Ink supply container

Abstract

An ink refill container with a lid that is difficult for children to open. The ink refill container has a container body and a composite lid consisting of an inner lid and an outer lid. When the outer lid is rotated in the unscrewing direction with the second locking part of the outer lid and the first locking part of the inner lid unlocked, the outer lid spins freely on the inner lid. When the outer lid is rotated in the unscrewing direction with the second locking part of the outer lid and the first locking part of the inner lid locked, the inner lid rotates in the direction that disengages the threaded engagement between the internal thread and the threaded part of the ink outlet.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ink refill container with a cap. According to this document, the cap is threaded onto the ink outlet forming portion of the ink refill container. When refilling ink, the cap is removed by loosening the screws.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-140613

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the ink refill container of Patent Document 1. Specifically, because the operation is relatively simple, such as loosening a screw, there is a possibility that children or pets may accidentally open the lid and ingest the ink, or that the ink may become contaminated.

[0005] In other words, they are looking for an ink refill container with a lid that is difficult for children to open. Utility Model Content

[0006] One aspect of this application relates to an ink refill container for refilling ink to a printer. The ink refill container includes: an ink outlet forming portion having an ink outlet and a valve disposed at the ink outlet; a container body connected to the ink outlet forming portion and configured to contain ink; and a cylindrical cover configured to be detachable from the ink outlet forming portion and having a centerline. The cover includes: an inner cover threadedly engaged with the ink outlet forming portion; and an outer cover covering the inner cover and capable of engaging with it. The inner cover has: an elastic portion disposed on a top surface, which applies force in a first direction along the centerline to separate the outer cover from the inner cover; a first locking portion disposed on the top surface; and an internal thread formed on the inner part of the cylindrical portion. The outer cover has an inner top surface that is threadedly engaged with the ink outlet forming part. The outer cover has an inner top surface that faces the top surface of the inner cover and a second locking part that is disposed opposite to the first locking part on the inner top surface. The first locking part is locked by pressing the outer cover in a second direction opposite to the first direction against the force of the elastic part. When the outer cover is rotated in the unscrewing direction with the second locking part of the outer cover and the first locking part of the inner cover unlocked, the outer cover spins freely on the inner cover. When the outer cover is rotated in the unscrewing direction with the second locking part of the outer cover and the first locking part of the inner cover locked, the inner cover rotates in the direction of disengaging the threaded engagement between the inner thread and the ink outlet forming part.

[0007] One aspect of this application relates to an ink refill container for refilling ink to a printer. The ink refill container comprises: an ink outlet forming portion having an ink outlet and a valve disposed at the ink outlet; a container body connected to the ink outlet forming portion and configured to contain ink; and a cover configured to be detachable from the ink outlet forming portion. The ink outlet forming portion has: an external thread disposed on its outer peripheral surface; and a first engaging claw located below the external thread when the ink outlet is facing upwards and disposed on the outer peripheral surface. The cover has: a top wall; a cylindrical outer wall connected to the top wall; a cylindrical inner wall disposed inside the outer wall; and an internal thread disposed on... The inner circumferential surface of the inner wall is capable of threaded engagement with the external thread; the second engaging claw is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall and is located at a position lower than the internal thread when the top wall is facing upward, and engages with the first engaging claw when the end of the internal thread is threadedly engaged with the end of the external thread; and the pressing part is located on the outer wall at the same phase as the second engaging claw, and is disposed in a different position in the circumferential direction from the second engaging claw, and can be deformed radially inward by pressing from the outside of the outer wall, the outer wall is configured such that, by the deformation of the pressing part inward, the second engaging claw is deformed radially outward, thereby releasing the engagement with the first engaging claw.

[0008] In the ink supply container described above, the second engaging claw is a pair of second engaging claws configured with point symmetry at 180 degrees, and the pressing part is a pair of pressing parts configured with point symmetry at 180 degrees. The pair of second engaging claws and the pair of pressing parts are configured such that the imaginary lines connecting the vertices of the pair of second engaging claws to each other and the imaginary lines connecting the circumferential centers of the pair of pressing parts to each other are orthogonal. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 2 This is the front view of the ink refill container.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the ink refill container.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The longitudinal section view at section bb.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the inner cover.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional sectional view of the inside of the outer cover.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a front view of the ink supply container according to Embodiment 2.

[0016] Figure 8 This is an exploded 3D view of the ink refill container.

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The longitudinal section view at the cc section.

[0018] Figure 10 It is a three-dimensional view of the inside of the lid.

