Ink replenishment container

Abstract

The invention provides an ink replenishment container which can be easily connected with an ink introduction component. The ink supply container includes a container main body and an outlet valve unit, the outlet valve unit includes a valve body, a spring member, and a sealing member, the sealing member includes a first sealing portion, at least a portion of which is in contact with and seals a side surface of an ink introduction member inserted into a through hole in a valve open state. The first seal portion is an annular protruding portion having a minimum inner diameter portion in a first radial direction toward the central axis in a radial direction orthogonal to the central axis direction, and the protruding portion has a height along the first radial direction. The height is a height from a second-direction-side inner peripheral surface of the inner peripheral surface, which is located further toward the second direction side than the protruding portion, to the minimum inner diameter portion. The volume of the valve body side portion is smaller than the volume of the outlet side portion when the position of the end portion of the smallest inner diameter portion in the second direction in the protruding portion is defined as a boundary, the portion located closer to the first direction side than the boundary is defined as the outlet side portion, and the portion located closer to the second direction side than the boundary is defined as the valve body side portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to ink refill containers. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ink refill container that refills ink to an ink tank via an ink inlet flow path component connected to the ink tank of a printer. The ink refill container includes an ink outlet forming portion, which has a cylindrical portion with an ink outlet. An outlet valve unit is installed within the cylindrical portion. When the user installs the ink refill container onto the printer, the ink inlet flow path component is inserted into the ink outlet, and the outlet valve unit opens to refill ink to the ink tank. In the open state, a generally annular sealing member, forming part of the outlet valve unit, contacts the outer peripheral surface of the ink inlet flow path component, thereby sealing the outer peripheral surface of the ink inlet flow path component. The inner surface of the sealing member protrudes inward in a manner that interferes with the outer peripheral surface of the ink inlet flow path component.

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

[0004] When the interference volume between the ink inlet component, which is inserted into the ink outlet of the ink supply container, and the sealing component, which contacts the outer peripheral surface of the ink inlet component, is large, the load when connecting the ink supply container to the ink inlet component increases. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of ease of connection of the ink supply container. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the first aspect of this disclosure, an ink refill container is provided. The ink refill container replenishes ink to the ink tank via an ink inlet component communicating with the ink tank of the printer. The ink refill container includes: a container body configured to contain the ink; an ink outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion with an outlet formed on a side opposite to the container body; and an outlet valve unit installed within the ink outlet forming portion. The outlet valve unit opens by being inserted into the cylindrical portion through the ink inlet component from the outlet and closes by being pulled out of the cylindrical portion through the ink inlet component. The outlet valve unit includes: a valve core configured to move along the central axis of the cylindrical portion; a spring component applying force to the valve core in a first direction toward the outlet side in the central axis direction; and a sealing component located in the central axis direction closer to the outlet side than the valve core. The sealing component has a through hole for the ink inlet component to be inserted and removed. In the open state, the ink inlet component is inserted through the through hole and presses the valve core in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby forming a space between the sealing component and the valve core for the ink to be dispensed. In the closed state, with the gap in airflow, the ink inlet component is pulled out through the through hole, thereby the valve core contacts the sealing component and closes the through hole. The sealing component has a first sealing portion on the inner circumferential surface forming the through hole. At least a portion of the first sealing portion contacts the side of the ink inlet component inserted into the through hole in the open state to seal it. The first sealing portion is an annular protrusion with a minimum inner diameter in a first radial direction orthogonal to the central axis. The protrusion has a height along the first radial direction, which is the height from the inner circumferential surface on the second direction side of the inner circumferential surface, which is closer to the second direction side than the protrusion, to the minimum inner diameter portion. When the position of the end of the minimum inner diameter portion in the second direction of the protrusion is taken as the boundary, the portion located on the first direction side, which is closer to the boundary, is taken as the outlet side portion, and the portion located on the second direction side, which is closer to the boundary, is taken as the valve core side portion, the sealing component is formed such that the volume of the valve core side portion is smaller than the volume of the outlet side portion. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 It's a 3D image of a printer.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a 3D image of an ink canister.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the replenishment process of ink from the ink replenishment container to the ink can.

[0009] Figure 4 This is an exploded 3D view of the ink refill container.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink supply container in a non-supply state where no ink is being supplied to the ink canister.

[0011] Figure 6 It is Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink supply container and the ink can during the ink supply process.

[0013] Figure 8 It is Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a 3D view of the outlet valve unit.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the structure of the valve core.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a partial view showing a cross-section of the sealing component cut along the central axis of the cylinder.

[0017] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the deformation of the first seal when the ink inlet component is inserted into the through hole.

[0018] Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the deformation of the first seal when the ink inlet component is pulled out of the through hole.

