Liquid replenishment container

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid replenishment container which can prevent liquid from flowing out of the liquid replenishment container until the liquid replenishment container starts primary liquid replenishment. A liquid outlet forming portion provided in the liquid supply container includes: a sealing member provided in a liquid outflow channel; a valve provided in the liquid outflow passage; and a flow passage closing member disposed in the liquid outflow passage between the opening and the valve. The valve is a spring valve having a spring member, a valve body that is biased toward the seal member by the spring member in a closed valve state, and a contact portion that is connected to the valve body and contacts the flow path closing member in at least an open valve state of the valve. The flow path closing member is an inner plug that engages with the liquid outlet forming portion so as to be disengageable by pressing from the liquid outlet side, and is disengageable from the liquid outlet forming portion by being pressed by the liquid introduction needle via the valve during the first use of the liquid replenishment container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid supply container. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as an example of an ink ejection device, an inkjet printer is known that can print on a print medium with ink by ejecting ink from a print head toward a print medium such as a print paper. Among such inkjet printers, there is an ink replenishment type printer that replenishes ink into an ink tank for use.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a liquid supply container for supplying ink to such an inkjet printer. The liquid supply container described in patent document 1 includes a bottle, a nozzle and a cap. In addition, as a structure for preventing ink from leaking out, two sealing parts are provided. In the first sealing part, sealing is performed by fitting the cap and the nozzle. In the second sealing part, sealing is performed by a valve structure in the nozzle. Moreover, in the process of removing the cap from the nozzle, the first sealing part and the second sealing part are opened at the same time, the inside of the container is connected to the atmosphere, and the pressurized state in the container is released.

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned liquid supply container, although the inside of the bottle is closer to atmospheric pressure from a pressurized state during the process of removing the cap, and the ink ejection is somewhat suppressed, it is difficult to completely prevent the ink from ejecting. Therefore, the ejected ink may adhere to the outside of the nozzle or leak out of the cap. In addition, when the bottle is used for the first time, it may be contaminated by the ink before it is installed in the printer.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-18712 Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure can be implemented in the following forms.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid replenishing container is provided. The liquid replenishing container replenishes liquid to a liquid ejecting device having the liquid introduction needle via a liquid introduction needle, and comprises: a container body having an opening and capable of storing liquid; a liquid outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion defining a liquid outflow channel connected to the opening, the liquid outlet forming portion comprising: a sealing component disposed in the liquid outflow channel; a valve disposed in the liquid outflow channel; a flow channel closing component disposed in the liquid outflow channel between the opening and the valve, the valve having: a spring component; a valve A body, which is urged by the spring member to contact the sealing member in a closed valve state, and is separated from the sealing member by being pressed by the liquid introduction needle inserted into the liquid outflow channel in an open valve state; a contact portion, which is linked to the valve body and contacts the flow path sealing member at least in the open valve state, the flow path sealing member being an inner plug, which is engaged with the liquid outlet forming portion in a manner that can be disengaged by pressing from the liquid outlet side, and is disengaged from the liquid outlet forming portion by being pressed by the liquid introduction needle through the valve during the first use of the liquid replenishing container.

[0008] According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid replenishment container is provided. The liquid replenishment container replenishes liquid to a liquid ejection device having a liquid introduction needle via a liquid introduction needle, and comprises: a container body having an opening and capable of storing liquid; a liquid outlet forming portion having a cylindrical portion defining a liquid outflow channel connected to the opening, the liquid outlet forming portion comprising: a valve, which is arranged in the liquid outflow channel and functions in a manner of opening when the liquid introduction needle is inserted into the liquid outflow channel and closing when the liquid introduction needle is withdrawn from the liquid outflow channel; a flow channel sealing component, which is arranged in the liquid outflow channel, the flow channel sealing component is detachably fixed relative to the liquid outlet forming portion, and is located on the downstream side of the valve in the liquid outflow direction of the liquid outflow channel, and is formed with a groove or a recess facing the downstream side of the liquid outflow direction.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid replenishing container is provided. The liquid replenishing container replenishes liquid to a liquid ejecting device having a liquid introduction needle via a liquid introduction needle, and comprises: a container body having an opening and capable of containing liquid; a liquid outlet forming portion having a cylindrical portion defining a liquid outflow channel connected to the opening, the liquid outlet forming portion comprising: a valve disposed in the liquid outflow channel and opened by the liquid introduction needle inserted into the liquid outflow channel; and a flow channel closing component disposed in the liquid outflow channel in a manner that can be removed to the outside. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0011] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a state where ink is replenished to the ink tank using an ink replenishing container.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the ink supply container according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 For Figure 3 The figure is an enlarged view of the part surrounded by the dotted line.

[0014] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the internal structure of the ink supply container.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the assembled valve unit.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the ink supply container according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 For Figure 7 A stereoscopic diagram showing an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the dotted line.

[0018] Fig. 9 This is a perspective view of the ink outlet forming portion viewed obliquely from above in the ink supply container in a state where the cap is removed.

[0019] Fig.10 This is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the internal structure of the ink outlet forming portion.

[0020] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the ink supply container according to the third embodiment.

[0021] Fig.12 For Fig.11 A stereoscopic diagram showing an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the dotted line.

[0022] Fig.13 This is a perspective view of the ink outlet forming portion viewed obliquely from above in the ink supply container in a state where the cap is removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] A. First Implementation Method:

[0024] A1. Structure of the printer 100:

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a printer 100 in the first embodiment. The printer 100 is an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink onto a printing medium. The printer 100 is equivalent to a "liquid ejection device". Figure 1 , mutually orthogonal XYZ axes are depicted. 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 setting surface defined by the X-direction and the Y-direction. In addition, the "X-axis direction" means the concept of combining the +X direction and the -X direction. Similarly, the "Y-axis direction" means the concept of combining the +Y direction and the -Y direction, and the "Z-axis direction" means the concept of combining the +Z direction and the -Z direction.

