Ink refill container

Abstract

The present invention provides an ink supply container that reduces dripping of ink when the ink supply container is pulled out from an ink inlet flow path member. The ink supply container communicates with an ink tank of a printer via the ink inlet flow path member to supply ink to the ink tank, and includes a container main body, an ink outlet formation portion having a cylinder portion, a spring valve having a valve core installed in the cylinder portion and a spring that applies a force to the valve core in a direction of a center axis of the ink outlet toward the ink outlet, and a seal member installed in the cylinder portion and having a seal end that contacts the valve core in a closed valve state, the seal member having a cylindrical inner peripheral wall and an elastic film portion extending from the inner peripheral wall toward the center, the elastic film portion having a slit-like gap formed by a center portion including the center.

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 in reducing ink dripping from the ink outlet when the ink refill container is removed from the ink inlet flow path component. 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; a spring valve having a valve core installed in the cylindrical portion and a spring that applies force to the valve core toward the ink outlet in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet, the spring valve being in an open state by the ink inlet flow path component pushing the valve core in the direction opposite to the direction of the applied force, and in a closed state by removing the ink inlet flow path component from the ink outlet; and a sealing member installed in the cylindrical portion and having a sealing end that contacts the valve core in the closed state, the sealing member having a cylindrical inner peripheral wall centered on the central axis and an elastic membrane portion extending from the inner peripheral wall toward the center, a slit-like gap being formed on the elastic membrane portion passing through a central portion including the center.

[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, 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; a spring valve having a valve core installed within the cylindrical portion and a spring that applies force to the valve core toward the ink outlet in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet, the spring valve being in an open state by the ink inlet flow path component pushing the valve core in the direction opposite to the applied force, and in a closed state by removing the ink inlet flow path component from the ink outlet; and a sealing member installed within the cylindrical portion and having a sealing end that contacts the valve core in the closed state, the sealing member being made of an elastic material and having a plurality of feather-like portions separated by a plurality of slit-like gaps, the plurality of slit-like gaps extending radially from the center when viewed from the ink outlet side in the direction of the central axis.

[0009] (3) According to a third 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; a spring valve having a valve core installed in the cylindrical portion and a spring that applies force to the valve core toward the ink outlet in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet, the spring valve being in an open state by the ink inlet flow path component pushing the valve core in the opposite direction of the applied force, and in a closed state by removing the ink inlet flow path component from the ink outlet; and a sealing member installed in the cylindrical portion and in contact with the valve core to seal in the closed state, the sealing member being configured to have a sealing protrusion that contacts and seals with the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component in the open state, and, when transitioning from the open state to the closed state, releasing the seal between the sealing protrusion and the ink inlet flow path component, releasing the contact between the valve core and the ink inlet flow path component. 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 a 3D view of the outlet valve unit.

[0014] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the state of the ink inlet flow path component inserted into the outlet valve unit.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a 3D view of the sealing component.

[0016] Figure 7 This is the front view of the ink refill container in its upright position.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Top view.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the ink can according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the replenishment process of ink from the ink refill container to the ink canister.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a first cross-sectional view of the ink refill container being removed from the ink inlet flow path component.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a second cross-sectional view of the ink refill container being removed from the ink inlet flow path component.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container with the cap closed.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container during the opening of the lid.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container with the cap fully open.

[0025] Figure 16 It is a schematic top view of the feather-shaped portion of a sealing component with perforations.

[0026] Figure 17 It is a schematic top view of the feather-shaped part of a sealing component with raised and recessed machining.

[0027] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the ink inlet flow path component in other embodiment 4.

[0028] Figure 19This is a perspective view of the first ink inlet flow path component with a step at the front end.

[0029] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of a second ink inlet flow path component with a step at the front end.

[0030] Figure 21 This is a sectional view used to illustrate the sealing protrusion.

[0031] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the position of the sealing protrusion in the open valve state.

[0032] Figure 23 This indicates that the ink inlet flow path component is from Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of a state in which the state moves towards the front side.

[0033] Figure 24 It is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the contact between the ink inlet flow path component and the sealing component is released.

[0034] Figure 25 It is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the contact between the ink inlet flow path component and the protrusion is released.

[0035] Figure 26 This is a perspective view showing the sealing component of another embodiment 9.

[0036] [Label Explanation]

[0037] 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, 510A, 510B, 510C: Sealing component; 510h: Sealing component through hole; 511: Inner peripheral wall; 512: Elastic membrane part; 513: Gap; 517: Valve housing; 517A: Anti-falling part; 517B: Engaging part; 520: Valve core; 524: Cylindrical part; 526: Protrusion; 526A: Separating contact 526B: Inclined surface; 530: Spring component; 535: Spring valve; 600: Cover; 601: Sealing part; 602: Protrusion; 700, 700L, 700S: Ink can; 710, 710A: Ink inlet flow path component; 710B: First ink inlet flow path component; 710C: Second ink inlet flow path component; 711: Flow path; 714, 714A: Partition wall; 721: Inner can flow path; 750: Recess; 760: Ink receiving chamber; Ap: Gap; Ba: Root; Be: Gap; C: Central axis; CP: Center; D1: Front end side direction; D2: Rear end side direction; Eg: Sealing end; Fh: Hole; Fp: Feather-shaped part; Fpe: Front end of center part side; Ho: Through hole; Ot: Concave-convex; St, To: Sealing convex part. Detailed Implementation

[0038] A. First Implementation Method

[0039] 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 1 The 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-axis and Y-axis 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 holding 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. In addition, 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 outward is referred to as the "radial direction."

[0045] An ink outlet 460 is provided at the front end of the ink outlet forming section 400. The ink outlet forming section 400 is connected to the container body 300 and has 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. A valve housing 517 is installed inside the cylindrical section 420 such that a gap is provided between it and the cylindrical section 420 in the radial direction. 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the outlet valve unit 500 has a valve housing 517, a sealing component 510, and a spring valve 535. Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the outlet valve unit 500. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the ink inlet flow path component 710 is inserted into the outlet valve unit 500.

