Ink replenishment container

Abstract

An ink supply container includes a container main body, an ink outlet forming portion, and an outlet valve unit including a valve housing, a spring member, a sealing member, and a valve body that can assume a closed valve state and an open valve state. The valve body is pressed in a first direction toward the sealing member by the spring member and is in contact with the sealing member to close the through hole of the sealing member in a valve opening state, and the valve body is pressed in a second direction opposite to the first direction to be separated from the sealing member due to insertion of the ink introduction member in the valve opening state. Supporting at least a portion of an end surface of the sealing member in the second direction; an outer peripheral support section that is positioned further toward the first direction side than the end surface support section and on the outside of the seal member in the radial direction of the seal member, and that faces at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the seal member; and a space-forming section that is positioned on the outside in the radial direction of the seal member and that forms a space in at least a portion in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technology of an ink supply container. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, a technology is known in which an ink supply container supplies ink to a printer via an ink inlet flow path member that communicates with an ink tank of the printer (Patent Literature 1). In this technology, the ink supply container is provided with a spring valve at an outlet, and the spring valve has a valve core, a sealing member, a spring member that applies a force to the valve core toward the sealing member, and a valve housing that accommodates these members. By inserting the ink inlet flow path member into the outlet and pressing the valve core in a direction opposite to the direction of the force applied by the spring member, the valve core is separated from the sealing member. Thus, the spring valve is opened, and ink is supplied to the printer. By pulling the ink inlet flow path member out of the outlet, the valve core is forced by the spring member toward the sealing member, and the spring valve comes into contact with the sealing member. Thus, the spring valve is closed. The sealing member is elastic and is fitted in the valve housing. The outer peripheral surface of the sealing member is entirely surrounded by the valve housing.

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-43905

[0004] In the past technology, the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member is entirely surrounded by the valve housing. Therefore, when the ink inlet flow path member is inserted into the outlet, there is a case where the deformation of the sealing member as an elastic body is restricted by the valve housing, and the load increases. In the case where the load increases, the user can need to press the ink supply container into the ink inlet flow path member of the printer with a strong force when the ink supply container is fitted to the printer. Thus, an ink supply container that is easy for the user to fit to the printer is sought. SUMMARY

[0005] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an ink supply container is provided. The ink supply container supplies ink to an ink tank of a printer via an ink introduction member that communicates with the ink tank and has a plurality of flow paths separated by a partition, the ink supply container including: a container main body configured to be able to hold ink; an ink outlet formation portion connected to the container main body; and an outlet valve unit fitted in the ink outlet formation portion, the outlet valve unit including: a valve housing; a spring member disposed in the valve housing and supported by the valve housing; a circular ring-shaped sealing member having elasticity, disposed in the valve housing, and supported by the valve housing, the sealing member having a through hole into or out of which the ink introduction member can be inserted and a sealing portion that contacts an outer circumferential surface of the ink introduction member inserted into the through hole; and a valve core disposed in the valve housing and capable of assuming a closed valve state in which the valve core is in contact with the sealing member to close the through hole by the spring member being urged in a first direction toward the sealing member and an open valve state in which the valve core is separated from the sealing member by being pushed in a second direction opposite the first direction due to insertion of the ink introduction member, the valve housing including: an end surface support portion that supports at least a portion of an end surface of the sealing member in the second direction; an outer circumferential support portion located at a position closer to the first direction than the end surface support portion and located in a region outside the sealing member in a radial direction of the sealing member, the outer circumferential support portion facing at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the sealing member; and a space formation portion located outside the sealing member in the radial direction and forming a space along at least a portion of a circumferential surface of the sealing member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a printer.

[0007] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an ink tank.

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a supply state.

[0009] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an ink supply container.

[0010] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink supply container in a non-supply state.

[0011] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink supply container and the ink tank in a supply state.

[0012] Figure 7is an external view of the outlet valve unit.

[0013] Figure 8 is a view for explaining details of the valve housing in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 9 is a first cross-sectional view of the valve housing and the seal member in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 10 is a second cross-sectional view of the valve housing and the seal member in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 11 is a view showing a valve housing as a reference example.

[0017] Figure 12 is a view for explaining details of the valve housing in the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the outer peripheral support portion and the seal member in the third embodiment.

[0019] Figure 14 is a view of a portion of the valve housing in the fourth embodiment, which is cut off.

[0020] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the outer peripheral support portion and the seal member in the fourth embodiment.

[0021] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the outer peripheral support portion and the seal member in the fifth embodiment.

[0022] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the outer peripheral support portion and the seal member in the sixth embodiment.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0024] 100: printer, 110: housing, 160: ink tank accommodating unit, 162: cover, 165: closure cap, 200: ink replenishment container, 300: container main body, 312: external thread, 400: ink outlet formation portion, 410: tubular flow path portion, 411: first replenishment flow path, 412: second replenishment flow path, 420: cylindrical portion, 460: outlet, 500: outlet valve unit, 501: space portion, 509: accommodating portion, 510, 510a-510e, 510r: valve housing, 511, 511b, 511c: column, 512, 512a-512e: space formation portion, 513, 513a: end face support portion, 513f: end face support surface, 514: whole circumference support portion, 514f: whole circumference support surface, 515, 515b-515e: outer peripheral support portion, 516, 516b: outer peripheral support surface, 517, 517A, 517B: outer peripheral surface of valve housing, 517C: side surface opening portion, 518: inner peripheral surface of valve housing, 519: annular portion, 530: spring member, 550: seal member, 551: first seal portion, 552: second seal portion, 555: end face of seal member in second direction, 557: outer peripheral surface of seal member, 558: inner peripheral surface of seal member, 559: through hole, 570: valve core, 571: cylindrical portion, 573: seal surface, 575: protrusion, 577: partition member contact portion, 578: inclined surface, 700: ink tank, 700L: second ink tank, 700S: first ink tank, 710: ink introduction member, 711, 712: introduction flow path, 714: partition member, 715: front end face of ink introduction member, 717: outer peripheral surface of ink introduction member, 721, 722: tank inner flow path, 760: ink accommodating chamber, C: center axis, D1: first direction, D2: second direction, D3: radially outer side, P: cut position, Q: formation position of space formation portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] A. First Embodiment

[0026] A-1. Structure of Printer

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the printer 100. In Figure 1The XYZ axes are depicted as three spatial axes orthogonal to each other. The directions in which the arrows of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis point indicate positive directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, respectively. The positive directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are set as the +X direction, the +Y direction, and the +Z direction, respectively. The directions opposite to the directions in which the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis point are negative directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, respectively. The negative directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are set as the -X direction, the -Y direction, and the -Z direction, respectively. The directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis regardless of the positive or negative directions are referred to as the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction, respectively.