[0026] The printer 100 has a housing 110. A carriage (not shown) that can move in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction) is provided inside the housing 110. A print head that ejects ink onto a print medium is provided on the carriage. An ink tank storage unit 160 that stores a plurality of ink tanks 700S and 700L is provided at one end of the front surface of the housing 110. The ink tank storage unit 160 has an openable and closable cover 162 at its upper portion. In addition, the ink tank 700S is a small-capacity tank, and the ink tank 700L is a large-capacity tank. However, in the following description, the two are not distinguished and are simply referred to as "ink tank 700".

[0027] Each ink tank 700 is connected to the print head on the carriage through a tube (not shown). That is, the ink tank 700 is a fixed type ink tank that is not mounted on the carriage of the printer 100. In addition, each ink tank 700 is an ink replenishing type ink tank that replenishes ink from the ink replenishing container 1 described later when the remaining amount of ink decreases. In addition, in the present embodiment, the ink tank 700 is a fixed type ink tank, but it can also be an ink tank mounted on the carriage of the printer 100.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a state where ink is replenished to the ink tank 700 using the ink replenishing container 1. The ink replenishing container 1 is equivalent to a "liquid replenishing container". The front surface of each ink tank 700 is formed of a transparent or translucent member, so that the remaining amount of ink in each ink tank 700 can be visually confirmed from the outside. When the remaining amount of ink becomes low, Figure 2 As shown, the cap 162 can be opened and the ink can be replenished from the liquid introduction needle 710 of the ink tank 700 .

[0029] A cylindrical liquid introduction needle 710 for replenishing ink to the ink tank 700 is provided on the upper surface of each ink tank 700. The ink tank storage unit 160 is provided with a sealing cap member 164 having a sealing cap 165 for sealing the tip of the liquid introduction needle 710. In a state where ink is not replenished to the ink tank 700, the tip of the liquid introduction needle 710 is sealed by the sealing cap 165 of the sealing cap member 164. When replenishing ink to the ink tank 700, the sealing cap 165 is removed from the liquid introduction needle 710, and the tip of the ink replenishment container 1 is inserted into the ink inlet provided with the liquid introduction needle 710 to replenish ink.

[0030] At this time, ink is supplied from the ink supply container 1 to the ink tank 700 via the liquid introduction needle 710. The liquid introduction needle 710 has a partition wall 710a that divides the interior into two flow channels. One of the two flow channels is used for ink to flow in, and the other is used for air to flow out from the ink tank 700 to the interior of the ink supply container 1. Figure 2 In the illustrated liquid introduction needle 710, although the top end surface of the partition wall 710a and the top end surface of the tubular portion 710b are located on the same horizontal plane, the top end surface of the partition wall 710a may be formed higher than the top end surface of the tubular portion 710b.

[0031] In this specification, the term "ink replenishment" means the action of supplying ink to the ink tank 700 to increase the remaining amount of ink. However, the ink tank 700 does not need to be filled with ink through "ink replenishment". In addition, "ink replenishment" also includes the action of filling ink into an empty ink tank 700 when the printer 100 is used for the first time.

[0032] A2. Structure of ink supply container 1:

[0033] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 6 , the structure of the ink supply container 1 will be described. Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the ink supply container 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 The ink outlet forming portion 12 and its surrounding area are shown in a state where the cap portion 13 is attached to the ink refilling container 1 , and a cross section along a plane passing through the central axis C of the ink refilling container 1 is shown. Figure 4 For Figure 3 The figure is an enlarged view of the part surrounded by the dotted line. Figure 5 FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the internal structure of the ink supply container 1. Figure 5 , the internal structure of the ink outlet forming portion 12 located inside the cap portion 13 is particularly shown. Figure 6 3 is a perspective view showing the assembled valve unit 300 .

[0034] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the ink supply container 1 comprises: a container body 11 having an opening 14 and capable of storing ink therein; an ink outlet forming portion 12 connected to the container body 11; and a cap 13 mounted on the ink outlet forming portion 12. The ink supply container 1 is in the shape of a cylindrical bottle as a whole (see Figure 2 ). In the following description of the ink supply container 1, the vertical direction in a state where the ink supply container 1 is independently placed upright on a horizontal surface is regarded as the height direction, and the vertical direction in a state where the ink supply container 1 is independently placed upright on a horizontal surface is regarded as the height direction. Figure 3 The upper and lower parts shown are explained as “upper and lower parts.” In the ink supply container 1 , the ink outlet forming portion 12 and the cap portion 13 are located on the upper side of the container body portion 11 .

[0035] The ink outlet forming portion 12 is a portion that has an ink outlet 15 when pouring out the ink stored in the container body 11 and is used to pour out the ink from the inside of the container body 11 to the outside. The ink outlet forming portion 12 is formed of resin. The ink outlet forming portion 12 corresponds to the "liquid outlet forming portion". An ink outflow channel 16 is formed in the cylindrical portion 52 described later of the ink outlet forming portion 12. The ink outflow channel 16 corresponds to the "liquid outflow channel", communicates with the opening 14, and includes the ink outlet 15 at the downstream end of the ink outflow direction. In other words, the ink outflow channel 16 is an internal space defined by the cylindrical portion 52, but when a component for dividing the space is added at the top end of the ink outlet 15 side of the cylindrical portion 52, its internal space is also included. The ink outlet forming portion 12 has a sealing member 41, a spring valve 17, and an inner plug 42. The sealing member 41, the spring valve 17, and the inner plug 42 are arranged in a state where the central axis C is aligned.

[0036] The sealing member 41 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or an elastomer, and is disposed in the ink outlet 15. The sealing member 41 has a sealing member cylindrical portion having a central axis C. In addition, the sealing member 41 has a blade-shaped portion 41b extending in a radial direction from an inner peripheral wall 41a of the sealing member cylindrical portion toward the central axis C, and having an arc-shaped cross section in the central axis direction. The blade-shaped portion 41b is in the form of elastic pieces divided by slits 43b extending in a radial direction or a radial direction from a through hole 43a formed in the center of the dome-shaped elastic membrane portion toward the inner peripheral wall 41a of the sealing member cylindrical portion.

