520 when in contact with the partition wall 714 can be maintained, thereby ensuring good separation function.

[0055] Furthermore, since the gas and liquid flow along the inclined surface 526B of the protrusion 526, the interference between them is reduced, and rapid liquid replenishment is possible through smooth gas-liquid exchange.

[0056] Furthermore, since the rear end of the valve housing 517 is sealed, gas-liquid interference is prevented, and gas-liquid exchange can be carried out smoothly, thereby enabling rapid ink replenishment.

[0057] Furthermore, the valve core 520 has a cylindrical portion 524 facing the inner surface of the valve housing 517. The cylindrical portion 524 is configured to be guided and slidable by the inner surface of the valve housing 517. Therefore, the opening and closing action of the valve core 520 can be performed smoothly.

[0058] Additionally, the device includes a cover 600 that covers the ink outlet 460. The cover 600 has a protrusion 602 that pushes the valve core 520 to the open state when the cover 600 is closed. Therefore, when the internal pressure of the ink refill container 200 increases due to temperature or air pressure changes, the internal pressure is released when the cover 600 is opened, thus preventing ink from being ejected.

[0059] Furthermore, the valve housing 517 has an anti-detachment portion 517A on its front end side to prevent the sealing member 510 from detaching, and an engagement portion 517B that engages with the cylinder portion 420, thus enabling it to be installed and removed within the cylinder portion 420. Therefore, the outlet valve unit 500 is integrated when assembled into the cylinder portion 420. Additionally, since the outlet valve unit 500 can be installed and removed individually, manufacturing and handling are easy. Furthermore, it can be transported individually, and can be replaced when the ink refill container 200 is reused. Moreover, since the detachment of the sealing member 510 is suppressed, the sealing member 510 can be reliably and reliably housed within the valve housing 517, and its positional relationship with the valve core is well maintained. Furthermore, since additional stop components are not required, the increase in components or manufacturing processes can be minimized.

[0060] In the first embodiment, "partition wall 714" is equivalent to the "partition" of the present invention.

[0061] B. Other implementation methods

[0062] B-1. Other Implementation Methods 1

[0063] In the first embodiment described above, the ink refill container 200 includes an outlet valve unit 500, which is a spring valve unit with a spring member 530 housed within the valve housing 517 of the cylindrical portion 420. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The ink refill container 200 may also include an outlet valve unit with a slit valve instead of the spring valve unit 500. The ink refill container 200 may also be configured to allow interchangeable installation of an outlet valve unit with a spring valve unit, wherein the outlet valve unit is an outlet valve unit with a slit valve having a slit in the radial direction of the valve core 520 for inserting and removing the ink inlet flow path member 710, and the outlet valve unit has an engaging portion that can engage with the engaging protrusion Kt and the annular protrusion Co of the cylindrical portion 420, respectively. Thus, when the supply of the outlet valve unit is insufficient, it can be replaced with a slit valve unit, making other parts of the ink outlet forming portion 400 common and easy to manufacture or maintain. Furthermore, when the ink refill container 200 is reused, it is easy to change the configuration by removing the spring valve unit to install the slit valve unit, or vice versa.

[0064] B-2. Other Implementation Methods 2

[0065] In the first embodiment described above, the ink refill container 200 has a lid 600, but it may not.

[0066] B-3. ​​Other Implementation Methods 3

[0067] In the ink refill container 200 of the first embodiment described above, the valve housing 517 is configured to be able to be installed and removed within the cylinder 420, but it may also be an integral unit that cannot be installed and removed.