[0019] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the shape of the sealing component in the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 15 This is a partial view showing a cross-section of a sealing member cut along the central axis of the cylinder in another embodiment.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] 100: Printer; 110: Frame; 160: Ink can housing unit; 162: Cover; 165: Sealing cover; 200: Ink supply container; 300: Container body; 312: External thread; 400: Ink outlet forming part; 410: Tubular flow path part; 411: First supply flow path; 412: Second supply flow path; 420: Cylinder part; 460: Ink outlet; 500: Outlet valve unit; 510, 510b, 510c: Sealing components; 511, 511c: First sealing part; 511p, 511pb: Protrusion; 512: Second sealing part; 513: Minimum inner diameter part; 514: Inner circumferential surface on the first direction side; 515: Inner circumferential surface on the second direction side; 516: Outlet side. 517: Valve core side portion; 518: Inner circumferential surface of protrusion; 519: Through hole; 520: Valve core; 524: Cylindrical portion; 525: Sealing surface; 526: Protrusion; 530: Spring component; 540: Valve frame; 540A: Anti-detachment part; 540B: ​​Engaging part; 540C: Side opening; 700: Ink tank; 700L: Second ink tank; 700S: First ink tank; 710: Ink inlet component; 711, 712: Inlet flow path; 714: Separator; 715: Front end face; 717, 718: Opening end face; 721, 722: Inner flow path; 760: Ink receiving chamber; C: Central axis; D1: First direction; D2: Second direction; D3: First radial direction. Detailed Implementation

[0023] A. First implementation method:

[0024] Figure 1 It is a 3D image of printer 100. Figure 1 The diagram depicts the X, Y, and Z axes as three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. The arrows pointing towards the X, Y, and Z axes represent the positive directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. These positive directions are referred to as the +X, +Y, and +Z directions, respectively. The directions opposite to the arrows pointing towards the X, Y, and Z axes are referred to as the negative directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. These negative directions are referred to as the -X, -Y, and -Z directions, respectively. Directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, regardless of their sign, are referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively.

[0025] In this embodiment, when the printer 100 is in use, the X and Y axes are axes along the horizontal plane, and the Z axis is an axis along the direction of gravity. Hereinafter, the direction of gravity is defined as the -Z direction, and the anti-gravity direction as the +Z direction. Furthermore, the direction from the rear to the front of the printer 100 is defined as the -Y direction, and the direction from the front to the rear is defined as the +Y direction. Additionally, when viewing the printer 100 from the front, the direction from right to left is defined as the -X direction, and the direction from left to right is defined as the +X direction. It should be noted that "the printer 100 in use" refers to the state where the printer 100 is positioned on a horizontal plane. The same applies to the figures and descriptions shown below.

[0026] Printer 100 is an inkjet printer that sprays ink onto a printing medium for printing. Printer 100 has a frame 110. A carriage (not shown) is located inside the frame 110. The carriage is movable along the main scanning direction in the X direction. A print head (not shown) is mounted on the carriage for spraying ink onto the printing medium. An ink tank receiving unit 160 is located at one end of the front surface of the frame 110. The ink tank receiving unit 160 holds multiple ink tanks 700S and 700L. The ink tank receiving unit 160 has an openable and closable cover 162 on its upper part. The first ink tank 700S is a small-capacity tank. The second ink tank 700L is a large-capacity tank. In the following description, both are referred to simply as "ink tank 700" without distinction. The ink tank 700 is connected to the print head of the carriage via a tube (not shown). That is, the ink tank 700 is a fixed ink tank that is not mounted on the carriage of printer 100. It should be noted that the ink canister 700 can also be mounted on the carriage of the printer 100.

[0027] Figure 2This is a perspective view of the ink reservoir 700. An ink inlet component 710 is provided on the upper surface of the ink reservoir 700. The ink inlet component 710 is a cylindrical component for supplying ink to the ink reservoir 700. The outer diameter of the ink inlet component 710 is constant regardless of its axial position. The ink inlet component 710 protrudes upward from the ink reservoir 700. The ink inlet component 710 has multiple inlet flow paths 711 and 712 separated by a separator 714. In this embodiment, the ink inlet component 710 has two inlet flow paths 711 and 712. The two inlet flow paths 711 and 712 communicate with two in-reservoir flow paths 721 and 722 protruding into the ink receiving chamber 760 of the ink reservoir 700, respectively. The two inlet flow paths 711 and 712 each have opening end faces 717 and 718 formed on the front end face 715 of the ink inlet component 710 as openings. The areas of the open end faces 717 and 718, i.e., the open end areas, are uniform in the two inlet flow paths 711 and 712. A portion of the front end face 715 of the ink inlet component 710 corresponds to the end of the separator 714. It should be noted that, regarding the outer diameter of the ink inlet component 710, regardless of the axial position of the ink inlet component 710, the outer diameter of the portion inserted into the ink supply container 200 (described later) remains constant.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the replenishment state of ink from the ink replenishment container 200 to the ink tank 700. The front surface of the ink tank 700 is formed by a transparent part. Thus, the ink level in the ink tank 700 can be visually observed from the outside. When the ink level in the ink tank 700 decreases, the user can open the cover 162 to replenish ink to the ink tank 700 through the ink inlet component 710. In this disclosure, "ink replenishment" means the action of supplying ink to the ink tank 700 to increase the ink level in the ink tank 700. However, it is not necessary to fill the ink tank 700 with ink through "ink replenishment". "Ink replenishment" includes the action of filling the empty ink tank 700 with ink when the printer 100 is used for the first time.