[0037] The slit 43b may be a slit extending in the diameter direction through the through hole 43a. In the closed valve state, the top end of the valve body 44, which is biased in the closing direction (upward), is inserted into the through hole 43a. In the closed valve state, the upper surface ( Figure 5 The portion indicated by the circular dotted line in the figure is in close contact with the annular protrusion 41c formed on the lower end surface of the sealing member 41. Therefore, in the ink outflow channel 16, the space inside the inner peripheral wall 41a of the sealing member 41 and the space on the upstream side of the space in the ink outflow direction are blocked.

[0038] The spring valve 17 is disposed in the ink outflow passage 16 of the ink outlet forming portion 12. With respect to the spring valve 17, in the non-replenishing state where ink is not replenished to the ink tank 700, the spring member 45 presses the valve body 44 toward the sealing member 41. As a result, the spring valve 17 is in a closed valve state where the valve body 44 is in contact with the sealing member 41, so that ink is unlikely to leak to the outside. In the replenishing state where ink is replenished to the ink tank 700, the ink replenishing container 1 is as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the ink outlet 15 is connected to the liquid introduction needle 710 of the printer 100 in an inverted posture with the ink outlet 15 facing downward.

[0039] The liquid introduction needle 710 presses the valve body 44 against the force of the spring member 45 of the spring valve 17 and creates a gap between the valve body 44 and the sealing member 41, thereby allowing ink to flow through the ink outflow channel 16. At this time, the partition wall 710a of the liquid introduction needle 710 presses the truncated cone portion 47 of the valve body 44, and the tubular portion 710b presses the blade-shaped portion 41b, and the through hole 43a and the slit 43b are expanded, and the spring valve 17 is opened. As a result, ink flows from the ink outflow channel 16 into the liquid introduction needle 710. The spring valve 17 is a normally closed valve.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the spring valve 17 includes at least a valve body 44, a spring member 45, and a contact portion 51, and these members are held by a holding portion 46. In addition, in the present embodiment, the holding portion 46 also holds the sealing member 41, and the valve unit 300 is formed by including the spring valve 17, the sealing member 41, and the holding portion 46. The valve unit 300 is engaged with the cylindrical portion 52. The valve body 44 is configured to have a truncated cone portion 47, a disc portion 48, and a side wall portion 49 in order from the ink outlet 15 side. In addition, in order to facilitate assembly, the valve body 44 including the disc portion 48 and the side wall portion 49 may be provided as separate components. Alternatively, the holding portion 46 may be divided into two parts, upper and lower.

[0041] When the ink outlet 15 faces upward, i.e., in the +Z direction, the truncated cone portion 47 is a portion in the shape of a truncated cone that protrudes upward at the center of the upper surface of the disk portion 48, and in the closed valve state, its upper end protrudes upward from the through hole 43a of the sealing member 41. When the valve is open, the top end of the partition wall 710a of the liquid introduction needle 710 of the printer 100 abuts against the top end surface of the truncated cone portion 47. In addition, in the closed valve state, the top end surface of the disk portion 48 is in close contact with the annular protrusion 41c formed on the lower end surface of the sealing member 41 to close the ink outflow channel 16. The side wall portion 49 is a columnar member that extends downward from the outer peripheral side surface of the disk portion 48 and has a cross section in a horizontal plane orthogonal to the central axis C and is a part of a circular ring shape (central angle of about 20 degrees). In this embodiment, there are four side wall portions 49, and they are arranged at approximately equal intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the disk portion 48. The side wall portion 49 extends from the valve body 44 toward the container body 11 side, and is provided to extend in a direction along the central axis C of the cylindrical portion 52 .

[0042] In the present embodiment, the spring valve 17 and the sealing member 41 are held inside the holding portion 46 to form the valve unit 300. The valve unit 300 is arranged inside the cylindrical portion 52 and is detachably engaged with the cylindrical portion 52. In addition, instead of the valve unit 300 in which the sealing member 41, the valve body 44, and the spring member 45 are held by the holding portion 46, the sealing member 41, the valve body 44, and the spring member 45 are engaged with the cylindrical portion 52 respectively without using the holding portion 46. In addition, it is also possible to have the sealing member 41 engaged with the cylindrical portion 52 alone, and the valve body 44 and the spring member 45 engaged with the cylindrical portion 52 in a state held by the holding portion 46. Various combinations such as the sealing member 41 engaging with the cylindrical portion 52 in a state held by the holding portion 46 and the valve body 44 and the spring member 45 engaging with the cylindrical portion 52 alone are also included in the present embodiment.

[0043] The spring member 45 is a cylindrical coil spring and is provided on the lower surface of the disk portion 48 of the valve body 44 and radially inward of the four side walls 49. The spring member 45 urges the valve body 44 toward the sealing member 41 in the valve closed state.

[0044] The contact portion 51 is formed on the end surface (lower end surface) on the inner plug 42 side of the side wall portion 49 in the axial direction, that is, on the end surface of the side wall portion 49 opposite to the inner plug 42. In the present embodiment, the side wall portion 49 is formed integrally with the valve body 44. Therefore, the contact portion 51 is formed integrally with the valve body 44 and contacts the inner plug 42 in at least the open valve state of the valve 17. The contact portion 51 functions as a portion that moves toward the container body 11 side in conjunction with the valve body 44 when the valve is opened and presses the inner plug 42 toward the container body 11 side. In addition, the contact portion 51 can also be configured to contact the inner plug 42 not only in the open valve state but also in the closed valve state. The retaining portion 46 accommodates the sealing component 41, the spring component 45 and the valve body 44 inside.