[0068] C. Other methods

[0069] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various structures without departing from its spirit. For example, in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, if a technical feature is not described as an essential technical feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0070] (1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, an ink refill container is provided, which is connected to the ink tank of a printer via an ink inlet flow path component, thereby refilling the ink tank with ink, the ink inlet flow path component being disposed in the ink tank and having a plurality of flow paths separated by partitions. The ink refill container comprises: a container body configured to contain ink; an ink outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion with an ink outlet; and an outlet valve unit installed within the cylindrical portion. The outlet valve unit comprises: a valve housing installed within the cylindrical portion with a gap between it and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion; a sealing member installed within the valve housing and having an opening for insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path component; and a valve core movably installed within the valve housing in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet, capable of being in a closed valve state in contact with the sealing member and an open valve state pushed away from the sealing member by the ink inlet flow path component. The valve core has a separating contact portion having an end face capable of abutting against the separating element of the ink inlet flow path component. The valve housing has a through hole communicating with the gap, and in the open valve state, the through hole communicates with the ink inlet flow path component. According to this method, since air rises from one of the multiple flow paths separated by the ink inlet flow path component, passes through the through hole of the valve housing and through the gap between the cylinder and the valve housing, it enters the container body. On the other hand, the ink in the container body passes through the gap and flows into another of the multiple flow paths through the through hole. Therefore, compared with the case where gas and liquid pass through the valve housing, gas-liquid separation is better achieved, and rapid liquid replenishment is possible through smooth gas-liquid exchange.

[0071] (2) In the above-described manner, the separating contact portion of the valve core may also be provided on a protrusion of the valve core, wherein the protrusion is formed such that, compared to the front end side having the separating contact portion, the cross-sectional area on the rear end side in the direction orthogonal to the central axis is larger. According to this method, since the cross-sectional area on the side in contact with the separator is smaller than the cross-sectional area on the rear end side, it is less likely to obstruct the inflow of ink into multiple flow paths and the outflow of air, thereby enabling smooth gas-liquid exchange. Furthermore, since the rear end side is thicker, the strength of the valve core's protrusion in contact with the separator can be maintained, thereby effectively maintaining the separating function.

[0072] (3) In the above-described manner, the protrusion of the valve core may also have an inclined surface that expands from the front end to the rear end. According to this method, since the gas and liquid flow along the inclined surface, the portion that interferes with each other is reduced, and rapid liquid replenishment is possible through smooth gas-liquid exchange.

[0073] (4) Alternatively, in the above method, the center portion of the rear end side of the valve housing can be sealed. This method prevents gas-liquid interference, allows for smooth gas-liquid exchange, and enables rapid ink replenishment.

[0074] (5) Alternatively, in the above embodiment, the valve core may have a cylindrical portion facing the inner side of the valve housing, the cylindrical portion being configured to slide under the guidance of the inner side. This embodiment ensures efficient opening and closing of the valve core.

[0075] (6) In the above-described manner, the outlet valve unit may also include a spring member housed and supported within the valve housing, configured such that, in the closed state, the spring member applies force to the valve core toward the sealing member. According to this method, since the spring member is housed within the valve housing, it is easy to handle during the assembly of the ink refill container. Furthermore, it is easy to maintain the positional relationship between the spring member, the valve core, and the sealing member.

[0076] (7) In the above-described manner, the valve housing may also have an anti-detachment portion to prevent the sealing member from falling off. According to this method, the sealing member is reliably housed within the valve housing, and its positional relationship with the valve core is well maintained. Furthermore, since additional stop components may not be required, the increase in components or manufacturing processes can be suppressed.

[0077] (8) In the above-described manner, a cover capable of covering the ink outlet may also be provided, the cover having a protrusion that pushes the valve core to the open state when the cover is closed. According to this method, when the internal pressure of the ink refill container rises due to temperature changes or air pressure changes, the internal pressure is released when the cover is opened from the closed state, thus preventing ink from being ejected.