[0048] The valve housing 517 allows for the insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path component 710. For example... Figure 4As shown, the valve housing 517 has an anti-detachment portion 517A on the front end side to prevent the sealing member 510 from detaching, and an engagement portion 517B that engages with the cylinder portion 420. Therefore, since the outlet valve unit 500 can be installed and removed as a single unit, manufacturing is easy. Furthermore, it allows for conveying as a single unit of the outlet valve unit 500, and can be replaced when the ink replenishment container 200 is reused. Figure 5 As shown, the valve housing 517 has a through hole Ho extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction. The through hole Ho is a hole that penetrates the side wall of the valve housing 517 in a radial direction centered on the central axis C, and is also formed to extend axially. In addition, the through hole Ho communicates with the radial gap between the valve housing 517 and the cylindrical portion 420.

[0049] The spring valve 535 has a valve core 520 and a spring component 530. For example... 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 axially rearward side. The spring component 530 may be formed of metal, for example. In this embodiment, the spring component 530 is a helical spring. The spring component 530 applies an axial force to the valve core 520 toward the ink outlet 460.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the sealing member 510. The sealing member 510 has a generally annular shape. The sealing member 510 may be formed, for example, from a rubber component (elastomer) with rubber elasticity. The sealing member 510 has an opening that allows the ink inlet flow path component 710 to be inserted and removed. The sealing member 510 is mounted inside the barrel portion 420. Figure 3 As shown, the sealing member 510 is located further to the front end than the spring member 530 in the axial direction.

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, the sealing member 510 has a sealing end Eg that contacts the valve core 520 in the "closed state". The sealing member 510 has a sealing member through hole 510h at its center. The sealing member 510 has six feather-shaped portions Fp separated by six slit-shaped gaps Ap, which extend radially from the center when viewed axially from the front end side that becomes the ink outlet side. Therefore, when the ink refill container 200 is removed from the ink inlet flow path member 710, the feather-shaped portions Fp, which are about to recover from elastic deformation, block the ink from rising from the ink inlet flow path member 710, thereby reducing ink dripping. In addition, the capillary action through the slit-shaped gaps Ap easily retains the ink, making it difficult for the ink to drip.

[0054] The radial length La from the root of the feather-shaped portion Fp to the front end of the central portion is shorter than the length Lc from the root of the feather-shaped portion Fp of the sealing member 510 to the sealing end Eg in the direction of the central axis. Therefore, in the "open valve state" when the ink inlet flow path member 710 pushes the valve core 520 open, the front end of the feather-shaped portion Fp, which is prone to elastic deformation, can easily avoid obstructing the flow path of the ink inlet flow path member 710 and the flow of ink and gas within the container body 300.

[0055] The length Lb from the center to the end of the radial direction of the gap Ap is shorter than the radius from the center of the central axis of the ink inlet flow path component 710 to its outer periphery. Specifically, because the length Lb is shorter, the ink inlet flow path component 710 is inserted in a tightened state. Therefore, the sealing between the ink inlet flow path component 710 and the root of the feather Fp is improved, making ink leakage difficult.

[0056] 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.

[0057] like Figure 3 As 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.

[0058] Figure 7 This is the front view of the ink refill container 200 in its upright position. Figure 8 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 7 as well as Figure 8 It's the 600-degree state after removing the cover.

[0059] Figure 9 This 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.

[0060] Figure 10 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 in an inverted position, shown in the front-side direction D1 from the rear end to the front end of the ink replenishment container 200, which is the direction in which the ink replenishment container 200 is connected to the ink inlet flow path component 710. Conversely, shown in the rear-side direction D2 from the front end to the rear end of the ink replenishment container 200, which is the direction in which the ink replenishment container 200 is removed from the ink inlet flow path component 710. Furthermore, in... Figure 10 In this context, it refers only to a portion of the ink refill container 200 and the ink can 700, respectively.

[0061] In such Figure 10 In the replenished state shown, the cylinder 420 is formed such that a gap Be is provided between the inner surface of the cylinder 420 and the outer surface of the ink inlet flow path component 710 for the feather-shaped portion Fp to enter. Therefore, the frictional resistance during insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path component 710 is reduced, making it easier to connect and disconnect the ink replenishment container 200 from the ink inlet flow path component 710. Furthermore, if the feather-shaped portion Fp expands due to insertion of the ink inlet flow path component 710, the feather-shaped portion Fp enters the gap Be, but... Figure 10For ease of illustration, the state in which the feathered portion Fp does not invade the gap Be is shown.

[0062] 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 tubular flow path section 410 forms the flow path space inside the cylindrical section 420. The flow path (also called the "supplementary flow path") located on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical section 420, closer to the center of the tubular flow path section 410 in the radial direction, abuts against the partition wall 714 of the ink inlet flow path component 710 through the protrusion 526 of the valve core 520, thereby dividing it 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 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. Furthermore, as described later, in the ink replenishment state, one of the two replenishment 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 replenishment container 200 can replenish ink while exchanging gas and liquid with the ink tank 700. When replenishing ink using gas-liquid exchange, it is not necessary to compress the container body 300. Thus, the type of ink replenishment container that can replenish ink without compressing the container body 300 is called a "non-compression type". Additionally, the flow path of the tubular flow path section 410 does not need to be divided into two replenishment 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 replenishment flow path. In this case, the ink inlet flow path component 710 can also be configured as described later. Figure 19 , Figure 20 As shown. Alternatively, the tubular flow path 410 can be divided into three or more supplementary flow paths by having the protrusion 526 of the valve core 520 abut against the partition wall 714 that divides the ink inlet flow path component 710 into three or more flow paths.

[0063] 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 of the ink inlet flow path component 710. 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.