[0045] The holding portion 46 has a protrusion 46a for placing the sealing member 41 along the inner peripheral wall, and when the liquid introduction needle 710 is inserted into the inner space of the sealing member 41, it restricts the movement in the insertion direction. In addition, the holding portion 46 has four columns 46b for holding the valve body 44 in a manner that allows it to move along the central axis C, and a spring member support portion 46c for supporting the spring member 45. The column 46b has an outer side surface along the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52, and a gap space penetrating in the radial direction is formed between adjacent columns 46b. The gap space has the following function, that is, in the valve open state, in order to facilitate the separation of ink and air, the air flowing in from the ink tank 700 flows from the central axis C side toward the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 52 on the radial outer side, and the ink flowing out from the container body 11 flows from the inner wall side of the cylindrical portion 52 toward the central axis C side on the radial inner side. However, in this embodiment, this gap space is utilized, and the side wall portion 49 is arranged in the gap space.

[0046] A pair of identification structures 72 are provided at the ink outlet forming portion 12, and are arranged so as to sandwich the cylindrical portion 52 in the radial direction. The shape of the identification structure 72 varies depending on the type of ink contained in the ink supply container 1, and is used to appropriately supply the type of ink corresponding to the ink in the ink tank 700.

[0047] The cylindrical portion 52 is connected to the opening 14 of the container body 11. The inner plug 42 is located between the spring valve 17 and the opening 14 in the direction along the central axis C, and is engaged with the cylindrical portion 52 via the sealing ring 53. The inner plug 42 is a cap-shaped member in a bottomed cylindrical shape, which is equivalent to a flow channel sealing member that seals the ink outflow channel 16. When the ink supply container 1 is used for the first time, as shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown, the inner plug 42 is connected to the liquid introduction needle 710 of the printer 100. Since the liquid introduction needle 710 presses the valve body 44, the inner plug 42 is pressed by the contact portion 51. As a result, the inner plug 42 is separated from the ink outlet forming portion 12 and falls into the container body 11.

[0048] The cap 13 is mounted on the outer periphery of the ink outlet forming portion 12 and covers the ink outlet forming portion 12 to isolate the interior of the container body 11 from the outside air. The cap 13 can be attached to and detached from the ink outlet forming portion 12 by screw engagement.

[0049] In addition, if Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the container body 11 has a bottomed cylindrical large diameter portion 18 on the side opposite to the opening 14 in the direction along the central axis C. The container body 11 occupies about 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the length of the ink replenishing container 1 in the direction along the central axis C, and constitutes the main body of the ink replenishing container 1.

[0050] The ink outlet forming portion 12 is connected to the upper end of the container body 11. The ink outlet forming portion 12 is formed of resin. The container body 11 has a large diameter portion 18 in order from the bottom side (see Figure 2 ), a reduced diameter portion 19 connected to the large diameter portion 18 and having a gradually decreasing diameter, and a small diameter portion 20 connected to the reduced diameter upper end of the reduced diameter portion 19 and having a fixed diameter. The diameter of the small diameter portion 20 is smaller than the diameter of the lower end of the ink outlet forming portion 12, and the ink outlet forming portion 12 is connected to the outside of the container body 11. An external thread portion 63 protruding radially outward is formed at the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 20 of the container body 11.

[0051] When the ink outlet forming part 12 is assembled on the container body 11, the internal threaded portion 64 of the ink outlet forming part 12 is engaged with the external threaded portion 63 of the container body 11 and screwed and fastened. Thus, the ink outlet forming part 12 and the container body 11 are connected. In addition, the connection and fixation of the ink outlet forming part 12 and the container body 11 is not limited to the screw engagement, but may also be a locking claw, or a combination with a ratchet structure that restricts circumferential movement, a film, a tape, an adhesive, etc. to achieve fixation, welding, etc. For example, in the case where the ink outlet forming part 12 and the container body 11 are fixed by a ratchet structure, etc., when the user rotates and removes the cap 13, it is easy to prevent the ink outlet forming part 12 from rotating together and detaching from the container body 11.

[0052] According to the ink supply container 1 of the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be achieved.

[0053] According to the first embodiment, in the ink supply container 1 having the spring valve 17, the spring valve 17 includes the contact portion 51, which presses the inner plug 42 when the valve body 44 is pressed from the ink outlet 15 side. Therefore, the inner plug 42 can be disengaged by the pressure of the liquid introduction needle 710, and the ink can flow in the ink outflow channel 16. According to this structure, even if the ink supply container 1 is set to an inverted posture, it is possible to prevent the ink from leaking from the container body 11 to the outside before the liquid introduction needle 710 is inserted into the ink outflow channel 16.

[0054] In addition, compared with the slit valve, the spring valve 17 is difficult to open even when it is impacted or when the ink supply container 1 is pressurized. Therefore, it is possible to adopt a structure in which the ink is unlikely to leak out even when the ink supply container 1 is used for the second or subsequent ink injection operation using the remaining ink in the ink supply container 1 after the inner plug 42 is detached during the first use of the ink supply container 1.

[0055] According to the first embodiment, since the contact portion 51 is formed integrally with the valve body 44, it is urged toward the ink outlet 15 by the spring member 45. Therefore, even if the ink supply container 1 is subjected to some kind of impact before the liquid introduction needle 710 is connected, it can be configured so that the inner plug 42 is unlikely to be disengaged. In addition, since the contact portion 51 is formed on the end surface of the inner plug 42 side in the axial direction of the side wall portion 49 formed along the axial direction, when the valve body 44 is pressed by the liquid introduction needle 710, the inner plug 42 can be guided by the cylindrical portion 52 and pushed toward the container body 11 side to be disengaged.

[0056] B. Second Implementation Method:

[0057] Next, refer to Figures 7 to 10 , an ink supply container 2 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the multiple embodiments to be described below, substantially the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Figure 7 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the ink supply container 2 according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 The main part of the ink outlet forming portion 22 and its surrounding area in a state where the cap portion 23 of the ink supply container 2 is mounted are shown, and a cross section along a plane passing through the central axis C is shown. Figure 8 For Figure 7 A stereoscopic diagram showing an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the dotted line.