[0029] The ink reservoir housing unit 160 has a sealing cap 165 for closing the front end of the ink inlet member 710. When no ink is being replenished to the ink reservoir 700, the front end of the ink inlet member 710 is closed by the sealing cap 165. When ink is being replenished to the ink reservoir 700, the sealing cap 165 is removed from the ink inlet member 710 and inserted into the front end of the ink replenishment container 200 at the location of the ink inlet member 710. This replenishes ink to the ink reservoir 700.

[0030] Figure 4This is an exploded perspective view of the ink supply container 200. The ink supply container 200 is a container used to supply ink to the ink tank 700 via gas-liquid exchange. The ink supply container 200 has a container body 300, an ink outlet forming section 400, and an outlet valve unit 500. The container body 300 is configured to hold ink. The container body 300 is a hollow cylindrical container with an opening. An external thread 312 for mounting the ink outlet forming section 400 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the opening side of the container body 300. The ink outlet forming section 400 is connected to the container body 300. The ink outlet forming section 400 has a cylindrical portion 420 with an ink outlet 460 formed on the side opposite to the container body 300. The outlet valve unit 500 is installed inside the ink outlet forming section 400. The outlet valve unit 500 is a spring valve.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink supply container 200 in a non-supply state when no ink is being supplied to the ink can 700. Figure 5 The image shows a cross-section of a portion of the structure of the ink supply container 200 when cut along the central axis C of the cylindrical portion 420. Figure 6 It is Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink supply container 200 and the ink tank 700 in the ink supply state. Figure 7 The image shows a cross-section of a portion of the structure of the ink supply container 200 and a portion of the structure of the ink inlet component 710 when cut along the central axis C of the cylinder 420. Figure 8 It is Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the image. See below for reference. Figures 4 to 8 The ink supply container 200 is described below.

[0032] In this specification, the direction along the central axis C of the cylinder 420 is referred to as the central axis direction. Furthermore, within the central axis direction, the direction from the container body 300 toward the ink outlet 460 is referred to as the first direction D1, and the direction opposite to the first direction D1 is referred to as the second direction D2. Additionally, the direction perpendicular to the central axis direction and pointing toward the central axis C is referred to as the first radial direction D3.

[0033] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the non-replenishment state, to prevent ink leakage to the outside, the outlet valve unit 500 is in a closed valve state, sealing the ink outlet 460. Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, in the replenishment state, to allow ink to flow into the ink inlet component 710, the outlet valve unit 500 is in an open state, releasing the closure of the ink outlet 460. The outlet valve unit 500 is opened by the ink inlet component 710 being inserted into the cylinder 420 from the ink outlet 460, and closed by the ink inlet component 710 being pulled out of the cylinder 420. It should be noted that in Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the text, it is depicted that the ink inlet component 710 interferes with the sealing component 510 of the outlet valve unit 500, which will be described later. However, in reality, when the ink inlet component 710 is inserted from the ink outlet 460 into the barrel 420, the sealing component 510 deforms in such a way that it contacts the side of the ink inlet component 710. The deformation of the sealing component 510 will be explained later.

[0034] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the ink outlet forming section 400 also has a tubular flow path section 410. (As indicated...) Figure 7 As shown, the ink inlet component 710 is inserted into the tubular flow path section 410 via the through hole 519 of the sealing component 510 of the outlet valve unit 500 (described later). The tubular flow path section 410 has a plurality of supply flow paths 411, 412. In this embodiment, the tubular flow path section 410 has two supply flow paths 411, 412. The two supply flow paths 411, 412 are formed through the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical section 420 and the outer peripheral surface of the outlet valve unit 500. One of the two supply flow paths 411, 412 is used as the ink flow path, and the other is used as the air flow path. Figure 7 In the diagram, solid arrows represent ink flow, and dashed arrows represent air flow. In this embodiment, the first supply path 411 is used as the ink flow path, and the second supply path 412 is used as the air flow path.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a 3D view of the outlet valve unit 500. (See diagram below.) Figure 9 and Figure 4 As shown, the outlet valve unit 500 has a valve frame 540, a valve core 520, a spring component 530, and a sealing component 510 that functions as a valve seat.