[0078] (9) According to a second aspect of the present invention, an ink refill container is provided, which is connected to the ink tank of a printer via an ink inlet flow path component to refill the ink tank with ink, the ink inlet flow path component being disposed in the ink tank and having a plurality of flow paths separated by partitions. The ink refill container comprises: a container body configured to contain ink; an ink outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion with an ink outlet; and an outlet valve unit installed within the cylindrical portion, the outlet valve unit comprising: a valve housing having a engaging portion that engages with the cylindrical portion and is detachably installed within the cylindrical portion via the engaging portion; a spring member housed and supported within the valve housing; a sealing member installed within the valve housing at a position on the front end side of the ink outlet in the central axis direction of the ink outlet, positioned above the spring member at the front end of the ink outlet, and having an opening for insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path member; and a valve core movably installed within the valve housing in the central axis direction, capable of being in a closed valve state (when the spring member applies force towards the sealing member and contacts the sealing member) and an open valve state (when the ink inlet flow path member pushes away from the sealing member in the opposite direction of the applied force), the valve housing having an anti-detachment portion to prevent the sealing member from detaching. According to this method, since the outlet valve unit can be loaded and unloaded individually, manufacturing is easy. Furthermore, it allows for the conveying of the outlet valve unit individually, and replacement is possible when the ink refill container is reused. Additionally, the sealing component can be reliably housed within the valve housing, maintaining a good positional relationship with the valve core. Moreover, since additional stop components are not required, the increase in components or manufacturing processes can be minimized.

[0079] (10) According to a third aspect of the present invention, an ink refill container is provided, which communicates with an ink tank of a printer via an ink inlet flow path component to refill the ink tank with ink, wherein the ink inlet flow path component is disposed in the ink tank and has a plurality of flow paths separated by partitions. The ink refill container comprises: a container body configured to contain ink; an ink outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion having an ink outlet; and an outlet valve unit installed within the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion having a cylindrical portion-side engaging portion capable of engaging with the outlet valve unit. The outlet valve unit may also be configured to selectively install a spring valve unit and a slit valve unit interchangeably. The spring valve unit comprises: a valve housing having an engaging portion capable of engaging with the cylindrical portion-side engaging portion of the cylindrical portion; a spring member housed and supported within the valve housing; and a sealing member installed within the valve housing, at the ink outlet... The valve core is located at the front end of the ink outlet in the central axis direction, relative to the spring member, and has an opening for insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path member. It is movably mounted within the valve housing in the central axis direction and is capable of being in a closed state (when the spring member applies force towards the sealing member and contacts the sealing member) and an open state (when the ink inlet flow path member pushes away from the sealing member in the opposite direction of the applied force). The slit valve unit includes a slit valve and has an engaging portion that engages with the cylindrical side engaging portion. The slit valve has a slit on the valve core for insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path member. According to this method, when the spring valve unit supply is insufficient, it can be replaced with a slit valve unit. Furthermore, when reusing the ink refill container, it is easy to change the configuration by removing the spring valve unit and installing a slit valve unit, or vice versa.

[0080] (11) In the above-described manner, the cylindrical portion may also have a flange portion that abuts against the front end of the outlet valve unit in the central axis direction and extends in the radial direction of the ink outlet. The cylindrical portion side engaging portion has: an engaging protrusion extending from the flange portion toward the interior of the cylindrical portion in the central axis direction; and an annular protrusion that can engage with the outer periphery of the outlet valve unit. The engaging portion is configured to engage with both the engaging protrusion and the annular protrusion. According to this method, a slit valve unit can be easily installed instead of a spring valve unit. The outlet valve unit can be easily installed by pushing it from the rear end side of the cylindrical portion toward the front end side until it abuts against the engaging protrusion of the flange portion. Furthermore, when reusing the ink refill container, it is easy to change the configuration by removing the spring valve unit to install a slit valve unit, or vice versa.

[0081] In addition to the methods described above, the present invention can also be implemented by means of manufacturing an ink replenishment container, etc.