[0058] The ink supply container 2 of the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that it has a container body 21, an ink outlet forming portion 22, and a cap portion 23, but the structure of the interior of the ink outlet forming portion 22 is different from that of the first embodiment. The ink supply container 2 of the second embodiment does not have an inner plug 42, but has a semi-slit member 61 as a flow channel sealing member. The following is a detailed description. Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, inside the ink outlet forming portion 22 , a half slit member 61 is provided at an upper portion near the ink outlet 15 via a pressing member 62 .

[0059] Fig. 9 1 is a perspective view of the ink outlet forming portion 22 viewed from obliquely above in the ink supply container 2 with the cap 23 removed and the ink outlet 15 directed upward, that is, in the +Z direction. Fig.10 FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the internal structure of the ink outlet forming portion 22. Fig. 9 , Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the semi-slit member 61 is in the shape of a disk. A concave portion 65 is formed on the upper surface of the semi-slit member 61, which is concave downward and circular in plan view. When replenishing ink, the liquid introduction needle 710 is inserted into the above-mentioned "upper surface". Six slit-shaped grooves 66 are formed at the bottom of the concave portion 65. The grooves 66 are thin-walled portions that are thinner than other portions of the bottom of the concave portion 65, and do not penetrate the bottom in the thickness direction.

[0060] In addition, the groove 66 may not be in the form of a slit, but may be a simple concave portion. Figure 8 In the figure, the entire area inside the radial direction of the range surrounded by the dotted line may be formed thin as the thin-walled concave range 69. The thin-walled concave range 69 is the inside of a circle with the groove 66 as the radius when viewed from above. In addition, the groove 66 and the thin-walled concave range 69 are oriented downstream in the ink outflow direction, and the bottom thickness of the groove 66 and the thin-walled concave range 69 is thinner than other parts.

[0061] In addition, the "thickness" here refers to the thickness in the direction along the ink outflow direction and in the direction along the central axis C of the ink replenishing container 2. The "ink outflow direction" refers to the direction in which the ink flows out from the container body 21 through the ink outlet forming portion 22 to the ink tank 700 when the ink is replenished. The grooves 66 are formed in a manner extending from the center of the bottom of the recess 65 toward the outside in the radial direction, and six grooves are radially arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, the grooves 66 are not limited to a plurality of grooves in the diameter direction with the center as the intersection point as in the present embodiment, but may also be a single groove extending in the diameter direction through the center. The semi-slit component 61 is introduced into the ink tank 700 by the liquid introduction needle 710 near the center of the recess 65. Figures 7 to 10 The ink outlet channel 16 of the ink outlet forming portion 22 and the flow path inside the liquid introduction needle 710 on the printer 100 side are connected by being inserted from above and broken.

[0062] The half slit member 61 is detachably mounted on the ink outlet forming portion 22 by being covered by the pressing member 62 from the upper side. The pressing member 62 is cylindrical. Figures 7 to 10 A flange portion 67 extending inward (toward the center axis C) is formed at the upper end edge of the semi-slit member 61. The radial inner side of the flange portion 67 is open, and at the opening, the portion of the semi-slit member 61 forming the groove 66 is exposed. The semi-slit member 61 is located farther from the spring valve 27 (see FIG. 2 ) in the ink outflow direction. Figure 7 ) on the downstream side. In addition, the shapes of the valve body 44 and the retaining portion 46 of the spring valve 27 are partially different from those of the spring valve 17 in the first embodiment, but they are components that actually perform the same functions.

[0063] The semi-slit member 61 is detachably fixed to the ink outlet forming portion 22 via the pressing member 62. The semi-slit member 61 has a recess 65 formed therein, thereby forming an annular protrusion in an annular shape at the outer periphery. The annular protrusion is fixed by being sandwiched and pressed from the upper side by the flange portion 67 of the pressing member 62 (see Figure 8 ).

[0064] The pressing member 62 is a member fixed to the ink outflow side end of the ink outlet forming portion 22 as a member different from the half slit member 61. The half slit member 61 can be removed from the ink outlet forming portion 22 by removing the pressing member 62 so as to hook it toward the ink outflow side. In addition, the connection between the container body 21 and the ink outlet forming portion 22 and the connection between the ink outlet forming portion 22 and the cap portion 23 are the same as those in the first embodiment. In addition, the pressing member 62 corresponds to the "fixing member".

[0065] According to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the ink replenishing container 1 of the first embodiment is achieved. In addition, even if the ink replenishing container 2 is set to an inverted posture, the ink can be prevented from leaking out by using the half slit member 61 before the liquid introduction needle 710 passes through the half slit member 61. In addition, since the half slit member 61 is detachably fixed to the ink outlet forming portion 22 via the pressing member 62, it is easy to reuse the ink replenishing container 2, replace the half slit member 61, etc. In addition, when the ink replenishing container 2 is reused, the pressing member 62 can be reused, and only the half slit member 61 that has been passed through can be replaced. In addition, the half slit member 61 is formed with each groove 66, so that the liquid introduction needle 710 can easily pass through the half slit member 61.

[0066] C. Third Implementation Method:

[0067] Next, refer to Figures 11 to 13 , an ink supply container 3 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig.11 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the ink supply container 3 according to the third embodiment. Fig.11 The main part of the ink outlet forming portion 32 of the ink supply container 3 to which the cap portion 33 is attached and its surrounding area are shown, and a cross section along a plane passing through the central axis C is shown. Fig.12 For Fig.11 A stereoscopic diagram showing an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the dotted line.