[0019] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view at the dd section.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0021] 1…Container body, 2…Small diameter portion, 3…Opening portion, 4…External thread, 4b…Clamping claw, 5…Sealing gasket, 6…Ink outlet forming portion, 6b…Annular portion, 7…Ink outlet, 8…External thread, 9…Outlet valve, 10…Inner cover, 11…Top surface, 12…Elastic portion, 13…Base portion, 14…First locking portion, 15…First annular protrusion, 16…Second annular protrusion, 17…Inner top surface, 18…Internal thread, 20…Outer cover, 21…Inner top surface, 22…Second locking portion, 23…Ratchet groove, 25…Clamping portion, 30…Composite cover, 31…Container body, 32…Ink outlet forming portion, 3 3… Annular part, 34… External thread, 36… First engaging claw, 40… Cover, 41… Outer wall, 42… Inner wall, 43… Top wall, 44… Internal thread, 45… Pressing part, 46… Second engaging claw, 50… Ink supply container, 52… Ink supply container, 60… Center line, 61… Imaginary line, 62… Imaginary line, 65… Wedge tooth, 71… Annular groove, 72… Fitting part, 91… Valve body, 92… Support ring, 100… Printer, 110… Housing, 112… Cover, 120… Carriage, 122… Print head, 130… Ink tank, 132… Ink inlet flow path component, 134… Tube. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Implementation Method 1

[0023] Overview of the printing apparatus

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is the front view of the ink refill container. Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the ink refill container. Figure 4 yes Figure 2The image shows a longitudinal sectional view at section bb. The embodiments of this utility model will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the printer 100 of this embodiment is an inkjet printing device that sprays ink onto a printing medium P for printing. It should be noted that in each figure, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are illustrated as three mutually orthogonal axes. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the long side of the printer 100, which is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, is designated as the positive X-direction, the extension direction of the short side as the positive Y-direction, and the thickness direction of the printer 100 as the positive Z-direction. The positive X-direction and the negative X-direction are also referred to together as the X-direction. The same applies to the Y-axis and Z-axis.

[0026] The printer 100 has a box-shaped housing 110, which is disposed on a generally horizontal setting surface (not shown) defined by the X and Y directions.

[0027] Inside the housing 110 is a carriage 120 that can move along the main scanning direction, i.e., the X direction. A print head 122 that sprays ink onto the printing medium P is located on the lower surface of the carriage 120. A cover 112 that can be opened and closed is located at one end of the front surface of the housing 110. Multiple ink reservoirs 130 are located inside the cover 112.

[0028] Multiple ink reservoirs 130 are connected to the print head 122 of the carriage 120 via pipes 134. The ink in each ink reservoir 130 is supplied to the print head 122 via pipes 134.

[0029] These ink cans 130 are ink-refilling type ink cans. An ink inlet flow path component 132 for refilling ink into the ink can 130 is provided on the upper surface of the ink can 130. The ink can 130 is a fixed type ink can that is not mounted on the carriage 120.

[0030] It should be noted that the front surface of the ink reservoir 130 is formed of a transparent component, allowing the remaining ink level in the ink reservoir 130 to be visually observed from the outside. It is configured so that when the remaining ink level is low, the cap 112 can be opened to replenish ink into the ink reservoir 130 through the ink inlet flow path component 132. In a preferred embodiment, from... Figure 2 The ink refill container 50 is used for ink refilling.

[0031] Composition of ink refill container

[0032] Figure 2 The front view shows the ink supply container 50 in its upright position, which means that the container body 1 is placed on a horizontal surface such as a table with the bottom facing down.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the ink supply container 50 consists of a container body 1, an ink outlet forming section 6, a composite cover 30, etc. In other words, the ink supply container 50 is an ink supply container used to supply ink to the printer 100. Hereinafter, in the upright state, the bottom side of the container body 1 will be referred to as the rear end, and the side of the ink outlet forming section 6 will be referred to as the front end.

[0034] The ink outlet forming section 6 is integrated with the container body 1, and the composite cover 30 is installed so that it can be detached from the ink outlet forming section 6. The composite cover 30 is cylindrical, with a line segment passing through its center designated as the centerline 60. The centerline 60 is a line segment along the Z-axis, and the composite cover 30 rotates around the centerline 60 during assembly and disassembly. The composite cover 30 is a safety cover designed to prevent accidental opening by children or others. Details of the composite cover 30 will be described later.