[0036] The valve frame 540 houses the valve core 520, spring member 530, and sealing member 510. The valve frame 540 is a generally cylindrical shape, open at one end in the central axis direction and closed at the other end. Here, the end in the central axis direction refers to the end on the first direction D1 side, and the other end in the central axis direction refers to the end on the second direction D2 side. The valve frame 540 allows the ink inlet member 710 to be inserted and removed through the opening formed at one end in the central axis direction. The valve frame 540 has an anti-detachment portion 540A for the sealing member 510 and an engagement portion 540B with the cylindrical portion 420 at one end in the central axis direction. Figure 5 As shown, the valve frame 540 is installed inside the cylindrical portion 420. At this time, a gap constituting the supply flow paths 411 and 412 is formed between the valve frame 540 and the cylindrical portion 420. The valve frame 540 has a side opening 540C, and in the open state, the supply flow paths 411 and 412 are connected to the inlet flow paths 711 and 712 via the side opening 540C.

[0037] The valve core 520 is configured to move along the central axis within the valve frame 540. The valve core 520 is formed, for example, from a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the structure of valve core 520. Valve core 520 has a cylindrical portion 524, a sealing surface 525, and a protrusion 526.

[0039] The cylindrical portion 524 is cylindrical in shape, extending along the central axis. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the cylindrical portion 524 is opposite to the inner surface of the valve frame 540. The cylindrical portion 524 is guided by the inner surface of the valve frame 540 and can slide along the central axis.

[0040] A sealing surface 525 is formed on the end face located on the first direction D1 side of the cylindrical portion 524. The sealing surface 525 extends radially along the cylindrical portion 524 intersecting the central axis direction. The sealing surface 525, viewed along the central axis direction, has an annular shape. Figure 6 As shown, in the closed state of the outlet valve unit 500, the sealing surface 525 contacts the second sealing portion 512 of the sealing component 510, which will be described later.

[0041] The protrusion 526 is formed at a position radially inner to the cylindrical portion 524, further than the sealing surface 525. For example... Figure 5 As shown, protrusion 526 is located closer to the ink outlet 460 side than the sealing surface 525 in the central axis direction. The protrusion 526 is a frustum-shaped cone with a cross-sectional area in the radial direction orthogonal to the central axis that is larger on the second direction D2 side than on the first direction D1 side. (See figure) Figure 8As shown, in the open state of the outlet valve unit 500, the front end of the protrusion 526 contacts the separator 714 of the ink inlet component 710.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the spring member 530 applies force to the valve core 520 in the first direction D1. The spring member 530 is housed within and supported by the valve frame 540. The spring member 530 is, for example, formed of metal. In this embodiment, the spring member 530 is a helical spring.

[0043] A sealing member 510 is installed within the valve frame 540. The sealing member 510 is located on the ink outlet 460 side of the valve core 520 in the central axis direction. The sealing member 510 is generally annular in shape. The sealing member 510 is formed, for example, from a resilient rubber component or elastomer. The sealing member 510 has a through hole 519 for insertion and removal of the ink inlet member 710. The through hole 519 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 510.

[0044] The sealing member 510 also has a first sealing portion 511 and a second sealing portion 512. The first sealing portion 511 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the sealing member 510, and the first sealing portion 511, in the open state, contacts the side of the ink inlet member 710 inserted into the through hole 519 to seal. Details about the first sealing portion 511 will be described later.