[0068] The ink supply container 3 of the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that it has a container body 31, an ink outlet forming portion 32, and a cap portion 33, but the internal structure of the ink outlet forming portion 32 is different from that of the first embodiment. The ink supply container 3 of the third embodiment does not have an inner plug 42, but is provided with a partition member 70 as a flow path closing member. In addition, in the third embodiment, a well-known slit valve 71 is provided at the ink outlet 15 instead of the spring valve 17. The following is a detailed description.

[0069] Fig.13 1 is a perspective view of the ink outlet forming portion 32 in the ink supply container 3 with the cap portion 33 removed, as viewed from obliquely above. Fig.13 As shown, a pair of identification structure parts 72 are provided on the ink outlet forming part 32. The pair of identification structure parts 72 are arranged in a manner of sandwiching the cylindrical part 52 forming the ink outflow channel 16 in the radial direction, and are used to identify the type of ink. The radial direction means a direction orthogonal to the central axis C of the ink outflow channel 16. The pair of identification structure parts 72 are respectively inserted into the identification recess 720 provided at the adapter part of the ink tank 700. A linear identification groove part 73 is formed on the side of the identification structure part 72 from the top side to the rear end side. The formation position of the identification groove part 73 varies according to the ink supply container 3.

[0070] like Figures 11 to 13 As shown in FIG. 1 , a rectangular plate-shaped partition member 70 is provided inside the ink outlet forming portion 32 at the upper portion of the opening 14 of the container main body 31 to block the opening 14. The partition member 70 is a plate made of resin such as plastic. The partition member 70 is provided with two O-rings 74 (see FIG. 1 ) provided on the ink outflow passage 16. Fig.11 , Fig.12) is fixed on the cylindrical portion 52 in a state of being clamped from the top and bottom directions. The O-ring 74 is equivalent to an "elastic sealing component". The radial end of the partition component 70 protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical portion 52. The radial end of the partition component 70 is located at a position that does not overlap with the position where the above-mentioned pair of identification structures 72 are located in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the line of the pair of identification structures 72 arranged in the radial direction is approximately orthogonal to the line of the long side direction of the partition component 70 extending in the radial direction when viewed from above. In addition, these lines may also intersect each other at angles other than 90 degrees.

[0071] The clamping force of the O-ring 74 is such that the partition member 70 can be removed to the outside by pulling the radial end of the partition member 70 radially outward. Figure 2 In the ink replenishment state shown, that is, the stage in the valve open state, the user of the printer 100 or the like can remove the partition member 70 to the outside by pulling the radial end portion of the partition member 70 radially outward.

[0072] In addition, if Fig.13 As shown, the ink outlet forming portion 32 has a positioning portion 75. The positioning portion 75 is a plate-shaped portion, and has a portion that is located radially outside the cylindrical portion 52 and is in an arc shape when viewed from above, and a linear portion that is located on the left and right sides of the identification structure portion 72 and is parallel to the diameter of the cylindrical portion 52 when viewed from above. The positioning portion 75 has a plane that is orthogonal to the central axis C. When the identification structure portion 72 of the ink supply container 3 is correctly engaged with the corresponding identification recess 720, the liquid introduction needle 710 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 52. Figure 2 In the ink replenishing state shown, when the identification recess 720 of the printer 100 is correctly engaged with the identification structure portion 72 of the ink replenishing container 3, the ink outlet forming portion 32 is connected to the liquid introduction needle 710, and the positioning portion 75 is supported at a position slightly above the liquid introduction needle 710 and in contact with a receiving plane 730 extending in a direction intersecting the liquid introduction needle 710, thereby being positioned in the insertion direction, i.e., the Z direction.

[0073] The partition member 70 is disposed relative to the positioning portion 75 in a direction along the ink outflow direction. Figures 11 to 13 In the state shown, it is located at the bottom, that is, at the side of the container body 31. Figure 2 As shown, after the ink supply container 3 is mounted on the printer 100 and the liquid introduction needle 710 is inserted into the inside of the cylindrical portion 52 and the positioning portion 75 contacts the receiving surface 730 to position the ink supply container 3, the partition member 70 can be slid and removed.

[0074] According to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the ink supply container 1 of the first embodiment are achieved. In addition, since the ink outflow channel 16 can be closed before the partition member 70 is removed when the ink supply container 3 is used for the first time, it is easy to prevent ink leakage. In addition, for example, after the ink supply container 3 is mounted on the printer 100 in an inverted posture, the user can open the ink outflow channel 16 at any time, so it is convenient for the user.

[0075] In addition, when the ink supply container 3 is reused, it is not necessary to remove the partition member 70 from the inside of the ink supply container 3, so that the ink supply container 3 can be easily reused. Fig.11 In the state shown, it is located at the bottom. Figure 2 In the ink replenishing state shown, the partition member 70 is located above the positioning portion 75. Therefore, when the ink replenishing container 3 is installed upside down on the printer 100, the partition member 70 does not become an obstacle and the user can easily remove the protruding radial end.

[0076] D.Other ways:

[0077] (D1) In the first embodiment, the contact portion 51 is formed on the end surface of the inner stopper side in the axial direction of the four side wall portions 49 extending from the valve body 44 to the container main body 11 side and formed along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 52. Alternatively, the four side wall portions 49 may be configured as circumferentially continuous peripheral wall portions. That is, the contact portion 51 may be formed on the end surface of a portion that is not connected in the circumferential direction but is columnar in the central axis direction as in the first embodiment, or may be formed on the end surface of a peripheral wall portion that is connected in the circumferential direction. In addition, the contact portion 51 may be configured as long as it can be linked to the valve body 44, or may not be configured as a whole with the valve body 44. In addition, when the side wall portion 49 having the contact portion 51 and the valve body 44 are configured separately, the side wall portion 49 may be configured as long as it is linked to the valve body 44 at least in the valve open state, and may not be linked to the valve body 44 in the valve closed state. However, in the valve open state, when the valve body 44 is pressed by the liquid introduction needle 710 , the side wall portion 49 needs to press the inner stopper 42 in conjunction with the valve body 44 .