[0035] It should be noted that, in the preferred embodiment, the container body 1 is a resin bottle formed by blow molding PET resin. It should also be noted that synthetic resins such as PE and PP can be used, as well as metal bottles such as aluminum. Although the ink outlet forming part 6 is made of synthetic resin in the preferred embodiment, it is not a limitation.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the container body 1 is a hollow cylindrical container with an opening 3 on the front end side. An external thread 4 for mounting the ink outlet forming part 6 is provided on the outer periphery of the small-diameter portion 2 on the front end side of the container body 1. A pair of engaging claws 4b are provided below the external thread 4. The engaging claws 4b are the engaging claws of the ratchet mechanism described later, and two are provided at a position that is rotationally symmetrical about the center line 60, forming a 180-degree rotation.

[0037] The ink outlet forming section 6 is a component that forms the ink outlet 7 at the front end, and is also called the nozzle. An annular sealing gasket 5 is provided between the opening 3 of the container body 1 and the abutment part inside the ink outlet forming section 6 to ensure the airtightness between the two.

[0038] An outlet valve 9 is assembled inside the ink outlet 7. Figure 3 In the diagram, for ease of drawing, the outlet valve 9 is shown above the ink outlet 7, but if... Figure 4 As shown, in reality, the outlet valve 9 is inserted into the interior of the ink outlet 7 from the rear end side of the ink outlet forming section 6.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, an annular portion 6b is provided at the rear end of the ink outlet forming section 6. The diameter of the annular portion 6b is approximately the same as the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the container body 1.

[0040] like Figure 4As shown, the inner circumferential surface of the ink outlet forming part 6 is provided with an internal thread 64 that engages with the external thread 4 of the small diameter part 2 of the container body 1. The inner circumference of the annular part 6b is provided with a plurality of wedge-shaped teeth 65 of a ratchet mechanism corresponding to the engaging claw 4b of the container body 1.

[0041] If the ink outlet forming part 6 is threadedly engaged through the sealing gasket 5 while the container body 1 is filled with ink, the wedge-shaped teeth 65 engage with the locking pawl 4b and are prevented from reversing when the ink outlet forming part 6 is tightened. Thus, because the container body 1 and the ink outlet forming part 6 are locked together by the ratchet mechanism, it is difficult for either children or adults to open, ensuring high safety. Furthermore, when the composite cap 30 is removed, the ink outlet forming part 6 is prevented from rotating as well.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, a fitting portion 72 is provided around the ink outlet 7, which fits into a recess around the ink inlet flow path component 132 of the ink tank 130. In this embodiment, the fitting portion 72 is provided on both sides, sandwiching the ink outlet 7.

[0043] These two fitting parts 72 have a rotationally symmetrical shape of 180 degrees about the center line 60. The recess around the ink inlet flow path component 132 provided in the ink tank 130 also has a rotationally symmetrical shape of 180 degrees about the ink inlet flow path component 132.

[0044] By engaging the fitting portion 72 around the ink outlet 7 with the recess around the ink inlet flow path component 132 of the ink tank 130 during ink replenishment, the orientation of the container body 1 is limited to two orientations that are rotationally symmetrical about 180 degrees. This allows the container body 1 to be maintained in a stable position during ink replenishment. However, the fitting portion 72 can also be omitted.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the outlet valve 9 has a valve body 91 and a support ring 92 for retaining the valve body 91. The valve body 91 and the support ring 92 are preferably formed of, for example, silicone rubber or an elastomer with rubber elasticity.

[0046] The support ring 92 is a double-structured strip-shaped component that fits tightly against the inner periphery of the ink outlet 7. The ink outlet 7 is a circular hole located in the annular top plate portion, which serves as the receiving part of the support ring 92. The support ring 92 clamps the periphery of the valve body 91 between the inner strip-shaped portion and the top plate portion of the ink outlet 7.

[0047] The valve body 91 consists of a centrally located slit valve and an annular peripheral portion supporting the slit valve. The slit valve is positioned through the centerline 60 and has multiple slits near its center. These slits function to open outwards when the internal pressure of the container body 1 is higher than atmospheric pressure, and to close due to elastic force when the internal pressure is approximately equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0048] exist Figure 4 The image shows the state in which the composite cover 30 is installed on the ink outlet forming section 6. At this time, the ink outlet 7 is closed by the first annular protrusion 15 and the second annular protrusion 16 provided on the inner top surface 17 of the inner cover 10.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, an annular groove 7 surrounds the ink outlet 7. A first annular protrusion 15 is an annular protrusion on the inner top surface 17, which engages with the ink outlet 7 when the composite cover 30 is installed. A second annular protrusion 16 is an annular protrusion larger than the first annular protrusion 15, which engages with the annular groove 71 when the composite cover 30 is installed. Thus, by utilizing a double sealing structure—closing the ink outlet 7 with the first annular protrusion 15 and closing the annular groove 71 surrounding the ink outlet 7 with the second annular protrusion 16—the sealing performance is improved. In other words, the ink supply container 50 includes: an ink outlet forming part 6, having an ink outlet 7 and an outlet valve 9 disposed on the ink outlet 7; a container body 1, connected to the ink outlet forming part 6 and configured to contain ink; and a cylindrical composite cover 30, configured to be detachable from the ink outlet forming part 6 and having a centerline 60.