[0064] The protrusion 526 of the valve core 520 is positioned 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 pushed 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 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 10 In 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 10 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.

[0067] like Figure 10 As shown, at least the central portion of the rear end side of the valve housing 517 is sealed. Therefore, gas-liquid interference is prevented, and gas-liquid exchange can proceed smoothly, enabling rapid ink replenishment.

[0068] Figure 11This is a first cross-sectional view of the ink replenishment container 200 being removed from the ink inlet flow path component 710. Figure 12 This is a second cross-sectional view of the ink replenishment container 200 when it is removed from the ink inlet flow path component 710. (See image below.) Figure 11 As shown, the feather-shaped portion Fp is formed such that, in the axial direction, the front end Fpe on the central side is located further on the rear end side in the direction D2 than the root Ba, and its cross-sectional shape is arc-shaped. According to this configuration, even when the ink inlet flow path component 710 is inserted into the rear end side and the feather-shaped portion Fp is pushed, compared to a feather-shaped portion that is not inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, it is difficult to produce habitual deformation of the feather-shaped portion Fp, so the recovery force is not easily reduced, and the ink retention force can be well maintained.

[0069] like Figure 11 As shown, the sealing end Eg and the cylindrical part 524 are connected in the axial direction. Figure 12 From Figure 11 The state further pulls the ink replenishment container 200 towards the rear end, and the valve core 520 and the feather-shaped part Fp are axially separated from the ink inlet flow path component 710. In such a state... Figure 10 When the ink is replenished as shown, the ink adheres to the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component 710. From this state to... Figure 11 During the transition to the pulled-out state, the ink connection between the ink outlet 460 and the top of the ink inlet flow path component 710 is interrupted by the feather-shaped portion Fp during the elastic deformation recovery process. The ink is transferred from the center side in the radial direction towards the outside on the feather-shaped portion Fp, and is caught and held at the root of the feather-shaped portion Fp. Therefore, during the transition from the pulled-out state... Figure 12 The state further pulls the ink refill container 200 out toward the rear end direction D2. When the ink refill container 200 is completely separated from the ink tank 700, the ink is unlikely to leak to the outside of the ink refill container 200 and the ink tank 700.

[0070] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink replenishment container 200 with the cap 600 closed. Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container 200 during the opening of the 600 cap. Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container 200 with the cap 600 fully opened. Figure 15 When the cover is fully open, the valve becomes closed, with the valve core 520 in contact with the sealing component 510. Additionally, Figure 14 The arrows shown indicate open atmospheric flow. For example... Figures 13-15 As shown, cover 600 has a protrusion 602. (As indicated...) Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 As shown, the protrusion 602 is inserted into the central sealing member through-hole 510h without contacting the multiple feather-shaped portions Fp. (As...) Figure 13As shown, with the cover 600 closed, the protrusion 602 pushes the valve core 520 towards the rear end direction D2 through the sealing member through hole 510h, thus opening the valve. Figure 14 As shown, the valve core 520 moves axially towards the front end side D1, and the axial length of the through hole Ho becomes shorter. Additionally, in Figure 14 When the cap 600 is partially open, the sealing portion 601 of the cap 600 forms a gap away from the ink outlet 460 side of the cylinder portion 420, thus communicating with the outside through this gap and the through hole Ho. As a result, as indicated by the arrow, the interior of the ink refill container 200 is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, when the internal pressure of the ink refill container 200 rises due to temperature and air pressure changes, the internal pressure is released during the opening process from the closed state, thus preventing ink from spraying out. In addition, when refilling ink from the ink refill container 200, which has experienced increased internal pressure, to the ink tank 700, it is easy to avoid exceeding the upper limit of the ink tank 700's filling capacity. Furthermore, when the cap 600 is closed, the protrusion 602 of the cap 600 is inserted into the through hole 510h of the central sealing member without contacting the plurality of feather-like portions Fp. Therefore, since habitual deformation of the feather-like portions Fp is avoided, the original function of the feather-like portions Fp is easily maintained.

[0071] According to the first embodiment described above, the sealing member 510 is made of an elastic material and has six feather-like portions Fp separated by six slit-like gaps Ap, which extend radially from the center when viewed from the ink outlet side in the direction of the central axis. Therefore, when the ink refill container 200 is removed from the ink inlet flow path member 710, the feather-like portions Fp, which are about to recover from elastic deformation, block the ink from rising from the ink inlet flow path member 710, thereby reducing ink dripping. In addition, the capillary action of the slit-like gaps Ap easily retains the ink, making it difficult for ink to drip.

[0072] Furthermore, as air rises from one of the multiple flow paths separated by the ink inlet flow path component 710, it enters the container body 300 through the through hole Ho of the valve housing 517, the gap between the cylinder 420 and the valve housing 517, and the gap between the cylinder 420 and the valve core 520 and the spring component 530. On the other hand, the ink in the container body 300 flows into another of the multiple flow paths through the aforementioned gaps and the through hole Ho. Therefore, compared to a structure where the valve core and spring component are housed inside a tubular flow path without the through hole Ho, and gas and liquid pass through the interior of a tubular flow path without the through hole Ho, it is possible to achieve better gas-liquid separation and smooth gas-liquid exchange, thereby enabling rapid liquid replenishment.