Claims

1. An ink refill container connected to a printer ink reservoir via an ink inlet flow path component to refill the ink reservoir with ink, the ink inlet flow path component being disposed in the ink reservoir and having multiple flow paths separated by partitions. in, The ink refill container includes: The container body is configured to hold ink. An ink outlet forming section, which is connected to the container body, and has a cylindrical portion with an ink outlet; and The outlet valve unit is installed inside the cylindrical section. The outlet valve unit includes: A valve housing is installed inside the cylindrical portion with a gap between it and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion; A sealing component, mounted within the valve housing, having an opening for insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path component; and A valve core, which is movably mounted in the valve housing in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet, is capable of being in a closed state (contacting the sealing member) and an open state (pushed away from the sealing member by the ink inlet flow path member). The valve core has a separating contact portion, which has an end face capable of abutting against the separator of the ink inlet flow path component. The valve housing has a through hole communicating with the gap, and in the open valve state, the through hole is connected to the ink inlet flow path component.

2. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separating contact portion of the valve core is disposed on the protrusion of the valve core, and the protrusion is formed such that, compared with the front end side having the separating contact portion, the cross-sectional area of ​​the rear end side in the direction orthogonal to the central axis direction is larger in the central axis direction.

3. The ink refill container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protrusion of the valve core has an inclined surface that expands from the front end side to the rear end side.

4. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The center of the rear end side of the valve box is sealed.

5. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core has a cylindrical portion opposite to the inner side of the valve housing, and the cylindrical portion is configured to slide under the guidance of the inner side.

6. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet valve unit includes a spring member housed and supported in the valve housing, and is configured such that, in the closed state, the spring member applies force to the valve core toward the sealing member.

7. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve housing has an anti-detachment part to prevent the sealing component from falling off.

8. The ink refill container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, It also has a cap that can cover the ink outlet, the cap having a protrusion that pushes the valve core to the open state when the cap is closed.

9. An ink refill container connected to a printer ink reservoir via an ink inlet flow path component to refill the ink reservoir with ink, the ink inlet flow path component being disposed in the ink reservoir and having a plurality of flow paths separated by partitions. in, The ink refill container includes: The container body is configured to hold ink. An ink outlet forming section, which is connected to the container body, and has a cylindrical portion with an ink outlet; and The outlet valve unit is installed inside the cylindrical section. The outlet valve unit includes: A valve housing having a locking portion that engages with the cylindrical portion, and being detachably mounted inside the cylindrical portion via the locking portion; A spring component, which is housed and supported within the valve housing; A sealing component is installed inside the valve housing, positioned at the front end of the ink outlet in the central axis direction of the ink outlet compared to the spring component, and has an opening for insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path component; as well as A valve core, movably mounted in the valve housing along the central axis, is capable of being in a closed state (when the spring member applies force towards the sealing member and contacts the sealing member) and an open state (when the ink inlet flow path member pushes the valve core away from the sealing member in a direction opposite to the applied force). The valve housing has an anti-detachment part to prevent the sealing component from falling off.

10. An ink refill container connected to a printer ink reservoir via an ink inlet flow path component to refill the ink reservoir with ink, the ink inlet flow path component being disposed in the ink reservoir and having a plurality of flow paths separated by partitions. in, The ink refill container includes: The container body is configured to hold ink. An ink outlet forming section, which is connected to the container body, and has a cylindrical portion with an ink outlet; and The outlet valve unit is installed inside the cylindrical section. The cylindrical section has a cylindrical side engaging portion capable of engaging with the outlet valve unit. The outlet valve unit is configured to allow for the selective and interchangeable installation of a spring valve unit and a slit valve unit. The spring valve unit includes: The valve housing has a locking portion that can engage with the cylinder-side locking portion of the cylinder portion; A spring component, which is housed and supported within the valve housing; A sealing component is installed inside the valve housing, positioned at the front end of the ink outlet in the central axis direction of the ink outlet compared to the spring component, and has an opening for insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path component; as well as A valve core, movably mounted in the valve housing along the central axis, is capable of being in a closed state (when the spring member applies force towards the sealing member and contacts the sealing member) and an open state (when the ink inlet flow path member pushes the valve core away from the sealing member in a direction opposite to the applied force). The slit valve unit includes a slit valve and has a locking portion that can engage with the cylinder side locking portion. The slit valve has a slit on the valve core that allows the ink inlet flow path component to be inserted and removed.

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