[0050] Composition of composite cap

[0051] Figure 5 It is a 3D view of the inner cover, and... Figure 3 correspond. Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional sectional view of the inside of the outer cover.

[0052] Here, the structure of the composite cover 30 that can function as a safety cover will be explained.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the composite cap 30 is configured such that a cylindrical inner cap 10 is covered by a cylindrical outer cap 20 that is larger than the inner cap 10. In a preferred embodiment, both the inner cap 10 and the outer cap 20 are made of synthetic resin, but this is not a limitation. An external thread 8 is formed in the ink outlet forming portion 6 on which the composite cap 30 is mounted.

[0054] like Figure 5As shown, an internal thread 18 is formed on the inner surface of the rear end side of the inner cover 10, which is threadedly engaged with the external thread 8 of the ink outlet forming portion 6. A top surface 11, which serves as a top plate wall, is provided on the front end side of the inner cover 10. In other words, the composite cover 30 includes an inner cover 10 that is threadedly engaged with the ink outlet forming portion 6, and an outer cover 20 that covers the inner cover 10 and can engage with the inner cover 10.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, four elastic portions 12 are provided at equal intervals along the circumference on the periphery of the top surface 11 of the inner cover 10. Each elastic portion 12 is a slender ratchet pawl, a rod-shaped component with a rectangular cross-section, arranged circumferentially. The front end of each elastic portion 12 protrudes counterclockwise from the top surface 11 and separates from it. It should be noted that the number of elastic portions 12 is not limited to four; there can be multiple portions.

[0056] A circular pedestal portion 13, which is higher than the top surface 11, is provided on the inner side of the four elastic portions 12 in the top surface 11 of the inner cover 10. Four first locking portions 14 are provided at equal intervals along the circumference of the pedestal portion 13. The first locking portion 14 is a rectangular notch. It should be noted that the number of first locking portions 14 is not limited to four, and there may be multiple.

[0057] In other words, the inner cover 10 has: an elastic portion 12 disposed on the top surface 11, which applies force in a first direction along the centerline 60 to separate the outer cover 20 from the inner cover 10; a first locking portion 14 disposed on the base portion 13 of the top surface 11; and an internal thread 18 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, which can be threadedly engaged with the ink outlet forming portion 6. It should be noted that in the upright state, the first direction is the positive Z direction and the second direction is the negative Z direction.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, the outer cover 20 has a cylindrical body and a top wall, i.e., an inner top surface 21, on the front end side of the body. The periphery of the inner top surface 21 of the outer cover 20 is an annular portion that is higher than the inner top surface 21. In the annular portion, four ratchet grooves 23 are provided at equal intervals along the circumference. The ratchet grooves 23 are corresponding to the ratchet pawls, i.e., the elastic portions 12, of the inner cover 10. On the inner top surface 21 inside the four ratchet grooves 23 of the outer cover 20, four second locking portions 22 are provided at equal intervals along the circumference. The second locking portions 22 are rectangular protrusions that correspond to the first locking portions 14.

[0059] The outer cover 20 has a slightly inwardly protruding engaging portion 25 at the periphery of the rear end of the body.

[0060] In other words, the outer cover 20 has: an inner top surface 21, which is opposite to the top surface 11 of the inner cover 10; and a second locking part 22, which is disposed opposite to the first locking part 14 on the inner top surface 21, and locks the first locking part 14 by pressing the outer cover 20 in a second direction opposite to the first direction against the force applied by the elastic part 12.

[0061] Composite cap opening and closing method

[0062] Figure 4 Show Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of the ink supply container 50 in its upright position, showing the four elastic portions 12 of the outer cover 20 relative to the inner cover 10. Figure 5 The outer cover 20 is lifted by force, thus becoming the released state after its inner top surface 21 separates from the upper surface of the inner cover 10, i.e., the pedestal portion 13. Figure 4 As shown, in the upright position, the outer cover 20 is prevented from falling off by engaging with the rear end of the inner cover 10 via the engaging portion 25 at the rear end of the body.