[0028] In the present embodiment, in a use state of the printer 100, the X axis and the Y axis are axes along a horizontal plane, and the Z axis is an axis along a direction of gravity. Hereinafter, the direction of gravity is set as the -Z direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of gravity is set as the +Z direction. The direction from the rear surface side of the printer 100 toward the front surface side is set as the -Y direction, and the direction from the front surface side toward the rear surface side is set as the +Y direction. In addition, the direction from the right side toward the left side when the printer 100 is viewed from the front surface side is set as the -X direction, and the direction from the left side toward the right side is set as the +X direction. Note that the "use state of the printer 100" means a state in which the printer 100 is disposed on a horizontal plane. The same applies to the drawings and the description shown hereinafter.

[0029] The printer 100 is an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a print medium. The printer 100 has a housing 110. Inside the housing 110, a carriage, not shown, is provided. The carriage is movable in a main scanning direction along the X direction. On the carriage, a print head, not shown, that ejects ink onto a print medium is provided. On one end of the front surface of the housing 110, an ink tank housing unit 160 is provided. The ink tank housing unit 160 houses a plurality of ink tanks 700S, 700L. The ink tank housing unit 160 has a lid 162 that is openable and closable on its upper portion. The first ink tank 700S is a small-capacity tank. The second ink tank 700L is a large-capacity tank. However, in the description below, both are simply referred to as "ink tank 700" without distinction. The ink tank 700 is connected to the print head of the carriage by a pipe, not shown. That is, the ink tank 700 is a fixed ink tank that is not loaded on the carriage of the printer 100. Note that the ink tank 700 can also be mounted on the carriage of the printer 100.

[0030] A-2. Structure of Ink Tank

[0031] Figure 2is a perspective view of the ink tank 700. An ink introducing member 710 is provided on the upper surface of the ink tank 700. The ink introducing member 710 is a cylindrical member for replenishing the ink tank 700 with ink. The ink introducing member 710 protrudes upward from the ink tank 700. The ink introducing member 710 has a plurality of introducing flow paths 711, 712 separated by a partition 714. In the present embodiment, the ink introducing member 710 has two introducing flow paths 711, 712. The two introducing flow paths 711, 712 respectively communicate with two tank-internal flow paths 721, 722 that protrude into an ink- containing chamber 760 of the ink tank 700. The two introducing flow paths 711, 712 respectively open at a front end face 715 of the ink introducing member 710. A part of the front end face 715 of the ink introducing member 710 corresponds to an end portion of the partition 714.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a state of replenishing the ink tank 700 with ink from the ink replenishment container 200. The front surface of the ink tank 700 is formed of a transparent member. Thereby, the ink level of the ink tank 700 can be visually checked from the outside. In the case where the ink level of the ink tank 700 is reduced, the user can open the cover 162 and replenish the ink tank 700 with ink from the ink introducing member 710. In the present disclosure, "replenishment of ink" means an operation of supplying ink to the ink tank 700 to increase the ink level of the ink tank 700. However, it is not necessary to fill the ink tank 700 with ink by "replenishment of ink". "Replenishment of ink" includes an operation of filling the empty ink tank 700 with ink at the initial use of the printer 100.

[0033] The ink tank accommodating unit 160 has a closure cap 165 for closing the front end of the ink introducing member 710. When the ink tank 700 is not replenished with ink, the front end of the ink introducing member 710 is closed by the closure cap 165. When the ink tank 700 is replenished with ink, the closure cap 165 is detached from the ink introducing member 710, and the front end portion of the ink replenishment container 200 is inserted into the position of the ink introducing member 710. Thereby, the ink tank 700 is replenished with ink.

[0034] A-3. Structure of ink replenishment container

[0035] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ink replenishment container 200. Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink replenishment container 200 in a non-replenishment state where the ink tank 700 is not replenished with ink. In Figure 5 , a part of the structure of the ink replenishment container 200 when cut along the center axis C of the later-described cylindrical portion 420 is shown. Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink replenishment container 200 and the ink tank 700 in a replenishment state where the ink tank 700 is replenished with ink. In Figure 6In the middle, a cross section is shown when the structure of the ink supply container 200 and the ink tank 700 is cut along the center axis C of the cylinder portion 420.

[0036] The ink supply container 200 is a container for supplying ink to the ink tank 700 by gas-liquid exchange. As Figure 4 shown, the ink supply container 200 has a container body 300, an ink outlet formation portion 400, and an outlet valve unit 500.

[0037] The container body 300 is configured to be able to hold ink. The container body 300 is a hollow cylindrical container having an opening. An outer thread 312 for fitting the ink outlet formation portion 400 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the opening side of the container body 300.

[0038] The ink outlet formation portion 400 is connected to the container body 300. As Figure 6 shown, the ink outlet formation portion 400 has a cylinder portion 420 and a tubular flow path portion 410. The cylinder portion 420 forms an outlet 460 on the side opposite to the container body 300. The ink introduction member 710 is inserted into the tubular flow path portion 410 via the through hole 559 of the sealing member 550 described later of the outlet valve unit 500. The tubular flow path portion 410 has a plurality of supply flow paths 411, 412. In the present embodiment, the tubular flow path portion 410 has two supply flow paths 411, 412. The two supply flow paths 411, 412 are each formed by a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 420 and the outer peripheral surface of the outlet valve unit 500. One of the two supply flow paths 411, 412 is used as a flow path for ink, and the other is used as a flow path for air. In Figure 6 the middle, the solid arrow shows the flow of ink. The dashed arrow shows the flow of air. In the present embodiment, the first supply flow path 411 is used as a flow path for ink. The second supply flow path 412 is used as a flow path for air.

[0039] The outlet valve unit 500 is fitted inside the ink outlet formation portion 400. As Figure 5 shown, in the non-supply state, the outlet valve unit 500 closes the outlet 460 so that ink does not leak to the outside. As Figure 6 shown, in the supply state, the outlet valve unit 500 releases the closure of the outlet 460 so that ink flows into the ink introduction member 710. The outlet valve unit 500 is a spring valve. By inserting the ink introduction member 710 into the cylinder portion 420 from the outlet 460, the outlet valve unit 500 opens. Thus, the supply flow paths 411, 412 of the ink supply container 200 and the introduction flow paths 711, 712 of the printer 100 communicate. As Figure 5 shown, by pulling out the ink introduction member 710 from the cylinder portion 420, the outlet valve unit 500 closes.