[0078] (D2) In the second embodiment, the pressing member 62 for fixing the half slit member 61 may not be provided. In this structure, for example, a member in which the pressing member 62 and the half slit member 61 are integrated can be used as long as the half slit member 61 can be separated from the ink outlet forming portion 22.

[0079] (D3) In the second embodiment described above, a spring valve 27 may be replaced with Fig.11The slit valve 71 shown in the figure. In the third embodiment described above, the spring valve 17 may be used instead of the slit valve 71.

[0080] (D4) In the third embodiment, the partition member 70 may not be sandwiched by the elastic sealing member, the O-ring 74. In addition, the partition member 70 may be provided downstream of the positioning portion 75 in the direction along the ink outflow direction.

[0081] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be implemented by various structures within the scope of its main purpose. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above-mentioned problems, or to achieve part or all of the above-mentioned effects, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various modes recorded in the invention content section can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, as long as the technical feature is not described as a necessary technical feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0082] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a liquid supply container is provided. The liquid supply container supplies liquid to a liquid ejection device having the liquid introduction needle via a liquid introduction needle, and comprises: a container body having an opening and capable of storing liquid; a liquid outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion defining a liquid outflow channel connected to the opening, the liquid outlet forming portion comprising: a sealing component disposed in the liquid outflow channel; a valve disposed in the liquid outflow channel; a flow channel closing component disposed in the liquid outflow channel between the opening and the valve, the valve having: a spring component; a valve A body, which is urged by the spring member to contact the sealing member in a closed valve state, and is separated from the sealing member by being pressed by the liquid introduction needle inserted into the liquid outflow channel in an open valve state; a contact portion, which is linked to the valve body and contacts the flow path sealing member at least in the open valve state, the flow path sealing member being an inner plug, which is engaged with the liquid outlet forming portion in a manner that can be disengaged by pressing from the liquid outlet side, and is disengaged from the liquid outlet forming portion by being pressed by the liquid introduction needle through the valve during the first use of the liquid replenishing container.

[0083] According to this aspect, in a liquid replenishing container having a spring valve having a spring member, since the spring valve has a contact portion that contacts the flow path closing member in conjunction with the valve body, the inner plug is disengaged by the pressing of the liquid introduction needle, thereby opening the liquid outflow channel. Therefore, even when the liquid replenishing container is in an inverted position or an inclined position in which the liquid outlet forming portion is located below the container body, leakage of the liquid can be prevented until the liquid introduction needle is inserted.

[0084] In addition, compared with the slit valve, the spring valve is difficult to open even when it is impacted or when the liquid supply container is pressurized. Therefore, when the remaining liquid in the liquid supply container is used for the second or subsequent liquid injection operations after the flow path closing component is detached during the first use of the liquid supply container, liquid leakage is unlikely to occur.

[0085] (2) In the liquid replenishing container of the above aspect, the valve body may include a side wall portion that is integrally formed with the valve body and extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, and the contact portion may be formed on an axial end surface of the side wall portion.

[0086] According to this mode, since the contact portion is formed integrally with the valve body, it is urged toward the liquid outlet by the spring member. Therefore, even if the liquid supply container is subjected to some kind of impact before the liquid introduction needle is connected, it is difficult for the flow channel sealing member to be separated. In addition, since the contact portion is formed on the axial end face of the side wall portion formed along the axial direction, when the valve body is pressed by the liquid introduction needle, it can be guided by the cylindrical portion and the flow channel sealing member can be pushed and separated well.

[0087] (3) According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid replenishing container is provided. The liquid replenishing container replenishes liquid to a liquid ejecting device having a liquid introduction needle via a liquid introduction needle, and comprises: a container body having an opening and capable of storing liquid; a liquid outlet forming portion having a cylindrical portion defining a liquid outflow channel connected to the opening, the liquid outlet forming portion comprising: a valve disposed in the liquid outflow channel and opening by the liquid introduction needle being inserted into the liquid outflow channel and closing by the liquid introduction needle being withdrawn from the liquid outflow channel; a flow channel closing component disposed in the liquid outflow channel, the flow channel closing component being detachably fixed relative to the liquid outlet forming portion, and being located on the downstream side of the valve in the liquid outflow direction of the liquid outflow channel, and having a groove or a recess formed toward the downstream side of the liquid outflow direction.

[0088] According to this mode, even when the liquid supply container is set to an inverted posture or an inclined posture, leakage of liquid can be prevented until the liquid introduction needle is inserted. In addition, since the flow channel sealing component is detachably fixed to the liquid outlet forming portion, it can be set to a structure that is easy to reuse the liquid supply container, replace the flow channel sealing component, etc.

[0089] (4) In the liquid replenishment container of the above-mentioned method, the flow path sealing component can also be detachably mounted at the downstream end of the liquid outlet forming portion in the liquid outflow direction through a fixing component of another component. According to this method, when the liquid replenishment container is reused, the fixing component can be reused, and only the flow path sealing component that has been penetrated can be replaced.

[0090] (5) According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid replenishing container is provided. The liquid replenishing container replenishes liquid to a liquid ejecting device having a liquid introduction needle via a liquid introduction needle, and comprises: a container body having an opening and capable of storing liquid; a liquid outlet forming portion having a cylindrical portion defining a liquid outflow channel connected to the opening, the liquid outlet forming portion comprising: a valve disposed in the liquid outflow channel and opened by the liquid introduction needle inserted into the liquid outflow channel; and a flow channel closing member disposed in the liquid outflow channel in a manner that can be removed to the outside.

[0091] According to this method, since the liquid flow path can be closed before the flow path sealing component is removed when the liquid supply container is used for the first time, it is easy to prevent liquid leakage. In addition, since the flow path sealing component is configured in a manner that can be removed from the outside, the liquid flow path can be opened by the user at any time, such as after the liquid supply container is installed on the liquid ejection device in an inverted posture, thereby providing good convenience for the user.