[0063] When installing the composite cover 30, with the outer cover 20 covering the inner cover 10 in the upright position, the outer cover 20 is rotated clockwise. When the outer cover 20 is rotated clockwise, the ratchet pawl, i.e., the elastic part 12, of the inner cover 10 is inserted into the ratchet groove 23 of the outer cover 20, and the contact surface of the ratchet groove 23 abuts against the front end of the elastic part 12, thereby causing the outer cover 20 and the inner cover 10 to rotate as a unit.

[0064] Thus, the internal thread 18 of the inner cover 10 engages with the external thread 8 of the ink outlet forming part 6, and the composite cover 30 is installed.

[0065] When removing the composite cover 30, the outer cover 20 is rotated counterclockwise while it is in the upright position and pressed down towards the inner cover 10. If the outer cover 20 is pressed down towards the inner cover 10, the elastic part 12 elastically deforms, resulting in an engagement state where the inner top surface 21 of the outer cover 20 overlaps with the upper surface of the inner cover 10, i.e., the base part 13.

[0066] In the engaged state, the second locking part 22 of the outer cover 20 is inserted into the rectangular groove of the inner cover 10, namely the first locking part 14. When the outer cover 20 is rotated, the inner cover 10 rotates as a whole. In other words, when the outer cover 20 is rotated in the direction of unscrewing while the second locking part 22 of the outer cover 20 is locked to the first locking part 14 of the inner cover 10, the inner cover 10 rotates in the direction of disengaging the threaded engagement between the internal thread 18 and the ink outlet forming part 6.

[0067] As a result, the threaded engagement between the external thread 8 of the ink outlet forming part 6 and the internal thread 18 of the inner cover 10 is released, and the composite cover 30 can be removed.

[0068] On the other hand, if the outer cover 20 is rotated counterclockwise without pressing it down toward the inner cover 10, that is, if it is rotated counterclockwise in the released state, it becomes a free-spinning state where only the outer cover 20 rotates. Specifically, in the released state, the outer cover 20 is lifted by the four elastic portions 12 of the inner cover 10, and the inner top surface 21 of the outer cover 20 separates from the base portion 13 of the inner cover 10. Therefore, the second locking portion 22 and the first locking portion 14 are not engaged, and only the outer cover 20 rotates freely. In other words, if the outer cover 20 is rotated in the unscrewing direction with the second locking portion 22 of the outer cover 20 and the first locking portion 14 of the inner cover 10 not locked, the outer cover 20 rotates freely on the inner cover 10.

[0069] Thus, the composite cover 30 requires the outer cover 20 to be pressed down consciously when opened. Simply turning the outer cover 20 will not open it, thus serving as a safety cover to prevent children or others from opening it unintentionally.

[0070] As described above, the ink supply container 50 according to this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0071] The ink refill container 50 is an ink refill container for refilling ink to the printer 100, comprising: an ink outlet forming section 6 having an ink outlet 7 and an outlet valve 9 disposed on the ink outlet 7; a container body 1 connected to the ink outlet forming section 6 and configured to contain ink; and a cylindrical composite cover 30 configured to be detachable from the ink outlet forming section 6 and having a center line 60. The composite cover 30 comprises: an inner cover 10 threadedly engaged with the ink outlet forming section 6; and an outer cover 20 covering the inner cover 10 and capable of engaging with the inner cover 10. The inner cover 10 has: an elastic portion 12 disposed on a top surface 11, and the elastic portion 12 exerts force in a first direction along the center line 60 to separate the outer cover 20 from the inner cover 10; a first locking portion 14 on a base portion 13 disposed on the top surface 11; and an internal thread 18. The outer cover 20 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder and can be threadedly engaged with the ink outlet forming part 6. The outer cover 20 has: an inner top surface 21, which is opposite to the top surface 11 of the inner cover 10; and a second locking part 22, which is disposed opposite to the first locking part 14 on the inner top surface 21. The first locking part 14 is locked by pressing the outer cover 20 in a second direction opposite to the first direction against the force applied by the elastic part 12. When the outer cover 20 is rotated in the unscrewing direction while the second locking part 22 of the outer cover 20 and the first locking part 14 of the inner cover 10 are not locked, the outer cover 20 spins freely on the inner cover 10. When the outer cover 20 is rotated in the unscrewing direction while the second locking part 22 of the outer cover 20 and the first locking part 14 of the inner cover 10 are locked, the inner cover 10 rotates in the direction of unscrewing the threaded engagement between the inner thread 18 and the ink outlet forming part 6.