[0073] In the first embodiment, in the supplementary state, the protrusion 526 of the valve core 520 abuts against the partition wall 714 of the ink inlet flow path component 710, thereby causing the cylindrical portion 524 to move away from the sealing component 510. 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 configured as tubular flow path portions 410 and are formed as gaps between the valve housing 517, the valve core 520, the spring component 530, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical portion 420, communicate with the flow paths 711 and 712 of the ink inlet flow path component 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 are connected to the through hole Ho through the gap between the sealing component 510 and the front end of the cylindrical portion 524. Furthermore, it is possible to easily achieve a connection with the flow paths 411 and 412 formed by the gap between the valve housing 517 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 420, as well as the gap between the valve core 520, the spring component 530 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 420.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Furthermore, since at least the central part of the rear end side 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Furthermore, the feather-shaped portion Fp is formed such that its radial length La, from the root to the front end of the central portion, is shorter than its length Lc, from the root to the sealing end Eg of the sealing member 510 along the central axis. Therefore, in the open valve state, where the ink inlet flow path member 710 pushes the valve core 520 open, the front end of the feather-shaped portion Fp, which is prone to elastic deformation, can easily prevent obstruction of the flow paths 711 and 712 of the ink inlet flow path member 710 and the flow of ink and gas within the container body 300.

[0079] Furthermore, in the "open valve state," the cylinder 420 is formed such that a gap Be, through which the feather-shaped portion Fp penetrates, is provided between the inner surface of the cylinder 420 and the outer surface of the ink inlet flow path component 710. Therefore, the frictional resistance during insertion and removal of the ink inlet flow path component 710 is reduced, making it easier to connect and disconnect the ink replenishment container 200 from the ink inlet flow path component 710.

[0080] Furthermore, the root of the feather-shaped portion Fp contacts and seals against the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component 710. Therefore, during ink replenishment, the root of the feather-shaped portion Fp easily absorbs the ink transferred on the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component 710, thus preventing ink leakage.

[0081] Furthermore, the length Lb of the slit-like gap Ap in the radial direction is formed to be shorter than the radius from the center of the central axis of the ink inlet flow path component 710 to the outer periphery. Therefore, the sealing performance between the ink inlet flow path component 710 and the root of the feather-shaped portion Fp is improved, thereby making ink leakage difficult.

[0082] Furthermore, the ink refill container 200 includes a cap 600 that covers the ink outlet. The cap 600 has a protrusion 602 that, when the cap is closed, pushes against the valve core 520 to achieve an "open valve state." The sealing member 510 has a sealing member through-hole 510h at its center. When the cap 600 is closed, the protrusion 602 is inserted into the sealing member through-hole 510h without contacting the plurality of feather-like portions Fp. 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 cap is opened, thus preventing ink ejection. Additionally, when refilling ink from the ink refill container 200, which has experienced increased internal pressure, into the ink tank 700, it is easy to prevent ink from exceeding the upper limit of the ink tank 700's filling capacity. Furthermore, the protrusion 602 of the cap 600 is inserted without contacting the plurality of feather-like portions Fp. Therefore, since the habitual deformation of the feather-like part Fp is avoided, it is easy to maintain the original function of the feather-like part Fp.

[0083] Furthermore, the valve housing 517 has an anti-detachment portion 517A on its front end side to prevent the sealing member 510 from falling off, and an engagement portion 517B that engages with the cylinder portion 420, and is configured to be detachable within the cylinder portion 420. Thus, in the outlet valve unit 500, the sealing member 510 is also assembled with the spring valve 535 in a manner held together by the anti-detachment portion 517A, thereby achieving integration. Therefore, since the outlet valve unit 500 can be detached as a single unit, it is easy to manufacture or handle. Furthermore, it can be conveyed as a single unit, and can be replaced when the ink refill container 200 is reused.

[0084] In the first embodiment, "partition wall 714" is equivalent to the "partition" of the present invention.

[0085] B. Other implementation methods

[0086] B-1. Other Implementation Methods 1

[0087] In the ink refill container 200 of the first embodiment described above, the sealing member 510 has six feather-like portions Fp separated by six slit-like gaps Ap, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the effect of the present invention is achieved, it is not limited to six, and it may have any number of feather-like portions Fp separated by any number of slit-like gaps Ap.

[0088] B-2. Other Implementation Methods 2

[0089] In the first embodiment described above, the ink refill container 200 has a lid 600, but it may not.

[0090] B-3. ​​Other Implementation Methods 3

[0091] In the first embodiment described above, the feather-shaped portion Fp of the sealing member 510 was not processed to promote capillary action, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 16 This is a schematic top view of the feather-shaped portion Fp of the sealing component 510A, which has undergone perforation machining. Additionally, Figure 17 This is a schematic top view of the feather-shaped portion Fp of the sealing component 510B, which has been subjected to a textured surface. (See attached image.) Figure 16 or Figure 17 As shown, by implementing the processing of the orifice Fh that promotes capillary action or by implementing the processing of the unevenness Ot, ink is easily retained. Therefore, when the ink inlet flow path component 710 is removed, ink leakage from the ink replenishment container 200 can be reduced.

[0092] B-4. Other Implementation Methods 4

[0093] In the first embodiment described above, such as Figure 9As shown, a portion of the front end face of the ink inlet flow path component 710 corresponds to the end of the partition wall 714. The partition wall 714 does not protrude axially from the ink inlet flow path component 710, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the ink inlet flow path component 710A in another embodiment 4. (As shown) Figure 18 As shown, the partition wall 714A can also protrude axially from the ink inlet flow path component 710A.

[0094] B-5. Other Implementation Methods 5

[0095] In the first embodiment described above, the ink inlet flow path component 710 has a cylindrical peripheral wall and an axial end face that is flat, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the first ink inlet flow path component 710B, which has a step at the front end. Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the second ink inlet flow path component 710C, which has a stepped front end. (See diagram below.) Figure 19 as well as Figure 20 As shown, the ink inlet flow path components 710B and 701C may also have a cylindrical peripheral wall, with an axially recessed step at the front end of the peripheral wall on the ink inlet side. The sealing component 510 is formed such that the width of the root of the feather-shaped portion Fp is greater than the width of the step. Therefore, since the feather-shaped portion Fp is difficult to embed into the step, it is less likely to obstruct the flow of liquid or gas. Furthermore, since it is easy to prevent some of the feather-shaped portions Fp from embedding into the step, multiple feather-shaped portions Fp can easily recover simultaneously, thereby easily achieving the effect of preventing ink leakage.