[0092] In addition, when the liquid supply container is reused, there is no need to remove the flow path sealing component from the interior of the liquid supply container, so that reuse becomes easy.

[0093] (6) In the liquid replenishing container of the above-mentioned method, the flow channel sealing member can also be clamped by an elastic sealing member arranged in the liquid outflow channel. According to this method, the elastic sealing member can be used to seal the gap after the flow channel sealing member is removed, so that it is difficult for liquid to leak out.

[0094] (7) In the liquid replenishing container of the above-mentioned manner, it can also be arranged that the liquid outlet forming portion has a positioning portion, and the positioning portion is arranged on the outer surface of the liquid outlet forming portion and is in contact with the liquid ejection device when the valve is opened by the liquid introduction needle, and in the liquid outflow direction of the liquid outflow channel, the flow channel closing component is located on the side of the container body portion than the positioning portion.

[0095] According to this method, when the liquid supply container is mounted on the liquid ejection device in an inverted posture and the valve is opened by the liquid introduction needle, the flow channel sealing component is located above the positioning portion. Therefore, it can be a structure that the user can easily remove the flow channel sealing component after the liquid supply container is mounted on the printer.

[0096] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the inkjet method, and can also be applied to a liquid replenishing container for replenishing liquid to any liquid ejecting device that ejects liquid other than ink.

[0097] Explanation of symbols

[0098] 1, 2, 3… ink supply container (liquid supply container); 11, 21, 31… container body; 12, 22, 32… ink outlet forming portion (liquid outlet forming portion); 13, 23, 33… cap portion; 14… opening; 15… ink outlet; 16… ink outflow channel (liquid outflow channel); 17… spring valve; 8… large diameter portion; 19… reduced diameter portion; 20… small diameter portion; 27… spring valve; 41… sealing member; 42… inner plug (flow channel closing member); 44… valve body; 45… spring member; 46… retaining portion; 47… frustum cone portion; 48… disk portion; 49… side wall portion; 51… contact portion; 52… cylindrical portion; 53…sealing ring; 61…semi-slit member (channel sealing member); 62…pressing member (fixing member); 63…external threaded portion; 64…internal threaded portion; 65…recessed portion; 66…groove; 67…flange portion; 70…partitioning member (channel sealing member); 71…slit valve; 72…identification structure portion; 73…identification groove portion; 74…O-ring (elastic sealing member); 75…positioning portion; 100…printer (liquid ejecting device); 110…housing; 160…ink tank storage unit; 162…cover; 164…sealing cap member; 165…sealing cap; 700…ink tank; 710…liquid introduction needle; C…center axis.

Claims

1. A liquid supply container for supplying liquid to a liquid ejection device having a liquid introduction needle via a liquid introduction needle, and comprising: A container body having an opening and capable of containing liquid; a liquid outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion defining a liquid outflow passage communicating with the opening, The liquid outlet forming portion comprises: a sealing member disposed in the liquid outflow passage; a valve disposed in the liquid outflow passage; a flow channel closing member, which is arranged in the liquid outflow channel between the opening and the valve, The valve has: Spring components; a valve body which is urged by the spring member to contact the sealing member in a closed valve state and is pressed by the liquid introduction needle inserted into the liquid outflow channel to separate from the sealing member in an open valve state; a contact portion, which is linked with the valve body and contacts the flow channel closing component at least in the valve open state, The flow channel closing component is an inner plug, which is engaged with the liquid outlet forming portion in a manner that can be disengaged by pressing from the liquid outlet side, and during the first use of the liquid supply container, the inner plug is disengaged from the liquid outlet forming portion by being pressed by the liquid introduction needle through the valve.

2. The liquid replenishing container according to claim 1, wherein: The valve body has a side wall portion, which is formed integrally with the valve body and extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion. The contact portion is formed on the axial end surface of the side wall portion.

3. A liquid supply container for supplying liquid to a liquid ejection device having the liquid introduction needle via a liquid introduction needle, and comprising: A container body having an opening and capable of containing liquid; a liquid outlet forming portion having a cylindrical portion defining a liquid outflow passage communicating with the opening, The liquid outlet forming portion comprises: a valve disposed in the liquid outflow channel and functioning in such a manner that the valve is opened by the liquid introduction needle being inserted into the liquid outflow channel and is closed by the liquid introduction needle being withdrawn from the liquid outflow channel; a flow channel closing component, which is arranged in the liquid outflow channel, The flow channel closing component is detachably fixed relative to the liquid outlet forming portion, and is located downstream of the valve in the liquid outflow direction of the liquid outflow channel, and is formed with a groove or a recess toward the downstream side of the liquid outflow direction.

4. The liquid replenishing container according to claim 3, wherein: The flow path closing member is detachably mounted on the downstream end portion of the liquid outlet forming portion in the liquid outflow direction by means of a fixing member of another member.

5. A liquid supply container for supplying liquid to a liquid ejection device having the liquid introduction needle via a liquid introduction needle, and comprising: A container body having an opening and capable of containing liquid; a liquid outlet forming portion having a cylindrical portion defining a liquid outflow passage communicating with the opening, The liquid outlet forming portion comprises: a valve which is provided in the liquid outflow channel and is opened by the liquid introduction needle inserted into the liquid outflow channel; A flow channel closing component is disposed in the liquid outflow channel in a manner that it can be removed to the outside.

6. The liquid replenishing container according to claim 5, wherein: The flow channel closing component is clamped by an elastic sealing component arranged in the liquid outflow channel.

7. The liquid replenishing container according to claim 5, wherein: The liquid outlet forming portion has a positioning portion, which is provided on an outer surface of the liquid outlet forming portion and contacts the liquid ejection device when the valve is opened by the liquid introduction needle. In the liquid outflow direction of the liquid outflow channel, the flow channel sealing member is located closer to the container main body than the positioning portion.

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