[0072] Therefore, the bolts on the inner cover 10 cannot be unscrewed unless the outer cover 20 is pressed in and engaged with the inner cover 10, thus preventing children from easily opening the composite cover 30. In other words, the composite cover 30 requires conscious pressing of the outer cover 20 to open; simply rotating the outer cover 20 will not open it. Therefore, it functions as a safety cover to prevent children or others from accidentally opening it. Thus, it can prevent accidental ingestion or ink contamination caused by children or pets accidentally opening the cover.

[0073] Therefore, an ink refill container 50 with a cap that is difficult for children to open can be provided.

[0074] Implementation Method 2

[0075] Different methods of ink refill containers

[0076] Figure 7 This is a front view of the ink supply container according to Embodiment 2, and... Figure 2 correspond. Figure 8 This is an exploded 3D view of the ink refill container, and... Figure 3 correspond.

[0077] In the above embodiment, although the composite cover 30, consisting of the inner cover 10 and the outer cover 20, achieves the function of a safety cover, it is not limited to this; a safety cover can also be constructed using a single component. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used to label the same parts as in the above embodiment, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, the ink refill container 52 of this embodiment is composed of a container body 31, a lid 40, etc. Figure 7 The image shows the ink refill container 52 in its upright position. The container body 31 is a hollow cylindrical container made of the same material as the container body 1. A pair of pressing parts 45 are provided on the rear end side of the cap 40. The pressing parts 45 are arranged in two positions that are rotationally symmetrical about the center line 60.

[0079] In other words, ink refill container 52 is an ink refill container used to refill ink to printer 100.

[0080] like Figure 8 As shown, the front end of the container body 31 forms a small-diameter ink outlet forming section 32. An ink outlet 7 is formed at the front end of the ink outlet forming section 32. An outlet valve 9 is assembled inside the ink outlet forming section 32. Figure 8 In the diagram, for ease of drawing, the outlet valve 9 is shown above the ink outlet 7. However, in reality, as shown... Figure 9As shown, the outlet valve 9 is inserted into the ink outlet 7. Since the ink outlet forming part 32 is integrally formed with the container body 31, there is no need to worry about the ink outlet forming part 32 separating from the container body 31, making it safe.

[0081] On the outer periphery of the ink outlet forming portion 32, below the external thread 34 for mounting the cover 40, there is an annular portion 33. The diameter of the annular portion 33 is larger than that of the ink outlet forming portion 32.

[0082] A pair of first engaging pawls 36 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 33. The first engaging pawls 36 are the engaging pawls of the ratchet mechanism described later, and two of them are provided at a position that is rotationally symmetrical about the center line 60 at a distance of 180 degrees.

[0083] In other words, the ink supply container 52 includes: an ink outlet forming section 32, which has an ink outlet 7 and an outlet valve 9 disposed on the ink outlet 7; a container body 31, which is connected to the ink outlet forming section 32 and configured to contain ink; and a cover 40, which is configured to be detachable from the ink outlet forming section 32. In addition, the ink outlet forming section 32 has: an external thread 34 disposed on the outer peripheral surface; and a first engaging claw 36, which is located below the external thread when the ink outlet 7 is facing upward, and is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular section 33.

[0084] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The longitudinal section view at the cc section, and Figure 4 correspond. Figure 10 It is a three-dimensional view of the inside of the lid. Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view at the dd section. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the cover 40 includes: a top wall 43; a cylindrical outer wall 41 connected to the top wall 43; and a cylindrical inner wall 42 disposed inside the outer wall 41. The inner wall 42 is a concentric annular portion disposed inside the outer wall 41, and its inner circumferential surface is provided with an internal thread 44 that is threadedly engaged with the external thread 34 of the ink outlet forming portion 32.

[0085] like Figure 9 As shown, a first annular protrusion 15 is provided on the top wall 43 inside the cover 40. With the cover 40 installed on the ink outlet forming part 32, the ink outlet 7 is closed by the first annular protrusion 15 provided on the top wall 43. It should be noted that this is not a limitation, and a double sealing structure can also be used as described above.

[0086] like Figure 10 As shown, the pressing part 45 is a thickened portion of the outer wall 41.