[0040] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the outlet valve unit 500. The outlet valve unit 500 has a valve housing 510, a spring member 530, a seal member 550, and a valve core 570.

[0041] The valve housing 510 internally houses the spring member 530, the seal member 550, and the valve core 570. The valve housing 510 is roughly cylindrical in shape, with one end open in the central axis direction along the center axis C of the cylinder portion 420 and the other end occluded in the central axis direction. The valve housing 510 allows the ink introduction member 710 to be inserted and extracted from the opening formed in the one end in the central axis direction. As shown in Figure 5 , the valve housing 510 is fitted inside the cylinder portion 420. At this time, a gap is formed in a direction orthogonal to the central axis direction between the valve housing 510 and the cylinder portion 420.

[0042] The spring member 530 exerts a force on the valve core 570 toward the outlet 460. The spring member 530 is disposed inside the valve housing 510 and is supported by the valve housing 510. For example, the spring member 530 is formed of metal. In the present embodiment, the spring member 530 is a coil spring.

[0043] The seal member 550 functions as a valve seat. The seal member 550 is disposed inside the valve housing 510 and is supported by the valve housing 510. The seal member 550 is positioned on the outlet 460 side of the valve core 570 in the central axis direction. The seal member 550 is annular in shape. For example, the seal member 550 is formed of a rubber member having elasticity, an elastomer.

[0044] The seal member 550 has a through-hole 559, a first seal portion 551, and a second seal portion 552. As shown in Figure 6 , the ink introduction member 710 can be inserted into or extracted from the through-hole 559. The through-hole 559 is formed by an inner peripheral surface 558 of the seal member 550. The first seal portion 551 switches the communication between the supply flow paths 411, 412 and the introduction flow paths 711, 712. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5 , in the non-supply state, the first seal portion 551 cuts off the communication between the supply flow paths 411, 412 and the introduction flow paths 711, 712 by closing the through-hole 559 in contact with a later-described seal surface 573 of the valve core 570. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6As shown, in the supply state, the first seal portion 551 forms a gap between the first seal portion 551 and the valve core 570 by separating from the seal surface 573 of the valve core 570, and thereby communicates the supply flow path 411, 412 with the introduction flow path 711, 712. The first seal portion 551 protrudes toward the seal surface 573 of the valve core 570 along the center axis C of the cylinder portion 420. The second seal portion 552 prevents the ink accommodated in the space portion 501 from leaking out of the ink introduction member 710 to the outside of the outlet 460. The space portion 501 is a space formed by the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 420, the seal member 550, the valve core 570, and the ink introduction member 710. Specifically, the space portion 501 is a space partially defined by the front end surface 715 of the ink introduction member 710, the seal surface 573, the partition piece contact portion 577, and the inclined surface 578 of the valve core 570, and the inner peripheral surface 558 of the seal member 550 in the internal space of the cylinder portion 420 from the first seal portion 551 to the second seal portion 552. The second seal portion 552 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 717 of the ink introduction member 710 inserted into the through-hole 559 in the supply state. The second seal portion 552 protrudes toward the center axis C of the cylinder portion 420.

[0045] The valve core 570 is disposed in the valve housing 510 so as to be movable in the center axis direction. The valve core 570 is formed of, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The valve core 570 can take a closed valve state and an open valve state. As shown in FIG. 6, the valve core 570 is in the closed valve state. Figure 5 As shown, in the closed valve state, the valve core 570 is urged by the spring member 530 in a first direction D1 toward the seal member 550. Thereby, the valve core 570 is in contact with the seal member 550 to close the through-hole 559. As shown in FIG. 7, in the open valve state, the valve core 570 is separated from the seal member 550 by being pushed in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 due to the insertion of the ink introduction member 710. Note that, in the present embodiment, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are directions along the center axis direction. Figure 6 As shown, in the open valve state, the valve core 570 is separated from the seal member 550 by being pushed in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 due to the insertion of the ink introduction member 710. Note that, in the present embodiment, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are directions along the center axis direction.

[0046] As shown, the valve core 570 has a cylindrical portion 571, a seal surface 573, and a protrusion 575. The cylindrical portion 571 extends in the center axis direction. The cylindrical portion 571 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 8, the cylindrical portion 571 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 518 of the valve housing 510. The cylindrical portion 571 is guided so as to be slidable by the inner peripheral surface 518 of the valve housing 510. The seal surface 573 is formed on an outlet side end surface of the cylindrical portion 571 on the outlet 460 side. As shown in FIG. 9, the seal surface 573 extends in a radial direction of the cylindrical portion 571 intersecting the center axis direction. The seal surface 573 is formed on an entire circumference in a circumferential direction centered on the center axis C of the cylindrical portion 571. Figure 4 As shown, the valve core 570 has a cylindrical portion 571, a seal surface 573, and a protrusion 575. The cylindrical portion 571 extends in the center axis direction. The cylindrical portion 571 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 8, the cylindrical portion 571 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 518 of the valve housing 510. The cylindrical portion 571 is guided so as to be slidable by the inner peripheral surface 518 of the valve housing 510. The seal surface 573 is formed on an outlet side end surface of the cylindrical portion 571 on the outlet 460 side. As shown in FIG. 9, the seal surface 573 extends in a radial direction of the cylindrical portion 571 intersecting the center axis direction. The seal surface 573 is formed on an entire circumference in a circumferential direction centered on the center axis C of the cylindrical portion 571. Figure 5 As shown, the valve core 570 has a cylindrical portion 571, a seal surface 573, and a protrusion 575. The cylindrical portion 571 extends in the center axis direction. The cylindrical portion 571 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 8, the cylindrical portion 571 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 518 of the valve housing 510. The cylindrical portion 571 is guided so as to be slidable by the inner peripheral surface 518 of the valve housing 510. The seal surface 573 is formed on an outlet side end surface of the cylindrical portion 571 on the outlet 460 side. As shown in FIG. 9, the seal surface 573 extends in a radial direction of the cylindrical portion 571 intersecting the center axis direction. The seal surface 573 is formed on an entire circumference in a circumferential direction centered on the center axis C of the cylindrical portion 571. Figure 4 As shown, the valve core 570 has a cylindrical portion 571, a seal surface 573, and a protrusion 575. The cylindrical portion 571 extends in the center axis direction. The cylindrical portion 571 has a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 8, the cylindrical portion 571 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 518 of the valve housing 510. The cylindrical portion 571 is guided so as to be slidable by the inner peripheral surface 518 of the valve housing 510. The seal surface 573 is formed on an outlet side end surface of the cylindrical portion 571 on the outlet 460 side. As shown in FIG. 9, the seal surface 573 extends in a radial direction of the cylindrical portion 571 intersecting the center axis direction. The seal surface 573 is formed on an entire circumference in a circumferential direction centered on the center axis C of the cylindrical portion 571. Figure 5As shown, in the closed state, the sealing surface 573 contacts the first sealing portion 551 of the sealing member 550. The protrusion 575 is formed on the outlet-side end face at a radially inner position than the sealing surface 573, closer to the cylindrical portion 571. The protrusion 575 is located in the central axis direction closer to the outlet 460 side than the sealing surface 573. The protrusion 575 has a separator contact portion 577 and a bevel 578. Figure 6 As shown, the separator contact portion 577 contacts the separator 714 of the ink inlet component 710 in the open valve state. The inclined surface 578 extends from the separator contact portion 577 toward the sealing surface 573.