[0045] The second sealing part 512 protrudes along the central axis C of the cylindrical part 420 toward the sealing surface 525 of the valve core 520. The second sealing part 512 switches the connection between the supply flow paths 411, 412 and the inlet flow paths 711, 712. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the closed state of the outlet valve unit 500, the valve core 520 is forced by the spring member 530 toward the sealing member 510 located further from the ink outlet 460 than the valve core 520. The second sealing part 512, under the force of the spring member 530, contacts the sealing surface 525 of the valve core 520 in the closed state of the outlet valve unit 500, thereby closing the through hole 519. Thus, the second sealing part 512 cuts off the communication between the supply flow paths 411, 412 and the inlet flow paths 711, 712. On the other hand, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, by inserting the ink inlet member 710 from the ink outlet 460 into the cylinder portion 420, the valve core 520 is pressed in the second direction D2, and the second sealing portion 512 moves away from the sealing surface 525 of the valve core 520. Thus, in the open state of the outlet valve unit 500, a gap is formed between the second sealing portion 512 and the valve core 520. In other words, in the open state of the outlet valve unit 500, the ink inlet member 710 is inserted through the through hole 519 and presses the valve core 520 in the second direction D2, thereby forming a gap between the sealing member 510 and the valve core 520 for ink and air to flow. Furthermore, in the closed state of the outlet valve unit 500, the ink inlet member 710 is pulled out through the through hole 519, thereby the valve core 520 contacts the sealing member 510 and closes the through hole 519.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a partial view showing a cross-section of the sealing member 510 cut along the central axis C of the cylindrical portion 420. (See figure) Figure 11 As shown, the first sealing portion 511 is an annular protrusion 511p having a minimum inner diameter portion 513 in the first radial direction D3. Here, the minimum inner diameter portion 513 refers to the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 510 with the smallest diameter. In this embodiment, the minimum inner diameter portion 513 has a length along the central axis direction. That is, on the sealing member 510, the portion that has the smallest inner diameter exists within a certain range along the central axis direction. Hereinafter, the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 510 located further in the first direction D1 than the protrusion 511p is referred to as the first direction side inner circumferential surface 514, and the inner circumferential surface located further in the second direction D2 than the protrusion 511p is referred to as the second direction side inner circumferential surface 515. The protrusion 511p has a height along the first radial direction D3, which is the height from the second direction side inner circumferential surface 515 to the minimum inner diameter portion 513. That is, the protrusion 511p refers to the portion that extends further toward the first radial direction D3 than the inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side. Figure 11 In the middle, the part that exists on the side of the first radial direction D3, which is closer to the boundary B of the inner circumferential surface 515 along the second direction, is the protrusion 511p.

[0047] The inner circumferential surface 514 on the first direction side is a portion of the inner circumferential surface located further in the first direction D1 than the protrusion 511p, whose diameter remains approximately constant regardless of its position in the central axis direction. The inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side is a portion of the inner circumferential surface located further in the second direction D2 than the protrusion 511p, whose diameter remains approximately constant regardless of its position in the central axis direction. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the diameter A2 of the inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side is equal to the diameter A1 of the inner circumferential surface 514 on the first direction side. The diameter A2 of the inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side is more than 1.1 times the diameter A3 of the outer circumferential surface of the ink introduction component 710.

[0048] The following, such as Figure 11 As shown, the position of the end of the smallest inner diameter portion 513 in the protrusion 511p in the second direction D2 is designated as boundary E; the portion located further towards the first direction D1 than boundary E is called the outlet side portion 516; and the portion located further towards the second direction D2 than boundary E is called the valve core side portion 517. The inner surface of the valve core side portion 517, i.e., the portion constituting the valve core side portion 517 in the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 510, is a concave arc surface in cross-section along the central axis direction. The inner surface of the outlet side portion 516, i.e., the portion constituting the outlet side portion 516 in the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 510, is a convex arc surface in cross-section along the central axis direction. The sealing member 510 is formed such that the volume of the valve core side portion 517 is smaller than the volume of the outlet side portion 516.

[0049] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the deformation of the first sealing portion 511 when the ink inlet member 710 is inserted into the through hole 519. When the ink inlet member 710 is inserted into the through hole 519, the first sealing portion 511 receives a force from the ink inlet member 710 in the second direction D2. As a result, the first sealing portion 511 deforms in such a way that it moves along the second direction D2 at the position of the smallest inner diameter portion 513.

[0050] Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the deformation of the first sealing portion 511 when the ink inlet member 710 is pulled out of the through hole 519. When the ink inlet member 710 is pulled out of the through hole 519, the first sealing portion 511 is subjected to a force in the first direction D1 from the ink inlet member 710. As a result, the first sealing portion 511 deforms in such a way that it moves along the first direction D1 at the position of the smallest inner diameter portion 513.

[0051] According to the first embodiment described above, the sealing member 510 of the ink supply container 200 is formed such that the volume of the valve core side portion 517 is smaller than the volume of the outlet side portion 516. In other words, the valve core side portion 517 is formed to be thinner than the outlet side portion 516. Therefore, the valve core side portion 517 is more easily deformed than the outlet side portion 516. When the ink inlet member 710 is inserted into the through hole 519, the first sealing portion 511 is subjected to a force in the second direction D2 from the ink inlet member 710. Therefore, compared with the case where the volume of the valve core side portion 517 is larger than the volume of the outlet side portion 516, or the case where the volume of the valve core side portion 517 is equal to the volume of the outlet side portion 516, in this embodiment, the load when the ink supply container 200 is connected to the ink inlet member 710 is smaller. Therefore, it is easier to connect the ink supply container 200 to the ink inlet member 710.