[0087] A pair of second engaging claws 46 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the rear end side of the outer wall 41. The second engaging claws 46 are engaging claws corresponding to the first engaging claws 36 of the ink outlet forming part 32, and two are provided at a position that is rotationally symmetrical about the center line 60 at a distance of 180 degrees.

[0088] Figure 11 This shows the engagement state of the first engaging claw 36 and the second engaging claw 46 when the cover 40 is installed. Figure 11 As shown, the first engaging claw 36 is a wedge-shaped claw protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 33, which rises gently clockwise and descends sharply. The second engaging claw 46 is a wedge-shaped claw protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the outer wall 41, which rises gently counterclockwise and descends sharply.

[0089] like Figure 11 As shown, when the cover 40 is rotated clockwise to tighten the screw, the second engaging pawl 46 passes over the first engaging pawl 36, and their steep slopes engage with each other, thereby engaging the first engaging pawl 36 and the second engaging pawl 46. In this engaged state, the engagement of the first engaging pawl 36 and the second engaging pawl 46 is secure, so even if an adult rotates the cover 40 counterclockwise with normal force, the engagement will not be released. Therefore, it can prevent children or others from opening it unintentionally.

[0090] In other words, the cover 40 has: a top wall 43; a cylindrical outer wall 41 connected to the top wall 43; a cylindrical inner wall 42 disposed inside the outer wall 41; an internal thread 44 disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 42, capable of threaded engagement with the external thread 34; and a second engaging claw 46 disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall 41, and positioned below the internal thread 44 when the top wall 43 is facing upward, and engaging with the first engaging claw 36 when the end of the internal thread 44 is threadedly engaged with the end of the external thread 34.

[0091] When removing the cover 40, as Figure 11 As shown, the cover 40 is rotated counterclockwise when the two pressing parts 45 on both sides are pressed. A pair of pressing parts 45 are provided on the outer wall 41 at a position 90 degrees rotated from the pair of second engaging claws 46 about the center line 60. Thus, as indicated by the hollowed-out arrow, when the two pressing parts 45 are pressed, the outer wall 41 elastically deforms, the two second engaging claws 46 move radially outward and are released from engagement with the first engaging claw 36, allowing the cover 40 to rotate counterclockwise.

[0092] In other words, the outer wall 41 is configured such that, through the radial inward deformation of the pressing portion 45, the second engaging claw 46 deforms radially outward, thereby releasing its engagement with the first engaging claw 36. The cover 40 has a pressing portion 45 located on the outer wall 41 at the same phase as the second engaging claw 46, and disposed circumferentially at a different position than the second engaging claw 46, capable of being deformed radially inward by pressure from outside the outer wall 41. Furthermore, the second engaging claw 46 is a pair of second engaging claws 46 arranged at 180 degrees of point symmetry, and the pressing portion 45 is a pair of pressing portions 45 arranged at 180 degrees of point symmetry. The pair of second engaging claws 46 and the pair of pressing portions 45 are configured such that an imaginary line 61 connecting the vertices of the pair of second engaging claws 46 to each other, and an imaginary line 62 connecting the circumferential centers of the pair of pressing portions 45 to each other, are orthogonal.

[0093] As described above, the ink supply container 52 according to this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0094] The ink refill container 52 is an ink refill container for refilling ink to the printer 100. It includes: an ink outlet forming section 32 with an ink outlet 7 and an outlet valve 9 disposed at the ink outlet 7; a container body 31 connected to the ink outlet forming section 32 and configured to hold ink; and a cover 40 configured to be detachable from the ink outlet forming section 32. The ink outlet forming section 32 has: an external thread 34 disposed on its outer peripheral surface; and a first engaging claw 36 located below the external thread 34 when the ink outlet 7 is facing upwards, disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 33. The cover 40 has: a top wall 43; a cylindrical outer wall 41 connected to the top wall 43; a cylindrical inner wall 42 disposed inside the outer wall 41; and an internal thread 44. The first engagement claw 46 is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 42 and is capable of threaded engagement with the external thread 34; the second engagement claw 46 is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall 41 and is located below the internal thread 44 when the top wall 43 is facing upward, and engages with the first engagement claw 36 when the end of the internal thread 44 is threadedly engaged with the end of the external thread 34; and the pressing part 45 is located on the outer wall 41 at the same phase as the second engagement claw 46, and is disposed at a different position in the circumferential direction from the second engagement claw 46, and can be deformed radially inward by pressing from the outside of the outer wall 41, the outer wall 41 is configured such that by the deformation of the pressing part 45 radially inward, the second engagement claw 46 is deformed radially outward, thereby releasing the engagement with the first engagement claw 36.