[0047] A-4. Detailed structure of the valve body:

[0048] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the details of the valve housing 510 in the first embodiment. Figure 8 In the diagram, dotted shadow lines are marked on the sealing component 550. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve housing 510 and sealing member 550 in the first embodiment, cut along the central axis. Figure 10 Is Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view taken at point P along the radial direction of the sealing member 550 orthogonal to the central axis, when the outer peripheral support portion 515 and the sealing member 550 (described later) in the valve housing 510 of the first embodiment are cut. Figure 10 In addition to the outer peripheral surface 517A of the valve housing 510 at the cut position P of the outer peripheral support portion 515, the outer peripheral surface 517B of the valve housing 510 at the circumferential support portion 514, which will be described later, is also shown in the figure. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the valve housing 510r as a reference example.

[0049] like Figure 8 As shown, the valve housing 510 has: a plurality of pillars 511, a space forming portion 512, an end face support portion 513, a circumferential support portion 514, and an outer circumferential support portion 515 formed at the first direction D1 end of the pillars 511.

[0050] Multiple posts 511 extend along the second direction D2. Side openings 517C are formed between adjacent posts 511. In the open state, supply flow paths 411 and 412 communicate with inlet flow paths 711 and 712 via the side openings 517C. The multiple posts 511 are spaced apart circumferentially in the sealing member 550. Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the valve housing 510 has six posts 511. (As indicated...) Figure 8As shown, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral support portion 515 is formed in the extended portion of the column 511. The outer peripheral support portion 515 is located at a position further toward the first direction Dl than the end surface support portion 513 described later. In addition, the outer peripheral support portion 515 is located in a region outside the seal member 550 in the radial direction of the seal member 550. The outer peripheral support portion 515 opposes at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral support portion 515 supports at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550. The outer peripheral support portion 515 has an outer peripheral support surface 516. The outer peripheral support surface 516 is in contact with at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer peripheral support surface 516 is a curved surface along the shape of the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral support portion 515 is formed in the extended portion of the column 511, but can be disposed at a position different from the column 511 in the circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the seal member 550. Figure 10 As shown, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral support surface 516 is a curved surface along the shape of the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral support portion 515 is formed in the extended portion of the column 511, but can be disposed at a position different from the column 511 in the circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the seal member 550.

[0051] As shown, in the present embodiment, the space forming portion 512 is located outside the seal member 550 in the radial direction and forms a space in at least a portion of the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the space forming portion 512 is formed at a position Q opposed to the second seal portion 552 in the radial direction of the seal member 550. In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the space forming portion 512 is an opening formed between adjacent outer peripheral support portions 515. Figure 8 As shown, in the present embodiment, the space forming portion 512 is located outside the seal member 550 in the radial direction and forms a space in at least a portion of the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the space forming portion 512 is formed at a position Q opposed to the second seal portion 552 in the radial direction of the seal member 550. In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the space forming portion 512 is an opening formed between adjacent outer peripheral support portions 515. Figure 9 As shown, in the present embodiment, the space forming portion 512 is located outside the seal member 550 in the radial direction and forms a space in at least a portion of the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the space forming portion 512 is formed at a position Q opposed to the second seal portion 552 in the radial direction of the seal member 550. In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the space forming portion 512 is an opening formed between adjacent outer peripheral support portions 515. Figure 8 As shown, in the present embodiment, the space forming portion 512 is located outside the seal member 550 in the radial direction and forms a space in at least a portion of the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the space forming portion 512 is formed at a position Q opposed to the second seal portion 552 in the radial direction of the seal member 550. In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the space forming portion 512 is an opening formed between adjacent outer peripheral support portions 515. Figure 10 As shown, in the present embodiment, the space forming portion 512 is located outside the seal member 550 in the radial direction and forms a space in at least a portion of the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the space forming portion 512 is formed at a position Q opposed to the second seal portion 552 in the radial direction of the seal member 550. In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the space forming portion 512 is an opening formed between adjacent outer peripheral support portions 515.

[0052] As shown, in the present embodiment, the space forming portion 512 is located outside the seal member 550 in the radial direction and forms a space in at least a portion of the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the space forming portion 512 is formed at a position Q opposed to the second seal portion 552 in the radial direction of the seal member 550. In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the space forming portion 512 is an opening formed between adjacent outer peripheral support portions 515. Figure 8As shown, the end face support portion 513 supports at least a portion of the end face 555 of the sealing member 550 in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the end face support portion 513 is an annular portion 519 that supports the end face 555 of the sealing member 550 in the second direction D2 throughout its entire circumference. The end face support portion 513 faces the end face 555 of the sealing member 550 in the second direction D2 in the central axis direction. The end face support portion 513 has an end face support surface 513f facing the first direction D1. The end face support surface 513f faces the end face 555 of the sealing member 550 in the second direction D2 along the first direction D1. When an external force is applied to the sealing member 550 in the second direction D2 by the ink introduction member 710 or the like, the end face support portion 513 supports the sealing member 550 and restricts movement in the second direction D2.