[0052] Furthermore, when the ink inlet component 710 is pulled out from the through hole 519, the first sealing portion 511 is subjected to a force in the first direction D1 from the ink inlet component 710. Therefore, compared to the case where the volume of the valve core side portion 517 is greater than the volume of the outlet side portion 516, or the case where the volume of the valve core side portion 517 is equal to the volume of the outlet side portion 516, in this embodiment, the load when pulling the ink supply container 200 out of the ink inlet component 710 is greater. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to pull the ink supply container 200 out of the ink inlet component 710. When the load when pulling the ink supply container 200 out of the ink inlet component 710 is small, due to the reaction force of the spring component 530, the ink supply container 200 in the supply state is prone to move along the second direction D2, and there is a possibility of ink leakage to the outside. In this embodiment, the load when pulling the ink supply container 200 out of the ink inlet component 710 is large, therefore, the ink supply container 200 is difficult to move along the second direction D2, and the supply state can be stably maintained. Therefore, proper ink replenishment is essential.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 515 on the second direction side is at least 1.1 times the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the ink introducing member 710. Therefore, when the ink introducing member 710 is inserted into the ink supply container 200 through the through hole 519 of the sealing member 510, the load increase can be suppressed even after the ink introducing member 710 passes through the first sealing portion 511. When the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 515 on the second direction side is less than 1.1 times the diameter of the ink introducing member 710, the gap between the inner peripheral surface 515 on the second direction side and the outer periphery of the ink introducing member 710 narrows. Therefore, when the ink introducing member 710 is inserted obliquely relative to the through hole 519 of the sealing member 510, the ink introducing member 710 that has passed through the first sealing portion 511 contacts the inner peripheral surface 515 on the second direction side, thereby limiting the deformation of the first sealing portion 511 and increasing the insertion load. In this embodiment, the ink inlet member 710, which passes through the first sealing part 511, is difficult to contact with the inner peripheral surface 515 on the second direction side. Therefore, the increase of the insertion load can be suppressed, and the ink inlet member 710 can be easily inserted into a deeper position inside the ink supply container 200.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side is equal to the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 514 on the first direction side. Therefore, compared to the case where the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side is smaller than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 514 on the first direction side, when the ink introduction member 710 is inserted into the ink supply container 200 through the through hole 519 of the sealing member 510, the ink introduction member 710, having passed through the first sealing portion 511, is less likely to contact the inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side. Therefore, the increase in insertion load can be suppressed, and the ink introduction member 710 can be easily inserted into a deeper position inside the ink supply container 200.

[0055] B. Second implementation method:

[0056] Figure 14 This diagram illustrates the shape of the sealing member 510b in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the shape of the sealing member 510b differs from that in the first embodiment. The structure of each part of the ink supply container 200 other than the sealing member 510b is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 14 A cross-section of the sealing member 510b cut along the central axis C of the cylindrical portion 420 is shown. As previously described, the protrusion 511pb is the portion extending further toward the first radial direction D3 than the inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side. That is, the protrusion 511pb is the portion extending from the boundary B along the inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side toward the first radial direction D3. In the second embodiment, the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 510b located further toward the first direction D1 than the inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side extends entirely from the boundary B toward the first radial direction D3. In other words, the portion located further toward the first direction D1 than the inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side becomes the protrusion 511p. Therefore, the sealing member 510 does not have the inner circumferential surface 514 on the first direction side. As a result, it can be said that the protrusion 511pb is formed at the end of the sealing member 510b on the first direction D1 side. The protrusion 511pb has an inner circumferential surface 518, which is located further towards the first direction D1 than the end F of the smallest inner diameter portion 513 in the first direction D1. The inner circumferential surface 518 is the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 511pb located further towards the first direction D1 than the smallest inner diameter portion 513, whose diameter remains approximately constant regardless of its position in the central axis direction. The diameter A4 of the inner circumferential surface 518 is larger than the diameter A5 of the smallest inner diameter portion 513 and smaller than the diameter A2 of the inner circumferential surface 515 in the second direction.

[0058] According to the second embodiment described above, the diameter A2 of the inner peripheral surface 515 on the second direction side is larger than the diameter A4 of the inner peripheral surface 518 of the protrusion. Therefore, when the ink inlet member 710 is inserted into the ink supply container 200 through the through hole 519 of the sealing member 510b, the ink inlet member 710, having passed through the first sealing part 511, is less likely to contact the inner peripheral surface 515 on the second direction side. Thus, the increase in insertion load can be suppressed, and the ink inlet member 710 can be easily inserted into a deeper position inside the ink supply container 200.