[0096] B-6. Other Implementation Methods 6

[0097] In the first embodiment described above, the ink inlet flow path component 710 has a cylindrical peripheral wall and a planar end face in the axial direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example... Figure 19 as well as Figure 20 As shown, ink inlet flow path components 710B and 710C may also have cylindrical peripheral walls, with an axially recessed step at the front end of the peripheral wall on the ink inlet side. The sealing component 510 is formed such that the width of the root of the feather-shaped portion Fp is smaller than the width of the step. Therefore, since the feather-shaped portion Fp is embedded in the step, it is difficult to obstruct the flow of liquid or gas. Furthermore, compared to the case where the feather-shaped portion Fp is clamped between the peripheral wall of the ink inlet flow path component 710 and the cylindrical portion 420 of the ink replenishment container 200, recovery from the step position is easier and faster, thus quickly achieving the function of preventing ink leakage.

[0098] B-7. Other Implementation Methods 7

[0099] In the first embodiment described above, the sealing member 510 does not have a sealing protrusion located between the root Ba of the feather Fp and the front end of the ink outlet 460 in the direction of the central axis, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the sealing protrusion St. Additionally, in Figure 21 For ease of illustration, only a portion of the ink refill container 200 and the ink tank 700 are shown in enlarged form. Figure 21 As shown, the sealing member 510 may also have a sealing protrusion St that contacts and seals the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path member 710. The sealing protrusion St is located between the root Ba of the feather Fp and the front end of the ink outlet 460 in the direction of the central axis. According to this method, since the sealing protrusion St has little effect on the recovery of the feather Fp, the feather Fp is easy to recover and can maintain its function of blocking ink well.

[0100] B-8. Other Implementation Methods 8

[0101] Figures 22-25 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the process of transitioning from the open valve state to the closed valve state until the ink inlet flow path component 710 leaves the protrusion 526. (Example) Figures 22-25 As shown, the sealing member 510 has a sealing protrusion To. The sealing protrusion To serves to seal by contacting the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path member 710. Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the position of the sealing protrusion To in the open valve state. Figure 23 This indicates that the ink inlet flow path component 710 is from... Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of the state in which the state moves towards the front side in the direction D1. Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the contact between the ink inlet flow path component 710 and the sealing component 510 is released. Figure 25 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the contact between the ink inlet flow path component 710 and the protrusion 526 is released. Additionally, in Figures 22-25 In this context, only a portion of the ink refill container 200 and the ink tank 700 is represented. In other embodiments, the ink refill container 200 may also be connected to the ink tank 700 of the printer 100, replenishing ink to the ink tank 700 via an ink inlet flow path component 710 having multiple flow paths 711, 712 divided by a partition wall 714. The ink refill container 200 includes: Figures 22-25The container body 300 (not shown) is configured to hold ink. An ink outlet forming section 400 is connected to the container body 300 and includes a cylindrical section 420 with an ink outlet. A spring valve includes a valve core 520 installed within the cylindrical section 420 and a spring that applies force to the valve core 520 in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet. The spring valve is opened by the ink inlet flow path component 710 pushing the valve core 520 in the opposite direction to the applied force. The ink outlet is opened by removing the ink inlet... The flow path component 710 is in a closed valve state; and a sealing component 510 is installed inside the cylinder 420 and contacts the valve core 520 to seal in the closed valve state. The sealing component 510 is configured to have a sealing protrusion To that contacts the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component 710 to seal in the open valve state. When transitioning from the open valve state to the closed valve state, the seal between the sealing protrusion To and the ink inlet flow path component 710 is released, and the contact between the valve core 520 and the ink inlet flow path component 710 is released.

[0102] like Figure 22 As shown, the sealing protrusion To contacts the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component 710 when the valve is open. Figure 23 As shown, the sealing protrusion To contacts the rear end of the ink inlet flow path component 710 in the rear-side direction. Figure 24 As shown, the contact between the sealing protrusion To and the ink inlet flow path component 710 is released. (As indicated...) Figure 25 As shown, the contact between the protrusion 526 of the valve core 520 and the ink inlet flow path component 710 is released. (As indicated...) Figures 22-25 As shown, since the seal between the sealing component 510 and the ink inlet flow path component 710 is first released, air is easily introduced. Therefore, the ink adhering to the ink inlet flow path component 710 is introduced into the flow path of the ink inlet flow path component 710, and when the ink replenishment container 200 is removed from the ink inlet flow path component 710, the ink is less likely to drip.

[0103] B-9. Other Implementation Methods 9

[0104] In the first embodiment and other embodiments 1-8, the sealing members 510, 510A, and 510B have any number of feather-like portions Fp, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 26This is a perspective view showing the sealing member 510C in another embodiment 9. The sealing member 510C has a cylindrical external shape and, like the sealing member 510 of the first embodiment or the sealing members 510A and 510B of the other embodiments 3, has an inner peripheral wall 511 and an elastic membrane portion 512. The inner peripheral wall 511 has a cylindrical external shape centered on the central axis of the ink outlet 460. The elastic membrane portion 512 is configured to extend from the inner peripheral wall 511 toward the center CP. A single slit-shaped gap 513 is formed on the elastic membrane portion 512, passing through the central portion including the center CP. The gap 513 has a straight external shape when viewed from above. Alternatively, the gap 513 may have a curved external shape when viewed from above instead of a straight shape. This gap 513 corresponds to the through hole 510h of the sealing member of the first embodiment. In addition, the elastic membrane portion 512 corresponds to the feather-shaped portion Fp in the sealing member 510 of the first embodiment or the sealing members 510A and 510B of the other embodiments 3.

[0105] The sealing component 510C and the cylindrical portion 420 have the following features (i)-(iV). These features are also common in the first embodiment and the other embodiments 1-8 described above.