[0053] The circumferential support portion 514 supports the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 throughout its entire circumference, extending further along the first direction D1 than the space forming portion 512 and the outer peripheral support portion 515. In this embodiment, the circumferential support portion 514 is located at its end in the first direction D1 of the valve housing 510. The circumferential support portion 514 has a circumferential support surface 514f opposite the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550, located further along the first direction D1 than the outer peripheral support portion 515. In the replenished state, the circumferential support portion 514 supports the sealing member 550 and restricts deformation in the radial direction.

[0054] According to the first embodiment described above, such as Figure 6 As shown, when ink is supplied from the ink supply container 200 to the ink tank 700, the ink inlet member 710 is inserted in the second direction D2 while deforming the second sealing portion 552 of the sealing member 550 in an open manner. Here, as Figure 11 As shown, when the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 is entirely surrounded by the valve housing 510r, when the ink inlet member 710 is inserted into the through hole 559, the deformation of the sealing member 550 is restricted by the valve housing 510r, resulting in a situation where the load is not released but increases. In contrast, in the first embodiment described above, as... Figure 8 As shown, the valve housing 510 has a space-forming portion 512 at a location between adjacent outer peripheral support portions 515 and opposite to a portion of the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550. Thus, as... Figure 9As shown, when the ink introducing member 710 is inserted into the through-hole 559, the portion of the seal member 550 that is crushed and deformed by the ink introducing member 710 can be accommodated in the space forming portion 512. If it is in this manner, the deformed portion of the seal member 550 can be released to the space forming portion 512. Thus, the load increase when the ink introducing member 710 is inserted into the through-hole 559 can be suppressed. Therefore, the user can easily attach the ink supply container 200 to the ink introducing member 710 of the printer 100.

[0055] In addition, according to the first embodiment described above, the ink supply container 200 of the present embodiment can suppress the load increase when the ink introducing member 710 is inserted into the through-hole 559. Therefore, the valve housing 510, the seal member 550, and the like can be suppressed from being broken or damaged.

[0056] In addition, according to the first embodiment described above, as Figure 9 As shown, the second seal portion 552 is thicker in the radial direction of the seal member 550 than the other portions in the central axis direction of the seal member 550. Therefore, the second seal portion 552 is deformed more than the other portions of the seal member 550 when the ink introducing member 710 is inserted into the through-hole 559. Here, the space forming portion 512 is formed at a position opposite the second seal portion 552 in the radial direction of the seal member 550. Thus, at the position of the second seal portion 552 opposite the space forming portion 512, the deformed portion of the seal member 550 can be released to the outside D3 of the seal member 550 in the radial direction. If it is in this manner, the most deformed portion of the seal member 550 can be easily released outward in the radial direction of the seal member 550. Thus, the load increase when the ink introducing member 710 is inserted into the through-hole 559 can be more reliably suppressed. Therefore, the user can more easily attach the ink supply container 200 to the ink introducing member 710 of the printer 100. In addition, the valve housing 510, the seal member 550, and the like can be more reliably suppressed from being broken or damaged.

[0057] Further, according to the first embodiment described above, when the ink supply container 200 is detached from the ink tank 700, the ink introduction member 710 is pulled out of the through-hole 559 while rubbing against the outer peripheral surface 717 of the ink introduction member 710 and the second seal portion 552. That is, when the ink introduction member 710 is pulled out of the through-hole 559, no force is required to open the seal member 550. Therefore, the force required to pull out the ink introduction member 710 from the through-hole 559 is smaller than the force required to insert the ink introduction member 710 into the through-hole 559. From the viewpoint of operability of the user, when the force required to insert the ink introduction member 710 into the through-hole 559 is reduced, the force required to pull out the ink introduction member 710 from the through-hole 559 is also reduced. Therefore, during the ink supply, the spool 570 is pressed against the ink introduction member 710 in the first direction Dl equal to the direction of the urging force of the spring member 530, and thus there is a risk that the ink supply container 200 is floated together with the valve housing 510 in the second direction D2. In the case where the ink supply container 200 is floated in the second direction D2, there is a risk that the ink injection is not performed properly, or the posture of the ink injection is not stable. In view of this, as shown in Figure 8 the valve housing 510 has a whole circumference support portion 514 that supports the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550 in the first direction Dl side of the space formation portion 512. If this is the case, when the deformed portion of the seal member 550 housed in the space formation portion 512 returns to the state before deformation, the deformation of the seal member 550 is restricted by the whole circumference support portion 514. Thus, during the ink supply, the ink supply container 200 can be prevented from being floated in the second direction D2, or the ink introduction member 710 can be prevented from being pulled out of the through-hole 559. Note that the whole circumference support portion 514 is not necessarily provided in the ink supply container 200.

[0058] Further, according to the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 8 the valve housing 510 has an end surface support portion 513 that supports at least a portion of the end surface 555 of the seal member 550 in the second direction D2. If this is the case, when the ink introduction member 710 is inserted into the through-hole 559, the seal member 550 can be prevented from moving in the second direction D2. Thus, the seal performance of the seal member 550 with respect to the ink introduction member 710 can be improved. Therefore, the ink can be prevented from leaking from the outlet 460 to the outside of the ink introduction member 710.

[0059] Further, according to the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 8As shown, the end face support portion 513 is a ring-shaped portion 519 that supports the end face 555 of the sealing member 550 in the second direction D2 over the entire circumference. If this is the case, when the ink introducing member 710 is inserted into the through-hole 559, the sealing member 550 can be more reliably inhibited from moving in the second direction D2. Thus, the sealing performance of the sealing member 550 with respect to the ink introducing member 710 can be more reliably inhibited from decreasing. Therefore, the ink can be more reliably inhibited from leaking from the outlet 460 to the outside of the ink introducing member 710.

[0060] Further, according to the first embodiment described above, as Figure 10 As shown, the space forming portion 512 occupies 50% or more in the circumferential direction of the portion where the outer peripheral support portion 515 is located along the outer periphery of the sealing member 550. If this is the case, the greater the proportion of the space forming portion 512 in the circumferential direction of the sealing member 550 is, the greater the volume of the space forming portion 512 can be increased. Thus, the deformed portion of the sealing member 550 can be more reliably released to the space forming portion 512, and thus the load increase when the ink introducing member 710 is inserted into the through-hole 559 can be more reliably inhibited. Therefore, the user can further easily attach the ink supply container 200 to the ink introducing member 710 of the printer 100. Note that it is not necessary for the space forming portion 512 to occupy 50% or more in the circumferential direction of the portion where the outer peripheral support portion 515 is located along the outer periphery of the sealing member 550. Even if the space forming portion 512 is less than 50% in the circumferential direction of the sealing member 550, by the valve housing 510 having the space forming portion 512, the deformed portion of the sealing member 550 can be released to the space forming portion 512. Thus, the load increase when the ink introducing member 710 is inserted into the through-hole 559 can be inhibited. Therefore, the user can easily attach the ink supply container 200 to the ink introducing member 710 of the printer 100.