[0059] C. Other implementation methods:

[0060] (C-1) In the above embodiment, the inner surface of the valve core side portion 517 is a concave arc surface in cross-section along the central axis. Furthermore, the inner surface of the outlet side portion 516 is a convex arc surface in cross-section along the central axis. In contrast, the shape of the first sealing portion 511c, cut along the central axis C of the cylinder portion 420, can also be as described above. Figure 15 The trapezoidal shape shown is such that the length along the central axis is longer on the side farther from the central axis C than on the side closer to the central axis C in the radial direction. Figure 15 The image shows a partial cross-section of the sealing member 510c cut along the central axis C of the cylindrical portion 420.

[0061] (C-2) In the above embodiment, the minimum inner diameter portion 513 has a length along the central axis direction. In contrast, the minimum inner diameter portion 513 can also be a point. That is, the diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 511p can also be minimized at a point in the central axis direction.

[0062] (C-3) In the above embodiment, the diameter A2 of the inner peripheral surface 515 on the second direction side is at least 1.1 times the diameter A3 of the outer peripheral surface of the ink introduction member 710. Conversely, the diameter A2 of the inner peripheral surface 515 on the second direction side may also be less than 1.1 times the diameter A3 of the outer peripheral surface of the ink introduction member 710.

[0063] (C-4) In the above embodiment, the outlet-side portion 516 is the portion of the protrusion 511p located further towards the first direction D1 than the boundary E, and the valve core-side portion 517 is the portion located further towards the second direction D2 than the boundary E. Conversely, the outlet-side portion 516 may also be the portion of the protrusion 511p that interferes with the ink-introducing member 710 inserted into the through hole 519, located further towards the first direction D1 than the boundary E. Similarly, the valve core-side portion 517 may also be the portion of the protrusion 511p that interferes with the ink-introducing member 710 inserted into the through hole 519, located further towards the second direction D2 than the boundary E.

[0064] (C-5) In the first embodiment, the sealing member 510 has a first direction side inner peripheral surface 514. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the sealing member 510 may also not have a first direction side inner peripheral surface 514. That is, the first sealing portion 511 may also be formed at the end of the sealing member 510 on the first direction D1 side.

[0065] (C-6) In the first embodiment, the diameter A2 of the inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side is equal to the diameter A1 of the inner circumferential surface 514 on the first direction side. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the diameter A2 of the inner circumferential surface 515 on the second direction side may also be smaller than the diameter A1 of the inner circumferential surface 514 on the first direction side.

[0066] D. Other methods

[0067] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit. For example, this disclosure can also be implemented in the following ways. The technical features in the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described below can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve part or all of the technical problems of this disclosure, or to achieve part or all of the effects of this disclosure. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as an essential feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0068] (1) An ink replenishment container is provided according to the first aspect of this disclosure. The ink refill container replenishes ink to the ink tank via an ink inlet component communicating with the ink tank of the printer. The ink refill container includes: a container body configured to contain the ink; an ink outlet forming portion connected to the container body and having a cylindrical portion with an outlet formed on a side opposite to the container body; and an outlet valve unit installed within the ink outlet forming portion. The outlet valve unit opens by being inserted into the cylindrical portion through the ink inlet component from the outlet and closes by being pulled out of the cylindrical portion through the ink inlet component. The outlet valve unit includes: a valve core configured to move along the central axis of the cylindrical portion; a spring component applying force to the valve core in a first direction toward the outlet side in the central axis direction; and a sealing component located in the central axis direction closer to the outlet side than the valve core. The sealing component has a through hole for the ink inlet component to be inserted and removed. In the open state, the ink inlet component is inserted through the through hole and presses the valve core in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby forming a space between the sealing component and the valve core for the ink to be dispensed. In the closed state, with the gap in airflow, the ink inlet component is pulled out through the through hole, thereby the valve core contacts the sealing component and closes the through hole. The sealing component has a first sealing portion on the inner circumferential surface forming the through hole. At least a portion of the first sealing portion contacts the side of the ink inlet component inserted into the through hole in the open state to seal it. The first sealing portion is an annular protrusion with a minimum inner diameter in a first radial direction orthogonal to the central axis. The protrusion has a height along the first radial direction, which is the height from the inner circumferential surface on the second direction side of the inner circumferential surface, which is closer to the second direction side than the protrusion, to the minimum inner diameter portion. When the position of the end of the minimum inner diameter portion in the second direction of the protrusion is taken as the boundary, the portion located on the first direction side, which is closer to the boundary, is taken as the outlet side portion, and the portion located on the second direction side, which is closer to the boundary, is taken as the valve core side portion, the sealing component is formed such that the volume of the valve core side portion is smaller than the volume of the outlet side portion.