[0106] (i) The sealing member 510C is configured such that the length Ld in the radial direction from the root of the inner peripheral wall 511 side of the elastic membrane portion 512 to the center of the slit-shaped gap 513 is shorter than the length Lc from the root of the elastic membrane portion 512 to the sealing end Eg in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet 460. In addition, "radial direction" is equivalent to the "radial direction" mentioned above.

[0107] (ii) The elastic membrane portion 512 is formed such that, in the closed state, the central portion side is located further on the container body 300 side than the root portion on the inner peripheral wall 511 side in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet 460, and the cross-sectional shape is arc-shaped.

[0108] (iii) The cylinder 420 is configured such that, in the open state, a gap is provided between the inner side of the cylinder 420 and the outer side of the ink inlet flow path component 710, through which the elastic membrane 512 penetrates.

[0109] (iv) In the open valve state, the root of the inner peripheral wall 511 side of the elastic membrane 512 contacts the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component 710 and seals it.

[0110] (v) The sealing component 510C is configured to, with Figure 6 The length Lb shown is related to the radius from the center of the central axis of the ink inlet flow path component 710 to the outer periphery. The radial length from the center to the end of the slit-shaped gap 513 is shorter than the radius from the center of the central axis of the ink inlet flow path component 710 to the outer periphery.

[0111] Furthermore, in the structure using the sealing member 510C, as in the other embodiments 7 described above, the sealing member 510C may have Figure 21 The sealing protrusion St is shown. In this structure, the sealing protrusion St may also be located between the root of the inner peripheral wall 511 of the elastic membrane portion 512 and the front end of the ink outlet 460 in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet 460. Alternatively, in the structure using the sealing member 510C, the elastic membrane portion 512 may be subjected to concave-convex processing or perforation processing to promote capillary action, as in the other embodiments 3 described above.

[0112] C. Other methods

[0113] 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.

[0114] (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 hold ink; an ink outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion with an ink outlet; a spring valve having a valve core installed within the cylindrical portion and a spring that applies force to the valve core toward the ink outlet in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet, the spring valve being in an open state by the ink inlet flow path component pushing the valve core in the opposite direction of the applied force, and in a closed state by removing the ink inlet flow path component from the ink outlet; and a sealing member installed within the cylindrical portion and having a sealing end that contacts the valve core in the closed state, the sealing member having a cylindrical inner peripheral wall centered on the central axis and an elastic membrane portion extending from the inner peripheral wall toward the center, a slit-like gap being formed on the elastic membrane portion passing through a central portion including the center. According to this method, when the ink refill container is removed from the ink inlet flow path component, the elastic membrane portion, in the process of elastic deformation recovery, blocks the connection between the ink outlet and the ink inlet flow path component, thereby reducing ink dripping. In addition, the capillary action through the slit-like gaps makes it easy to retain the ink, thus making it difficult for the ink to drip.

[0115] (2) In the first embodiment described above, the radial length from the root of the elastic membrane portion on the inner peripheral wall side to the center of the slit-like gap may be shorter than the length from the root of the elastic membrane portion to the sealing end in the direction of the central axis. According to this embodiment, in the open valve state where the ink inlet flow path component pushes the valve core open, the front end of the elastic membrane portion, which is prone to elastic deformation, is less likely to obstruct the flow of ink and gas between the flow path of the ink inlet flow path component and the container body.

[0116] (3) In the first embodiment described above, in the closed valve state, the central portion of the elastic membrane is located further along the container body than the root of the inner peripheral wall in the direction of the central axis, and its cross-sectional shape is arc-shaped. According to this embodiment, habitual deformation of the elastic membrane is difficult to occur, thus reducing the restoring force. Therefore, the elastic membrane easily blocks ink flow, thereby suppressing ink dripping. Furthermore, the slit-like gap is well maintained, thereby effectively maintaining ink retention force.

[0117] (4) In the first embodiment described above, the cylindrical portion may also be formed such that, in the valve-open state, a gap is provided between the inner side of the cylindrical portion and the outer side of the ink inlet flow path component for the elastic membrane portion to penetrate. According to this embodiment, the frictional resistance of inserting and removing the ink inlet flow path component is reduced, thereby facilitating the connection and disconnection of the ink refill container to the ink inlet flow path component.

[0118] (5) In the first embodiment described above, the root of the inner peripheral wall of the elastic membrane portion can also be sealed by contacting the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component in the open valve state. According to this embodiment, when ink is replenished, the root of the elastic membrane portion easily receives the ink transferred to the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component, thus preventing ink leakage.

[0119] (6) In the first embodiment described above, the radial length from the center to the end of the slit-like gap may be shorter than the radius from the center of the central axis of the ink inlet flow path component to its outer periphery. According to this embodiment, the sealing between the ink inlet flow path component and the root of the elastic membrane is improved, thereby making ink leakage less likely.

[0120] (7) In the first embodiment described above, the sealing member may also have a sealing protrusion that contacts and seals the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path member. This sealing protrusion is located between the root of the inner peripheral wall of the elastic membrane and the front end of the ink outlet in the direction of the central axis. According to this embodiment, since the sealing protrusion has little impact on the recovery of the elastic membrane, the elastic membrane is easily restored, thereby maintaining its ink-blocking function effectively.

[0121] (8) In the first method described above, the elastic membrane portion may also be subjected to a concave-convex process or an opening process that promotes capillary action. According to this method, ink is easily retained, thereby reducing ink leakage when the ink refill container is removed.