[0061] Further, according to the first embodiment described above, as Figure 10As shown, six outer peripheral support portions 515 are arranged at intervals along the outer periphery of the seal member 550 in the valve housing 510. It is preferable that three or more outer peripheral support portions 515 be arranged at intervals along the outer periphery of the seal member 550 in the valve housing 510 as in this case. If this is done, the possibility that the seal member 550 does not deform properly when the ink introduction member 710 is inserted into the through-hole 559 and the relief of the seal member 550 increases, resulting in a decrease in the sealability, can be reduced compared to the case in which the valve housing 510 has two or fewer outer peripheral support portions 515. In addition, it is preferable that eight or fewer outer peripheral support portions 515 be arranged at intervals along the outer periphery of the seal member 550 in the valve housing 510. If this is done, the release site of the deformed portion of the seal member 550 can be more reliably ensured compared to the case in which the valve housing 510 has nine or more outer peripheral support portions 515. Thus, the deformation of the seal member 550 can be prevented from being excessively restricted by the valve housing 510.

[0062] B. Second Embodiment

[0063] Figure 12 is a view for explaining details of the valve housing 510a in the second embodiment. In Figure 12 , the seal member 550 is indicated by dotted lines. The end surface support portion 513a of the present embodiment does not support the end surface 555 of the seal member 550 in the second direction D2 over the entire periphery, but supports a portion of the end surface 555 of the seal member 550 in the second direction D2. The end surface support portion 513a is provided to each of the plurality of columns 511 in a manner facing the end surface 555 of the seal member 550 in the second direction D2. The other structures are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0064] According to the above-described second embodiment, Figure 12 The space forming portion 512a of the present embodiment shown in Figure 8 The end surface support portion 513 of the first embodiment of the annular portion 519 is larger in the second direction D2 along the central axis C. If this is done, the deformed portion of the seal member 550 can be more reliably released to the space forming portion 512a. Thus, the load increase when the ink introduction member 710 is inserted into the through-hole 559 can be more reliably suppressed. Therefore, the user can more easily attach the ink supply container 200 to the ink introduction member 710 of the printer 100.

[0065] In addition, according to the above-described second embodiment, as Figure 12As shown, at locations where the outer peripheral support portion 515 is not formed in the circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the sealing member 550, the deformation of the end face 555 in the second direction D2 of the sealing member 550 is not restricted by the valve housing 510a. In this manner, at locations opposite to the space forming portion 512a where the outer peripheral support portion 515 is not formed in the circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the sealing member 550, the deformed portion of the sealing member 550 can be further released in the second direction D2. This further reliably suppresses the load increase when the ink inlet member 710 is inserted into the through hole 559. Therefore, the user can more easily assemble the ink supply container 200 into the ink inlet member 710 of the printer 100.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment described above, even if the end face support portion 513a is not the annular portion 519, it is still possible to support a portion of the end face 555 in the second direction D2 of the sealing member 550. In this manner, it is possible to suppress the load increase when the ink inlet member 710 is inserted into the through hole 559, and to suppress the sealing member 550 from moving in the second direction D2 and thus reducing the sealing performance.

[0067] C. Third implementation method:

[0068] Figure 13 In the context of Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the outer peripheral support portion 515b and the sealing member 550 in the third embodiment, taken at the same cutting position P along the radial direction of the sealing member 550. Figure 13 In this embodiment, besides the outer peripheral surface 517A of the valve housing 510b at the cut-off position P of the outer peripheral support portion 515b, the outer peripheral surface 517B of the valve housing 510b at the circumferential support portion 514 is also shown. The outer peripheral support portion 515b of this embodiment has an outer peripheral support surface 516b, which is a convex arcuate surface facing the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550. That is, the outer peripheral support surface 516b is an arcuate surface that makes linear contact with the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 along the second direction D2. Other structural details are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0069] According to the third embodiment described above, the outer peripheral support surface 516b contacts the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 in a linear manner along the second direction D2. That is, in a cross-section taken along the radial direction of the sealing member 550, the outer peripheral support surface 516b contacts the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 in a point-like manner. In this manner, compared to the case where the outer peripheral support surface 516b contacts the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 in a planar manner, the deformable portion of the sealing member 550 can be released into the space-forming portion 512b more reliably. The case where the outer peripheral support surface 516b contacts the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 in a planar manner refers to, for example, the following situations: Figure 10 The outer peripheral support surface 516 shown is an arcuate surface that is concave along the outer periphery of the sealing member 550, and the arcuate surface contacts the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550. This allows for more reliable suppression of load rise when the ink inlet member 710 is inserted into the through hole 559. Therefore, the user can more easily assemble the ink supply container 200 into the ink inlet member 710 of the printer 100.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment described above, such as Figure 13 As shown, the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 contacts the arc-shaped outer peripheral support surface 516b. That is, the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550, for example, does not contact... Figure 10 Instead of contacting the corners of both ends of the circumferential support portion 515, the outer peripheral support portion 515 contacts the curved surface. In this manner, damage to the sealing member 550 can be suppressed compared to the case where the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 contacts the corners of the outer peripheral support portion 515.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment described above, in the open valve state, the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 contacts the outer peripheral support surface 516b, which is an arc-shaped surface that is convex towards the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550. In this manner, ink and air flow along the arc-shaped outer peripheral support surface 516b at a position further in the second direction D2 than the sealing position of the second sealing part 552, thus allowing for smooth flow of ink and air.

[0072] D. Fourth Implementation Method:

[0073] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing a portion of the valve housing 510c in the fourth embodiment cut off. Figure 15 Is Figure 14 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the outer peripheral support portion 515c and the sealing member 550 in the fourth embodiment, taken at the cutting position P along the radial direction of the sealing member 550. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 14As shown, the plurality of outer peripheral support portions 515c of the present embodiment each form a gap between the inner peripheral surface 518 of the outer peripheral support portion 515c and the outer peripheral surface 557 of the seal member 550 in a range between the end surface support portion 513 and the whole circumference support portion 514 in the direction along the central axis C. This gap constitutes a part of the space forming portion 512c. Further, the space forming portion 512c of the present embodiment is also formed between the outer peripheral support portions 515c adjacent in the circumferential direction.