[0069] In this manner, the valve core side portion is more easily deformable than the outlet side portion. Therefore, compared to cases where the volume of the valve core side portion is larger than or equal to the volume of the outlet side portion, the load when connecting the ink supply container to the ink inlet component is reduced. Consequently, it is easier to connect the ink supply container to the ink inlet component.

[0070] (2) In the above manner, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the second direction side is more than 1.1 times the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the ink introduction component.

[0071] In this manner, when the ink inlet component is inserted into the ink supply container through the through hole of the sealing component, the load increase can be suppressed even after the ink inlet component passes through the first sealing part. Therefore, the ink supply container can be easily connected to the ink inlet component.

[0072] (3) In the above manner, the inner peripheral surface further has a first direction side inner peripheral surface, the first direction side inner peripheral surface is located closer to the first direction side than the protrusion, and the diameter of the second direction side inner peripheral surface is equal to the diameter of the first direction side inner peripheral surface.

[0073] In this manner, compared to the case where the diameter of the inner circumferential surface on the second direction side is smaller than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface on the first direction side, when the ink introducing component is inserted into the ink supply container through the through hole of the sealing component, the ink introducing component that has passed through the first sealing part is less likely to contact the inner circumferential surface on the second direction side. Therefore, the increase in insertion load can be suppressed, and the ink introducing component can be easily inserted into a deeper position inside the ink supply container.

[0074] (4) In the above method, the protrusion may also be: the protrusion has an inner circumferential surface, the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is located closer to the first direction side than the end of the smallest inner diameter portion in the first direction, the diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion is greater than the diameter of the smallest inner diameter portion, and smaller than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface in the second direction side.

[0075] In this manner, compared to the case where the diameter of the inner circumferential surface on the second direction side is smaller than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion, when the ink inlet component is inserted into the ink supply container through the through hole of the sealing component, the ink inlet component that has passed through the first sealing component is less likely to contact the inner circumferential surface on the second direction side. Therefore, the increase in insertion load can be suppressed, and the ink inlet component can be easily inserted into a deeper position inside the ink supply container.

Claims

1. An ink supply container characterized by comprising: An ink supply container that supplies ink to an ink tank of a printer via an ink introduction member that communicates with the ink tank, the ink supply container comprising: a container main body configured to be capable of containing the ink; an ink outlet formation portion connected to the container main body and having a barrel portion that forms an outlet on a side opposite the container main body; an outlet valve unit installed in the ink outlet formation portion, the outlet valve unit opening by the ink introduction member being inserted into the barrel portion from the outlet and closing by the ink introduction member being pulled out of the barrel portion, the outlet valve unit comprising: a valve core configured to be movable in a center axis direction along a center axis of the barrel portion; a spring member that exerts a force on the valve core in a first direction toward the outlet side in the center axis direction; a sealing member located at a position further toward the outlet side than the valve core in the center axis direction, the sealing member having a through hole into which the ink introduction member is inserted and pulled out, in the open state, the ink introduction member being inserted via the through hole to press the valve core in a second direction opposite the first direction, thereby forming a gap between the sealing member and the valve core through which the ink and air flow, in the closed state, the ink introduction member being pulled out via the through hole, thereby the valve core contacting the sealing member to close the through hole, the sealing member having a first sealing portion on an inner peripheral surface that forms the through hole, at least a portion of the first sealing portion being in contact with a side surface of the ink introduction member inserted into the through hole to seal in the open state, the first sealing portion being a ring-shaped protruding portion having a minimum inner diameter portion in a first radial direction toward the center axis in a radial direction orthogonal to the center axis direction, the protruding portion having a height along the first radial direction, the height being a height from a second direction side inner peripheral surface located further toward the second direction side than the protruding portion in the inner peripheral surface to the minimum inner diameter portion, when a position of an end portion of the minimum inner diameter portion in the protruding portion in the second direction is taken as a boundary, a portion located further toward the first direction side than the boundary is taken as an outlet side portion, and a portion located further toward the second direction side than the boundary is taken as a valve core side portion, the sealing member is formed such that a volume of the valve core side portion is smaller than a volume of the outlet side portion.

2. The ink supply container according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the second direction side inner peripheral surface is 1.1 times or more a diameter of an outer peripheral surface of the ink introduction member.

3. The ink supply container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner peripheral surface further has a first direction side inner peripheral surface located further toward the first direction side than the protruding portion, a diameter of the second direction side inner peripheral surface is equal to a diameter of the first direction side inner peripheral surface.

4. The ink supply container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein ​ ​ The protruding portion has a protruding portion inner peripheral surface that is located at a position further toward the first direction side than an end portion of the minimum inner diameter portion in the first direction, The diameter of the protruding portion inner peripheral surface is greater than the diameter of the minimum inner diameter portion and less than the diameter of the second direction side inner peripheral surface.

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