[0095] Therefore, with the cover 40 installed, the first engaging claw 36 and the second engaging claw 46 are firmly engaged, so even if an adult rotates the cover 40 counterclockwise with normal force, the engagement will not be released. This prevents children or others from accidentally opening it.

[0096] Furthermore, when removing the cap 40, the pressing parts 45 on both sides need to be consciously pressed down, thus functioning as a safety cap to prevent children or others from accidentally opening it. Therefore, it can prevent children or pets from accidentally opening the cap and causing accidental drinking or ink contamination.

[0097] Furthermore, since the cover 40 is constructed from a single component, it has fewer parts and a simpler structure.

[0098] Therefore, an ink refill container 52 with a simple structure that is difficult for children to open is provided.

[0099] In addition, the second locking claw 46 is a pair of second locking claws 46 configured to be point-symmetric at 180 degrees, and the pressing part 45 is a pair of pressing parts 45 configured to be point-symmetric at 180 degrees. The pair of second locking claws 46 and the pair of pressing parts 45 are configured such that the imaginary line 61 connecting the vertices of the pair of second locking claws 46 to each other and the imaginary line 62 connecting the circumferential centers of the pair of pressing parts 45 to each other are orthogonal.

[0100] Accordingly, when the pair of pressing parts 45 are pressed, the second locking claw 46 is easily detached from the first locking claw 36, and an adult can easily open the cover 40 by pressing the pair of pressing parts 45.

Claims

1. An ink refill container, characterized in that, For refilling ink into a printer, the ink refill container comprises: An ink outlet forming section is provided with an ink outlet and a valve disposed at the ink outlet; The container body is connected to the ink outlet forming section and is configured to contain ink; and The cylindrical cap is configured to be detachable from the ink outlet forming section and has a centerline. The cover has: Inner cover, threadedly engaged with the ink outlet forming part; and The outer cover covers the inner cover and can engage with the inner cover. The inner cover has: An elastic portion is disposed on the top surface, and the elastic portion applies force in a first direction along the center line to separate the outer cover from the inner cover; A first locking part is disposed on the top surface; as well as An internal thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder, enabling it to thread into the ink outlet forming part. The outer cover has: The inner top surface is opposite to the top surface of the inner cover; as well as The second locking part is disposed opposite to the first locking part on the inner top surface. By resisting the force applied by the elastic part, the first locking part is locked by pressing the outer cover in a second direction opposite to the first direction. When the outer cover is rotated in the unscrewing direction with the second locking part of the outer cover and the first locking part of the inner cover unlocked, the outer cover spins freely on the inner cover. When the outer cover is rotated in the unscrewing direction while the second locking part of the outer cover is locked to the first locking part of the inner cover, the inner cover rotates in the direction of disengaging the threaded engagement between the internal thread and the ink outlet forming part.

2. An ink refill container, characterized in that, For refilling ink into a printer, the ink refill container comprises: An ink outlet forming section is provided with an ink outlet and a valve disposed at the ink outlet; The container body is connected to the ink outlet forming part and is configured to contain ink; as well as The cover is configured to be detachable from the ink outlet forming section. The ink outlet forming section has: External threads, fitted on the outer circumferential surface; and The first engaging claw, when the ink outlet is facing upwards, is located below the external thread and is disposed on the outer peripheral surface. The cover has: Top wall; The cylindrical outer wall is connected to the top wall; A cylindrical inner wall is located on the inner side of the outer wall; An internal thread is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall and is capable of threaded engagement with the external thread. The second engaging claw is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall, and is located below the internal thread when the top wall is facing upwards. It engages with the first engaging claw when the end of the internal thread is threadedly engaged with the end of the external thread; and The pressing part is located on the outer wall at the same phase as the second engaging claw, and is arranged in a different position in the circumferential direction than the second engaging claw. It can be deformed radially inward by pressing from the outside of the outer wall. The outer wall is configured such that, by deforming the pressing portion toward the radially inward side, the second engaging claw deforms toward the radially outward side, thereby releasing its engagement with the first engaging claw.

3. The ink refill container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second engaging jaws are a pair of second engaging jaws configured as point-symmetric at 180 degrees. The pressing parts are a pair of pressing parts arranged in a point-symmetric configuration at 180 degrees. The pair of second engaging claws and the pair of pressing portions are configured such that the imaginary lines connecting the vertices of the pair of second engaging claws to each other and the imaginary lines connecting the circumferential centers of the pair of pressing portions to each other are orthogonal.

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