[0074] According to the above-described fourth embodiment, the space forming portion 512c is formed over the whole circumference in the circumferential direction of the seal member 550. That is, the space forming portion 512c occupies 100% in the circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the seal member 550. If this is the case, the volume of the space forming portion 512c in the circumferential direction of the seal member 550 can be maximized. Thus, the deformed portion of the seal member 550 can be further reliably released to the space forming portion 512c, so the load increase at the time of insertion of the ink introducing member 710 into the through-hole 559 can be further reliably suppressed. Therefore, the user can further easily attach the ink supply container 200 to the ink introducing member 710 of the printer 100.

[0075] Note that, in the case where the space forming portion 512c occupies 100% in the circumferential direction of the seal member 550, it is preferable that the valve housing 510c have at least one of the end surface support portion 513 and the whole circumference support portion 514. If this is the case, the movement of the seal member 550 in the second direction D2 and the radial deformation of the seal member 550 due to the insertion and extraction of the ink introducing member 710 can be limited.

[0076] E. Fifth Embodiment:

[0077] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the radial direction of the seal member 550 at the same cross-sectional position P as in the fourth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the outer peripheral support portion 515d is formed in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment. However, the space forming portion 512d is formed in the fifth embodiment in a different manner from the fourth embodiment. Figure 10 Figure 16 ​In this embodiment, besides the outer peripheral surface 517A of the valve housing 510d at the cut-off position P of the outer peripheral support portion 515d, the outer peripheral surface 517B of the valve housing 510d at the circumferential support portion 514 is also shown. In this embodiment, a gap is partially formed between the inner peripheral surface 518 of the outer peripheral support portion 515d and the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 in the circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the sealing member 550. This gap corresponds to the space forming portion 512d. As a result, the inner peripheral surface 518 of the outer peripheral support portion 515d and the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 are separated and do not contact each other in a portion of the circumferential direction along the outer periphery of the sealing member 550, but contact each other in other portions. Therefore, the space forming portion 512d in this embodiment is the gap formed between the inner peripheral surface 518 of the outer peripheral support portion 515d and the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550.

[0078] According to the fifth embodiment described above, the deformable portion of the sealing member 550 can be released into the space forming portion 512d. This suppresses the load increase when the ink delivery member 710 is inserted into the through hole 559. Therefore, the user can easily assemble the ink supply container 200 into the ink delivery member 710 of the printer 100.

[0079] F. Sixth Implementation Method:

[0080] Figure 17 In the context of Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the outer peripheral support portion 515e and the sealing member 550 in the sixth embodiment, taken at the same cutting position P along the radial direction of the sealing member 550. Figure 17 In addition to the outer peripheral surface 517A of the valve housing 510e at the cut-off position P of the outer peripheral support portion 515, the outer peripheral surface 517B of the valve housing 510e at the circumferential support portion 514 is also shown. In this embodiment, a gap is formed circumferentially throughout the outer periphery of the sealing member 550 between the inner peripheral surface 518 of the outer peripheral support portion 515e and the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550. This gap corresponds to the space forming portion 512e. As a result, the inner peripheral surface 518 of the outer peripheral support portion 515e is separated from the outer peripheral surface 557 of the sealing member 550 and does not contact it.

[0081] According to the sixth embodiment described above, the deformable portion of the sealing member 550 can be released into the space forming portion 512e. This suppresses the load increase when the ink delivery member 710 is inserted into the through hole 559. Therefore, the user can easily assemble the ink supply container 200 into the ink delivery member 710 of the printer 100.

[0082] G. Other implementation methods:

[0083] The ink supply container 200, 200a to 200e can also have three or more supply flow paths 411, 412. The ink introduction member 710 can also have three or more introduction flow paths 711, 712. In this way, the load when the ink introduction member 710 is inserted into the through-hole 559 can be suppressed from increasing. Therefore, the user can easily attach the ink supply container 200 to the ink introduction member 710 of the printer 100. In addition, the valve housing 510, 510a to 510e, and the seal member 550 can be suppressed from being broken or damaged.

[0084] H. Other Aspects

[0085] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various structures without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above-described technical problems or in order to achieve part or all of the above-described effects, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the aspects recited in the summary can be appropriately replaced, combined, or deleted. In addition, the technical features that are not described as essential technical features in the present specification can be appropriately deleted.

[0086] (1) According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an ink supply container. The ink supply container supplies ink to an ink tank of a printer via an ink introduction member that communicates with the ink tank and has a plurality of flow paths separated by a partition, the ink supply container including: a container main body configured to be able to hold ink; an ink outlet formation portion connected to the container main body; and an outlet valve unit fitted in the ink outlet formation portion, the outlet valve unit including: a valve housing; a spring member disposed in the valve housing and supported by the valve housing; a circular ring-shaped sealing member having elasticity, disposed in the valve housing, and supported by the valve housing, the sealing member having a through hole into or out of which the ink introduction member is able to be inserted and a sealing portion that contacts an outer circumferential surface of the ink introduction member inserted into the through hole; and a valve core disposed in the valve housing and able to adopt a closed valve state in which the valve core is in contact with the sealing member to close the through hole by the spring member being urged in a first direction toward the sealing member and an open valve state in which the valve core is separated from the sealing member by being pushed in a second direction opposite the first direction due to insertion of the ink introduction member, the valve housing including: an end surface support portion that supports at least a portion of an end surface of the sealing member in the second direction; an outer circumferential support portion located at a position closer to the first direction than the end surface support portion and located in a region outside the sealing member in a radial direction of the sealing member, the outer circumferential support portion facing at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the sealing member; and a space formation portion located outside the sealing member in the radial direction and forming a space along at least a portion of a circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface. According to this aspect, the valve housing has the space formation portion at a position facing at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the sealing member. Thus, when the ink introduction member is inserted into the through hole, the portion of the sealing member that is crushed and deformed by the ink introduction member can be accommodated in the space formation portion. As a result, the deformed portion of the sealing member can be released to the space formation portion. Thus, the load when the ink introduction member is inserted into the through hole can be suppressed from increasing. Therefore, a user can easily fit the ink supply container to the ink introduction member of the printer.