[0122] (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 hold ink; an ink outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion with an ink outlet; a spring valve having a valve core installed within the cylindrical portion and a spring that applies force to the valve core toward the ink outlet in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet; the spring valve being in an open state by the ink inlet flow path component pushing the valve core in the opposite direction of the applied force, and in a closed state by removing the ink inlet flow path component from the ink outlet; and a sealing member installed within the cylindrical portion and having a sealing end that contacts the valve core in the closed state; the sealing member being made of an elastic material and having multiple feather-like portions separated by multiple slit-like gaps, the multiple slit-like gaps extending radially from the center portion when viewed from the ink outlet side in the direction of the central axis. According to this method, when the ink refill container is removed from the ink inlet flow path component, the feather-like portions, in the process of elastic deformation recovery, block the connection between the ink outlet and the ink inlet flow path component, thereby reducing ink dripping. In addition, the capillary action through the slit-like gaps makes it easy to retain the ink, thus making it difficult for the ink to drip.

[0123] (10) In the second embodiment described above, the feather-like portion may be formed such that the length in the radial direction from the root of the feather-like portion to the front end of the central portion is shorter than the length from the root of the feather-like portion of the sealing member to the sealing end in the direction of the central axis. According to this embodiment, in the open valve state where the ink inlet flow path component pushes the valve core open, it is easy to prevent the elastically deformable front end of the feather-like portion from obstructing the flow of ink and gas between the flow path of the ink inlet flow path component and the container body.

[0124] (11) In the second embodiment described above, the feather-like portion may also be formed such that, in the closed valve state, the front end of the central portion is located further from the root of the feather-like portion than the container body in the direction of the central axis, and the cross-sectional shape is arc-shaped. According to this embodiment, since it is difficult to produce habitual deformation of the feather-like portion, the restoring force is difficult to reduce. Therefore, the feather-like portion easily blocks the ink flow, thereby suppressing ink dripping. Furthermore, the slit-like gap is well maintained, thereby effectively maintaining the ink holding force.

[0125] (12) In the second embodiment described above, the cylindrical portion may be formed such that, in the valve-open state, a gap for the feather-shaped portion to penetrate is provided between the inner side of the cylindrical portion and the outer side of the ink inlet flow path component. According to this embodiment, the frictional resistance of inserting and removing the ink inlet flow path component is reduced, thereby facilitating the connection and disconnection of the ink refill container to the ink inlet flow path component.

[0126] (13) In the second method described above, the root of the feather portion may also be sealed by contacting the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component in the open valve state. According to this method, when ink is replenished, the root of the feather portion can easily bear the ink transmitted on the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component, thus making ink leakage difficult.

[0127] (14) In the second embodiment, the length in the radial direction from the center to the end of the slit-like gap may be shorter than the radius from the center of the central axis of the ink inlet flow path component to its outer periphery. According to this embodiment, the sealing between the ink inlet flow path component and the root of the feather portion is improved, thereby making ink leakage less likely.

[0128] (15) In the second embodiment described above, the sealing member may also have a sealing protrusion that contacts and seals the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path member, the sealing protrusion being located between the root of the feather and the front end of the ink outlet in the direction of the central axis. According to this embodiment, since the sealing protrusion has little effect on the recovery of the feather, the feather is easily restored, thereby maintaining its ink-blocking function effectively.

[0129] (16) In the second method described above, the feather-like portion may also be subjected to a concave-convex process or an opening process that promotes capillary action. According to this method, ink is easily retained, and ink leakage is reduced when the ink refill container is removed.

[0130] (17) In the second embodiment described above, a cover capable of covering the ink outlet may also be provided. This cover has a protrusion that, when the cover is closed, pushes against the valve core to achieve the open valve state. The sealing member has a through-hole in its center, and when the cover is closed, the protrusion is inserted into the through-hole. According to this embodiment, when the internal pressure of the ink refill container rises due to temperature or air pressure changes, the internal pressure is released when the cover is opened from the closed state, thus preventing ink from spraying out. Furthermore, when refilling ink from the ink refill container with increased internal pressure, it is easy to prevent ink from exceeding the ink tank's filling limit. Moreover, by having a through-hole in the center, the protrusion of the cover does not contact the multiple feather-like parts and can easily be inserted into the through-hole, thereby preventing habitual deformation of the feather-like parts and thus easily maintaining their original function.

[0131] (18) In the second embodiment described above, the ink inlet flow path component may also have a cylindrical peripheral wall, and the front end of the peripheral wall on the ink inlet side has an axially recessed step, wherein the sealing component is formed such that the width of the root of the feather portion is greater than the width of the step. According to this embodiment, since the feather portion is difficult to embed into the step, it is less likely to obstruct the flow of liquid or gas. Furthermore, since it is easy to prevent some feather portions from embedding into the step, multiple feather portions can easily recover simultaneously, thereby easily achieving the effect of preventing ink leakage.

[0132] (19) In the second embodiment described above, the ink inlet flow path component may have a cylindrical peripheral wall, and the front end of the peripheral wall on the ink inlet side may have an axially recessed step. The sealing component is formed such that the width of the root of the feather-like portion is smaller than the width of the step. According to this embodiment, since the feather-like portion is embedded in the step, it is difficult to obstruct the flow of liquid or gas. In addition, compared to the case where the feather-like portion recovers from the state between the peripheral wall of the ink inlet flow path component and the cylindrical portion of the ink replenishment container, it is easier and faster to recover from the position of the step, thereby enabling it to quickly perform the function of preventing ink leakage.

[0133] (20) According to a third aspect of the 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; a spring valve having a valve core installed in the cylindrical portion and a spring that applies force to the valve core toward the ink outlet in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet, the spring valve being in an open state by the ink inlet flow path component pushing the valve core in the opposite direction of the applied force, and in a closed state by removing the ink inlet flow path component from the ink outlet; and a sealing member installed in the cylindrical portion and in contact with the valve core to seal in the closed state, the sealing member being configured to have a sealing protrusion that contacts and seals with the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component in the open state, and, when transitioning from the open state to the closed state, releasing the seal between the sealing protrusion and the ink inlet flow path component, releasing the contact between the valve core and the ink inlet flow path component. According to this method, since the seal between the sealing component and the ink inlet flow path component is released first, air is easily introduced. Therefore, the ink adhering to the ink inlet flow path component is introduced into the flow path of the ink inlet flow path component, making it difficult for the ink to drip when the ink refill container is removed from the ink inlet flow path component.