[0087] (2) In the above aspect, the space formation portion can be formed at a position facing the sealing portion in the radial direction. According to this aspect, at the position of the sealing portion facing the space formation portion, the deformed portion of the sealing member can be released to the outside of the sealing member in the radial direction. As a result, the load when the ink introduction member is inserted into the through hole can be more reliably suppressed from increasing. Therefore, a user can more easily fit the ink supply container to the ink introduction member of the printer.

[0088] (3) In the above-described aspect, the valve housing can have a plurality of the outer peripheral support portions arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, and the space forming portion can be formed between adjacent outer peripheral support portions. According to this aspect, the deformed portion of the seal member can be released in the second direction at a position of the seal member opposite the space forming portion. Thus, the load increase when the ink introducing member is inserted into the through hole can be more reliably suppressed. Therefore, the user can more easily attach the ink supply container to the ink introducing member of the printer.

[0089] (4) In the above-described aspect, the outer peripheral support portion can have an outer peripheral support surface that contacts at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the seal member, and the outer peripheral support surface can be a circular arc surface that is convex toward the outer peripheral surface of the seal member. According to this aspect, the outer peripheral support surface is a circular arc surface that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the seal member in a linear manner in the second direction. Thus, the deformed portion of the seal member can be more reliably released to the space forming portion than when the outer peripheral support surface contacts the seal member in a planar manner. Thus, the load increase when the ink introducing member is inserted into the through hole can be more reliably suppressed. Therefore, the user can more easily attach the ink supply container to the ink introducing member of the printer. In addition, since the circular arc surface contacts the seal member and the corner portion does not contact the seal member, damage to the seal member can be easily prevented.

[0090] (5) In the above-described aspect, a gap can be formed between the outer peripheral support portion and the outer peripheral surface of the seal member in at least a portion of the circumferential direction, and the space forming portion can be the gap. According to this aspect, the space forming portion can be formed by the gap formed between the outer peripheral support portion and the outer peripheral surface of the seal member.

[0091] (6) In the above-described aspect, the valve housing can further have a full-circumferential support portion that supports the outer peripheral surface of the seal member in its entirety on the first direction side more than the outer peripheral support portion. According to this aspect, when the deformed portion of the seal member accommodated in the space forming portion returns to the state before deformation, the deformation of the seal member is restricted by the full-circumferential support portion. Thus, during the supply of ink, the ink supply container can be suppressed from floating in the second direction, or the ink introducing member can be suppressed from being unexpectedly pulled out of the through hole.

[0092] (7) In the above-described aspect, the end surface support portion can be a ring-shaped portion that supports the end surface of the seal member in its entirety in the second direction. According to this aspect, when the ink introducing member is inserted into the through hole, the seal member can be suppressed from moving in the second direction. Thus, the sealability of the seal member with respect to the ink introducing member can be suppressed from decreasing. Therefore, the leakage of ink from the outlet to the outside of the ink introducing member can be suppressed.

[0093] (8) In the above-described aspect, the space forming portion can occupy 50% or more in the circumferential direction. According to this aspect, the deformed portion of the seal member can be more reliably released to the space forming portion. Thus, the load increase when the ink introducing member is inserted into the through hole can be more reliably suppressed. Therefore, the user can more easily attach the ink supply container to the ink introducing member of the printer.

[0094] The plurality of structural elements of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure are not all necessarily required, and in order to solve part or all of the above-described technical problems or in order to achieve part or all of the effects described in this specification, part of the plurality of structural elements can be appropriately changed, deleted, replaced with new other structural elements, or part of the limitation content can be deleted. In addition, in order to solve part or all of the above-described technical problems or in order to achieve part or all of the effects described in this specification, part or all of the technical features included in one aspect of the above-described present disclosure can also be combined with part or all of the technical features included in other aspects of the above-described present disclosure to form an independent aspect of the present disclosure.

[0095] The present disclosure can also be implemented in various aspects other than the ink supply container. For example, it can be implemented in aspects such as a manufacturing method of an ink supply container.

Claims

1. An ink supply container characterized by comprising: An ink supply container for supplying ink to an ink tank of a printer via an ink introducing member which communicates with the ink tank and has a plurality of flow paths separated by a partition, the ink supply container comprising: a container main body configured to be capable of containing ink; an ink outlet formation portion connected to the container main body; and an outlet valve unit fitted in the ink outlet formation portion, the outlet valve unit comprising: a valve housing; a spring member disposed in the valve housing and supported by the valve housing; a circular ring-shaped sealing member having elasticity, disposed in the valve housing and supported by the valve housing, the sealing member having a through hole into or out of which the ink introducing member can be inserted and a sealing portion which contacts an outer peripheral surface of the ink introducing member inserted into the through hole; and a valve core disposed in the valve housing and capable of assuming a closed valve state in which the valve core is in contact with the sealing member to close the through hole by the spring member being urged in a first direction toward the sealing member and an open valve state in which the valve core is separated from the sealing member by being pushed in a second direction opposite to the first direction due to insertion of the ink introducing member, the valve housing comprising: an end surface support portion which supports at least a portion of an end surface of the sealing member in the second direction; an outer peripheral support portion which is located at a position further toward the first direction than the end surface support portion and which, in a radial direction of the sealing member, is located in a region outside the sealing member, the outer peripheral support portion facing at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the sealing member; and a space formation portion which, outside the sealing member in the radial direction, forms a space along at least a portion of a circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface.

2. The ink supply container according to claim 1, wherein the space formation portion is formed at a position opposite to the sealing portion in the radial direction.

3. The ink supply container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve housing has a plurality of the outer peripheral support portions, the plurality of the outer peripheral support portions are disposed at intervals in the circumferential direction, and the space formation portion is formed between adjacent ones of the outer peripheral support portions.

4. The ink supply container according to claim 3, wherein the outer peripheral support portion has an outer peripheral support surface which contacts at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member, the outer peripheral support surface is a circular arc surface which is convex toward the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member.

5. The ink supply container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a gap is formed between the outer peripheral support portion and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member along at least a portion of the circumferential direction, the space formation portion is the gap.

6. The ink supply container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein ​ ​ The valve housing also has a full-circumferential support portion that supports the outer circumferential surface of the seal member over the entire circumference at a position further toward the first direction side than the outer-circumferential support portion.

7. The ink supply container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The end surface support portion is an annular portion that supports the end surface of the seal member in the second direction over the entire circumference.

8. The ink supply container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The space-forming portion occupies 50% or more in the circumferential direction.

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