[0134] 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 main body of the container is configured to hold ink; An ink outlet forming section is connected to the container body and has a cylindrical section with an ink outlet; A spring valve has a valve core installed in the cylindrical portion and a spring that applies force to the valve core toward the ink outlet in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet. The spring valve is in an open state by pushing the valve core in the opposite direction of the applied force through the ink inlet flow path component, and in a closed state by pulling the ink inlet flow path component away from the ink outlet. as well as A sealing component, which is installed inside the cylindrical portion and has a sealing end that contacts the valve core in the closed state, The sealing member has a cylindrical inner peripheral wall centered on the central axis and an elastic membrane portion extending from the inner peripheral wall toward the center, wherein a slit-like gap is formed on the elastic membrane portion, passing through the central portion containing the center. The elastic membrane portion is disposed in the sealing component at a position different from the sealing end.

2. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length in the radial direction from the root of the elastic membrane portion on the inner peripheral wall side to the center of the slit-like gap is formed to be shorter than the length from the root of the elastic membrane portion to the sealing end in the direction of the central axis.

3. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the closed valve state, the central portion of the elastic membrane is located further along the container body than the root portion of the inner peripheral wall in the direction of the central axis, and its cross-sectional shape is arc-shaped.

4. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical portion is formed such that, in the valve-open state, a gap is provided between the inner side of the cylindrical portion and the outer side of the ink inlet flow path component, allowing the elastic membrane portion to penetrate.

5. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the open valve state, the root of the inner peripheral wall side of the elastic membrane comes into contact with the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component and is sealed.

6. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radial length from the center to the end of the slit-like gap is formed to be shorter than the radius from the center of the central axis of the ink inlet flow path component to its outer periphery.

7. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing member has a sealing protrusion that contacts and seals the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path member, the sealing protrusion being located in the direction of the central axis between the root of the inner peripheral wall side of the elastic membrane and the front end of the ink outlet.

8. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic membrane portion is subjected to concave-convex or pore-opening processes that promote capillary action.

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 main body of the container is configured to hold ink; An ink outlet forming section is connected to the container body and has a cylindrical section with an ink outlet; A spring valve has a valve core installed in the cylindrical portion and a spring that applies force to the valve core toward the ink outlet in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet. The spring valve is in an open state by pushing the valve core in the opposite direction of the applied force through the ink inlet flow path component, and in a closed state by pulling the ink inlet flow path component away from the ink outlet. as well as A sealing component, which is installed inside the cylindrical portion and has a sealing end that contacts the valve core in the closed state, The sealing component is made of an elastic material and has multiple feather-like portions separated by multiple slit-like gaps, which extend radially from the center when viewed from the ink outlet side in the direction of the central axis. The feather-shaped portion is disposed in the sealing component at a position different from that of the sealing end.

10. The ink refill container according to claim 9, characterized in that, The feather-shaped portion is formed such that the length in the radial direction from the root of the feather-shaped portion to the front end of the central portion is shorter than the length from the root of the feather-shaped portion of the sealing member to the sealing end in the direction of the central axis.

11. The ink refill container according to claim 9, characterized in that, The feather-shaped portion is formed such that, in the closed valve state, in the direction of the central axis, the front end of the central portion is located further to the container body than the root of the feather-shaped portion, and the cross-sectional shape is arc-shaped.

12. The ink refill container according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cylindrical portion is configured such that, in the valve-open state, a gap is provided between the inner side of the cylindrical portion and the outer side of the ink inlet flow path component for the intrusion of the feather portion.

13. The ink refill container according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the open valve state, the root of the feather-shaped portion contacts and seals the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path component.

14. The ink refill container according to claim 9, characterized in that, The length in the radial direction from the center to the end of the slit-like gap is formed to be shorter than the radius from the center of the central axis of the ink inlet flow path component to its outer periphery.

15. The ink refill container according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sealing member has a sealing protrusion that contacts and seals the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path member, the sealing protrusion being located between the root of the feather and the front end of the ink outlet in the direction of the central axis.

16. The ink refill container according to claim 9, characterized in that, The feather-shaped portion is subjected to concave-convex or convex machining or hole-opening machining that can promote capillary action.

17. The ink refill container according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a cap that covers the ink outlet, the cap having a protrusion that, when the cap is closed, pushes against the valve core to enter the open valve state. The sealing component has a through hole at its center, and the protrusion is inserted into the through hole when the cover is closed.

18. The ink refill container according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ink inlet flow path component has a cylindrical peripheral wall, and the front end of the peripheral wall on the ink inlet side has an axially recessed step. The sealing member is formed such that the width of the root of the feather-shaped portion is greater than the width of the step.

19. The ink refill container according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ink inlet flow path component has a cylindrical peripheral wall, and the front end of the peripheral wall on the ink inlet side has an axially recessed step. The sealing member is formed such that the width of the root of the feather-shaped portion is smaller than the width of the step.

20. 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 main body of the container is configured to hold ink; An ink outlet forming section is connected to the container body and has a cylindrical section with an ink outlet; A spring valve has a valve core installed in the cylindrical portion and a spring that applies force to the valve core toward the ink outlet in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet. The spring valve is in an open state by pushing the valve core in the opposite direction of the applied force through the ink inlet flow path component, and in a closed state by pulling the ink inlet flow path component away from the ink outlet. as well as A sealing component, which is installed inside the cylindrical portion, and contacts the valve core to seal in the closed state. The sealing member is configured to have a sealing protrusion that contacts and seals the outer peripheral side of the ink inlet flow path member in the open valve state. When transitioning from the open valve state to the closed valve state, the valve core is released from contact with the ink inlet flow path member after the sealing protrusion is released from the seal with the ink inlet flow path member.

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